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barrylyman
Reviews
Mudbound (2017)
Extraordinary!!!
I can't remember the last time I watched a film that was so touching. Especially set more than a half century ago, The acting is exceptionally great. The narrative is as smooth as molasses. But what really caught in my soul was that some of these racial prejudices still exist.
I was fortunate to have grown up in Canada in the 1950s. My Dad started his dental practice with a Japanese partner. Most of his patients were Native or Metis, who would, often as nought, pay him with chickens or a side of venison.
As I said, this story was relaetable to me, not because I share the centuries of oppression suffered by many many millions of African Americans, But because I am a Jew. And in the decade that came after WWII, was, practically, in a small town.
There is hate out there always THOSE WHO HATE ARE INSECURE.
In my opinion, this film is so important to where we were and where we've arrived, that it should have been given wider distribution beyond Netflix/s web. This story and its' storytellers should have been picked-up by a major studio.
Still, well done to all the tellers and actors - You have made my month! (maybe my year) I'd bet you'll never be the same for having the chance to perform these roles.
Bravo!
Lake Alice (2017)
For an in-the-woods slasher, this is much smarter than your average bear
For every 300 horror stories filmed, there may be one which is worth your time and attention.
Look no further.
This movie was riveting and extremely well-acted. The cast were obviously committed to their roles and the script, direction and photography was first-class.
45 min. cruised by before the 1st victim fell. Which is fine, because it gives the audience 45 min. to enjoy the tableau. It also creates 45 min. to establish the characters and no fewer than 5 suspects, one of who we imagine will be the eventual killer.
I don't, ever, reveal spoilers. Suffice to say, the ending is a surprise and is ultimately a gratifying conclusion.
I have to say, though, that in my 3 visits to Wisconsin, I have never witnessed mountains as portrayed in the cover shots. I don't doubt their existence...I was probably overwhelmed by the pastures, the livestock and the mosquitoes.
Enjoy.
Dead Awake (2016)
Exploitative to the many who suffer...
This is not a poorly acted or poorly directed movie.
What it is, however, is an enterprising and unrepresentative portrayal of a very real, very terrifying portrayal of a sleep phenomenon which occurs to most of us more than others realize.
I encourage you to search "sleep paralyses" online. If you're too lazy, it typically occurs within the walls between beta sleep and delta sleep. i.e., between lying in your bed and feeling sleepy and actually falling into a deep sleep.
No demons No death No sleepwalking
This wouldn't happen in a bathtub, or sitting against a wall. Typically, you would experience paralysis when imagining someone breaking into your home, while lying in bed - in the same position you remember lying-down in.
Cheers - I suffer from this 2 or 3 times a year. I hope this is helpful. Don't be afraid - It's natural.
The Before Time (2014)
Someone got a camera for Christmas. Someone else got an idea in their stocking/
I give this film a gracious "2" for originality.
Personally, I am very leery of a film that begins with titles that try to legitimize its premise by by informing the audience that the footage was "found". Really? the idea, although original at the outset, was so poorly crafted that it lost credibility quite soon. The performances were adequate, but the ensuing telling of the tale...SPOILER... I was left feeling taken advantage of. I would not recommend this to anyone who doesn't have a CD they'd rather listen to for 30 minutes while they watch agonized actors trying to portray real emotions in silence.
All in all, a disappointing effort, but it kept 2nd class filmmakers out of trouble for the duration of the project.
The Revenant (2015)
A true story, made original
Really, what a wonderful experience.
I was daunted by the film's duration. But after the first scene, I was applauding the DOP for his innovation and relationship with his subjects.
At the very least, this film should be recognized by its' effective use of optic technology. Wow It was like II was there - a true advancement in the craft.
A hard call between Leo De Caprio and Tom Hardy for Best Actor or Supporting role. You know from the first scene who to root for and who to despise. But something golden has to come of this triumph.
I've honestly never experienced such an up-close-and personal sideline view of a series of events. Thank you for that.
I was fortunate to have grown up close to where this film was shot. The locations are where I leaned how to camp, fish, ski, trek and teach my son to skate on a mountain lake with snow swept clear by the wind so you can see the fish 30 feet down.
I would have given this movie a 10, but for a couple inaccuracies which I will not dwell on.
Please enjoy his film and pass it on to friends. Ground-breaking cinematography, a truly compelling story and a truly committed effort by the actors. (I've been in that water and I'll tell you, Hell is cold).
Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her (2000)
This was real treat of writing, acting and direction
I don't know why I waited so long to see this film. Maybe the studio didn't do as much to promote this as it deserved.
A wonderfully told and supremely acted version of the flip-side to the coin of male angst in our 30's and 40's.
The casting was brilliant and every single actor gave what you'd except from their previous efforts. Cameron Diaz, though was an exception. Her portrayal of Amy's sister was a remarkable and well-delivered effort.
I would recommend this film as a must see - for both women who are looking for the loves of their life, as well as men who don't realize they're out there. Also hoping to stumble on the perfect match.
Tomorrowland (2015)
A good sci-fi, but nothing new except advanced SFX
This was an enjoyable film. But not the first incarnation of the timeless tale of time travel: If we could go back...or forward, would we be able to change the inevitable? By and all this is "Stargate" on steroids.
Not wanting to provide any spoilers, this is certainly destined to be an epic by virtue of its technology and a brilliant director. It also features solid performances by a seasoned cast and crew.
A big surprise was the young "Athena" who is destined for greater things to come.
My only note of mild disappointment is that I am a great fan of Britt Robertson and have been waiting for a breakout role for her to be portrayed as an adult, which she is. References to her in this film a "the kid" will not move her out of the realm of teenager portrayals.
All that said I hope you enjoy this epic ride as I did.
Maggie (2015)
This is about society, not zombies
I'm not into the zombie genre, so I was delighted. I am into great stories, though, and marvellous performances.
Maggie is a brilliant reflection on our society. This child could have been a victim of AIDS, Ebola, gay, or even Jewish. Her treatment by those in authority resonates over a broad scale. Here is a child who has come home to her last vestiges of safety: a strong father's protection, an understanding and loving community...to a point.
Maggie is beautifully told as a cautionary tale of what "might" be if the worst came to the worst and someone was considered as a threat to common order.
Abigail Breslin exudes every drop of her skills in the role of an unwitting victim. Arnold exceeded all my expectations as a gifted actor who can convey real emotion - no bravado, no catchphrases and no knock-em-down heroics.
This is a very well-shot film. The DOP put me in the backyard and the supporting cast made me feel like I was "family".
Quite unique, the scenes with Maggie's friends actually made me weep. Like real tears. A zombie movie? Get out! This film should be recognized for its acting as well as its subtext. Watch it and you'll be treated to top notch performances, outstanding direction and ninety minutes well-spent. And no zombie creepiness.
The Housewife Slasher (2012)
Good script. Good talent. Too bad the director sucked.
You have a good story and mostly really good, capable actors. But if the director lacks the ability to relate to talent, the story goes up in smoke. Such was the case with this film. For the most part, the characters lacked affect. I put that squarely on the director for not guiding his cast to act human. Mostly I felt very little emotion from the actors. Seems like they called it in an were not in the league to afford such luxury.
This was another case of "I have a script, my cousin has a clothing store and I have a house we can shoot in".
The shooting was also very poorly directed with lapses in continuity that didn't make sense, action that was poorly executed and I won't even comment on the editing and the score.
My bottom line is if you consider cheating on your spouse, don't. It's not as simple as if your neighbour drives a hybrid, you should, too.
By all means, if you have a friend in the cast, see this film. You can be proud of their work and for them showing up on set. It's just unfortunate that the director came up lame.
The Hunted (2013)
In the woods at night, and you were worried about bugs?
When I was a kid, we used to tell ghost stories or re-tell urban legends around the the campfire. With the advent of the "found footage" genre, we've found a whole new way to keep our kids awake all night, even camping in the backyard.
"Blair Witch" did it first. But in my opinion, Josh Stewart has done it best. The filming wasn't so obviously orchestrated as to suggest a D.O.P., but then again, this stuff doesn't just 'happen'. The editing was great and the thrill of terror and suspense was heightened by the anticipation of the next 'event' (don't want to spoil what happens).
This is a very well crafted, well presented and well produced film - unlike so many other "found footage" projects that make you wonder if maybe someone's dad bought them an editing suite for Christmas.
Next time I pitch a tent around a campfire - if I'm ever so brave after watching this - I'll bring along a laptop and share this tale. Then, spend the night in my SUV with the doors locked.
Ironically, the only thing missing in this film was an actual campfire. Otherwise, very very well done and the cast and crew deserve an 'A' for effort and an "A+" for execution.