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Reviews
House of Cards (2013)
Hits the mark but the flaws are sticky
This show most of the ingredients to make an all time classic, the cast, writing, cinematography are all impeccable. The dramatic aspects are mostly effective but I'm no fan of what they call 'breaking the forth wall". In fact I cringe when Kevin Spacey turns to the camera and "speaks to us". It's actually cringe inducing because I'm captivated by the show otherwise and seeing Spacey turn away from other actors in the scene and engage us via the camera, it's hokey and cheap. A voice over would be so much better in my mind. I'm also not a fan of Robin Wright's character. Clair Underwood seems two dimensional, very unrelatable and something short of human.
Otherwise this cast is as good as any and the writing keeps up and maximizes the talent by giving each of them a distinctive voice.
Another more minor flaw is also something I found very funny. I think Spacey is a superb actor but in the scenes with him having sex with Kate Mara there is something.missing. He's mechanical and stiff (in the worng way!). There's zero passion in him and he looks like he's at the gym on a rowing machine. Sex with women may not be for him but being the fine actor he is, you'd expect he could sell it.
Mother! (2017)
Appealing but elusive
Right from the start this movie seemed to have a great mix of ingredients to make it a favorite. Intriguing plot, excellent acting, well rounded, interesting characters and powerful hooks right from the outset. All that prompted some very high expectations, especially after some poor decisions lead to some outlandish and funny (to me anyway) situations.
But as it went on, the movie fell short on fulfilling those big expectations. Bit overall I liked this movie a lot and would see it again. The problem I'd say is it went in a different direction than I'd expected. The story becomes increasingly outrageous as it unfolds and eventually crosses into the surreal. It eventually reaches a point where I questioned if events were actual or the character's dream.
All in all it keeps a steady pace and is well worth your time.
Devs (2020)
So much potential here...bad acting stopped me cold
I just started watching and got as far as the second scene of the 2nd episode before having to shut it down because of the awful acting - and I mean this is VERY bad acting. To call it subpar would not cut it. I'm referring primarily to the female lead and her partner. I didn't have a problem with the supporting cast thus far.
Next day I came to see the reviews (the morning after) out of curiosity and I'm fascinated (and a little surprised frankly) to see that just about everyone felt the same way about the lead character.
Yet some reviewers also confirmed my hunch about the subject matter, which I thought could be excellent. So I'm going back to it and will be back to update my review.
For now I'll just say I can't imagine how or why the lead was cast in this. Especially because of the series' potential. The writing struck me as more than adequate at the least. The subject matter is intriguing. It's also obvious they made a significant effort/investment in the sets and special effects. So why not cast capable actors? Especially in the lead roles!
On the other hand, Nick Offerman is unsurprisingly excellent in the male lead role - although he is a bit obnoxious intentionally. As for the rest of the cast, it's too soon for me to say...
TBC.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Visually great but ruined by the soundtrack
I started watching this movie back in 2014 and was turned off by the hip hop. I hadn't read any reviews at the time and it came as a surprise to me. It struck me as ridiculous and offensive. I just watched it all the way through and my opinion hasn't changed.
The cinematography is excellentx It very effectively captures the era and creates the spectacle true to the novel. But all that is wasted by the soundtrack. I'll admit I'm not a hip hop fan, but I'd be just as put off if it was rock & roll music. Not that I'm a jazz fan either, but with this story, Jazz is what I want to hear, and as similar as possible to the original.
Most movies that I consider great classics capture my imagination so I'm absorbed in the story. Using hiphop against that backdrop is just wrong. If you want a hip hop soundtrack bring Gatsby into the 21st Century. We have the wars, the bull markets and crashes required by the plot. It just takes a little imagination. But unfortunately imagination is hard to come by in Hollywood. It always has been.
Loudermilk (2017)
Started ok but turned surprisingly bad
I'm a fan of the Farrerlly brothers and enjoyed every single film and show I've seen Ron Livingston in, from Office Space to Band of Brothers. Som I just assumed this would be good. And it was good starting out. I think the recovery topic is fertile ground for both comedy and drama with all the volatile personalities and insane behaviors. The show pretty much takes full advantage during Season One. It took a little time to warm up to Liviingston in that role which has two major characteristics (addict and jerk) that I thought are a stretch for him, but I thought he got there.
Claire (Anja Savcic) provides a nice spark to the show and the group of addicts includes a nice variety of characters with excellent chemistry. I did wonder why Claire is the only female in the discussion group, I think a couple of females among that group would have helped.
The first sign of trouble was sub par acting by some of the minor characters and Ben (Will Sasso) who just doesn't strike me as a comedic actor - or actually any kind of actor to be frank. His scenes seemed to get more awkward as things progressed. But the show overcame it with what I thought was strong plot and good writing. Things start to fall apart as Season 2 unfolds. Not to pin it on Sasso, but less of him is better. What's worse is the show resorts to using every cheap, tired old comedic device there is. It becomes completely formulaic and predictable. Even so, I stayed with it and watched until halfway through Season 3. I stayed with it thinking the promise I had seen in Season 1 would come back but finally realized it was futile. I don't have the words to describe how bad this show got by Season 3 but it included strange and unlikely character behaviors and choices and inexplicable plot developments.
Still I'd say go ahead and check it out. It just might be your cup of tea as it was for me for the first season.
Queen of Earth (2015)
Powerful performances
Both feamle leads are exxcellent - especially Elizabeth Moss. This movie moves very slowly, probably too slow for most but what makes it worthwhile for me besides the performances is it's depiction of a genuine slice of life and exploration of psyche in women that need to be validated by men. It's in this particular realm that Moss puts on a clinic with her amazing ability to radiate a wide range of feeling and emotion through facial expressions and various other characteristics subtle and otherwise. I'd love to know who she used as inspiration for this character - and if there's more than one person in that regard.
Another very interesting aspect of this movie is the use of music. It often sounds like the score for a horror movie and the intensity rises and falls independent of events, instead (I believe) meant to reflect the inner state, thoughts and emotions.
This one I'd say is worth your tme.
Asteroid City (2023)
An awful waste of talent and your time (if you watch)
I was overjoyed when I came across this one. With an amazing cast, the sci-fi genre based in the heady, optimistic 1950s, I had no doubt it was a good find. I still thought so 15 minutes in; partly because my initial enthusiasm, but also because I could appreciate the unique approach of presenting the story as a small town play and introducing each character in that mode. Then the plot unfolded and it wasn't long after that doubt set in. I can't honestly say i understand much more of what I saw - or more accurately, why this film was made. I should say My guess is seeing they're going for 'quirky, off-beat comedy'. The problem though was it's not at all funny, or interesting - not even amusing which, with this cast, I would have thought it impossible. But the truth is no one on the screen got away scott free. They all come away looking terrible, especially Tom Hanks, who I hope is retiring.
I hung on for almost an hour and fifteen minutes, waiting for the movie to justify its' existence before giving up.
I think this movie is a perfect example of what's wrong with the Hollywood movie induistry. There are so many great stories that are worthy of making it to the screen, but these people lack the imagination and produce nothing but garbage.
The Crown (2016)
Awful casting decision ruined the experience
I was hooked on The Crown at first. I binged Seasons 1 & 2. The axting and production were excellent. But in Season 3, it came as a shock to see Olivia Coleman had replaced Claire Foy in the role of the queen. Now I'm a fan of Olivia's and have always enjotyed her work but her persona is radically different from Claire's. Honestly, I would probabl;y have reacted the same way if I'd become accustomed to Coleman in a role and been replaced by Foy. Any sense on continuity was lost. I got half way through Episode 2 in Season 3 before I stopped watching. The fact that it took that long is a testament to the quality of Seasons 1 and 2.
Black Mirror: Striking Vipers (2019)
Based on an adolescent idea of love
I'm always up for thought provoking, mind-bending entertainment, which is what I look for in Black Mirror. This missed the mark completely. This is about two old friends, with a typical relationship between male hetros. They end up falling in love with each other's avatar in a VR sim and are somehow confused about their sexuality. This is where they lost me. I'd expect that a mature adult would have developed the self awareness to avoid such confusion. There's no sexual attraction between these guy in the real world and while their friendship seems solid it's nothing special and there's no emotional attachment or dependency. Clearly the attraction is purely physical involving the avatars. At this point the only thing that might save this episode would be to find out these are people from another world entirely. Unfortunately they are both male earthlings and it is planet Earth, so we're well beyond salvation.
Aside from this major glitch the plot has a tendency to drag. It's just very bad tv.
But it got worse for me when I read some of these glowing reviews. Makes me wonder how we got here and where we might be heading.
Shot Caller (2017)
Excellent film! nice surprise
These days the surprises are not often to the upside, but Shot Caller was an exception. Solid cast, great acting, top-notch writing and a plot that is both interesting and believable.
It's the first thing I've seen by this director and I do plan to look at what else he's done.
The scenes jump back and forth through time: before & after prison, and in prison. The prison scenes are sterilized but better than most. The only letdown is the last 20 minutes or so it turns more predictable and formulaic.
I have to add, they didn't do themselves any favors with this title. After watching this "Shot Caller" seems strange and way off.
Overall it's a good one. I'd recommend it.
Mister America (2019)
Clever and very funny
This was one of the funniest movies I've watched in years. Tim Heidecker and Gregg Turkington play their parts to perfection with nuance and subtlety that for a while made me wonder if they weren't real people! I love this approach and hope this sets a new standard for how this type of mockumentary is done. Most that I've watched tend to be over-the-top and try way too hard for laughs.
These two guys give us complete three-dimensional characters who play off one another effectively. Each character is completely self-absorbed and lost in diverse obsessions. Heidecker is hell bent on revenge against a municipality and its DA who tried to hold him responsible - and rightfully so, for negligence. Turkington plays to perfection, a movie buff whose world revolves around cinema, but who also is playing out a vendetta against his co-star.
The laughs come early and often. I highly recommend this one.
Win It All (2017)
Excellent Anti-Hollywood production
If you're a fan of independent cinema, chances are you'll enjoy this movie. Great cast with genuine, relatable characters, and although the plot uses a familiar theme, practically everything else about this film is fresh and genuine.
One thing this film has going for it is there are many there are many vaguely recognizable characters throughout played by top-notch character actors, and the extras are, in certain cases, real people, as in for example, a dramatic card game in which most of the players were plucked out of middle-America casinos.
Jake Johnson is the perfect anti-Hollywood leading man. His Eddie character tries hard to be smooth but can't quite pull it off, which is what makes him relatable. When he hooks up with Eva, they make a good-looking couple, but still far from the Ken & Barbie-types that are the usual we've come to expect.
Much of what transpires is fairly predictable, but watching what appear to be real people doing life keeps it fresh. Definitely worth your time. Very enjoyable!
The Usual Suspects (1995)
AN ALL-TIME BEST
This is one of my favorite movies. The acting is top-notch. The cast alone is a tip-off it's something special, featuring Spacey, Benicio del Toro, Gabriel Byrne and Chaz Palminteri. Even Stephen Baldwin turns in what might be his best ever performance. Then there are a number of perfectly cast character actors throughout.
The plot manages to remain gripping and grounded throughout, even with a series of unforeseeable twists and backstories that border on the realm of fantasy.
If you haven't yet seen this, I'm jealous! If you have seen it, in my own experience, it's just as enjoyable the second time.
In fact. I believe most people - like me, will want to watch it again. It was during my second viewing that I looked for and identified the subtle cues that are in there that point to the solution of the puzzle. Enjoy!
Sons of Anarchy (2008)
Flawed soap-opera tragedy
Hard to believe all the glowing reviews on this show but I take it as just one more sign of these very strange times we're in.
You'll like this show If you're an adrenaline junkie who can suspend disbelief and you're not too bothered when things don't make sense. For my taste, this plot, and the decisions characters make stray way too far from reality. That said, I did enjoy parts of the first four seasons which held up largely because of somewhat plausible scenarios, intrigue and interrelationships among some of the characters. But the one thing almost all of them have in common is they're pathologically self-destructive, and that tendency intensifies with the more prominent characters, and It get's worse with each season, culminating with an orgy of violence and death over the last three seasons.
It get's to a point where you can't imagine why anyone would want to have anything to do with any of them, most especially Gemma, who I've discovered is a hero to many in these apocalyptic times. A close second is her husband Clay, who is eventually topped by the main protagonist Jax, who's favorite expression is "trust me". Ironically whoever he says it to ends up dead in short order. Jax also devolves into a serial murderer, although he's not labeled as such.
The main failings of SOA are it asks us to believe a number of things that, unless you've lived a sheltered life, make it very difficult to take seriously.
Firstly, this is a gun-running outlaw biker club is based in a Norman Rockwell-like small town in Northern Cali, and these guys do not deal at all in drugs.
If you can get past that part, you need to buy the fact that these guys partner with the IRA, the CIA, a Mexican drug cartel and various other MCs in the weapons trade. They buy from the IRA and supposedly supply every major criminal enterprise in northern California. Yup, it's a bit much.
In conducting their business, they are opposed by local law, the FBI and various MCs. They seem to be able to kill at will anyone in their way or competing interests with impunity and without ever any need to clean up after incriminating evidence.
If that sounds good to you, knock yourself out.
Before Midnight (2013)
Just OK should have been better
I just learned about this trilogy and have not seen the prior two films. I love Julie Delpy's work and am also a fan of Ethan Hawke. But I didn't particularly "like" either of their characters in this movie.
Hawke seems out of his element, and way too American for this part. It's hard to believe this is a guy who spent so many years living in Europe. He did settle in as the movie progressed, probably because the scenes are 1/1 with Delpy.
As for her, I've always found her very attractive, but not this character. I do know that in her case it's great acting on her part. The both deliver top notch performances in the final scene.
I give it a 10 for the setting. I've never seen another major movie shot in the Peloponese and the fact that they use the house built by author and British war hero Patrick Leigh Fermor was a pleasant surprise.
Overall the story was raw and very true to life when it comes to long-term relationships and family. The conflict and bickering was sometimes very tough to watch if only because it was so real. Delpy's character did seem to me to be a little too petty and resentful and that hit a nerve, so I do understand some of the other reviews. But I'm a fan of reality in film. Being able to believe in the story and characters is most important to me, and Before Midnight delivers on that count. It's worth a watch.
Love (2016)
It goes from very good to mediocre
Based on the few reviews I've read, I'd say I'm in the minority here but will still toss in my two cents for the minority out there. Halfway through season one, I would have given the show a 10. I thought the characters were great - (actually I'd say that mostly held true throughout), and the story set up held great promise for things to come.
The cast of characters get a 10 overall. What spoils things for me is the show seemed increasingly rudderless with each episode. It began toward the end of Season one and just got worse as it went.
I think the relationship between.the two main characters is forced and the chemistry in non-existent. Even by Rom-com standards these two just don't belong together. They clash in a way that makes the whole thing seem pointless since I couldn't find the hooks that attracted them to each other. I know they say opposites attract but here we have two people with no common ground. One one hand there's a cynical, acerbic, edgy, seat of the pants female. On the other a very neurotic, compulsive, over-thinking nerd. Never the twain shall meet as it unfolds. At the very least - and especially given it's Judd Apatow's production, I would have expected to see the sharp contrasts paying off with laughs but the writers don't seem to take advantage of the opportunities.
Mickey is a very raw, newly recovering addict and a walking disaster-waiting-to-happen, and Gus struck me as a funny, young Woody Allen type but without the sex drive. Instead he enjoys playing in a band of nerds who write and play goofy, non-existent songs for mainstream movies. Another decent opportunity for humor here but Mickey acts - not very convincingly - like she's totally into it.
A funny thing about Mickey for me was I also found her character less and less attractive as the show went on, but I think it could just be good acting. On the other hand Gus, who I looked forward to seeing more of, became less and less interesting, seeming by the end as rudderless as the plot.
Another disconnect for me is having to wonder what happened to the Gus we meet in the first episode? Gus started out as a guy who couldn't enjoy making love with his girlfriend without being preoccupied with unrelated practical matters - I forget now the details but I think he was thinking about something in the want ads instead of being present with his girl.
But despite all that , I did enjoy and looking forward to the first 1.5 seasons as I mentioned the cast of characters/acting are really good and the writing within each show is generally good.
This rarely happens for me but of the 30 or so episode I practically binge-watched the first 20 or so, then lost interest and stopped for a while before going back to it.
Memento (2000)
State of the Art
I first saw Memento 20 years ago, not long after its release, and watched it again last year. This film is a genuine experience when first viewed. It's the reason why I watch movies, hoping for experiences like this, but they are rare.
Memento is unique because the story is revealed to viewers in reverse (backwards) order. The beginning of the movie shows the end of the story, then proceeds towards the beginning. This might not sound appealing but in fact it engages the viewer in the story - or more specifically. It puts you in the head of the lead character, who suffers from amnesia.
And while you might wonder how there's suspense and intrigue in a story told backwards, you'll have to watch it yourself to see. In fact there's plenty there in terms of plot twists and surprise. It's a one of a kind and well worth your time. The casting and acting performances are spot on.