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Trap (2024)
Intriguing premise, but execution falls short
As "Trap" (2024 release; 105 min) opens, dad Cooper and his teenage daughter Riley are on their way to downtown Philadelphia to see Lady Raven in concert. Riley cannot contain her excitement. When they get to the concert venue, there is a far stronger than usual police presence. After some digging around, Cooper finds out that the FBI has info that the Butcher, a serial killer on the loose, is expected to show up at this event. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-producer-director M. Night Shyamalan. Here he pitches a potentially intriguing premise: what if a serial killer shows up at a concert the likes of Billie Eilish or Olivia Rodrigo or Dua Lipa? Even more intriguing is that his daughter Saleka plays the role of Lady Raven AND performs her own music, specifically written for this movie (inspired by Prince's Purple Rain, she has said). So far, so good. Alas, it doesn't maintain the same level of interest, and I'm being mild. Particularly in the second half of the movie, there are multiple scenes that are utterly unbelievable and impossible (I'm not saying more, as I don't want to spoil anything). Please note that the movie was primarily filmed in Hamilton, Ontario and its OntarioFirst Centre concert venue.
"Trap" was released in theaters in early August and did ok (but not super) at the box office. It is currently rated 57% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and that sounds about right to me. My daughter and I went to see Billie EIlish in concert here in Cincinnati just this past weekend, and she mentioned this movie as being eerily similar (except there was no serial killer at the Billie Eish show). "Trap" is now streaming on Max, where I watched it just last night. If you are a fan of M. Night Shyamalan or just in the mood for some mindless entertainment, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Anora (2024)
Worth checking out for the stellar performances
As "Anora" (2024 release; 139 min) opens, we are introduced to Anora, who goes by Ani. Ani works in a strip club in New York and is introduced to Ivan, who goes by Vanya. Ani and Vanya hit it off right away. Vanya reveals that his father is a Russian oligarch and rich as the sea is deep. Soon Ani and Vanya fly out with some friends to Vegas... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-editor-producer-director Sean Baker ("The Florida Project". Here he looks into the lives of New Yorkers from Russian-Armenian descent, and how it entraps an escort charmed by a 21 yo guy who more often than not behaves like a child. While the story line is not always the strongest, I nevertheless enjoyed this resulting from the cast's strong performances: Mark Eidelstein as Ivan/Vanya, Yura Borisov as Igor, Karren Karagulian as Toros are all excellent. But THE star is of course Mikey Madison (Once Upon a Time In Hollywood; Scream) in the title role, in a breaking out performance that I will already go on record will be awarded with a Best Actress Oscar nomination.
"Anora" premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, where it promptly won the top prize (Palm d'Or). It is now in US theaters, and the Sunday matinee screening where I this at here in Cincinnati was attended nicely (about 30 people). It currently is rated 97% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which fells a little generous to me. If you are in the mood for a strong indie movie that appears to break into the mainstream, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Culte (2024)
Misleadingly titled but entertaining mini-series from France
As Episode 1 of "Culte" (2024 release from France; 6 episodes of about 45 min each) opens, we are in "December 2000" and the French TV production company PPP has received videotapes of a new type of show that is very successful in a number of European countries: reality TV show Big Brother. PPP is pitching the idea (now titled Loft Story) to M6, a smaller TV channel that is going up against TV-leading TF!. There is only 1 problem: M6 wants to start airing episodes in April, 2001, just 4 months away. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is a rollicking (and fictional) account of how reality TV came into being in France. Let me immediately question the title of this mini-series: "Cult" (in French: "Culte"). This is as misleading as I have ever seen. There is no Cult of any kind to be seen or heard in this mini-series. If anything, it should be called "On the cutting edge of TV" (reality TV did not exist in France before Big Brother). Episodes 1 and 2 are the least entertaining as it mostly deals with selecting candidates. Things get going for real in Episode 3 and then don't let up from there. The mini-series in super plot-heavy so the less said on that, the better. The events take place in late 2000/early 2001, and the production sets reflect that era quite well (you'll hear, for example, "Sing" by Travis playing in te background).
"Culte" started streaming on Amazon Prime very recently. I read about this mini-series in the New York Times and made a mental note to check it out. I'm glad I did. I watched 3 episodes on 2 consecutive nights, and can confirm this is very bingeable. As long are you are aware that this has nothing to do with being a "cult" but rather the birth of reality TV in France, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Carol Doda Topless at the Condor (2023)
Rollicking documentary about the birth of topless dancing in 1964 SF
As "Carol Doda Topless at the Condor" (2023 release; 101 min) opens, we are in "San Francisco, 1964", and it is clear this is a swinging town. We get to know Carol Doda, as she starts at the Condor night club as a waitress. George 'n Teddy was the musical act (we get to see a picture when George 'n Teddy meet the Beatles, yes THE Beatles). At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: I found this documentary super entertaining and enjoyable for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the film makes stopped no efforts to dig out archive footage form that era, and as a result do a great job what life was like in San Francisco in the early 60's. At one point, we are reminded that the 1964 Republican Convention (a/k/a the Barry Goldwater Convention) took place at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. Can you imagine? Another interesting thing is that apparently topless went mainstream following Carol Doda's breakthrough, and you could find topless everything, even a topless band (called the Ladybirds). Absolutely crazy.
"Carol Doda Topless at the Condor" apparently was released in 2023. If it was in theaters at all, I missed it. I happened to stumble on it the other night while browsing Amazon Prime. The movie is currently rated 96% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. If you have any interest in the counter-culture of the early 60s in San Francisco, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour (2024)
Olivia Rodrigo concert documentary worth checking out
As "Olivia Rodrigo: GUTA World Tour" (2024 release; 104 min.) opens, Olivia and her band and backup singers are backstage and about to come on. With the necessary pomp and circumstance, Olivia is the last to come on stage as the band crashes into "bad idea, right?". The concert hall (mostly teenage girls and young women) sings along with every lyric. Next comes "ballad of a homeschooled girl". At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this was filmed over two nights at the brand new Intuit Dome in Los Angeles just 2 over months ago (August 20-21, 2024). I cannot recall a faster concert movie release ever. By then Olivia and her musicians and backup singers and dancers were a well-oiled machine, having been on the road since February, 2024. (Every single show on the GUTS tour has been sold out.) All the hits are there, and of course also all the power ballads. The best moment is about halfway through for a guest appearance from Chappell Roan, who joined Olivia to perform a duet of her hit 'Hot to Go!' I can't rate the movie higher as I was really annoyed with the endless editing (on some tracks, it cuts to a different camera literally every second ). But other than that, if you were not able to attend the GUTS tour in person, this concert documentary gives a great opportunity to see what you missed.
"Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Toru" started streaming om Netflix just a few days ago. Whether you are a die-hard fan of Olivia Rodrigo or just now are starting to explore her music, I'd readily suggest you check out this concert documentary, and draw your own conclusion.
We Live in Time (2024)
Reminds of "Love Story"
As "We Live In Time" (2024 release from the UK; 108 min) opens, we are introduced to Tobias, who is having a tough time. He has divorce papers in front of him. He realizes he doesn't have a pen to sign, so he decides to go out to the convenience store. On his way back, he is hit hard by a car and he is hospitalized. At this time we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from British director John Crowley ("Brooklyn"). Here he brings the love story of a couple. The "twist" is that the movie is brought in a nonlinear narrative. We literally are thrown back and forth in time, without any apparent reason or purpose. The movie is plot-heavy so the less said about that, the better. I will say this : the movie reminded me very quickly of the 1970 smash hit "Love Story". It's as if someone thought "hey, let's take Love Story, update it for the 21st century, and for good measure let's move it from the US to Great Britain". Thankfully the movie benefits greatly from the strong lead performances by Andrew Garfield as Tobias and, even better, Florence Pugh as Almut. I wouldn't be surprised at all if Pugh ends up doing nicely in the year-end awards season. There is also a nice classical score by The National's Bruce Dessner.
"We Live In Time" premiered at this year's Toronto International Film Festival to positive acclaim. The movie is currently rated 80% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels very generous to me. The movie was released in US theaters in mid-October. The Friday early evening screening where I saw this at here in Cincinnati was attended so-so (I counted less than 10 people). If you are in the mood for a love story in the UK that reminds of "Love Story", I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare (2024)
Interesting story deserves better documentary
As "Sweet Bobby" (2024 release from the UK; 82 min) opens, it is 2011 and we are introduced to Kirat, a 30-something woman names Kirat. Kirat talks about her upbringing in a Sykh community, where not getting married is frowned. Upon. We learn that Kirat is ina longterm relationship with her boyfriend (but we are not told why they haven't married). Then one day. Kirat meets Bobby online (facebook) and they strike up a friendship... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from British producer-director Lyttanya Shannon. ("Subnormal"). Here she looks at the curious case of Kirat and Bobby. I certainly don't want to mention any spoilers. I will say this: it's quite an interesting story that I feel is not served all that well by this documentary. Much of the documentary consists of 2 things: Kirat talking at/into the camera, and multiple recreations of various scenes involving Bobby or between Kirat and Bobby. I am not a fan of extensive recreations. There are other catfishing documentaries out there that are more compelling than this one. Last but not least: the documentary is regularly referred to as "Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare", including here on IMDb. The actual title is simply "Sweet Bobby", per the opening credits of the documentary. The reference to "My Catfish Nightmare" is nowhere to be found in the movie.
"Sweet Bobby" started streaming on Netflix about a week ago. I saw a review of it in the New York Times, and made a mental note to check it out. If you are curious about catfishing, I'd suggest you check this out with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.
Woman of the Hour (2023)
Quality directing debut by Anna Kendrick
As "Woman of the Hour" (2023 release; 95 min) opens, it is "Wyoming, 1977" and a guy is schmoozing a woman into letting him take her picture but then things turn on a dime and he strangles her. We then go to "Hollywood, 1978" and Sheryl, a struggling actress-wannabe gets on "The Dating Show"... At this point we are 10 minutes. At this point we are 10 minutes into the film.
Couple of comments: the is an Anna Kendrick movie all the way: she stars, she produces, and for good measure she also makes her directing debut. Here she brings the true story of a serial killer in the 70s. A sense of dread and foreboding hangs over much of the movie. The acting performances are stellar all around. Kendrick also does a good job recreating the atmosphere of the 70s. Can't wait to see more movies directed by Anna Kendrick/
"Woman of the Hour" premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Festival (yes, over a year ago) to good acclaim. Eventually Netflix picked it up and it started streaming there last weekend. The movie is currently rated 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a little overgenerous to me. If you are in the mood for a 70s era crime drama that happens to be the directing debut of Anna Kendrick, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
The Substance (2024)
Best movie of the year (so far)
As "The Substance" (2024 release from France; 141 min.) opens, Oscar-winning actress Elisabeth Sparkle gets her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Years go by and Sparkle is now a fading star, doing a workout TV show. She is fired on her birthday for being too old. Desperate, Elisabeth tries the Substance to create a younger, better version of herself... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the second feature length from French writer-producer-editor-director Coralie Fargeat ("Revenge"). Here she looks at what a person will do yo remain young and beautiful. The premise is quite simple. What follows after that is the exact opposite. I've seen the term "body horror" thrown around for this, and certainly there is that, but there is a lot more than that. As I was watching this, I tried to think of another film that "The Substance" reminded me of. I couldn't think of anything else quite like it. Demi Moore is nothing short of sensational. Truly a career-defining role and I would be shocked if she doesn't get a Best Actress Oscar nomination for this. Margaret Qualley is equally impressive as the younger version. You cannot anticipate what will hit you in the movie's last 45 minutes. I shan't say more. "The Substance" is (for me) the best movie of the year (so far).
"The Substance" premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival to immediate and wide acclaim. The movie is currently rate 90% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and for good reason. The movie is now in theaters. The Saturday matinee where I saw this at here in Cincinnati was attended so so. I counted about 10 people at the start. When the lights came back on, we were down to 7 people. If you are in the mood for a body horror and psychological drama the likes that you have not seen before, I'd readily suggest you check it ou, and draw your own conclusion.
Disclaimer (2024)
Intriguing initial 2 episodes
As "Disclaimer" (2024 release from the UK; 7 episodes of about 45-48 min each) opens, we are interested to Catherine, who is being honored at a Royal Television Society gala. In a parallel story, we are introduced to Stephen Brigstocke, who is retiring from teach HS kids. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Oscar-winning writer-producer-director Alfonso Cuaron ("Gravity", "Roma"). Here he brings a psychological thriller about a well-respected media woman whose past comes back to haunt her. Please note that the plot is quite complex and you had better pay good attention in the early episodes or you likely will not understand what all is happening. Cate Blanchett brings once again a stellar lead performance. Blanchett, now 55, is one of the great actresses of this generation, no doubt about it. Kevin Kline (as the retired teacher) and Sacha Baron Cohen (as Catherine's husband) are barely recognizable.. I've seen the initial 2 episodes so far, and I am intrigued by it all.
"Disclaimer" started airing on HBO and streaming on Max, where I caught these 2 initial episodes earlier this week. New episodes become available on Friday evenings. If you are in the mood of an intriguing psychological thriller featuring top notch talent all around, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Monsters (2022)
Reflections on The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story
As Episode 1 of "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story (2024 release; 9 episodes ranging 35 to 65 min each) opens, Lyle and Erik arrive in a limo at the memorial service of they parents, Jose and Kitty, who were brutally murdered in Belaire. We then are in "1989", two months later, and Erik, the younger of the two, confesses to the murders when meeting with his shrink... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: this mini-series comprises Season 2 of "Monster", created by Ryan Murphy. I did not watch Season 1 ("The Jeffrey Dahmer Story") but Season 2 came up in conversation over lunch with a friend, and he told me how much he is enjoying this. So I gave it a try, and SURPRISE (not!), I liked this quite a bit. In fact, I was very surprised how much it turns out I didn't know about what went down with the Menedez brothers. Javier Bardem and Chloey Sevigny are masterful in their roles as the parents. Nicolas Alexander Chavez (as Lyle) and Cooper Koch are an outright revelation (at least for me), and surely we have not seen the last of them. Check out in particular Episode 5, which features a wide-tanging discussion between Erik and his lawyer lasting about 35 minutes, and filmed in one uninterrupted single take.
"Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story" started streaming on Netflix last month, but as mentioned, I'm just now catching up on it. If you are a fane of true crime series, I'd readily suggest you check it out, and draw your conclusion.
The Apprentice (2024)
The movie Trump/MAGA don't want you to see
As "The Apprentice" (2024 release; 120 ,in) opens, it is the early 70s and young Donald Trump is spotted at a face restaurant by layer and fixer Roy Cohn. For reasons unclear and never really explained, Cohn decides to take Trump under his wings, with Trump becoming "the apprentice". At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from Iranian director Ali Abbasi. ("Border"). He brings to the big screen a period in Trump's life covering roughly 15 (1972-1987). If you have followed politics in this country over the last 9 years, starting when Trump came down the moving stairs in Trump Tower to announce his candidacy for president, nothing in the movie comes as a big surprise, as it simply (re)confirms what we know of Trump. The magic is that is brought as if you were a fly on the wall. Not enough can be said of the amazing performance by Sebastien Stan, whose authenticity will blow you away. The rest of the cast is terrific as well, including Jeremy Strong (as Cohn), and up-and-coming Bulgarian actress Maria Bulkova (as Ivana). Kudos as well to the film makers for recreating the New York of the 19070s and 80s.
It will not surprise you when I mention that the movie is being reviled by Trump and the MAGA extremists (without of course actually having seen the movie), and Trump's lawyers tried all they could to stop the movie's release in the US, to no avail. "The Apprentice" premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival, to immediate acclaim. The movie is currently rated 77% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, and that sounds about right to me. The movie opened in US theaters this weekend, and I couldn't wait to see it. The Saturday matinee showing where I saw this at the arthouse theater here in Cincinnati was attended nicely, with about 25-30 people attending. If you have an interest in knowing what Trump was like 40-50 years ago, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Wolfs (2024)
"We are NOT secret partners!"
As "Wolfs" (2024 release; 107 min) opens, a woman finds a dead man in her hotel suite. She calls a a number for just this type of situation, and soon enough a fixer (the George Clooney character). Not long thereafter, another fixer (the Brad Pitt character) arrives too, sent by the hotel owner, and the two fixers are forced to work together... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from writer-director Jon Watts (of the Spider-Man reboot). Here he brings a tale as familiar as time: two guys who are loners but now forced to work together. The plot barely matters. You watch this because it stars Clooney and Pitt. They each can do such a role in their sleep. The movie is slick all the way, but at times strangely aloof. A buddy movie starring Clooney and Pitt is never going to be "bad", but this is not a great movie. At some point late in the movie, someone asks Clooney and Pitt "so, you are secret partners?" and Clooney and Pitt respond "we are NOT secret partners!", but we all know better. They are indeed secret partners, and that is the best part of the movie.
"Wolfs" was scheduled for a wide theatrical release, and then Apple decided to opt for a limited release, and the that also was dismissed, so the movie started streaming on Apple TV a few weeks ago. I saw it the other night. "Wolfs" is currently rates 68% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which feels a tad too generous to me. Apparently Apple is in discussions with Watt, Clooney and Pitt about a sequel. If you are in the mood for a buddy movie starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
One Hand Clapping (1974)
Must-see for any and all Macca fans
As the lights dimmed in the theater, today's Paul McCartney coms on the screen to welcome his fans who are in the theater, and introduces the documentary and reminds us that 3 of the 5 band mates of Wings are no longer with us (Linda, Denny and Jimmy). As "One Hand Clapping" (filmed in 1974; 67 min.) opens, Paul licks the band into "Jet" and we are off...
Couple of comments: these live studio sessions were recorded in August and October, 1974, after the massive success of Band On the Run, but before the release of Venus and Mars in 1975. All the songs included here go up to and including Band On the Run. The sessions seem fun, and the band. With two 2 members (Jimmy and Geoff) sound great. Alas, the video quality of the documentary is pretty rough, to be honest. Still, there is much to enjoy, including stirring renditions of Live and Let Die (with orchestra) and Nineteen Hundred and Eighty Five (the initial half is just Paul on piano, joined midway by the rest of the band and the orchestra). The big surprise comes after the closing credits, when today's Paul reappears to introduce "The Backyard", a short (10 min.) solo acoustic set in which Paul rips through 5 songs. If you have CD released some months ago, the documentary covers all of CD1 (the CD does not include "the Backyard" acoustic set, unfortunately).
"One Hand Clapping" opened this weekend in select theaters. The afternoon screening where I saw this today in a fairly small auditorium here in Cincinnati was filled to the rafters. As a lifelong Macca fan, I couldn't wait to see this. It's a nice little addition to the McCartney catalog. If you are a Macca fan, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Stopping the Steal (2024)
Chilling and horrifying, and a very timely reminder
As "Stopping the Steal" (2024 release; 90 min) opens, we are in Arizona, a key swing state in the 2020 presidential election, and the Maricopa Board of Supervisors, controlled by Republicans, are facing increased pressure to declare Trump the winner, even though he lost. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: most critical in this documentary is that it is entirely seen and assessed from the Republicans' perspective. Not a single Democrat or independent voice is heard. Indeed, the remarkable thing is that the open and blatant attempt by Trump and his crew to throw out the will of the voters is thwarted primarily by... elected Republicans. We hear them time and again lamenting "we're simply doing our job". The documentary captures all the classis moments from election day to January 6, and to see it laid out so clearly is both chilling and horrifying. Of course we all know that Trump never has been, or is, or will be, a Republican. He simply hijacked the GOP for his own purposes and interests, and the GOP just let him do it. The timing of this documentary, released less than 2 months before the 2024 presidential election, is no coincidence of course. Already we see Trump cast doubt, every single day, that the election is "rigged". The fact that there is no evidence of that is of course nothing but a minor inconvenience, just like in 2020. It remains to be seen if our Republic can survive another open and blatant attempt to overthrow the will of the people...
"Stopping the Steal" started streaming on Max 10 days ago, and I finally found the time to watch it the other night. If you have any interest in politics, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
I Saw the TV Glow (2024)
Interesting, if flawed, experiment
As "I Saw the TV Glow" (2024 release; 100 min.) opens, it is "1996" and we are introduced to Owen, a young Black boy watching a young adult. TV show called The Pink Opaque. Then one day, Owen notices a girl in school (we learn her name is Maddy) reading the Episode Guide to The Pink Opaque... At this point we are less then 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is billed as a "psychological horror drama" but to be honest there wasn't much horror or drama. Instead it seems to be a riff on 1990's TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I was transfixed for theist half hour of the movie as I literally did not know which direction the movie would be going,, and I'm not sure that the movie makers truly knew either. I will admit that the ending felt flat to me. There are a number of great performances, including Ian Foreman ("Let the Right One In") as the young Owen in the first 20 minutes of the movie. Interestingly, the movie was produced by Emma Stone's production company.
"I Saw the TV Glow" premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, and the movie worked up a nice buzz leading to its theatrical release in May. I fully intended to see it in the theater but missed it. Thankfully it is now playing on HBO and streaming on Max, where I caught it last night. "I Saw the TV Glow" is currently rated a generous 84% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you are in the mood for something different in the "psychological horror drama" subgenre, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Surprisingly bland and predictable
As "Drive-Away Dolls" (2024 release; 86 min) opens, it is "Philadelphia 1999" and we witness a guy at a bar being robbed of his briefcase (what is in it?). We then get to know Jamie and Marian, two lesbian roommates in dire need of money. They sign up to drive someone's car to Tallahassee. Unbeknown to them, the car contains a secret stash... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the first fiction movie that. Ethan Cohen has written and directed without his brother Joel Cohen. Here Ethan brings the fictitious story of how two young ladies end up in all kinds of trouble, while along the way they find out more about themselves. It should be classic Cohen. Instead it is quite bland and, worse, entire predictable. Thanks goodness that the lead performances from Margaret Qualley (as Jamie) and Geraldine Viswanathan (as Miriam) are quite good and the only reason why I kept watching this to the very end. But in the end even they cannot save this movie.
"Drive-Away Dolls" had a short US theatrical release earlier this year, and hardly made any impact (critical or commercial). It is now airing on Amazon Prime, where I caught it the other night. If you are a fan of the Cohen films, even if only one of them is involved, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Bring Him to Me (2023)
Film noir B movie feeling all the way
As "Bring Him To Me" (2023 release from Australia; 96 min) opens, a driver is ordered to pick up a guy and bring him to crime boss of some sort. In a parallel story, we see the same driver as the getaway driver in a art heist gone bad... At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this movie has a film noir B movie feeling from start to finish, and I don't mean that as a negative. The story line is quite of less importance that the sense of danger that seems to lurk around the corner at any given time. A good chunk of the movie plays out literally in the car itself as we watch the driver and the passenger interact. I will admit I didn't recognize any of these actors (or for that matter the production team including the director). At just over 90 min. This flew by pretty quickly.
I don't know if "Bring Him To Me" had a US theatrical release (I doubt it to be honest). In any event, it is now streaming on Hulu. Where I caught last night. I knew nothing about this movie and simply took a chance on it. It's okay. Not great, not bad, but okay. If you are in the mood for a film noir B movie type, I'd readily suggest you check it out and draw your own conclusion.
Back to Black (2024)
"Back to Black" vs. "Amy": and the winner is...
As "Back to Black" (2024 release from the UK; 124 min.) opens, teenager Amy is hanging out with her grandma and her dad, and they end up singing some songs. In ger bedroom, Amy is strumming a new song (that would become "What Is It About Men"), and she is seen at an early gig at the Dublin Caste bar in London. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest from British director Sam Taylor-Johnson ("Nowhere Boy"). The filmmakers had the full blessing of the Winehouse estate, and its effect cannot be underestimated. What we get is a version where there are no villains, and certainly not Amy's dad and Amy's boyfriend/husband. It's unfortunate because the lead performances are startlingly good, in particular Marisa Abela as Amy, but also Jack O'Connell as Blake. Just a darn shame the script wasn't stronger and more authentic. You may recall that in 2015, there was an astonishing documentary simply called "Amy", directed by Asif Kapadia. Interestingly enough, Kapadia was given unfettered access to any and all video and audio by the Winehouse estate. Let's just say that they didn't liked the final product (Kapadia had insisted on having the final cut). This documentary is just devastating on so many levels. It also went on to win numerous prizes, including the Oscar for Best Documentary. If you want the REAL story behind Amy Winehouse, there is no doubt that "Amy" is far better than "Back to Black".
"Back to Black" was released in US theaters in late May, and barely caused a ripple. It is now streaming on Peacock, where I caught it the other day. If you are a fan of Amy Winehouse, there is no real reason to see this, other than for the lead performances. As between "Back the Black" and "Amy", the latter is the winner by a mile or two (I rated it 9 stars here on IMDb).
Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal (2024)
Starts out slow, gets better later on
As Episode 1 of "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal" (2024 release; 3 episodes ranging from 49 to 52 min) opens, we are introduced to various talking heads, either from within the company, or clients of the company. We then go back in time to the very humble beginnings of the Ashley Madison concept: a dating services for married people seeking other married people. Discreetly of course... At this time we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.
Couple of comments: let me state upfront that I was unfamiliar with the entire story. Episode 1 is the weakest of the three. Episode 2 picks up when the infamous data breach occurs (in July, 2015), and we then witness the fallout as millions of user names including contact details are made public. To absolutely on-one's surprise, it contains "shocking" revelations, in particular people claiming to be religious in one way or another. I am shocked I tells ya, SHOCKED! Episode 3 then delves further into the business practices of Ashely Madison. Given that this last just over 2 hours, I'm not sure why it was cut up into 3 episodes, but it all went by rather quickly. It's one of those things that, if this were a fictional story, you'd be laughed out of the room. But this was anything but fictional.
"Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal" was released a few months ago on Netflix. I just stumbled on it the other day and watched the 3 episodes in a single setting. If you are in the mood for a quick docu-series about the rise and fall of a dating website for married people, and the fallout of someone exposing all the names of the website's users, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
The Killer (2024)
4 stars if you've seen the original, 6 stars if you haven't
As "The Killer" (2024 release from France; 125 min) opens, we are introduces to a woman contract killer in Paris. Her latest job is to take out an entire gang. While doing so, she accidentally blinds a singer. In a parallel story line, we are introduced to two guys from the French national police force, as they are investigating a drug deal gone bad... At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this film, directed by John Woo, is a remake of his own 1989 classic also called "The Killer" (which was set in Hong Kong). This remake has been talked about for DECADES, and was intended to be set in Los Angeles. No idea why it ended up being shot in Paris instead. But far worse is that, if the 1989 original was like a Category 5 hurricane, the 2024 remake turns out to be a late evening summer breeze. The remake misses the intensity and purpose, and dare I say the soul, of the 1989 original. It really makes you wonder what the point of this remake is. Let me give you the answer: there is no point. As for the cast, the only one that is any good is Eric Cantona, yes the ex-ManUnited soccer star who upon retiring from soccer in 1997 built a second career in acting. Here he plays a baddie (of course!) and Cantona seems to be enjoying himself quite a lot.
"The Killer" remake bypassed US tehaters altogether and started streaming on Peacock a few days ago. Even though this 2024 is nowhere near as good as the 1989 original, I did watch it all the way through. It's not that the 2024 remake is bad per se, but it does suffer when compared to the 1989 original. If you are a fan of John Woo, regardless whether or not you've seen the 1989 original, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Brian Eno: 1971-1977 - The Man Who Fell to Earth (2011)
Well researched and constructed from start to finish
As "Brian Eno: The man Who Fell to Earth 1971-1977" (2011 release; 157 min.) opens, We are immediately dropped into the founding of Roxy Music, of which Eno was an important member. The music of "Rock-See" reflected the ban's image and art-school background. Eno famously called himself a "non-musician". We then go back in to to Eno's upbringing and which artists influenced him. At this point we are 10 minutes into the documentary.
Couple of comments: If you admire Eno's status as a record producer more than as an actual musician (like I do), this is documentary may give you second thoughts on that. Even though he called himself a "non-musician", he in fact was very much a musician (although he didn't much like going on tour). This documentary is in essence built on conversations with 4-5 talking heads who are Eno experts. I cannot evaluate how much on target they are, or not, but they certainly seem believable. A nice bonus is also the use of surprisingly ample archive footage from those days. It's not entirely clear to me why this documentary stops with the "Before & After Science" album, released in late 1977, and just before perhaps Eno's best known album, 1978's "Music For Films". Please don't be put off by the documentary's running time, well over 2 1/2 hours. It all passes by amazingly quickly. Now that I have seen this, I am going to check out the newest documentary on Brian Eno, 2024's "Eno", which has gotten stellar reviews.
I stumbled onto this documentary while browsing Amazon Prime to watch something, and based on my viewing habits, Prime suggested this. Thank you! Whether you are a big fan of Brian Eno, or simply interested in watching an interesting story on an interesting figure in the music world, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
Perfect Days (2023)
Finding beauty and calm in the ordinary
As "Perfect Days" (2023 release from Japan; 124 min) opens, we are introduced to a guy named Hirayama. He is getting ready for another day at work, cleaning toilets in various public spaces around Tokyo. His more junior colleague Takashi is late again for his shift. Takashi's disdain for his work is palpable. At this point we are 10 minutes into the movie.
Couple of comments: this is the latest "work" (don't call it just a movie) from German writer-producer-director Wim Wenders. Here he observes an ordinary guy doing ordinary things in an ordinary routine seemingly every day. There is barely any dialogue in the first hour of the movie. Gradually some things change but nothing earth-shattering. Koji Yakusho is outstanding in the lead role. Another important character in the movie is Tokyo itself. I cannot recall ever having seen Tokyo depicted like this, and frankly it makes me wat to visit Tokyo (on my bucket list). The film is shot in a 4:3 screen ratio, perhaps to reflect the old school cassette tapes that Hirayama possesses (the movie's tile is a reference to the Lou Reed song Perfect Day). I was kind of expecting to hear the Beatles' A Day In the Life to show up at some point (it didn't).
"Perfect Days" premiered at last Year's Cannes film festival to immediate critical acclaim (and winning several prizes there). The movie is rated 96% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes and for good reason (even if a tad overly generous). It is also the first Japanese movie not directed by a Japanese director to be nominated for an Oscar. The movie had a brief US theatrical release in early 2024 but I did not get a chance to see it then. Thankfully this is now streaming on Hulu, where I caught it the other night. If you are in the mood for a top notch foreign release that finds beauty and calm in the ordinary, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
More isn't the same as better
As "Alien: Romulus" (2024 release; 119 min) opens, we are on "Jackson Star's Mining Planet, 65 LY From Earth", and we are introduced to a young woman named Rain. Rain finds out that the owners of the mine have unilaterally extended her contract for another 12,000 days. Rain and a small group of friends are desperate for a way out, any way out... At this point we are less than 10 min into the movie.
Couple of comments: this latest entry in the Alien franchise of movies is directed by Uruguayan director Fede Alvarez ("Don't Breathe", "The Girl In the Spider's Web"). Arriving exactly 45 years after the first "Alien", one wonders if any angle remains open to bring new life to this franchise. Without spoiling any of the movie' s plot, I think that I can say that the difference between 1979 and 2024 is that today's technology makes it so much easier to have not 1 (as in the original "Alien"), not 2, not 3, but countless "monsters" on the screen. But all it does for me is to wonder whether "more" is "better", and we all know the answer to that. There isn't a single scene in this movie that will terrify you like some scenes of the original "Alien" did. That doesn't mean there aren't some good points to this movie. In particular the last half hour is non-stop action.
"Alien: Romulus" opened this past weekend in US theaters, and did OK at the box office. What really surprised me is that this is currently rated 81% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. That is what ultimately convinced me to check this out. The early evening Discount Tuesday XD screening at Cinemark Oakley here in Cincinnati was not attended well: roughly 10-12 people. All that aside, if you are a fan of the early Alien movies, I'd readily suggest you check this out, with lowered expectations, and draw your own conclusion.
Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience (2024)
Where sports meets music, rhythms are born
As "Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience" (2024 release; 59 min.) opens, it is "October 23, 2023" and (Grateful) Dead drummer Mickey Hart is on the phone with NBA legend Bill Walton, himself the biggest Deadhead there ever was. "Music is a necessity" observes Hart, eager to explore the connection between sports and music: the rhythm. At this point we are 5 minutes into this documentary.
Couple of comments: this is directed by Torey Champagne ("Bettor Days"), but let's be clear: this is a Mickey Hart project and product from start to finish. Hart's observations on where and how sports and music are parallel may not always be on point, but for me the critical aspect of this are (i) the visuals, and (ii) the original score, composed and performed by Mickey Hart himself of course. (After seeing this, I immediately tried to chase down where to get the soundtrack, and I have not found it.)
"Rhythm Masters: A Mickey Hart Experience" premiered on ESPN last week and is now streaming on ESPN+. I didn't know hoe ESPN was planning to air this, but I am happy to report that it was broadcast without any commercial interruption. If you are a Deadhead and you like sports, you cannot go wrong with this documentary (I might even suggest that even if you are not a Deadhead, it's worth checking out.)