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billiehummel
Reviews
Leave the World Behind (2023)
Completely unbelievable, and not in a good way
If you think this movie will improve as time ticks by, you will be disappointed. It continued to reveal fictitious character behaviors that would never be witnessed in reality. I felt like I was watching a spoof of 'What Not To Do' when strangers show up to your Airbnb in the middle of the night trying to force their way inside. While the cast was great, and it had a high production value, it just wasn't believable. I had no empathy for the characters, not even the children. They did nothing to support that connection early on in the film. I couldn't even make it to the end, it was simply too painful to watch; I found myself wishing they would just end it and kill the entire cast.
Werewolf by Night (2022)
Wizard of Oz meets Van Helsing
This movie checked all the boxes for me, keeping me entertained the entire 52 short minutes. It did not waste any time getting to the point nor waste time with irrelevant monologue. I am not a huge Marvels fan, but I appreciate a good heroine monster movie whenever well made. I like Gael Garcia Bernal and the all-star cast was the icing on the cake. I especially liked the ending. I enjoy a good chuckle in horror films, seeming to round them out. I don't leave spoilers, but I will say it is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz with its sense of friendship, sympathy fear, and hope. If you have the opportunity, I would recommend seeing it on the big screen. If it ever comes to one of my local theaters I will absolutely pay to see it again.
One Day as a Lion (2023)
Be patient...it a winner
I can tell you I immediately thought I was at the end credits but was just at the beginning. I had to check the time, thinking I maybe accidentally hit a button. Let this be a suggestion for the music dept and whoever does the credits. I almost bailed right then and there. Most boring credits ever. The music in the intro was the worst lobby music that went absolutely no where. Why would you force that suffering on viewers? That being said, it ended up being original and surprising. I did not predict the end which is refreshing. Definitely kept me entertained. A list of top notch leads definitely helped its succession. I watched it alone and laughed out loud once or twice and cried, too. A+ (except the first 2.5 minutes : /
The Vault (2017)
I wanted to like this movie but it did nothing to help itself.
I really wanted to like this and I gave it the benefit of the doubt, but midway it seems to have lost its momentum. Acting out on old rifts between the siblings while attempting a bank robbery? Making plays that no self respecting criminal would consider, such as leaving all the hostages alone or having a heart to heart with a hostage about the principles and moral codes of the robber. It falls flat, way too predictable, and left me wondering why Franco fell for the pitch, maybe it was a favor type of gig.
Missing 411: The Hunted (2019)
This documentary is a great starting point if you are just learning about this phenomenon.
I am so thankful for this man, David Paulides, for bringing attention to these strange disappearances. It really is a true mystery. I like to think that hopefully someday, someone, or a group or department will be able to solve this mystery so these family's can get some sort of closure. I think this must be the most disturbing, horrific thing that can happen to a family. The documentary is enlightening and I have watched it 8 or 9 times because it still fascinates me, for lack of a better description. I highly recommend this watch for anyone that hikes, hunts, camps, or spends any time outdoors. It could save your life.
Black Box (2020)
Pleasantly surprised
I normally figure out the end game long before the final act so I am always surprised when the conclusions aren't exactly what I envisioned. While it wasn't the greatest mystery of the year, this movie kept me entertained. The greatest accolades should go to the young actress, Amanda Christine, who played the part of Ava. She gave an impactful, affective performance and I was very impressed. I do not recall ever seeing her play a role before and I do look forward to seeing her in the future. These are arduous and stressful times for American youth and I am always happy and proud to see them succeed. We need to remember they are our future; support our youth.