Bill Murray, Geena Davis, & Randy Quaid are comedy gold in this but it's the small roles and quirky cameos from actors like Jason Robards, Tony Shaloub, Stanley Tucci, Kurtwood Smith, and the late Phil Hartman, most of whom were relatively unknowns at the time, that make this movie so good. I was about 11 or 12 yrs old when this came out and my brother and I watched it over and over. It's up there on my list with other lesser known comedies of that time like The 'Burbs and Men at Work. Movies that weren't box office successes and also may have been panned by movie critics, but you'd see them at your local video store and rent them anyway because they starred actors you loved like Bill Murray or Tom Hanks or John Candy etc. Quick Change is a great comedic crime caper film with a diverse cast that is set in what was at the time a gritty NYC, with many scenes that perfectly capture the frustration and claustrophobia that many New Yorkers experience on a daily basis. It's an all around fun watch.
Reviews
11 Reviews
The Company You Keep
(2023)
Will Trent & The Company You Keep...
11 May 2023
ABC is crushing it, and what a great idea to stream these great mid season shows on Hulu. I haven't watched a show that's aired on cable TV in years, probably since the early seasons of Better Call Saul. So putting them on Hulu gave me the opportunity to watch these shows. After being so impressed with the show Will Trent, I decided to give The Company You Keep a shot, and it's great. The writing is great, weaving these intricate plot lines through each episode with an overarching story over the entire season. Great actors, with characters you're invested in, good music, cinematography and overall production value. I hope this show (AND Will Trent) both get a second season. Good work ABC/Hulu.
Thor: Love and Thunder
(2022)
All these haters must've watched a diff't movie...
11 September 2022
...because Love & Thunder was so much damn fun. It was whacky & weird, funny but serious when it needed to be, and just had a good vibe with heart. Christian Bale gave Thanos a run for his money as one of the best MCU villains. He was a guy who was wronged, seeked revenge but ended with redemption. Not some one-note one dimensional villain. His performance was "all in" and he didn't phone it in like a lot of actors do in the big pay day comic book films. Hemsworth was the best he's ever been as Thor, and his storyline with Jane was filled with complications, romance and was the core of the film. Taika's writing and directing was great. The music, cinematography, production design, were all great. The cast of supporting characters were all awesome as usual, including a hilarious Russell Crowe. This was the best MCU movie since Endgame. For real. Great solo story that has it all.
Pachinko
(2022– )
Possibly the best series I've seen all year...
8 September 2022
(except of course for Better Call Saul). Having said that, I'm not sure if Pachinko was a limited series or not but it's definitely the BEST NEW SERIES I've watched. It was incredible!!! The brilliant acting, amazing story, beautiful cinematography, the production design, costumes, art direction, the music, and oh boy that INTRO!!! I'll say again, that INTRO is off the charts!!
So about 5 years ago I watched this movie Columbus, written & directed by Kogonada. Starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson and I was blown away. I've watched it at least a half dozen times. The way Kogonada frames these still shots, and with the little known architecture mecca of Columbus, Indiana as the backdrop, and the story of these two people meeting and the personal issues they are dealing with... it's become a very favorite of mine..: Anyway I vowed to keep an eye on Kogonada's career and when I knew he was part of Pachinko (on AppleTV+) I HAD to watch it and I binged it over a weekend and it was just a full on masterpiece (I don't use that word lightly), such a work of cinematic art.
I've also gone on to watch his new film w/ Colin Farrel, After Yang, and well that's for another day folks. I hope this review finds someone who may not know of Kogonada's work and starts out with Columbus (2017) then watches Pachinko. There is an upload of Columbus on YouTube. Go watch it!!! And enjoy it. It'll prep you for Pachinko and all it's brilliance. Peace out my cinema lovin friends!!!
So about 5 years ago I watched this movie Columbus, written & directed by Kogonada. Starring John Cho and Haley Lu Richardson and I was blown away. I've watched it at least a half dozen times. The way Kogonada frames these still shots, and with the little known architecture mecca of Columbus, Indiana as the backdrop, and the story of these two people meeting and the personal issues they are dealing with... it's become a very favorite of mine..: Anyway I vowed to keep an eye on Kogonada's career and when I knew he was part of Pachinko (on AppleTV+) I HAD to watch it and I binged it over a weekend and it was just a full on masterpiece (I don't use that word lightly), such a work of cinematic art.
I've also gone on to watch his new film w/ Colin Farrel, After Yang, and well that's for another day folks. I hope this review finds someone who may not know of Kogonada's work and starts out with Columbus (2017) then watches Pachinko. There is an upload of Columbus on YouTube. Go watch it!!! And enjoy it. It'll prep you for Pachinko and all it's brilliance. Peace out my cinema lovin friends!!!
Prehistoric Planet
(2022–2023)
Planet Earth + Jurassic Park...
27 May 2022
...produced by Jon Favreau's awesome special effects team, who I imagine have worked on Star Wars shows and Marvel movies etc.. Throw in Sir David Attenborough and Hans Zimmer's musical team of geniuses and you have one hell of a damn show. I can't believe how well done this was. It seems they hired the best of the best when it comes to dinosaur experts, i.e., paleontologists, archaeologists, and anyone that knows their stuff when it comes to Earth's history and different geological periods. Just wonderful. Hats off to everyone involved!!
Line of Duty
(2012–2021)
I give a 9, just for not being happy with the last episode...
1 March 2022
A 10 otherwise for sure. This was one of the best police procedurals I've seen in a long time. I loved Luther, DCI Banks, Marcella, a few Scani-noir series, the series The Fall with Gillian Anderson & Jamie Dornan, and Giri/Haji on Netflix was just outstanding.
But Line of Duty shakes things up with the premise being that it's an Internal Affairs group (AC-12) that investigates their own, with the goal to weed out corrupt cops or as they say in this show "bent coppers!!!". The casts are great, some from AC-12 are there through the series; others just for a season, and the setup and pace of the show had me on the edge of my seat, literally, for most of the last few episodes of each series. It's very authentic too, with the proper police ranks, police jargon, the tolls it can take on these AC-12 members and their family lives, and a whole lot of suspense. I LOVED IT. I wish they'd make more. Cheers to everyone involved in the making of such a great "cop show".
But Line of Duty shakes things up with the premise being that it's an Internal Affairs group (AC-12) that investigates their own, with the goal to weed out corrupt cops or as they say in this show "bent coppers!!!". The casts are great, some from AC-12 are there through the series; others just for a season, and the setup and pace of the show had me on the edge of my seat, literally, for most of the last few episodes of each series. It's very authentic too, with the proper police ranks, police jargon, the tolls it can take on these AC-12 members and their family lives, and a whole lot of suspense. I LOVED IT. I wish they'd make more. Cheers to everyone involved in the making of such a great "cop show".
Voyage of Time
(2016)
Pretentious...
20 February 2022
Just like most of Malick's work from the last 20 years, pretentious, over-the-top, and boring. Some of the imagery and effects were good, except for the shots that were just made up nonsense. You don't even know what it is that you're watching when these appear, you'll know them when you see it. Also, Brad Pitt's whispering random words every 10 seconds seem to be just incoherent gibberish. Like a bad attempt at poetry? Pass on this one.
Munich: The Edge of War
(2021)
If only Paul could've had a glimpse into the future...
17 February 2022
...I'm quite sure he would've pulled that pistol on Hitler and changed the course of history. I know this particular story is fiction, however I'm sure there were German people that worked around Hitler that considered a move like this, plotted, held meetings and felt that killing him was what was best, not for just their country but for the greater good of the world... keep in mind we know these kind of plots were true farther down the line long after Hitler declared war, but this early on, in the period during the movie, I don't think anyone could've really imagined the scope of what was truly ahead.
Everyone in the film is great, including exceptional performances by George McKay, Jeremy Irons, and Jannis Niewöhner.
As far as Netflix movies go, this ranks way above the mostly mediocre stuff the streaming giant puts out.
Funny note: George McKay also lead the First World War film 1917. Munich Edge of War puts him in the beginnings of WWII. (He also gets to run a lot and is under pressure, just as in 1917 haha). Great actor. He definitely has that old time kinda look to him, which is why Sam Mendes cast him in 1917. I hope to see him in more roles like this.
Everyone in the film is great, including exceptional performances by George McKay, Jeremy Irons, and Jannis Niewöhner.
As far as Netflix movies go, this ranks way above the mostly mediocre stuff the streaming giant puts out.
Funny note: George McKay also lead the First World War film 1917. Munich Edge of War puts him in the beginnings of WWII. (He also gets to run a lot and is under pressure, just as in 1917 haha). Great actor. He definitely has that old time kinda look to him, which is why Sam Mendes cast him in 1917. I hope to see him in more roles like this.
Mr Inbetween
(2018–2021)
One of the best TV series I've watched in a while
16 February 2022
The originality of this series was something else!
The Aussie show Mr Inbetween was created by Scott Ryan (who plays the lead role of Ray) and his friend Nash Edgerton (brother of actor/writer/director Joel Edgerton). A lot of heart and humor for a show that has a pretty dark core to it. I came across the show on Hulu over this past Xmas break and I was hooked after just one episode. Ended up binging the entire 3 seasons.
The cast is great too, particularly Nicholas Cassim who plays Ray's brother, Justin Rosniak who plays his buddy Gary, and the great Aussie actor Damon Herriman, who plays a strip club owner and Ray's boss. A lot of people might know Herriman from Justified, where he played the iconic role of Dewey Crowe. The young actress that plays Ray's daughter is also great too, as a lot of the central theme is Ray trying to balance being a good father to his daughter while being both, divorced and handling his job as a "fixer" type guy for Freddy, similar to like Ray Donavan on that show, albeit on a smaller but more violent scale.
One last note, I read that Mr Inbetween is adapted from the 2005 movie, The Magician, where Scott Ryan's character Ray originated. I've yet to be able to see this movie but hope to soon. I highly recommend Mr Inbetween because it's really like nothing I've ever watched before. I can only hope the show could continue somehow down the road or maybe even a movie. Enjoy!!
The Aussie show Mr Inbetween was created by Scott Ryan (who plays the lead role of Ray) and his friend Nash Edgerton (brother of actor/writer/director Joel Edgerton). A lot of heart and humor for a show that has a pretty dark core to it. I came across the show on Hulu over this past Xmas break and I was hooked after just one episode. Ended up binging the entire 3 seasons.
The cast is great too, particularly Nicholas Cassim who plays Ray's brother, Justin Rosniak who plays his buddy Gary, and the great Aussie actor Damon Herriman, who plays a strip club owner and Ray's boss. A lot of people might know Herriman from Justified, where he played the iconic role of Dewey Crowe. The young actress that plays Ray's daughter is also great too, as a lot of the central theme is Ray trying to balance being a good father to his daughter while being both, divorced and handling his job as a "fixer" type guy for Freddy, similar to like Ray Donavan on that show, albeit on a smaller but more violent scale.
One last note, I read that Mr Inbetween is adapted from the 2005 movie, The Magician, where Scott Ryan's character Ray originated. I've yet to be able to see this movie but hope to soon. I highly recommend Mr Inbetween because it's really like nothing I've ever watched before. I can only hope the show could continue somehow down the road or maybe even a movie. Enjoy!!
Inventing Anna
(2022)
Feeling pretty indifferent to both sides of this story
16 February 2022
My few opinions on Inventing Anna:
-the music throughout the series is horrendous
-the cast was great, particularly Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, & James Cusati Moyer
-I left this series thinking that I did NOT feel bad for Anna Sorokin, NOR did I feel bad for the NYC trust fund elites, banking institutions, and overpriced boutique hotels that she conned throughout this run she was on. So watching it and feeling indifferent to "both sides" you kind of just end up feeling indifferent to the entire series of Inventing Anna.
- 9 episodes was way too long
-the music throughout the series is horrendous
-the cast was great, particularly Julia Garner, Anna Chlumsky, Arian Moayed, & James Cusati Moyer
-I left this series thinking that I did NOT feel bad for Anna Sorokin, NOR did I feel bad for the NYC trust fund elites, banking institutions, and overpriced boutique hotels that she conned throughout this run she was on. So watching it and feeling indifferent to "both sides" you kind of just end up feeling indifferent to the entire series of Inventing Anna.
After Life
(2019–2022)
Ricky Gervais is a comic genius!
14 January 2022
There's something about this show that makes it so charming. I love the dry British humor, the quirky cast of characters, and the bit of sadness at the heart of the show. The selection of songs that play usually at the beginning and end of the show fit perfect, from Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Elton John, to Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Bowie, Dylan, Death Cab, Cat Stevens, Sufjan Stevens and Radiohead. My only issue that I even have is that there aren't enough episodes!! I've noticed with the many British shows I watch is that they have a format of only 6 episodes in a series (a "season" as we call them here in the U. S.). I remember that was my biggest beef with the Phoebe Waller-Bridge show Fleabag. Just as you're really letting the show take hold of you, it's over just like that. You binge the show and it's over in a couple of hours. One last thing on Gervais, I've realized what a great actor he actually is. I know he's created and starred in other successful shows like The Office and some films but for a guy who I really knew primarily as a stand up comedian, he's an exceptional actor... At any rate, I love After Life and hope they do more of them!!
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