Author: jbg

THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Wes Anderson

Story By: Wes Anderson And Roman Coopola 

Cinematography: Bruno Delbonnel

Editor: Barney Pilling 

Cast: Benecio Del Toro, Mia Therapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johanson, Jeffrey Wright, Riz Ahmed, Bill Murray

Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda appoints his only daughter, a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.

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It’s getting harder and harder to review Wes Anderson films as it feels like with each film he gets more and more Lost or not even Lost just sticks to his style

There is nothing wrong with that even though it might annoy Some audiences. who want

him more to evolve, just asked from his early films, which had certain sensibilities, but weren’t quite as artistic, as his films are now and at least felt a little more free, whereas his films now, which is a style feel a little more closed off

It feels like more he’s making the film for himself than necessarily an audience. Now he does achieve what most filmmakers seek. He creates his own world and settles into his own absurdist fashion comedies with a tight, bright aesthetic, and all seem to be homage to something or someone.

Is films aren’t necessarily bad it’s just a style you have to get used to it either. You love it or you hate it. You Can enjoy them because they are visual story books pretty much while one can’t say they loved each and every one  of his films but one will say there’s at least something interesting about each film and they’re all pretty to look at.

This film one can believe allows younTo get into a bit more than his last film ASTEROID CITY, maybe because it wasn’t such a big cast and while it’s kind of a spy/espionage tale, that seems to go global near Sumner. This one is more enjoyable personally because he tries to be deep at times, but it more focused on the actual story plot and moving forward, even though there are plenty of character moment.

whereas ASTEROID CITY, each was just the size of the cast was so grand, but it did have more dramatic moments and showcasing of actors but that also seem to be a little bit more devoted to a little sci-fi, but definitely to theater whereas this film still has that kind of deadpan humor. It does have an emotional center that is an obvious, but it does come about this also feels more like a common. 

That with this room, Benicio Del Toro gets the rare leading man role, where he gets to be comedic and suave and commanding even though he’s surrounded by an ensemble, who more seem to play caricatures or pretty much their wardrobe, pretty much defines their character it’s still managed to take you on a journey maybe not as emotional this one is a bit more detached, playing more into it setting in Europe 

The film does offer Michael Cera, a more noteworthy rolled and he has had in sometime. No as an ensemble whenever the big names in the Castillo show up, it’s still does feel like they’re more guest starring. It’s a little jarring and takes you out a little reminding you that it’s a production but then again, that is how most of Anderson’s films tend to feel as over the years they feel like they’ve gotten more and more away from any kind of reality or truth, at least in any kind of world that we might now but makes sense and can be emotional and their own kind of worlds.

This places perfectly into his wheelhouse, but it seems to lack the flare that his films usually have

One will say that Wes Anderson films are starting to feel like not only their own world, but kind of going into a museum where the designs and patterns are so well. So that they always seem hip and watchable.

Grade: B 

FRIENDSHIP (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Andrew DeYoung

Cinematography: Andy Rydzewski

Editor: Sophie Corra 

Cast: Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Patti Harrison Kate Mara, Jack Dylan Grazer, Raphael Sbarge, Whitmer Thomas, Ivy Wolk, Josh Segarra, Jon Glaser, Connor O’Malley

A suburban dad falls hard for his charismatic new neighbor.

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Yes, the review isn’t gonna be any different than probably many of the other ones you might’ve read or heard, or seen about this film, as the film stars comedian Tim Robinson, the film does feel like an extended skit from his popular show. I think you should leave, which showcases skits that are awkward, bizarre the top surreal. Though based in a familiar reality that can be identifiable.

So that this film does feel like an extended skit as it gets more absurd as the film goes along, the film with the same character, so that it feels more like we’re going through a crisis

Inntunnel, vision than anything else. As the film at times can be bizarre.

The film does explore male loneliness and could be seen as a midlife crisis movie of a married man.  who doesn’t have any friends, and his family seems not to be interested in him or have really much use for him, who starts an adult friendship and a little bit of worship with his new neighbor.

That does get his hopes up, but then clearly coola down because of his awkwardness, and trying too hard, but also lacking social

Skills , which then alienates him. 

Truly showcasing his vulnerability, which is not an attractive trait, as well as leading to an obsession and stalking, if that’s not enough, also his problems at home, which he has been repressing his anger or disillusionment about, only help him boil over. As we all need a tribe a group to feel a part of and here he can’t seem to fit into one might be better one on one, but also no matter where he goes. He seems to be the butt of jokes of whichever group.

What about the film? Is that while the lead character goes above and beyond what is necessary, and is truly a scary character piece? It also shows that the other characters are flawed, though they seem to know how to handle situations in life much better and sooner 

This could be more of a character study. We learned more about the character and could see a little bit more why his actions are the way that they are, but that film isn’t built for this nor is it its aim. The film builds up sympathy form, but doesn’t let him off the hook as showing that he’s not perfect and most things seem to be his fault and just let them grow and get to him and his reactions or what truly make him unhinged.

That has the humor of Tim Robinson, other than as an actor, he doesn’t seem to have any input or basis on the film, as he didn’t write it, nor did he direct it. He doesn’t even produce it. Paul Rudd, his co-star, actually produces it. Writer/Director Andrew DeYoung has gotten Robinson’s charms and humor perfectly, which helps sell the film. as it is supposedly based upon deYoung’s experience after getting iced out of it, a group of friends.

As I have been describing this film, I have not said how hilarious the film is. You laugh throughout the film, even if it’s just out of being uncomfortable. I wouldn’t say it’s near perfect, but. It’s not insubstantial. It has a message, maybe not an important one, and goes way over the top by the end, though you do kind of appreciate it for where it goes, and not the ending clearly could’ve had, but it wouldn’t be true to itself if it did. 

this isn’t some gag, filled comedy

Nor slapstick with one liners hunch lines, and too much physical comedy. It’s a bit random This is more what some might call cringeworthy comedy. Which makes it appeal to a certain Taste or audience so keep this in mind as I review this film as I am part of that audience as I am a fan of Tim Robinson, his show that type of comedy so I might be vice plus the film is partly identifiable for me and I will not explain in which way, but those who know me will recognize it

The film also explores some of the social rules of groups of friends, and try to infiltrate that group, how cruel and unforgiving it could be, no matter how all might seem 

Everything seems a bit twisted other than the lead character, though I can’t recommend this film more. I think I’m liked it a bit more than some other. 

Grade: B

DEAD MAIL (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy

Cast: Sterling Macer Jr., John Fleck, Micki Jackson, Susan Priver, Sean Heyman, Tomas Boykin, Nick Heyman, Micah Fitzgerald

An ominous help note finds its way to a 1980s post office, connecting a dead letter investigator to a kidnapped keyboard technician.

As always, this is a film that is probably best to go into knowing very little about as they can offer you some surprises.

The film starts off with a bang of intensity. That seems to settle as we wait to see how we got there in the first place.

This film is a retro thriller with a 1980s aesthetic with a heavy synth score throughout that at first seems like it’s gonna be a detective story, and then reveals its hand to be more of a thriller.

The film is a slow-burn thriller. That is also a crime story with a dash of horror.

It’s also a layered story so that each act feels like a puzzle piece being put together so the audience learns more and more as it goes along and feels like well. There is one man mainly at the center who is causing all of this. Even as the story gets passed around to different but recurring characters.

This is a movie not to spoil that keeps you intrigue throughout as you keep wondering what’s next.

The film goes above and beyond with the premise that first seems so simple then makes you feel all the more paranoid as it goes along.

While there is no eroticism or homoeroticism. It does feel like the main character feels similarly betrayed as if it was a relationship, even though it was a collaboration with only one of them, putting in the real work, and the other, just being supportive. So that when he leaves, it feels like cheating or a betrayal.

By the end, you’re like all this just for a synthesizer?

Grade: B+

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (2025)

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Directed By: Paul Feig

Written By: Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis 

Based upon the characters created by: Darcey Bell 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White 

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, Bashir Salahuddin, Taylor Ortega Aparna Nancharla, Andrew Rannells, 

Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson reunite on the island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman, which is interrupted by murder and betrayal.

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This phone is OK considering it didn’t feel like the first film really needed a sequel as this truly could’ve gone either way it stays in the spirit of the first film, though this feels more like a buddy mystery comedy.

Whereas the first film felt generally like a suburban mystery with twists and turns. this film has decided to take the characters and go international. Sonthat it feels like it’s following the trend of the KNIVES OUT murder mystery franchise, finding corpses of the past no matter where these characters go. We get a whole new set of supporting characters played by recognizable faces.

Even though in the first film, they were friends and rivals,  in this film where are forced to believe that they have buried the hatchet so to speak and become friends,  uneasy ones, but eventually, ones who seem to have made peace with one another.

Anna Kendrick’s character seems to only go along with her to help her book sales which are lagging. Henry Golding is in the film and for all the sex appeal he had in this film. He seems like an insufferable jerk and clown.

I won’t say that this film is predictable, but the twist and turns seem more melodramatic or almost out of a TeleNovella rather than a solid story. 

Not to mention for a film that is supposed to take place more internationally. One would think that the location and lush is this film would look more lavish. it has its moments, but from the looks of things of could’ve been everywhere and just added some color.

Whereas the first film felt like it had deeper stakes and was set in a reality you recognize. This film just feels like it’s a slapstick comedy and the deaths aren’t really that deeply felt or even respected. they’re just like part of the plot. It’s a shame as some characters we know some characters are new to us, but they are treated more Flagrantly than deeply

Which only helps make our leads look all the more guilty. Even though we in the audience know they’re not and give them a reason to be on the run.- while sidelining any supporting characters from the first film other than the stars to cameos 

The film is fun and a guilty pleasure way whereas it’s not rushed, it also didn’t need to be made, it still wants to keep its acid tongue, humor, and cynical, as well as try to be a bit campy 

All the actors do what is required of them and they are really what makes this film work and makes it at times fun though corny bits that kind of overcrowd the film too or also cliché moments and characters that don’t need to be there, but are it doesn’t hurt.

Luckily Paul Feig returns as the director as without him this would most certainly fail, but he brings his skills and panache with the actors to craft quite a meal from scraps

If you are a big fan of the first film, you will probably enjoy this one but know that it’s not as sharp as the first film it’s not dull, but it just doesn’t quite as deep as well as the first film and leaves itself open for another sequel for this to be a franchise 

Grade: C+

BLOOD, SWEAT & CHEER (2022)

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Directed By: Traci Hays

Written By: Barbara Zagrodink

Cinematography: Greg Hudgins 

Editor: Aaron Putnam

Cast: Tammin Sursok, Monroe Cline, Kaylan Montgomery, Aliyah Jacqueline Vasquez, John Paul Kakos, Doug Dawson, Andrew Shaw, Courtney James Clark

A suburban divorcée masquerades as her teenage daughter in a twisted attempt to make the dance squad at a local high school.

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With a title like this, you know what you’re getting into. As the film is ridiculous and built on camp as melodrama, which makes it a fun watch and whenever the film tries, you never can quite take it too seriously though I believe that was it’s true aim.

As you have a leading actress who is a beautiful woman, but you would never believe could pass as a teenager, even as half the women who play teenagers in this film, look to be in their 20s

It almost feels like Drew Barrymore never been kissed where we go along with the rules for the film, but you know an actuality no one would truly believe this. As in plot and motivations of the main character are understandable, but so silly.

The production values and script are quality so those who are watching this looking for skin or even violence will be disappointed as this is pretty much a PG or rather PG-13 rated film so all you have to go off of is the comedy and camp quality of the film.

Shock this wasn’t a lifetime channel original as it could’ve easily gone further than what it does, but it’s silly enough to maybe make family film night and not be too risky

Even the choreographed dance sequences are not that impressive for supposedly going for the city or state championships, and it has a strange credit sequence for its final credits where we just watch everybody coming out of the gym all the credits and it really adds nothing to the film or the characters so it’s an odd choice.

I can give the cast credit as they truly try to sell the material and make you emphasize with them and find themselves in.

though at heart, this is truly be movie material with a C grade polish and script. As this film was meant to entertain and have fun with for the cast and audience. 

Grade: C-

C.H.U.D. II: BUD THE CHUD (1989)

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Directed By: David Irving 

Written By: Ed Naha 

Cinematography: Arnie Sirlin

Editor: Barbara Pokras 

Cast: Gerrit Graham, Brian Robbins, Tricia Leigh Fisher, Robert Vaughn, Norman Fell, Jack Riley, Bill Calvert, Larry Linville, Sandra Kerns, June Lockhart, Rich Hall, Bianca Jagger, Larry Cedar 

A couple of teenagers break into a secret government science lab and steal a frozen corpse for a high school prank and accidentally awaken the corpse which turns out to be a CHUD named Bud, who goes on a killing spree and making his victims also cannibalistic CHUD’s and its up to the teens to stop him.

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The film as strange as it’s rated R, but there is nothing that bad, except for the implied violence in a little blood, but really as it’s so comedic and camp he could easily be more for kids as a starter, horror, film, or at least young teens, as there is nothing really that objectionable in the film

This song is one of those hidden in plain sight as this hits the right spot and happy to discover it late to truly appreciate it rather than just dismiss it as a product of the time which I’m sure many did. Now can watch it as a time capsule as they don’t make them even close to like this anymore.

The film is not scaring the least, as it goes more for comedy, which might have upset many fans of the original Chud film as this is nothing like the original, The film doesn’t even follow in the creature designs of the first  CHUD film instead this is a straight-up undead or zombie film. Should know that it’s an in name sequel. Which should have known by its subtitle of blood the Chad

The only way it’s Really connected to the original Is serving as a monster movie of sorts when an actuality, this was originally written to be a sequel to RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD, and stay in that realm of comedy-Horror.

The film has a cast recognizable character actors in various roles. That feels like they are more guest starring. As The film feels like one of those TV movies from the 1980s at usually start actors on the network shows of the past and of the current shows that they had on and just like them. This is more of a teen film.

actor Garrett Graham is kind of the star of the film here as he plays Bud, the Chad, and truly steals the show and saves the phone. He showcases his talents that people slept on in various other roles in different movies. Here he does it all, though it’s more a physical comedic performance, especially his facial expressions. As the character doesn’t really talk.

Actress, Tricia Leigh Fisher Costars in this film and she’s an actress that one is always a fan of, but seems to have done so few films and television that when you do see her on screen, you can’t help but put a smile on your face as she has the talent and looks to do so much more in the film industry. And she comes across as a bombshell with a middle town, America appeal, and who can actually act

This isn’t a good film, but it’s a fun film of chess for Gerritt Graham’sphysical performance above all else. Especially, How he goes from awkward zombie to a more suave Casanova look.  not to mention seeing the cast of recognizable actors, feels a bit heartwarming. No, it stays comedic throughout.

It ends up feeling So bad it’s good but seems to be designed that way so it’s not bad Chessmore silly plus the film has the creepiest cameo by Robert England.

The humor of the film make it makes it feel like it’s a film full of dad jokes. Which one can appreciate this film for because it seems more and more these days like all her films even if they’re comedic, they’re more focused on exploitation of nudity and violence and can’t just be in the genre of horror and be fun and kind of clean.

Even if not scary, the film does offer good practical effects and make up FX, which seems to be a kind of a lost cause or getting diminishing returns these days

The film was filmed in 1987, but wasn’t released until 1989 the Director even made three cuts one emphasizing her, the other more emphasizing comedy in the third Edited to play on television one wonders if the cut we see now

Is the purely comedic one and the television one has one can only imagine what the scary version looks like. Even though this film seems . more made for television, and the humor seems more for a juvenile crowd.

Grade: C+

BLACK BAG (2025)

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Directed By: Steven Soderbergh 

Written By: David Koepp

Cinematography: Peter Andrews

Editor: Mary Ann Bernard 

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Naomie Harris, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Rege-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan, 

When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.

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One can admit when it comes to spy and espionage movies sometimes I don’t get everything the first time through so that one need to watch it a second time to fully understand or maybe go back through it to see the things I might’ve missed .

This is one of those films, It’s truly admirable with this film for how it relates espionage and spying with a relationship more importantly a marriage at first it seems like the main theme of it is how you do it simultaneously like MR. & MRS. SMITH only with veterans and less action.

This film tries to tell, not only an espionage story but also shows how marriages can work in the same way. Because being a spy is all about relationships and networking and identities, false and real. It’s all about gaining and selling information and using it to your advantage. This film seeks to portray how in a marriage you have your coworkers, your friends, you have your little secrets, and Devotions that mix, measure, and influence. Almost like you must perform and present.

 How sometimes there’s information that you must keep to yourself for the safety of all or just your partner and if there is a betrayal, it hurts the whole system and creates little holes that could gather and rock the foundation. It also focuses on who you can trust, betrayals, and in the end true love 

I will admit, when I first watched this film, sitting through it at first I thought it was good, but nothing spectacular, but after the film and thinking about the film, that is when it started getting to me and laying down its bones in my mind. It’s a beautiful film to look at the costumes stylish, as well as the location,  filmmaking, and mood. It comes off as very cold and non-erotic but exciting and it is way old school it does it tightly in under 100 minutes giving you enough details for you to follow and keep continuing the story.

No, truthfully wouldn’t expect any less from Director Steven Soderberg, especially as he stays being his cinematographer and editor as well as being the Director, of course.

As once again, he dismantles the genre and filmmaking and then put it back together. Minus a few parts but make it efficiently and put the focus on aspects most studios or filmmakers wouldn’t. They do it with a story that has mass appeal, or might be recognizable becoming at it in a different way. Luckily, this isn’t one of his more experimental films

The actors are all marvelous, Convincing, and concocting, As at times it does play off like WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLFE in spies clothing and with a larger cast 

It’s not a film that everyone is going to love or

like. If you’re looking for action scenes and sequences and a lot of violence. This is probably not your film. The little that is shown in the trailer is more meant to entice. It’s not a major part of the film just goes to show consequences.

If you want something that is an adult drama that keeps you intrigued and stays a little playful. I would recommend this film. Unfortunately, they rarely make films like this anymore.

In the end, I will say that if this has been a spy novel, it feels like this might’ve been one of the side stories and another factor of the things that is truly enjoyable about the film is that you’re never quite given 100% details of anything so what you think you know You might be surprised to find out you don’t know or only got part of the story.

It’s a star story but it’s also for all that’s at stake,  a small story.  not a blockbuster, but found like one

Grade: B

Y2K (2024)

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Directed By: Kyle Mooney 

Written By: Kyle Mooney and Kevin Minter

Cinematography: Bill Pope

Editor: David Marks 

Cast: Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Daniel Zolghardi, Lachlan Watson, Eduardo Franco, Kyle Mooney, Mason Gooding, The Kid Leroi, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, Miles Robbins 

Two high school nobodies make the decision to crash the last major celebration before the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. The night becomes even crazier than they could have ever dreamed when the clock strikes midnight.

 this film feels like Something that was written by a teenager in the 1990’s as their opus and then 20 years later dusted off discovered and written through a modern lens to be both nostalgic and have a kind of recent commentary

As it feels poem a guilty pelasure of that decade and can see this film being a guilty pleasure for certain aidnece members. As it seems to be for writer-director and performer Kyle Mooney making his second film here after BRIGSBY BEAR from 2017

The film Plays like a worst case scenario nightmare of the y2k bug from 1999 where it was feared that once it turned to the year 2000 most electronics would either fail or malfunction

At first, the film tries to smother us in the pop culture of 1999 and drown those of us who remember it with the nostalgia and laughs of how ridiculous it was. as well as touching that universal truth of you of high school crushes parties, bands, being the outsiders having an identity that is defined by what your into not really knowing necessarily who you are or only coming into your own, and beginning to form will be of age such as that

No, as it tries to get into that territory, more concerns itself with its plot of a group of teenagers trying to survive as technology rebuild itself to take over the human race and become simulators and the antics that happened while trying to survive

The film has an eclectic cast which it seems meant to as the characters they play are those who have known each other for years, but never really bonded or gotten to know one another and seem to be separated by social class. 

Julian Dennison being the brave comedic relief in the film is truly the heart and fun of this film and when he leaves the film. It truly makes its complete change to another genre. Though it tries to keep the laughs coming. 

I will offer this one spoiler if you are not a fan of the rapper musician known as the kid Laroi you might enjoy his fate in this film.

The film Also features a comeback of a certain entertainer from that period whose 2024 was greet with a role here and in a cricucally

Acclaimed cult film that premiered in 2024 

The film might have a built-in audience, though for some of its originality it does feel like a letdown of sorts as it’s not really too deep and it’s fine for what it is, but there’s nothing that impressive about it again it stays entertaining though you wish either did more or had more to it. As the film falls short from what it seems it has the possibility of doing or where it seems headed. As even with a 15million dollar budget it look so much lower budgeted. So it seems most of the money went on thebsoecialmeffects which are mostly practical butbfirnall the innovations made also loom like 1990’s visual effects one is sure it was planned that way, but still could have been a bit more smooth

Approach this film with caution. As it’

Cute but feels more made for teens though seems marketed to the now middle-aged teen crowd of the 1990’s.

Though it also plays like some long lost unseen self declared classic movie that the stoner video store clerk played by Kyle Mooney would recommend. Like a mash up no one Requested and feels forced.  

Grade: C

UNDER PARIS (2024)

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Directed By: Xavier Gens

Written By: Yannick Dahan, Maud Heywong and Xavier Gens 

Adapted By: Yale Landmann and Oliver Torres 

Original Idea By: Edouard Duprey and Sebastian Auscher 

Cinematography: Nicolas Massart

Editor: Riwanon Le Beller 

Cast: Berenice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Lea Leviant, Sandra Parfait, Aksel Ustun, Aurelia Petit, Nagisa Morimoto, Marvin Dubart 

Summer 2024. Paris is hosting the World Triathlon Championships on the Seine for the first time. Sophia, a brilliant scientist, learns from Mika, a young environmental activist, that a large shark is swimming deep in the river. To avoid a bloodbath at the heart of the city, they have no choice but to join forces with Adil, the Seine river police commander.

 this is like a Syfy B-movie creature feature only Less Campy and better made. Foreign language and European styled.

As it is directed by Xaveir Gens the man behind such pictures as HITMAN (starring Timothy Olyphant) based on the video game and internatonal action film MAYHEM!. Which was a blast as well As the horror film FRONTIERS and THE DIVIDE. 

He’s a director of note and talent. As he has a slick and commercially shiny visual style that is appealing and pretty. His style Reminds one of those who usually come from the Luc Besson school of action filmmaking. Shocked that he never directed more low budget action films or THE TRANSPORTER type films. As he has an appealing mainstream Hollywood style and gloss to his films. That are typically one’s you don’t have to think too much during. 

As it is a European film, unlike those syfy movies there is no all Star cast or even paycheck seeking character actors. Though it does have Bernice bejo for fans of foreign cinema

She was one of the stars of Oscar nominated hit film THE ARTIST from 20

AMore mean spirited then expected and plenty of JAWS similarities. Which it seems most shark movies must either acknowledge it disavow. Though still Entertaining. The last 15 minutes this film Goes bezerker. Not a must see in anyway though keeps your interest 

*This is like going to a fast food places your expectations are low but fills a certain need. Then by the end it’s Still not great but did what itneas supposed to do and your not hungry anymore. As it was good enough. Not too many surprises and somewhat silly. Though not entirely unforgettable either. Better then expected but still not good or

Great. An all Around 

The film is Not Scary and everytime it seems To be going for a PG-13 vibe otncoeks through with a r rated massacre or scenes of violence. Which does help the film seem like it does have some

Pizaz 

Always amazed when films like these action epics have so many writers. Where you wonder was it really needed. As it shows collaboration or not. Too many hands in the pot and the dish will always come out disappointing or unsatisfying. As each one has their own agenda and will smooth out or diminish anything that others have contributed. Making it too much 

Grade: C

THE POSEDIEN ADVENTURE (1972)

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Directed By: Ronald Neame 

Written By: Stirling Silliphant And Wendell Mayes 

Based on the novel By: Paul Gallico 

Cinematography: Howard E. Stine

Editor: Harold F. Press 

Cast: Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Stella Stevens, Red Buttons, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin, Carole Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Leslie Nielsen

A passenger ship, on her way to the scrap yard is pushed to her limits by the new owners to save on the dismantling fees. A tidal wave hits her, flipping her over so that all the internal rooms are upside down. A priest takes a mixed band of survivors on a journey through the bowels of the ship in an attempt to survive.

 I will admit at this point I have seen a bunch of disaster, movies, and no most of the clichés so much so that generally don’t really watch any of the new ones as you can see the towels or the or where it’s going to go which characters are necessarily doomed, and those special heartfelt moments that are going to come along.

So watching this film with modern eyes, you can see how it sets the blueprint and thus it’s a little more predictable than it might’ve been when it first premiered at the time the one of the film strengths is that it’s still not only manages to surprise you, but it also keeps you invested in the story and characters, and you feel the thrills the chills, and have to be  worried for the characters 

The film still manages to provide you the suspense, the thrills and chills, and the emotional moments. When certain characters that you enjoyed your light, don’t necessarily make it we’re sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

No, of course there’s a lot to lampoon here or make fun of or look down upon but at the time you have to remember that this was somewhat new, and having all these actors together was kind of a breakthrough or novel idea at the time

It’s also of note that while Irwin Allen produced this film and was usually behind most of these disaster movies, at the time, he actually didn’t direct it, which might be why this one is more well remembered, whereas the sequel which he directed and clearly wasn’t needed, is one is not thought of as good or well as the first film.

The only thing that isn’t believable truly in this film is the supposed romance between Carol Lynley, and red buttons character I believe that they form a bond and trying to survive, but I would never believe that they would become a couple or fall in love due to all of this but again this film is a little bit of fantasy so you never know

Shelley Winters is memorable out of all the cast members though one can see why she got the best supporting actress nomination. It wasn’t that strong that it deserves an award, but it makes her one of the more well remember characters in the film, as well as Jack Albertson as her husband and this is one of the few times that I have seen him outside of a Willy Wonka film or his 1970 sitcom Chico and the Man.

No, the heavy hitters of the film, Ernest Borgnine, who’s memorable as a strong character who has his emotional moments, but also Gene Hackman as the de facto leader of the film, which truthfully is one of the few reasons why I decided to watch this film, and he gives an amazing performance in for a roll with she admitted later was truly a money job as a reverend, who is conflicted, and is trying to save everyone

This is one of the films of the 1970s that was made by studio that while formulaic is truly worth watching even if it’s just as a relic of history because it is truly a popcorn film that keeps you interested throughout and makes you care even if you feel like you know what’s going to happen.

No, a big shock that the song the morning after which ended up winning best song at the Oscars from this film seems like it’s used more flippantly and more comedically are trying to make fun of the ballads or the singing.

As well as even though today, this would be a big budget remake which they attempted and unfortunately bombed even watching it. Now you can tell that a lot of money went into the fax but looking at the ship and it’s Corredor’s in rooms. It just seems a little on the cheap side as far as production design goes, but then again it was another decade in the 1970s so maybe that was the D Reagor or what was normal back then it’s a nitpick more than anything.

No can admit that some of the deaths are a little more random, and not expected as they seem like they were just knocked out, because Hays is coming upon a time limit we’ve got a knock off another character, rather than buy any sense, a physics or logic, and obviously, to also give other characters the world to live a reason to live, or their mental break down, where they have to come back from dealing with that death, but strive to survive, if only for the memory of them, and the fact that they would want them to live and not Perish just as they did

Grade: B