Written & Directed by: Rose Glass Cinematography: Ben Fordesman Editor: Mark Towns
Cast: Morfydd Clark, Jennifer Ehle, Lily Frazer, Marcus Hutton, Lily Knight, Noa Bodner
Deeply religious Maud, a tight-lipped live-in nurse with a dark past, takes a job in a humdrum English coastal town to look after Amanda Köhl: a once-celebrated, now terminally ill former dancer and choreographer. Convinced that she has been sent to sensualist, chain-smoking Amanda with a purpose, ascetic Maud soon becomes obsessed with saving her vulnerable patient from herself, and in the process, lead her to the light. However, is worldly Amanda prepared to receive absolution for her sins?
This is a film that I was looking forward to seeing. It was at the top of my must-see list for 2020, until it got postponed, and finally got to recently watch. It is definitely a case of a movie living up to my expectations.
You can tell that this film feels lien something special. Even for as dark as it is.
The film is a great production and has committed performances and is definitely the work of a gifted filmmaker. As the filmmaking is gorgeous and sumptuous. That doesn’t fit into expectations.
The film offers a lot of build-ups. That has a bunch of elevated horror cliches. As the film Challenges the audience’s expectations. As they might be looking for more than what the film has to offer.
The film revolves around loneliness at heart. While going through mental illness and stability. It ends up with strongly disturbing images.
The film is a slow burn that takes it’s Time with it’s Story and characters. Where it is meant to be more than what you are seeing. This film wants to be more than entertainment. It wants to affect you. Say, present and experience its Story more.
It deals with obsession which causes a mental undoing to someone who was already fragile. Where she punishes herself. When she is only
Trying to help and seeking forgiveness for her past through religious fundamentalism. Which strangely she turns into a kind of eroticism for herself.
Her devotion spins takes form In trying to awaken others and give them what they want to try and help them. While having more and more delusions.
Where eventually she keeps building an intimacy out of loneliness. That once making a connection in helping others to make herself feel better and not worthless.
As we are given hints to her life before he became so devout that seemed aimless and wild before an accident that changes her.
By the end, the film is Sad and depressing but effective. In the last act of the film, the film becomes more of a horror. as it becomes more tension-filled. Where it feels like anything can happen.
Directed By: Kevin Lewis Written By: G.O. Parsons Cinematography: David Newbert Editor: Ryan Libert
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Emily Tosta, Beth Grant, Ric Reitz, Chris Warner, Kai Kadlee, Caylee Cowan, Terayle Hill
A quiet drifter is tricked into a janitorial job at the now condemned Willy’s Wonderland. The mundane tasks suddenly become an all-out fight for survival against wave after wave of demonic animatronics. Fists fly, kicks land, titans clash — and only one side will make it out alive.
This is obviously a film that throws many winks to the audience and expects the audience to know what kind of movie this is.
Nicolas cage gives a wordless performance. Where he comes off like the man with no name. So he seems almost like a western character of sorts. A drifter who wastes no time on any character development.
His character never seems surprised by anything that is going on. He keeps working showing a strong work ethic and moral code to a degree. As long. As it doesn’t interfere with his breaks. As he more fights them in self-defense than seeking to stop them.
His presence makes sense with this kind of film, but cage seems barely invested.
There is barely any blood if there is it is darker, So that it looks like grease or oil representing blood. So not too gory.
The stereotypical teens make it feel like a true horror in the fact that most of them are here only to be victims. Whose fate we know is coming.
It’s a horror film yet the killing/death scenes don’t even feel notable or original. It comes across as workman-like and so basic. it just comes across more as means to an end
The film is not expected to take seriously, more random than the recent THE BANANA SPLITS movie. Which more had something to live up to and something to prove.
The film seems to have lucked into star casting to anchor an audience for a film with more expectations.
The film comes off as more ridiculous than scary or even noteworthy violent. As everything feels strangely expected or goofy
The film is obviously lower budgeted that it feels more like a first film or DIY passion project. One that you never take seriously.
One expected more from the film. As the film comes off as a mainstream Troma film only minus the nudity and sex jokes that This film might even be too tame for them. Even as it feels like a UP ALL NIGHT movie that is trying to be a cult film.
Like an attraction that knows it’s bad and has little to offer. So it tries to dress it up with a star as best it can to bring in an audience.
Written & Directed By: Evan Morgan Cinematography: Mike McLaughlin Editor: Curt Lobb
Cast: Adam Brody, Wendy Crewson, Kaitlyn Chalmbers-Rizzato, Jonathan Whittaker, Kaleb Horn, Sarah Sutherland, Steve Gagne, Sophie Nelisse, Griffin Wardle
A once-celebrated kid detective, now 32, continues to solve the same trivial mysteries between hangovers and bouts of self-pity. Until a naive client brings him his first ‘adult’ case, to find out who brutally murdered her boyfriend.
This is a film best to go into blind but the title kind of gives you a hint.
This film helps you breathe a breath of fresh air. As it is smart but not pretentious, at times feels more like a book adaptation than an original film.
It is original in the best ways. It never takes itself too seriously and while being a comedy for the most part at heart it is also a general mystery. That comes across as neo-noir
The film has more of a premise you would expect in a high concept comedy where a kid detective was basically broken by one case from his teens. Still, practices detective work in the same small town. But his life is a wreck and most of his cases come from teenagers for very simple tasks.
The film also gives a chance to show what happens to children we might prop up for a special ability in their youth that is squally reserved for adults, but what happens when they get older and that isn’t impressive anymore. It’s almost more expected of you or rather basic.
Once he actually is called in on a case of murder by the deceased’s girlfriend. We learn that this picturesque small town has an underground dark side. While grounding the murder and mystery deeper the more adults he talks to. Throughout he is mostly dealing with teens and trying to justify himself to others who once believed in him and now more pity him.
It’s an excellent character-based film that while wing a neo-noir and lacks a femme fatale. It does involve a female character. Who subconsciously haunts him.
By the third act of the film. We are pushed in a direction we never saw coming that actually deepens everything. We have seen before and while the film was running well before. The last act is what really raises the film and its Stakes. We are left with an aftermath that isn’t as clean-cut and tidy as we are used to.
The film shows that Adam Brody still can impress in a lead role. He is usually Relegated to supporting roles In Comedies. Here he excels even as a sad sack he is charming and likable. He really helps keep the film together especially as he is in most of the scenes.
The direction is light and crisp not so stylized that you would expect in a film like this. Which is what makes it’s darker moments so unexpected.
The film would make a good double feature with the Teenage detective mystery BRICK.
Directed By: Tyler Taormina Written By: Tyler Taormina & Eric Berger Cinematography: Carson Lund Editor: Kevin Anton
Cast: Haley Bodell, Audrey Boos, Sam Hernandez, Gabriella Herrera, Adam Torres, Lori Beth Denberg, Danny Tamberelli, Aaron Schwartz, Dan Jablons
A bizarre rite of passage at the local deli determines the fate of a generation of teenagers, leading some to escape their suburban town and dooming others to remain.
This is a strange little movie that is a gem. As with anything strange and at times spare. Not to mention otherworldly seeming this can be seen as inspired by David Lynch
As it starts off like a young teen dazed and confused with an ensemble. Though as the film goes Along it gets stranger. Like a continuous dream filled with moments that bleed into one another in a perfect symphony
As at first, it seems like a hang-out movie before it becomes more of a mystery. That has plenty of little moments and detail that make it feel both awkward, yet believable and offers up some kind of fantasy. Even though there is no magic seen. The film feels magical in its own way. Even if there is no real trick to it.
As these kids seem to be going to a party that is a kind of party with a full lunch and dancing. Where a party game that seems like an almost spin the bottle where the kids pair off and go off
Until it reaches a peak halfway through and after that the film pretty much deals with the aftermath. As it showcases how it affects the adults and other kids.
A third of the film feels familiar before slowly going off the rails into the weird where you wonder if it is going to just be an unorthodox view of the world through teenage eyes on the verge of adulthood that is hilarious and alienating
As the film Goes from Light to dark at the midway point. That feels like a deep look I to suburbia and rites of passage before the second half where the film seems to explore loneliness of characters who seem trapped and disappointed as they come off as rejected and stuck there in the humdrum.
The film comes across as timeless as its style and fashions are of the past but shows some modern technology and inventions of over the years
By the end, nothing is fully explained but it is open to interpretation. You could look at it as those who weren’t part of that passage of growing up
Sort of being left behind and feeling a certain alienation as the others around them their friends have gone forth without them. Coupled up in a way and now they are alone. Like they are stuck in their youth. While others have gone off wherever but to something new and far away
It seems like the adults might also be either in Arrested development as they knew they were going and now don’t know what to do with themselves or that maybe they themselves are among those who never moved on and are stuck. Which would explain why they seem so much down in despair.
Even the other kid who is left behind. His mother took him to eat looks embarrassed as others look at her and him. Then she kind of abandons him. It can be seen as when parents realize that their child might not be popular or who they want them To be are embarrassed and here it is more physically abandoning rather than emotionally and spiritually.
As at the end the girl left behind is looking. At the next generation of kids enjoying themselves. Not knowing what is coming in the future so enjoy themselves while they can.
One of the joys of the film is a scene of the adults sitting around sad and then seeing cameos from Nickelodeon kid actors of the past cameo. As the film already feels like a demented fairy tale taking place in the THE ADVENTURES OF PETE AND PETE episode universe.
Though through it all it seems like there is mroe going on beneath the surface, it keeps you captivated.
Edited, Directed & Written by: Chloe Zhao Based on the book by: Jessica Bruder Cinematography: Joshua James Richards
Cast: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May
After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.
This film shows a subculture of people that is growing. Due to these hard economic times.
The film uses few professional actors Star Frances McDormand to command the screen and give us a protagonist to sympathize with and relate to. As well as hold certain narrative storylines make it more a docudrama than it being a plain old documentary
Most of the cast are non-professionals seemingly playing themselves. We get interludes woven into the story where they talk about what they went through and how they came to be in this way of life.
We get to know McDormand’s character so that the film ends up being a character study of sorts. As we get to know more and more about her slowly.
The Power of Frances McDormand’s performance is that she fits right in seamlessly and feels like a natural ember of the non professional cast. As she is our guide throughout. She seems to be the conduit for others to tell their tales.
The character is Less stabilized and more like the title nomadic. As the characters have limited opportunities but always find work or ways to barter. They have room to control their own destinies.
The film sets up her and David Strathairn’s story mroe as a side story to the narrative that introduces drama and relationships.
The film reminds one that David Strathairn has always been underrated. As he always plays the character memorably and to the extent with nothing extra or Unnecessary. Never calling attention to himself or his performance. Just as with McDormand this plays perfectly into his talents.
As much as it is mentioned and shown. Surprised this movie wasn’t put out by Amazon Studios.
She can’t settle even when she knows it’s better. Not to mention it seems that she has always been I plus I’ve thought maybe as she had a life that was stable until it all came crashing down. She is afraid that if she ever puts her trust instability it would all come crashing down again. Showcasing a lifestyle that is full of freedom and no dependent on anyone or anything.
Consistently expressing themselves that one could easily identify. As it feels so relatable. As we are immersed in this lifestyle it comes off as if we are having an experience. Not knowing where fact and fiction exactly differentiate.
The film ends up being life-affirming with beautiful tracking shots of the Midwest Americana landscapes
Even though with the third act the film explores more of a domestic city temptation
Directed By: Roseanne Liang Written By: Max Landis & Roseanne Liang Cinematography: Kit Fraser Editor: Tom Eagles
Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Beulah Koale, Taylor John Smith, Callum Mulvey, Benedict Wall
On a stormy night during World War II, a female pilot with top-secret cargo talks her way on board a bomber plane about to take-off. The crass all-male crew reluctantly agrees, but their suspicions about her identity and the mysterious cargo quickly grow. Just then a shadow appears in the clouds – was it the incoming Japanese fleet? Or caused by some other sinister stowaway?
This film had a very notorious beginning as one of disgraced Screenwriter Max Landis’s big-budget scripts being turned into a production.
Though after much rewriting supposedly the film was eventually made. Though one wonders if the script was so pro-female before it was rewritten or maybe if he did write it that way as a kind of public apology against the charges he has been accused of.
It also might also be an homage to the TWILIGHT ZONE movie which his father was infamously sort of even though he didn’t direct that segment of the film and also kind of a remake of the AMAZING STORIES episode THE MISSION directed by Steven Spielberg.
Either way, the film takes the premise of the classic Twilight zone episode terror at 20,000 feet and changes the situation to that of a fighter plane running a mission with an extra female passenger In the gunner galley who sees the gremlin at first. While the others think she has gone crazy, but also during this, they are being attacked by enemy planes and she is trying to keep a top-secret cargo mission from others.
So the film Is loaded and at first, it seems like this going to be a claustrophobic thriller mainly taking place with her in the gunner pit but then eventually it opens up to the whole plane. So that while it is still contained there is more to work with.
The film stays entertaining though some of the twists are totally unbelievable and reminds you how much a production this is. Which also helps you to accept the more far fetched elements.
Especially one action Sequence where Chloe Grace Moretz is hanging out of the plane trying to retrieve her package and fight off the gremlin. This then adds the intrigue of a fighter place attacking At the same time and an explosion that has to be seen to be believed. As it is an impressive action sequence but totally laughable thinking about the physics of it and how it is played.
The film offers a little bit of everything there is intrigue, action, war sequences, thriller a little bit of drama, and even a showcase of sexism from most of the males involved in this mission with her and how in the end she more than proves herself capable and above them. Being the bravest, strongest and most resourceful.
In the end, though they help at times as resources this is really Moretz’s action film to take hold of. As she is the hero and they are more the damsels in distress who help out a little.
It isn’t as pumped up as a similar world war II film OVERLORD but It’s a fun action film that uses history and injects something supernatural. So that they have to deal with these otherworldly elements with whatever resources they have that aren’t that advanced.
If anything this movie is an entertaining b-movie and a perfectly fun time waster.
Directed By: Shaka King Written By: Shaka King & Will Berson Story By: Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenneth Lucas & Keith Lucas Cinematography: Sean Bobbitt Editor: Kristin Sprague
Cast: LaKeith Stanfield, Daniel Kaluuya, Jesse Plemons, Dominique Fishback, Ashton Sanders, Algee Smith, Lil Rel Howery, Martin Sheen, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Dominique Thorne, Robert Longstreet, Jermaine Fowler
Fred Hampton, a young, charismatic activist, becomes Chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party – putting him directly in the crosshairs of the government, the FBI, and the Chicago Police. But to destroy the revolution, the authorities are going to need a man on the inside.
This movie is so much more than one might think. It is a historical account of the cos piracy behind the assassination of Fred Hampton who was 21 at the time, but instead of just recreating and renacting moments that lead to his downfall.
The film offers a character piece of sorts not only of Fred Hampton but also of the man who worked as a confidential informant to get intel about him and the black panthers.
The film shows Hampton to be a hero and revolutionary but also a human being. Trying to fight for his people and civil rights. While it seemed at every turn the government was eagerly planning and arranging his downfall. Where it seems that after he is released from jail the weight of everything really starts to hit him and he seems to know that his time might be coming to an end, but still so more concerned for Those around him and the people he is trying to save. All do this and he was only 21 years old. If he achieved all of this at such a young age imagine what he could have accomplished had he lived.
That is sort of the tragedy imagine what could have been accomplished if there wasn’t a conspiracy against minorities whenever they try to stand up for themselves.
The film doesn’t shy away, As it never does with showing how demeaning black people were treated and unjust and antagonized that they are. It shows that he even inspired street gangs to come together to form a community to help their own communities.
The film does show some of the behind-the-scenes of the F.B.I and their tactics to take him down. It even Shows the point of view of an idealistic agent who actually believes that the black Panther party is more of a terrorist group and he believes in civil rights for all and becomes dismayed by what he see’s continuously as unjust but keeps following orders with no kind of resistance until he has an awakening that jailing Hampton is not enough and what his superiors want. As jail just empowers freedom fighters. The end goal is death and while he likes to think he and the agency are better than that. He is questioned how would he feel if his daughter brought a black man home and he then comes face to face with his own prejudice and realizes he is just as bad and will tow the company line.
The difference between this movie and some others is that in other films he would gain his soul back and ask us to be sympathetic towards him. This film doesn’t do that it allows to show that he has a choice between right and wrong which he knows and he chooses the wrong knowing it is bad and against what he supposedly stands for. Making him worse than those he and his co-workers choose to take down.
This film is beautifully and masterfully directed and you feel every moment and every scene. Every performance even smaller ones make you take notice and care.
Daniel Kaliuya is mesmerizing in the role of Fred Hampton which he inhabits with strength and swagger commanding your attention in every scene he is in and making you feel sympathy when he is faced with challenges beyond his control.
He has played leads before and is usually memorable in films, but this is the first time it feels like has gone above and beyond.
Lakeith Stansfeld continues to impress he is more the lead here as William O’Neil who is a hustler and minor criminal who gets roped into this to avoid jail time at first and then realizes he can’t walk away. Especially as his loyalties get stronger more towards Hampton and the cause. A kind of Donnie Brasco situation only here the panthers aren’t the criminals and are trying to better things. We can see the despair it places on him and in the end the pittance he is given for sacrificing someone who actually became a friend
Stansfeld shows all the emotions and complexities of his character and the inner destruction his actions cause. He shows off his cunningness and skills of thinking on his feet and ultimately the defeat of his soul. Even in the alter scenes his paranoia.
This is refreshing as get to see him play a solid character and not the quirky roles that he has gotten pigeonholed with in the past. Showing he has leading man chops and quite a wide range.
Though these two are at the center of the story and film. The film does allow for side stories and characters. Like two best friends who join and meet unfortunate violent ends away from one another. One is purposely assassinated the other goes full-on vigilante after his death.
This is a film that is powerful and humanizes names and people you might have heard about in history books and while they are legends abd martyrs this film allows them to be recognized and humanized.
Ultimately this film is a tragedy. It hits all the more as it is based on truth. So that by the end you are devastated, but you marvel at what you have just watched and sat through
Written & Directed By: John Lee Hancock Cinematography: John Schwartzman Editor: Robert Frazen
Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Terry Kinney, Chris Bauer, Natalie Morales, Judith Scott, Michael Hyatt, Isabel Arraiza, Jason James Richter, Frederick Koehler, Maya Kazan
Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a killer who is terrorizing the city. Leading the hunt, L.A. Sheriff Department Sergeant Jim Baxter, impressed with Deke’s cop instincts, unofficially engages his help. But as they track the killer, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.
The film’s main selling point seems to be its bleakness throughout. It stays dark NOT visually exciting SEVEN dark but it makes you think and pay attention. Almost like you are a detective with these characters. As the film ends up being more a character study dressed up In neo-noir
The film is set in 1990, that is also when the screenplay was written and it feels like an old screenplay dusted off and by luck given major talent. It also gives an excuse for a film and story devoid of losers technology that would have cut short the film and it’s lingering questions or would have had to be updated and rewritten.
The film has a padded cast for what ends up being dull, subpar material. So that it comes almost like a marvel movie where you feel the cast is better than the material. At least in name.
Denzel Washington is the major attraction for the movie and at times he seems bored but his stardom and personality fill out the role and film.
Jared Leto is actually the most entertaining piece of the whole movie. As he is the only one who brings some joy and playfulness to his role. Even if again in the process of method action or the characterization he is made to look guilty and like one would imagine a serial killer to look like.
Rami Malek comes off as heroic but ultimately comes across as weak in his performance. As he seems off as the film goes along. Especially when his character shouldn’t be at that point.
As the film seems to be all about the looks also. As the film continues we are made to question things we have seen. Details form scenes that have been played before.
The only real action or excitement comes In The opening scene where a young girl is attacked by an unseen assailant. Other than that there is a scene late where Denzel must escape from an apartment he’s not to be at.
Throughout we get to know the past of Denzel’s character little by little until it all makes sense as to why he is the way he is. He also sees a kinship with the other detective played by Rami Malek and sees why a lot of his old colleagues are shocked to see him again and mostly don’t want to see him.
It takes its time while it fills in the past of characters. Taking it’s time to get to even know the protagonist.
Makes the film feel more old school and dramatic. As again it feels like a Film from the time it takes place In and was written for at the time.
The film is different whereas it doesn’t try to play like a typical thriller. It tries to focus more on the detectives not the kills and less on the criminals or the actual crimes in action.
It still feels a bit routine and tries to build interest in the tiniest details and ideas.
The film goes about keeping you guessing. Especially with Its ambiguous ending leaving the audience to come away with their own judgments and interpretations.
Even though a smaller story this feels like a movie that needs a director who will pay particular attention to it and try to decipher and communicate the films vision and themes. That are dark but also make you think. This film need an auteur who can leave a somewhat Personal style on the film. As much as the killer in this film dies with his victims
In the end, while the film seems to want to play games with the audience and relies heavily on Christian themes and symbolism throughout. This almost feels like a waste. As it feels like much ado about nothing.
Cut To The Chase 