jnaylor284 Reviews

Monster (2017)

Moody Norwegian crime thriller.

[7/10 · 6 March 2018]

A little different in terms of comparing this series to other Nordic thrillers. A little slow and plodding, but makes for some interesting characters....especially the women. A relatively new and young actress who plays JANI in the series is interesting in that she emotes much in her facial expressions and lack of speech. Nice job for her first major role. The main female cop, HEDDA, is also interesting in that she shows emotion both in expression and facial responses. most male characters, except for one, are old and dull, and you get tired of seeing them so much...but, alas, they are necessary to the story. The scenery is gorgeous and moody. This is definitely not your typical Hollywood crime thriller. Nordic regions, keep them coming.

The Sunset Limited (2011 TV Movie)

This is what true acting is all about.

[10/10 · 14 February 2011]

A "top-notch" production from the writer to the director, to the staging, to the actors...even the background music. No CGI, no excess props, no excess dialog, no over-acting. Raw and powerful. It reminds me of an earlier teleplay named "'Night Mother" with Sissy Spacak and Anne Bancroft in it's brilliance and power. Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson are matched perfectly in their respective roles of "White" and "Black", however, all is not what it seems on the surface. Is "White" good, and "Black" bad? or is it something else? Each character has a compelling and powerful argument. Is it enough to influence the other's perception and understanding of just who they are? Will it change your own perceptions? Watch it..a definite "10".

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

A Very Intelligent Crime Drama

[9/10 · 26 October 2007]

Rarely does a movie of this type leave me with a "punch in the gut" feeling when the last reel ends. "Mystic River" was excellent, but "Gone Baby Gone" was even more effective in my opinion. This is not about being black and white on moral issues, but about the many shades of gray, depending on each person's point of view. Excellent casting and pacing. Just when you think you have it figured out, something else happens to re-color your view and shape your opinion. Taut, suspenseful, and never boring. Each character had an important part in supporting the story. An intelligent drama about the human condition and the consequences for decisions made for all the right reasons by each character.

Vsadnik po imeni Smert (2004)

A minor Russian Gem!

[8/10 · 18 September 2005]

"A Rider Named Death", is one of those foreign Art-House films that very few people will ever see. It's too bad!. It's actually a well made simple straightforward tale of the roots of a terror cell in the period before WW1 in Russia. No fancy Hollywood production here, (thank you), but a visually satisfying experience none-the-less. High production values, and great cinematography and composition. An intellectual look at the heart and mind of a obsessed political killer. What makes it so good, is that the camera goes beyond the deeds acted out, and captures the soulless, godless, inner conflicts of the main character. It ends as one would expect, but the ride to get there is worthy of an 8 out of 10.

The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (2003 TV Movie)

An intelligent and thought provoking treatment of classic Williams

[8/10 · 5 May 2003]

An intelligent and multi-layered treatment of the 1961 film classic from Tennessee Williams. Helen Mirren gives one of her best performances. All the casting works well. The pacing and cinematography is beautiful. John Altman's music is brooding and portends of the emptiness and tragic self-discovery that Mrs. Stone will ultimately find herself facing. Nice job Showtime. Please consider a DVD offering.