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borisK99
Reviews
Without Grace (2021)
Not what i expected
I streamed this on Amazon with my girl, I was a little apprehensive as it screamed Hallmark movie and I was afraid I was about to regrettably lose 2 hours of my life that I'd never get back, thankfully it was not that at all. We are both fans of Shannon Brown and we've seen a lot of his work, so we knew there was a pretty good chance that we'd enjoy it even if the genre wasn't necessarily our cup of tea. Grace certainly had elements that could drive the story towards a Lifetime snooze fest, but the writer did a fine job of steering the ship in a unique, less predictable direction. There are a couple of twists that certainly come out of nowhere including one early in the story that hits like freight train. In addition to the writing, the cast was superb. Most of us are familiar with Shannon Brown, so making him your lead charged with carrying the story is a pretty safe choice and to noone's surprise I'm sure, he once again delivers as the main character. This was not an easy role, but Brown does a masterful job of keeping you engaged which is good because I think he's in every darn scene.
I enjoyed seeing Jimmy Tolliver back on the screen again with Brown. Their characters played really well of each other and Tolliver's comedic chops certainly provided much needed levity in this gut wrenching tear jerker.
Most of the cast was great, but I could have done without the Terry character. This actor looks like an extra from Trailer Park Boys, but his so called acting finds an even lower floor than that. His predictable cheap humor provides more of an unnecessary distraction rather than the intended levity that I assume was intended by the director as it's not the type of comedy that belongs in a story like this. Not sure if this is a case of bad acting or bad direction, I'm sure the answer is somewhere in between. Enough on that, back to the positives.
There is plenty of eye candy in this one, but the director does a great job of layering these characters and eliminating much of the typical stereotypes that usually accompany such characters. The brightest star among the supporting cast is Hilary Anderson, I dare you not to fall in love with her character. The chemistry between Brown and Anderson is electric, palpable and really what elevates this film to something much more than your typical indie fare. I'll say this, if these two ever co star in anything again, I will be first in line to pick it up.
Also of note, the score is very well done in this film. Don't turn it off too soon as the closing credit song is really darn good, wouldn't be surprised to hear that song on the radio in the near future.
Overall I give this film a strong endorsement especially given that the production team pulled this off with what is reportedly a very modest budget. Sharp storytelling coupled with very strong actors can elevate a typical low budget indie into a powerful entertainment experience and that is exactly what this film achieved. Kudos to everyone involved in this one.
Death Wish (2018)
This movie would have been good 10 years ago mabye
I was looking forward to checking this out and unfortunately, I wish I didn't. The writing was basic at best. As a big fan of Bruce Willis I was hoping to see a glimpse of what made him so enjoyable to watch years ago and that just never happened. The cast is meh at best, the writing might not even live up that low bar. The action sequences are remedial. Just a miss in my opinion.
Green Book (2018)
I don't understand the hate
This was such a well done film. It had everything one could hope to get from a movie going experience. A dramatic masterpiece that will pull at your heart strings and even provide a few laughs along the way. The performances are Oscar worthy. The art and set design are so authentic given this is a period piece, that was a challenge I'm sure. I just cant find too many faults with this movie. The fact that its based on a true story just makes it that much more powerful.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Was never a Queen fan until I saw this movie!
I'd never been much of a Queen fan, didn't hate them, just didn't really get into their stuff. After watching this film, I can't help but excited every time I hear one of their songs now.
This movie had the feel of an indie film in a good way. I was so drawn into the storyline and the performances that I didn't want the film to end in spite of how long it was. Rami Malek is a legitimate star! Like most, I looked up footage of Freddie Mercury to compare and Malek nailed it. The entire cast was fab!! The Live Aid scene gives me goose bumps right now just thinking about it. These filmmakers really deserve all the accolades they've received.
Watch this movie if you havent yet, whether you are a Queen fan or not, you certainly will be after this experience.
Every 21 Seconds (2018)
Indie storytelling at its finest
I enjoy watching indies because there is an organic and purity to telling a story with a limited budget. We seem saturated with 100 million dollar superhero movies which can be entertaining in its own right, but its basically become just using a blank checkbook to get the latest technology in special fx. It's getting to the point where the entire film can be shot in front of a green screen, no thanks.
Every 21 Seconds is a perfect example of telling a great story with none of the smoke and mirrors. It centers around a brain injury survivor who defies all odds to not only survive, but thrive after his near death experience. I was initially drawn to this movie because I thought it was based on the true story of a man suffering from PTSD, but that is not at all what this was. Have you heard of a tbi? Yeah, me neither until I saw this film. tbi stands for traumatic brain injury and apparently its something that many people suffer from in our society. If you suffer one and you are lucky enough to survive you are often times stuck in a hell where you might look the same as you did before but you are not the same person at all. This film motivated me to research it some more and I was shocked to find out how common these types of injuries are from boxers, football players and armed forces veterans to regular day people like the guy this particular story is based on. It often times leads to depression, wild mood swings, memory loss and a buffet of other terrible side effects.
On to this film in particular. I was hooked immediately. The pace of the film keeps you invested, the performances keep you engaged and the fact that its based on a true story makes it all the more powerful. Shannon Brown is amazing as the main character. You cant help but laugh with him, cry with him and definitely pull for him as this intense story unfolds. A remarkable performance! His co star Kelly Thiebaud is also very powerful. She plays the main character's wife and she is anything but weak or a victim. Her portrayal of the devoted wife who will stop at nothing to help her husband is inspiring. Brown and Thiebaud are simply magnetic in this. A prime example of why I love indie filmmaking. These two stars took a great story and brought to life in a raw, unfiltered manner without the help of exotic locations or over the top special fx.
The film itself has a great pace to it. The cinematography is beautiful, the director navigated the ship perfectly, the score is brilliant. Again, no frills, just genuine story telling. I noticed one review where these filmmakers were actually mocked for having to work with a modest budget. I guess to someone shallow and un-artistic, it's a bad thing to be able to tell a great story without a big Hollywood budget. That same type of shallow critic is the reason there are 137 Avenger movies out there. I will applaud great storytelling and powerful performances achieved without the benefit of 100s of millions of dollars to dress it up and that is precisely what Every 21 Seconds is.
Arkham Sanitarium: Soul Eater (2014)
Arkham Sanitarium is a ride you better get strapped in for.
WOW! This was quite the movie going experience. Director Julian Grant took the popular found footage and put his own unique and wildly entertaining spin on it. The lead, Shannon Brown, was magnetic. Every time he was on the screen, I couldn't take my eyes off of him. Not only is Brown the lead, but he is also the comic relief. Just when the madness of the film gets to be a bit too much, Brown delivers the levity to keep you hooked. His co star Rinska Carrasco delivers as well as the frightened, but still strong, scientist investigating the alleged haunted clinic. I have seen Brown play multiple roles and I'm amazed by his seemingly endless range. One thing you know you are gonna get every time is a genuine performance and this film was no different. The chemistry and electricity between Brown and Carrasco is very real. The second male lead, Jerry, provides a great balance as the conservative, by the book scientist that is always at odds with Brown's character who is the fame hungry self annointed "face of the operation". There is a clever added element that certainly adds to the rivalry and tension between the characters that I won't give away. Overall, this film is a great ride, a VISUAL MIND RAPING for lack of a better term. Julian Grant pulled no punches and clearly made the film his twisted, genius mind wanted to make. That's why you have to love indie projects, filmmakers are not bound by what the "suits" deem appropriate. EASY 10 in my book, a MUST see!
Fate Accompli (2012)
Fate Accompli is a HOME RUN
I really enjoyed this film. I felt the performances of Mr. Sloan and Ms. Breen were flawless. The story is easy to follow and is actually quite simple. This was definitely a positive as I was able to focus on the characters and follow them on their journey. I was also impressed with how well the film was shot. Although a bit predictable, the story is still interesting and easy to follow. Art department, wardrobe and even hair and make up was also very well done. There may not be anything that will wow you with this film or knock you off your chair, but that is a positive in my book. Sometimes you watch films hoping to be inspired or left scratching your head the next morning, but sometimes you just want to watch and enjoy a good, solid movie. Fate Accompli does a great job of not trying to be something its not. That is refreshing, add in the strong performances and the spot on art choices, this film was an easy 10 for me.