somf Reviews

Double Down South (2022)

Solid B gambling film. A lot of fun

[8/10 · 18 April 2024]

I was drawn to Double Down South by Lila Simmonds whom I thought was the sexiest woman I had ever seen when she was in the fantastic series Banshee. I also enjoy Kim Coates from Sons of Anarchy. And the gambling film genre is full of really good films and barely any bad ones. Furthermore I had never heard of the Keno variation of pool. The entire supporting cast was absolutely excellent. The entire film takes place on a run down old Southern estate that is owned by the the villain of the story. Nick, played by Kim Coates. I was not fooled by any of the stories twists, but I enjoyed them nonetheless. This is just a solid popcorn film with not a boring frame and a fun and different story. Maybe I graded it slightly high because I felt it deserved an audience, let 's call it a 7.5, but If any of the aforementioned elements of the film sound intriguing to you, you really should give it a watch.

True Detective: Night Country: Part 1 (2024) Season 4, Episode 1

I hope and believe it is going to get better.

[6/10 · 17 January 2024]

I don't get all the right wing woke negativity. These are people in a very remote location. I guess they expect Barbie and Ken above the arctic circle. What puts me off though is the heavy supernatural element. I plain do not like it. Sure there has been a small supernatural element to the other seasons here and there, but this plays like anything but "True". And it is set up very sloppily, Very corny. It looks good. It is well acted, but I give the script a 3 or 4 so far. I think it will get better. I really do, but it feels like this may be as good as it gets. If that is true my rating for the season is going to go down a star or two.

The Delinquents (2023)

I guess that I didn't get it.

[3/10 · 18 December 2023]

I am smarter than your average bear, really, but I am amazed at how much I truly disliked this very well reviewed film. I think the director is horrendous. The acting was good. The main story had some good elements. It may have played pretty well with a more mainstream style and at about half the runtime, but what weird choices this director made. He loves using awkward split screens that have little to no relevance. "Oh look it is a split screen, both those characters are being reflective and smoking a cigarette in the dark at the same time. How creative!"

I really despised the soundtrack. It never evoked a relevant feeling or enhanced any scenes. It reminded me of the music in a 1970s Western TV show. Boring and forgettable.

I suppose some people are going to get a lot from the long seemingly strange uneventful scenes that make up more than half the runtime. Many critics did at least. I sure did not though.

THE 1975 live from Madison Square Garden (2022 TV Special)

Lost In the Shuffle.

[10/10 · 2 October 2023]

Deep in your Amazon Prime app this film is hidden waiting for you to discover it. My top 2 concert films of all time are Stop Making Sense, and this one that recently replaced "X: The Unheard Music" after decades of being my second favorite concert film Yeah, I am old as dirt, but I still love great music and great performances and there is no greater rock n roll stage presence today than Matt Healy.

At least when I went to see Stop Making Sense the first time, I loved the director, Jonathan Demme. I also went to two stops on that tour. So I was really excited when it was released.

I had never heard of James Barnes, and did not expect much from this film, but he is to be commended for his direction. He makes you feel you are in a front row seat at the Garden. What more can you ask for? I saw this tour live as well, at the Mission Ballroom in Denver a few weeks after this date, nice to be able to go back to it and enjoy a past concert recorded on something other than someone's Iphone.

Hypnotic (2023)

Film Noir is hard

[5/10 · 24 September 2023]

You ask me, the blame for. The failure of this film is on Rodriguez as director. As writer, he did ok, but he seems to ruin his own script creating this nori atmosphere that really fails. Film noir is my favorite genre, it rarely messes up, but when it is done wrong the lines all sound fake, the music does not work and the atmosphere falls short. Hypnotic does not work.

It is a good story, and I like the cast overall, though none of them are doing their finest work.

Rodriguez has proven for years that he is no Tarantino. Now he proves that he is no Hitchcock.

This could have been a pretty solid film with a better director, so it is disappointing to see Rodriguez mess up his own script.

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Only thing that keeps it from being the best action film of all time.

[9/10 · 12 July 2023]

I do not consider that I am giving spoilers when I say the basic plot is about Artificial Intelligence taking over the world. We are going to get a lot of films like this in the near future and I think plot wise this is not going to hold a candle to most of those. I am pretty sure Creator will be a good comparison soon. So the whole main plot concept was not well executed and may have been one of the weaker plots in the series. But , oh the action!

Really best car chase ever. Best train sequence ever. I had a really fun time at this one. More fun than I have had in a long time at the movies. Watched it on Laser IMAX. I think I would have preferred to see it on the Dolby screen. All the acting is solid. It dragged a tiny bit in the middle of the film with a long sequence in Paris. I think it could have been 15 minutes shorter in fact, but overall a great addition to the most consistent series in the history of film.

All About Evil (2010)

This one wore out its' welcome.

[5/10 · 9 July 2023]

All about Evil tries so hard to be a culty camp classic and at first I really enjoyed it. All the references to other cult classics, including my favorite awful film of all time, "Blood Feast" . John Waters drag stars, and a lot of blood, Elvira, all these elements show in a not so subtle way that the filmmaker was trying so hard to make a cult classic. On some levels they succeeded

I am not a huge Natasha Lyonne fan to start. Maybe that was part of the problem. I loved a lot of things about the film for sure. The sisters from "The Shining" was a terrific touch, but about halfway through I had had enough. Campy over the top acting becomes, well, campy over the top acting after 45 minutes or so. It is no longer funny or clever. It is just grating. The Grand Guignol blood scenes go from funny to gross. That is likely how this movie is probably going to affect you. You will love its' style from frame one to the very end, or somewhere along the line, and hopefully that is not from frame one. You will have had enough and start wondering when is this going to end.

Brooklyn 45 (2023)

What is with the casting?

[7/10 · 8 July 2023]

The cast is really solid, but way too old for the characters that they play. Other than the neighbor Hildegard, they should all be about 15 to 20 years younger of the film should be titled Brooklyn 60 and set about 15 years later. I kind of feel like the screenwriter even wrote his first draft to be 15 years after the war and perhaps decided to have it more fresh in the character's psyches.

Although the film is certainly bloody, and has many supernatural elements, it works best as a statement on the effects of war and the nature of racism. As others have said it feels a lot like watching a stage play, but for me that is not necessarily a bad thing.

Worth watching, far from great, but certainly original.

Turn of the Tide (2023– )

Loved the first 5 episodes but last 2 were not as good

[8/10 · 21 June 2023]

I did not like how this pretty excellent series wound down at the end. There was also a lot of sort of coincidental plot issues, but it was pretty griping througout. I did feel like the last two episodes were a very long setup for a second season. Several great characters did not make it through the end of season 1, so I hope season 2 that likely focuses on America will come up with some strong new characters. I was reminded a lot of Undercover, the Belgian series about an Ecstasy dealer and I think if you were a fan of that show and Ferry Bowman, you will also enjoy this. I rate this show an 8 for now. I hope that next season I will up it to a 9,

The English (2022)

So close to a Masterpiece

[8/10 · 29 November 2022]

Acting and visuals are a 10 and the writing is superb. That being said I almost stopped watching at the end of episode 2. After an exciting episode 1, episode 2 is talky, meandering and does little to move the story along. That is resolved for the rest of the show more or less though. I think an hour could easily have been cut from this 6 hour tale and made it flow better.

The main problem with the English for me, is how the sweeping tale was laid out. Two main issues there. The time going back and forth between 1875 and 1890 was utterly confusing. The whole time I was thinking Blunt and Spencer met in 1875. I bet I am not alone there. They did not meet until 1890 though. So as the story unfolded, keeping the chronology straight was horribly difficult. Also I think the writer in an effort to create plot twists and shocking reveals sacrifices cohesion. I should probably watch it again just to remove the confusion factor. This is not a spoiler, this is just a helpful tidbit. Our heroes meet in 1890.

But it is a beautiful and unique story with the feel of an old sweeping David Lean epic film, that will have you grabbing your box of tissue in Episode 6. I wept like a baby. Highly recommended overall.

The Big Ugly (2020)

Terrific B movie

[8/10 · 25 October 2022]

I have to start with asking how does this have a 5.1 rating as I write this when less than 23 percent of viewers gave this a 5 or less. Sometimes the weighted averages on IMDB make no sense to me. This is a truly solid story full of rich characters and accomplished actors that sink their teeth into their roles. I love a well done B movie and this is the very definition of one. Vinnie Jones heads up a cast that includes Malcom McDowell and Ron Perlman all guys with such great character and a bunch of young actors including the beautiful Leven Rambin whom I had not heard of before this film and Nicholas Braun who is so great in Succession. I do not want to say too much about the story beyond the fact that it keeps your interest throughout. I guess the main reason I write this is to say, don't believe the IMDB rating. Look at the numbers. The vast majority of people really enjoyed this film You probably will too..

Speak No Evil (2022)

Much to recommend, but I just did not believe it.

[7/10 · 16 October 2022]

I wonder if it is a cultural thing that I was missing as an American. As most reviewers have said this is a really uncomfortable watch and that aspect of the film is brilliant, and extremely well done, but the final act is too hard to swallow. I don't believe in anything the family does to protect themselves at the end, and maybe that is what I am missing in translation. Creepy as all get out, this film works in many ways. I loved that acting, particularly of the villains. It just could have been better and frankly more exciting, if the good guys tried harder. I was never really clear about the motivation of the bad guys either. Worth a watch though.

Significant Other (2022)

Different and fun

[7/10 · 8 October 2022]

I won't overuse the term slow burn, but I will say the last 45 minutes are quite a surprise based on the first 45. Maika Monroe is very talented and Jake Lacy gives off Ben Affleck vibes in this short solid film. I am a sucker for films in this genre. I don't want to say what that genre is or name other films like it because I would have to mark this review as containing spoilers, but it makes for a film with some great twists.

It tries and somewhat succeeds on being a mediation about the meaning of love and if that sounds a little boring and cerebral, trust me, it isn't. In the second half you will laugh and gasp and probably be very glad you stuck with the story.

Nothing great, but pretty solid entertainment, that at the end of the day, feels like a setup for a bigger and better sequel. It may be praise enough to simply say, I hope I am right about the sequel.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

My take on why this film worked so well.

[10/10 · 15 August 2022]

I was one of those guys that had no plans on seeing this film before it was released. Was never a huge Top Gun fan, but then the reviews and buzz started and I changed my mind.

I am a huge Mission Impossible fan. The next two films coming out are in my top 5 on my watchlist over the next year. (May have to wait a bit longer on the second.) But why Maverick worked so well, is that it is essentially built around the Mission Impossible structure. Christopher McQuarrie has written the last two and the next two MI films and he was also one of the writers here. Since he also wrote my favorite film of the last 25 years, "The Usual Suspects" I think I can call him my favorite film writer. But think about how this film unfolds. It is exactly like the MI films. There is a mission that is planned for and is almost impossible to complete. Our hero develops a top notch team with unmatched skills and pulls it off. We are prepared for what the dangers are and when they are encountered we are on the edge of our seats. My favorite film of the year. And I think Christopher McQuarrie needs a special shout out , for what he undoubtedly did to help make this film so special.

Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)

Mildly disappointed due to all the hype.

[7/10 · 19 June 2022]

Cha cha comes with a a lot of advanced hype. Audience fave at this festival and that and can these be this year's Coda kind of hype. It isn't nearly as good a film as Coda. It is a solid indie dramedy and worth a watch, but there was this this sort of "aren't I cute?" demeanor to the main character of Andrew that began to annoy me at the end. I am growing to like Dakota Johnson more in every film that I see her in, and I loved her character. There were a lot of things that I liked about the film, including the soundtrack and, and there were a light of make you smile moments, and so it is worth a watch. Just a bit overhyped if you ask me.

The Outfit (2022)

Really loved this film.

[9/10 · 11 April 2022]

Such a clever script and solid cast, led by the fantastic Mark Rylance. This would make a terrific play. It all takes place in a tailor shop. I even checked to see if it was ever a play. The twists are so clever. Better than any film nominated for best film last year if you ask me. (Though this is a 2022 release and will have slim to none chance next year. Except perhaps for Rylance.) I also am going to start watching out for anything the director does moving forward. Love his writing and directing style.

Archive 81 (2022)

Horrible Acting.

[5/10 · 18 January 2022]

The male lead was not nearly as bad as the female lead, but he is not going to win any awards. I cannot remember the last time I watched a film or series where the acting brought everything down several notches. On occasion I will watch a film or show where I find that the acting is terrible, but they are usually paired with awful script, direction and so on. If I were to discuss Dina Shaibi's best assets, I would probably get a whole lot more thumbs down for this review than I will already get.

Archive 81 is an interesting story. Too bad the actors were truly awful . I like Martin Donovan and Matt McGorry at least.

Skip this one.

Too Close (2021)

Not an easy watch but pretty terrific.

[9/10 · 29 November 2021]

So 20 months ago my wife fell off a bike and got sepsis which messed with her blood pressure which led to two cerebral hemorrhagic strokes within a month. The doctors gave her 6-12 months. She is still alive and most people would not know meeting her that she had had any sort of brain issues, but at the time she was prescribed Klonopin and she just got off it on her own a couple weeks ago.

Going into this series (really a film at less than 2 and 1/2 hours) I had no idea that the central theme was around benzo withdrawals. I did not watch this with my wife. I did know it was about mental health. But it was so odd to watch the film and have my wife yelling at me and verbally abusing me from the next room as she begins her third week without benzos. There was a surreal quality to the whole events happening around me as I watched this excellent production. It made me want to go hug my wife even as she said horrible things to me. She would have none of it. She will apologize tomorrow though. It is a cycle that I am sure will soon end.

Anyway Emily Watson is a very good actress , but Denise Gough is a revelation in this film. I had not heard of her before, but if she does not at least get an emmy nomination for her work here, there is no justice. An amazing performance. If you can take the subject matter it is a fine well written story. But certainly not for everyone.

The Mosquito Coast (2021–2023)

Comparisons to Ozark and Breaking Bad

[8/10 · 23 June 2021]

They kind of fit. The show, so far , is not nearly as good as either of them, but had some terrific moments in the first 7 episodes, and I still recommend it. But here is the major problem. The whole family, besides Melissa George is so darned unlikeable, particularly Justin Theroux. You root for Walter White and Jason Bateman, but here.... I could not care less if the cartel or the Government gets Allie Fox.

Ferry (2021)

I wish that I had not watched "Undercover" before watching this.

[8/10 · 18 May 2021]

This film is such a great lead in to the Undercover series. I enjoyed it immensely. Nothing spectacular, just really solid entertainment. I envy those that are introduced to the series via this film. It is perfect as a lead in to the series. Season one of Undercover is terrific.. Season two not so much but still pretty solid.

Stowaway (I) (2021)

Extremely surprised by the low ratings.

[8/10 · 23 April 2021]

This film reminds me of Gravity more than any other space film and I found it a lot better. Less excitement maybe, but much more realistic. I don't want to fill this review with spoilers but suffice it to say that the presence of an unexpected Stowaway on a mission to Mars creates a host of difficult decisions. I thought the entire cast did a wonderful job and I am truly surprised at those that found this film boring. Probably the same viewers that gave Avengers Endgame a 10. The script was truly well crafted. One of the better Netflix originals of late.

Grandma (2015)

Terrible script

[5/10 · 17 April 2021]

I was so surprised when I saw this was written by Paul Weitz. I just loved About a boy", but to be fair that was an adaptation. This film is full of talent burdened with dialogue that constantly falls flat and feels unnatural. Weitz's direction was not a lot better. Big disappointment. I am a man for the record.. This is a script that needs to have at least been well edited by a woman.

The Mauritanian (2021)

A much better film than the recent "The Report"

[8/10 · 25 February 2021]

A lot of great talent make this a particularly riveting film. No punches are spared when it comes to how incompetent and inhumane Rumsfeld's policies were at Guantanamo. I criticized The Report for being too visceral in trying to make its point. This film had some very disturbing scenes as well but they were much more effective. You actually cared for the characters in the film. The Report and the Mauritanian make the same points, but where the Report was dry with little character development, The Mauritanian tells a fascinating personal tale.

Retaliation (2017)

This is not Death Wish 4

[8/10 · 2 February 2021]

I think the negative reviewers expected something like that. The trailer may be to blame, but this is an excellent character study that reminds me of a Paul Schrader film like Light of Day or First Reformed. But an excellent Schrader film to be sure. Orlando Bloom's best role. Too bad not many people have seen this underrated gem.

Palmer (2021)

Solid acting elevated this fine film

[8/10 · 30 January 2021]

I know I have seen Juno Temple before, but really was not familiar with her. But she was so powerful in this film. Not sure if she is eligible this year or next but she deserves a best supporting actress nomination for this role. Timberlake and everyone else did a very nice job, but Temple had a couple scenes that simply blew me away.

Nice message. Almost wish it had been toned down a bit to allow younger viewers to learn from the film, but that would have diminished some of the film's power. Highly recommend.