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Reviews
Spring (2014)
Master-class in the adaptation of Lovecraftian Horror with an absolutely genuine love story.
If you found the brilliance of COOL AIR on Night Gallery- turned into an thoughtful love story- you will be awed by this heartfelt class-act creation. The first question I had was, "How could this movie be so beautiful??????" The other is the statement of fact: Have you ever seen someone die? Like grandma or parents from cancer- that last few minutes of hope and wonder and then utter devastation and realization that something has "past?" Well I did- and these guys have managed to capture that act, that loss in an artistic and completely human manner. I was floored.
Then we move to the utter abandon of knowing that ""I have met the love of my life." BRAVO TO THE CREATORS."
The subtle insertion of the horror element is matched almost immediately by the need to equate the horror with t he reconciliation of true love- a unique situation unless you refer to Brundlefly! Maybe that is the best comparison- accept for the absolute beauty of the production- it is almost like a dream.
A Dark Song (2016)
Creepy, Thoughtful, intricate and absolutely stunning conclusion.
It does take awhile to get all of the pieces in place, with some extremely deft placement of hidden gems of revelation, to provide the utterly sublime revelations of the conclusion. At first one might think that they were going to witness a nightmarish setting of ritualistic horror and gore.
But the key is to pay close attention to the entire purpose of the exorcise. It is a set-piece. It is a slow build to denouement. But for me it was all worth that last few minutes of revelation.
Spoilers:
The statement of the reason for the exorcise is the absolute key to the entire film. Her young son was lost "in a bad ritual- I want to make them pay." So it is unclear exactly what happened- he may have been kidnapped and used as the sacrifice. But her statement that it was a "botched ritual" makes one wonder if she may have been involved as well- Curious. In any case- "I want to make them pay and suffer." Seems like a fine revenge motive.
But alas, that is not what happens- and that makes the viewer either a culprit in the exorcise, or an unwilling participant. I say this because I believe it becomes clear that her helper and guide in this ritual was involved in the original failure- the one that cost her son his life. And that he may simply not recognize her.
Inevitably after the film comes to a close, the ritual is a success- she has actually summoned her Guardian Angel! The angel reminds one of the Metronome in DOGMA- who speaks for God because the sound would obliterate any living form. With that in mind, it is stunning to see that when her (giant) Guardian Angel appears, it speaks with no sound and is a glory to behold. Passive and nearly trans-dimensional.
When she does ask her wish, it is a humble surprise (twist) that reminds the viewer there is a lot more to salvation than one might imagine- on a human level. In any case, her wish being granted provides the basis for her utter and complete dissolution of guilt and rage. Philosophically, it is a sublime and brave act on the filmmaker's part.
A Million Days (2023)
A quite, thoughtful glance at a possible AI future that moves beyond the concerns of merely human existence- but for life itself.
Not for the faint of heart- but a rewarding experience for the thoughtful viewer. Best seen as one-act stage play with universal existential consequences. The pacing is impeccable - building to a single, one-note denouement, that has far reaching goals and implications.
The gist of the story is that on the verge of the founding man's first moon colony in the near future- to start a "seeding program" - with a giant nod to James Blish's The Seedling Stars (Read it!), the AI that is designed to promote the planning of the project is possibly responsible for far exceeding its deign parameters.
SPOLIERS- It seems that the original code for the program included the telling text " to go as far as possible" in preserving life. The AI takes that to mean the very existence of any life- as it is unaware of any extraterrestrial life- even though humans are 99% sure there must be some somewhere.
The AI means to be sure that there will be a chance for life the Earth, as that is the whole purpose for the seeding program- even though it was intended for human survival. Even though the AI is looking at Alpha-Centuri in its calculations, with another nod to Arthur C. Clarke, the AI is certain that the spreading of organic molecules on Europa, the moon of Jupiter, may do the trick.
The beauty of the movie is that all of the philosophical angst is presented through the interaction of the three main characters as they analyze the continuous input from the AI who has run the program for the equivalent of a million days- over 2737 human years.
There are several nods to the looming catastrophe on Earth, as when the AI prints out all of the paper in their printer and the scientist complains that it just used up their carbon credit for the year!
Happy Birthday, Gemini (1980)
A Heartfelt Time-Capsule Comedy-Drama from the 1980's
This film is a product of its time. 1980- Regan. Four years before the AIDS Plague. Being gay was still a mostly hidden element- unless you were a flaming Queen (Nothing wrong with that). That being said, this film was a welcome helping hand for those who were gay and trying to survive the ultra-conservative environment that was the cloud over the 1980's. Such a clear and fair assessment of adolescent gaydom was rare indeed. That being said- the film is hilarious regarding the odd family arrangement with Madeline Khan- who is a force of nature in this film. The beating heart of the main character's attempt "to fit in" and deal with his new-found love of his best friend is the main focus of the story- and if you were gay in the 1980's this film was a Godsend. It may be dated- but the viewer has to remember that this was made immediately before the AIDS Plague stamped a completely different trajectory on such films. To come. So yes, grab your comforter and maybe a beer or two and enjoy this glimpse into a different age- one that is completely detached from our current reality.
Step Brothers (2008)
Fall Down Funny Movie!
Not for the modern faint-of-heart sensitives- But if you enjoy true comedy- This is a Comedy for the ages. Mary Steenbergen is amazing as the mother at a loss with her son. Will and John are utterly a modern Lauren and Hardy- rated (R). If you can see the long version- do so. Anyone who hates this film probably hates Dave Chappell. If you cannot take the heat. Get out of the kitchen- but let the rest of humanity enjoy a great romp. The truth is that there is a terrifying thread of reality to the situation-one that may hit too close to home for some. But of course the beauty of comedy is to push the envelope- turn the other cheek and have one hell of a good time.