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Reviews
The Night Of (2016)
Outstanding series
I came into this with very little expectation but found it incredibly absorbing and so well acted. In addition to a terrific, star-making lead turn by Riz Ahmed, I also thought that John Turturro delivered what is arguably the most impressive, nuanced, and memorable performance of his career. As the eczema-riddled, down on his luck attorney John Stone, he adds a layer of tragicomedy which really gives this show some punch. His character almost becomes the heart of the story, and one which we are always rooting for. The story doesn't take easy outs or give us anything that's simply resolvable, and the fine portrayals and twists keep us thoroughly invested.
Strange Days (1995)
Visionary! Ahead of its time...
This is truly an under-appreciated master work which deserves many, many, many repeat viewings. Initially released in 1995 to wan box office and mixed reception, "Strange Days" resonates more than ever today with its bleak depiction of a world dominated by virtual reality obsession and the desire to be anyone, anywhere else for a moment in time. Director Kathryn Bigelow meticulously and expertly stages every scene, from the opening roof top chase to the climactic New Year's Eve countdown. The film also features some of the best ever performances from Ralph Fiennes as a slick but conscientious hustler, Angela Bassett as a tough but honorable limo driver, Juliette Lewis as a confused rock singer, and Tom Sizemore as a seemingly non-threatening sidekick with a dark agenda. Had this film been released today and given a more careful marketing scheme, it would have really reached the audience it deserved. Never the less, it remains an A-grade, ahead of its time futuristic thriller.
House of Cards (2013)
Ridiculously good show
This is a show that has wildly exceeded expectations on my end in every department. What could have been a dull, predictable political conspiracy show instead becomes a truly unique and fascinating multi-character study about the quest for power, the loss of principles, and just how dangerous the lust for the crown is.
Kevin Spacey delivers easily the best performance of his career as Francis Underwood. From the very first episode of Season 1 when he mercy kills an ailing dog, we know we are dealing with a particularly ruthless and pragmatic beast. Again, this could have been a role which many actors could have played as overtly over the top of just plain caricature-like but Spacey is too smart an actor to resort to those techniques. His performance is nuanced, devious, intense, charming, and oozing with evil charisma.
Equally gripping is Robin Wright, also in the best role of her career as Claire. Forget Jenny from Forrest Gump-- Claire is as shrewd, calculating, and quietly Machavallian as Francis. As his wife, she hits so many right notes as a character with a constant hidden agenda, one that sometimes complements her husband, and sometimes not.
Supporting performances and the writing here is killer. I could go on for ages but the bottom line is watch it! Every episode, every season. Well worth it-- this is a show for the ages.
Pocket Listing (2015)
Hell of a film...
What a ride...
Expertly directed by Conor Allyn, this twisty, unpredictable, darkly comic Los Angeles fable takes you on a tour of some wonderfully amoral characters as they hustle, bustle, wheel, deal, and scheme their way through the maze of real estate.
At its core is a rise and fall morality play, but what makes the film so damn enjoyable and engaging is its sardonic, humorous edge and its bitingly satirical look at material excess and the extreme juxtaposition between the haves and the have notes.
Written with zeal and luster by confident and charismatic lead Jurdi, "Pocket Listing" is a hybrid of various genre films yet manages to maintain a smooth, even tone. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, with every player giving it their all and a little more. Watch out for drop dead beauty scene stealer Clark, who just oozes with raw talent and unbridled sexuality.
This is the kind of film that rarely gets made anymore and that doesn't always face the best odds in today's marketplace of bombastic blockbusters, but for my dollar, it's as good as anything I've seen in a while.