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Reviews
A Thousand Words (2012)
Heartwarming movie
Given Nick Cage's tempestuous reputation, it's refreshing to see him produce a movie about spiritual growth. Jack McCall, a manic literary agent, almost drives himself crazy trying to cope with a tree that threatens to kill him if his words strip the tree of leaves. This is an unusual premise, almost mythological, and the movie is thoroughly enjoyable.
The Island (2005)
Powerful film
Where to start. This film works as a straight up sci-fi adventure film, as a dystopian nightmare, and as a morality play. The sets are designed by an artist. The character development holds surprises - Steve Buscemi is at the top of his game, and I never knew Scarlett Johansson is an action star. The plot is tightly woven.
I would give this a higher score except for the chase scenes, which are exciting enough, but they rely too much on spectacle. The film could also use a little more humor.
Planet of the Apes (1968)
A flawed movie
Taylor smokes a cigar inside the spacecraft. Really? I think it will be a very long time before astronauts can do that. Their sole female crew member dies in the crash, but they don't even seem to notice. Later on Taylor mentions her in a brutal if honest way as a breeder. Ouch. The primate society has what can only be described as a color hierarchy, with the blonds on top. I doubt if this was deliberately racist, but it sure comes off that way. Taylor is an astronaut, that is, a scientist, and one would expect a scientist who sets out to encounter alien worlds to be a bit less rigid and uncomprehending. I found the dialog ham fisted at times, and the chase scenes staid and typical of Hollywood. There was nothing exciting about this movie, though it was interesting enough to watch.
Go Chase Yourself (2022)
Don't love sociopaths
This is another film by the noted Boston filmmaker Patrick Jerome. With all its romantic memories it seems to blend the genres of crime drama/horror and romance, and it works. Patrick's direction is crisp and professional. Jason Gervacio has charisma. I have a background in witchcraft, so I found the horror elements a bit weak, but whatever - I wish all filmmakers would consult me on horror or witchcraft. I like the pacing and the New England setting. This is an enjoyable film.
The Green Hornet (2011)
Quite the comedy action film
Like all movies based on a comic book, it retains some cartoonish elements, but it's so well done you don't mind this. I'd rather see a different actor play Britt Reid, but the other actors were top notch, especially Jay Chou as Kato and Christoph Waltz. Jay Chou is quite convincing as a martial artist. Chudnovsky is a comic book villain, but Christoph Waltz certainly makes him menacing. The auto chase scenes are truly well done, and I don't like car chases.
The film is relieved with comic moments at the right times.
Triangle (2009)
The headache that won't quit
This is the best horror movie I've seen in a while. Like all true horror, there's a moral element to this, which culminates in a horrific (but not overly bloody) climax. It's repetitive, but the repetition is the problem, so bear with it.
Mind's Eye (2016)
Quantum entanglement
This highly imaginative movie is well acted, well scripted, well directed and well paced. It's also very deep, shifting from fantasy to sci-fi. It has absurdist elements but it's emotionally tense enough to keep it grounded. I like the references to David Lynch. Some of the dialog could have been written by a quantum physicist. Good stuff.
The Ice Road (2021)
Confused
This movie can't decide if it's set in Canada or Alaska. Liam takes his brother to a VA hospital, and the cargo planes are USAF planes.