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Deadly DILF (2023)
Don't Blame It on Rio
Elysium Toiffe is proud of her name because Elysium means heaven. But her behavior in this disturbing domestic drama is far from heavenly.
After the tragic death of her father, Elysium, a track star in college, takes a liking to the handsome married neighbor next door. She shamelessly seduces Rio, then plays the role of the "scorned woman" when he breaks off the relationship. The "fury" inside Elysium is then turned loose on the boy next door.
Rio is married to Tori, who is a hard-working manager of a gym. There was a lot of "eye candy" in the scenes of the gym with the well-sculpted athletes working out.
Another reviewer on this site perceptively labeled the film a "home-wrecking thriller." This is an apt description of a grim story of how Elysium dismantled her neighbors.
The film needed some levity or irony to complement the somber tone. The film's title had some sly humor, but the film itself was a one-note melodrama.
Even the final moments where Elysium is in a mausoleum confessing to the remains of her father that she "messed up" could have been played in a number of ways that offered a more adventuresome reading, indicating either that (a) she felt genuine remorse (i.e., "Dad, I have decided to turn myself into the police and confess my crimes") or (b) she took glee in her accomplishments (i.e., "Dad, I'm working on a screenplay entitled 'Blame it on Rio, the Sequel").
It was also never made clear why the hapless man next door ended up in an orange jumpsuit. The authorities should have come around to this simple conclusion: Don't blame it on Rio!
The Face I Can't Forget (2024)
A Good Amnesia Film
Mia Keller is a bestselling author of romance novels. But when she is involved in a serious auto accident, she loses her memory. When she is in recovery in the hospital, she is greeted by her husband Jesse. The major dramatic question involves the slow recovery of Mia's memory and the realization about her unorthodox family situation.
In the character of Mia Keller, there was a good central focus in her piecing together her personal history. She was aided by the kind physical therapist Erin. It was unfortunate that the likable Erin and the devoted fan Wade became collateral damage, dropping out the film before they could help restore Mia's memory.
Both the husband Jesse and the daughter Madison raised suspicions early on. Jesse seemed overly eager to "protect" Mia. And Madison expressed an undo urgency for Mia to pay her hefty tuition at NYU.
The quick-thinking Mia was able to fit the pieces of her life's puzzle together, and it was not a very pretty picture. While the film was routine and predictable, there was nonetheless a heartfelt connection between mother and daughter, the latter of which was the face that her mom could not forget, even with amnesia.
Out of Line (2001)
The Best Parole Officer Ever!
Regarding the film's title, nearly every character in this film seemed to be stepping "out of line."
Jenny Capitanas (Ms. C) is the parole officer who gets cozy with one of her ex-cons. The film's action is driven by the torrid love connection between the vulnerable Ms. C and the hardened criminal Henri Brulé.
While the narrative was preposterous almost to the point of comedy, the two leads were excellent with Jennifer Beals as the hopeless romantic P. O. and Henri as the savvy ex-con taking advantage of her.
Holt McCallany was great in his transformation from the ex-con Henri Brulé who becomes the suave gentlemen and opera connoisseur Henry Burns.
The funniest scene was when the oafish Henri was working up the courage to awkwardly put his arm around Ms. C. while seated in the darkened auditorium of the opera house.
The action was fast-paced and the film held together nicely as no one seemed willing or able to stay in line.
Mommy's Stolen Memories (2023)
Body Snatchers
Mallory Brooks and her husband Reese are deeply concerned when their little boy Billy is approached by a stranger named Samantha. The 30-year-old woman has approached the child on multiple occasions and has even given him a gift. Understandably, the parents are worried that their child may be kidnapped.
The drama is complicated because Mallory is in recovery from having suffered three strokes. After taking a bad fall, she has lost her memory. The film's flashback scenes were effective as fragmentary images from her past began to return to Mallory.
It was unfortunate that Linda, the enormously likable best friend of Mallory, became collateral damage in the course of the action. Linda was researching the background of Samantha when she was senselessly murdered.
The gloomy atmosphere of the film was underscored by the winter snow on the ground in the outdoor scenes. There was also good dramatic tension evoked as Mallory began to piece together her past.
Along with the snow, the excellent performances added to the chilling nature of this thriller with an eerie credibility of a family drama. A sense of doom hovered over the most mundane activities of the Brooks family with a shattering effect, making this film one that is hard to forget.
The Past Comes Knocking (2024)
Collateral Damage
A reviewer on this site aptly described this film as "nothing crazy or fancy." Indeed, it was a good, little mystery with a strong protagonist in Susan Shaw, a former investigative journalist and now a superstar professor.
There was a good romantic connection of Susan and her colleague Thomas Darby. Although Thomas was not very credible as an economics professor, there was good chemistry between the two lonely hearts.
Another interesting character was Zoe Brooks, the little waitress who makes a good pot of coffee. But her greater strength is how she ingratiates herself with Susan, becoming her assistant at the university.
Susan ended her career as a journalist because of the collateral damage incurred to innocent parties connected to the transgressors she was investigating. One of those instances was the Darte case where the man Susan exposed took his life and left his family members bereft.
There was good action in revealing a certain karma when an episode in Susan's past comes back to haunt her. The performances were solid and there were excellent locations chosen for this well-crafted thriller.
Boon (2022)
Saints and Sinners
"Boon" was primarily an action film. But there was also an attempt to identify a moral compass in world filled with depravity.
Neal McDonough was good in the role of Boon, a man of the cloth who has become a hired killer. The action takes place in the Pacific Northwest, where Boon comes to the rescue of a widow minister in a small town.
While nearly everyone in the community is mercenary and amoral, there is bonding between the widow Catherine and Boon, as both characters have sinned, but are seeking some degree of redemption.
"Boon" may not be a great film. But there was an earnest approach to a serious topic in the dialectic of saints and sinners.
Las hermanas fantásticas (2024)
Heartwarming and Endearing
The strength of "Unlucky Sisters" was the charm of the two sisters as they slowly but inexorably bonded.
The two young women at first did not know they were sisters. They were brought together with the unexpected death of their father whom they both had not seen in years.
When the two women visit the apartment of the deceased, they discover an enormous stash of euros in a secret space. The remainder of the film is a madcap experience of dashing about the city with large bags of cash.
There was not much action in a screenplay that included a lot of padding. Even the villains were harmless. But there was a warm sense of how the two young women were brought together as the each discovered a long-lost sister. This one is worth a watch as a "feel good" movie.
When Mom Becomes a Murderer (2024)
The Ultimate Smother Mother
It is not a good idea to be close to Mrs. Marion Bevon when one is standing on the edge of a cliff.
Marion's daughter Eleanor (Ellie) is about to graduate from high school. One of her classmates, Nancy Meyers, is pushed off Gibb's Lookout and tumbles to her death. Marion is the high school counselor who has recently been placed on leave after a complaint was filed by Nancy. Marion's necklace is found at the crime scene.
Later in the film, Marion and Ellie go for a hike in the mountains for some mother-daughter bonding. At one point, Ellie approaches the edge of a cliff with Marion directly in back of her. The dramatic tension is gripping.
One has to feel for poor Ellie Bevan. Her father is the high school principal. And her mother is the school's "counselor." She might be a good counselor, but as a mom, she is a total control freak.
Another reviewer on this site indicated that her husband turned his nose up at this film. But after leaving the room, he returned, drawn to Ellie's story like a moth to a light bulb. You too must tune in to learn the true story of the ultimate smother mother.
A Model Murder (2024)
Klassy Kara is #1!
Kara Woods in an erstwhile internet "model" and influencer. She is also an aspiring actress who never gets a call for a bona fide acting audition. With her career stalled, she suddenly finds herself talking into her computer while confronted by a stalker.
It was preposterous to think that this struggling model with the user name of "Klassy Kara" would be residing in a multi-million-dollar mansion in the Hollywood hills.
Another shortcoming of the film was that the villain was identified so early that the action became predictable and strained. For example, how did the sinewy Cody get the drop on the hulky athlete Gabriel and pummel him in the Locomotive night club?
The actors appeared to have a great time in chewing the scenery in this outlandish melodrama. The two L. A. detectives added a snarky touch, including the moment they ordered a SWAT team to break into Kara's home and arrest her! The best line in the film was spoken by the female detective who, in the climactic scene with Kara disrobing in her bedroom, was wondering what clues in the case would soon be "revealed."
My Son's Deception (2024)
Eyes Wide Shut
Maria Dawes is a widow struggling to keep her restaurant ("Moments") in operation. Without informing her son Jackson, she squanders his college fund that has been saved due to the efforts of his late father Harry. Maria also snoops in Jackson's sports bag to discover a strange animal mask.
The mask has been worn by Jackson at a high brow club called the Blue Fox. While it is never made explicit what transpires at the club, the activities are likely similar to the kinky escapades of Stanley Kubrick's film "Eyes Wide Shut."
Young Jackson takes away large stashes of cash from donning the mask and "entertaining" older women. But unlike the Kubrick film, we are never treated to any of the intimacies. We only know that the following day at practice, the young soccer star Jackson is exhausted from his "work" at the club.
A problem with the film was that the characters were not likable. The action was predictable, and there was a sloppy final confrontation in the production values. The "climax" was nothing like the shenanigans that typically occur at the Blue Fox parties. Rather, the choreography was dreadful in a mad chase around the facility with multiple vases cracked over the skull of the villain.
The film either needed an outrageous over-the-top style appropriate to the unusual dramatic material, or more carefully developed realism in the action that stretched credibility from start to finish.
Secret Life of a Sorority Girl (2024)
Hellooooooo, Dolly!!!
Cheryl Collins is the "Teacher of the Year" in math. But she chooses to earn some extra money by taking a side job as a pole dancer!
Actually, Ms. Collins is on an undercover mission to discover the whereabouts of her missing 18-year-old daughter Ashley, who lost her college scholarship and began working the pole at the Pegasus Club.
The mom came to be known as "Miss Bookworm" in her stage persona at the club. One of the best characters in the film was the "madam" supervisor of the dancers, named Dolly. It turns out that Dolly has a son who is a student in Cheryl's high school math class. The film abounds with coincidences like this one.
There was a wild, over-the-top approach to the drama with a jaw-dropping ending that included a mother-and-daughter "duo" performed privately for a couple of VIPs. The film is worth the watch for this highly entertaining "climax." There is no cover charge, but tips are welcomed for the pole dancers.
Killer Design (2022)
The Wrong Assistant
This film was built around the formula of the Lifetime film series of "The Wrong _________ ." The structure of these films is that of a trusting and gullible soul who makes an error in judgment in letting an individual into one's life who turns out to be a complete psycho.
In this case, Jodi Shaw is a talented interior designer who is saved from a mugging by young Wendy Richards. Jodi buys Wendy coffee, gives her a job, and allows her to move into her palatial San Francisco home. Her largesse should have ended with the coffee.
Jodi's friends attempt to warn her about disturbing elements of Rachel. But the unsuspecting Jodi does not pay heed. As a result, her friends start dropping like flies.
The film was successful in developing a strong central character in Jodi, who was a model of kindness and charity. But the screenplay was untidy in resolving all of the plot strands. It was never clear if Jodi's wayward fiancé Eric ever woke up from his coma. And the viewer was left in the dark about the fate of Jodi's bestie Monica, who was clobbered on the head with a wine bottle.
There was some nice footage of San Francisco in the transitional scenes. But it was never believable that Jodi's modest job as an interior designer would have permitted her to purchase a home in the city by the bay that rivaled that of William Randolph Hearst.
Trigger Warning (2024)
Elvis Has Left the Building ... Finally!
In a shack in East Tupolo, Mississippi, there were twins born to Gladys and Vernon Presley. The boys' names were Jesse Garon and Elvis Aaron. Little Jesse Garon died in infancy, and Elvis Aaron had to carry on the Presley legacy. This film follows a quite different path in tracing the story of the brothers Jesse and Elvis Swann.
While there was a good central character in "Trigger Warning" with the multi-talented Parker, the film as a whole was disappointing. Much of the action was strained and unconvincing. There was also so much corruption from the military, political, and law enforcement spheres that the credibility was again stretched to the limit.
Jessica Alba was good in the role of Parker. But there were too many false endings and nothing redeeming in this dismal and unpleasant action film.
The opening scene was a violent action sequence occurring in Syria. But the scenes on the American homefront were even more violent and depressing for poor Parker. At least by the end, Elvis at long last has left the building!
The Neighbor Who Saw Too Much (2024)
She's a Good Little Detective!
Young Hayley is much more than the quintessential nosy neighbor. Instead, she is a great amateur sleuth who is relentless in seeking the truth about the handsome man next door.
There was good dramatic tension in the relationship of Hayley and Jason. The screenplay was successful in maintaining the possibility that Hayley was mistaken about the charming neighbor. While the clues were adding up, there was at the same time the absence of definitive proof.
There was also a good bonding of Hayley with her older sister Diane. The two young women were in recovery from the death of their mother. It turns out that they will be brought together in their contrasting experiences of their mysterious neighbor.
The performances were first-rate, and there was a good variety of locations, along with crisp direction.
This was a good "guilty pleasure" type film.
American Exit (2019)
Flat and Slow-Paced Road Pic
Despite the good performances, "American Exit" was a sluggish and depressing film.
The overall portrait of the American family was utterly pathetic as apparent in multi-generational dysfunction. Charlie has not seen his son Leo in years. Yet, he suddenly shows up and takes the kid on a trip to Mexico. It appears that the father is "using" the kid for his own purposes in the heist of a million-dollar painting.
It was unclear why the concerned mother of Leo never called the police when her son was kidnapped. There were other major lapses in the logic of the film, such as the moment when one of the villains is shot by the kid, yet miraculous recovers to continue the pursuit.
It is not even clear what the can do with a stolen painting. The film as a whole was pointless and especially unpleasant.
The Girl with No Name (2024)
"Honey, I'm Home!"
It is homecoming for Fiona Mitchelson, who has returned to the little town where she grew up. She is now the host of a successful podcast in tackling true crime cold cases. She will be discovering the subject of her next podcast due to her visit to her home town.
Fiona immediately probes a mysterious unsolved death of a little girl that has for decades baffled the local authorities. When her beloved mentor Raphael, the retired sheriff, dies under suspicious circumstances, Fiona commits to solving his demise, as well as that of "the girl with no name."
The film included a number of shocking surprises with the cornerstone of her investigation centering on a local vintner, Marcus Holt and the significance of the letters T. H. As it turns out, T. H. was Marcus's father, Thomas Holt, a predator who exploited many unfortunate local women. The character Vicki residing in the local trailer park will be one of the key victims interviewed by Fiona. But other strands of this dark story will lead Fiona down an even darker path to her dear mother Cecily.
The best line in the film was spoken by Fiona's bestie, Daisy, who blundered into a room and addressed Marcus as "Honey." This was a turning point when two generations of depraved vintners would be exposed for the sociopaths that they are.
"Gabby" Kabby Borders is quickly becoming one of our favorite Lifetime actresses. Here, she convincing plays an amateur sleuth, who also has a soft spot in her heart when she reignites an old relationship with her high school flame, Dr. Joe.
This film is highly recommend for viewers who enjoy unexpected twists and turns and melodramatic moments, such as the one that places a new spin on the expression, "Honey, I'm home!"
Land of Bad (2024)
Bombs Away!
"Land of Bad" included some stunning photography and extremely graphic action sequences. The setting is Southeast Asia, presumably in the Philippines. But it was never clear who were the antagonists and what sort of war was taking place, other than more pointless American adventurism abroad.
The action primarily concerned a daring rescue mission in the jungle. But it was confusing that the arch villain appeared to be from Yemen!
Russell Crowe was good as the specialist in communications, who formed a bond with "Playboy," the nickname for the protagonist assigned to the rescue mission. The glue that held the film together were the two patriots engaged often in mundane conversation about their shared home in Ohio.
There was good dramatic tension and an especially compelling ending sequence. Much technical expertise went into this film that could be a classic in the genre of war movies. The only question is: what on earth was the war all about?
My Kidnapped Son (2024)
What's It All About, Alfie?
Actress Sarah Smyth was excellent in the role of the desperate Catherine Greene, who has just been released from prison. She was found guilty in the manslaughter of her baby boy, Alfie. From the very outset, the question on everyone's mind is: What's it all about, Alfie? The race is now on for Catherine to discover the truth.
It was never fully explained how Catherine could have been convicted of murder when there was no body and no murder weapon. Her child simply disappeared. It didn't help that Catherine's wayward husband Matt was not present at the time because he had apparently stolen a car, a beautiful Mustang, that was apparently more important than the well-being of his child.
Natasha, the matron of the halfway house where Catherine resides did not not seem entirely supportive of Catherine's rehabilitation. But nothing can compare to the stern and formidable Miriam, Catherine's parole officer and a figure who would be at home with some of Dickens' most nefarious characters.
In Catherine' quest to find little Alfie, the film moves to a climax that is operatic in scope. The principal aria is sung by Stephanie Bowles, a pitiful creature manipulated by her diabolical parents. By the end, no less that four of the characters are led away in handcuffs.
A touching denouement occurred by the lake where mother and child relive the moments when a special shawl called "a hug in every stitch" conveyed the essence of this maudlin film.
Identity Thief (2013)
Miss Dawn Budgie
"Identity Thief" began with an over-the-top style that was neither credible nor funny when the identity of Sandy Patterson in Colorado is stolen by "Diana," a con artist in Florida.
But the film shifted into a different style in the "road show" when Sandy and Diana drive from Florida to Colorado, where presumably, she will be prosecuted for identity theft.
There was some snappy dialogue and good comic bits, especially with the appearance of "Big Chuck." The transformation of Diana into "Dawn Budgie" was also very polished with nice style effected by actress Melissa McCarthy.
The film may not be suitable for everyone's tastes. But the family scene at the end was thoughtful, and there was a touching camaraderie between McCarthy and Jason Bateman.
A good, overall ensemble effort!
A Widow Seduced (2024)
The Woodchipper
Kellie Gibson is a widow longing to meet Mr. Wonderful who will open a new chapter in her life. When she meets Dan Smith on a dating ap, she believes that she has found her man!
Of course, from the outset, it is clear that Dan is a sleazy scammer. At their first date, Kellie's brother Jack is immediately suspicious of the charmer entering his sister's life. Jack's questioning and ruthless probing of Dan over dinner was priceless.
There was just the right element of camp in this story that could have been overly serious in exposing a psychopathic killer. The most outrageous choice was to make the predator Dan a skilled woodchipper in the disposal of his victims.
There were some nicely developed characters and good twists in the screenplay. A catalyst for the action was the sudden appearance of a trio of characters in the mode of "Charlie's Angels" to come to the rescue of Kellie, who was incredibly slow in figuring out the true nature of the man of her dreams.
Murder in the Mirror (2000)
Married to a Stranger
One of our favorite actresses, Miss Jane Seymour, stars in this made-for-television mystery. Miss Seymour plays Dr. Mary Kost Richland, who pulled herself up by her bootstraps to marry a distinguished psychiatrist and start her own successful practice.
When Dr. Richland is murdered, Dr. Mary becomes the prime suspect and the object of contempt of an overzealous detective. The race is now on for Dr. Mary to prove her innocence before she is incarcerated.
The most intriguing relationship in the film was that of Dr. Mary and a prostitute named Rita. It turns out that the exceedingly insecure husband has been unfaithful to Dr. Mary. His solicitation of Rita, who resembles Dr. Mary, was one of the fetishes of the deeply troubled husband.
The film's action was carried effectively by Miss Seymour. While the ending was wild and melodramatic, the film nonetheless offered a good character study in the ambitious and dedicated Dr. Mary.
Alone (2020)
One Very Strong Woman
Although the pacing was slow in places, "Alone" was a suspenseful and especially well acted thriller.
Jessica is still in recovery from the loss of her husband, who took his own life. She has started smoking again. And, now, she has loaded up a U-Haul and sets off to start a new chapter in her life.
Unfortunately, Jess moves from the frying pan to the fire when she is stalked on the back roads by a complete psychopath. Drugged and locked in a remote cabin, the instincts for survival kick in. Now, the film becomes the hunter and the hunted through the wilderness.
There were outstanding performances from the two leads and excellent cinematography. The beauty of the forest was contrasted with the depravity of the deranged killer, a "family man" leading a dual life as violent lunatic. But, on this occasion, he met his match with one very strong woman.
A Mother's Intuition (2023)
Toni is Skillful with a Hammer & Chisel
Toni Lane is a talented sculptor who can handle a hammer and chisel with the best of them. The hammer was wielded especially well on Toni's abusive father when she clocked him on the head, turning him into a vegetable residing for life in a wheel chair. Toni truly has some skills. Even the name Rodin is raised by way of comparison.
The film got off to a rocky start when it was mentioned that Toni's prowess as a sculptor is so great that she may even be "sculpting Kamala." Really??? Why would a sculpture of Kamala be anything but a blemish on Toni's resume?
To listen to Kamala speak, one invariably becomes nauseous. This is the woman whose early career was boosted by unsavory conduct in moving up the ladder in San Francisco politics. Her role at the national level has been nothing but a disgrace.
The film then degenerated into a preposterous story of how Toni's baby was intentionally switched at the hospital by the white obstetricians, Drs. Zarada and Snyder, who conspired to rectify a botched delivery by stealing Toni's baby and replacing her healthy infant with a stillborn.
Despite the good performances, the film was utterly disappointing in its promotion of a broken and now thoroughly disgraced progressive agenda that is destined for the dust heap of history.
7th Secret (2022)
Secrets of the Red Room
Something is missing in the marriage of Marissa Kelley. It doesn't take long to learn what she needs. The only clueless soul is her husband Kris, an aspiring DA and law-and-order man in Philadelphia, who can't figure out that Marissa needs a good spanking.
This was a "50 Shades of Grey"-style film that led Marissa into a bizarre relationship with "Slade," the owner of the Club Corporal. The name means "corporal punishment," and Marissa great awakening takes place in the "red room."
It was difficult to buy into almost everything about this film, especially the bizarre demands made on Marissa by the jealous wife of Slade. She would appear to be giving Marissa carte blanche to the red room.
The scenes in the Club Corporal lapsed into comedy. Marissa did not need Slade. She needed a good psychologist.
Oppenheimer (2023)
A Big Hollywood Dud!
"Oppenheimer" is in the tradition of Hollywood history films that struggle mightily in building a drama around a central historical figure, but fail to present the truth about a significant moment in history.
In attempting to piece together the complex life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the filmmakers relied on cameo performances of star actors that bore no resemblance to the real people. Pull up a photo of the obsese Leslie Groves and see if it has the slightest resemblance to Matt Damon.
There was also a sleazy element to the film in the depiction of Oppenheimer's love life. The over-the-top inquisitors grilling Oppenheimer in government committees were also unconvincing. The harassment against him was trivialized in the film with the focus on Lewis Strauss as Oppenheimer's oppressor. The film unsuccessfully conveyed the climate of the McCarthy era.
Murray's performance was a standout. But the Sam Waterston version from the 1980s is in many ways a superior biographical portrayal.
Kai Bird, the author of "American Prometheus" was involved in the screenplay of "Oppenheimer." But it is all too apparent in the production that book was better than the film.