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Reviews
Belfast (2021)
A Wonderful Film
This brilliant film is sublime in every way.
There is a surreal vibe created here, like you're watching somebody else's home movie shot on film. The troubles definitely provide a backdrop of fear and the conflict, along with roadblocks and a limited filming area, makes us feel like we not only live in Belfast but right on their street...trapped on their street. But they love it anyway, because that is where their family is from, the heart strings are pulled hard in this one, especially for us Irish who now live "away". Dame Judy...turned on the waterworks there as she watched her family leave, supporting it all because it was best for them.
Thank you Mr. Branagh and cast & crew, for the experience. Why we go to the movies, right here.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Pretentious and ultimately void
Such an amazing cast and also a story that could have been woven into a compelling film. Instead, it went with both feet into an absurd art house version that was sinfully boring. A documentary about immoral, broken people without any compelling effort at a moment of redemption (maybe one...maybe...). More than simply a "yawn" (please, let's see Coleman walking down the road for another minute or staring blankly at other people or them staring blankly at her...is every character on bloody sedatives??), it is just an annoying film.
The Witch in the Window (2018)
Excellent, underrated film
This was a really good movie. A deeper and more nuanced departure from the "witch pops out and scares the hell out of you eighty times" kind of scary movie. Explored the nature of fear, life, regret, all in a way I found truly compelling. The acting was so good, and Draper in particular was brilliant. (Stanzione is now up there with the great Bonnie Aarons on my list of best "witches" 🖤).
This film tried something very unusual and I loved it. It worked. Bravo to all involved.
Old (2021)
Man, what's happening with MNS?
Devil and Signs are two of my top twenty-five films list, and they're bloody brilliant, classic style thrillers with lots of serious tension and some real "Oh SH$T" moments that make you jump. But Old just doesn't work. Lazy script, lots of utter nonsense, and an ending worthy of a Scooby Doo episode.
Breaking News in Yuba County (2021)
Terrible Script
Wonderful cast. Janney is a treasure. But the story is annoying AF. The attempt at a Fargo or Pineapple Express vibe fails badly.
The Woman in the Window (2021)
Like a tense stage play
I almost didn't invest the time because of the bad ratings and tomato score, but I'm glad I did. A real throwback to a Hitchcock movie or a play like the Mouse Trap. The cast is in the "are you kidding me, they're all int this film?" category and the acting is sublime, especially Adams and Herchinger, a slow burn, but the fire rises. Very good ride.
The Raven (2012)
Underrated
I almost passed on this film due to a 6.4 viewer rating, but the cast was too compelling so I took the plunge. Well worth it, an excellent movie. Excellent performances, costuming was amazing for this period piece, a frenetic pace...all in all, loved The Raven.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
Vacuous Drivel
Self indulgent nonsense. What a waste of acting talent especially the incredible Felicity Jones. Really misses the mark and hits....nothing at all.
No One Saw a Thing (2019)
Fascinating documentary
I agree with others that it is too long, and the attempt to connect the young mans disappearance and the young pregnant lady's murder to the town and the Ken Rex murder is a big stretch. Should be half the length and stick to the vigilante story but well worth the time.
Lost Child (2017)
Good film, strong message
It was a little stunted at the start but don't be put off. It is worth going along for the ride with this story. Some solid acting and a good message.
Upgrade (2018)
Excellent Film
Watched this because of Logan Marshall-Green (he was outstanding in M. Night's "DEVIL"), and this was even better than I imagined it would be. Some serious Matrix stuff, lots of A.I. built into the script (like Ex Machina) but after a slow burn start this film goes bonkers wild. Loved it.
Well done, folks, and give it a watch.
Serenity (2019)
Unnecessary Twist
This film was so well developed and had an excellent script going for it. The story was building to a challenging moral dilemma, acting was brilliant all around. Then it got junked with an absurd twist that was an attempt at deep existentialism. It was already dense enough. Diane Lane and Djimon Hounsou's (both always brilliant) characters basically fell into a hole and disappeared to accommodate the silly twist. They could have been the moral foil for greed and revenge, underscoring the quandary the protagonists were in. Why would you bother with the twist?? Unnecessary. Ended up being just silly.