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Reviews
Bleeding Heart (2015)
Amazing performances
I think this movie deserves a higher rating, at least a 6.8 to 7. The performances by Biel and Mamet are great. Not as fun and Hollywood as Thelma and Louise, but I would argue that it's a better story of female empowerment. Biel plays a yoga teacher who practices and teaches peace and spirituality. Though we soon see that she doesn't have any true connection to the people close to her. Her seemingly perfect boyfriend, Dex, is controlling, although it's done in little ways that I think are so common in relationships. Biel is not truly supported and not truly free. It's only when she reconnects with her half-sister, who is a physically abused sex-worker, that she begins to form a deep bond with someone. The two women empower each other as the story progresses and find meaningful connection, amidst the trauma brought on by the sister's abusive boyfriend.
Booksmart (2019)
Had no expectations...honestly my favorite movie of the year.
This movie did have a couple of jokes I found to be a bit tedious, but overall it was so much fun...a really enjoyable ride. And surprisingly the best part was not even the humor but the warmth found between the characters that, I think, subverts the expectations of most high school coming of age comedies. Love and fun and true friendship that reminded me of the joy of being in high school...how damn much your friends mean to you at that time, and the silly times you had. By bringing surprise with the character, and getting to the warmth between the characters, I found some scenes downright transcendent with joy, especially the ending sequences. I think the use of music was also so well played. The scene where Amy dives into the pool, with the use of the song, is actually poetic. After finishing the movie, I watched the whole thing again. I never do that.
Arbitrage (2012)
There's something special here
The first time I saw this movie it rather infuriated me, but I find myself returning to rewatch it. I think it's intriguing as a slice-of-life look into the a very wealthy New York family and busy hedge fund manager on the verge of selling his company.
Is Robert Miller a despicable character or not? Would his confession have helped people or harmed them? The questions are not as simple as they initially appear. There's complexity here. The cast is impeccable. The production design is elegant. The soundtrack is surprisingly artistic.
Underwater (2020)
Impressive, enjoyable action movie
Maybe it's not highly original, but this movie is a solid action / sci-fi. The feelings of claustrophobia and intensity are real. The set feels authentic. Kristen Stewart is great as the lead, and the supporting characters are strong as well.
Nightfur (2011)
Very Indie but great!
I heard about this film through a friend, and was glad to see I could easily find it online. I purchased it at Barnes and Noble. Being a fan of foreign films, I was excited to find that this new American filmmaker seems to be embracing existential along with supernatural themes. Instead of fitting into a tidy genre like romance or thriller, the film sweeps pleasantly through many classifications. At times complete trance-like, kaleidoscope visions fill the screen unapologetically. The young physics student, Frank, is awkward and heartwarming as he navigates through his unusual experiences at his mentor's remote lab...with a rock and roll soundtrack keeping the pace.