Change Your Image
![](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTA0ODE0MDQwMTZeQTJeQWpwZ15BbWU3MDUyNTY4Nzk@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
JohnRayPeterson
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The Circle (2017)
Subtle glance at the dangerous potential of too much technology and social media in our lives.
I had this movie in my library for years and forgot about it until recently when I found myself searching for a good contemporary drama; since 2020 there are fewer being produced. I'm sure I got the movie years ago because of Tom Hanks, so I inserted the disk in my blu-ray player and gave it a look, setting aside the less than promising ratings and trying to keep an open mind. I have no recollection of having seen it before, though I may very well have (the seal was broken). For the most part I was not captivated by how the story developed but the IMDb storyline and the fact that Hanks was featured kept me watching. I mean the Dave Eggers novel, on which the movie is based, had a fair reception, not shiny, just fair, and I liked the storyline's potential.
There was less emphasis on social media than I expected or hoped for, the characters, including the principal lead role played by Emma Watson, were not exciting, not even Hanks, but I kept hoping and watching. Finally there was a breakthrough in one scene, the single and only real dramatic one. From that moment, sadly a bit too late for many who will watch the movie, the momentum picked up. It wasn't as suspenseful as it could or should have been, but I kept watching and in the last two scenes of the movie . . . Eureka! What was meant to happen did and the conclusion was great, short but great. If you are a patient moviegoer, like smart twists, even if they come late in a movie, you'll like this one. Just keep in mind all the remarks before my mention of Eureka. I look forward to Eggers' novel's sequel 'The Every' being made into a movie. Oh. . . I should read 'The Every' first, and I hope to god it is more exciting.
Note of interest: Bill Paxton who had a supporting role in the movie died before the movie's release and sadly this was one of his best performances.
Love at First Sight (2023)
The kind of romance movie that feels real
I'm glad I don't have to call this movie a rom-com because it's a drama romance, not too dramatic but oh so romantic. It's not based on a true story that we know of but it sure feels like it could have and perhaps it would, if we were told by a supercomputer, one which had a record of every human romantic relations since trans-Atlantic jet flights have existed, and also if that computer had supernatural powers to see in the future. In other words it feels real.
We have writers Katie Lovejoy and Jennifer E. Smith to thank for that, and of course lead actors Haley Lu Richardson and Ben Hardy, without a doubt. I couldn't help thinking "Why hasn't anyone made this movie before?" Alright, someone finally has.
I won't repeat the IMDb's full storyline since you've likely read it (if not you should).
Sprinkle the story with a tad bit of.familiar music and music you've not heard, at least not as it's covered in the 'Love at First Sight' soundtrack, and then insert scarcely seasoned narration by the lovely Jameela Jamil who plays several evanescent characters, and you've got yourself something special.
Fate is 50% chaos and 50% timing, another reason this movie feels real. Sorry no spoilers today.
Shrinking (2023)
Shrinking = Crazy Love Therapy
After you read the short IMDb synopsis and the little more detailed storyline further on the series' page, you might ask yourself if this is going to be a cliché probed story or boosted boring one, but it is far from. Read both. Then take a look at the cast, a cast, after watching episode one, I found endearing in the most outrageous and convoluted way. How else were the writers going to keep us watching? Anyway you try to define normal you are bound to conclude that normal is not the only way to live, it's the most monotonous and uninspiring way. If you are a therapist, as are Paul, played by Harrison Ford, the senior curmudgeon partner of that therapy clinic, or Jimmy, played by Jason Segel, the junior therapist badly in need of therapy himself, or Gaby, played by Jessica Williams, an ideal know-it-all who bridges her two partners behaviours in just the right way, that which molds into the therapy that fits your situation, everyone's really. With patients that have deep problems, perhaps an extraordinary approach ain't such a bad idea to treat them, and yourself. So Paul and Jimmy are the first benefactor of the not so standard practices; good, because they need it. Gaby is sort of the magic potion glue that exceptionally holds it all together, while no one sees that happen, least of all herself, as I see it.
We make the acquaintance of only a few of their patients, mostly all Jimmy's, and can observe the impact Jimmy's unorthodox treatment by truth has on them and himself. Not only that, but Paul's personal issues are resolved as he provides support for his partners who return that support despite his resistance. I was impressed with Paul's character as performed by Harrison Ford; it was a revelation and a very satisfying one at that.
The partners' relatives, friends and neighbours, add and absolutely necessary and very delicious spice to all their interactions. The witty repartee between all characters, no not cliché, I said witty repartee, is like a perfect melody to a beautiful song. Every episode introduces us to a new song, a song of love of course. And there can be no love without smiles, concerns for friends and unabashed truth. The series made my laugh, moved me and made me appreciate my own craziness as it will yours, I pretty sure it will if you let it.
Inside Man (2006)
Smart plot, smart criminals, smarter still detective and the smartest thing about it: smart conclusion
Director Spike Lee pulled off a great crime drama here thanks to the writing of Russell Gewirtz, whose work include 'Righteous Kill' and 'Blind Justice', both of which I really liked, and a few others. Lee got himself an "A" team of actors in Denzel Washington, the really smart detective Frazier, Clive Owen, the mastermind Dalton Russell behind the incredible heist that wasn't a heist after all, Jodie Foster, the enigmatic fixer Madeleine White, and Christopher Plummer as Arthur Case CEO of the bank, the elusive victim but real criminal who deserved to get caught.
The movie's early scenes depict what we'd all recognize as a bank robbery with hostage taking, except that bank robbers don't usually do what these robbers are doing. You may find yourself talking at your screen and trying to coach them, but they can't hear you because it's a movie you silly kitty. At every step we expect the bank robbers, led by Dalton Russell, to comment that things are not going well because they've dug themselves into a corner; no one is telling Russell anything of the kind. Why? Because the plan is the plan and all is working according to that plan. All the police folks including detective Frazier are befuddled.
The hostages are not all hostages but all the robbers, except Russell, will be nabbed the police and they will be questioned as hostages, then released. The cops are bewildered except Frazier whose mind is thankfully working overtime. The fixer White is not judging; she's just doing the job she was paid to do, but she and Frazier are on the same page, a page they cannot read aloud. It's thrilling to watch cerebral ping pong like that. I get goosebumps when these two talk to each other. Alas the criminal Arthur Case, whose awful crimes of the past have been slowly and methodically outlined to us during the course of the movie, gets what he has all his life feared the most, getting discovered.
The movie has a wonderful and even delightful supporting cast; you'll recognize several of the actors because they were good enough to make careers in the biz before and since.
The robbers do get a payday for their effort, it's only fair; one of their motives was of course a financial reward. The other reward, and principle motive, was exposing Arthur Case. Once Russell understood the value and professionalism of Frazier, he played that card to perfection and in his unique Russell way, found how he could reward his unsuspecting foe, and did. Frazier was thankful and since he was smart, he was discretely thankful.
This is a movie I get to watch every so often. I have watched it half a dozen times since it was released on DVD and I would be surprised if you weren't tempted to give it a look-see yourself, maybe not as frequently as I, but you must watch it at least once.
Sideways (2004)
Like a fine bottle of wine, this movie has aged well.
In 2004, writers Alexander Payne and Jim Taylor wrote their Oscar winning script and the four main characters played by Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh won the Screen Actors Guild award for best performance by a cast in a motion picture, while Alexander Payne, who also directed the movie was nominated for an Oscar as best achievement in directing.
I've watched this movie at least four times since it came out on DVD and I'm happy to still have it in my collection. The movie's IMDb synopsis and mostly its storyline description, a bit further down, captures well the plot. It is a simple plot, so what made this movie great was the script, the dialogue, the flawless performance by all four of the main characters and the splendid scenery of California's wine country. Nothing, but nothing requires suspension of disbelief here. Simple ordinary people living ordinary lives will at times do things that aren't so plain and simple; such is life, and thus we have four of them, all likeable, but two of which, Miles and Jack, played by Giamatti and Church, a bit more flawed than Maya or Stephanie, played by Madsen and Oh.
There's no stretching the imagination here, not the circumstances nor the personalities; all four are believable and delightfully so. What is meant to happen, does; a simple action reaction reality of life. But the ending is not sad; it does leave us in a "make up your own ending" state. That's not okay for a thriller, but it works just fine with a light comedy drama and romance. Given the locations of the movie and the story, a 19 year gap since it was released has not affected the viewing of it; it feels like it could be today. The week long adventure of Miles & Jack was a wine safari and the soundtrack includes a tune by that very name of course, hence my proud choice for this review's title.
Runaway Jury (2003)
A story I'd love to see remade in the context of today's world
The movie, as you may well know, is an adaptation of John Grisham's 1996 novel, but instead of a trial about the tobacco industry, it is about the gun industry, both killer products whose lobbies have had tremendous sway in politics. I've read just about all of Grisham's novel, even the ones that have noting to do about lawyers, so it's fair for me to repeat that the flic is an adaptation. I've just recently chosen to watch again this 20 year old thriller, and aside from the top four main characters, Gena Hackman as Fitch, Dustin Hoffman as Rohr, John Cusack as Nick Easter and Rachel Weisz as Marlee, you'll find plenty more now famous or popular actors that rounded the cast. One just needs to browse the list of that cast and drill down to confirm my opinion.
The director, Gary Fleder, has directed another of my favourite movies, 'Kiss the Girls' (part of novelist James Patterson's Alex Cross series) and that was good enough for me to confirm my desire to see it back then. Of course any movie which at the time featured the likes of Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman was already a 'must see' movie. Add John Cusack and Rachel Weisz in the mix and you had yourself a key lead foursome. The gun industry is not lacking in funding nor is it shy about pushing its selling points, and when it comes to perverting the US second amendment, well you have yourself an ideal vile protagonist, better even than the tobacco industry; it's representative, character Henry Jankle CEO of the gun company being sued, was played by the terrific character actor Stanley Anderson. Each and every character with few scenes, like Anderson's Jankle, acquitted themselves like the pro they were and have been for many years since. Bruce McGill as Judge Harkin, a perfect fit, Dylan McDermott, Jeremy Piven, Bill Nunn, Nick Searcy, Cliff Curtis, Nestor Serano and Jennifer Beals to name a few of the recognizable actors who are all familiar faces.
The IMDb synopsis and storyline covers the essential which I need not repeat, since you have likely read those already (or should). It is captivating from the opening scenes to the closing ones. It was smart on the part of the scriptwriters to pick the gun industry as a foe rather than the novel's tobacco industry because, in my opinion, an earlier movie, 'The Insider', starring A Pacino and Russell Crowe, had already targeted tobacco, whilst the gun industry hadn't been poked yet. Today, after twenty years, the underlying premise of the legal case conveyed in 'Runaway Jury' would be more compelling, given the statistics are frightening and more worrisome than back in 2003. I sincerely hope you watch this movie if you haven't back then or since. Moreover, I'd love, and hope, to see a new version of that film's legal contest and perhaps a version that throws in the politically to the right tv media into the fray. I'm salivating at the thought.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
The Many Faces & Phases of Love
It's with a few tears still streaking down my cheeks that I find myself writing this review. The IMDb's synopsis covers well the story; given its simplicity there isn't much more to it than that, but of course the details added all up total a certain richness and that is what makes it a beautiful love story. Love stories are not the exclusive particularity of couples' stories, but of course 'A Man Called Otto' has that covered in just the right measure with Otto's flashbacks about the love of his life, Sonya, played by Rachel Keller. Otto is played by Tom Hanks and younger Otto played by Truman Hanks (yes he's Tom's son). The movie gradually lets us discover Otto's desire to end his life, as mentioned in the IMDb synopsis, and the methodical way Otto approaches it; then it also makes us clearly understand how he can find himself in such state of mind simply because the loss of one's 'love of your life' can drive you to that point, it's not uncommon.
So the movie is more than Otto's love for Sonya, it's about a broader understanding of love, the kind that's both part of a couple's love life, and part of life, the best part of it, the caring part. That's where Marisol, played brilliantly by Mariana Treviño, comes in. She and her lovable family, growing family (she's pregnant) do turn Otto's life around, and Mariana in her character's role delivers the performance that's a perfect match to Tom's own character. It's wonderful to watch them both. The other characters in the movie help weave a tapestry of love you find in novels, and of course the movie is an adaptation of one, so I'm not exaggerating. We all love Tom Hanks and this movie will only cement that affection for him. I for one am glad he took on the project because, as a man of my generation, he was able to convey the advantages of the simplicity of an earlier era in a way, the way, I treasure them and such as all can also appreciate, hence my choice for the words 'phase of love', in the title of this review. Anyone who doesn't like this movie has something stuck up somewhere, to put it bluntly. I hope you enjoy the movie and don't have anything stuck up... you know.
White Noise (2022)
A cast I loved to watch working together
I liked 'Marriage Story', a Noah Baumbach movie and I'm a fan of Adam Driver so I was inclined to watch 'White Noise' on that basis to begin with. The movie is very hard to define as a genre, not a funny comedy, not a monster horror, but certainly life's drama as the IMDb synopsis would lead us to understand. I'd say it was the kind of movie one will like or not like early on. I liked it early on because everyone played their part so well and every part blended so nicely. It was about nothing and everything all at once, life. I'm glad I watched it. If someone likes movies and understands as well as believe it's art, because it is, then this movie will absolutely not be a let down. If on the other hand you are a consumer of movies, one who likes prepackaged genres and something sensational rather than surprising, you are not likely going to like this movie, and I saw from the IMDb reviews that, sadly, many didn't.
Your Honor (2020)
Season 1 could have been a single mini series, but S02 is a whole new ballgame
I liked the first season and didn't expect a second one, as the last episode of that season ended not with a cliffhanger but an epilogue; at least it was a fitting conclusion to the drama, crime thriller that is season one. The IMDb synopsis and storyline describe well what was at play in season one. There's no doubt Bryan Cranston, who plays judge Desiato, is the centre of the series and he delivers what we've come to expect from the former Walter White (of "Breaking Bad"), from Robert Mazur (lead in the bio-crime-drama that was "The Infiltrator") or even Jerry Selbe (from the 2022 bio-comedy drama "Jerry and Marge Go Large").
Now that I've watched the first episode of the second season, it is as I've titled this review, a whole new ballgame. We discover what happened to Judge Michael Desiato after the season one conclusion, but it turns out it isn't quite what we expected, not even close. A story that develops with unexpected events or unforeseen incidents is what makes a thriller a good one. I am so looking forward to seeing what comes next and if this will lead to a third season.
The list of supporting actors has a few new additions in Mark Margolis and Rosie Perez, who I'm glad joined the continuing story. They will be part of a pretty good line-up already that feature the likes of Michael Stufflbarg and Hope Davis who play Jimmy and Gina Baxter the devious and dangerous head of the crime family against who former judge Desiato was and is pitted against, again. Isiah Whitlock Jr. Who plays Charlie Figaro, Dediato's oldest and dearest friend and who is vying for the position of New Orleans mayor no less, will have an even more prominent role to play, by the looks of things. He's a character actor we love as much as Cranston. Now I'm buckled up and ready for the ride; I hope you are as well.
The High Note (2020)
If you like movies with and about good music, this is one to watch.
I often revisit movies I liked and because I make of note of those; this is one. Two of the three key actors, Tracee Ellis Ross and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Sing performances in the movie and they sure could be recording artists if they weren't actors; that was one of the reasons which compelled me to write a review. The other reason of course was the music; I mean the songs we heard and the ones mentioned, because all of them were great songs by great artists. That latter reason is likely what will hook you by the time you're half way into the movie, if not way before.
The lead actor, Dakota Johnson, who plays Maggie, does a convincing job as the assistant to the pop star played by Tracee Ellis Ross, one assistant with aspiration and determination to be a music producer. Thankfully, the script included enough details about Maggie's background to make her character's role a credible one. Dakota Johnson had a solid career already, both as a model and actor, not to mention she's from Hollywood celeb lineage. Tracee Ellis Ross also had a solid career already mostly as an actor and more recently as producer and director (but no she didn't direct this movie), and as I mentioned already, she can sing like a real pop star.
Kelvin Harrison Jr plays the mystery character of David Cliff, in that we don't know he's the son of Grace Davis, Tracee Ellis Ross' character, till near the end, but it would be any movie lover's guess he just might be. When I heard him sing, I started getting inklings. The movie has a great supporting cast in Ice Cube, Bill Pullman and Eddie Izzard. And, last but not least, the ending is a definite 'feel good' one that works for the movie's IMDb synopsis. I've watched twice and trust I will again, so I recommend it if you like movies with and about good music, and also life surprises.
The Recruit (2022)
If you watched S01, you definitely need a second season, no question.
This was, simply put, an extremely entertaining series. Episode after episode, you can't imagine where it's going except that the lead character Owen Hendricks, played by Noah Centineo, will get into trouble, more and more trouble and best of all, he'll get everyone else into trouble as well. It doesn't matter that he works for the CIA, he's not CIA material, but he's the only honest to god good person the agency appears to have. He's no Jack Ryan, but he's got more luck than the Michael Connelly character, most of it bad.
The character and how well Centineo plays the part is basically what drives you to watch. He's so endearing, you'll keep calling him names but you can't help to root for him despite the character's poor choices. Why? Because he's a good person who cares for others while he's surrounded in the agency by no one who gives a crap about others. Thankfully he has two friends who care about him and whose best advice is to get the hell out of the CIA. I can think of so many reasons why this is not a typical spy thriller; not typical is key here. How is this entertaining? For the same reason we like ice cream; we just do.
As season ending episodes go, it is not, absolutely not a typical cliffhanger either. By the time the last episode ends, you find yourself so interested in Owen's future you need there to be a season two. You got to have it. A lot of people will be upset at Netflix if there isn't a season two; and I'm one.
Jerry & Marge Go Large (2022)
A feel good movie that should make anyone feel good
At Christmas I wanted to watch a feel-good non Christmas movie; I've had my fill of Christmas movies at my age so I remembered an article about a true story a friend had sent me a link to a while back and which I was told was made into a movie. Sure enough, the true story of Gerald and Marjorie Selbee published in the Huffington Post, a very detailed article, some time ago, was indeed set to a flic in which the main characters were played by actors I really like. Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening play Jerry and Marge in this movie. They both make their characters feel very real, and of course as sympathetic as could be. Based on everything I read about these two Michigan residents, they were/are undoubtedly sympathetic.
Sometimes plain regular people do extraordinary things and you don't hear or read about it. But we heard about this one from The Boston Globe broke the story first; the Globe made it mostly about the MIT students who had uncovered the same flaw in the "wind fall lottery" as Gerald Selbee had; the Selbees however where too sympathetic to make sensational news. That's what I concluded as well as how this movie recounts the events, thankfully. Many, if not most, other major newspapers eventually published that same story
The reason I consider it a feel good movie is because of what Jerry and Marge did with the winnings, and how they were always humble about their smart betting; also, the way in which Jerry shared the winnings with fellow town residents is a gem. Real stories have a way of affecting how you might rate a movie, recommend it to friends if you do, and simply how it indubitably has built-in credibility. If you are looking for a feel-good movie, at any time of the year, 'Jerry and Marge Go Large' is one I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Call Jane (2022)
You will or should get an added perspective on the subject of the movie, one that is not focused on a right, but on a need.
If you are looking for an entertaining movie mostly, you will be disappointed probably, but if you have an open mind and appreciate the input that movies can and do provide for expanding one's understanding of life's great challenges, then you should not be disappointed. That along with this review's headline is my conclusion, upfront.
Firstly, the IMDb synopsis and especially the storyline further below it will provide you sufficient information to decide if you want to see this movie. I was swayed mostly by the three lead actors whose names usually will make me consider watching the movies in which they perform, namely Sigourney Weaver, Chris Messina and the lead actor also, Elizabeth Banks. It is not any of those three's best performances, in my opinion, but the characters they play and their situation or the circumstances depicted may be the factors that made me immerse myself in the period, 50 years ago, and especially in the battle they fought, the one for women's right to an abortion. I've been, in principle, always a supporter of the cause and for the rights. The movie gave however something more than justification, it gave me the feeling that made my reasons for supporting the cause more human and definitely more real. I can only imagine how this movie will make women viewers feel, as I am but a man. I'm serious because the story was a serious one and still the fight for those rights are serious today, in America without a doubt.
In June of this year, 2022, America got a shot to its perceived rights, well they were not so 'acquired' anymore, when the Supreme Court overturned the defining 1973 landmark decision we all know as Roe vs Wade. It was a setback that justifiably angered most women and anyone really supportive of the needed rights. I will repeat the word 'need' and 'needed' because it was what this movie allowed me to appreciate with greater sensitivity. The story of the women in the movie is no different than the actual circumstances that existed then, exist today and always will. The story paints that picture well enough, not like a photograph but perhaps like a Van Gogh painting might to the discerning eye.
It may or not change some minds, but it's the best source for a getting a perspective called for, one beyond simply believing in a principle but understanding a need. The movie was released in Oct-2022 after the Dobbs case proceedings, the one the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in June 2022; it was fair timing for the release which many, I read, wanted released sooner, not that it would have made a difference. The movie however reinforced the ensuing political debates before US midterm elections. Movies such as this one are part of what makes cinema a valued art, even when it's not Oscar material. After seeing the movie online, I was compelled to write a review; I would be thrilled if it convinced anyone, one would be good, to watch it in turn.
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
A Classic - murder mystery, romance and natural beauty of the wild
What classic murder mysteries inevitably must have is a 'who-done-it' which you will not guess. This story will have you ponder to be sure and when you're certain you have figured it out you are surprised not once but twice. It is the reason I call it a classic.
Not only is it a murder mystery, it is a romance drama worthy of awards. The Novel on which it is based, by Dalia Owens, was at the very top of the New York Times best sellers in 2019 and in 2020, after which it remained on the list to date. It sold over 15 million copies; that's saying something. I certainly found it very moving. The main character, Kya Clark, played oh so well by Daisy Edgar-Jones (and earlier as a child by Jojo Regina), is a unique character, much like the character Nell from the 1994 Oscar winning movie, was a unique character. Kya however is a highly developed survivalist, with so many great qualities for you to discover and like, not the least of which is her love of nature. That in itself lended the movie to great cinematographic opportunities, and it is not lacking in that; in fact it made me love the movie even more.
You may not get much from reading the IMDb storyline, but why would you want to spoil the experience; so, I'm avoiding those here. The complexities of human behaviour is explored, exposed and certainly exploited to our benefit with refreshing subtleties. Would I recommend this movie? Oh yes, absolutely.
The Independent (2022)
A thriller that pulls you in and doesn't let go.
It's often said that suspension of disbelief is not a bad thing when you read or watch fiction, but in the case of "The Independent", you need no such thing. Sure it's fiction, but it hits so close to home you can't help but think 'this could so easily happen, right now'.
I think it was a pretty good script to begin with, then you have a big name, Brian Cox, to add to the work and other actors who do not fail to deliver very credible performances, and what you get is a movie which will make you think of "All the President's Men", which of course was not entirely fiction, just dramatically boosted. I may have elected (pun intended) to watch the movie because it featured Brian Cox, but Jodie Turner-Smith, a compatriot (another intended pun) of Brian Cox, is the main actor and she delivers like the pro she is. John Cena was, in my humble opinion, the required American actor which the story called for; he may be better known for other than plain thriller movies, but, admittedly, he provided what was needed, and may well add fans to his list as more people watch the film.
IMDb's storyline/synopsis is what I refer you to as I would not wish to spoil the movie going/watching experience for you. If that storyline turns you off because it sounds too far fetched or perhaps boring, I promise you it is neither, and it's why I hesitate not in recommending it.
Way Down (2021)
A Heist Flic the way I like 'em... well done.
Heist movies, the good ones, need some basic elements to work well; they must be a challenge for the criminals, a prize worth the risk, unexpected glitches (nothing in life is perfect, certainly not a crime), twists and turns, a traitor or something resembling such and a double-cross the turncoat deserves in return. In this case, it had all those, and they worked. It also needs some extra appeal, like the venue, Italy, France or Spain for instance; this one takes place in Spain and some scenes in London and France of course, so all three, and it made me very happy. It also should not be a copy-like of previous heist movies in any of the elements I mentioned; in other words it must have some uniqueness that will make you remember it; it does.
From the start, the very early scenes, you know this will not be a 'B' movie, but a first class production just from the cinematography alone, and it is a top notch production. The cast, it has Liam Cunningham who was the reason I chose to watch the movie in the first place, will not leave you wanting; the humble main character, star of the TV series 'The Good Doctor' (now in its 6th season), Freddie Highmore may have been type-casted but he holds his own. Co-star Astrid Bergès-Frisbey who plays Lorraine adds flare to the team of criminals who aren't so much criminals as they are passionate high stakes entrepreneurs (of sorts).
The director, like an orchestra conductor, must do as good a job as all his characters put together, and Jaume Balagueró sure did. In fact, I'll be looking for other of his works as director now that I've seen what he is capable of. I did not mention any details for fear of spoiling the story; it was tempting, but you will like the surprise if you don't know what's coming and you can't. Even if I defined it as a classic heist, it's still not giving away the full plot, which you'll be glad to discover on your own. Happy viewing.
Lou (2022)
Not all women are meant to be mothers, says one who wasn't a good one.
After watching this movie, you will not be a fan of the CIA, and you will be thankful for having a caring mother. The lead character, Lou, is a woman with many secrets, as you would expect from a 26 years veteran CIA foreign agent, but her biggest secrets has to do with who she was, and is as a person. Skilled at the job she retired from, but not amicably, definitely not amicably, she's now somewhat of a semi-recluse, but of course there's more to it than that.
Lou's neighbour's daughter is kidnapped, the thriller part begins and practically never stops; but, you couldn't possibly expect things to go where they go. There are some action scenes but only because there needed to be. The adventure takes place in a forest by the Pacific on a stormy night; an urban suspense it is not, urban I mean.
The movie has very good character development in my opinion; as the story progresses we get to know more about Lou, extremely well played by Allison Janney, from the series The West Wing and the movie Juno. Lou is unlikable at first and throughout the movie, and then we get to understand why. The why will not ingratiate her, it will only explain her and that alone is enough. The why is something we also learn about the character 'Philip' who kidnapped the daughter of Lou's neighbour and tenant, Hannah.
I'm am tempted to write more about the character Philip, played by Logan Marshall-Green (I'm now a fan), but if I do, I'll just spoil for you what makes this story a darn good one. Suffice it to say there are no coincidences or superfluous parts to the story or how Lou is far more than whatever you may think at the beginning. It's a thriller and one I'll not soon forget.
Blonde (2022)
I'm on the fence about this movie, because...
It's a bit too long a movie, one I found depressing, even if I would give kudos to Ana de Armas for her performance as Marilyn Monroe, the main character whose life is really a very troubled one and a pity; it had too many nightmarish fetus scenes, way too many to the point of being eerie and the number of big star actors in the cast just didn't make up for that eeriness.
Ana de Armas is hot looking and I'm speaking as a guy who can't ignore that. Then, I learned things about Marilyn Monroe I didn't know or about which I had no clue and it could be a small factor about being on the fence, I think.
Bullet Train (2022)
Very entertaining, because...
Another action, comedy, thriller by David Leitch, as he's good at doing, a great cast (even had a scene of a few seconds cameo by Ryan Reynolds) to which I'd add it included the kind of humour I like from Guy Ritchie directed movies, a extremely well chosen soundtrack I loved and which reminds me of the Tarantino's Kill Bill trilogy, and finally perfect special effects for a non science-fiction; that's why.
So would i recommend it for its entertainment value? Of course I would; for its suspense, maybe not, although it certainly is unpredictable and has lots of action and as for action, there's plenty.
Orphan: First Kill (2022)
Not a good idea to make a pact with the devil
In this unexpected sequel to the 2009 thriller, Esther, or should we say Leena, is back. I thought her dead, but thankfully, for our entertainment pleasure, she evidently didn't die; she ended up however in a mental institute for dangerous inmates, where she clearly belonged. In the early scenes of 'Orphan: First Kill' it's made clear Esther is considered the most dangerous patient of the institute, something which didn't take long for her to prove by an amazing display of her cunning skills. Esther may be crazy, she's a psychopath after all, but she's also extremely smart and owns the part of the sweet and innocent little girl that allows her to fool her victims to death.
When I read that a movie is branded 'horror', I tend, as most of us are inclined, to assume monsters or monstrous creatures of some kind are going to be revealed, but we tend to forget the the word monster applies equally to murderous psychopaths. Hence Esther is a monster disguised as a sweet 9-11 year old, thanks to a rare form of dwarfism (I found there are 67 kinds when I did some research) a result of hypopituitarism (gland disorder). For the plot of the movies, this defect is most convenient; I mean an adult whose body appears to stop aging presents ample opportunities for plausible fiction. In 'Orphan' and 'Orphan: First Kill', as well as the anticipated 3rd movie (possible spoiler), the child like appearance of a thirty something psychopath works beautifully. Isabelle Fuhrman who plays Esther in both movies had the looks to pull off the character and she also had the acting chops to make you believe in her monstrous mind. I had not recognized Fuhrman from another 2021 movie she starred in and was also brilliant, 'The Novice'; that tells me how skilled she is.
This time round, the adoptive parents are not supposed to be adoptive but rather actual parents whose lost daughter is finally found, a scheme of Esther who understands the benefit of her hypopituitarism, assuming a young identity. Those parents, the Albrights are a complicated couple who have a grown son also. The plot thickens when Tricia Albright, played by accomplished actor Julia Stiles, turns out to be a 'bad guy'; she knows her real daughter is dead, something Allen her husband doesn't know. Allen Albright is played by Rossif Sutherland, son of one of my favourite actors, Donald Sutherland. Gunnar Albright, son of Tricia and Allen, played by Matthew Finlan, a few years ago murdered Esther Albright and now Tricia, to keep her husband happy and to have him recover from a depression, decided to play along with Esther's scheme. Tricia's scheme is unbeknownst to Esther, but not for long. Behold the 'Pact' Tricia makes with the Esther impersonator, whose past also is unbeknownst to Tricia; it's a pact with the devil, as I see it. Esther is lucky not to die at the hands of Gunnar and Tricia but has to improvise when she discovers what they are up to. If you watched the 2009 original movie, you know things are going to intensify and get dark quick. They do.
William Brent Bell directed this sequel written by the same team who wrote the 2009 original, at least two of the three credited for the original. He did a splendid job in keeping the Esther character within the frame we liked and expected. Both movies can be viewed independently and that's a plus, and it's also the ideal basis for a third movie if we are fortunate to see one made. I for one would watch it and would expect that time Esther to succumb to the fate of her victims in turn; three's a charm as the saying goes, notwithstanding what sort of fate of course.
Bullet Proof (2022)
The Good Thief
With this action movie you will be entertained. James Clayton, 'the thief', who wrote the story and directed the movie also plays a starring role. The one character who however steals the show is Mia, played by Lina Lecompte. Her character is not sweet, she's feisty and is running for her life, away from Temple, played as you'd expect by character actors Vinnie Jones. Temple is the tough guy villain drug lord who Mia is running away from, because he's brutal. Oh yeah, and Mia is pregnant with Temple baby, a son to be born, if she survives. Clayton's character turns out to be a good guy when Mia's fate at the hands of temple is not something he wants to be responsible for, given he has an opportunity to save her and does. That's it in a nutshell. I had my doubts about watching this movie, but in the end I was entertained and now I have an actor, Lina Lecompte, who I hope to see in another movie.
Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber (2022)
Super... But NOT supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
The series creators also created another series I like and follow, 'Billions'. That being said, what I immediately noticed, and in every episode of the first season, was how the series used actual names of individuals portrayed in the series. Lots of well known personalities. The founder of UBER, Travis Kalanik, delightfully played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the key character, is portrayed as an egomaniac, acting like a grownup child with no redeeming values, all hype, and controlling. He sought individuals with equally low virtue or qualifications to work for him, basically anyone who would buy into his cult leader like personality. This is was the start of a... no, not a beautiful relationship, a most unhealthy climate for any business to develop; but we're in the 21st century so no rules like common sense apply anymore. It's full speed ahead and the people the company hurts as it grows, be dammed.
Other characters who were or are in real life who they are in the series, Larry Page, cofounder of Google, Bill Gurley, venture capitalist partner at Benchmark, Arianna Huffington, founder of Huffington Post, Anthony Levandowski, the inventor of the first self driving car, Sergei Brin, cofounder of Google, Tim Cook, Apple CEO, Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur (who doesn't know him) played himself. By the way Cuban and Gurley were not unlikable characters in the series, but I can't speak for how they are in real life; I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. David Bonderman, a billionaire investor cofounder of TPG Capital, played by an actor I always like, Chelcie Ross, was a character who walked a fine line between common sense good guy and sneaky bastard. The series has an abundance of known actors, actors we've seen umpteenth times in variety of roles and movie or series genre; that was a plus for me.
I was not aware of the rollercoaster ride the company, Uber, had gone through before 2020, but now I do. It doesn't make me sympathetic to it regardless. And, I certainly did not know all the connections the odious Kalanik made as he grew the company, let alone all the illegal and unscrupulous maneuverings. It's what made me keep watching. A friend recommended the series to me and since I trust my friend's recommendation, always been on the mark, I gave it a look-see. I am surprised none of the very wealthy characters portrayed, and named repeatedly in the series, haven't sued for showing them in such a bad light; gotta give that US first constitutional amendment some credit for that I suppose. I loved the series, and perhaps some of the delight comes from watching elite SOB's being shined a blue-light on them, a form of Schadenfreude if you will. Then again, one could simply call this exposure dark humour. Okay, I'll go with that, dark humour. Don't we all like to learn the dark little secrets of companies we are suspicious of, and don't we all think those young bravado CEO's are deserving of a good kick in the... you know. If, like me you are in that mood right now, or soon, just watch Super Pumped and release some of your stress in the process.
Kimi (2022)
Siri, no... Alexa, no... KIMI, oh yeah!
A tech worker, Angela Childs, works in Seattle for a company that developed a virtual assistant device, KIMI. The device is like Siri or Alexa, but it's one that supposedly improves over time in getting to know its owner-user. We find out early on that it's tech workers such as Angela who remotely monitor the audio data from KIMI and fixes the lapse where KIMI did not understand commands or requests from users. In so doing, Angela comes across an audio stream she is convinced is evidence of a crime, a rape-murder she suspects. She alerts management, seeking help in dealing with what she suspects.
Turns out Angela wasn't wrong, 'but techies' of the company do not have access to users details, only the unresolved audio streams. She is berated by the company CEO for bringing up the matter with so little evidence, simply her intuition of what the audio could indicate. But as it so happens, the perpetrator of the crime has ties to the CEO and financial leverage, significant leverage, and enough to make all the difference; this person anticipated the possibility of potential KIMI related evidence.
Angela had been herself victim of rape many years before, and it was the cause of her agoraphobia. She couldn't let things go. With her foreign tech contacts and much initiative she uncovers enough of the user details to take the matter to the company law enforcement intermediary, just the person she needs. Although she is agoraphobic, she does manage to have a friend (with benefit) and also an admirer, both of whom live in the building across from hers, and, she overcomes her anxious fear of leaving her apartment to follow up on the matter despite her CEO's warning. I've revealed enough already, so I'll just add that Angela should not have pursued the matter. You'll also be glad to know she survives; she's a kickass-techie.
This movie is a Steven Soderbergh movie, the Oscar winning director, so you know he was capable of doing something really good with a script from famous and accomplished script-writer David Koepp. I admit I knew virtually nothing about the actors, except the famous parents of Zoë Kravitz, the lead actor who plays Angela. I will remember her next time I see her name in a cast. The story is so smartly developed that you only realize as the film progresses how so many little details were NOT incidental. The pace is progressive, and steadily so; you may be sitting comfortably on your couch at first but you'll be sitting on the edge of it before the last few scenes. IMDb categorizes this movie as crime-drama-thriller. Correct on all counts! One final tiny detail... After you see the movie, and I hope you do, the title of this review will make more sense than you can appreciate, for the moment.
The Fallout (2021)
Opening and ending scenes you won't soon forget
The topic subject as described in the IMDb synopsis, then the storyline, basically cover what the movie is about and, as my choice for this review's title says, the opening scenes as well as the very last scene will probably make you think long and hard and you will remember those without a doubt.
The main character Vada is played by Jenna Ortega and I wasn't at all familiar with her but I will remember her name when I see it again. She delivered that good a performance. When you consider movies based on who the actors are it means they are good and have convinced you for one reason or another. Ms Ortega did.
A school shooting, in the context of 2021-2022 is a storyline which time has come, given the US leads all countries in mass shootings and especially school shootings. The statistics are incredible, but the experience itself needed to be exposed and the fallout conveyed. The movie's title is perfect. Perfect!
Some might debate the script's middle section, between the opening scenes and that very special last one, but regardless of what you think of the development, little prepares you for either. I'm almost sorry I spoiled it for you. Watch it anyway. Actors Julie Bowen and John Ortiz played Vada's parents and I was happy to see them in those roles, especially a scene with Vada and her dad when he finds the way to reach his lost daughter, who was lost, mentally speaking; it was a touching scene.
Another actor who's name I knew but not as actor, is co-star Maddie Ziegler. I didn't recognize her, even when a short clip of her dancing today was featured. When I later checked the performers names I thought to myself "What a coincidence!" It wasn't. It's Sia's video dancer acting on the big screen. Good for her, and what a difference a few years make.
I sincerely hope the movie has a social impact; I truly do. If anything, it is an excellent basis for reflection and appreciation for surviving victims' experiences. Dare I say it's a must view? I do.
Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)
Irish romanticism, I can't explain it, won't try, but I love it anyway.
Today's social media generation would dismiss the movie as... as... I don't know what pejorative insensitive word they'd use, but it doesn't matter. It wouldn't matter to the characters to be sure, and it certainly doesn't matter to me. A young boy and girl grow up neighbours, friends and more, and the only thing they aren't is lovers. A terrible waste of time in anyone's life, that they haven't..
The whole families, friends and neighbours all wonder... "What the heck are they waiting for?" The good news is they eventually find what it was they needed... an ultimatum by the Irish lass who at one point considered having her eggs frozen. Their parents who tried everything to make the couple realize their destiny needed fulfilling, succeeded, but it was beyond their grave they did.
Once you watch the movie, this will all make perfect sense to you; I couldn't make sense of it myself throughout the movie, until the last scenes. So why should I spare you that pleasure. Oh dear! Their world has become mine. Help!