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Reviews
The Bikeriders (2023)
In the minority not liking this movie
I wanted to like this movie. In fact I wanted to LOVE it. But something was off. Jodie Comer's (inconsistent) accent was a distraction. Hardy and Butler were amazing but the film didn't seem to meet them where they were at. And absolutely no chemistry between Comer and Butler. I did not feel like I was truly in the biker culture of the time. Maybe somewhat towards the end as the dynamics of the club began to shift with new members. Again, it just felt like there was a lack of cohesiveness that could have solidified the feel of the film. Maybe I was tired. Maybe I was distracted. I'm happy to give it another chance.
Origin (2023)
Well-done with a couple missteps
I loved this book and there is always a risk when seeing a movie afterwards that it will fall short. Overall, I think the movie did a good job of unveiling Wilkerson's thesis in an impactful way. The personal story was interesting and certainly something you don't get when reading Wilkerson's nonfiction masterpiece.
I had two issues that I found jarring and disappointing. First, in the scene with the plumber (played by Nick Offerman), DuVernay failed to deliver on one of the most impactful stories in the text. It was truncated and failed to capture the vivid description Wilkerson gave as to how the plumber acted, especially with his body language. The "a-ha" moment where this individual supposedly softens and finds his humanity was not well conveyed. (By contrast, the story about the young boy at the pool was perfection.)
Second, Ana DuVernay strangely incorporated Suraj Yengde, Ph. D. as a character, with the actual man playing himself. There is a speech he gives (in the form of an interview to Wilkerson) that was politically charged and had nothing to do with Wilkerson's thesis. I also believe that his comment on the Palestine-Israel crisis (which is rooted in the Israel as oppressor narrative) was an affront to Wilkerson's poignant and considered treatment of Jewish history in her book.
Other than these hiccups I'm glad I saw the movie and I believe it was beautifully crafted.
The Exorcist: Believer (2023)
I'm really surprised by the poor reviews
I'd like to think I'm a discerning film watcher and I thought this film was good. Given the genre and the fact that it is capitalizing on the classic Exorcist film, I thought it did a good job. It has fine actors/acting. It incorporated tropes from the original without being too on the nose. If you call this an "insult" to the original, then you aren't paying attention. This is a continuation of the genre with Ellen Burstyn incorporated into the film. What would you expect.
Also, it was well shot. It was well paced. It kept my interest and was what I expected. I really don't see why it is rated so low.
Uma Paciência Selvagem me Trouxe Até Aqui (2021)
Beautiful and atmospheric
I watched this as part of the daily recommendation on Mubi, a platform I just started using. I didn't realize it was going to be a short so I was a little taken aback when it ended but I was completely drawn in by the characters, the images, the mood. I liked the generational bridge between the characters and, as a woman in her mid-50's it did make me reminisce about queer culture in the 1990's versus now. The dialogue from Vange is quite compelling and true on the point of how it may have been for her at a younger age versus the young women now. I will definitely revisit this piece again. It is something special.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
Will go down as one my favorites of Shyamalan
It seems that the previous reviews on this site are either stellar, at a 9 or 10, or horrible. Those that seem to not like the movie fault it for not having elements that they "expected" or "anticipated." These reviewers do not seem to have prior experience, knowledge or appreciation for Shyamalan's style of moviemaking. His movies have always been artistic in their subtleness and mystery, with strange things happening to ordinary people that may never be explained fully or have alternate explanations that will leave you and your friends discussing the matter for some time afterwards. Knock at the Cabin is classic Shyamalan. I count it as one of his best films because the pacing is efficient, the characters are complex and well-developed, the acting is beyond top-notch and the story is original and intriguing. And, as mentioned, there are multiple explanations for what is taking place and what it all means. If you are already a fan of Shyamalan's style, make a point to see this one in a theater. And bring a friend who may discover his artistry for the first time.
Inheritance (2020)
Seriously bad
This movie was so slow, dry and boring with virtually no development of plot for a full 90 minutes. I only stuck with it once I realized I was watching Simon Pegg. And he's really good in it. Not that one can easily appreciate his performance since everything else around him is putrid. And even when the essence of the story finally kicks in, it isn't enough. Also, this young girl as Manhattan DA? Seriously? Would never happen. I don't care who your family is. There are some other decent actors in this yet the acting seems bad across the board. I'm going to blame the boring story and lack of editing that dragged the story out endlessly and painfully. Save yourself. Don't waste your time on this.
The Good Nurse (2022)
Moody and Powerful Film
I loved the slow pacing and ominous mood presented in this film. It fit the story well, one of secretive and strange criminal behavior. The lead actors were, of course, excellent, but especially in maintaining the overall mood through slow speech and movement, often speaking in whispers. Also notable were Kim Dickens as the evil hospital administrator and the always great Noah Emmerich as the lead detective. My only criticism, which is a mild one, is that I wanted more insight into Charlie's motivations and history. It wasn't necessary to tell the story and perhaps it's not really known to anyone. But I was left wanting on this aspect a little bit.
Wolfen (1981)
Wonderful NYC Movie
I really like this film. It is well-made with great cinematography and good acting. I like the political commentary and content which makes it much more than just a "horror film." But what I really loved is seeing Manhattan in 1981 in all its glory and all its rubble. The locations used in this film were superb and seeing the gentrification of the Bronx at that time was a particularly interesting slice of history. The shots on the bridge were also particularly fantastic. Both in terms of the views they provide as well as the disorientation and sense that it would be so easy to fall. It seems too bad that this filmmaker never made another movie after this.
Nope (2022)
Solid movie
SPOILERS HERE.
I'm not really going to reveal much that happens in the movie other than to say that nothing surprising happens in the movie. There are no twists really. It's pretty straightforward storytelling. I think the movie is pretty well done with great visuals and terrific acting. Something we see in all of Jordan Peele's movies. But I'm not sure this will have any lasting memory in the zeitgeist. A couple of flaws for me include lack of character development. I mean, I get the psychological issues with the siblings and how they were raised and while I don't need a movie to spell everything out for me, I think a little more attention to those details would've been nice. The whole background story for Steve Yeun's character seemed like a different movie. And the fact that OJ (Daniel Kaliyah) kept emphasizing that you don't look a predator in the eyes, seemed refuted by little Steve's final interaction with the chimpanzee attack. I would give this a 7.5.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Not sure how I lasted 90 minutes.
I guess I was waiting for something to grab me so I gave this movie 90 minutes. But then I was done. Convoluted and boring at the same time. The early segments with NPH doing therapy with Keanu were slightly interesting but the rest was a blah rehash of the old themes. And the glaring absence of Laurence Fishburn was most annoying. I'm glad I was at home watching on HBOMax. I saved some money at least.
Silent Night (2021)
What a surprise
This is NOT a horror movie. I won't reveal anything as the slow reveal of what is taking place is done so well. I had the pleasure of seeing this without any knowledge about the story other than my expectation to watch a horror movie as that is how it seemed to be advertised. But then there were a few "wait, what?" early on as the characters slowly revealed what they already knew. And once the plot direction was clear, I found this to be a deeply engaging, sentimental and emotional movie. It is so refreshing to see an original story beautifully acted by a very talented ensemble cast.
The Empty Man (2020)
Excellent Filmmaking
I found this movie to be beautifully made. Cinematography, production design, music. The acting is also really excellent. My only critique, which is reflected in others' reviews is that the story does not know where it wants to fall. Is it a horror movie? Is it about a cult? Is it about the meaning of the universe? This is not to say that you can't have a movie about all of those things but I found myself grasping for a more solid, clear, narrative. Perhaps I will watch it again with the ending in mind. Also, I wish I had seen this in the theater instead of on my television. I'm not sure why this didn't get a theatrical release.
Koko-di koko-da (2019)
Well made but nah
I lasted about 50 minutes into this movie 35 of which I was on my exercise bike and couldn't reach the remote. I'm giving it a seven only because it is well shot well acted. But I just couldn't get into the story. Yes it's metaphor. Yes it's obvious what's happening. But it didn't engage me. I was bored watching the same scene play out, as other reviewers have said, with minimal variation. Not for me.
War Horse (2011)
I just couldn't like this
First of all, I would have never selected this movie on my own. I generally do not like Steven Spielberg movies and I really don't like war movies. But I'm in a film group and this was one of our films for the coming session.
I was hopeful when I saw Peter Mullan in the film - one of my favorite actors. But he is a secondary actor and not in this enough. Other actors would appear that I like but they felt like caricatures.
But what really threw me was the look of the movie. The first act looks like a Disney movie. The colors are so saturated as to look unreal. Perhaps this is to set up a contrast for the third act (which I never even made it to but saw in a "making of" piece) but I did not feel like I was looking at a real turn of the century village. The irony is that this wasn't a set. There is a village that looks that charming. But, again, it wasn't the look of the village on its own, it was the deep, clean and crisp colors that didn't look quite right to me and made me feel like I was not watching a movie about this historical period.
Strange But True (2019)
Nice surprise
I'm home sick and just rented this movie based on the trailer. I was not disappointed. Great performances and nice twists. I could have done with a little less of the prom night flashbacks. Felt it detracted from the unfolding of the characters' present experiences and reactions to grief. But overall, I would recommend.