jblumetti-402-297655 Reviews

Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021–2022)

I Cared About the Characters & Nice Story Arc

[9/10 · 4 June 2022]

I see there a lot of mixed reviews on here. But the show kept me coming back despite my typical noninterest in anime. The plot thickens, as they say and it gets better with each episode culminating in a very satisfying storyline. As I said, I'm not an anime fan but these characters became very engaging, and I wanted to see what was going to happen to them next. If this were a live action film, I would give the director extremely high marks. The only downside for me was a bit in the editing as there are too many pregnant pauses between dialog. I can see this was a conscious choice for dramatic effect, but I think some tighter edits, just taking the air out a bit, would have helped the scenes move better. Also, for me at least, the drawing style of the characters was a bit "soft" for the edginess of the storyline and the Blade Runner franchise. I think a bit more sexiness in the musculature of these characters might have helped sell the fight scenes as well as the overall sensual appeal of the film. This soft, smooth choice in drawing style I believe was a big mistake considering the grittiness of the overall franchise. But perhaps it is just because I'm not a anime person and this is how it's generally accepted.

Otherwise, like the original, I think this effort will become much more appreciated as time goes on and I would love to see a Season 2.

Funny Cow (2017)

Brilliant Hidden Gem of a Film!

[9/10 · 13 March 2019]

Can't say enough good about this film... other than why have I not heard about it or seen it in theatres!? Maxine Peake is just beyond brilliant in this work. She forces you to fall in love with this beautifully damaged hot mess of a character. Peake layers every nuance and subtext possible around this tortured soul for you to see and excruciatingly feel. The directing by Adrian Shergold was exceptional and clever, the screenwriting by Tony Pitts superb. The supporting cast is fantastic, most especially Tony Pitts brutally intimidating in the role of Bob. While this genre and storyline with actors nearly unknown to me would not be something, I wouldn't typically watch. But I'm so very pleased I did. Funny Cow had me from start to finish. An outstanding piece of work tragically overlooked and underappreciated by the British critics and audiences and invisible to American audiences until now... thank you Amazon Prime!

Cherokee Creek (2018)

A Grindhouse Midnight Movie Blast

[9/10 · 6 November 2018]

The most raunchy fun time you can have and not get arrested. As gross, naughty gory and spit-your-coke-out-through-your-nose funny as it can possibly get! Sublimely Ultra-low budget that helps to make this work in every way. Hats off to all the actors and most especially filmmaker-writer-director-producer-actor Todd Jenkins and his writer-director-producer-actor best bud, Billy Blair for coming up with the outlandish gem. These fearless filmmakers really go all-in, not holds barred, on the gags and the gross... and amazingly it works! Sure to be a midnight classic for decades to come. By the way... for the guys out there, a word of caution, not a first date kind of movie... unless she's like... well, a roller derby chic with a face tattoo. Just sayin.

Tyrannosaur (2011)

Dark Little Masterpiece

[9/10 · 1 November 2013]

As I admire greatly the work of Peter Mullan, I went out of my way to find this film in its limited run in the states. Peter Mullan, as he does with all his work, again layers this performance with so many wonderful, complex and interesting moments, it becomes impossible to look away. I also found myself extremely appreciative of Paddy Considine's mesmerizing dark script and perfectly nuanced direction. But perhaps I am most grateful for introducing me to the work of Olivia Colman. Ms. Colman gave in Tyrannosaur, undoubtedly one of the most brilliant female performances of the year in one of the most overlooked films of 2011. Even while the dark nature of this film makes it less a candidate for multiple viewings, I found myself upon a second watch, surprised to find so much more to appreciate within Tyrannosaur. Erik Wilson cinematography is wonderful and just so very right for this story. Dan Baker and Chris Baldwin's original music was a delight and made you want more. Simon Rogers's production design and Andrew Ranner's art direction immersed you in this too somber world. I can find no editor's credit, but assume it likely Paddy's as well. Yes, that was spot on also. But to sum up, while the dark and brooding nature of this film may give some viewers pause or lessen its appreciable merit, this is no less than a truly masterful little film done to perfect precision by writer/director Paddy Considine. Which excites us about his upcoming project, The Leaning. When Paddy, when? Soon please, sir!