ryan_bishoppp Reviews

The Moderator (2022)

Read my review

[9/10 · 14 November 2023]

This film stands out for its ability to maintain a delicate balance between action and a profound exploration of its characters' inner worlds. The story revolves around a journey of vengeance, but it's the way this journey is portrayed that makes the movie truly captivating. The film's pacing is expertly managed, ensuring that the viewers are kept on the edge of their seats while also allowing them to deeply connect with the characters' experiences.

The performances in The Moderator are a significant contributor to its success. The lead actors, including Robert Knepper, Gary Dourdan, and Sabine Crossen, deliver powerful and nuanced portrayals. Robert Knepper's intense and compelling presence adds a layer of depth to his character, while Gary Dourdan brings a dynamic and resonant performance. Sabine Crossen, with her nuanced and emotional portrayal, adds a crucial layer to the film's narrative, ensuring that the story remains grounded and relatable. Their performances are not just acts but are transformative, bringing to life the complexities and subtleties of their characters.

The cinematography by Zhor Fassi-Fihri is both beautiful and purposeful, with each shot meticulously crafted to contribute to the storytelling. The action sequences are well choreographed, striking a balance between realism and cinematic flair. The film's soundtrack complements its visual and narrative elements, enhancing the overall emotional impact. I

It is a must-watch for those who appreciate films that not only entertain but also provoke thought and emotional engagement.

Open (I) (2023)

A Cinematic Symphony of Emotion and Music

[10/10 · 14 November 2023]

The film captivates from the outset, striking a perfect balance between light-hearted fun and meaningful narrative. Its unique charm lies in its ability to evoke a range of emotions, from joy to poignant reflection.

The music in Open is a standout feature. Not only does the soundtrack perfectly complement the film's tone, but the music videos are also a visual treat, adding an extra layer of creativity and engagement. These elements work harmoniously to enhance the storytelling, making the movie a memorable experience.

Lindsay Anne Williams and Jeremy London shine in their roles, bringing authenticity and depth to their characters. Their performances are a testament to their talent, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact.

Miles Doleac's direction deserves special mention. His vision for Open is evident in every scene, showcasing his skill as a filmmaker. The way he blends different elements - from music to narrative - is nothing short of remarkable. It's a testament to his ability to create a film that's not just entertaining but also resonant.

It's a brilliant showcase of talent, both in front of and behind the camera. The urge to seek out its soundtrack immediately after watching is a sign of its lasting impact and the strong impression it leaves. Congratulations to Miles Doleac and his team for crafting a film that stands out in today's cinematic landscape.

Red Rooms (2023– )

I loved this

[10/10 · 28 June 2023]

I have watched Red Rooms a few times on small streaming platforms and I do not understand how this is not on Netflix. This is an intense mystery with drama and horror elements. Joshua Butler did a thorough job writing and directing it and the production value looks great next to a lot of low budget genre streaming and films I watch. The cast gave impeccable performances all around and this is another rare find. If you are an indie film or horror fan, you will be engaged watching Brooke Lewis Bellas (I see she also produced it and well), David Alpay, Susan Lanier, Ricky Dean Logan and Noah Blake. All really intense and admirable performances. The music score with violins pulled me in even deeper. This was so much better than I had expected, and it was emotionally chilling. I recommend it.

Great Kills (2023– )

Best series on Tubi

[10/10 · 13 June 2023]

This is so good I couldn't get enough. The series is about a film crew that record the life of a hit man from state island. Steve Stanulis who plays Thomas Lynch was by far my favorite character and by the second episode you really start to become attached to his charm and charisma. I loved the way they made this feel really real. Good approach with the camera angles and cuts made me feel like I was there with them watching this unfold. Nothing really dragged out thankfully unlike many other indie shows out there this is on another level. They could eventually make this into a full length feature film I think and it'd do very well. I'm expecting a cult following for this show. Seriously well done, very entertaining.