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Code of Silence (1985)
Code of Silence: Chuck Norris' Masterpiece
I love 80's action films. Many of the classics are not glossy, special effects driven headaches, but movies with characters you care for. You might think Code of Silence is your typical Chuck Norris beat em up, shoot em up, and it is, but beneath all of that is a story about honor, right and wrong, honesty and in almost 40 years since released, one of the only movies that dig into what being a cop is about.
Just like my review of 1989's Black Rain, the essence of Code of Silence is the thin blue line that cops, especially back then, were expected to walk. There were no cell phone camera footage, no trial by Tik Tok, it was cops and cons and how justice was handed out.
There are two scenes in Code of Silence that too me, makes it special. The first is when Norris' character comes out of the Chicago River, goes over to Diana Luna and has to tell her her Mother's death was true. The facial expressions on both actors makes the scene. No dialogue at all.
The second and my favorite scene os during the hearing when Eddie says "Maybe 30 years is too long to look at the city's guts. Normal citizens don't realize the toll it takes to be a cop, especially for that long.
I highly recommend Code of Silence, it's easily one of my go-to 80's classics.
The Covenant (2023)
Hits you hard
I didn't know what to expect when I bought my ticket, I'm glad I did. This is not your normal "war" movie, it' an insightful look into the unsung and forgotten heroes in a war that dragged on to long. One of the words I would use to describe this is frustration. Frustrated at the depiction of the decision makers of the government that refuses to pay the debt of promising a new life in America for the translators who put everything on the line, against their own people, to support our troops. I was deeply affected by this movie, Jake was very good in this, he may have been the star but the role of the "interpreter" makes this movie very special. I highy recommend this movie.
In Bruges (2008)
The perfect movie
I've seen thousands of movies in my life and In Bruges is one of the ones I always come back to. The thing about it is it's almost the perfect movie.
Is it an action movie? Yes
Is it a comedy? Yes
Is it a drama? Yes
But the brilliance lies in the fact that all of those categories blend together to where you don't realize what is what.
It's a movie with brutal violence, brilliant humor and amazing performance by all involved
It is also a film about guilt, faith, redemption and the cost of the decisions we all make in life.
Most people don't catch all that's going on. But it by far one of my Top 10, if not Top 5 movies of all time.
Manhunter (1986)
Red Dragon was trash compared to this
William Peterson, in this role, puts Norton to shame. I wish it had more success in 1986. I always thought a Graham/Starling sequel, with Peterson reprising his role, along with pitch perfect Foster in Silence of the Lambs, would be amazing. Graham's hate of Hannibal and Starling's complicated relationship with Hannibal would make for such great theater between all 3 actors. I highly recommend reading both books even if you've seen all the movies. Harris paints a truly horrifying experience with much greater detail than the movies could delve into. It's too bad that both Hannibal and Red Dragon failed to meet the expectations of the original three.
Ambulance (2022)
One thing that didn't make sense
So they go on this wild chase to save the live of one cop. It seemed to me that all the craziness that ensues more than a few cops would have been killed. It makes no sense. Logic aside, it was a decent popcorn flick.
The Incredible Hulk: Married (1978)
I cry every time
Bill Bixby was such a master of his craft. The best of his talent was how he didn't even have to speak a word to know his emotional state. In "Married" he is never been better. I cry every time, at the end, when he's on the beach talking to the little boy about his wife's death. Every time.
Pig (2021)
Not really sure what I just watched
As I walked out of the theater I asked another customer who had just watched Pig what we just watched. It was by no means a bad movie, quite opposite but I thought it was gonna be a darker John Wick only with a pig.
There is no doubt I have to see this movie again as I have so many questions. The scene in the restaurant, and I won't spoil any of it, is masterful acting by Cage and the actor who played the Owner/chef.
Red Dawn (1984)
Dislike for the this epic movie is misguided
You need to look deeper when you watch Red Dawn. On the surface it looks like your typical 80's shoot-em-up, but upon multiple viewings you will find a masterpiece in patriotism, family and brotherhood. Patrick Swayze has never been better than in this movie. The final act of Red Dawn, the attack on the headquarters, is full of amazing scenes. From Bella's letter to his wife to the final scene in the playground, Red Dawn is a classic and should be revered as such.
The Lifeguard (2013)
I was pleasantly surprised by the
I went into this movie thinking it would be a slapstick comedy, but it was actually a pretty deep flick. Kristen Bell is hot and really good in this movie. Don't go into it thinking it's your typical Kristen Bell movie.
Black Rain (1989)
Black Rain
Beyond the gloss and cinematography is a movie about honor. The scene where Mas asks Conklin about his troubles in New York turn this run-of-the-mill 89 action picture into a study of the perception of honor and duty. Mas' comments about Conklin disgracing not only himself but Charlie's legacy and Mas' duty as a police officer. Deep stuff if you catch it.
ER: Orion in the Sky (2002)
"You set the tone Carter"
This episode features Dr.Greene's last day working at the ER and finally coming to terms with the fact he is going to die and he wants to die the way he lived his life. Fans of the show will notice many heartbreaking moments in this episode. Like when he tells the patient that he too knows what it is like to be dying. The 2 most painful moments are when he is leaving for the last time. When he is walking toward the door he makes eye contact for the last time with his longtime crush, Dr.Lewis, and as he walks to the door he responds to Abby's goodnight with a crushing "goodbye". The final scene between Greene and Carter passes the torch from one to the other, but in doing so leaves a huge void the show has never filled. Dr. Greene set the tone.