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oldog73
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The Peripheral (2022)
Different from the book but very good so far
The book is a masterpiece for me. I started wondering what was happening right away in the 1st episode of this series because it deviates so much from the book, and right away first scene. But after two episodes I'm happy to say the core is still there, and the way they're building a somewhat different story on the structure of the book's narrative is very good so far. I Love the way Gibson's and the series' characters show heart, wrestle with complex emotions, and don't take anything for granted. The world building and production design holds up well to the imaginative descriptions of the book. I miss the wonderful prose of Gibson's writing, but they've changed enough about the story to make this a must see even for those of us that have read the book. Bravo!
(edit 10/ 25: I was shocked to see the poor rating on metacritic after I wrote this... it makes me think that having read the book has given me more insight into and appreciation of the characters, and knowing what's coming (more or less) plot wise makes me appreciate what I've seen in the series so far in way that I might not have if I hadn't read it. If that's not it then I don't understand their poor rating - 57!! Ridiculous!)
Dune (2021)
A powerful and engrossing set up for Part 2
I read all the criticism of this movie before I went, I found no basis for any of it. Loved the movie...the perfect set up for Dune 2 which is where the meat of the story will unfold. Wonderful design, powerfully acted, well shot, the music serving the power and emotion of the story beautifully as only Hans Zimmer can do.... Villeneuve as usual delivers in spades.
Wind River (2017)
A Truly Great Film
One of the most honest films about human nature you will ever see. Tells it like it is. Pulls no punches. The sweetness, the absurdity, the depth of love in friendship, the incomprehensible sorrow of loss and grief, the rawness of life laid out in uncompromising honesty and deep insight. Powerfully written, well acted, and very well directed. I come back to this film often and am deeply moved every time. Bravo Taylor Sheridan.
Possessor (2020)
Well done Brandon!
Haven't seen any of his other films but is taking his father's legacy and making it his own in a very competent and interesting direction. Horror to be sure, but well grounded in the plot, an interesting sci fi idea well executed. He has a good eye and his direction is solid. Highly recommended.
Tenet (2020)
Gets better with more viewings
A wonderfully meaty script that doesn't reveal itself fully with only one viewing but reveals its gifts slowly with repeated viewings. Then, once you get it, it all fits together seamlessly and you're amazed at his craftsmanship. Great locations, terrific action, and Nolan's usual terrific use of the moving camera and intense action choreography make this a great watch, a kind of updated James Bond with this great sci fi story. Really, I don't understand the meh reviews, but you do need to see it more than once.
Messiah (2020)
Loved this
Finally some interesting material on TV about spirituality! I loved this and want to see more of it. C'mon Netflix!!!
Making of 'Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains' (2004)
About the claim of molestation ...
I worked on the movie that this doc is about as a focus puller on B camera. Nancy Dowd indicated an interest in me at one point and I was flattered and went for it. We had a thing during the movie and for a brief time afterwards. She claims in this doc to have been molested by a "camera operator," which was news to me. I don't know how this could have happened without me knowing about it as we were together most of the time away from set, and of course I was there on set all the time. She never said anything to me about it. I don't know if this is an attempt to deny our "affair," but if it is she got my position wrong, among other things. And also if it is there's no question of any "molestation," she initiated, and we went on for a few months. Don't know what the story is here.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Crap
Hackneyed script, bad Direction, bad acting, terrible movie.
Revenge (2017)
Stupid movie with many mistakes
How do you shoot a shotgun at 300 yards? What's a shooting scope doing on a shotgun anyway? Someone falls on a tree that puts a branch through the back that protrudes 6 inches from the stomach, pulls it out, but the entry hole in the back miraculously disappears???. A guy gets shot in the shoulder but two minutes later is shooting a rifle from that shoulder with no problem or sign of difficulty? See Wind River for a good movie that knows it's subject....there writers/director had no clue and didn't know enough to hire someone that did. Stupid movie.
A Dark Song (2016)
Excellent horror
Horror film generally leave me cold ... mostly cheap tricks trying to shock and scare me. This film is grounded in some realistic mythology and believable motivations. The dialogue is sharp and intelligent, the characters well drawn and interesting, and as it descends into its depths it's very convincing and real. It has a great sound and music track with original ideas for pulling us along its story line. The climactic images are a very imaginative take on classical otherworldly ideas ... all in all very enjoyable with a satisfying denouement.
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)
Great re-imagining of the Arthurian legend ...
This film got panned no doubt because of its fairly predictable story arc, plot line, and some of the fight scenes. I also don't think Charlie Hunnam has the depth to carry the role of Arthur like the film needed him to, which surprised me given his good work on Vikings.
Given that, everyone else is terrific, the soundtrack is fabulous, a wonderful music track that can stand on its own, and Ritchie's rock and roll approach to filmmaking makes it lots of fun. Also there are some scenes of battle and his personal journey that bring the mythic quality of the legend to life in a powerful way. I can recommend it without reservation, I think it's strengths outweigh it's weaknesses.
Underworld: Awakening (2012)
Great
I'd read some poor reviews but was pleasantly surprised. Script not as bad as has been said, lots of action and twists, and I especially liked the uncompromising way the violence was portrayed...no punches pulled, but nothing overdone either. Vancouver looks great...there were two moments where stuff coming at me in 3D made me jump in my seat and laugh .... and I'm not easily surprised. Kate continues to be magnetic in her role and the new roles were well portrayed, although I though Steven Rea, a great actor, was miscast. All in all a satisfying continuation of the series. If you are a fan of the series don't miss it. If it's the first one of these you see, hard to predict how you might react to the intrinsically violent nature of the subject matter.