Category: Uncategorized

VIOLET (2014)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Bas Devos

Cinematography: Nicolas Karakatsanis

Editor: Dieter Diependaele

Cast: Cesar De Sutter, Koen De Sutter, Mira Helmer, Brent Minne, Fania Sorel

15-year-old Jesse is the only one who witnessed the stabbing of his friend Jonas. Now he has to face his family and friends form the BMX riders crew and explain the unexplainable – how he feels about it.

If not Into impressionistic and experimental films this is not the film for you.

As it seems as not much happens and everything happens as we watch a young teen come to grips with his feelings about witnessing his friends endlessly get murdered and we see how this murder affects those around him including the victim’s family but not much happens and everything happens

Obviously heavy emotionally we see the pain and feelings on others’ faces but the main. Teen is expressionless either trying to come. To grips with his feelings or trying to feel something as very one is expecting it but doesn’t know howS

If you look, For a more Plot centered film, this is not for you. If you want to watch a study in grief where the film keeps a slow pace and is more about the everyday this is for you.

There are some striking shots and visuals but that is all there is as the film feels simplistic but wants to show a certain depth. It achieves what it aims for and while some might be able to get something or at least what they seek out of it.

It personally leaves one cold. A slice of Life and a sort of coming of age that for a film that showcases life feels lifeless itself. 

As less like witnessing and just watching a bunch of shots comes together that might have been glorious b roll footage for another film. Though at least here it has some kind of meaning for you to take away. Define for yourself 

Plotless and lacking any kind of dramatics at least traditionally almost like improv where you are meant to assign what they are thinking or feeling by little clues as to their expressions or behavior 

Though an audience is left to see the film’s worth. As the film does try to connect but leaves you to pick up the pieces.

So it is almost like the lead character who will not give anyone anything emotionally but as we are connected to him as our protagonist we try to figure him out abs kind of put our own thoughts and concerns on display in our minds 

Some could easily call this lazy filmmaking but the filmmaker is more interested in getting a reaction from the audience that the film lacks by letting visuals and sound linger more than anything documenting with a cinematic flair rather than aiming the story or narrative in any particular way or direction.

Depending on. What you came to the film for Will predict your interpretation or any kind of entertainment/enjoyment you might get.

This is more of a film. To be studied and presented at a museum as an exhibit  than anything else traditional 

Throughout it seems that like the lead, No one Knows how to communicate really. 

Alas it feels like you are sitting around for a scene or a moment where it all makes sense or just idiots that you have been sitting through and it never comes 

A lot of lingering shots of nothing really happening that individuals come to nothing but as a whole might come together to mean something or at least that is my interpretation. 

A Movie that director Gus Van Sant would have loved to have made. A movie where it seems like the filmmaker wants you to do most of the work like CACHE.

As this is just a presentation and they want you to come up with what you think it’s about and connect things in your own way

Grade: C

LET ME MAKE YOU A MARTYR (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Corey Asraf & John Swab 

Cinematography: Jeff Melanson 

Editor: Corey Asraf & Dylan Quirt 

Cast: Niko Nicotera, Sam Quartin, Mark Boone Junior, Marilyn Manson, William Lee Scott, Michael Potts, Gore Abrams, Megan Mattox, Danny Boy O’Connor, Michael Sheamus 

A cerebral revenge film about two adopted siblings who fall in love, and hatch a plan to kill their abusive father.

At first, if you are a fan of the television show SONS OF ANARCHY you will notice four of the actors from that show are in this film. A kind of reunion playing the same type of characters 

The mood of the film is a lot like that show and TRUE DETECTIVE mixed where the characters here are flawed and most are reprehensible. As they are all either criminals, addicts, or low lives, and the only innocence in the film is sniffed out quickly.

Though the film will make you believe there is beauty in this darkness you just have to try and see it. Throughout the film will try to make each scene filled with some kind of depth or philosophical wonder.

At heart, there is a love story that can never be fulfilled or allowed.

As most of this film Feels like a crime story though it doesn’t have those thrills. There are no scenes of hold-ups or even planning of scores even for all of its Violence which never quite feels unnecessary. Though you wish more was happening.

The most striking character who walks away with the film is the hitman played by Marilyn Manson who seems to have Seen it all.

So much that nothing phases him and he really has no loyalty but isn’t going to shoot you in the back for no reason either.

At times the film chooses to play with the timeline and the film does feel enriched to a certain Degree. You only wish the story was stronger to give us some reason to care more and to get more involved in the film.  As it seems to have the necessities but not the goods. 

Grade: C

10 TO MIDNIGHT (1983)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Story & Directed By: J. Lee Thompson 

Written By: William Roberts 

Cinematography: Adam Greenberg 

Editor: Peter Lee-Thompson 

Cast: Charles Bronson, Lisa Eilbacher, Andrew Stevens, Gene Davis, Geoffrey Lewis, Wilford Brimley, Robert Lyons, Ola Ray, Kelly Preston, Beau Billingslea, Bert Williams 

An LAPD detective and his rookie partner are on the trail of a psychopathic young man who is murdering young women.

I have recently been trying to catch up On Charles Bronson’s films besides his known classics. Glad I started with this one, where one can get an understanding of his appeal and charm. As he kind of Constantly Has a Clint Eastwood kind of stoicism where he must always be tough and gruff but always seems to have a good heart. 

The film has a cool-sounding title that unfortunately means nothing when it comes to the plot of the movie. Though As you watch the film this is a movie more built around a star and his image. 

Unfortunately, the films he was in he was usually better than the material and they weren’t as memorable as other films at the box office or less seen. As his films particularly in the 1980’s feel familiar and just cheaper than his contemporaries. Sort of like if there were Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Bruce Willis at the time. He would be the straight-to-home video version of them as a peer. Sort of like Chuck Norris films at the time. 

This film presents him more in his later years where he is in more in a modern time where things seem more disposable and cheap. 

While the film isn’t a western it feels like one with the anti-hero, a hero of very few words. He is smarter than most around him, but also a man of action more than anything. As he even does the right thing which is understandable in the film Context but horrible in reality. As he breaks the law for the right reasons but really for his own purposes. That has consequences and Places a moral quandary In the middle of the film. It also allows him to better set a trap.

Throughout Charles Bronson comes off as mroe subdued the opposite of Gene Davis who plays the killer as more over the top. Though the film offers good one-liners and good back and forth between characters especially Bronson, Andrew Stevens, and Lisa Eilbacher who plays his daughter. 

The film comes off as sleazy and exploitative. As whenever there is a murder. As the killer is naked to not leave behind any evidence supposedly. His victims usually young women are often killed in the nude. Which makes the killings feel More Cruel and sadistic more like sexual assaults than anything. The film Spells out Early and the film Doesn’t Present it subtlety Either with him even saying that the knife is like a penis and he gets to penetrate them. 

The film does have the feeling of 1980‘s excess with the graphic violence and nudity. Which seems there to please the Audience more than anything. Charles Bronson is so Cool though he can even be forgiven for his more comical running at the end. 

Happy to see that the film is more of a Thriller than an action film. Even if at times it feels more like an episode of a police procedural. Though it sets up Bronson’s tough attitude at the Beginning with a Scene that Is supposed to be comedic. As throughout the film Bronson is shown to be more old school and Seems Stuck in a time where everything is kind of new wave or a victim Of modern-day politics of law and order.

Kind of a little of the death wish Mentality that got him a fan base of more blue-collar guys with that same kind of mentality that modern-day Risks and culture are too soft and tie The hands of law enforcement and Seem To care more about the criminals’ feelings and rights.

The last act becomes more of a massacre that feels like it belongs more in a horror film. 

The film is pretty open and shut but stays entertaining throughout. The film ends up better than expected despite itself. I Hope More of his films are like this. 

Grade: B

ANGEL (1983)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Robert Vincent O’Neil 

Written By: Robert Vincent O’Neil & Joseph M. Cala 

Cinematography: Andrew Davis 

Editor: Charles Bornstein 

Cast: Donna Wilkes, Cliff Gorman, Susan Tyrell, Dick Shawn, Rory Calhoun, John Diehl, Elaine Giftos, Steven M. Porter, Donna McDaniel, Graem McGavin, Mel Carter 

Molly, a high schooler, secretly earns her living as Angel, a street prostitute whose only family and friends are the ones she works with on the streets. She has to survive against a serial killer who is targeting people of her profession.

Part of the charm of the film is watching it years after and quite removed from the time period. So that you can look back at the film as some kind of nostalgic timepiece. As it is a b-movie thriller from a time period. Where certain taboos are explored freely without the film centering around them or being a savior film. So to speak. 

While the film is exploitive as far as nudity and violence. It luckily doesn’t delve into dirty or perverted looking for cheap thrills. Even if it does have plenty of sleaze to it. It treats prostitution more as professional and. It as something for the audience to watch or glimpse as entertainment. 

As the film could have been worse. The film sticks to begin as a thriller with some melodrama thrown in. As it goes more for drama. As we spend a lot of time with the characters including the killer. So that there is no mystery to it. We only wonder when the killer will strike next. While getting to know the victims shortly before their demise. Not to mention the stakes and emotions it brings forth in the characters in these situations. 

After all the characters are what the film has going for it. As all of them are a bit off, but entertaining, interesting, and funny with rich histories that we wonder about but are rarely fully informed of. The film is more devoted to them than occasionally remember it’s a thriller 

As they are colorful and the actors portraying them. Are like their characters survive the spirit of classic Hollywood left around as it deteriorated and is forgotten. 

There is a sweetness to the title character ANGEL. Surprisingly an innocent, hustling and working the streets and leading a double life full of secrets. She has managed to handle it all. Until it all starts to crumble and then she realizes she might be in over when head. Especially when her secrets begin to unravel. Donna Wilkes in the title role does well. It’s a shame she never returned to the role in the sequels. Though considering their quality it was actually a blessing in disguise.

Can see the film as somewhat a little mroe shocking and controversial at the time. This film can also be seen as a look at the street performers of all kinds in Hollywood at the time. As that is the culture the film takes place in. 

The crime element is more basic and entertaining and staged well. Not the most exciting part of the movie. As the film works but it never quite comes alive. It just passes along. 

Where are they now? As they seem to have been left Dick Shawn is more playing an original character. Whereas Rory Calhoun is more playing a version of himself 

GRADE: C+

CHAINED HEAT (1983)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Paul Nicholas
Written By: Paul Nicholas & Vincent Mongol 
Cinematography: Mac Ahlberg 
Editor: Nino Di Marco

Cast: Linda Blair, John Vernon, Sybil Danning, Tamara Dobson, Stella Stevens, Henry Silva, Sharon Hughes, Louisa Moritz, Robert Miano, Nina Talbot 

Young Carol Henderson ends up in prison where she must learn how to survive in an environment plagued by violence, murder, rape, racism, drugs and staff corruption and brutality.

This is so sleazy this can almost be a set-up for a porno film. There is enough sexual innuendo and nudity for it. Luckily the plot and characters take over and make it into an overall b-movie exploitation film. That does go over the top in a couple of places but stays entertaining. 

This is an exploitation classic that is dirty and cheesy. Where few characters are actually good as all are pretty bad some just happen to be worse and some actually have hearts. 

There is action but the film seems more concerned with what it chooses to sell itself on with see and nudity and when there is action it is certainly violent. 

The shocking aspect of these types of films is that it exploits their Female characters’ looks and bodies, but by the end try to come off as a female empowerment tale full of feminism. That feels only there to give the film some likable appeal and give the female prisoner characters something and someone to fight against other than each other eventually. 

I will admit this is another Linda Blair revelation film for me. As I slowly go through her film

Appearances and performances. Showing she is quite an adept actress who is more than a one-hot wonder of sorts from THE EXORCIST. Though for a time period she was at least still getting more leading roles. 

If you are a film fan this is a feast of a kind of character actor and b-movie all-star cast. 

Grade: C+

POLIZIOTTO SENZA PAURA – MAGNUM COP (aka FEARLESS) (1978)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Stelvio Massi
Story By: Fulvio Gicca-Palli 
Written By: Stelvio Massi, Franz Antel & Gino Capone 
Cinematography: Riccardo Pallottini 
Editor: Mauro Bonanni 

Cast: Joan Collins, Maurizio Merli, Franco Ressel, Werner Pochath, Massimo Vanni, Annarita Grapputo, Alexander Trojan, Gastone Moschin

An Italian private investigator tries to get to the bottom of a suspicious kidnapping case with the help of an exotic dancer.

This is a movie that leaves one with mixed emotions. At first, it feels like pure 1980s European sleaze and stupidity dialed up. To make what seems like a movie the filmmakers believe Americans will love. Though eventually the film actually becomes somewhat engaging.

Can’t really tell if it is natural or because the audience gets into the film’s nature and anything subdued is welcome and if it isn’t outrageous seems more possible than what we have seen before.

The beginning credits show us what to expect throughout, but feel more like credits for a television show of what to expect in future episodes. After a silly violent opening, it ends up being an early highlight reel to try and convince you to stay.  

This is truly a film that has to be seen to be believed. One of the aspects of the film that helped sell the film is that Joan Collins is in it and gets star billing. Even though she doesn’t appear until halfway into the film with a grand entrance and shows plenty of skin throughout. Even though she is a supporting character of importance she comes across as a special guest star who is eye candy and the femme fatale. She is the most recognizable cast ever to an English language-speaking audience. 

The film is definitely of its Time when it comes to Materials and culture. It has a protagonist who always seems to have a one-liner or comeback ready for every occasion. In one scene after getting beat up seems to look around for direction as to whether to at least lose consciousness in the scene. 

So that at first it feels more comedic than a thriller or action film. Even with an opening scene of pure action. The film also is filled with nudity and comes across at times as sex-obsessed. Not sure if it was intentional or not. Even though it is a detective mystery at heart.

The film eventually develops into competence as it goes along and we analyze the story. When it decides to calm down from its More outrageous factors. That ends up saving the movie. As it becomes engaging and less over the top.  

It seems that most of the female characters can’t resist the lead who comes across with a perineal that Bruce Willis would perfect in the 1980s 

Though it gets tawdry, especially in the conclusion that involves underage girls leaves this and the audience with a bad taste in your mouth and wondering why this was needed. As it makes the film obscene. This might be why this film isn’t as known or famous. As it is quite distasteful

Can definitely see this as a cult or midnight movie and gaining an audience. By the end, it feels like the first in a series of movies or franchises that are never to be.

Grade: B-

QUEENPINS (2021)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly
Cinematography: Andrew Wehde
Editor: Kayla Emter 

Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bebe Rexha, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaughn, Joel McHale, Eduardo Franco, Dayo Okeniyi, Annie Mumolo, Stephen Root, Paul Rust, Timm Sharp, Nick Cassavettes, Jack Mcbrayer, Greta Oglesby

Loosely Based on a true story. A pair of housewives create a $40 million coupon scam.

The two female leads are quite enjoyable and if they had more to play with, the film might be a little stronger and more memorable. Though it works with what it has and manages to always stay somewhat safe and clean. 

This is a quite enjoyable mid-budget comedy that studios seem to barely or rarely make anymore. It ends up being more entertaining than expected. Thanks to the familiar yet likable cast of characters. 

It comes across more as a place keeper movie the type that had an interesting premise and would get some notable cast members. That a studio would out to have a product out there and hopefully win the box office that weekend. Though it offers nothing too rock-solid to remember.

It’s a cute movie that could have easily been a television movie or made for cable comedy. As it is so innocent and inoffensive. That has a wide appeal, particularly to housewives. As it is a film that shows how resourceful and smart they can be and still be badass. 

It also showcases more blue-collar types not necessarily violent gun-toting FBI agents, but postal inspectors who investigate fraud and do mroe detective work than busting heads. 

The film is based on a true story and has its quirks, but doesn’t offer anything too memorable but is pleasant while you watch it.

It certainly is smooth and moves at a quick pace with likable characters and actors. Even pop star Bebe Rexha in a supporting role is vivacious and fun. 

Paul Walter Hauser and Vince Vaughn stand out as characters who are dramatic and have an edge but come off as sweet authoritative types. And pop star Bebe Rexha in her screen debut in a supporting role as their fence/hacker. Who also helps bring some youth to the movie. Which might appeal more to younger viewers.

Grade: C+

LUCKY (2011)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Gil Cates Jr.
Written By: Kent Sublette
Cinematography: Darren Genet
Editor: Gregory Plotkin 

Cast: Colin Hanks, Ari Graynor, Ann-Margaret, Jeffrey Tambor, Mimi Rogers, Allison Mackie, Tom Amendes, Adam J. Harrington 

A wannabe serial killer wins the lottery and pursues his lifelong crush.

The film gives star Ari Graynor a good role to excel in but the character seems to be more of a sketch of a character only theft to fulfill a purpose than a full-blooded human character. The film also lets her down by not riding to the strength of her performance.

The film is a black comedy that has a light tone and makes the film off-putting to the audience.

Second to Ari Graynor in the film is Ann Margaret as a mother who might know more than she lets on, she is still a screen presence and steals her scenes. 

The film has a lot of opportunities to make detours that might have given the film a greater impact or opened up more comedic moments.

Graynor injects the role with so much gravitas she is so over-the-top comedic in certain scenes that it makes the material almost come across as a spoof, but she is such an engaging actress you can’t take your eyes off of her. Especially as her character slowly starts to lose it.

At least the protagonist’s issues are suitably explained and at heart, there is a love story of two people learning to get past each other’s dysfunctions. In a more extreme manner.

The film doesn’t take its Comedy totally from cruelty and graphic violence. We are spared the violence of the murders.

The film just feels like it is missing an ingredient. That you can’t exactly put your finger on. That would make the film feel more complete and memorable. As it has the material 

GRADE: C-

WHEN WILL I BE LOVED (2004)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: James Toback 
Cinematography: Larry McConkey
Editor: Suzy Elmiger 

Cast: Neve Campbell, Frederick Weller, Dominic Chianese, Joelle Carter, James Toback, Barry Primus, Karen Allen, Michael Mailer, Lori Singer, Mike Tyson, Damon Dash, 

Feeling undervalued by her boyfriend, a young woman begins to explore her sexuality with other people.

Writer/Director James Toback rests a little too easily on the audience’s knowledge of his past work. He was a pretty much in-demand screenwriter, though became so tangled in controversy he is considered canceled in the industry.

I used to watch his films more for their examination of relationships but also for the way they were developed and filmed. More artistic and definitely more improvised.

This was the last of his films that I watched in a movie theater and this was the third strike in which I was very disappointed. After so much hype. After BLACK & WHITE and HARVARD MAN. Was really hoping for much better. Even if it was me and 3 other people in total in the theater to watch this film on opening day no less.

Neve Campbell in the lead role does fine with the role but she comes off a little too ordinary and long in the tooth to play this seductress that the male characters seem to obsess over. Though maybe more her personality and charm make it believable and let your guard down and hook you. Even though the role isn’t that strong, but puts her at the center of things and usually has the upper hand.

This might have been his way of making a Femme Fatale the main character and center of the film. His view of giving her agency, As she is put up as a pawn, but is actually in control most of the time. Even if the film never treats her as favorable. Toback seems to want to offer a film that is a conversation starter and shows him more about the side of the female characters. Even if when you watch more of his films from the second half of his career. He populates his films with these types of female characters. He paints as more scheming but never the main character. He also never truly offers any insight into their psyche. They just seem to behave in this manner as the stories require it for the films to have twists or tension

Frederick Walker is the only exciting and believable performance out of the main characters. This movie comes off as more an expressive and visual play than a movie. As it feels opened up to include more backdrops and scenery.

The film teases the audience when it comes to sex and nude scenes. That ends up rather Unrevealing and tame for a movie that is supposed to be an erotic drama. Even the brief one in central park is so brief and seemingly played more for laughs. 

The film offers strange cameos. One would guess is to the unpredictable nature of New York and its characters, but the characters in the cameos are more interesting than the main ones. Where we wish the film could follow or involve them more.

Even writer/director James Toback cameos as a parody of himself and his fascination with African Americans. 

The film doesn’t do intentional comedy well. The laughs in this movie are more unintentional. 

The story doesn’t make sense. As you wonder, the count can’t get his own women even though he is apparently world famous and would go to this sleazy guy, just to spend some time with his girlfriend? 

The film does have good camera work and a good soundtrack. Those are the film’s strengths. As it never feels real and it constantly feels like an act or a show. 

Grade: F

DEATH ON THE NILE (2022)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Kenneth Branagh
Written By: Michael Green 
Based upon the novel by: Agatha Christie 
Cinematography: Haris Zamberloukos
Editor: Una Ni Dhonghalie 

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Gal Gadot, Annette Bening, Russell Brand, Armie Hammer, Letitia Wright, Emma Mackey, Tom Bateman, Sophie Okonedo, Rose Leslie, Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders, Adam Garcia, Michael Rouse, Alaa Safi 

While on vacation on the Nile, Hercule Poirot must investigate the murder of a young heiress.

This film was postponed for release due to the pandemic and having a troubled cast member. That was meant to be released theatrically because of the big-name cast. Though quietly released onto streaming. While it has the beauty to be a more theatrical release, by the end it feels more compact and like a television movie with grand ambitions.

This feels like the British version of the movie. As most of the cast is more British stars and recognizable actors. Maybe it helps the film be more acceptable for a foreign audience. 

As it lacks the star power of Kenneth Branagh’s previous Agatha Christie novel brought to film MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. While he directs and stars a detective Hercule Poirot is seemingly on vacation and brought into another murder mystery.

This film is much darker in spirit than the previous film. Which although had a murder plot came off a little more lightweight and his performance was more comedic and fun. In this film, it is much more dramatic. As it feels more personal for the main character. This leaves Branagh’s Performance much more melodramatic. Even if the rest of the motivations feel a little looser.

As this film cuts closer to his character’s heart as we learn more about his past and he is much closer to the characters and one of the victims.

The film feels too long and it takes almost 45 minutes before the initial death comes to pass. Where there is a lot of build-ups and setting up animosity and motives for various characters. Even though it seems obvious from the early part of the film who the killer is.

So that it feels like we are not really waiting for who did it, but more how and why. 

The relationships throughout don’t seem very romantic or warm. Yet we are told how much they care about one another. Some of the castings seem more like a stunt. Like having comedic duo Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders in the film and giving them nothing comedic to work with or having Russell Brand play a more dramatic role. Which he does well and without his long hair you barely recognize him. 

The film feels like it had a much lower budget to work with. As it seems to be a much smaller story and more limited in locations. It also seems a little less glamorous than the first film.  So it goes the opposite direction of most sequels. 

Though still beautifully filmed. Including a shot that showcases most of the cast In one shot that is obviously more for the trailer to show off. 

The film is a good time waster. As it is mostly entertaining as it goes along. Even though it is predictable.

Grade: C