Manhattandatingproject Reviews

Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan (2020)

Pogo Forever

[7/10 · 3 December 2023]

"Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan" came on suddenly on ARTE after Shane MacGowan's passing.

Reading the name Julien Temple made the reviewer very happy, since we are a big fan of his work. The film features some of the Pogues & Shane's timeless extraordinary music. But the artist himself says a couple of times that he might not agree to all the footage and at times even wonders, if the cameras were rolling. Having had the honor of hanging out with Shane in the early days I feel bad for him about the editing of the film. Some shots seem too long and some footage I rather would have not seen, since it seems very intimate. Also not a great fan of some of the cartoons. Shane's music and the Pogues & Popes make up for it, so turn it way up and maybe just take a listen to the lovely tunes. I very much do like the archival footage & background info. Well done!

Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World (2022)

As Time Goes By and By legends survive

[9/10 · 21 November 2023]

"Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World" offers a lot of great music acts and a peek behind the scenes to see what was going on in Music before the 80's. Our reviewer, actor & director Alex von Roon remembers some of the acts vividly and it is interesting & fun to explore what was going on behind the scenes aside from the yellow press assumptions which had ruled for decades. The balance between interviews and original footage is bearable. "Revival69" is not too opinionated either. The footage has been nicely edited and the artists get a chance to be heard. You will not regret having spend the time to watch this timeless piece & might learn a thing or two about The Doors, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Diddley, Gene Vincent, Chicago, and Alice Cooper, as well as last-minute addition - John Lennon...Why the performance of the "Doors" has not been filmed, is beyond me. Maybe it can be found somewhere or put together?

Let Them All Talk (2020)

Passing Time in Style

[8/10 · 27 July 2023]

This reviewer enjoys traveling in style while getting things done like going to Italy by train such as in the picture ''Der Bauch des Architekten". In this production it seems director Steven Soderbergh took advantage of offering a great cast a good time. This offers nice imagery, cinematography and the Cunard Company a great promo. This film has an interesting twist and is a good enough companion during a transatlantic flight. Inspirational and full of good lines which make you marvel at the wonderful life. Meryl Streep is such a treat and any actor and director blessed to catch a bit of stardust. Highly recommend and please take us on the next journey, if you need a waiter, bar man or James Bond Villain.

Chess Story (2021)

Interesting take on a timeless classic

[7/10 · 7 July 2023]

Oliver Masucci knows how to act. First in "Er ist wieder da" & now in "Schachnovelle". Tough order, since Curd Gustav Andreas Gottlieb Franz Jürgens created a show stopping performance earlier. Michael Wortmann has to be applauded for the special effects & the cinematography is spectacular. Read Stefan Zweigs short story first, if you haven't already. The reviewer wonders, how the quote "Life is a game of chess" played a role in writing the novel as well as personal experiences. Wish Stefan Zweig had published more.

This film evokes an interesting thought process about the mind and still largely unknown brain. The acting is stellar as is the directing & editing. Prisoner's Dilemma and Viktor Emil Frankl's work make watching this film more interesting, although not closely connected to the film & short story, rather to the Angst, current events and the following two quotes by Stefan Zweig:

"In chess, as a purely intellectual game, where randomness is excluded, - for someone to play against himself is absurd ... It is as paradoxical, as attempting to jump over his own shadow." And: "All my life I have been passionately interested in monomaniacs of any kind, people carried away by a single idea. The more one limits oneself, the closer one is to the infinite; these people, as unworldly as they seem, burrow like termites into their own particular material to construct, in miniature, a strange and utterly individual image of the world." Enjoy watching & let us know, what you think.

Blonde (2022)

Throwing shadow on an ever shining Mega Star

[1/10 · 31 January 2023]

The reviewer is biased since Marilyn Monroe has been a constant part of his life. Anna Nicole Smith (R. I. P.) was so obsessed by the Blonde Star, that she had supposedly Monroe Portraits and Art all over her flat. Any Warhol did a great job as well to capture Marilyn, or what do you think? Luckily there is so much original material of Marilyn and she worked so hard on her person, that despite the decent acting, lighting and directing in this film, we feel it is more interesting, to watch the real star & listen to her sing. "Elvis" is Elvis & the movie has been a stretch one might think. Who is next, "Prince", Brando", "Bogart" or "Bowie"? Ana de Armas is interesting to watch acting with Keanu Reeves in "Knock Knock", but this picture seems to be a knock off. "Diamonds are a girl's best friend." Not sure, if this is true, but Alex von Roon heard that Marilyn Monroe used to mess up takes on purpose when she did not like the performance of herself or her co stars. As a producer, director, actor and journalist one rather learns something new from one of the true Hollywood icons rather enduring than stylized gossip. Reading "Spare" sounds preferable than watching fictional "Dirty Harry" Accounts. Let Marylin rest in peace or bring the real platinum star back. The one star signifies that the reviewer actually feels bad for having watched this film. (No offense to cast & crew though).

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Great Acting Fascinating Plot and Suspense throughout

[10/10 · 12 August 2022]

Since my fiancé and now wife had not seen this show I had to screen it twice. Some of the Actors I know personally from living next door or going to the Award shows living in LA, each of them being authentic, believable and fascinating to watch. There have been Spin Offs ("Better Call Saul") and copies for a reason. The guest stars are fun to watch & Cast and Crew have created something special, which draws one in. How the show got green lit is amazing, reminds me of "Sopranos" or "House, M. D.". Don't want to give anything away; "Breaking Bad" is like a Wagnerian Masterpiece, which builds up each season and leaves you speechless. Sometimes the audience gets well shaken up when you think you have reached the travel altitude. Highly recommend this show. Enjoy & get some Popcorn ready since you don't want to miss one scene.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

Discombobulated Lost Boys meet their makers & Kubrick turn in his gravee

[8/10 · 31 July 2022]

Since I am a big fan of Stanley Kubrick's work and Jack Nicholson, I was a bit hesitant about the "Shining" part 2. The bill for thee first one alone had scared me enough. Having worked with Ewan McGregor on "The Island", I knew that he can act. The film contains scenes & music from the original Shining. The Horror also does not disappoint. I got a "Lost Boys" feeling and some disturbing action which was unexpected. Rebecca Ferguson delivers a memorable performance. Still the reviewer thinks, "Passengers" is the better "Shining" follow up & some of Mike Flanagan directing seems to paste things together rather than to create a "Gesamtkunstwerk" in Richard Wagners Sinn. On the other hand, i am still thinking about the flick, so it did work after all in a sense. "A Werewolf in Paris" was a less successful effort after the London Original I thought.

The High Note (2020)

Play It Again, Sam

[9/10 · 8 July 2022]

Helping research Footage for "Whitney" a foreign correspondent friend of mine said about the Mega Star Whitney Houston, it is said to see therm come and go. Filming "Manhattan Dating Project" in New York City, we loaned our Sound gear from Zumba Records. To this day Sound Mixers I work with insist on Neuman TLM 102 Studio Microphones. This film brought me to tears having worked in Film and Music Production most of life. The sound is stellar, the LA music scene is nicely featured & the soundtrack could have used a touch of Neil Diamond "I am ...I said" (just kidding). Tracee Ellis Ross and Dakota Johnson gel well (love to see Don Johnson's eyes & Melanie Griffith's attitude). One can learn something about Music Production watching "The High Note", which also offers the heavenly Los Angeles and Catalina Island scenery including a fun Bill Pullman Hollywood Hippie Performance. (When the vinyl cover gets switched, could this be part of the Hollywood Houdini Magic? One of my NYU film professors used to say the sound mix is always the cherry on top for every filmmaker. "The High Note" makes you want to record & press play asap. This film is an effortless tear-jerker bringing the best out of Southern California with a great cast including the legendary Ice Cube.

Sea Fever (2019)

I'll have the Calamari please

[7/10 · 5 July 2022]

Being a fan of Hermione Corfield ever since Mission Impossible 5, I was curious about "Sea Fever".

The film features some great underwater and sunset cinematography. Also if you are into myths, we learn to avoid Redheads at sea. The legend has it that gingers bring bad luck and one has to speak to them first when on boarding to avoid danger.

Somewhat discriminating, since this redhead is environmentally friendly and rather safes a creature and even risks her own life in order to save a dying breed.

Lost of useful lessons to bee learners about bio chemistry in this film. Especially with these pandemic and epidemic situations currently.

It is not "Jaws", "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "The Island" with Sir Michael Caine, but a good past time. I'll recommend, if you watch "Sexy Beast" right after to chill in style.

Amour (2012)

The Long Goodbye

[7/10 · 27 June 2022]

Emmanuelle Riva, Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Louis Trintignant deliver quite the performance. Obviously, since "Amour" has won so many awards. The reviewer is a tad biased, having spent so many years at Cannes & hours watching Michael Haneke films. This film left a bitter taste in a similar way like "Chronic" with tim Roth. Having enjoyed "The Father" with Anthony Hopkins & being a fan of Jean-Louis Trintignant all my life, this film is a treat. A journey. However, the personal opinion is, that some of this would be more believable, if another character had taken some of the main action over at some point. Could it be, that the opinion of the author and director shines through a little much? Unlike "Dancer in the Dark", here I don't believe what I see. At least we don't get an open end, like so many other Haneke works (Spoiler maybe?) The set design is très chic, costumes work for me & the Music is very well thought out. The title "Amour" (Love) might be misleading, a beginning with an "M" like "Manhattan Dating Project" or dial "M" for...would have also worked. Shocking, really. Still Michael Haneke can join ranks with Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

House of Gucci (2021)

When Borat comes to Bella Italia...

[4/10 · 25 January 2022]

"Gucci is a rare animal. It must be protected". What is up with these strange Italian accents? Lady Gaga and Adam Driver especially. Love the design, location shots and especially the marble table. Al Pacino is always a gift to the screen. Is it ok to profit from a real life tragedy?

Jeremy Irons delivers a strong performance in "House of Gucci". Jared Leto is entertaining. Some lines are hard to understand in this "Lifetime Bio Pic". Somehow the reviewer had expected "Chinatown" meets "Godfather". Being a fan of "Alien" and other Ridley Scott works and a fan of Italian designers one gets beautiful images, but maybe should play this film MOS, since the dialogue is tedious to hear. The Italian songs are nice, just missing Adriano Celentano and Paolo Conte.

Having had high expectations, the eye is more than satisfied. Since Salma Hayek knows the fashion industry, one wonders what is her take on this film. She rocks her part as Pina Auriemma & her accent is believable, although also not Italian.

Should one attempt an accent or dialect that one does not own? Casting directors often tell Acting folks not to use a fake accent or dialect, but then we have "Borat".

Loved Adam Driver in Lena Dunham's TV Series "Girls" and in "BlacKkKlansman". Maurizio Gucci feels like "Borat" where "Brüno" would have been a better fit.

Entertaining to watch for all Lovers of fast cars, beautiful gowns and "Jersey Shore".

Licorice Pizza (2021)

American Pie for pre Gen X (people remembering the 60's)

[3/10 · 24 January 2022]

If one likes Licorice and Pizza, but not together, this long lasting Pepsi commercial might be a bit tedious to digest.

Tom Waits and Sean Penn are fun to watch as usual, Leo DiCaprio's papa is entertaining as well. Somewhat unprepared, the reviewer had expected a "Wes Anderson" film, so this was a surprise. "Licorice Pizza" pays tribute or rips off, David Lynch's "Mulholland Drive", some of Quentin Tarantino's work and the cinematography is "Zodiac" David Fincheresque like. There is a pinball scene reminding of early Burt Reynolds movies and some fun "Pineapple Express" elements. But, does it ever reach "Superbad"-Status?

I do love waterbeds and did enjoy watching "Milk" as well as the American Pie Series including "American wedding" as well as jaws. Just love the "Hangover" Series, but this Pizza Pie will find its way to the dumpster before maybe being fished out again like the toppings on the Pizza in the film "Betty Blue".

Nit wanting to be harsh, but it feels like trying too hard to portray Americana how it might have been experienced by the writer & DP.

What could have been "La Boum" The Party, became "Catch me if you can" in reverse. Don't get me wrong, the reviewer would love to work with any of the cast and crew, but somewhat expected more beef.

"Night Swimming" comes to mind and any Wes Amderson Movie or may I say Peter Sellers with Pink Panther or "The Party"?

Check it out, if you have some time on your hands, but if there is an actual waterbed or pinball machine nearby, there are better choices for spending time. Some of us also prefer "Coke" to "Pepsi" or even "Dr. Pepper".

How about some Californication instead or a good ol' American "Hot Dog"? Caliente, s'il vous plaît.

The Visit (I) (2015)

Buckle up & Enjoy a Hell of a Ride

[10/10 · 2 November 2021]

I have been a fan of M. Night Shyamalan all my life & love all his work, including his Amex-Commercial. I don't want to spoil anything, but for the educated viewer who knows Hitchcock, De Palma, Romero, Craven, Lang etc. One does expect certain things to happen. After the "SAW"-franchise, "The Others", "The Hunt", the "Purge-Series", Mr. Carpenter one would think what else can happen? The Director has you in for some nice surprises. This movie has made my night. After having finished shooting "Anonymous Killers" I wanted to relax and get thrilled and Man, I could not look elsewhere but at the Screen. Blu-Ray or an actual Screening Room is recommended, since the Image Work and Sound is quite nice. I highly recommend, but get your PopCorn well ready in advance, since "The Visit" is part of the "Snakes on a Plane" league for sure. Enjoy the ride & Happy Halloween.

Mank (2020)

I Want Credit

[10/10 · 14 April 2021]

Having worked with David Fincher on "Zodiac" & having interviewed Amanda Seyfried for "In Time" and Lily Collins in "Rules Don't Apply", I was very curious.

I do love Gary Oldman's work ever since "Bram Stoker's Dracula".

Oldman becomes Herman J. Mankiewicz & delivers an outstanding performance. Thinking about his wit, speeches and his behavior makes me still crack up.

Arliss Howard makes an excellent Louis B. Mayer and I adore Tom Burke as Americas beloved Artist Orson Welles.

The whole Cast and Crew does not spare with Sparks during this #2020 Netflix production, like Magnum P. I. revving hup his Ferrari 308 GTS.

Being one of the German speaking Actors not having made it into "Beerfest", I was jealous of missing out on this Hollywood extravaganza.

In my opinion my SAGAFTRA sisters and brothers as well as Union and Non Union Crew and Cast have created a unique master piece.

Hollywood pulls out all the stops before during the VOD streaming, pandemic afterglow.

Chapeau, Congratulations & Namaste.

Enjoy the movie with a hot and glamorous date, decked out in a dress à la Marion Davies by Trish Summerville; cigar, some Cognac and Popcorn.

Once time travel is properly established, get into your DeLorean in order to get cast in "Touch of Evil". You already bought your ticket - enjoy the ride!

August: Osage County (2013)

Great Ensemble Cast

[5/10 · 10 January 2014]

We read the play at Acting school, so I was very curious to see, what the cast came up with. I was also excited to see Sam Shepard on screen again. The locations and set design are great, the costumes make sense. I think the trailer somewhat differs a little from the overall story, but then again, it is always good to see which choices Meryl Streep makes. If you are a theater lover and know the play or somehow work in the industry, this might be very interesting. But for general entertainment it might be a tough cookie to swallow, since there is a lot of drama. Kudos also for the directors and producers for staying true to the play rather than creating another "American Beauty". Compared to the current reality TV shows, this fine ensemble is much more entertaining.