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Reviews
Duty of Care - The Climate Trials (2022)
Not for those who dislike European TV
One of those feel-good environmental documentaries which doesn't sit well given that we're going to blow past the Paris Accord 1.5C window within the next few years. There is too much hope, too much talk, not enough analysis, and far too little action. Those looking to learn about some of these historic climate cases may be particularly interested, but those seeking a climate documentary will be sorely disappointed. The direction and voiceover are bland. The cinematography is practically nonexistent. I almost fell asleep halfway through. The amount of hope displayed by the film's subjects and it's documentarian is especially trite, as court cases will only cost companies money, and not enough. They will not stop climate change without sufficient state enforcement, which no state wants to step in and stop the corporate destruction of our planet for profit. If hot air could stop climate change, Duty of Care would contain enough to save the planet.
Johnny Twoshoes (2022)
Part thriller, part comedy, all enjoyable
Sometimes, a low-budget picture rears up and slaps you in the face. Johnny Twoshoes is one of those pictures. I wasn't sure what to expect at the beginning: We get a teaser of the film's thriller aspect before we're thrown into what appears to be an office rom-com. This movie blew me away soon thereafter as the plot became more convoluted and we learned more about Johnny and the women who love him. Ed Allenby did a fantastic job playing multiple characters with multiple distinct accents and speech patterns. I haven't seen such a compelling performance of multiple personalities since Tatiana Maslany in Orphan Black. The thriller aspects make one quiver with anticipation, it's pacing almost Hitchcockian. The camera work was at once classic and modern, showing a skillful eye behind the camera. If you watch one comedic mystery this year, make it Johnny Twoshoes.
Amidst the Devil's Wings (2014)
What's everyone's problem with this movie?
Yeah, it's not The Expendables, but it's a valiant effort. I was a bit confused by the time-jumping and some of the character's motivations, but otherwise, this seemed like a worthwhile popcorn flick. The action was fun and brutal, the vengeance storyline was interesting and occasionally satisfying, and there was some philosophical explorations which was quite unexpected but welcome. This is not your typical antihero story. The main character knows what he's doing isn't good, but he has to do it. His acceptance of any potential revenge he faces is the film's final statement. I'm honestly perplexed by all the 1 star reviews. Maybe fans of the sequel didn't like it for some reason, but as a stand-alone action flick, it's not that bad.
AmnesiA (2001)
The Netherlands does Faulkner
Twin brothers Alex and Aram meet at their family home which has fallen into disrepair since the death of their father. Alex is a plodding photographer with obvious trauma issues while Aram is a low-level mobster. Aram drags his partner in crime to his home and leaves him in his bed instead of seeking medical assistance for the bullet in his belly. Alex and Aram butt heads again and again until Aram's boss arrives to pick up the package Aram stole in the botched robbery. This modern, somewhat Freudian take on Cain and Abel will leave some viewers confused, but those looking for a surreal experience with some outstanding cinematography and color theory will very much enjoy AmnesiA.