Reviews

I have not seen the original. I've read that it is better than this film. Casting bankable actors doesn't improve a confusing and uneven script. A shock ending doesn't help.

This isn't the great art, but there are guilty pleasures aplenty in this ambitious take on the rebel angels theme. Who hasn't wondered if God has just given up on humanity? Fortunately, humanity has Paul Bettany as rebel angel Michael and he is not given up on humanity, but is burning with glorious purpose. In this movie it's convincing some folks in a run-down diner that all he movie has consistently good performances by all the cast. Fun ride.

The title refers to the German word for Mandrake root. A disturbing and noir-like horror movie that viewers will either love or hate, it has a queasy quality with elements of camp that will either annoy or delight.

Charismatic actor and director Erich von Stroheim, who held his own in Sunset Boulevard, doesn't disappoint here.

Karl Boehm, the wide-eyed, eerily handsome actor who rose to stardom in the British cult horror classic Peeping Tom, is also very watchable.

Context is everything. This is an intriguing horror film that will reward a second viewing.

Finding a safe place can be hard when you don't know where you belong.

This drama is hard to watch, but engaging. Vanessa Hudgens turns in a compelling performance as a feisty street kid who is searching for her identity amid hard choices.

Rosario Dawson, James Earl Jones and Brendan Fraser fully inhabit their roles.

The film addresses poverty, class, systemic racism, white privilege and the problems in the shelter system. Not a big film, but thought provoking.

I saw this again after many years, and was not disappointed. It's a well written, thoughtful SF film that doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence. John Lone is very moving as the bewildered hunter who is discovered by scientists. Timothy Hutton is credible as Shepherd, the compassionate scientist who connects with the Neanderthal, who he calls "Charlie". The film's portrayal of Charlie as a human being with a deeply spiritual side is strangely prescient, especially in light of recent discoveries about our own Neanderthal DNA. The scene where Shepherd and Charlie try to sing Neil Young's "Heart of Gold" is memorable and fun. This is a quietly effective film with a subtle message that doesn't beat you over the head with it.

I enjoyed this genuinely frightening addition to the demonic possession genre. It has an intriguing take on possession, but these ideas could have been more developed. Still, it's better than its mostly negative reviews would suggest. It plays with the tropes of the genre, trying to give them a quasi-scientific spin. It is more watchable than most movies of the genre, probably because of the cast. The usually handsome, lantern jawed Aaron Eckhart plays against type, uncharacteristically unshaven and disheveled as a broken man with unwanted abilities. The sad faced actor(didn't catch his name) playing the alcoholic father is quite moving as well. There are a few twists, and it gets under the skin quite effectively.

I really enjoyed this British take on the noir genre. It had a sensitive and moving performance by Riz Ahmed as a troubled PI. The plot, like all good noir, is satisfyingly layered. In addition to being an excellent whodunit, it addresses Islamophobia, the treatment of immigrants and the growing feeling that there are hidden agendas that affect our everyday lives. Not high budget or flashy but very well done. Highly recommended.