vic-56352 Reviews

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

A Millennial's Wet Dream

[5/10 · 20 January 2024]

How many cliches can you pack into a phone booth? Well, "Fall of the House of Usher" certainly tries to find out. From throwaway lines about Trump and every other billionaire grifter that currently walks the face of the earth, to coma inducing diatribes about consumerism, waste, planetary destruction and greed this series seems to be a Millennial's wet dream.

But what, no plot worth talking about, no character development, no iota of empathetic beings in the entire eight episodes? Jeez, maybe it you're an Edgar Allen Poe fan. Well not really. Even that's botched up.

Maybe it's a vanity piece, because "Midnight Mass" was so good and the diametric opposite of this waste. Enough said, I clearly was disappointed.

Leave the World Behind (2023)

Where did everyone jump off?

[9/10 · 2 January 2024]

You gotta love all the folks who panned this movie then, revealingly, added they didn't know what it was about! Maybe you went to the snack bar during the discussion that was the most chilling moment of the movie? Maybe the fact that a former President, likely aware of the subversive scenarios Intelligence agencies have studied for overthrowing governments, produced this film should be a hint.

The ending could not be more perfect! Instead of spoon feeding some pablum to an audience hungry for happy endings, it leaves you exactly where you might find yourself in the middle of a revolution: wondering "What in hades comes next?"

Just like "A Space Odyssey" this film will have legs into the far flung future. It should be enough to frighten the bejeebers out of any thinking viewer, especially given what this country has been put through over the last few years. ...And what we potently face in the next few months.

May December (2023)

"Black Swan" Reprised

[8/10 · 28 December 2023]

In "May December", Natalie Portman reprises her "Black Swan" performance as a damaged actress looking to validate her own low morality in the character of the person she is looking to portray. And the professional critics are lapping it up. The more difficult role and truly the more interesting one is that played by Julianne Moore as the housewife twit with more integrity in her pinky than does Portman possess in her entire being.

Unfortunately, Director Todd Haynes chose to focus more on Portman's well worn she devil trope, leaving Moore to make the best of a supporting role.

Charles Melton does a respectable job of depicting the man child of Moore's affection. Again, Haynes can't decide whether Melton is the seducer or dupe, although, in the end we're left to conclude that he and Moore were probably meant for each other.

Although a refreshing change from this year's spate of action/fantasy movies, I can't help think that Netflix's other current film, "Leave the World Behind", is a much more compelling and thought provoking story in this age.

Stay (I) (2005)

Do Dead Men Dream?

[7/10 · 5 September 2023]

I can understand why the reviews for this run the gamut. It's not the type of flick one is likely to appreciate unless they've experienced vivid dreams that seem real and disjoint; cutting from one incomprehensible scene to the next. I'll admit, this movie had me vexed. I was about to throw in the towel when it suddenly struck me: I've had dreams that flowed as incomprehensible! They made sense to me in the moment, yet they made no sense otherwise. Could it be that in his final moments, in a state of shock, Gosling drew on the faces around him in a fantasy to rationalize the tragedy that just became him?

If that's the Director's intent, then this is a brilliant movie and the reviewers who panned it are at a sad lack of imagination.

The Terminal List (2022– )

Proud Boys Fodder

[2/10 · 9 September 2022]

It you're into the Proud Boys, Fox News, anti-government conspiracy theories, and think the FBI and CSI are out to get the "heroes", then this is the show for you. Conspiracy theory plots are nothing new. The Bourne Identity, and original Mission Impossible series and classics like "Three Days of the Condor" clearly fit this genre. However, this show takes it a bit too far with messaging, audience focus and send ups a bit too far right to be missed by anyone not living under a rock. These are the wrong times for shows as blatant as this. And unfortunately, we are living in times where folks have to choose a side. Good luck with it.

Uncharted (2022)

Zzzzzzzzz...

[6/10 · 11 August 2022]

And why did I watch this? Oh yeah, 'cause my son loved the game. Action games don't always make for the most compelling story lines. This one was a snooze fest.

The Valet (2022)

Refreshing....

[8/10 · 20 July 2022]

Movies like this remind me why, for the tons of money Netflix pours into big budget films, it's failing.

Richard Wong manages (brilliantly) to surf the edge between stupid or incredulous, and endearing. Just when you think he may dip into an implausible plot, he pulls back with a surprise that leaves us satisfied and feeling right.

Likewise, Samra Weaving may not be the top tier highly paid actor many of Netflix's flops brandish, but she's an endearing personality who inevitably steals your heart - even when she's playing a villain.

I noticed Frank Capra III, in the production credits and immediately drew a parallel to "It's a Wonderful Life". Good people finding happiness at the end of a trial....

Interceptor (2022)

Eh...

[5/10 · 21 June 2022]

I felt bad panning this movie after learning Elsa Pataki is Chris Helmsworth's wife. She actually has promise as an actor. Instead, blame Executive Producer, Chris!

Call it standard fare, low intelligence action hero adventure with all too obvious send up to "girl power". I was happy to see some slap back at the "Proud Boy Patriot" fascism that's overtaken Republicans. Thank you, Chris!

Had the film shown a deeper plot with better character development, it might have passed as a good spoof. I guess the fact that I soldiered through it makes the point that it's ultimately watchable, though if your time is precious you'll want to spend it otherwise.

Undone (2019–2022)

Wow...

[10/10 · 17 June 2022]

I imagine this is not the type of piece that draws huge audiences, judging from the number of reviews on Amazon. That's too bad. This series is nothing short of mind blowing from beginning to end. And just as you think it's all done the writers and cast bring you back to where it all started, closing a loop and leaving us to ponder what just happened?

It will take me some to time digest it all, but the ride was well worth the time.

Ms. Marvel (2022)

Engaging and Eye Opening

[8/10 · 13 June 2022]

When I watched the first episode of Ms Marvel, I was struck by two impressions. The first was: "Wow, what a creative new take on the Marvel hero!" Ms Marvel takes up on a late Stan Lee project, before his passing, that focused on everyday superheroes. The "creator" himself saw the legacy of superheroes as inclusive empowerment.

Ms Marvel is (at least in the first episode) an endearing and engaging story of an everyday teen superhero coming to terms with both new found superpowers and the real American experience of a first generation immigrant family. I can relate to that.

My second impression was to wonder how the story of a non-white Muslim family and "non-superhero" superhero would fare with American audiences?. After all she's not from Krypton or the object of a scientific experiment gone wrong, or even the product of an alien abduction! Nope, she just found a "magic bangle". Worse, she an "immigrant"!

Kudos to Disney and Marvel! As a lifelong sci-fi and Marvel fan, I was not that excited by what I though would be a "kid" superhero series. I stand corrected and educated. I was truly carried away, beyond my preconceptions. This is a creative young adult show with a message for everyone.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Epic

[8/10 · 30 May 2022]

A definitive epic tale worthy of the four hour investment.

I only wish it had been shot in other than exclusive 4:3 IMAX. IMAX used to be worthy, before the spec was watered down to accommodate commercial theaters. Now it's "Back to the Future" with a format that is basically your old fashion square TV on a (maybe) bigger screen. Wake up Zack! There's nothing special about IMAX anymore. Dolby Vision and Atmos have left it in the dust.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Disappointed

[5/10 · 27 May 2022]

I have to say, I was disappointed with my theater experience watching this movie. First, after traveling some distance to see it the AMC Jersey Gardens Dolby Theater in NJ, the theatrical sound was awful. You'd think Dolby would insist its premium branded theater experiences were meticulously maintained. Not so. The sound system was glaringly load and distorted. To wit, we all experienced tinnitus for days after! Louder is not better. Worse, the sound cut out entirely for about five minutes during the key moment of the movie! And for THIS we should all be returning to movie houses?

Maybe I'm spoiled. My home theater setup is awesome, and our only reason to venture out is to experience a BIG screen or early release. I could have saved my hard earned cash and waited for it to arrive on Disney+. Lesson learned? Save the box office money and buy a bigger screen at home!

Ah! The movie, right. Well, creds to superb acting by Olsen and Cumberbatch. Unfortunately, the plot depth - or lack of it - is more befitting a comic book episode. It felt like a two-hour trailer for Marvel things to come rather than any sort of involving story line. That said, plenty of Marvel comics were simply tie lines to other plots.

Forewarned is forearmed. For the cost of dragging the family out at these prices, I can probably double our at-home screen size by saving on a few major releases - and have a more enjoyable experience overall.

Windfall (2022)

Arthouse Character Study

[7/10 · 24 May 2022]

I can understand why some reviewers and the "popular" audience might toss off this film. It's not your rollicking adventure drama populist audiences love.

This film reminds me of the low budget Italian, Swedish and Australian movies of the sixties that relied on character drama and suspense to provide cover for low budget production values. Even the transitions from dark scenes to light cause glare in the camera lens, reflecting slow aparature adjustment.

Focus on the character development and the story takes a different light. Jesse Plemons and Lily Collins excel at portraying emotional opposites circling an orbit around Jason Segal and each other. While the movie of its own accord may not be hailed as a masterpiece, it lends a masterful stage for all thee actors to demonstrate their chops.

And that makes it an intelligent piece worth watching.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Maxtrixed Out....

[6/10 · 22 May 2022]

I won't say I regret watching this wasted effort. I will say I'm glad to have seen it at home so as not to lament the spent money.

For the first hour, Matrix Resurrections takes us through a build up the seems to have some novelty. Then it runs out of steam. Rather than taking us to new revelations of the nature of the coexistence of life within The Matrix, or even a deeper understanding of the sentient AI, it simply devolves into a mindless action/caper plot.

Entertaining, but definitely not enlightening.

Moonfall (2022)

Clichés and Camp

[5/10 · 22 May 2022]

If you have nothing else to watch and are up for seeing an Independence Day knockoff for the special effects and sound production, Moonfall is as good as any. Don't expect a compelling or sensible plot - there is none. This is pure hokey laced with some clumsy attempts to pull at heartstrings.

For another, possibly more entertaining, take on "enemy from the moon" camp; try "Iron Sky".

All the Old Knives (2022)

Entertaining Psycho Drama

[7/10 · 14 May 2022]

Too bad Amazon cheaped out on Dolby Vision and Atmos. Chris Pine and Thaniwe Newton give excellent performances as CIA agents romantically involved while working on a hijacking tragedy. This movie is not for the action fan. It is a slow brewing "who done it" drama laid against a background of emotional attachments.

As enjoyable as I found this movie, I could not help thinking how much more I would have enjoyed it with the clarity and color of Dolby Vision and the more involving sound track that Atmos would have provided.

Good movie from Amazon that could have been so much more engaging had they done it in Vision/Atmos.

The Batman (2022)

Long and Drawn Out

[6/10 · 25 April 2022]

I would like to have given The Batman a better rating. I'm torn by what it might have been had the producers been willing to give up its PG13 rating. The Batman draws a theme from the movie Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freedman - a horror/mystery thriller with a plot that encircles its principal protagonist.

Alas, where the shock values of Seven had me squirming, The Batman's refusal to "go there" left me yawning.

Don't get me wrong. There are a lot of technical values this movie gets right. And the actors are for the most part spot on - just not frightening. As result, we were left feeling, "Ho hum, another Batman movie - and long!" I blame the producers and Director for playing it safe and not wanting to go out on a limb with a true pulp fiction rendition of The Batman.

Oh well, the production values were great. Maybe it'll get an award for cinematography or sound. But, not the next step in the evolution of Batman back to his origins.

The Book of Boba Fett (2021–2022)

Sloppy Production

[6/10 · 19 April 2022]

This show is well overrated thanks to its loyal fan base. I'm still one from whom production values matters above all else.

To begin the story telling is flimsy at best. Add to that action sequences that look more like an episode of "Keystone Kops" or "Three Stooges" and I'm left baffled Disney let this one out the door.

Nice try, but no cigar.

The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!) (2022– )

Good Effort, but....

[5/10 · 6 April 2022]

Occasionally, an animated series breaks out with a genre breaking visual style that captures one's imagination. This one tries (maybe to hard) but comes up short.

For me, it's not the schizophrenic mixed media style of the series. It's the storytelling that comes up short, and as result draws attention to an over the top visual salad bowl. Even as camp, it leaves me wondering "why?" And this is some dark camp!

In the end, I was left pondering whether I missed the genius - or whether it simply missed me. Maybe someday I'll have an "ahaa" moment. But for today, I'm just left scratching my head.

Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021–2022)

Almost....

[7/10 · 24 March 2022]

Despite the low budget animation, Black Lotus actually plays out with a compelling story. Alas, it ends in a less than satisfying manner, with an ending clearly grafted on by front office "suites" with an eye on "franchise" rather than good story telling. It's not whether the ending is happy or sad, but rather, that it completely steps on a drama built over multiple episodes - with no real conclusion.

That's unfortunate. The producers should have focused more on creating memorable art work and less on the next meal ticket.

The Lost Daughter (2021)

The Lost Audience....

[6/10 · 13 February 2022]

If the intent of Maggie Gyllenhaal was to create a movie that would leave its audience with all the satisfaction of a "dry hump", she certainly succeeded in spades.

I imagine it may make more sense to someone who's read the book. But for the rest of us, for me, it's unrelenting gratuitous tension is no more than a device substitution for lack of a cogent story. Among the many weird scenes are successions of non sequitur stares from characters that, while ominous, are laughably nonsensical! Maybe the main character thinks everyone hates her. But we're not in her head. We're only observing the present from outside and scratching our heads.

Worse, the screen play fails to close the deal with its audience - what have we learned at the end of this long dragging tale? Not much we couldn't have figured out in the first fifteen minutes. The 20 seconds of enlightenment just before the end credits are hardly worth the journey. We could have been spared the rest of the nonsense.

Cowboy Bebop (2021)

See You Soon Cowboy Bebop!

[9/10 · 15 December 2021]

I'm glad I waited for the final episode of Cowboy Bebop before rating the show. While the first episode was remarkable in how the set pieces and story were directed lifted from the anime series, the show as a whole got off to a slow start. Both the writing and acting struck me as forced. Luckily, as the series progressed both improved. And the final episode cemented the live action reboot as singular genre bending success.

No doubt the style of the show is divisive. Viewers will either love it or hate it - accounting for the middling popular rating. That said, yes please; let's have another season! I have a feeling this show will soon become a new cult sci-fi classic in the footsteps of "Firefly".

Finch (2021)

One Man Show, as only Tom Hanks can Do

[7/10 · 20 November 2021]

The one thing about Tom Hanks, Apple TV realizes, is that while others spend tons on fancy productions you can put together a "low budget" film around Hanks and have it be a run away.

This is the second solo outing for Hanks on Apple. In both this and "Greyhound", he's delivered powerful performances that have carried the stories without a team of A-list supporting actors or billions in FX action sequences.

Cudos to Apple and Hanks for showing you can put together high value movies without high dollar glitz.

No Time to Die (2021)

A Fitting End...

[8/10 · 20 November 2021]

... to the Daniel Craig "Bond" era. If you're a Bond fan, or have followed the other Daniel Craig movies in this franchise, you will not want to miss this one. Watch it on a big screen.

Red Notice (2021)

Netflix has Money Burn

[6/10 · 20 November 2021]

When Netflix has money to burn, it can afford to spend a fortune on A-listers for a movie that cranks out one liner's at the speed of a Gatling gun, in a high polish production with no other redeeming value. The costumes and sets were terrific, though.