Author: jbg

THE TWO JAKES (1990)

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Directed by: Jack Nicholson 
Written By: Robert Towne 
Cinematography: Vilmos Zsigmond 
Editor: Anne Goursaud

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Harvey Keitel, Meg Tilly, Madeline Stowe, Eli Wallach, Ruben Blades, David Keith, James Hong, Frederic Forrest, Richard Farnsworth, Tracey Walter, Joe Mantell, Perry Lopez, Rebecca Broussard, Van Dyke Parks

The sequel to Chinatown finds J.J. “Jake” Gittes investigating adultery and murder, and the money that comes from oil.

When the film was coming out I remember all the advertisements for the movie as a kid and always being impressed by its poster artwork. At the time I had never seen or heard of CHINATOWN the movie, but knew this was a sequel to something and really only interested because Jack Nicholson was in it and this was right after BATMAN and I remember him from the movie THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK. 

This sequel or update of the film classic CHINATOWN tries to continue the look and style.  It even has some returning cast members and characters. While employing some great character actors. So by all rights, the film should be noteworthy. As it has some great shows to fill.

Though it falls short very short that barely stands in the shadow of the previous film. It has a similarly twisty and twisted storyline that ends up being easy to figure out. Not to mention not as devastating. As it doesn’t pull the audience in, as much to care. It stays at arm’s distance. Not that the first film was all that warm and cuddly but it kept you on your toes. Especially when it came to the mystery. Here you just wonder how everything fits. 

This film also lacks any memorable scenes or revelations. It’s pretty mundane as it seems to try too hard. You want it to be better than it actually is. As the material is there it just feels misrepresented.

Madeline Stowe at first seems like she will be a femme fatale and be more important to the overall story. Though after awhile she seems to be here for no real reason other than as pretty dressing and more of a distraction.

The cast seems to be playing more into the mood of the movie. Which is always gloomy rather than characters. This film has no spirit really it stays flat and simple.

The film tries but it comes up as rather dull and just going through the motions. As it never takes a definite direction or offers any real distinctions.

Knowing this film had a full share of behind-the-scenes dramas between screenwriter Robert towns, Producer Robert Evans and star/director Jack Nicholson, Evans was upset after hoping to play the role of the other Jake Played by Harvey Keitel, but not only not being strong enough an actor but getting bad plastic surgery right before filming began. Then Robert towns dropped out of directing and the film was postponed until Nicholson took the reins of the project. As this was supposed to be the second of a trilogy. 

You can see what they were trying to do and attempting before time ran out, but this might have been better off than what could have been. 

Grade: C+

THE EVENING STAR (1996)

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Written & Directed By: Robert Harling 
Based on the Novel by: Larry McMurtry
Cinematography: Don Burgess
Editor: David Moritz and Pricilla Nedd-Friendly 

Cast: Shirley McClaine, Juliette Lewis, Bill Paxton, Miranda Richardson, Mackenzie Astin, Scott Wolf, George Newbern, Jack Nicholson, Ben Johnson, Marion Ross, Donald Moffat, Jennifer Grant, China Kantner 

Continuing the story of Aurora Greenway in her latter years. After the death of her daughter, Aurora struggled to keep her family together, but has one grandson in jail, a rebellious granddaughter, and another grandson living just above the poverty line.

This is a follow-up to a classic that no one would have ever been completely satisfied with, but seemed to be made to satisfy an audience who might have been wondering what ever happened to the characters. Even though in the end it truly never needed to be made. 

It’s disappointing on many levels as a sequel and even as a movie. It just seems telegraphed to be melodramatic. 

The film takes us through what happened to the kids of Debra Winger’s character from TERMS OF ENDEARMENT. After having been raised by Their grandmother played by Shirley McClaine 

They all have their troubles though it seems like the daughter played by Juliette Lewis is the one she is having the most problems with. Her character and performance are way too over the top throughout. As one of the sons is serving a jail sentence and the other seems like a pushover. 

The film plays more like a melodramatic television movie. That has graphic undeserving sex scenes and plenty of bed-hopping. As McClane’s character seems irresistible to most men in the film. Giving her a younger lover who is also her psychiatrist and an adversary to compete with him. Until she learns the true reason for his attraction. Though it is nice to see Bill Paxton play a kind of romantic lead. with Scott wolf around more to be eye candy, Fantasy, and lover for all the ladies in the film

The film is over the top with sentimentality. That it seems as it gets towards the end it feels empty. 

The only truly interesting scene is Jack Nicholson’s cameo. That is when the film comes alive even for just a few moments. 

Even original writer and director James L. Brooks isn’t even back. It feels like the film tries to fit too many trends into the story that goes nowhere. 

This is a film aimed more at female movie fans and of course fans of the original. As the film feels like there is too much emotion on display.

While the main story seems to be to keep McClaine’s character constantly busy. While adding mini-aggressions for her to deal with. 

The film is missing the mixture of sharp comedy, drama, and tragedy that made the first film such a classic, noteworthy and one-of-a-kind. All this film does is remind us of how good the first film was and also desecrate Its memory with a big all-star cast. 

The film just feels secondhand with a pinch of nice dressing. 

Grade: D

THE KING OF MARVIN GARDENS (1972)

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Directed By: Bob Rafelson
Written By: Jacob Brackman
Story By: Bob Rafelson And Jacob Brackman
Cinematography: Laszlo Kovacs 
Editor: John F. Link II 

Cast: Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, Julia Anne Robinson, Benjamin “Scatman” Crothers, Arnold Williams, John Ryan, Sully Boyar, Josh Mostel 

A daydreamer convinces his radio personality brother to help fund one of his get-rich-quick schemes.

Will admit it took me quite some time to finally sit down and watch this film. Once I did it was probably brought upon by the director of the film. Which is a shame as this is a very powerful film. Not perfect but astonishing fun in what it achieves and also tries to do. 

Stories keep going on with no endings as they lead to another one. Yet never drop what came before. This film isn’t so much plot-oriented as character Oriented and the film allows for each of them to have their own little stories and dramas going along with one another and the narrative. 

Jack Nicholson here playing against type. As here he is more subtle, quiet, and sad as a character. He is the thinker of the two brothers. Even though they are both storytellers. Bruce Dern plays the more loud charismatic one. The problem is that they both tend to believe each other’s stories too much and soon find themselves in over their heads.

The film allows Jack Nicholson to show his range fully. 

Some might find this film slow or maybe even dull, but there are moments when the film comes alive. Though the other moments that are slower, bear more character building and help to build and showcase the characters’ dynamic. As well as illustrate the story. 

The film does offer an unexpected ending. Not much of it or the film is too predictable, at first but seems to like to throw misdirection.

Like Bruce Dern’s character. As none of the characters seems to really want to admit to what is happening or truly talk about it. 

This film is an increasing rarity of acting indulgence and taking chances with professional actors. Where they get to develop a character. As this film is more of a character study with a story to guide them to their fates. 

So that we can see their full emotional spectrum. As well as their true colors by the end. 

As the film is made up of simple moments that are lived in. 

A scheme that seems to be an ideal built of their mutual dreams. A palace or idea that they keep feeding into and want to control. A pipe dream to escape into to break up the monotony they are trying to escape.

Slowly getting seduced against better judgment and dragging two females along who are eye candy and intimates. Dangling sex and partnerships in front of the other brother, but have their own drama going on. So that the situation seems like a cult at times.

Ellen Burstyn’s Character slowly has a mental breakdown. As she realizes she might be being pushed aside for the younger model. 

The illusions drift, as both brothers are natural liars. Storytellers of some sort, one does professionally one does naturally to survive. Though all built on lies. Only one chooses to believe his own until the end. While others around them fall for it almost. As that is how charming and strong their devotion is.

The film is almost a ghost story. As these characters are free yet seem bound to their surrounding which is Atlantic City before it got renovated. So everything looks worn and beat down like the character’s Souls

An added bonus to The film is watching now legendary Actors we are used to seeing older in their younger days here.

Grade: B-

CHRISTMAS BLOODY CHRISTMAS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Joe Begos
Cinematography: Brian Sowell 
Editor: Josh Ethier 

Cast: Riley Dandy, Sam Delich, Jonah Ray, Dora Madison, Jeremy Gardner, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Abraham Benrubi, Graham Skipper, Kansas Bowling 

It’s Christmas Eve and Tori just wants to get drunk and party, but when a robotic Santa Claus at a nearby toy store goes haywire and begins a rampant killing spree through her small town, she’s forced into a battle for survival.

A punk rock trashy horror film, that indulges in all that is a naughty bit of violence and gore excessively. That plays as a slasher massacre for an hour.

While the first thirty minutes is what seems like an endless set-up of characters. As the reason for the killer, Santa Claus comes and goes so fast that it’s almost an afterthought. Then the film just goes forward with nary a hint of backstory.

It is obviously meant to be more of a love letter to 80’s horror films set during the holidays. Though it seems more like a quick exercise in excess.

A kind of anti-Christmas movie that does match the director Joe Begos’s style and interest. Which I am usually a fan of, but oddly doesn’t feel like it works this time all the way through. 

The Death scenes are more excessive than creative or too noteworthy. Luckily the film moves quickly and might remind the audience of a kind of rock n roll Rob Zombie horror film only without the more artistic flourishes and visions of grandeur. Though the director Begos does add slight sci-fi flavor or b-movie indulgence by making the killer Santa practically a more terrifying Terminator, only in a horror film. 

The film is modern but could be made in the 1980s trashy. So that it feels a bit retro. It seems like It’s going for fun at least in the first half of the film. As the first 20 minutes seem like exposition little of which ends up mattering. 

It seems an attempt to explore a friendship on the verge of becoming more. 

The film has low-budget action that keeps the audience interested with a high body count. That proves that no one is safe or sacred.

The film feels more like a film to watch to pass the time. A popcorn movie of sorts may be nice to play in the background. As it is easy to follow visually.

The film isn’t too inspired or inspiring. It actually feels like a quickie. It’s a movie, movie.  Nothing too deep is meant to be taken seriously. 

The conversations feel like Twitter-type ones. Where the dialogue is supposed to be cool but it never does. Even with hip characters. 

These horror films are supposed to be Empowering for women. All these skilled so-called warrior men in horror films. Who can barely stop the monster or slasher, maybe not even cause a dent, but a so-called regular woman who uses her head ends up defeating them in the end. Becoming the final girl. 

That character used to be kept virginal to make them Saintly or sex but diluting thoughts or bloodstream as well as a duality that was special or made them different. Usually, a way to please religious rights or moral codes is by being exploitative but the one pure makes it to the end. Even after the trauma of losing friends and/or family with great losses. A weird extreme scared straight. Here the female is sexual 

In the end, this should be a fun dream fantasy project, but it’s bogged down in bad dialogue. To lead to some uneventful hookup and a long introduction for disposable Characters where only one truly lasts.

Grade: D+

SCREAMERS (1995)

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Directed By: Christian Duguay
Written By: Dan O’Bannon & Miguel Tejada Flores
Based On the Short Story “SECOND VARIETY” By: Philip K. Dick 
Cinematography: Rodney Gibbons 
Editor: Yves Longlois 

Cast: Peter Weller, Jennifer Rubin, Roy Dupuis, Andy Lauer, Charles Powell

A military commander stationed off the planet during an interplanetary war travels through the devastated landscape to negotiate a peace treaty but discovers that the primitive robots they built to kill enemy combatants have gained sentience.

I remember seeing this trailer many times before movies in 1994 and when it finally came out. It barely gets a release. I didn’t even get to catch it at the discount theater. Once I managed to see it on cable. 

when it comes to Sci-Fi if the story fails you. You usually hope that the special effects will carry you through. Now when this film was made CGI was just beginning but even looking at this film in that context the effects are horrible. About the same quality of SyFy TV movies.

Watching the trailer the film looked a bit thrilling yet simplistic. I was intrigued over the years to finally watch this film as I have not always been a fan of sci-fi films. So I figured to give this one a chance, bad decision.

One of the things that lured me to watch the film was the stars. Peter Weller has a strong look with a mysterious presence. Yet a leading man charm. Who never got his chance in the spotlight and Jennifer Rubin. Who seemed more cast in b-movies whose career I have followed since the movie THE CRUSH. Followed her from career highs and the many lows of her career. This is one of them.

Their budget seems to have gone into bad special effects. Bad investments all around, as the locations seem to be three sets and the desert.

The acting is laughable other than the main two cast members, especially the villain of the film.

The twists and turns are predictable. The ending guarantees a shock but is not as big as the film thinks it does.

In between the action scenes, the film seems to be trying to be satirical and send a message that comes off as empty. This is a shame Since the film had Been more realized and had a major overhaul, especially behind the scenes. The film could have had a chance to be good or at least somewhat decent. Better than what it is now. Unintentionally laughable. A waste of time that actually leaves room for a sequel.

Scenes such as how Peter Weller character goes on and on about how much he loves his wife and family But seems easily tempted away

Grade: F

FLIGHT 7500 (2014)

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Directed By: Takashi Shimizu
Written By: Craig Rosenberg 
Cinematography: David Tattersall
Editor: Sean Valla 

Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Amy Smart, Leslie Bibb, Jamie Chung, Scout Taylor-Compton, Jerry Ferrara, Christian Serratos, Johnathon Schaech, David Banner, Nicky Whelan 

Flight 7500 departs Los Angeles International Airport bound for Tokyo. As the overnight flight makes its way over the Pacific Ocean during its ten-hour course, the passengers encounter what appears to be a supernatural force in the cabin.

This is a movie that was filmed years ago and only is now getting released due to whatever reasons. This becomes obvious as the film goes along. 

This was a film I had my eye on over the years as the premise sounded interesting then the film seemed to disappear. 

The major problem with this film is that film is all built up almost like a prequel. Though seems to falter when it comes to an ending as it seems like the filmmakers were forced to change it or couldn’t come up with a satisfactory ending. 

As the ending seems to try to be profound, but then goes for a cliche cheap scare.

What the film has in its favor are recognizable actors. Which gets you excited about their appearance. Though here the film gives them random character roles for no reason as none of it makes a difference in the film. Or gives us a reason to care. Even in the film’s direction, it chooses to focus on characters randomly. Not Even as victims. So that while it might seem more realistic if this was a slasher film. The film ends up being it seems just as less than everything else in the film. 

Strangely though the film manages early on to play up the suspense and even some thrilling aspects from time to time throughout then after a certain point it just runs out of steam. As it then just seems to go in the wrong direction.

As the film has some moments of horror and seems to go that way. Then it seems to want to work off of some strange conspiracy and enlightening moments like some unused plots of the TELEVISION show LOST 

It is strange as even on the DVD it has previews for films coming out this year as well as films like THE LAST EXORCISM 2.

In the end, the film is not worth it. 

Grade: D+

THE MAN FROM TORONTO (2022)

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Directed By: Patrick Hughes 
Written By: Robbie Fox and Craig Bremmer 
Story By: Robbie Fox, Craig Bremmer and Jason Rosenthal 
Cinematography: Rob Hardy
Editor: Craig Alpert 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Woody Harrelson, Jasmine Matthews, Kaley Cuoco, Ellen Barkin, Pierson Fode, Jeancarlos Canela 

The world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental.

The film was originally supposed to Co-Star Jason Statham. Which would make more sense as a more dream combo. Not that woody Harrelson isn’t good. It just feels like he is a replacement. As he does what the role requires but hasn’t even known for too many action roles in quite a while.

So while his role is supposed to be more action-oriented. He only seems to use these skills on other assassins. As his character is so synonymous that he rarely has to use violence before they confess everything. Even as we know he has the finesse to actually do the things they fear. So it is more about intimidation. 

Kevin hart tries but it feels like again he is playing a similar role to most of his others. A kind of sad sack dreamer who gets motivated in the middle of the film to do what he needs to do to finally accomplish his mission and be successful. 

Though even here hart’s heart doesn’t seem as much into it. As he does create an annoying character who never seems to shut his mouth and say everything he is thinking, but again he knows he has played this type of role before and there is only so much of a variant that he can do with it.

At this point, it would be nice if Kevin Hart made a film that was just him as the star no more mismatched buddy comedies. Let him be center stage and truly make his mark. That might actually be noteworthy. As it would showcase his talents more and not seem so much like he is dependent on others to sell himself. 

The film’s action scenes try to be exciting even as most characters other than the leads and bigger cast names seem disposable. They never offer any kind of challenge. As the audience knows how each situation most likely will turn out.

There are some exceptions; the airplane fight and the gym fight actually enliven the movie and are a bit easier especially after other action sequences seem to fizzle.

Just as it would have been nice for more comedic scenes where Woody Harrelson is nervous around the opposite sex and opening up around new people. Just as more could have been done when it came to the

Handsome FBI agent who Kevin hart’s character is jealous of, allowing us to see why he should be jealous would have been funnier.

Director Patrick Hughes has made some silly yet violent guilty pleasure action comedies before with THE HITMAN’S BODYGUARD films. Though those were much more hardcore in language and violence. This one is played safer and PG-13 so it can only go so far and doesn’t feel like it goes far enough in some scenes. So the film Lacks bite in action and In comedy. The material just never feels that strong 

Overall if you are a Kevin hart fan you will enjoy the movie. The film just feels like the typical Netflix big-budget team-up movie with very little reason or strength in the storytelling. 

Woody Harrelson is bland here can tell he was a replacement in casting. 

The film is serviceable but not as fun as you think it will be or it could have been. As Kevin hart does his usual schtick and the material feels too familiar for all involved

Grade: C-

SPY (2015)

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Written & Directed By: Paul Feig
Cinematography: Robert D. Yeoman 
Editor: Melissa Bretherton & Brent White 

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Jason Statham, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Allison Janney, Morena Baccarin, Carlos Ponce, Peter Serafinowicz, Bobby Cannavale, Michael McDonald, Sam Richardson, Zach Woods, Katie Dippold, Richard Brake, 

Susan Cooper is an unassuming, deskbound CIA analyst, and the unsung hero behind the Agency’s most dangerous missions. But when her partner falls off the grid and another top agent is compromised, she volunteers to go deep undercover to infiltrate the world of a deadly arms dealer, and prevent a global crisis.

This is for me so far the best comedy Melissa McCarthy has starred in. This doesn’t feel like one of her assembly line films that seem almost cranked out back to back, before the power of streaming made this a common occurrence for most stars. Though I give her credit for keeping trying original Comedic characters.

Luckily here her character is more identifiable for the audience and not so much mentally challenged. 

The film worked as a spoof comedy and an actual spy thriller where you care about what happens and you care about the characters. Who are actually memorable. As we in the audience are like the main character constantly wondering who we can trust.

The over-the-top villains and international characters are filled with so many strange details. It Is such a delight to watch.

Jason Statham is actually hilarious throughout. Having a kick for making fun of his previous roles. While doing what needs to be done action-wise. Which is what gives the film its energy is the constant duality of the actors, characters, and film. 

The film keeps you on your toes with Its surprises. As well as having a shocking amount of violence that is graphic. While  At heart the film is an action comedy. 

Everyone seems to give their character a certain spin. So it feels more like everyone has their own motivations, agenda, and trust issues. Yet all share a certain world and reality. 

This is a tight film but everyone feels loose and free. So that they get their moments to shine 

Grade: B+

THE MECHANIC (1972)

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Directed By: Michael Winner
Written By: Lewis John Carlino
Cinematography: Richard H. Kline and Robert Paynter (European Sequences)
Editor: Freddie Wilson and Arnold Crust Jr. (Michael Winner) 

Cast: Charles Bronson, Jan-Michael Vincent,  Keenan Wynn, Jill Ireland, Linda Edgeway, Frank De Kova, Tak Kubota, Celeste Yarnell, Enzo Fiermonte 

A professional hitman is planning to retire, always a difficult move for one in such a profession. A young apprentice appears to be eager to learn all the skills of the trade – but is that all he wants?

This was one of the Charles Bronson films I was looking forward to, as this is supposedly one of the classics for him. 

I will admit to seeing the remake with Jason Statham first. Though I enjoyed it. I thought it would be an overblown spectacle. Which it was but also improved on the material.

This, original has a great first half of the movie. As the opening 10 minutes alone are a silent masterpiece of suspense and reasoning. 

Then once he has to kill one of his friends out of duty. Even that makes sense, and with his expertise, he never makes it look like an assassination. It always looks natural or like an accident.

Though it seems in the second half of the film that is abandoned. Even when he has assistance on his assignment it is so big and doesn’t look like an accident. Then after that, his assistant who he takes on out of guilt is all of a sudden acting like an expert. When he has done one job.

The twists at the end are the only thing that saves the film. Though it is set in the 1970s at first we feel sorry for the kid but as heartless as he treats his girlfriend who is attempting suicide. Shows us how evil he is, though he passes no judgment it seems to be the quality that makes Bronson’s character accept him.

Thankfully the film is barely over 90 minutes. As whenever there is a scene with Bronson alone it becomes dull. Even though these as supposed to be moments where we get to know his character. Even though there isn’t much to be known. 

It still allows for Bronson’s charisma and Jan Michael Vincent to show off his chops early in his career. Though this film by the end felt like a disappointment for me. I can see why it has its fans. As it tries to set a tone and be moody while also having it’s Fair share of action 

Grade: C+

THE MUNSTERS (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Rob Zombie
Based On Characters Developed By: Norm Liebmann and Ed Haas
From a format By: Al Burns & Chris Hayward 
Cinematography: Zoraida Popovic
Editor: Vanick Moradian 

Cast: Sherri Moon Zombie, Jeff Daniel Phillips, Daniel Roebuck, Richard Brake, Catherine Schell, Cassandra Petersen, Tomas Boykin, Jorge Garcia

Reboot of “The Munsters,” which followed a family of monsters who moved from Transylvania to an American suburb.

The film seems like a far-fetched idea that should be horrible, but it isn’t as bad as one would think.

The movie feels like an extended episode of the series. Set in their universe. Rather than a normal reality in having them socialize with normal society. 

It also serves as a kind of prequel. So we see how Herman came about and his romance with Lily. The film is noticeably lower budgeted than expected though that only adds to the mood and atmosphere of the film.

The film has that same kind of stale sitcomish sense of humor. Only being a bit more macabre. Though could easily be a family film. The film Is campy and too long 

The film noticeably takes place on sets. The film has the same spirit as the television shows turned into movies by having maximum audience appeal to attract more than just fans. As it tries to modernize the show. While also serving as the greatest hits. 

The humor is corny as it almost feels more vaudeville than anything. It definitely comes across as a Halloween season movie. Almost like the live-action THE FLINTSTONES movie filled with tons of puns and one-liners. 

This strangely seems like a passion project for Rob Zombie. As no one was asking for this film but he seems determined to not only make it but also an affinity. It might be him trying to try another studio property with his own touch.

As this is one of his least offensive and cleanest films as far as material. 

As the film does stay true to its version. Everyone is dedicated. No matter how silly it gets and appears to be having fun. As he is clearly dedicated to this film and series. As is his cast, which is filled with his usual players, the main cast in multiple roles. As well a good size of the supporting and background cast being Hollywood and classic television veterans. Making this all the more a labor of love. 

It only lacks the stunt casting of seeing a fairly well-known star trying out the role for an impression or their own interpretation. 

Grade: C