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Reviews
Death in Paradise (2011)
Agatha Christie goes to the Caribbean with Jessica Fletcher and Colombo. Perfect.
The first minutes always have an unbelievably intriguing murder, one that is impossible to solve. So it seems. Then juxtaposed to this is a sudden burst of a happy Island melody as the credits are revealed. What is happening? This isn't your average mystery and yet it is. So classic that at the end of the episode the usual suspects are literally rounded up while the Detective Inspector explains how it was done and who did it. Usually with enough twists and turns that it isn't obvious. This is the gem of whodunit created by Robert Thorogood so wonderfully woven that even as the leads changes over the seasons it never fails to deliver. Adding to the carefully crafted stories is another classic, the fish -out -of -water.. From England comes the Detective Inspector assigned to head up the Saint Marie police department, wearing a suit and or shirt and tie, slowly, very slowly acclimating to his new surroundings and the wonderful quirkiness of his co workers and the customs of the Islanders. Another reason this is such a joy to watch it doesn't matter who is the DI, splendid actors Ben Miller, Aidan O'Hanlon, Kris Marshall, Ralf Little, come and go but the heart of the show beats strong. It's about the story, the setting with interchangeable lead and supporters such as Sara Martins, Skyko Amos, Josephine Jobert, Ginny Holder, Tahj Miles, Toni Bakare, all do their tour for a season or two or three , assist in solving murders and move on. Again the stories drive the show. It is a combination Murder, She Wrote and Columbo but without a signature lead. Much like an Agatha Christie weekly tale, you keep guessing like a good mystery should make you do and you love it. There are less than a handful of regulars, Danny John -Jules (Dewayne) , Don Warrington (Commissioner) , Elizabeth Bourgine (Catherine) each adding a touch of continuity. The dialogue is as clever as the crimes a reminder of words being powerful without resorting to the easily four letter spewing characters and their faux toughness that many detective streaming and cable shows fall lazily into. This is top notch class with strong rotating main actors and a host of villains and those in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you were ever stranded on an Island this is the one. Of course enjoy from a distance , too close and someone is always dying.
Spinning Man (2018)
Modern Noir Rejuvenated By Strong Cast, Nuanced Puzzle
The basics never fail. Did he or didn't he? Even better when what could be as simple as black and white instead offers areas of gray, some darker than others. Flawed college philosophy professor Evan Birch (Guy Pearce) might have killed attractive teenager Joyce Bonner (Odesa Rush) who has been missing without a trace. Clues found in his car and a checkered past oft implied never fully explained point in his direction. Veteran cop Malloy (Pierce Bronson) with a secret of his own, methodically engages in an intellectual duel with Birch and even his wife Ellen (Minnie Driver) who is wrestling with her own feelings while putting up the obligatory brave front. Adding another twist to the mix is the attractive philosophy student Ann (Alexandra Shipp) who has history with Birch but to what extent is only inferred. She is both seductress and admirer, but to what lengths? That's what makes it all work under the director of Simon Kaijser from the script by Matthew Aldrich and George Harrar, key elements are left to the imagination. Enough clues to provide backstory but enough confidence the audience can add to the story as they perceive it. Every actor is at the top of their game. The Pearce-Brosnan interactions are subtle yet powerful. Two terrific actors savoring every moment. They act therefore they are. Driver brings conflicted grace to the role of the wife who's dealt with.problems but never on this level. Always solid Clark Gregg is compelling as Paul the lawyer advising Birch yet he too has doubt. Doubt is the operative word. Everything points to Birch who lives in the gray area of marriage and work. Is it too obvious? Not with this modern noir. In the CG laden cinema today it's refreshing to see exceptional actors and a twists and turns script. A nod to old school suspense and the great era of the 1970's where every story didn't have to be neatly wrapped in a bow, the audience is given credit. Credit to all involved in spinning this tale.
Changing Lanes (2002)
If they had just stayed in the lane to begin with this would've been a great movie
This movie starts with so much promise, the basic clashes of the classes as the day of Ben Affleck and Samuel L. Jackson collide, literally. Affleck, the hot shot Wall Street lawyer ( well, is there any other kind?) crashes his car into Jackson's car. An accident that turns into a day long point- counterpoint revenge match. Affleck leaves the scene but in arrogant haste leaves behind a critical legal document that Jackson, a recovering alcoholic insurance salesman, recovers and holds hostage for this wreck that wrecked his day of trying to save his marriage. Jackson was on his way to take out a home loan.
From here the setting is ripe for edgy, social commentary along the lines of "Falling Down," or "American Fiction." White, black, rich, middle class, ethics, morals, it's all there and on the course for something true and different in this genre. The movie then changes lanes without giving a signal. Turning into a cliched series of Road Runner vs. Coyote ( including another crash walked away from without any repercussions) as Affleck tries desperately to get the document back to stay in the good graces of his father-in-law, Sydney Pollock, who is making him a partner. All the while Jackson wants to punish Affleck for ruining his day, making him late for that appointment that would change the lives of his wife and kids with a house. During the contrived tension, the real tension ended about twenty minutes in, Affleck has an epiphany , this law firm is unscrupulous and the legal profession is slimy. Now the opportunity is ripe again for a "The Firm," kind of payback, salvation. Instead the lanes change again, the pretentious, self righteousness arises and some rambling speeches and scene mixed with over the top silliness keep happening on this road to predictable redemption. The most realistic scene in the last half hour is Amanda Peet, Affleck's wife, telling him to not be naive... have affairs, screw over people and provide her with an ultra comfortable life just as her daddy has done for her mommy. It's the hot shot lawyer way. And after early promise that's the only drive left in this major wreck of promise.
Nick of Time (1995)
A top notch, smart political thriller in real time with Depp & Walken shining
Johnny Depp is perfect as the everyday man placed in an extraordinarily, seemingly no way out situation. To save his daughter(Courtney Chase) he must become an assassin for the afternoon. The equally perfect Christopher Walken has randomly (perhaps) selected Depp for this task that unfolds in real time. Their scenes are tantamount to watching two great boxer throwing jabs and countering round by round. Director John Bedham is in his wheel house, crisply moving the action without a hitch for a 90 minutes roller coaster ride. Charles S. Dutton becomes an unlikely ally as the only person aware of Depp's deadly quandary, and carries every scene with strength and certainty as he develops a counter plan to save Depp and his daughter. Roma Maffia, G. D. Spradlin Gloria Rubin and Bill Smitrovich are excellent continuing the tension and urgency of every moment. Marsha Mason as the doomed governor brings confusion, apprehension and courage in a crucial series of scenes. Peter Strauss is wickedly good as her plotting husband. A few decades earlier Hitchcock could've made this with James Stewart or Cary Grant in the lead. It is the classic deep state, trust no one conspiracy, think Parallax View, 3 Days of the Condor, Enemy of the State. This is an overlooked gem that is still fresh, perhaps more so given these times.
Chappaquiddick (2017)
"We tell the truth, at least our version of it"
This movie version may be as close to the truth as we will ever know. There is no sugar coating Ted Kennedy, well played ny Jason Clarke without going for sympathy rather showing a brat in trouble, and that makes this a compelling watch. The gloves are off and the Kennedy machine is exposed like never before on film. Their manipulation of what followed the tragic death of Mary Jo Kopechne, played by the always superb Kate Mara, is at the center of the story. As Kennedy says "We will tell the truth, at least our version of it," because that had always been standard operating procedure for the Kennedy clan. It is a fascinating veil lifting of what goes on in once smoke filled rooms controlled by politicians aided by blind loyal minions. Ed Helms shines as the cousin who mixes devotion with tough decisions with a strong supporting cast never flinching about how the mass lack of concern about a young woman's death and the skewing of the situation by the media. It was the beginning of the end for the party literally and figuratively. The groupie "Boiler Room Girls," of Martha's Vineyard days were over after this and so was Teddy's chance to follow his more famous brothers as the Democrats' leading Presidential candidate. This is a history lesson well told.
Fast Charlie (2023)
Don't Sleep on This Clever Action Movie. Terrific cast. Perfect direction.
Understandable when you see aging actors starring in a little publicized movie and the assumption is they need money and will go through the motions using the names to sell an on-demand buy. It happens. No point pointing out some who have and are doing it. Not in this movie! In "Fast Charlie" the stand out cast never misses a beat in this wonderfully off-beat action flick led by Pierce Brosnan who takes charge from the get-go taking us through twists and turns and surprise scenes Tarantino would envy. Morena Baccarin delivers a wonderfully nuanced performance. She and Brosnan have the needed subtle chemistry. The magnificent James Caan has a fitting farewell role, a character mixing poignancy with undertones of power not ready to relinquish. The acting veterans aren't the only ones in top form, director Phillip Noyce seizes every moment navigating a clever script by Richard Wenk from the Victor Gischler novel "Gun Monkeys." Brosnan continues to show what an outstanding actor he is, James Bond has aged gracefully and fearlessly in one of his best roles along the lines of "The Matador," and "The Ghost Writer." In sports vernacular, he still has his fast ball and everyone gives their best swing in "Fast Charlie." There are few action movies in recent years with bigger budgets and CG galore that are more entertaining. It's non-stop fun and surprise. Rare these days on any level.
Only Murders in the Building: Ghost Light (2023)
The End Is Near (Or Should Be)
Sometimes the glitter has worn off without anyone recognizing the fact that the best came and went. It's difficult to say " enough" to something so cleverly crafted and fresh in the first two seasons ; so different and bold; so interesting a cast grouping that looked strange but was perfect., has worn out its stay. "Only Murders" with this episode has morphed into the Steve Martin character, hanging on to past glory reluctant to accept reality of mediocrity. A whining mess of reaching for something not there, at least not this latest storyline of solving the murder of Paul Rudd's obnoxiously stereotypical character. Yes, that's it -stereotypes abound now. The move out of the building into and onto Broadway had possibilities but is droning on with a boring plot, cliched' filled characters and dialogues (often monologues) that begs for a final bow while there is still a modicum of dignity and respect for an innovative show that burned bright but dimmed as fast.
The Shadow of the Cat (1961)
Purrfect Suspense British Style Camp
Several key scenes are from a revengeful cat's point of view. And that sums up the strangely appealing horror shtick from across the pond. From the opening scene where Catherine Lacey (the victim Ella) is reading the Poe classic "The Raven," there are nods and winks of homage to vintage horror films of the era throughout from the hauntingly (mandatory) English manor to the moors to the needed inspector and doctor to fill in the storyline. It's a basic story at that, someone seeking justice for a loved one done wrong. Normally a predictable plot that can be overdone with cliches' but takes on a whole fresh, fun and appreciative twist with a CAT being the avenger and doing it methodically so to perpetuate the suspense. The veteran British cast, Barbara Shelley, Andre' Morell, Freda Jackson, Conrad Phillips and all are wonderful in the straight ahead performances without a hint of the fun they must be containing playing second fiddle to a menacing with a purpose cat. Director John Gilling doesn't waste a frame in a well executed film that has the purrfect tone of camp and horror.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Losing its fastball, but still worthy of taking the mound
Perhaps you've seen your favorite athlete who has become a step slower, or you favorite singer who can't hit that signature note as often and have the mixed emotion of remembering the glory days yet knowing the time is near to say goodbye. Welcome to the latest installment of this classic, and almost never failing, franchise. The pure escapism has always been the hook that keeps us coming back: the lavish scenery, the improbable but mind blowing action, the clever plot twists and turns and above all, the last real movie star, Tom Cruise. This movie checks almost all the boxes that are proven and expected but the dialogue drags in redundancy at times and those stunning action scenes which we all pay to see, actually are overdone at times as crazy as that sounds. More isn't always better and that's the issue trying to outdo the previous one- make it longer, throw in a few more mindless chase scenes ( think if Mannix had CGI capabilities) and even make those implausible but expected stunts are an after thought to the plot which is a stretch even by summer movie standards. Yes the pace slows with overtop action which makes as much sense as most of the story. . Without giving much away, there is a needless elimination of a character, a supernaturalistic character of borderline silliness adding to a convoluted storyline. . Director /writer McQuarrie has done exceptional action flicks, Jack Reacher and MI Rogue Nation with Cruise. If there had not been other Mission Impossible movies, this would be very good, but the template has been pounded too much and the wear is showing. Back to the aging athlete. Cruise remains remarkable and still brings it, but The Franchise has lost something off its fast ball but is still mound worthy for the summer scene. But the bullpen is getting sparse of ideas.
Matlock: The Witness Killings: Part 2 (1991)
One of Matlock's Best, captures small town justice showing it is hard to home home again
This solid, predictable yet engaging series led by the great Andy Griffith, delivers one of its best in this two part episode. It captures the essence of "going home again, ": the pettiness, the jealousy, the guarded view of an "outsider" even if he grew up there but went away to a successful life. The relatives wanting a hand out, the old flame still angry over being dumped, the resentment that someone had the gall to leave are amusing and realistic reflections of small town living. If you grew up in such a town or visited, you'll relate. And the legal system of small towns is spot on. The judge, district attorney and sheriff are on first name basis even in the formal setting of the courtroom. Even perjury for reason of friendship seems acceptable. There are more than the usual twists and turns with a plot line that is intriguing with enough suspects to carry it through to conclusion. If you enjoy Matlock, be sure to watch this one!
Return to Mayberry (1986)
Old friends are all this is about, and that's just fine.
Ever go to a reunion years later to simply to see old friends? Who's changed? Who looks surprisingly the same? And after the evening that anticipation earlier yields to an empty feeling that it might have been better to remember the old gang the way they were. That's the heart of this trip back to Mayberry , the wonderful, fictional North Carolina town that was and via reruns remains the most famous burg in sitcom history. The Andy Griffith Show arguably the most quoted, best remembered storylines of any TV show. The foundation was built around Griffith and an amazing cast of characters led by Don Knotts. From Gomer and Goober to Helen and Thelma Lou with Ernest T. And Otis thrown in, they are indelibly etched in our memory. And should've stayed there. The endearing quality of the original was clever dialogue weaved throughout an episode often with a life lesson ending. It was folksy but with enough of an edge thanks to outstanding writing and acting that city folk and country dwellers alike could relate and wanted to enter a place where life was easy and issues easier to solve in thirty minutes. It's good to see the old gang for a while and the cast appear to enjoy strolling down memory lane but the crisp writing has moved to another location and the plot is a struggle for two hours. But it was good to take a trip "home" but the stay was too long.
The Closer: Ruby (2007)
Conflicting given the way rules are regularly skewed
Realism is the attraction of the show. This episode is one of the most intense. The way the system has to be circumvented to solve a case is appreciated by police friends who watch. Brenda's manipulative skills (perfectly performed by Kyra Sedgwick) make the Thin Blue Line a deep Gray. However in this episode the moral dilemma is off kilter. Everyone gets that this is an at -all-costs situation to save a missing child which Sgt. Gabriel (Corey Reynolds) acts on to the respect of his colleagues except for surprisingly Brenda, who is conflicted on the means used by Gabriel. She closes the case per usual even "I don't care," when the criminal ( played with menace by Heath Freeman) pleads where he should be jailed. At the end Gabriel is the one ultimately punished though having to turn in gun and badge to Brenda with a scolding in the process. She betrays her own whatever it takes attitude that was established from show one As a fan of the show, I'm conflicted in the rating. So gripping throughout yet going against its own grain by inexplicably showing a conscience that is misplaced.