user-142-632625 Reviews

The Wildest Dream (2010)

Wildest - and coldest dream

[7/10 · 4 December 2014]

Modern documentary retracing George Mallory's 1924 Mt Everest attempt, which ended in his and his companion's disappearance. His frozen body, with compound fracture, was found in 1999.

1924 was near the end of the glory years of the old explorers. Both poles, darkest Africa, perfumed Asia, tropical South America, all have been trekked. Only that peak remained to be claimed.

Two modern climbers retraced Mallory's path, wearing layered clothing, fur hats, hobnail boots, goggles.

The ladder, placed near the top in the 70s (and used since by countless handicapped, overweight, blind wannabee mountaineers) was removed.

Film swings back and forth between Mallory, his letters, the 20s and the difficulties the modern duo encounter.

Cold is ever present, and caused one viewer in the room to move closer to the fire.

The Armstrong Lie (2013)

Armstong Lie - brief

[7/10 · 4 December 2014]

Focused documentary on cyclist Lance Armstrong and the substance use denial. Scant in the way of in-depth biography - marriages, kids, friends, nada. Couple of stills of him with his single mom. When he arrived on the cycling scene, doping was prevalent. Indeed, cycling in general suffers a long, sorry history of cheats and frauds. Nowadays, the money incentives are staggering. Few athletes - of any sport - remotely resemble normal humans. All professional sports seem to be as real as wrestling. I never liked Armstrong, though I empathized with his situation. Had he not joined all other contestants in steroids and blood tweaking, Lance would have been no one, another Damien Nazon.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)

Only love after all

[7/10 · 4 December 2014]

My bride phoned from the library, vampire movie in hand. John Hurt, Tilda Swinton. Sure, get it, I said. I flipped the box when she brought it home and, Jim Jarmusch! Oh, no!

Film not as self-indulgent or pretentious as feared.

Story of two intellectual vampires, enduring the centuries. Dreamy, drowsy, slow paced, filmed in nighttime Tangier and Detroit. Film raises several points, one being the dire consequences of tainted blood. Dark irony of the food supply being so self destructive. Terrific use of brooding music, conversations delivered in monotone, and the feeblest of lighting to cast an aura of weariness. Definitely worth chasing down, but it is lethargic and demands patience and concentration.

Note: for other non-Jarmusch fans (such as myself) this was a nice one.

Heartbreaker (2010)

Heartbreaker - brief

[5/10 · 4 December 2014]

Featherweight French comedy, laughs lighter than an over whipped soufflé. Man, his sister and brother-in-law operate a small outfit designed to break apart unhappy couples. Prevent the doe eyed innocent from marrying the cheat, the abuser, the jerk. All's fair. Only rule - they do not break up happy relationships. Before you can say, "that sounds ..." the man owes thousands to a loan shark and a very juicy offer comes from a gangster type to stop his daughter's upcoming marriage. The engaged couple is deliriously happy, yet the heartbreaker needs the money. Narrative not only thin and predictable, but more than a little creepy. To learn about the fiancé, a lot of time is spent spying and stalking. Cameras in bedroom and bathroom. Nothing is humiliating is acting shown, but if you think about it, someone was watching everything. Fans of Romain Duris, he has better films out there.

Predestination (I) (2014)

Predestination - brief

[8/10 · 1 December 2014]

High concept, Kafkaesque, puzzle plot, brilliantly executed. Ethan Hawke plays time traveling, Temporal Agent, who is permitted a 50 year parameter to travel around. His duties are to stop mass murders, terrorist bombings. For health reasons, agents can only jump in time so often. Hawke is near retirement and draws out a potential candidate. Only the candidate has a history of kinks and twists, and therein hangs the tale. Based on a story by Robert Heinlein. The script is flawless, the direction taut and lean. Not a single scene is wasted. Try to watch without reading too much about this one. Most reviews will be unable to resist spoilers.

Begin Again (II) (2013)

Begin Again - brief

[8/10 · 1 December 2014]

Two broken souls meet, help each other stand, then run. Both are bruised artists, victims of commercialization over integrity. Keira Knightley plays the dumped girlfriend (and songwriter) of singer boyfriend, who is catching fire. Mark Ruffalo pitch perfect as music exec, once edgy, once influential, now living in failure. Exquisite location filming in New York as the two record, guerrilla style, in subway, in Central Park, in alleys. Music is quite good, by the way. Knightley sings her own. Her voice, somewhere between twee and shoegaze, is well suited to her character and songs. Not a love story, but a tale of redemption. Great date film, nevertheless.

Lies and Alibis (2006)

Lies Alibis - brief

[6/10 · 29 November 2014]

Confidence yarn in new clothes. Steve Coogen's business is helping cheatin' husbands, cheatin' wives. Big money is to be made in saving adulterous marriages from divorce lawyers. Coogen has nice enterprise established to do just that, create alibis for the deceitful. When a younger client treats his rough trade girlfriend a little too rough, excuses and witnesses launch, and the stakes pile onto each other. Droll comedy rolls easily from weary, "seen it all" cynicism to tightly scripted puzzle box sting. Entire cast uniformly excellent with Sam Elliott memorable as seething Mormon hit-man. Good natured fun, with a mean edge.

Ebola Syndrome (1996)

Ebola - brief

[7/10 · 29 November 2014]

Somewhere, this tasteless, trashy, over the top, gleefully perverse Hong Kong Cat 3 masterpiece is flying off the shelves. Anthony Wong may be best known as the villain in Hard Boiled or Untold Story, but for sheer sleazy glory, this one is in a category all by itself. Without giving too much away, after he rapes his boss's wife, then kills her and his boss, lowly cook flees to Africa. There is a massive outbreak of ebola, so he and a buyer drive to an infected village to buy dead cows cheap. Blinded by lust, the cook jumps a corpse and catches the incurable. Only, instead of dying, he becomes a carrier. As soon as he realizes that, sharing time begins. Hong Kong bad boy director, Herman Yau, made many films like this, but this exploitative jewel is the best.

The Greatest Movie Ever Sold (2011)

Greatest Movie Sold - brief

[6/10 · 29 November 2014]

Watchable, though not particularly illuminating documentary on product placement. Morgan Spurlock visits image consultants and product representatives, and pitches his notion of having them fund his documentary in exchange for gratuitous advertising throughout. The consultants and executives are far more interesting than the concept. At least one of the products I had no idea was still around - so this was a win for them. Major companies who declined had me scratching my head. The budget for this film was minuscule. $1.5 million. A major corporation's investment would have been petty. Decline. One pled that documentary viewers were too few to matter. Perhaps. Spurlock remains a recognizable name, however, and documentary viewers are oft times intelligent. Film was short, humorous, and I did sympathize with company honchos. Notwithstanding, I do tune out their ads.

Carrington (1995)

Carrington - brief

[7/10 · 29 November 2014]

Biopic of Edwardian painter Carrington and her platonic relationship with author Lytton Strachey. Set mostly in pastoral England, during the Great War and afterward. Strachey and Carrington entice and embrace various male companions, seemingly to vent their own frustrated passions. Unlike almost every "creative artist" film I have ever watched, the angst and toil not shown at all. Emma Thompson, as Dora Carrington, is quite good in this. Also, during the first half of the film, she manages the trick of resembling a twenty year old. Sense And Sensibility was released the same year; while she portrayed another twenty year old, there she looked like a matronly forty year old. Jonathan Pryce as Strachey is brilliant.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Warm Bodies - brief

[6/10 · 29 November 2014]

To paraphrase the oft moaned female lament, "He couldn't keep it up." Zombie film as told from a detached, wry, dryly humorous soul. Hmm, do zombies even have souls? Pointedly funny, satirical contrast of disconnected vs dead. Brilliant flash of the zombie recollection of "happy" disconnected humanity, lurching their ways, eyes glued to cellphones and similar devices. Thirty minutes on, love enters the narrative and the overall edge wilts. Movie turns romantic, then preachy. Rom com, at least in this movie, does not equate to razor honed satire. The story gets mushy. For zombie gourmands, very few unhappy meals.

The Monk (2011)

Le Moine - brief

[7/10 · 29 November 2014]

French film, set in 17th century Madrid. Foundling abandoned outside monastery is taken in by monks, subsequently raised as one of their own. In time, the orphan grows into the monastery's rock star (Vincent Cassel). Devoted followers from near and far pack the chapel to listen to his sermons, give confession. Enter the serpent, a new acolyte, clad in an expressive leather mask to conceal the ravages of disease. Visuals are ravishing, with several remarkable set pieces. Performances are subdued, troubled, including Déborah François in pivotal supporting role. An ominous undercurrent builds throughout, but there is nothing in the way of explosive action. Story is not necessarily the most original, though handsomely presented. Will prove excruciatingly slow for impatient viewers.

Young & Beautiful (2013)

Jeune Jolie - brief

[6/10 · 29 November 2014]

Oft told tale of young, pretty student turning tricks for money. - Never overweight girls with buck teeth and furry legs - Girl earns €300 - €500 per handjob, bj, bareback, etc ... and peddles her wares on Internet sites. - No mention of AIDS, social disease, other unpleasantness. Nevertheless, this is a François Ozon film, and I always watch his releases. Girl is younger than most. 17, not college aged. Her family is affluent, in fact, she doesn't spend the money on anything. She seems to drift into the game after a boring initiation with German visitor. Subsequent encounters seem little more than ways to kill an afternoon. She shows business savvy and a sense of her own worth, understanding that youthful flesh is fleeting and valuable. Luminous Charlotte Rampling has key role near the end.

Monsters Wanted (2013)

Monsters Wanted - brief

[7/10 · 29 November 2014]

Entertaining behind the scenes documentary on Asylum Haunted Scream Park. The site is a sprawling 40 acres outside Louisville, with four dedicated horror areas. Doc follows Rich and Janel, a well adjusted enough couple, and their labors to get everything in place before opening day. Surprise visits by inspectors, backstabbing rival horror parks, rain and more rain, temperamental actors - including one who seems borderline certifiable, complaining business partners, equipment malfunctions, running out of money, as the opening deadline shrinks from months to weeks to days to hours. You wonder how they can possibly get it done. Will hold your interest from start to finish, might even plant the urge to get out Halloween night. For anyone who is a repeat customer of haunted parks, for anyone who ever worked a Midnight Mansion, for anyone who took a stab creating their own Death House*, this film ought to be in your queue.

Dear Murderer (1947)

Dear Murderer - brief

[5/10 · 29 November 2014]

The opening was one of the longest "prepare to die" speeches I have ever seen. Twenty minutes. Suave, cuckolded Eric Portman, visits then subdues his rival. Next, he tells how he learned of the man's bush brushing while he was overseas, and how he intends to kill him. Afterward, he spends another five minutes doing the deed and scattering the false trail. Then all the steam escapes, and the plot plods into police procedural. Turns out, hot, cheating wife (Greta Gynt) has a history of running around. She's already lined up her next man snack. Her husband needs roller skates to snuff everyone grazing her grass. Nice lighting, lot of Noir touches, though this is very much in the British mystery vein. Alright, at best. Dull and disappointing at worst.

Screaming Mimi (1958)

Screaming Mimi - brief

[4/10 · 29 November 2014]

Despite mostly bad reviews, what the hey, I loaded this up. Early on, voluptuous Ekberg emerges from the surf and hurries to take a shower outside the shack. Nearby is a mental institution, along with a handy escapee clutching a big ole knife. Two screams later, she's in the nuthouse herself, traumatized outta her unnecessary mind. Inside, she falls under the analytical spell of a possessive psychiatrist. Next thing, they're both gone, and she's gyrating her assets, along with chains and ropes, as an exotic dancer.

Anyway, murder and attempted murder bolster this trashy Noir. Swear, I'm not making this up. Still undecided? The Red Norvo combo is the nightclub band, Gypsy Rose Lee is the owner. Oh yeah, Miss Ekberg has a vicious Great Dane watchdog, but anyone can get past him if they softly recite the Gettysburg Address.

Deep Water (1981)

Eaux Profondus - brief

[6/10 · 29 November 2014]

Classic French art-house mystery thriller for the wine n cheese crowd. Young trophy bride (Huppert) flirts and attracts numerous young swains. Husband warns each of possible consequences. Those who heed, flee. Those who abide, however ... Challenging in that the viewer never knows the relationship between husband and wife, or how much friends and neighbors (island of Jersey) turn a blind eye to Measured pace (for modern viewers, read slow) that delivers unexpected jolts. Warning, there is violence in this film, and it bursts seemingly out of nowhere. Jean-Louis Trintignant unforgettable as the multi-layered husband. Based on Patricia Highsmith (Ripley stories) novel.

Mansome (2012)

Mansome - brief

[5/10 · 29 November 2014]

Sheesh, another Morgan Spurlock documentary. Male grooming - appearance - how men behold themselves - females point of view. Shallow work here, that skittered from one topic to another and lingered too long on marginal aspects (eg: the beard competition). Beards, mustaches, haircuts, toupees, all discussed for no apparent point. Men have always grown or worn those - who cares? Section of the product "Fresh Balls" was funny as anything. Also the older male comments that the current fad for body shaving is turning men into Barbie dolls. Film should have followed that path. Instead this is a time waster with no focus. Spurlock strikes me as more agreeable than Michael Moore, probably better to have a drink with. His output, however, causes me to think he is running out of things to say.

Happenstance (2000)

Beating Of Butterfly Wings - brief

[5/10 · 29 November 2014]

French fluff about the so-called butterfly effect. Myriad of soul connect, intersect, disconnect. Well worn myth of how a chance act or word can impact others. Yes, we think our words or deeds are so important. This film flits from one loser to another, eventually going nowhere.

I didn't buy the reactions and interactions, though everyone with me were female, and they did. In fact, there was a protracted discussion afterward. For me, Life is random, our choices limited at best. Everyone else, held that there is FATE and we have choices. If you are in the latter category, you will rate this higher. Unforgettable scene involving a cockroach.

Johnny Stool Pigeon (1949)

Johnny Stool Pigeon - brief

[5/10 · 29 November 2014]

Vintage cars, big fedoras, and black n white film stock do not a Noir make. Generic tale of Feds trying to take down a narcotics racket offers nothing that Noir fans haven't seen in dozens of similar, and better, films. Helmed by Dan Duryea, rather subdued in this one, and Howard Duff, sharp as a bar of soap. One the plus side, this predicts the later Nafta trade era, with locations in Canada, the States and Mexico. Also, a great deal of this is set at a Tucson dude ranch, rather than rain soaked alleys. A young Shelley Winters as good time girl trying to ease away from the game seems the most genuine character in film. Tony Curtis memorable as mute torpedo.

Hanzawa Naoki (2013– )

Hanzawa - brief

[8/10 · 29 November 2014]

Who'd have thought corporate banking shenanigans could be so entertaining? Hanzawa and his loan section are nudged by higher ups to approve a shady loan totaling millions. Before you can say something smells fishy, the account goes bankrupt, and execs throw all blame on Hanzawa. One thing they don't reckon with is his tenacity, his skills in following the money, and the dark vengeance that drives him. Traps launch out of nowhere and enemies hateful and cunning circle like jackals. Foes learn - screw with Hanzawa, and it's double payback! No killings - no shootings - no nudity. Ratings smash across Asia. Highly addicting.

Muscle Shoals (2013)

Muscle Shoals - brief

[6/10 · 29 October 2014]

Elusive documentary about famed Alabama studios, mother lode of Southern swamp 'n Delta blues. Lots of music clips, as well as recollections / thoughts from Jagger, Richards, Bono, Aretha, Pickett, Sledge, Wexler. Also the original Swampers and FAME studio chief, Rick Hall. After awhile, every time Hall started talking, we braced for the next tragedy: Ma, brother, wife, Pa, one by one the Reaper picked 'em off. Kept waiting for Old Shep to buy it. FAME began to dry up in the 70s, barely mentioned in doc. The Swampers' Muscle Shoals Sound Studio was sold in '85, likewise a scant mention. Incredible amount of hits referenced - "When A Man Loves A Woman" "Land Of 1000 Dances" "Brown Sugar" "Main Street" "Kodachrome" "Respect" "Patches" "Tell Mama" "Mustang Sally" and "Sweet Home Alabama" Highly entertaining, perhaps depending on your age and memories.

The Internship (2013)

Internship - brief

[6/10 · 29 October 2014]

Light comedy of two middle aged stumblers who apply for jobs with Google, going the intern route. Applicants break off into teams and competition begins. Enjoyed this more than I thought as the two older males do not condescend to younger members, nor do they try to take advantage of them. They do not hustle their team mates, or behave as know-it-alls. Both Vaughn and Wilson walk a narrow line between ignorance and earnestness, but carry that off. Internship is overlong at 2.00+ hours, yet never seemed to lose momentum. One cannot help but observe both Vaughn and Wilson seem on the cusp of being too old for these roles.

Santo in the Vengeance of the Mummy (1971)

Santo Mummy Vengeance - brief

[5/10 · 29 October 2014]

An ancient tomb is discovered deep in the Mexican jungle and a expedition team is assembled. Professors, overseers, chef, porters, camera girl, secretary, and a masked wrestler. You never know when you might need those luche libra skills, and need them bad. Warning outside the crypt: Do not enter lest the curse --- Of course they enter. Then on the Olmec mummy: Do not touch the sacred necklace or --- They remove the necklace. Deaths follow soon and often, as the mummy proves adept with bow and arrow. Plot races by, and the mummy back story has stock footage of an uncredited Aztec movie. Lengthy wrestling matches in Mexico City Arena bookend the film.

In the House (2012)

In The House

[7/10 · 29 October 2014]

Serious art-house territory as director François Ozon offers another film (his third) about writers. Young student worms his way into his best friend's house and family, observing and probing their bourgeois, middle class home. Sharing his voyeuristic streak, he writes stories about them and submits them to his composition teacher. Always ending, "To be continued ..." The teacher soon becomes absorbed, as does his wife, with whom he shares the stories. Maddening difficult to tell if the student's observations were accurate or partial. Were the stories clichéd, balanced, stereotyped? Was the teacher layering his own filters and fantasies? The house of cards narrative steadily teeters higher. Not exactly a thriller, but an unsettling ride.