Big B-10 Reviews

Our Friend (2019)

Powerful performances

[7/10 · 18 July 2021]

Our Friend

A strong trio of performances keep this one together. But the constant shifts of timeline, keep us from a nice dramatic crescendo and allowing the story to play out those some sensitive beats we only get hints of before time shifts again. It's a stunning location and enjoyable soundtrack, but could be so much more than what we're given.

Tenet (2020)

Don't try to understand it, just feel it

[4/10 · 7 September 2020]

As explained early on when describing the film's MacGuffin, it's best to feel it rather than explain. This isn't good enough for the plot. While the movie serves up some great sequences, so do countless other far superior films, like Heat. A magical film whose action sequences service character and plot rather than servicing spectacle.

Nolan seems best when plots are mostly provided in advance for him, like Batman Begins. Admittedly, time travel can't be the easiest thing to explain, but Nolan fails regardless.

It's not terrible but just not good enough.

Godmoney (1999)

A trial in bad filmmaking

[21 July 2000]

I bought this DVD expecting a decent independent movie, but I was very disappointed. The acting was horrible, the direction was bad, the script was terrible. I usually can think of something good to say about a film, but I am at a loss for this one. What is even more disturbing is the director actually believes his actors were great in the film. I guess the soundtrack was ok and the DVD had lots of extras on it, but does not make up for the horrible movie. Thankfully, the director is humble and desires to learn more, lets hope he does.

The Muse (1999)

Good

[8/10 · 29 August 1999]

Thank God Brooks has decided to jump back into the role of writer and director and grace us all with his unique insight into life. This time he plays a screenwriter, who hires a muse for inspiration. I did not enjoy this one as much as some of his earlier work, but certainly worth a viewing if you are a true Albert Brooks fan. Very funny work.

The Astronaut's Wife (1999)

Very slow

[2/10 · 29 August 1999]

The film was very slow in evolving, providing too many questions and few answers. Theron once again played the helpless wife, at least this time her husband could act. The film never really explains exactly what occured, which left me unsatisfied and tired. Neat camera shots, but a poor piece of work.