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The Cotton Club (1984)
The Cotton Club isn't Francis Ford Coppola's best work, but it is a fun gangster love story
I recently watched the Francis Ford Coppola film The Cotton Club (1984) on Tubi. The storyline follows a jazz musician who gets his big break thanks to his acquaintance with a gangster. Unfortunately, they're in love with the same girl. As the musician rises to fame, he might not want to share her with the gangster anymore.
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather), this film stars Richard Gere (Pretty Woman), Gregory Hines (A Rage in Harlem(, Diane Lane (The Outsiders), Bob Hoskins (Who Framed Roger Rabbit), Fred Gwynne (Pet Sematary), and Nicolas Cage (Face/Off).
This is a very well-crafted film with a fun storyline worth following. The attire, sets, props, and cars are fantastic, and it features a unique and engaging love story. The action scenes were impressive, especially a gory and memorable throat stab. The characters and dialogue were first-rate. James Remar (The Warriors) was a great villain and easy to root against, while Bob Hoskins was perfect as the intermediary. Richard Gere was solid, and though the love story was decent, the tap dancing scenes truly steal the show, despite some scenes dragging. The ending was a perfect way to conclude the story.
In conclusion, The Cotton Club isn't Francis Ford Coppola's best work, but it is a fun gangster love story. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it at least once.
Tetsuo: The Bullet Man (2009)
This may be the weakest film in the Tetsuo trilogy, but it is unique and entertaining enough to make it worth a watch
I recently rented Tetsuo: The Bullet Man (2009) on Prime. The storyline follows a father who loses his son in a tragic accident. Shortly after the tragedy, he sees the driver from the accident that killed his son. This triggers an outrage inside him, causing a chemical reaction that transforms him into a metal killing machine out for revenge.
This film is written and directed by Shin'ya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man) and stars Eric Bossick (Equals), Tomorô Taguchi (Tetsuo: The Iron Man), and Yutaka Mishima (Silence).
The opening credits and introduction always get me fired up for another Tetsuo movie. This film features elite cinematography and has a unique, artistic flair. The background soundtrack and sound effects are once again top-notch. This film introduces new weapons, body configurations, and an entirely new premise. I enjoyed the new movements and the gore; the kills are always cool, but at times the film feels too clean and polished. I also felt they could have done more with the main character. The conclusion was solid and a fitting ending to the trilogy.
In conclusion, this may be the weakest film in the Tetsuo trilogy, but it is unique and entertaining enough to make it worth a watch. I would score this a 6.5/10 and recommend seeing it once.
The Wrestler (2008)
The Wrestler is a unique and well-crafted character piece with a compelling storyline and fantastic acting
I recently rewatched the Darren Aronofsky classic The Wrestler (2008) on Tubi. The storyline follows an aging wrestler whose body is starting to break down as he searches for meaning in life. He seeks love from a stripper and his estranged daughter, finding both relationships challenging. He struggles to settle back into normal life and find purpose outside the ring. Wrestling might be his only source of happiness, but can he continue forever?
This film, directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), stars Mickey Rourke (Sin City), Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny), Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen), and Mark Margolis (Requiem for a Dream).
This movie is absolutely brilliant in so many ways and truly an elite character piece. The Wrestler and Angel Heart are probably tied as my favorite Mickey Rourke performances. His character's evolution, circumstances, goals, trials, and tribulations are exceptionally well presented. The nuances of his lifestyle, both inside and outside the ring, are fascinating, compelling, and overwhelming. This is one of those films where there's a sliver of hope for a happy ending, but you keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. The meat slicing scene makes me cringe every time, and the final shot is a perfect and realistic conclusion. There's just so much to like here.
In conclusion, The Wrestler is a unique and well-crafted character piece with a compelling storyline and fantastic acting. I would score this a 10/10 and strongly recommend it.
Fallout (2024)
Fallout is the perfect blend of science fiction and horror, with a massive universe that sucks you in like Game of Thrones
My wife and I finally finished Fallout (2024) on Prime. The storyline follows a post-apocalyptic world where a nuclear bomb has destroyed civilization. The surface is plagued by radiation, while some survivors live in commercial bunkers underground. When a bunker community is invaded and its leader kidnapped, his daughter offers to leave the bunker to find and rescue him. She's in for a rude awakening as she discovers just how different the world is from her bunker.
This series was co-created by Geneva Robertson-Dworet (Captain Marvel) and Graham Wagner (Silicon Valley) and stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets), Walton Goggins (The Hateful Eight), Aaron Moten (Emancipation), and Leslie Uggams (Deadpool).
The special effects, attire, soundtrack, and backdrops brilliantly pull you into the universe and storyline, keeping you locked in. The series weaves multiple storylines that intersect and collide by the end. Interestingly, the main character is the hardest to root for, while the characters around her are the most fascinating. The subplots are well-developed and smart, and the circumstances feel realistic. My favorite episode featured the "organ donor" robot sequence and the drug maker concluding shootout. The Michael Rapaport episode and the foot sequence were also excellent. The final war for the head was a great climax, effectively closing out plot lines and setting up new ones for season 2.
In conclusion, Fallout is the perfect blend of science fiction and horror, with a massive universe that sucks you in like Game of Thrones. This is a new classic that I would score a 9/10 and strongly recommend.
Babes (2024)
Babes is a smart addition to the comedy genre, similar to "Booksmart."
My wife and I watched Babes (2024) in theaters this evening. The storyline follows lifelong best friends as they transition into family life and motherhood. One of the friends unexpectedly gets pregnant and stumbles into motherhood. This news is almost immediately followed by tragedy, testing the best friends' relationship like never before.
The film is directed by Pamela Adlon (44 episodes of Better Things) and stars Ilana Glazer (Broad City), Michelle Buteau (Zootopia), Hasan Minhaj (No Hard Feelings), John Carroll Lynch (Fargo), and Stephan James (If Beale Street Could Talk).
Babes is a unique and well-written addition to the comedy genre. The characters are authentic and experience realistic circumstances. The dialogue is sharp, and the situations are creative. Some of my favorite moments included the boy milking conversation, the scenes where they are high, the brother doctors at the lab, the ongoing poop references, and the "needle" situation, all of which were hilarious. The birth scenes are also well done. The storyline has a great premise and a rewarding ending. My only complaint is that some conversations felt overdone and there were a few cheesy moments.
In conclusion, Babes is a smart addition to the comedy genre, similar to "Booksmart." I would score it an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.
Club Dread (2004)
Club Dread is a worthwhile horror comedy that's a fun watch with the appropriate expectations
I recently rewatched the horror comedy Club Dread (2004) on Tubi. The storyline follows an isolated resort on an island where booze flows, drugs are plentiful, there's an abundance of pretty people having sexual relations...and a serial killer is on the loose.
This film is written, directed by, and stars Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers). It also stars Bill Paxton (Aliens), Kevin Heffernan (Super Troopers), Brittany Daniel (Skyline), M. C. Gainey (Wild Hogs), and Tanja Reichert (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang).
This is a movie that I always enjoy but find a bit uneven. The cast and performances are outstanding. It's impossible not to love Bill Paxton and M. C. Gainey in this. The film does a great job of not taking itself too seriously. The kills in this are weak, but there are some fun corpses and good use of blood. The "gymnast" sequence was the highlight for me, and the resort going crazy at the end was a lot of fun. However, I always wish the killer reveal was better. I'm surprised this doesn't have a sequel.
In conclusion, Club Dread is a worthwhile horror comedy that's a fun watch with the appropriate expectations. I would score this a 6.5/10 and recommend seeing it once.
Ride Along 2 (2016)
Ride Along 2 is a worthwhile addition to the comedy genre and as good as the first one, if not better
I recently watched Ride Along 2 (2016) on Tubi. The storyline picks up with James assigned a new mission and Ben still dreaming of becoming a full-fledged police officer. Ben's wedding to James' sister is approaching, but he isn't getting along with the wedding planner at all. Ben's fiancée begs James to take him on his next assignment, and he reluctantly agrees. It seems like everything is working out perfectly for everyone...except James.
This film is directed by Tim Story (Barbershop), and stars Ice Cube (Friday), Kevin Hart (Jumanji), Benjamin Bratt (Miss Congeniality), Ken Jeong (The Hangover), Bruce McGill (Law Abiding Citizen), and Glen Powell (Top Gun).
The cast for this movie is impressive, with multiple fun cameos. The storyline and dialogue feel fresh and avoid rehashing the "same old content" from the first film. The action scenes are very well shot, with a Fast and Furious feel. The comedic content is worthwhile, and there's a "GTA" segment that had me cracking up. The final wedding sequence was also good, with a bit of a Bad Boys vibe.
In conclusion, Ride Along 2 is a worthwhile addition to the comedy genre and as good as the first one, if not better. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it once.
Nadie oyó gritar (1973)
No One Heard the Scream is a worthwhile Spanish giallo that I would recommend to fans of the genre
I recently watched the Spanish giallo 🇪🇸 No One Heard the Scream (1973) on Shudder. The storyline follows a female escort who opens her apartment door and sees her neighbor dropping a woman's body down the elevator shaft. He forces her to be his accomplice, and a unique relationship forms.
This film is directed by Eloy de la Iglesia (El Pico 1 & 2) and stars Carmen Sevilla (Glass Ceiling), Vicente Parra (The Cannibal Man), Maria Asquerino (Dying of Laughter), and Antonio Casas (The Good, the Bad and the Ugly).
This is one of those films where unexpected events keep unfolding. It has very creative twists and turns and is well-written. The acting by the two main characters is solid. The background sound effects and overall soundtrack create the perfect atmosphere. The elevator shaft sequence is particularly well done. There's a fun boat scene that could have been executed better but was still entertaining. All the ending scenes at the camp gave me anxiety, especially once some of the characters revealed their true intentions. The film also has a smart conclusion.
In conclusion, No One Heard the Scream is a worthwhile Spanish giallo that I would recommend to fans of the genre. I would score this a 7/10 and recommend seeing it at least once.
Jezebel's Kiss (1990)
Jezebel's Kiss had all the ingredients for success but fails in execution and the casting of the crucial main character
I recently watched Jezebel's Kiss (1990) on Tubi. The storyline follows a woman who arrives in a small town and begins relationships with several residents while asking questions about a woman who has been missing for a long time. As she starts uncovering strange things about the missing woman, people start dying around town. How is the woman connected to the deaths and the long-missing woman?
This film is directed by Harvey Keith (Mondo New York) and stars Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange), Katherine Barrese (Payback), Everett McGill (Twin Peaks), Meg Foster (They Live), and Meredith Baxter (Family Ties).
This movie had so much potential, with a Twin Peaks vibe, an interesting storyline, and a solid cast. However, it fell short due to one critical issue: the poor casting of the main character. Katherine Barrese's performance was flat and couldn't keep up with the rest of the cast, despite her beauty. The soundtrack was solid, but Keith also missed the mark on the delivery of the flashbacks, which felt awkward. Additionally, the ending father/son fight was strange. I did enjoy the overall twist at the end.
In conclusion, Jezebel's Kiss had all the ingredients for success but fails in execution and the casting of the crucial main character. I would score this a 5/10 and recommend seeing it once.
Malatesta's Carnival of Blood (1973)
Malatesta's Carnival of Blood is an underrated horror gem that's a must-see for enthusiasts of the genre
I recently watched Malatesta's Carnival of Blood (1973) on Tubi. The storyline follows a boy who goes missing at a carnival and his family who visits the carnival looking for him. Unbeknownst to them, the carnival is run by a vampire and his lackey, who has an army of the living dead. Can the family overcome the odds and rescue their son, or will they just be the next victims?
This film is directed by Christopher Speeth in his lone directorial project and stars Hervé Villechaize (Fantasy Island), Lenny Baker (The Paper Chase), Janine Carazo, Jerome Dempsey (Tune in Tomorrow), and Williams Preston (Waterworld).
This movie is amazing. Who wouldn't want to see the actor from Fantasy Island running around shooting a shotgun? The groundskeeper is such a cool character, and the zombies look great. However, it's the setting that steals the show. This couldn't feel more like a 70s county fair where who knows what happens after it closes. This film takes it to the next level with man-eating zombies in the background. There's a fun decapitation scene, despite the use of classic red paint-colored blood. The gore elements are also pretty good. There's a lot to like here.
In conclusion, Malatesta's Carnival of Blood is an underrated horror gem that's a must-see for enthusiasts of the genre. I would score this a 7-7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.
Desperado (1995)
Desperado is an elite addition to the action genre that I would highly recommend
I recently revisited Desperado (1995) on Netflix. The storyline follows a town ruled by a ruthless drug kingpin. A mysterious man arrives in town claiming to be a mariachi looking for work at the same time a foreigner arrives for a major drug trade. Things get mixed up, and the mariachi becomes a target of the kingpin. The mariachi may have no choice but to go to war with the drug lord.
This film is written and directed by Robert Rodriguez (Planet Terror) and stars Antonio Banderas (Interview with the Vampire), Salma Hayek (From Dusk Till Dawn), Steve Buscemi (Reservoir Dogs), Cheech Marin (Born in East LA), and Danny Trejo (Machete).
This movie is magnificent in just about every way. The settings, props, and soundtrack all pull you into the universe and keep you locked in. The dialogue is epic, and every conversation at the bar is legendary. The beer references throughout the movie are hilarious, as is the "pissing joke" sequence with Tarantino. Banderas and Hayek are easy to root for, and Trejo is a menacing henchman. The shootouts and kills are intense, gory, and creative. The dialogue and acting feel authentic, with a pulp feel in many ways. The storyline is a fun blend of action, love, tragedy, and triumph. This really is an epic action picture.
In conclusion, Desperado is an elite addition to the action genre that I would highly recommend. I would score this a 9.5/10.
Baby Reindeer (2024)
Baby Reindeer tackles numerous topics related to the journey of life. There's a lot to learn from this series
I finally watched the short series Baby Reindeer (2024) on Netflix. The storyline follows a bartender who is an aspiring comedian, down on his luck in his love life, and living with his ex-girlfriend's mother. One day, a woman comes into his bar, and feeling sorry for her, he decides to be nice to her. She instantly becomes obsessed with him, and what initially seems fun and playful quickly gets out of hand...
This series is written, directed by, and stars Richard Gadd (Fully-Charged Videos), and also features Jessica Gunning (Pride), Nava Mau (Generation), Shalom Brune-Franklin (Our Girl), and Tom Goodman-Hill (The Imitation Game).
Baby Reindeer is a fascinating real-life character piece that goes much deeper than I anticipated. The elements of stalking and how they relate to ego, self-worth, and obsession are intriguing, but so are the themes of grooming and self-discovery. The series explores the complexity of life and the uniqueness of everyone's journey. The evolution of the protagonist's outlook on his parents is particularly striking. The story is very sad in many ways but also emotionally and functionally compelling. This is a deeply engaging experience.
In conclusion, Baby Reindeer tackles numerous topics related to the journey of life. There's a lot to learn from this series. I would score it a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.
Bad Teacher (2011)
Bad Teacher is a unique and worthwhile addition to the comedy genre that's a must-see
I recently rewatched Bad Teacher (2011) on Hulu. The storyline follows a gold-digging teacher who, after being dumped by her fiancé, returns to her teaching job with a new motivation: to raise funds for breast implants. She looks to manipulate the students and fellow teachers to accomplish her goal but may find herself in the process...
This film is directed by Jake Kasdan (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story) and stars Cameron Diaz (Charlie's Angels), Justin Timberlake (Trolls), Jason Segel (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Kathryn Newton (Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania), and Lucy Punch (Into the Woods).
The movie boasts a unique premise and fun characters and settings. The cast is perfectly selected, and Cameron Diaz delivers a standout performance. The storyline is well-written and smarter than one might anticipate, with clever side characters. Lynn is an amazing character, and Justin Timberlake's awkward and wild jean sex scene is memorable. The comedic content is consistent and had me cracking up. The car wash scene and the bathroom sequence were hilarious. The ending has a smart, full-circle element that is well executed.
In conclusion, Bad Teacher is a unique and worthwhile addition to the comedy genre that's a must-see. I would score this a 7/10 and strongly recommend it.
Madman (1981)
Madman is a worthwhile 80s summer camp slasher that's a must-see for horror enthusiasts
I recently watched Madman (1981) on Shudder. The storyline follows a summer camp where, at night, the counselors tell horror stories to the kids and each other around the campfire 🔥. When they recount the tale of Madman Marz, a local murderer, killings start happening in the area again. Could he be back, or is someone else responsible?
This film is directed by Joe Giannone in his line directorial project and stars Gaylen Ross (Dawn of the Dead), Tony "Fish" Nunziata (Deadly Hero), Harriet Bass (An Empty Bed), and Jan Claire (Star Trek: Voyager).
Madman is a quintessential 80s summer camp slasher movie, a genre that thrived in the early 80s. The costume and presentation of the killer are solid, as are his backstory and setup. The kills are excellent, with great blood splatter and gore. While ax killings are the primary focus, there's also a notable hanging. The film features the typical 80s nudity and a fun ending sequence that perfectly wraps up the storyline. I enjoyed this one a lot.
In conclusion, Madman is a worthwhile 80s summer camp slasher that's a must-see for horror enthusiasts. I would score this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga delivers an action-packed post-apocalyptic cinematic experience
My wife and I watched Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024) in theaters last night. The storyline follows a young woman from a land of abundance who hides her identity and tries to make herself useful until she can gain revenge on the man who kidnapped her and killed her mother.
This film is directed by Australian legend George Miller (Mad Max) and stars Anya Taylor-Joy (The Queen's Gambit), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Tom Burke (Only God Forgives), Lacey Hulme (Killer Elite), and Charlee Fraser (Anyone But You).
This is one of the best post-apocalyptic movies I've seen in a long time. The depiction of the universe and its desperation for resources is brilliantly conveyed. The action scenes are impressive, featuring beautiful cinematography, intensity, and gore. A world surviving on strength, ferocity and humans for food is perfectly depicted from beginning to end. The fuel truck run sequence is cinematic gold. The acting is excellent, with Chris Hemsworth exceeding expectations. His matchup with Immortal Joe was a lot of fun. Anya Taylor-Joy as the main character was solid. My one complaint would be that Chris Hemsworth's monologue ran a bit long at the end, but his ultimate fate was satisfying enough that I can easily overlook that. There are also some clever tie-ins to the previous Mad Max films. There's a lot to like here.
In conclusion, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga delivers an action-packed post-apocalyptic cinematic experience. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.
The Killing Jar (1997)
The Killing Jar had some potential but suffers from poor execution
I recently watched The Killing Jar (1997) on Tubi. The storyline follows a married couple who return to the husband's hometown so he can run the family business. When it's suspected that the husband witnessed an accident that may have been a murder, he denies seeing anything, but nobody believes him, causing the town to doubt what happened and why. As additional murders occur, the husband's psychological state starts falling apart, along with his world.
This film is directed by Evan Crooke, in his directorial debut, and stars Brett Cullen (The Dark Knight Rises), Tamlyn Tomita (The Karate Kid Part II), Wes Studi (Heat), Brion James (Blade Runner), and Frank McRae (48 Hrs).
The film has a made-for-television feel to it. The premise has potential, and the cast isn't bad, but neither is well utilized. The main characters were just average, but Studi delivers a solid supporting performance. Brion James as a hypnotist was odd, and although I generally love McRae's comedy, he was more of a miss than a hit here. There are no standout kills, except for a creative use of a fishhook while driving. Overall, there were few redeeming elements.
In conclusion, The Killing Jar had some potential but suffers from poor execution. I would score this a 3/10 and recommend skipping.
Gran Turismo (2023)
Gran Turismo is a thrilling ride with a solid storyline and well-executed characters
I recently watched Gran Turismo (2023) on Netflix. The storyline follows Nissan running a contest to find the greatest Gran Turismo video game players and picking one driving team from the group. We follow their driving champion as he transitions to an actual Formula 1 racer.
This film is directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9) and stars Archie Madekwe (Saltburn), David Harbour (Stranger Things), Orlando Bloom (The Lord of the Rings), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), and Josha Stradowski (The Wheel of Time).
The special effects and cinematography throughout this film are top-notch. The racing scenes are captured with intensity and realism, and the crashes are epic. I also like how they tied in video game elements, from how cars are made to racing strategy. There are also some deeper-than-expected family dynamic subplots, particularly the father/son relationships, which are very well executed. The races are exciting, especially the last one. The conclusion is perfect, and I loved the shots during the closing credits. This film is way better than it should be.
In conclusion, Gran Turismo is a thrilling ride with a solid storyline and well-executed characters. I would score this an 8/10 and strongly recommend it.
Ash vs Evil Dead (2015)
Ash vs Evil Dead is another brilliant addition to the Evil Dead universe by the Raimis and lives up to expectations
I recently rewatched the series Ash vs Evil Dead (2015) on Prime. The story follows Ash, who gets high one night with a baddie and reads from the Necronomicon. His misfortunes impact two new friends who are dragged on a journey with Ash against the Deadites. We also get a glimpse into where and how Ash grew up, why Jacksonville is the greatest place on Earth, and whether Ashy Slashy still has what it takes. It's a rollercoaster 🎢 chainsaws and boomsticks.
This series was created by Ivan and Sam Raimi, who also worked together on Army of Darkness and Drag Me to Hell, and stars Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead), Ray Santiago (Meet the Fockers), Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess), Dana DeLorenzo (A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas), Ted Raimi (Twin Peaks), Lee Majors (The Six Million Dollar Man), and Mimi Rogers (Ginger Snaps).
This series has everything a horror enthusiast could want from an over-the-top gore fest in the Evil Dead universe. Each season gets better than the last. The first season does a great job of setting the universe, establishing the characters, and setting a direction for the series. The second season, with Lee Majors, is awesome. The back-and-forth between Majors and Campbell, volleying between Deadites vying for their souls and extreme gore and blood splatter, is fantastic. There are so many decapitations and firehose blood sprays that I could watch this all day. This series does a good job of wrapping characters around the larger-than-life Bruce Campbell, who is once again awesome. The zings and dialogue throughout are entertaining. The last season felt like it could be the end but left a crack open for a follow-up, and they should have made another one.
In conclusion, Ash vs Evil Dead is another brilliant addition to the Evil Dead universe by the Raimis and lives up to expectations. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.
Rashômon (1950)
Rashomon delivers a mesmerizing story masterfully. This is another Kurosawa/Mifune masterpiece that's a must-see.
I recently rewatched the Akira Kurosawa classic Rashomon (1950) on MAX. The storyline follows three traveling me who take refuge in a building known as Rashomon. They share similar stories of a bandit who recently murdered a man and raped and killed his wife. Each has different versions of the story and the motives of the bandit. It becomes apparent that one of them knows more than he lets on, and as he tells his story, the events change in the minds of the listeners.
This film is directed by the iconic Akira Kurosawa (Ran) and stars Toshiro Mifune (Yojimbo), Machiko Kyô (The Teahouse of the August Moon), Takashi Shimura (Ikiru), and Masayuki Mori (The Idiot).
This picture is brilliantly written and even better executed. Akira Kurosawa is truly one of the greatest storytellers and directors of all time. The acting is outstanding, and there's never a time a Kurosawa/Mifune collaboration isn't a must-see. It's akin to Scorsese films with De Niro or DiCaprio. The settings, attire, and props immerse you in the universe and make everything feel authentic. The storyline is brilliant, with splashes of humor, a love story between the husband and wife, devastation, and clever twists and turns. This film really offers everything. The beggar, wife, and husband showdown at the end is brilliant.
In conclusion, Rashomon delivers a mesmerizing story masterfully. This is another Kurosawa/Mifune masterpiece that's a must-see. I would score this a 10/10 and strongly recommend it.
Rustin (2023)
Rustin is a unique and worthwhile character piece that's well worth your time
My wife recently recommended the movie Rustin (2023) on Netflix. The storyline follows activist Bayard Rustin, who is best friends with Martin Luther King Jr. And often at odds with the NAACP. He plans a march on Washington but needs to raise awareness for the event, gain backing from D. C. and the NAACP, and get Martin's buy-in. Can he accomplish this goal after losing his partnership with Martin and his team?
This film was directed by George Wolfe (You're Not You) and stars Colman Domingo (Selma), Chris Rock (CB4), Glynn Turman (Gremlins), CCH Pounder (Avatar), and Jeffrey Wright (American Fiction).
This is a wonderful character piece set against fascinating and thought-provoking circumstances. Colman Domingo delivers an aloof and unpredictable performance. The writing is excellent, and the dialogue flows well, keeping the audience engaged with the characters' goals and their journey. The supporting cast is magnificent, maintaining the intensity and highlighting the challenges faced by our main character. The ending is triumphant and worth the journey.
In conclusion, Rustin is a unique and worthwhile character piece that's well worth your time. I would score this an 8/10 and highly recommend it.
Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return (1999)
Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return is another poor addition to this series
I recently watched Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return (1999) on MAX. The storyline follows a young woman who discovers her biological mother is from Gatlin. She heads to Gatlin to uncover the mystery of her past. Meanwhile, Isaac has awakened from a coma and is back in Gatlin as well.
This film is directed by Kari Skogland (The Falcon and the Winter Soldier) and stars Natalie Ramsey (Cherry Falls), Stacy Keach (Escape from LA), John Franklin (Children of the Corn), Gary Bullock (Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me), and Nancy Allen (RoboCop).
The settings and backdrops were the only things that worked for me in this film. The premise feels lazy and forced. Isaac's return didn't feel authentic and seemed like an excuse to make another Children of the Corn movie. The cinematography and acting are of television caliber, and I kept waiting for a good kill that never came. The "Isaac dungeon" was just another bad idea they snuck into this picture.
In conclusion, Children of the Corn 666: Isaac's Return is another poor addition to this series. I would score it a 2/10 and recommend skipping it.
Original Sin (1989)
Original Sin has its limitations but is better than it should be
I recently watched Original Sin (1989) on Tubi. The storyline follows a perfectly happy family in the suburbs until their son is kidnapped. As the husband and wife investigate the events that led to the kidnapping, secrets from the husband's past begin to surface, suggesting they may have played a role in their son's abduction.
This film is directed by Ron Satlof (Bush Doctor) and stars Ann Jillian (Babes in Toyland), Robert Desiderio (Knots Landing), Charlton Heston (The Ten Commandments), and Jason Bernard (Liar Liar).
This made-for-television drama (NBC Network) was better than I expected. The cinematography feels typical of a TV movie, but the acting and storyline exceeded my expectations. The performances feel authentic, and the storyline includes some intriguing twists and turns. The conclusion hits the mark for the premise as well.
In conclusion, Original Sin has its limitations but is better than it should be. I would score this a 6/10 and recommend it with the appropriate expectations.
The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024)
The Strangers: Chapter 1 has enough elements to make it worth a watch for horror enthusiasts but doesn't live up to its potential
My wife and I recently saw The Strangers: Chapter 1 (2024) in theaters. The storyline follows a couple traveling across Oregon on the way to a job interview for the wife. When their car breaks down, they are forced to stay in a local Airbnb. Some locals decide to "welcome" them with violence.
This film is directed by Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger) and stars Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale), Froy Gutierrez (Hocus Pocus 2), Ryan Bown (Perfect Addiction), Richard Brake (31), and Ben Cartwright (Sherlock Holmes).
This is one of those films that's clearly missing one or two ingredients to be good. It's too bad because there were some elements that I enjoyed. The two main characters ruin the movie. The acting feels made for television, doesn't appear natural at all, and I ended up not caring what happened to them. I was rooting for the villains. The horror atmosphere takes over the movie shortly after they get to the cabin. It does a good job of creating atmosphere with classic subtle horror elements. I loved the use of shadows, mirrors, masks, and awkwardness to maintain an intense feel throughout the entire film. The depiction of the villains and the long, heavy shots of them were particularly well done. There are some solid jump scares and excellent stab scenes. It's too bad the main characters were so poorly written and acted. Additionally, the film doesn't have any elements that make it feel like a prequel (i.e., Chapter One).
In conclusion, The Strangers: Chapter 1 has enough elements to make it worth a watch for horror enthusiasts but doesn't live up to its potential. I would score this a 4-4.5/10 and only recommend it to diehard fans of the genre.
Mansion of the Doomed (1976)
Mansion of the Doomed has everything it needed to be great but leaves you wanting more and unfulfilled
I recently watched Mansion of the Doomed (1976) on Tubi. The storyline follows an ophthalmologist whose daughter loses her eyesight in a car crash. He becomes obsessed with performing eye transplants from the living to the blind. As he accumulates "volunteers" and removes their eyes, he begins storing the recently blinded in his basement.
This film is directed by Michael Pataki (Cinderella) and stars Richard Basehart (Moby Dick), Lance Henriksen (Aliens), Vic Tayback (Bullitt), Gloria Grahame (In a Lonely Place), and Trish Stewart (The Streets of San Francisco).
This is one of those films with a great premise, despite not being overly original, and with a little better execution, it could have been fantastic. The idea is creepy, and the makeup is very well done so that you genuinely feel bad for the victims. The surgery scenes are well done but could have been better. The acting is excellent and feels authentic. The ending is well executed and a nice blend of tragedy and realism given the circumstances.
In conclusion, Mansion of the Doomed has everything it needed to be great but leaves you wanting more and unfulfilled. I would score this a 5.5-6/10 and would only recommend it to diehard horror enthusiasts.
The Sting (1973)
The Sting is an American cinematic classic that's an absolute must-see
I recently rewatched The Sting (1973) on Netflix. The storyline takes place in 1936 Chicago when a small-time crook robs the wrong person, leading to the death of his mentor. He flees to another criminal who had the same mentor, and together they plan a heist against the man who killed their friend.
This film is directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) and stars Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke), Robert Redford (The Natural), Robert Shaw (Jaws), Charles Durning (Dog Day Afternoon), and Robert Earl Jones (Sleepaway Camp).
The Sting is a brilliant game of cat and mouse, not only between the main characters and the villain but also among the main characters themselves. There's always a sense of doubt about who is playing whom. The acting by Redford and Newman is outstanding, and Shaw's performance as the villain is excellent. The attire, sets, and props perfectly immerse you in the era. The opening $5,000 sequence is brilliant in setting the stage for the drama while also adding a dash of humor. The card scenes capture the imagination, and the can-can dance is a delight. There's so much to like here.
In conclusion, The Sting is an American cinematic classic that's an absolute must-see. I would score this a 9/10 and strongly recommend it.