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Shattered (1991)
Shattered writing, but still holds you until the end!
This psychological thriller starring Tom Berenger, Bob Hoskins, & Greta Scacchi is sort of a mixed experience with highs and lows. The highs being your typical suspense that you get from most thrillers, such as car chases, mysterious murders, and good old-fashioned amnesia or loss of memory to the point your main character is broken and must crawl their way back to the truth. But, by this movies end, you mostly want to throw your hands up and ask yourself "Was that the best twist you can come up with?" Or better yet, is "That the best you can come up with?" Believe me when I say I ran both scenarios through my head, and I'm still puzzled by the end to the point I find I preposterous but amusingly accepting.
The performances here are banal or serving to the script written by Richard Neely and Wolfgang himself. The standout is Bob Hoskins, who plays the Sua Sponte cautious private tracker (Gus Klein) hired by Tom Berenger (Dan Merrick) to look into his past for clues to piece together his broken memory. His wife (Judith Merrick) played by Greta Scacchi does her best to keep her husband's sanity. Like I said, the typical roles for such tried and tired writing, that by the end of the film you will get the story and if not for the reveal, you might see this as a big yawn fest.
The story however has good beats that keep the engine chugging along. From a single car accident off the side of a mountain to the dark depths of an abandoned ship on the beach make up for some interesting set pieces and stages tension with a minacious direction. The score, set designs, costumes, and stunts round out what you would think are adequate for a movie such as this. They don't make them like they used to where movies with mild budgets between 20-60 million dollars was just enough to get people in the theater.
I'd say getting to see this for free, was well worth a watch.
6/10.
Notting Hill (1999)
Julia Roberts last hooray of her glorious 90's run!
Julia Roberts closing out the 1990's, has had somewhat of a dominant run that made her a Box Office name. She had some stinkers here and there, but mostly she's synonymous for her work in Romantic Comedies such as Pretty Woman, and Best Friend's Wedding. But, by the time Y2K comes around, we start to see less of her, and it's movies like this that remind those who are not familiar or understand this genre, why she was so revered. It was her pinpoint understanding of romance in acting and the peas and ques of good chemistry with her partner. This is something I noticed about her just now, and it makes sense to her charisma on screen was sorely missed after the decade ended.
Her ability to not be the same character from an acting standpoint is pause for observation. I watched this and My Best Friend's Wedding back-to-back and I appreciated the fact that she was more than meets the eye candy test. Beautiful is what some would call her as distracting, but that's deceiving. Her fundamental ability as an actress first, to approach the role with a surreptitious coquettish tone, compared to her vicarious maudlin role in MBFW, was a welcome surprise that didn't go unnoticed by me. And I came to appreciate it the more I think about it because she could of just phoned it in as another role, she might have been type casted in, but somewhere I read she got a hold of this script and loved it so much, she asked to be in the film once the writer sold the script. That's the playing cards of a professional. And a good one.
Hugh Grant being her opposite side in the 90's craze of lined roles of typecasting was also riding high into the new millennium. It's to say that both of these actors came to a crossroads in their careers and gave the audiences a well-established romance even though it was a onetime thing. I don't believe they ever did another film together, even in supporting roles, but even if it was just this one go around, I wonder what a film would look like in a sequel twenty-five years later with an old William Thacker, and Anna Scott. I don't particular like Romance comedies but in Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant's library of films, I got to say this one was pretty damn good. And well worth the watch.
8/10.
Bright (2017)
Max Landis had a good idea going here... But
David Ayer coming off the critical panned Suicide Squad, takes on a pretty unique script that just falls short of a franchise starter. Writer Max Landis, the son of well scrutinized and controversial director Jon Landis, crafts a unique take on a modern world where fantasy and reality co-exist, but somewhere in all the CGI and practical effects that could make any film lover appreciate the imagination come to life also will come to realize that this sounds better on paper.
Will Smith plays L. A. cop Daryl Ward living the average life until he is sucked into a volatile plot, where he is forced to become amicable friends with a hated orc named Nick Jakoby played by Joel Edgerton. Several other nice additions to the movie are Noomi Rapace, Edgar Ramirez who both play Elves with the typical cliche of white hair and pointy ears. Like I said, once you buy the premise of a modern-day fantasy you know you're in for a good time. Only that when you start to realize that halfway through the film, it becomes apparent that this is another typical David Ayer structure of grey characters that revolve in an endless cycle of good cops bad cops with parables of racism, drugs, and gun fights. From Training Day to Suicide Squad, mister Ayer always had a particular style, which I respect, but this go around I found it to be ostentatious and more of the same. Just dressed different.
On the topic of set designs, costumes, and overall production, this wasn't bad. Downtown L. A. to the suburbs felt well scouted, even if you recognize some spots (Collateral, Training Day, Harsh Times, etc.) It mostly did its part making you believe that L. A. was a city of itself, dressed in fantasy tropes. But, if you don't like L. A., then I can't blame you for not investing too much into the overall look and feel of the film.
I enjoyed it. Sequels can always improve on an idea, no matter how original they are, but they have to be more than just a concept that sounded good on paper, so it can grow into something more. Like a franchise. Which last I heard, might not happen. Will have to wait and see.
6/10.
No Time to Die (2021)
No Time To Continue ***SPOILERS***
When Barbara Broccoli brought in Cary Joji Fukunaga to direct, I was on board from that day forth. His work with Nic Pizzolato on the hit television series "True Detective" showed he had the touch of bringing something new to the characters that envelope this wonderful long-standing franchise. Would killing bond be the signature flex any director has ever attempted? Yes. And it's a great way to end Daniel Craig's tenure as the iconic spy.
Rami Malek plays the signature villain named Lyutsifer Safin (yeah, eye roll) who hunts down and kills Madeleine's parents. His performance seems very similar in homage to the first villain of the franchise "Dr. No". Lea Seydoux playing the tragic mother figure Madeleine who wins bonds affection like no other bond girl, seems very melancholic in nature. Her performance to me seems very insignificant in the greater context. Where her connection with Safin makes it personal, she feels unwarranted to hold the title of bonds baby momma. But, I digress. This is the last outing and we just have to settle with what we got. Ana de Armas, Lashana Lynch, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes round out the cast of well-performed supporting roles. Not much deeper but by film's end you see their love for bond and it makes it more meaningful.
The action is top-notch, writing shotty at times, but mostly crisp. The soundtrack plays your typical tone with a little different pitch and their. All in all, this is a film's structure doing what you expect. Create a bond experience worth his final appearance.
I'm gong to miss Daniel Craig as bond. He'll go done as one of the best. But the future looks promising, even after the first death of an iconic character.
8/10.
Dune (2021)
This is the Sci-Fi Saga of 2020's. **SPOILERS**
Dune 1984 which was written by David Lynch brought the mythical hard to adapt book to life, and to a very much Lukewarm response. So much so, that it's basically forgotten and rarely ever talked about other than how difficult the production on set was for its writer and director. Fastforward to now, and we have a brand-new take on the literature, but only this time safe to say by modern day filmmaker Denis Villenueve who has somewhat created a reputation as the go to director for epic films. And after seeing this? You can make the case that it's not too far off.
Starring Timothy Chalamet who plays the titular hero and rising star in today's acting market, pulls a somber languid performance similar to his time on Netflix's "The King". The rest of the cast is stacked, with the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Stellan Skarsgard, Josh Brolin, Chang Chen, Dave Bautista, David Datsmalchian, Charlotte Rampling, Javier Bardem, and Zendaya. Now, Zendaya is the odd one out of this bunch since most of her performance is reduced to flash backs and quite possible, she's being saved for the sequel where she'll have a lot more of an opportunity to shine right next to Chalamet, but for a limited time on film she does a fine job setting up the character.
The writing is well written and finely directed. Denis Villenueve has put a lot of love into this movie, and you see it from the opening sequence. The set pieces are astonishing, with the backdrop of dunes used with on location shots make up for the lack of CGI that has plagued most modern films. I could be jumping the gun, but it looks convincing enough to the eye to make you believe all principal photography was on location. The lighting was another interesting choice since most of the film was lit with natural lighting. It gave the film an amicable feeling to look at even during the minacious scenes. Dialogue was on point, along with Hans Zimmer's award-winning soundtrack. The natural use of practical everyday ornaments that Zimmer used to create new interpreted instruments creating a whole new sound is a Brillant artist at work, and he held back nothing in the process.
The drawbacks would be the lack of explanation of some of the exposition. Time will tell if that's a nitpick that will play itself out for the remainder of this franchise. If this is the first of something truly amazing, I'll be definitely buying my ticket for Part Two.
9/10.
Ging chaat goo si (1985)
Jackie Chan's most dangerous stunts! **SPOILERS**
Jackie Chan is the undisputed king of martial art stunt actors. I've probably seen most of his movies to a certain point, but to be honest I've never seen this movie up until this point. Better late than never so they say. This one is more a display of the earlier work that Jacky would come to adopt for the remaining of his career, with the high budget car crashes, public space fights, and nerve-racking near-death falls that we all come to remember with his later films especially through the 90's. This is also the beginning of his signature cop franchise, police stories one, two, three being the first to deviate from the title called "Super-Cop" starring Michelle Yeoh, and several years later, Jackie Chan's First Strike or Police Story 4: First Strike. Quick little fun note about First Strike that is written by three writers, one being a man named Greg Mellott who was a syminar instructor for a film school in OKC back in 2009, where I went. He had and interesting take on his experience. 2013 had another Police Story which took the title back to just its basic title, but you can see it as Police Story 5 but with a much more visibly older Jackie Chan.
Jackie Chan plays detective Chan hunting down a dangerous drug lord where to clear their trail use Chan's gun to frame him for killing a crooked cop. Not heavily plot driven, but that's not what you're here for. It's the action. And this is one of Golden Harvest's most action-oriented films up to this point. The acting is serviceable as mostly in all Hong Kong martial arts films. Surprisingly, Maggie Cheung showed up in the film, where I never knew she began her career this early in her life. She brought balance between her performance and Jackie's comedic tone, compared to the other leading lady, Brigette Lin who for the most part, played a stern-faced mistress on the run from her drug lord man, Yuen Chor.
My only nitpick is in the dialogue where often it conveys appropriate timing with emotion than well thought out reason. The gags were kind of flat, and the balance between the dark rough tone of cop work mixed with comedic family life really shows this was Jackie's first attempt at directing himself and his fellow actors. Minor flaw, but noticeable by films end.
Bruce Lee's stint with the company left an impression from the kung fu days of the earlier 70's but by the mid-80's, Jackie has arrived to fully take over Hong Kong cinema and Kung Fu imitators followed. None of them could duplicate what he's done even to this day. Jackie Chan is truly a marvel to watch and it's going to be a treat checking out the sequel. If you haven't seen these movies, I highly recommend anyone who wants to see an amazing film with flawless stunt work that feels like a thing of distant past.
8/10.
Benedetta (2021)
Paul Verhoeven giving it a second go around post Showgirls, and pulls it off dramatically
His films range in a variety of political themes from many decades he's been in show business. When you watch his films, you start to guess when the narrative would take those turns, well no surprise here, its interwoven into the spine of the story. Sex starved nuns? Check. Plague creating outer conflict surrounding the internal one? Check. Anti-religious views and hypocrisy? Check again? That last one seems too on the nose just by looking at the poster, but this is more of a story based on actual events that I don't know all too well, but totally buy it.
Virginie Efira plays a woman named Benedetta, learning the lifelong practice of becoming a worshipper of the lord, or in shorter terms, a Nun. She one day crosses paths with a hoodlum girl that she vouches to stay in the company of the holy sacrament. This is where the story kicks into another gear, as both characters journey into a licentious and promiscuous lesbian relationship that at first seems genuine but, turns volatile by its end. Her performance is strong as the lead, portraying a young woman that walks the line between surreptitious acquiescence and obsequious innocence. This is balanced with the naiver Bartolomea character played by Daphne Patakia who at ever chance flirts with irreverence to her surroundings or fellow nuns. Keeping the story contentious is head nun, Soeur Felicita played by the great actress Charlotte Rampling who to my surprise, didn't know she was in the movie. She brings an austerity to the role, that creates conflicting crises for both girls through most of the film. It's core three characters are surrounded by excellent supporting cast, with another surprise appearance by another great French actor in Lambert Wilson.
The theme here can pontificate an old age tale, but I respect its candor in the set designs, and natural lighting. Set in 17th century Italy, you believe that its mostly if not all practical, with one or maybe two scenes that require special effects (eclipses, or snake) but nothing more than a traditional approach to old period piece film setting. The dialogue is good, sometimes effusive and often times coquettish. Also is mostly spoken in Italian, and I prefer it no other way.
Paul Verhoeven is a master filmmaker. From his sci-fi work to Benedetta, there's always something that I admired about his verbose themes, parable character arcs, and most times over the top violence and nudity. Which is probably what most think when it comes to Verhoeven. Benedetta is more than that. It's a well-crafted adaptation of a historical narrative wither true or not, is worth a viewing.
9/10.
Il portiere di notte (1974)
MORE than just a sensationalist piece of filmmaking!
I read the reviews and watched the videos telling me this movie was not well liked. I don't see why. It's always been a flavor of filmmaking done by filmmakers to delve into the stories of people that were on the opposite side of their assailing, especially during the WW2 era. This is that movie. A small story told during a major world event, that is commonly frowned upon even at the attempt of making Nazi's dare I say, somewhat, relatable? It's the grey area of humanity, and if an artist feels the story needs to be told, then as the viewers one should approach it with an open mind.
Set during years after WW2, Dirk Bogarde plays a Nazi-in-hiding named Max, who one day runs into a woman from his past played by Charlotte Rampling, a surviving holocaust Jew traveling with her husband to Vienna, Italy. What plays out after this is a wave of memories during her days of surviving in the concentration camps, all while subjected to an obsequious sado-masochistic relationship that borderlines appalling yet honest in observation. The performances from these two, create a believable relationship with a coquettish perversity set in the backdrop of a dreary rainy Vienna.
The movie deserves more than to be just labeled as an irreverent sensationalist film, where most movies today or even before its time would not touch with a ten-foot pole. Daring and bold, this was a surprising story about survival, at the expense of moral probity.
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
On the verge of depressing reciprocating , paves way for hope in connecting axioms
This one is possibly one of the best films of 2017, or even of the decade. Director Martin McDonagh has crafted a superb story surrounding the small-town folks of the now mythical Ebbing, Missouri. His structure of glib everyday life individuals that interconnect into a spiral of truths surrounding the death of a local girl (Kathryn Newton) makes it feel almost borderline hopeless, yet humorous in each character's contentious flaws. And for all its candor deep within such a mood-stricken story, opens the door for a more affable message about connection through pain and redirecting one's own hatred into a common goal.
The acting is top tier, with the likes of Francis McDormand, who is the mourning widowed wife, caring for a son still in school, plays her character in a languid posture hiding conniption for local law enforcement for not finding her daughter's killer. That blame goes to always on point, Woody Harrelson, who plays the towns head honcho of police who he himself is suffering from complicating health reasons making the story carry a sense of burden that cannot be shaken. Sam Rockwell portrays an eccentric deputy and good friend of Harrelsons, who finds every opportunity to vicariously embarrass himself, yet by a certain point creates a parable in the likes of McDormands character.
This movie could of toned down the overdone language, which I found excessive to the point of absurd even for small town American folks, but the elegy of these characters was worth the journey into finding that connection in others pain, that can bring a common goal even in the face of darkness.
8/10.
Al filo del hacha (1988)
Interesting, but nothing new either.
Going into this I knew nothing about it, but loving the slasher genre I had to check it out. And not to my surprise it implies what the title suggests. An axe wielding maniac hunting down specific archetypes check. Setting in the northern seclusion of the mountains, check. Plot twist where the killer isn't who you assume, check & check again?
Yes, it's one surprising part in the entire film is of course it's ending. I won't give any spoilers, but I felt it least tried something different even though it's path to the conclusion can be muddled with plot vouchers that turn into head scratchers. It's a product of its time, but makes due with such a simple plot that makes up for an enjoyable little slasher flick.
6/10.
Trouble Man (1972)
*** SPOILERS *** A classic that rivals the best of its genre!
In the Blaxploitation genre, there's a lot to choose from especially those made in the 70's but one that I like the most and go back to when I feel my fix is this classic, Trouble Man. Robert Hooks plays the character "T", yes, it's that simple sucker, and he isn't no Jiven fool. When he means business, he means it. With a capital "T". See what I did there? No? Alright then.
Ivan Dixon known more for his stent on the Bill Cosby show, The Waltons, Hogan's Heroes, and several one-off episodes of Bionic Woman and Wonder Woman directs a cult classic that rivals the best of its genre. And in its heyday, this was only rivaled by none other than Shaft who set the precedent for Black hard boiled fisted detectives that took more lives than names. And it's just too bad that he didn't go on to make a franchise out of the character like Shaft because I feel there could have been more to be said with the character.
The rest of the cast do a pretty good job filling in their roles around Mr. T and several faces you might recognize. Paul Winfield went on to play in movies like Star Trek, Terminator, Cliffhanger, and several others along with his counterpart and cast mate Ralph White who plays the lone Caucasian villain. Both make a great pair and play off each other as several crooks trying to razzle Mr. T by setting him up for murder with his own gun killing a rival hustler in Julius Harris who went on to star in James Bond's Live and Let Die. Mr. T isn't one to lay down and let things go. No, instead he counters the plot and does something most heroes don't do, which is set up his own crime scene to fool the cops long enough so that he can take revenge on the crooks that try wrong him. This sets up a showdown in the end with bullets flying and bodies surrounded in blood.
The soundtrack in this is also great, with the classic tune sung by none other than Marvin Gaye. It doesn't get much better than that.
I highly recommend watching this one if you ever decide to binge any of not most of the blacksploitation films from the 70's and I would hope to put this at the top of the list.
8/10.
Mo him wong (1996)
*** SPOILERS *** Jet Li pulls double work, and more comedy
What can I say about this film other than the fact that it was an interesting watch. I never heard of this movie and to be honest most of Jet Li's 90's films are almost forgotten or lost compared to his post American/millennium run of movies. Somehow though this had enough in it to make it worth a view.
Jet Li plays the King of Adventurers along with several friends played by Japanese born actor Kaneshiro and newcomer Charlie Yeung who both give well timed comedic beats that compliment Jet's character even though sometimes they fall short. The film reminded me a lot of Jackie Chan's Armor of God films, and very close to that style of genre, but what makes this stand out is its reliance on developing narrative told by the perspective of its characters similar to Rob Reiners Princess Bride, or Bryan Singers Usual Suspects . I'm not too keen myself on these movies if they're not executed in a way as the movie's I've listed, and I feel that's where this movie sort of falls short.
I want to address the humor in this film first. I'm not familiar with mainland China's sense of humor and what they believe as being funny or comedic, when I can only relate to the entire catalog of Jackie Chan films and he alone has that edge over the likes of Jet and Kaneshiro.
The second is the multiple narratives being told by multiple characters to finish the story within the film. This makes it very uneven and hard to follow since you have one story taking place while another is completely fictional within the world of the film. Then you through in fight scenes, along with some dated CGI and humor and you got a recipe for a film that is doing a lot while not doing enough to balance it.
What I can say that sells the film is the action set pieces that without a doubt are the highlight of the movie. From practical trains rampaging through a village set, all the way up to an epic duel with fire swords toward the climax of the movie keep you around long enough to see what might make you scream out in hilarity. I found the action to be mostly fun, if not humorous for what it was aiming for and that was good enough for me.
If you ever run across this movie on Youtube, and are a big Jet Li fan that must add this to your watch list then give it a try, but good luck finding a copy of this film on DVD which I don't believe was released in North America. All in all, I recommend to anyone who are fans these particular films
6/10.
Extraction (2020)
Chris Hemsworth + Russo Brothers = Solid Crime/Covert Action Film!!
Russo Brothers in this day and age can't seem to do no wrong with their style of action that comes off the heels of several blockbuster Marvel franchises in the likes of Captain America, and Avengers. And what a way to woo one of the biggest names of those franchises to a project that pits a covert mercenary against a kingpin in a battle for the life a child in the dirty filthy streets of India. What else can you expect? Well... A lot, and I say it does that for most of the film.
Chris Hemsworth plays Tyler Rake, a mercenary hired to extract a kid named "Ovi", played by Rudhraksh Jaiswal, to the border before his father sends trained killers to hunt him down and anyone who helps him. The twist of one of these hunters sent after him, Saju, played by Randeep Hooda is a sympathetic father forced into action for the sake of his family's safety, creating tension between Hemsworth and Hooda's characters that leads to one of the greatest action scenes I've ever seen filmed on camera. In a one take 15+ minute scene where Rake and the kid go through car chase, foot chase, gun fight, and ends with hand-to-hand fighting is jaw dropping and very fitting of the Russo's style. The grit and grind are deep in this one, and it never leaves from the start to the end. Nik Khan played by Golshifteh Farahani is introduced as the director of the operation and she plays the bad ass chick that you don't normally see from these kinds of women in those regions. Golshifteh was also very genuine in her performance that was very similar to her role in Body of Lies with co-star Leo Dicaprio, and she commands her presence in a way that was never forced or overbearing but stern and caring for both Hemsworth and Rudhraksh's characters. Chris plays his part to the "T" and when he gets prepared for the role, he puts effort where it matters that could possibly range in weapons, physique, and martial arts training and I appreciate it more than anything when an actor takes a role like this seriously especially one that requires physical action to point of believability and he delivers with passing colors. But that's not all of his performance that can be said he delivered. His performance as Tyler Rake, a man living on the edge and almost suicidal can go really wrong if Hemsworth doesn't buy the vulnerability of his character, and putting aside the hero of Thor, and replacing it with a darker more greyish hero could of went completely wrong for him, but he plays it well from his opening scene to his end. And I grew a deeper appreciation for Hemsworth as a solid actor because of it. The surprise of the film for me was Randeep Hooda. His character along with performance was interesting to watch, and I'm curious now to see if he was or will be in any more action style films of this genre. Only time will tell I suppose.
I enjoyed the film. It had Russo style action, interesting themes and archetypes. And mostly it had some solid performances from its cast that got me excited for the sequel. It's worth checking out, even if you don't like violence.
8/10.
Thunder Force (2021)
*** SPOILERS *** McCarthy can do better than this!
I'm not going to spend much time on this review because there's not much to say about this movie that is remotely good. It felt like I was watching something that was the making of cult classic, then turned into a dour chore to sit through that required more execution to pull off and didn't deliver. McCarthy has an oath to her beloved husband, but that doesn't mean she should be dragged down with him for creating such a bland film.
For the most part the acting was sub-par and phoned in by most of the cast. It's as if they knew what they were a part of, and the check was coming in so what right? And that's pretty much what I can sum up about the movie as a whole. Nothing more than actors walking through the film from plot point to plot point with no execution of comedic moments that land its desired target. McCarthy did her best at improve but the script didn't do her favors and it showed a lot throughout. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer seemed to be here by name recognition alone as if she owed McCarthy a favor and sometimes when you watch her performance in this film, you can almost see it. Sad really.
All in all, this film did get 4/10 stars from me on the soul reason that it did somewhat take itself seriously even with such a ridiculous concept and rift on the superhero genre. It reminded of a 90's superhero films in the same vein of Blank Man, Meteor Man, Star Kid, Doctor Mordrid, Mystery Men, Steel, Generation X, Black Scorpion, Barb Wire, and Tank Girl. Will Thunder force grow a cult following such as these films have over the years? Only time will tell, and that's where I'll leave this on a positive note, but saying that, Ms. McCarthy Falcone can do better than this...
Much better. 4/10.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
*** SPOILERS *** Not Taylor Sheridan's Best, But Has Promise in A Premise
Taylor Sheridan known for writing movies such as the likes of Sicario & Sicario 2, Hell on High Water, Without Remorse and Wind River along with several shows like Yellowstone and 1883 which both share the same premise of grimdark westerns in a more conservative America. Were Those Who Wish Me Dead fitting among his promising resume comes at a head scratcher. The movie itself comes off as a love letter to the outdoors only to be contrived and sloppily written in some parts with genuine performances and well placed cinematography in others. Yellowstone on fire, or a burning contradiction?
I say the former on the fact that the film seems to fit well in that setting but removing the locals of a ranch for the more crowded trees of the Rocky Mountains. When a child (Finn Little) is hunted down by several mercenaries (Aiden Gillen, Nicholas Hoult), he stumbles across (Angelina) and the chase begins. In a firestorm. Simple premise of the good ole' disaster genre combined with the flair of the crime genre makes for a fun popcorn flick. Angelina Jolie is the glue to the premise of the story, and she holds her own for the most part and gives a descent performance.
The boy played by Finn Little was a surprise for me, since I only heard of him recently in Yellowstone. His performance was stretched but he did his part playing the lost child on the run. Nicholas Hoult and Aiden Gillen play a pair of mercenaries hunting down the boy and do a good job portraying such highly skilled, well-planned villains. Appearances from Tyler Perry (Madea), Tory Kittles (True Detective) rounds out the positive marks in what comes next misses the mark.
I like Jon Beranthal in anything he's done, but his character along with his wife (Medina Senghore) did not come off as interesting or the least purposeful. It felt like they were written in just for the purpose of filler or B plots that fit no rhyme or reason other than to know the main character. And the second thing that misses the mark is the disaster. Especially in the last act when it finally came to use for thrills when by then most of the threat is resolved. And lastly was the loose end, that I don't recall ever being mentioned. Was the boys father holding something we should of known? Was this opened for a sequel? We may never know, or should we want to?
For action lovers this could fill that niche, but for those who desire both action and a little grimness that Taylor Sheridan is known for then I suggest watching Yellowstone or 1883 over this, because outside the positives written, there was so much more the movie could offer differently but it decided to take a very typical contrived ending that left me questioning what was the point of this film?
6/10.
Blown Away (1994)
*** SPOILERS *** Your typically 90's action, with a very odd & particular style?
Directed by Stephen Hopkins and written by three different joint writers who have worked on several projects together bring Jeff Bridges, Tommy Lee Jones, Suzy Amis, and Forrest Whitaker together in a star-studded cast of current or eventual Oscar winning actors. But his style of direction and the beats of the film become very contrived and borderline mundane compared to other films in this particular genre of 90's action films.
Jeff Bridges playing bomb squad daredevil (Dove) carries the burden of his troubled past, and the fight to keep his social life from unraveling in present day Boston. He is constantly challenged by his rival and soon to be friend Forrest Whitaker (Franklin) who he himself pushes Bridges to doubt that his days in the bomb squad profession are numbered. This likely paring of the two, is brought together by the manhunt for Irish/Boston speaking Tommy Lee Jones, which I found laughable in some parts and great in others. Especially the whole dancing scenes where Tommy Lee Jones is known for taking to the extreme when he doesn't take a role seriously. Suzi Amis plays the mom, and wife of Bridges, and does her best to keep the tensions high in the family life but has very little to do other than act in a contrived role that most woman played in these roles back then.
The camera work is another one thing I found to be a bit odd, and sometimes comical. The angles and close ups made this fill very slap sticky, almost on the level of a Sam Raimi imitation that wasn't to my liking.
Jeff Bridges dry sense of tone, Suzy Amis and her one note performance as home mom, and Tommy Lee Jones over the top joker style acting mixes into a 2hr movie that is saved by the sheer fact that you are watching an action movie that lives up to its title. Which saves the movie in my opinion, because compared to other films of its time in the likes of Live Wire, Detonator, Speed, Broken Arrow, Die Hard with a Vengeance, this film finishes last on that list.
All in all, I enjoyed the action, but the film itself overall could have used more rewrites and a better direction for its actors. But I will also say the movie at its core delivered what the title suggests and that I say give it a try and see if it compares to action films of its time.
6/10.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
*** SPOILERS *** Good Installment but Same Old Filler...
When Sam Raimi was announced to direct this installment in the long running series of Marvel films, I had high hopes that this was going to finally be the horror adventure that felt was too risky for Disney to attempt. And I can safely say that this film was borderline horror with a tad bit of the corny direction of Sam Raimi is known for.
-- PROS --
The acting to say the least is excellent across the entire lineup. From the great Benedict Cumberbatch himself all the way to Sir Patrick Stewart whose brief cameo brought a welcome smile. Well, the entire Illuminati cameo was impressive to behold and shockingly the return of Anson Mount as Black Bolt from the short lived Inhumans show knowing well that was considered a disaster by most critics and fans. But I was most puzzled and amazed by John Krasinski's appearance as the MCU's version of Mister Fantastic. How long the fans have been clamoring for a FF4 reboot has only started to wet the appetites of many with this tease, and in that same instance killed it when Wanda killed him and the entire cast of the Illuminati. Shame on Disney for that one? Maybe. And the new girl, Xochitl Gomez is on point casting by Feige and has his future star in her character America Chavez.
-- FLAWS --
The direction coming from Raimi is well known, and it shows here. From the frantic camera pans, and his signature close ups you can feel the kineticism in full display and it doesn't stop from the opening scene to the very last frame. And this is also a detriment, because the style itself might be by today's standards a little corny? The close-up shots of the faces and exaggerated eye twitching and head bobbing becomes distracting in some parts and it's a good job by the actors, but I think Raimi could have dialed it down some. For the most part those who know his movies knew what to expect and they got it for better or for worst.
The brief appearances could also be argued against that they're not needed in this movie. The whole multiverse jumping seemed to be shoehorned in just for the sake of visual flair. The movie was more about Wanda and her connection to America Chavez and yet that wasn't fully explained in the film. Somehow, she needs to be sacrificed to the dark hold? For what again?
Wanda being the protagonist for the film was also a chance for Marvel to show how grey their characters can be but in this particular setting it comes off very simple plotted and doesn't erase the villain problem they already have, with Chiwetel Ejiofor being a minor role that played no great significance to the plot.
Is this the latest best Marvel movie so far? Possibly so, but with more multiverse ideas coming down the pipe we can all rest easy to know that most of the main players are returning with new faces in future films. It was a fun to see the movie through Raimi's vision, even if it was butchered for a more lighthearted revision that we may never get a chance to see. 7/10.
Relentless (1977)
*** SPOILERS *** Modern western with a protagonist twist
Released in 1977, you would think a movie starring a token Indigenous actor in a made for TV action movie would be more rememberable, but what you get is a so-so movie that probably could have used some more fleshed out writing for its main star. The rest of the cast fill out the run time of a respectable 90 minutes, that doesn't take long to get the plot moving.
Starting out in the sunny deserts of Arizona, we are introduced to the character Sam Watchman (Will Sampson) who is living the stable life of a sheriff that is upended by tragic events in the death of his uncle at the hands of a gang of former soldiers turned bank robbers lead by Major Leo Hargit (John Hillerman) and his right-hand man Lieutenant Dan Barrackough. Surprisingly, I appreciated the fact that these were not your typical cliche run of the mill bad guys and came off as very morally grey characters that by the end you were getting this sense of sympathy that would make you root for their escape or turning of the leaf. It did for me. Unfortunately, they all die. Other times in modern action movies (Cliffhanger) you would get these generic one note villains who were all about the plot and never about their morals.
The rest of the cast do an excellent job filling in their time, especially the beautiful Marianna Hill playing an isolated damsel named Annie Lansford who is introduced at the thirty-minute mark kicking off the second act. In all respects to her performance, she didn't have much to go off, but did proper takes for what she had to work with. Only disappointment I can think of was that she didn't have no real connection to the main star (Will Sampson) or any other character in the movie. But, in turn I can appreciate the writer and director for doing this because by the end of the movie, you feel that it wasn't cliche for her to be romantically involved into a contrived relationship with its star. I haven't read the book so there wouldn't be any reassurance that I would know if she was written as a love interest or not.
And lastly, the director and star of the movie, Lee H. Katzin and Will Sampson. Katzin's work spans over decades of cult hits from Rat Patrol all the way up to Miami Vice and In the Heat of the Night. He's been in some prominent shows during his time, and being familiar with his work from those choices, I entered this thinking the same. A competent action film that would tackle some touchy themes.
Will Sampson is considered a breakthrough for Indigenous performers, since he was at the time the token "NDN" and obviously was perfect for this movie because of his breakout role in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. During the early 70's, Wounded Knee Occupation was going on that seen Native American Protestors and the FBI which can be seen in the film as allegory between Sam Watchman (Will Sampson) and Paul Vickers (Monte Markham). Mr. Sampson for all his short-lived career, has put out some good performances, but here I could say in his first leading role there was much to be desired. It would have been nice to see his character more fleshed out, rather than put in auto pilot once his redemption ark begins. And the questionable tired but true Native American trope of finding traps and listening to the ground for sounds is all but old and archaic for a main lead of indigenous actors and actresses that is long overdue for something more.
As for myself half Indigenous and Caucasian, I felt this was enjoyable to watch to kill some hours before bedtime. 7/10.
Night Hunter (1996)
Pretty decent for its concept
I'm not much a Don "The Dragon" Wilson fan as others who've seen his movies over the years, so when I decided to check this out, the movie's concept was what hooked me. Vampires walking during the day and can die from simple everyday circumstances isn't explored that often in mainstream media. Vampires were always depicted as these nocturnal creatures of night but, here they're easily out and about like normal humans which to me makes them more dangerous and rational.
THE GOOD
1. The vampire lore is written differently and explored in a more interesting way. That's about it.
THE BAD:
1. The martial arts in this isn't very interesting or exciting enough to get into for a movie that centers around a martial artist. Don Wilson sadly just happened to break into movies with the likes of Van Damme, Speakman, Bernhardt, Seagal, Rhee, Lundgren, Brandon Lee, Rothrock, G. Daniels, M. J. White, and Dacascos that they all make him lower tier in option.
2. The acting. I'm not going to be picky here. You got to work with what you got, but this was some entertaining improv by the talent they've hired. Expected for most of the Direct VHS market in the 90's.
3. The set pieces have much to be desired. From abandoned hallways, to open ended warehouses not much else was used or explored when it came to the vampires and their gothic roots. Maybe there was a purpose to it? Who knows.
All in all, It was ok for its time and me just now seeing it at the age that I'm at makes it more of a nostalgia watch for a time that I miss in action cinema. D-
The Suicide Squad (2021)
Great adaptation that redeems the true essence of these characters
**SPOILERS**
Back when Suicide Squad (2016) hit theaters I was elated to see a comic book film that is finally getting a movie adaptation and of all things, it was DC's Suicide Squad. What can go wrong with Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Killer Croc, Katana, and Captain FREAKING Boomerang?? Well, a lot can go wrong with it. And not just go wrong. Terrible wrong. So wrong that I'm in the club that wants a directors cut to see what the actually vision could of been so I can change my mind on such a horribly plotted movie.
Several years go by and now we get James Gunn's "The" Suicide Squad. And oh boy, was this a ride to remember. I loved the use of many villains as canon fodder, and the attention to detail that each character truly develops as the movie progressed. As far as negatives go I can touch up on a few along with the positive.
THE POSITIVES:
The Team - I didn't have an issue with most the characters like some others would. This line-up and the cannon fodder team (comprised of c-list villains that die in the first 10-minutes of the film along with Captain Boomerang) was a joy to see brought to life.
Harley Quinn - As always she's Harley, and having her flamboyant personality (love it or hate it) gives the other characters something to play off of. And in the case of the polka-dot man, it's quite hilarious. Like the scene with the death of a character named Milton as Polka-Dot man is distraught with fear that a good allied has perished and Harley only responds with "Who's Milton?" and later on remembers him by his deceased corpse that's played out in a scene of raucous. I got a dark sense of humor out of it.
Blood-Sport (who's completely new to my knowledge never reading about him in the books) is a good replacement for the now AWOL Will Smith's Dead-shot.
King Shark - Enjoyed the innocence of his revised and retooled character that Gunn presented. A more innocent King Shark compared to the books and CW Flash show. And he is also the comedic relief if not for another character that is just as bonkers as Shark is.
Rat-Catcher - She is the heart of the film. Her personal relationship with Blood-Sport is like that of father and daughter. Her powers are also that on the side of the disturbing. (Hate rats)
Rick Flagg - I enjoyed watching Joel Kinnaman back as the leader of a bunch of villains. A sort of man amongst monsters scenario that was put to good use in the first film that carried over to this film.
THE NEGATIVES:
Peace-Maker - I don't personal care much for John Cena as an actor, but over time he's starting to come on his own in major roles that have put him in some major franchises following the Rock and Batista footsteps. What I'm upset about which is nitpicky is the LOOK and Aesthetic of Peace-maker himself. He resembles his comic book counter part fully in decorative form, but it comes off so goofy looking that I couldn't take him serious. And maybe that's the point, but the character was a always suppose to be taken seriously. He was created as a parable of Captain America where he would enforce peace with force if necessary (which I like that concept a lot) but for him to die and be brought back was a cop out. Brought back as in his show for HBO Max. I'll be checking it out but I hope somebody decides to give him a more cooler looking costume and ditch the corner looking helmet.
Amanda Waller - Like the first movie, I thought she was the best thing to come out of it. Only this time there was little of her, and it was as if she was made out to be an idiot with a happy trigger finger who accepts mutiny by the end of the movie. Could of been used better and hopefully if there is a sequel they can do that.
Captain Boomerang - Not much to say, other than the 2 minutes he's on film, he will remind you why he has the chops to make you laugh and why you might be disappointed that he dies really fast and sudden.
All in all there might be somethings that I didn't like, but the plot and pacing where never an issue for me. I enjoyed the characters and the crazy, bonkers interactions they all make along the way to a very ironic end. They're Suicide Squad. There's going to be deaths along the way. Surprising ones. Unlike the first one that you knew from the trailer who was and wasn't going to make it.
Great film, and recommend it to fans of horror and comic book movies alike! Just don't let your kids watch it.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
A superb entry to the fantasy genre by a superb director...
I say that in the fact that fantasy films/television is around every corner. So it's hard to stick out from the norm in today's market of fantasy films/TV. And this movie is a victim of everything negative that comes with fantasy. Is it justified?...
NO. This is possibly one of my favorite films of the year(or will be), and is completely shunned by the fact that it's looked at as a bloated costly film setting up a franchise. We already know the critics and naysayers hate origin films. King Arthur looked to be the first in a franchise of 9, and it's a crime that this world can't be more explored in the future. I would of loved to have seen what else writers Jon Harold and Guy Ritchie could of came up with.
Now that my rant is over, I can say I loved it. But there are some flaws with the film(or any fantasy film for that matter) keeping it from being almost perfect. That lack of a coherent plot from the main villain other than being generic. Even though Jude Law did a reasonable job, there could of been a more of an explanation for his purpose other than being the evil uncle. The fight scenes could of been more focused and well paced, and the secondary characters could of used better explanations for their purpose, etc. But these flaws are minimum.
The score was decent. The cast was likable, and world building was excellent(and the major selling point). The myth of King Arthur was fascinating in this portrayal, and it's a crime we can't see more of it in the future. Anybody who's a fantasy film buff I say to you give this movie a chance once the DVD hits shelf's. 9/10
In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Another masterpiece from John Carpenter
This movie blows my mind with its plot. I never knew I could take a liken to the horror that is H.P. Lovecraft. John Carpenter has changed my perception on that now. How was it?...
AMAZING! No, to simple. Utterly and visually MADNESS!(no pun). Like really. How does something like this with just practical effects make such outrageous and horrifying monsters seem so real? I gotta appreciate this movie even more, because today's standards this movie wouldn't fly. At all. Period. CGI would made this film have no weight and look cartoonish at most.
Sam Neill(an older actor that I enjoy watching I admit) does his best here feeling the dread and fear of paranoia, that he completely looks like he lost himself in the role. And you know what else? HE COULD OF! You see those thing on set, you would have something to be afraid of!! Again, making my point about the problems with today's horror.
I never seen this movie beyond this review. Now? I have. And I'm happy to say I completed Carpenters Apocalypse Trilogy making me a complete fan for good. I enjoyed the hell out of this movie and respect Carpenter more than before. 9/10
Now You See Me (2013)
Not better than I expected. But it delivered!
I enjoy magic shows. Penn & Teller, Magic secrets exposed, etc. And the Prestige is without a doubt one of my favorite films(top 20). I seen the trailer for this film back in 2013. Never gave it a shot, because it looked to much like a Oceans/Italian Job/Prestige all thrown in together. It was unfortunately, but hay! I enjoyed the hell out of it.
The plot is no different from something like your typical heist movie, comparably Oceans franchise. Throw in some magic and you got yourself a unique narrative that should be blockbuster worthy? Yes, and no. Yes, because the magic of course drives this movie. No. Because the twist to me was way to out of left field(and that's all I'll say). But me loving the Prestige so much, I have to say I can't deny this movies charm and fun. I embrace a movie that holds to true to exposing the art of magic for all it's glory.
The script could of been better though. The characters where not to fleshed out(especially the Daniel/Henley relationship). Woody Harrelson did a fine job again(playing the hermit/Merritt) as he always does. The only flaw of the cast would be Jack played by Dave Franco. He didn't have much screen time to deliver his dialogue, and for the most part was just there. But overall, the casting was on point.
I love movies about magic, and the art/science of it. It's the oldest spectacle in human entertainment. This movie felt like I was in Vegas(never been there. I know right?), and makes me want to go their even more to witness something like this live in person. 8/10
Christine (1983)
John Carpenter's most underrated classic!
I admit, I'm a John Carpenter fan. Always have, and always will enjoy his work and choices of projects(I taken an inspiration from him). This is no different. It's an 80's tent pole of that era. Throwback to the 50's, spice it up to 80's music, and you have a classic film.
The actors themselves do a fine job and are very likable. Especially, the flawed and gullible Arnie Cunningham. And of course, you can't forget the amazing classic that is the 1958 Plymouth. What a beauty of a car(a dream car of mine even though I was born in 88'). Destroyed 18 times making me appreciate this movie even more for the fact that practical effects(another reason I love Carpenter's work) can never be forgotten.
Sad, that among Stephen Kings adaptations that this is criminally overlooked, but only by the majority. And I'm happy to hear that this has cult following, that I'll happily join anyday. 8/10
Prince of Darkness (1987)
Impressed in my first viewing.
I've never seen this movie until a few days ago for the first time. Man I overlooked this one way to late into my adult life. I've seen plenty of John Carpenter films growing up, and I loved everything than mans done. His style and tone just speaks to me when it comes to horror and concepts. How was the movie?
Different. I think John was on a mission when he made this movie. The idea of Science explaining an ancient evil is rarely done in horror movies since the concept of horror works best with the supernatural. But in this case, it was a nice touch up of change and I welcomed it.
The script was well paced. The plot wasn't convoluted, and the score was AMAZING(if you love synth music). The use of practical effects can't be overlooked, especially the use of water effects in the scenes taking place during the possessions(cool stuff). And that last scene is horrifying as hell!
The characters are a bit stiff. Typical class of characters brought together for an experiment, yadda, yadda. But in the end, they do their part not tripping over one another.
I'm glad I finally seen this piece of work from John Carpenter. And I will watch the final in his apocalypse trilogy to make myself complete in viewing the works from a great filmmaker. 8/10