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An error has ocurred. Please try againAlso included are films that include ethnic/cultural or historic fantasy that may be factually supported by contemporary oral tradition, though may be considered legend or myth by others. In no particular order, of course, selected of those I've chosen to see thus far.
Reviews
It Is in Us All (2022)
Gorgeous, Courageous & Heartbreaking
The description of the film was strange and puzzling to me: "a sexually charged boy". Was the film pornographic in nature featuring an underaged male participant? I wasn't intrigued by that but decided to watch in order to disprove or better understand why it was phrased in such a way, especially when it is described as including LGBT representation, when being LGBT is again increasing in demonization and oversexualization by some. I am so glad I watched this film in any case.
The film is set in Ireland, mostly in the countryside, so naturally the cinematography included sweeping shots reflecting the mood of bemusement and extended grief both the main characters and others were experiencing, from past and current tragedies. It's nothing new in direction to use landscape as representative of emotion or even as a protagonist itself. Hamish Considine, the lead character, is visiting to settle the home and visit the graveside of an aunt when he's involved in a car accident. His connection to his mother and family has been troubled for several reasons, and this is his first impression of a place he is "from" but never lived.
Others have asked how is this LGBT representative when they felt there was no overt discussions or references to sexuality, yet that shows are over reliance on stereotypes, often used by CIS heterosexual directors as interpretations of LGBT people. They may be dependent on overt sexual behaviors to "safely" decide, "Oh yeah, he or she is gay, trans" or anything else so they can stay in their "comfort zone", as it were, of labeling and compartmentalizing others so they can define (or hide) their own identities, attractions or prejudices. Yet like intelligence, sexuality is on a spectrum.
From the first scene, Hamish, played by Cosmo Jarvis with great skill and in all his mumbling glory (subtitles highly suggested especially if you're not familiar with Irish accents in general), I immediately sensed someone of probable non-heteronormative reality even if he had not made it carefully but respectfully clear to a female secretary or receptionist at the start of the film that he was not interested in her flirtations in the slightest.
The "sexually charged boy" is seventeen year old "Evan", the lone survivor of the other vehicle involved in the crash, well-played by Rhys Mannion in representing the simmering desires, frustrations, attractions and love/hate quality for his life, location, and loves as any teenager might have, whether gay, straight, transgender or anything else. But which more often results in abuse, misunderstanding and ostracization, whether community or self-imposed for LGBT youth. In turn, some develop fixations, such as with death and dying, or in manipulations to establish control over others when feeling one has little control over one's own life.
Young Evan soon attaches himself to Hamish who perhaps represents freedom, success and the "outside" world, of another possible life, but also as an accessory in covering up a critical detail of the crash. Was it an accident or a decision Hamish accidentally interrupted? Hamish in return, shows a desire for connection, of protection, of helping a young man in whom he saw himself when younger, as he might have been had he grown up in Ireland instead of England, where his mother took him.
In Hamish's interactions with others, and then later with Evan and Hamish together talking to the same people, you can see the pointedly ignored or casually observed acknowledgement of the attraction betwen the two whether Hamish admits it or not. And the townspeople, of course, know more about Evan than the newly met Hamish. Particularly, with men, the priest, the shopkeeper, the barman, there's always a careful gauging of Hamish's reactions to revealed information, secrets, both past and present. About Hamish's own family and Evan and the group of boys he is introduced to, and which Evan is the leader of. There is symbolism, and several scenes and dialogues obviously suggesting diversity of attraction and past behavior.
In the end, I think the "sexually charged" description was heavy-handed and unnecessary, causing misunderstanding of what would be shown, when I found this to be a beautifully shot film with nothing subtle in the suggested explorations, the budding desires and dreams of young men who want to be and do more than what is "acceptable", but who still have love of the land and history of where they are from. That could be Ireland or anywhere. So absolutely, the title is apt, "It is in Us All".
Sexuality was only one facet in the relationship of Evan and others, between Hamish and Evan, and why Hamish allowed himself to continue with Evan while he dealt with his own grief and history. I found it to be an excellent representation and example of how an older and younger man may have an attraction to each other, for various reasons, but wisely, carefully, the more mature man takes that age difference seriously, and respects the need for the underage person to experience and explore appropriately in their own way, in their own time.
I found the film gorgeous, and the story heartbreaking and courageous at the same time. An excellent directorial debut with an ending you won't see coming. Highly recommended.
Mr. Mercedes (2017)
Mostly gripping suspenseful drama
I've read only a few King books, and seen only a few films, mostly from the 90s or so. Therefore, when I watch it's just based on what you see, not anything about comparing to the novels. I'd seen the advert for the series before, but I rediscovered it when looking for a similar series after watching "Hannibal".
Well, it's not "Hannibal" and nothing can be, but for the most part I found it engrossing, definitely a series that made me want to keep going forward to see what might or inevitably happen. Brendan Gleeson is a favorite actor, so that might it even more a go, and as others have said, I was glad there wasn't the ludicrous idea to have him affect an "American" accent that many productions do.
Gleeson is believable completely as Bill Hodges, a understandably burnout detective forced into retirement after a horrific event he was investigating. Even after that, he cannot stop trying to find the identity of the elusive killer who caused so much loss of life... and seems to have restarted after a pause.
Deep, dark themes and realities of all kinds, de rigeur for King's works, and despite the occasional exasperation of why a character does something obviously inflammatory, the series is gripping. Several great twists and turns, some of which you have to suspend disbelief since this isn't also really billed as fantasy, it's an exciting series to watch that has a little of everything. I would have rated it higher, yet the final season, the series finale was simply too ambiguous.
Stath Lets Flats (2018)
So Many Things Done Well
Everyone won't get this kind of humor, but I laughed so many times in each episode. It's the things not supposedly to be *really* funny but which struck me as hilarious because of their absurd seriousness. For me, its so funny because it feels totally like a "slice of life" series, which perhaps it is, yet low-key, astonishingly funny things happen all the time. You can imagine them happening. The Demetriou siblings, playing Stath and Sophie are great comedic actors.
Idris Elba's Fight School (2022)
Uneven at times but a Good Payoff
I wouldn't call this "reality-tv" series entertaining or entertainment, but it was interesting at times based on which candidate they spent more time learning their background, weaknesses and strongpoints. Some participants like the overweight but spirited, very likeable young woman from Wales was my favorite, while others like the 18yo who complained about everything really spoiled the mood every episode.
I say it was uneven because if you're going to set rules for participants then they should be enforced. I neither like nor dislike Idris Elba, I think I've seen one of his films, but his laconic presence seemed to be stifling at times, too. I felt his trying to be everyone's friend reduced the integrity of the series and just felt strange. Maybe that was an editing issue, however.
I think its a solid 6 because it was a good idea, yet the dicey participant selection was the real problem as the end results clearly showed. The final bouts in the season finale added an additional star, it was definitely exciting. But if it's to come back for another season, they really need better to choose better players, only strategically use Elba and get tougher on participants. It's boxing, after all.
Sambaegsal 20hagbeon (2020)
A Light-hearted time travel fantasy
Another light-hearted time travel fantasy (a popular theme in South Korea I've found), in which three young scholars from the Joseon period are mysteriously swept forward to modern-day Seoul. With the help of the daughter of the local museum manager, they learn about the up's and down's of modern life.
Naturally, there's lots of funny moments of learning tech gadgets, how to eat pizza and decisions like whether to cut their hair. Shall they go back to their time or stay and make the best of it now? Watch and find out. It's a cute short series with a touch of romance, a nice time passer, and the acting is fine.
Kim Bok-nam salinsageonui jeonmal (2010)
Two words: Compelling and Frustrating
Not at all what I expected. The translated description on the site I watched it was convolute to say the least, but the actual film was hard to describe. It's not exactly a revenge story. I see the label of horror attached to this film, but I wouldn't describe it so. It doesn't seem to have any message or agenda, and no judgements, despite the low-key shocking content, but it grabs you from the very beginning despite the main character, Hae-won, being so emotionally detached and unlikeable.
After a bad situation at work, she's forced to take a vacation, and chooses to return to an island she had visited regularly as a child, to a female friend Bok-nam, who is poor, countrified, uneducated and vibrant. Everything Hae-won the business woman is not. But in a small village group with only her friend and young daughter, a group of apathetic older people and two randy, brutal young men? Can Hae-won wake up from her moral lassitude to help anyone even herself?
The setting is peaceful, even idyllic but the story, past and present becomes horrible. Hae-won and Bok-nam's choices were strange yet still somehow understandable, and the story and action uneven yet also smooth. The two actresses performed their roles so well, at times you forget you are watching a fictional story. As difficult at watching became at times, I found I had to continue to the end. I couldn't look away.
Especially after I've gotten used to the "flashbacks" in South Korean films that are seamlessly added into "present" time which can be confusing at first, this is a pretty good film that crosses genres. I'd recommend it to viewers who like gripping psychological thrillers that don't provide easy explanations or resolutions just as life and living sometimes does not.
Sarangeui bulsachak (2019)
North and South Korean Love Story & Drama
A whole new meaning to long-distance love! This series has drama, intrigue and comedy in portraying the life of a young South Korean successful but lonely business woman who accidentally lands in North Korea.
I felt it did a great job in showing the lives of citizens of North Korea, the communist inflexibility but also the humanity and even purity of the ideology and everyday lifestyle. That's probably why the story was allowed to film in the first place.
There were some elements that I felt were highly unlikely and unbelievable. Plus the lengthy scenes of dewy eyes lovers watching each other from afar at times were a bit much for me, but overall I'd recommend this series for those who like a dash of everything in their contemporary dramas.
The secondary characters, their quirks and little battles and surprises were often hilarious and heart touching. And the two "lovers",Jeong-hyeok and Se-ri's chemistry was endearing. Pacing was good, their were surprises and twists and turns, and something unique in each episode.
Move to Heaven (2021)
A Bittersweet Drama More Accurately showing an Autistic Person
A bittersweet series with multiple stories within the main characters of a single father (Jeoung U) who deeply loves and likes his young adult son (Geu Ru) who is on the Autistic Spectrum.
The father-son team work as trauma cleaners, those who clean the places where someone has died. Each episode includes the stories of those who have passed, as well as revealing more about the challenges and beauty of their past and present lives.
Another example of brilliant direction and performances in South Korean series, especially in the performance by young actor, Tang Joon-sang which helped show the uniqueness of autistic people and how some of them behave and why. The father also does a great job of patience and respect for his son's neuro-diversity.
An unexpected event causes their lives to change forever, but with support from known and surprise sources, life... and death goes on. Highly recommended!
Pachinko (2022)
A Powerful Drama Series of Cultural, Historical Insight
Beautifully written, filmed and acted, this series has been a joy for me watch. Not only because I grew up with and learned so many things from eastern Asian families, I was invited to each their tables, went to language and dance classes with their children, my friends, but because I genuinely liked and respected them as individuals but also representatives of their many cultures, traditions and histories. They too were and are Americans, but their immigrant stories have been woefully overlooked and/or stereotyped by Hollywood.
From the opening scenes through the episodes I've watched thus far, this has been quality, quality material, themes and performances. The costuming, the close-ups, the directing style, the culturally significant information are all top notch. The story and plot is both subtle at times, and direct at others, mostly through dialogue and revelations. The only drawback to me is the toggling in between time periods. I believe they can be helpful for viewers to understand why something is happening, the emotions involved, however, the frequency has been the issue for me. In some episodes, the time periods alternate every few minutes.
Many misty-eyed moments for so many reasons, I highly recommend this series, but especially for those who wish to learn important histories and personal stories strategically omitted from American textbooks and/or minimized or caricatured in film, media and most places in western society.
Time (2021)
Closer to realistic
A closer to realistic portrayal of a late middle-aged first-timer who is sentenced to four years in prison for driving under the influence that resulted in the death of a bicycler. The "suddenly becomes a scrapper who pumps up and becomes feared" is highly unrealistic but often used in such stories. Yet it's not only the portrayal of Sean Bean's character, Mark, which makes this a solid prison drama but that of an officer who is compromised due to family circumstances. That's cliché but too often happens.
Sketches are brief of most of the other prisoners, but they are poignantly portrayed in most cases. The one of the inmate serving a life sentence for a crime committed at age 13 stood out for me. The other stories are as you might expect, but some are not. In the end, its the integrity of Mark, his sincere remorse for his crime, which he maintained from the first, is what gives an end that cannot be called satisfying because of all that happened, but which is believable and closes the three-part mini-series making you glad you watched.
Ssang-hwa-jeom (2008)
Well Worth the Watch
A brilliant historical drama set in Korea filled with intrigue, plot twists, dangerous passionate love and well choreographed battle scenes. It centers on the relationship between a Chief Guard and the King he protects. A King under pressure not only to produce an heir with his young queen, but to thwart plots within his court to overthrow his rule.
While the King has his Chief and private guard against the traitors, the matter of a son to secure the line is something over which he has no control. He makes a decision based on trust and love of his faithful guard, but which produces unexpected results.
The costumes are magnificent, the pace is steady, and although the plot isn't a new one, it is well done and the machinations(!), the machinations are razor edged and truly about the long game. The story really helps you feel for each of the players because the actors performed their roles very, very well. Joo Jin Mo (as the King) was outstanding.
Be aware there were several fairly graphic sex scenes, including between two men, which was fine but even I finally found them too frequent considering the type of film. Overall, I was so glad to have found this diamond level film, but do wish there were more films that included LGBTIIQ relationships in a normal, unremarkable way as they have been a part of any and every culture and society since the beginning of human times and can be lifelong and loyal.
Finding 'Ohana (2021)
A Good Family Film
An enjoyable family film mostly set in Hawa'ii, focusing on a young girl's treasure hunt to find a pirate's hidden stash to help save her family's ancestral home. It's also about the importance of family and the connection to ancestral lands, which is historically and routinely still denied most Indigenous peoples. Particularly in places like Hawa'ii where many Native Hawaiians are homeless or have housing difficulty while non-Natives since invasion now own almost all the land, keeping prices high and gates locked, so locals find it increasingly difficult to live.
They did many things right in this film, which I've found annoyingly lacking in others where young teens and children are the main characters. Here, when the young girl's brother was rude or dismissive to other kids, he was corrected immediately and made to reason why that is unacceptable. When he and his sister fought, they were made to apologize and were at first resentful but then became sincere when they really thought about the situation. Really good, positive examples of healthy young people behavior (overall), not just kids who are cruel and acerbic, who have no common sense or regard for others, which some writers seem to believe serves as comedy.
It was great to learn more firsthand information about the Hawa'iian culture, its history and beauty besides the stereotypes so common in film. Plus, the family's personal story of losing their father, and then finding him again through their quest was heart-warming. It was also nice to see some POC actors from back in the day, the prolific "side kick" Branscombe Richmond who has a long credit list, Ke Huy Quan, who most would remember as "Short Round" from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Kelly Hu, another Hawaiian born actress who is well-known and has aged beautifully.
The cinemotography is beautiful, how can it not be considering the shooting location, but the accting of the young people was somewhat stilted at times, not exactly a surprise. My only major complaint was I thought the film was overlong for its genre, at 2 hours+.
LA to Vegas (2018)
A One Season Gem
It only has one season but it was fun most of the time, and had some really zany situations that just made you shake your head in a good way. Made me think of several Atlanta to Chicago, Houston or Washington flights I had, particularly with the latter an announcement the captain was "indisposed" after we'd seen him lurching in.
I know Kim Matula as "Ronnie" was supposed to be the main character, and she was good, she was okay but its the supporting characters that really made it shine. Nathan Lee Graham as "Bernard" and Peter Stormare as "Artem" are just two great examples.
I hadn't watched anything with Dylan McDermott in it since the 90s or so, and had never thought of him as a comedic actor but he was great as the intense "komisch" captain. I really liked this show and wished there would have been a 2nd, 3rd or even 4th season if the writing was good. Maybe they thought there was only so much interest or material for the cast they had.
Superstore (2015)
A Mixed Bag but Strength in Supporting Characters
Seasons 1-3 I found hilarious for so many reasons, especially as a former big box store workers which I did a couple of years in my early twenties. I can remember stuff happening just like this. Season4-6, I often labored through hoping for some of the brilliance of the early years.
Production did a good job of representing typical situations in this type of store, with all the craziness that is present and can result. The strange customers, the funny, the infuriating, the regulars. Sometimes overdone, but I did think the attempts at addressing cultural appropriation and sexism, for example, were necessary and effective.
Many of the main and recurring characters were all unique and funny in their own way in the early seasons. Glenn, Dina and Garrett were my favorites, but Mateo, Sandra and Marcus all provided believable characters that added to a solid comedy ensemble. Some skits s1-3 were the most hilarious I've seen on US TV in the last 20 years.
My issue from the beginning though, was the main characters of Amy and Jonah. I felt Jonah was annoying, a liar, a manipulator, an elitist who was often given a pass because of his appearance BUT it was a good representation of real life. I began to hate to hear his stuttering type "beat around the bush" speech pattern and random clumsiness. Amy also lied, manipulated, failed her friends for self-promotion, and was unprofessional and biased.
I would have loved the show to go on as there was endless possibilities for material, and feel it could have completely go on without Any & Jonah. They were the weakest element. I was glad when America Ferrera's "Amy" stopped appearing, and wish Jonah to lose himself in Vegas nickel slots. Most of the other players were all gold, even silent Brent.
Aquaman (2018)
Amazingly Disjointed
One of the most disjointed, strangely timed and uneven films I've seen in a long time, which had so many millions in its production and some creditable actors on tap. The first five or so minutes of the film showing early "Aquaman" origins were the most enjoyable. The rest of the film with the contrast of Momoa's super strength and action one minute to his fear of fast getaways the next was just frustrating. The other actors performances I felt were devoid of any real feeling or believability in the roles.
And I'll only mention once the fact the Atlantean realm which is suppose to be continuing from its ancient origins of little contact with surface dwellers, that virtually all the "human" looking denizens were all north European looking folks. Exactly opposite from even most European scientists explanations of what any ancient peoples would look like, which would be darker skinned because of atmosphere/conditions.
Like most, I've seen many, many films through the years, but there are few hyped so much that I disliked as intensely as this one.
Daughter of Darkness (1990)
A Solid "One-Watch" for Midweek
A common storyline: young adult searches for their father in the "Old Country", who is elusive and given to certain noctural habits. Pacing for this made for TV "light" horror film wasn't terrible. Often there was something passably interesting and relevant happening, even if the individual acting skills by support cast were often stilted...honestly, that wasn't unexpected of this US/Hungary production. Creature make-up and effects was light, it was for TV after all, and maybe 6 star is a bit of a stretch but I thought Mia Sara and Anthony Perkins were good enough, though Mia often gives her known wrinkled brow agonized terror look. It's a solid one-watch, and I'm glad I found it for a mid-week time-passer.
Young Rock (2021)
A Solid Seven
Personally, the story of "The Rock" isn't very interesting to me as there's a slew of articles, docus, etc about him or generated by him all the time. But it was interesting to see the portrayal of other players, family and friends around him and even some self-criticism, which many don't associate with Mr. Johnson.
I particularly enjoyed the influence and humor of his Indigenous Pacifika family and friends, and his grandmother was quite the character. Her and her "henchman" is the stuff of legend indeed.
I remember watching wrestling with my grandmother, who was a big fan, so I got the references and presence of many of the old WWF (and other leagues) who had actor cameos in this series. Having recently watched the "Andre" documentary on Andre of the Giant, and being a wistful fan, I really, really enjoyed how he was presented, too. A real gem.
The setting is maybe a tongue in cheek reference to the calls for Mr. Johnson to run for the Presidency or some other office in real life, with Randall Park as a fictional eager journalist following the imaginary journey to the polls. A rating of "7" is maybe a stretch but with the background performances, and many little funny or poignant moments during "flashbacks" made it a fun watch thus far.
Somebody Somewhere (2022)
Perfectly understated, promising and powerful
The memories many have, of not quite fitting in in high school, of being the butt of cruel jokes and gossip then and sometimes decades later, especially if you're from a small town or community. Of still trying to be a good person, do good work and have a good life, but the losses, the banality of the privileged and being made to feel unwanted and weird because of how you look, who you love or don't love begin to add up and you feel lost and maybe even a loser.
The pilot introduced the main character through her current living situation and parts of her past which are revealed during conversations and reminiscences with others. It's done in a subtle way that fits the succinct honesty I remember well growing up in the rural South. It was suggested Sam had a romantic relationship with another woman before in a way that positively normalized there are millions of same gender relationships that loving and they miss someone now gone just like anyone else.
The new/old acquaintances Sam meets in an "underground" church clearly show a range of personalities, ethnicities and suggested gender or sexualities who welcoming and comfortable around each other because they are their Real selves. That's it's more about finally finding a supportive group of people who accept and appreciate you for who you are, instead of attempting to force you into roles or to be autamatons they think you should be to keep them comfortable. And ironically, which many of them force roles or criticize others because they're trying to redirect away from their own repressed feelings, desires and emotions.
This was a pleasantly surprising start to series that occasionally features naturally occurring humor, but I certainly would not label it in any way a comedy. I found the pilot to perfectly understated yet powerful.
Screw (2022)
Sometimes Disjointed but solid overall
Comparatively, I wouldn't describe this prison drama as "gritty" at all. But it is a drama set in one wing of men's prison, a wing where all types of inmates are housed, especially those not suitable elsewhere such as those needing psychological care. Some have stories that are compelling, while others they focus on suggesting they may become bigger players only for them to disappear into the crowd.
You have a team of wardens with a boss who has a secret she desperately trying to keep hidden, and a new recruit she immediately seems to dislike. A new recruit whose behavior suggests she just might be as dodgy as assumed. You have the inevitable stoic veteran, and the officers trying to do a good job, another overzealous and the type who sympathizes a bit too much with the prisoners.
They deal sensitively and fairly with some topics like transgender prisoners and survivors of child molestation. There are a few brilliant scenes that show the variance of "life inside" far different than that one knows about of the US incarceration system, whether its between prisoners, wardens or a combination of both. Some are even heart-warming in their moments of humanity.
It doesn't really stand out thus far from any of the prison dramas I've watched, and certainly not those like Wentworth or Oz, but it's not a waste of time either if you like the genre. I would definitely watch more episodes as they become available.
Resurrection (1999)
Decent Thriller - Distinct Flaws
The plot is a common one: a serial killer obsessed with Christ commits murders to fulfill an unknown fantasy. An unlikeable cop dealing with tragedy struggles through personal issue to try to catch the bad guy. There are several plot twists throughout, not all of which are predictable, the acting is okay, nothing egregiously bad, and the gore was well done and believable. I was enjoying it well enough, glad to have found this film, but a couple of director's decisions at the end really irritated me as they were clumsy and ridiculously improbable. If you can overlook that, it's a solid one-time watch.
Cousins (2021)
The Cost and Continuing Effects of Colonialism
This is a hard film to watch at times, but I felt in showing stories that happened and are still happening to Indigenous people and communities, it was to help deniers and minimizers to wake-up to the truth, and encourage those working for positive change and better intercultural respect and cooperation to continue despite the racism and sexism persisting in society due to historical amnesia, Eurocentric education, and apathy.
Apologies and acknowledgement of colonial and contemporary crimes against Indigenous people are not enough without honesty and true structural, educational and inter-community changes. For Indigenous peoples like the Maori, the effects of genocide and ethnocide that began in colonial times continues today. The effects are within both the individuals and their communities: trauma of all kinds, loss of identity, cultures, land, Self. Yet another horrible fact is the cycle of abuse and trauma against them exacerbated crimes within Indigenous communities, against each other, with children especially affected.
Mostly especially, from the past to present, the treatment of Indigenous girls and women was/is especially horrific, yet minimized and often silenced. This film both subtly and directly shows the psychological, spiritual and physical torment inflicted by peoples of European descent in their Eurocentric efforts to purify "Others", particularly through "Christianity", the beliefs and edicts of which were rewritten to serve the desires of European men to retain unchallenged power and invent supposed superiority. And remember, they first betrayed, tortured and killed their own non-Christian peers, particularly women, before invading and inflicting terror worldwide. It's all an ugly cycle that needs ending, so healing can begin for all.
Chapelwaite (2021)
Well-Done Supernatural Horror
Although these type of supernatural beings has really been over- and similarly done so often of late, the setting, acting and created atmosphere are all extremely well done. As a gothic horror fan from way back, both in film and novel, I was thrilled to find a new series headed by Adrien Brody, an actor that rarely fails to deliver believable, unforgettable performances, and which truly portrays that special feeling of the genre.
As a timely bonus, dialogue and situations also show an aspect of the reality of America, past and present. Not only the stereotyping and poor treatment of mentally challenged persons, but the presence of racism, fear and hate-mongering individuals and communities, and the cozening or even defense of such behavior as "normal reactions". I feel the show handles this very well, and how its absolutely effects everyone negatively, whether they realize it or not, but especially those targeted. But that's no surprise as Brody (who is also a producer) irl has shown he has little tolerance for such behaviors.
I really like historical dramas that show how things really were without apology nor heroizing figures that caused mass death and supported hate/prejudice, but because I am also a scifi/fantasy fan, a healthy dose of otherworldliness and horror is a plus. I am not often a fan of King's writing, but I'm really liking this thus far.
All She Wrote (2018)
Great Potential, Shaky Execution
This story and film could have been better, or even very good, if they had bothered to be strategic in using unacceptable and inappropriate wordage for mental disabilities. The main character, Aaron, wasn't "crazy". He had brain damage from repeated blows to the head after being an MMA fighter for years. The main young woman, Zhana, wasn't "crazy". Her behavior suggested she was likely on the autistic spectrum, such as the comment by her brother Bobby to "not look her in the eyes". For some persons on the autistic spectrum eye contact avoidance is a behavioral pattern, as well as social and communication difficulties.
The school for "the retarded" Zhana was sent to as a child was "full of G*psies", we're "told" because they just wanted free food. Of course, there are people who still use that ethnic slur for Romani and Sinti peoples, and who call folks "retarded" and believe they have little or no use in the world, so films may portray such attitudes of course, but when the director and writers in no way make an effort to make a statement against such prejudice, that is a serious issue in my opinion. Especially in the case that Aaron carried on a commentary of thoughts with the audience throughout the film, correcting other ignorant beliefs, just not one of the main themes of the film.
The music performances by actor and artist, Gary Dourdan were excellent. He played the character's struggles with simple things very well, such as the things we may take for granted, like knowing the way home. The lighting and cinematography were really engaging for me. I love to see good street work, city scenes and the movement of traffic and peoples in New York, plus viewers were treated to scenes in Bulgaria. But besides the things above, I really found the Bobby's actions and choices repugnant and unsympathetic, such using her and also trying to get an obviously brain damaged man into the ring again just to further his own career. As inappropriate as I found Aaron's "therapist's" actions, unfortunately, too many psychologists or psychiatrists, do treat their patients or clients in an egoistic manner that is nothing about helping but only about controlling.
Gary Dourdan is a fairly good actor and was a great fit for the role. The soundtrack was excellent and I'll search if he has any albums, but the writing (too many, "you're crazy" and "we are just insane" and "I'll start taking my pills"), and the direction/progression was disjointed and distracting. I could get why Aaron might talk "to the camera", but randomly having other characters do so also was unnecessarily distracting.
Finally, although I didn't and don't expect every film to be an exposé on the dangers of normalizing derogatory terms for neuro-atypical people or the laziness of western society to medicate to oblivion anyone who is different, this story and film could have been so much better. It had so much potential. Overall, a 5 for the film itself, plus an extra star for Gary's performance, which made it believable.
Take Home Pay (2019)
A Showcase of Samoan Humor, Challenges & Cultural Values
Be an open-minded guest welcomed into contemporary Samoan stories that showcase their cultural values, challenges and humor. Its a tale about seasonal workers relocating to New Zealand looking to get ahead but one of which desires a wider range of fun and double crosses his friend in the process.
There's a lot of comedy sketches and phrasing one might recognize if they are familiar with Tofiga, of the comedy duo "The Laughing Samoans" and other Poly productions. Solid performances by the other actors, supporting and incidental, also keep this comedy action film pretty interesting and enjoyable.
With audio in Samoan and English, because the accents were sometimes harder to understand, I wish there had been subtitles for both languages. I toggled between a 6 and 7 rating, but chose the latter because it is a great but fun "slice of life" film most of the family can enjoy together, and highlights the importance of family values.
Three Wise Cousins (2016)
Self discovery in learning Cultural Values
An unemployed Playstation addicted young Samoan man, living in New Zealand, learns the girl of his dreams wants a guy like from back home: a hearty, hard muscled man with "island skills". He sets about improving his chances with her by heading back to Samoa and getting his cousins help to become a "real man".
Sometimes the acting seems exaggerated, but overall this is a completely enjoyable story with some real moments of subtle yet profound comedy and cultural meaning. Does he get the girl or not? I can only say, the young man finally understands you should be able to take care of yourself first, in order to offer the best to a potential partner.