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The Ninth Passenger (2018)
Enjoyable Ride
The Ninth Passenger is a suspense/horror film based in beautiful British Columbia, Canada. As soon as I heard it was produced by the same executive producer as the critically acclaimed "It Follows" (97% Rotten Tomatoes) one of my favorite movies of 2014, I was in.
The Ninth Passenger starts out more as a comedy (and a good comedy), than a horror. It's quite funny! Creepy Corey Large (Malcolm) is hilarious as is the sliminess of Tom Maden (Lance). The comedic value in combination with the the film's suspense, creates a push-pull effect on your emotions that prevents them from settling down... a good thing in this genre.
I won't get into the story (you can read that anywhere) but I will say, it's refreshing that it actually has one. This genre is notorious for mindless hack 'n' slash, gore filled CGI crap and I'm happy to say, The Ninth Passenger stands out in this regard. It does not try to impress you with gore, instead, it takes the high road and presents a well written, suspense filled plot. There are plenty of twists and turns and it is surprisingly unpredictable. You never really know what's going to happen next.
Acting is solid across the board, and the cast works very well together. There is a perfect combination of characters... beautiful, slimy, hilarious, nerdy and powerful. It creates a compelling dynamic that fits the genre perfectly.
The score is fantastic throughout the entire film! It creates a suspenseful and moody atmosphere that really stirs your emotions. I really loved it.
The cinematography is also well done and creates a real sense of Pacific Northwest creepiness. From being stranded on a yacht in the middle of the ocean, to feeling lost and isolated on a forested island, there is a strong sense of fear and desperation throughout the entire film.
More than anything though, The Ninth Passenger is enjoyable. At the end of the day, regardless of genre, I believe a film should take you away and provide enjoyment, whether that equates to laughter, intrigue, love, education or fear. The Ninth Passenger does this perfectly. It's a well thought out, fun yet very suspenseful ride! Definitely recommended and room for a sequel. Fingers crossed!
Poker Night (2014)
Much Better Than Reviews Indicate
Poker Night starts off with a bang and doesn't let up. It follows a somewhat frantic pace, but, by way of crafty storytelling, manages to be much more than just another mindless hack 'n' slash film. In fact, labelling Poker Night a hack 'n' slash film at all, is doing it a disservice. There is far too much thought and creativity put into the story, for that.
Flashbacks are a central focus in Poker Night and they're cleverly utilized. Each veteran cop who partakes in poker night, takes the viewer on a journey back in time, imparting wisdom that directly pertains to protagonist, Beau Mirchoff's survival. What's interesting is that Mirchoff acts out each cop's flashback, rather than the cops themselves. It's a unique approach that I really enjoyed.
Poker Night does an outstanding job of visual storytelling and it's cinematography suits the story perfectly. The score is equally impressive.
The cast is solid, with strong performances around the table, no pun intended. I especially liked Michael Eklund as the psychotic serial killer. When unmasked, his eyes were perfect for the job. Very sick stuff.
Arguably, Poker Night's greatest strength is how it merges several genres (thriller, horror, suspense, action, comedy) into one, while avoiding the whole "jack of all trades, master of none" moniker. It takes a well thought out story to accomplish this and shouldn't be overlooked.
For instance, I was completely shocked in several scenes and burst out laughing in several others. Especially the killer's "family life" flashback, where he was still wearing his killing mask. I felt like a manic lunatic watching it myself. Good stuff.
In closing, Poker Night is not the greatest individual thriller, horror, suspense, action or comedy movie of all time. What it is, is one of the only movies I can think of, that combines all of these genres into one film. That alone makes it unique and well worth you 105 minutes.
It's fragmented yet seamless, it's tricky, it's unpredictable, it's stylish, it's clever.
And most of all, it absolutely deserves a higher score than 44%. Throw in a big name actor and the score probably doubles. Again, stupid but true.
Definitely recommended.
The Girl Who Invented Kissing (2017)
Fantastic!
This is a phenomenal picture. I haven't enjoyed a film this much in a long time, and I have no friends, so I watch a lot of movies.
It's a refreshing, uniquely written, feel good story that I'm not going to explain. Just watch it. The entire experience felt effortless and real and easily absorbed.
The acting was outstanding, especially Dash Mihok as Victor and Suki Waterhouse, as "The Girl", who also did a commendable job. Their relationship was both entirely believable and adorable.
Let's not forget about the score. It was literally perfect. Rich in atmosphere, charming, and perfectly suited for each scene. I found myself "Shazamming several songs throughout the movie.
It's a real shame a movie of this quality goes under the radar because there isn't an "A-list" actor involved. In fact, too many movies are overshadowed by A-list actors and the the roles they are famous for.
For example, had Victor been played by Anthony Hopkins instead of Dash Mihok, I'm pretty sure I would have been wondering when Hannibal Lector was going to bite the girl's face off, rather than fall innocently in love with her, if you catch my drift.
With that being said, had Emma Stone or Ellen Paige or Ryan Gosling been casted, this gets nominated for an Oscar or Golden Globe, no question. I guess that's just part of the politics of show business. Lame indeed.
Regardless, this is one of the most enjoyable movies I've had the pleasure of watching, in a long time. It's that good and shouldn't be missed.
Highly, highly recommended.
Kid Cannabis (2014)
Underrated Adventure
Kid Cannabis is a very intriguing movie due in large part to the fact that it's based on a true story. A true story that seems almost unbelievable at times and totally believable at others.
It follows Nate Norman on a journey from fat, pizza delivering pothead, to still fat, international drug kingpin. While up in Canada, Nate and his best friend Topher, stumble across some ultra premium bud, honed by possibly my favorite character in the movie, Jon Grefard (played by the always awesome John C. McGinley). With deadpan lines like "the shit we grow here... is INSANE" and "this is my masterpiece from a US government laboratory", it's easy to see why. The guy is unknowingly hilarious.
Determined to get his single, working class mother out of debt, Nate decides to capitalize on his discovery by partnering with Grefard (and a host of other shady characters), to form a $68 million/year international drug smuggling business. Quite the feat!
The movie really takes off from here. Not only does it become adrenaline inducing, high stakes viewing, the movie provides a wonderful insight into how something so wildly unbelievable can turn believable, in an instant. I got quite the educational experience and I even started to question what I do for a living (haha).
From evading authorities, camouflage getups and underground tunnels, to territorial wars and massive parties, it's all here and it's all done extremely well. I really felt like I was living the movie.
As you know, a movie is only as good as it's characters and I'm happy to say, Kid Cannabis really delivers in this regard. Each character is unique, believable and full of personality. It really makes for a fun dynamic. The acting is solid across the board, as well.
If you're into adventure, adrenaline, humor, and something a little off the beaten path, do yourself a favor and watch Kid Cannabis. I think you will be glad you did.
Highly Recommended.