What. A. Movie. Cable went down recently and rewatched this from my dvd collection - and was shocked at how captivated I am by this movie, even after dozens of viewing. Guy Pearce is just too believable as Leonard, the man with no short term memory. This film is just so perfect in every way - it will have you empathizing with Len in just about every way possible, as he/you try to unravel this mystery. It's the perfect example of a neo-noir. It's almost too clever for its own good. Supporting cast is to die for as well. One of Nolan's absolute best, on a a budget that was probably the same as what catering cost on Batman.
Reviews
12 Reviews
Strangers with Candy
(1999–2000)
The Surreal Deal
19 April 2021
I remember watching this for the first time and thinking YES, a show that truly gets my sick sense of humor. Sedaris anchors this brilliant series, that enlists a brilliant cast. It's the absolute perfect role for her (with her one on Kimmy Schmidt coming in second), for her to really display her perfect timing and all too glorious twang and cadence. Mocking the teen coming of age shows seems like an easy target, but who would've thought they would tackle it with such a surreal and wicked touch. Please bring this show back or at least an off-shoot of it, where the Z Gen is addressed. Also, the perpetually frozen DAD lolll.
Fast Color
(2018)
not a super hero movie at all
17 April 2021
This is a family drama - and yes the main characters happen to have telekinetic powers - so just don't get the genre twisted and you'll enjoy this slow burn. Great acting keeps this movie afloat - the three leads (inlcuding the child here who is going to be a star) are spectacular.
The Peanut Butter Falcon
(2019)
Sweetest movie in years
16 April 2021
In all honesty, Shia LeBeouf's offscreen antics over the years have made him sometimes hard to appreciate onscreen. This film couldn't have been a better showcase of his actual humanity - I'm very grateful he chose this project, as his performance was absolutely touching, gritty, and so real. Of course he doesn't hold a candle to Zack, the true star of the film. What an amazing talent, that we are so lucky to see blossom on the screen. What a sweet and beautiful performance - not sure I've rooted this much for a character in a lonnng time. I won't spoil anything, but a scene of his at the end had me literally cheering. Dakota Johnson is also at her best here -- you can really tell the actors all loved the material so much, and working with Zack. Oh, and Thomas Haden Church is great too! Just loved this movie from start to finish.
Like Me
(II) (2017)
Neon supreme
16 April 2021
The premise of this movie made me very hesitant, but after giving it a go, it shocked me with how cool and original it was. The camera work is phenomenal (which inventive sequences / trippy drug montages) and the story does NOT go how you would expect. The reviewers who didn't like this movie clearly did not grasp all the symbolism laden throughout. Basically, a runaway sees that she can achieve attention/validation through social media, and thinks this will be a fun way to spend her time - when she ups the ante and takes a hostage, things spiral way out of control, and the 'antagonist' proves to be a much more complicated person than originally displayed. This paradigm shifts even further as her descent into psychodelic madness spins out of control. Wish I had watched this on a bigger screen, that's how sumptuous the colors are. Really a visceral viewing experience.
Patchwork
(2015)
hilarious construction
15 April 2021
This movie was not at all what I thought it would be (the premise sounded like a complete human centipede rip-off), but it was so surprisingly great. Definitely more of a comedy than horror (although some awesomely gruesome body horror moments here I must say) that keeps you chuckling the whole run time. The actresses are all charmingly delightful (this has a very british feel to it, with dry humor - amidst all the blood..). The actual premise is so smart, a great reimagining of the Frankenstein tale, with a nice feminist angle. Stick around for the ending which is very satisfying (and the OWL lolllll).
re-possessed!
14 April 2021
Just rewatched this classic - I think a superior film than the original. Some really weird things happening in this movie (um hello, casual incest, and PAULLY from Rocky) which only add to the mystique of it. Would be a 10 without the Exocist "homage" ... but overall an engaging and very scary film. The practical effects here are awesome too - the transformation from teenager into demon at the end is really top notch. Give this a view if you're sick of all the *new* recycled garbage streaming now.
Kill Kill Faster Faster
(2008)
killing them ...harshly
13 April 2021
What a cool story. Love the slick performances out of all the actors here - Gil Bellows' best work for sure. Esai Morales is prime villain mode as well. EReally a clever concept and harsh, brutal execution. Makes you long for the city of the old days (even in its danger, it had more soul). The lead actress is as captivating as she is beautiful too - wow. The ending twist is so great too - just a real hard look at humanity, and what we are willing to lose/sacrifice.
Little Fish, Strange Pond
(2009)
unseen GEM!
13 April 2021
Stumbled on this flick and have to say it totally WOWed me. The attempt to market it (with the corny title change) was obviously a huge misstep (why is Zach on the cover? He's hardly in this movie), but that aside, it's a wild and truly thought provoking ride into the dark recesses of humanity. Mathew Modiene is pehnomenal in his role, and Callum Blue (who I'd never heard of) is amazingly real and surreal all at once. What a smart and interesting flick. Great execution of the serial killer premise - makes you think about a lot of existential things...
Reap
(2020)
clever and fun
13 April 2021
If you don't like independent horror, on a shoestring budget, then steer clear of this movie. If you appreciate a thoughtful story with really committed performances and some groovy twists, then give it a watch. Not sure what other reviewers here were expecting. I'd give this a 6 typically, but giving a higher rating here to offset these strangely negative ones. Loved the score too, really moody.
The Power
(II) (2021)
Beautiful feminist horror film!
13 April 2021
The setting, the tone, the mood, the performances - all stellar! Such a world that is created here. The tension in this movie is palpable, the whole runtime. What an eerie and nuanced take on the female experience, in a place and time that was downright oppressive. Watching the main actress craft a heartbreakingly real performance was the real treat. The dark and ominous atmosphere created here is almost too real. Loved the way that the 'evil' was half supernatural and half actual oppression facing her. This movie is for anyone who appreciates thoughtful thrills and chills.
The Stand In
(2020)
It's a dark dramedy - get over it!
13 April 2021
What is up with the reviewers here? Yes, this movie is billed as a comedy, but PLENTY of movie trailers do that, to lure an audience, and then hit you with a different/alternate genre altogether. This is a dark dramedy - about a woman struggling to comes to terms with her success and her repudiation of it. Drew Barrymore does a great job of creating these two totally polar characters (I mean, think about acting with yourself?? How hard must that be??). The rest of the cast is seen in roles we may not typically associate them with (loved Ellie Kemper as a straight-laced serious type - nice to see her range!). Michael Zegen is great as the love interest, in definitely the most understated of all the characters - really nice, nuanced work. Just go into it without the typical 'this is a rom com' expectations and see where it takes you. Definitely an interesting film with nice twists and turns -- just give it a chance to be what it is!
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