Change Your Image
robopanch-557-647895
Reviews
The Last Push (2012)
A nice change of pace for Sci-Fi
The thing that I liked most about this movie is that it placed realism and storytelling above spectacle. So much of modern sci-fi is over reliant on bombast, that it was refreshing to see an approach that took a realistic approach to a futuristic scenario.
Anchored by a great performance from Khary Payton, lone astronaut Michael Forrest must make a long, lonely voyage back to Earth after a technical mishap changes the parameters of his mission. The painful isolation shows what the real cost will be for future space exploration. The process is not idealized, however the fortitude, and support that will make it possible is properly lauded. At the end Michael Forest makes choice, I will not say what it is, but it is thought provoking and realistic! All in all a great, surprising film.
Inside the 50 Shades: Real Women Confess (2013)
A real life look into BDSM
I hadn't read "50 Shades of Grey", but was aware of the cultural impact. I watched this doc on a whim with my wife, more out of sheer curiosity about this weird somewhat secretive community. At first I found the culture of domination/submission to be odd and almost offensive. As the movie progressed I found myself not only respecting, but also becoming envious of their lifestyle. There is a point in the movie when one of the interviewees says "If people embraced their fantasies they'd be happier", and after watching this movie, even though I am too squeamish for BDSM, I did take that message to heart. The only drawback is the somewhat washed out production value, but this fly in wall education to this lifestyle more than makes up for it.
The Employer (2013)
Darwin and human nature
"Nobody Dies" That is what James Harris (David Dasmalchain) tells the group of 4 other applicants when he discovers that in order to win a job at the mysterious "Cacharais Corperation" they must murder each other until only one remains. It is a high minded ideal, but will it win out against the cold realities of their circumstances? These are the brutal circumstances put forth by "The Employer." Will they try to make it out together? or will their own fragile natures ensure their demise? Through flashback we see each of the characters interview with the mysterious Employer (Malcolm MacDowell)here we see their strengths, but more importantly their weaknesses. In addition to James the everyman there is the seemingly sweet and naive Sandra (Paige Howard), the stylish grad student Billie (Katerina Mikalilenko) the fast talking huckster Keith (Michael Delorenzo) and the gentle giant Mike (Matthew Willig) who has ample brains in addition to his brawn. After James declaration tensions arise and insecurity about survival starts to gnaw away at them. Add in a cameo from Billy Zane and you have a great thriller that utilizes character development and suspense, not cheap tawdry gore. "The Employer" adept commentary on our insecurity regarding today's job market shows that director Frank Merle is a bold new voice in not only the realm of horror, bit all of cinema. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Fargo (1996)
One of my all time faves!
Fargo is why I love movies. It is dark, funny, exquisitely scored and features some of the best acting performances I have ever seen. I will not give any spoilers to those who have not been fortunate to catch this classic, but watching the caper unfold and progressively get worse and worse is one of the most arresting experiences I have ever had in cinema. The plot revolves around Jerry Lundergard (Macy) hiring two thugs (Beschemi and Stormare) to kidnap his wife. He plans then to get the ransom from his over-powering father in-law and escape the crushing debt of both financial and emotional proportions. Of course nothing goes as planned and the caper takes deeper and darker turns. If you are a fan of the Coen Brothers I would put this at the top of the list!