Tag: Adaptation

A WORKING MAN (2025)

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Directed By: David Ayer

Written By: David Ayer and Sylvester Stallone 

Based on the book “Levon’s Trade” by: Chuck Dixon

Cinematography: Shawn White 

Editor: Fred Raskin 

Cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Michael Pena, David Harbour, Arianna Rivas, Merab Ninidze, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falcon

Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes, he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism.

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Jason Statham and his movies are becoming almost an annual offering to audiences and cinemas 

They are usually the same type of action thriller with a similar character who has a dark past and is seeking vengeance or justice for someone close to him. He is usually trying to live a normal life, but forced to use his past skills. 

One of the reasons why these films are successful as they fulfill a niche sort of like in the past when Liam Neeson would have his older character action thrillers or even when we have had we weaknesses for certain stars like Jackie Chan and his family, action, comedy errors or imports that were usually filmed in Canada and heavily voiceover or when jet Lee had a bit of a resurgence in the United States and he starred in a bunch of disposable action thrillers that made respectable box office

what helps with Jason Statham is there even though he plays the similar roles he also showed in spy in a general that he has a sense of humor about himself and other than these movies he seems to stay away for media. It’s rare that you see him being interviewed on a show you don’t see him out and about at public events offering sound like that could get him judged or he seems to keep to himself so that he remains a mistake that no matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on you don’t mind him.

he’s the action hero that most men wanna be especially older men who just want their action, film, simple and violent and for women he provides to look of an older handsome in shape, gentleman, daddy, so to speak the strong and silent type who has a British accent, so makes him a little bit of an international Playboy also 

this is all to say that this film plays pretty basic and like the usual Jason Statham action thrillers only this is more disappointing because there doesn’t seem to be a sense of fun about it. It’s pretty straightforward and for all it’s dark elements. It never seems to show it in execution 

most of the characters that he encounters along the way, even the villains are kind of forgettable. He seems to be facing kind of the same villains that Denzel, Washington faced in the equalizer, the Russian mob only again whereas in the equalizer, they were really no threat to Denzel and he disposed of them without breaking a sweat here Jason Statham it’s a little moist, but still breaks. No sweat eliminating not the entire rushing but a fraction of it.

Due to them, kidnapping his bosses daughter, as part of a sexual trafficking ring, and then killing anybody who comes into his path, a few of whom are Russian mob family members 

The action sequences here are more gunplay than hand to hand combat that Statham is more known for. We also get a glimpse of his past and that his character suffers from PTSD so that this adventure actually helps solve it because he can get out his frustrations and feelings through the violence..

David Harbour earns his check and a supporting role that is more as a friend and advisory than him actually seeing any action sequences himself so that he fills out the role of another big name being in the cast that also usually accompany Jason Statham movies. Such as his character  having a child. Usually a daughter.

so as you can see this film is not only a by the numbers, action film, but also a buy the numbers for adjacent Statham film. It hits all the familiar beats. You know what’s gonna happen before it does and ends pretty much as expected so it really offers no surprise and as long as you’re fine with that, you shouldn’t be disappointed , but looking for more this is not the film for you

he pretty much takes on all the action other than when he finally does fine the daughter she gets to have a bit of her own revenge, but even the usual flashy henchman in this home who do you think are gonna be bad asses and being a final fight with Statham, they are dispatched so quickly and so easily. It was like they were giving a grand presentation only to be barely a warm-up at it reminds one of the assassins and Keanu and how ridiculous ridiculously over the top they were.

Another factor that leads to further disappointment with this film is there a David Ayer directed it now he didn’t write it. He is more of a noted Screenwriter and director who usually offers more gritty action in crime films. This seemed more by the book and slick then actually having anything noteworthy. 

This film actually makes their last collaboration, the beekeeper a damn near masterpiece. as at least I fell offered up what was expected, but had a hint of fun. This is more dour than it needs to be.

But that is also the magic of Jason Statham‘s longevity that usually there will be a couple of really bad films, but then he’ll shock you with one that’s genuinely decent or even good that it renews your faith in him.

What is surprising is that not only was this shot back to back? Was David Ayer and Jason Statham’s film THE BEEKEEPER but at this film was also written by his former costar Sylvester Stallone and David Ayer together. As this was supposed to be the start of a franchise based on the character from writer, Chuck Hogan’s book series based on the character, Levon Helm.

That Sylvester Stallone originally won to produce as a television series before they decided to make this film, even with state of not even being their first choice Liam Neeson was

Grade: C

CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD (2025)

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Directed By: Eli Craig 

Written By: Eli Craig and Carter Blanchard

Based on the novel by: Adam Cesare 

Cinematography: Brian Pearson 

Editor: Sabrina Pitre 

Cast: Katie Douglas, Aaron Abrams, Kevin Durand, Will Sasso, Carson MacCormac, Vincent Muller, Cassandra Potenza, Verity Marks 

A fading midwestern town in which Frendo the clown, a symbol of bygone success, reemerges as a terrifying scourge.

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This film at first brings nothing new or noteworthy to the table as it plays pretty standard not necessarily an homage to 1980 slashers, but it plays like a basic one that I could’ve been from that time. As it feels cut and dry and fits all the basic clichés. 

It Does it seem to have knowing about it and a bit more of a sense of humor but really just seems to offer more of a modern spin. 

It’s interesting as most of the victims seem to be killing teens only who seemed to be the few who are clued in to the killer as the adults seem to always constantly turn a blind eye.

This feels like a film that tries to play into that haunting aspect a few years ago of just random clowns on abandoned roads or in the dark like a cult that had many sightings across America, which, if this film would’ve came out around that time would’ve been perfect advertising only this film is actually adapted from a very successful book series.

never read the books it’s based upon though watching this film does make me actually want to read it and it sequels

The kills don’t even feel that inventive most of the time they are more trying to set it up a standard for this next generation by showcasing the past when it comes to violence.

As the violence here seems to be the element that might set the film apart from other teen horror films as this is a noted, rated R and doesn’t go for that PG-13 aftermath violence only. Which should PLEASE gore fans out there?

Looking at the cast in the direction is the film at times comes across as a CW channel version of a horror film or even one of those Hulu original horror films that they have every year around Halloween, which aren’t great, but at least are somewhat fitting the season and offering up content. It feels like it pays homage to the 1980s slasher films a bit too much.

This film feels like a lighter version for the same audience as the horror film THANKSGIVING by Eli Roth. Only hear the film comes off a little too smooth and a little to planned 

Even with Katie Douglas as the lead. The film never truly catches fire and she’s an actress who I am actually a fan. She and the other actors stay true to their character types until their endings.

Luckily, it gets better by the second half as one scene comes across as original and it’s more of a comedic scene, which seems to start the film on a totally new path. At that point, the film at least still be quite sharp, but feels like it will start to beat itself have its own identity that sets itself apart.

Then you realize also that maybe the reason why the first half was so stale is it was setting us up for the revelations in the second half that they were hoping might be able to save the film. Wish I which one could say that that works, but it at least offers certain elements that are a breath of fresh air.

Now you do get some THE PURGE vibes at times. 

As this film certainly loves to show off and use shotguns.

Even dispatching one of the few minority characters who ends up being the most annoying of them all in such a cruel, most violent way. The other one perish is way too early even before we get to know that character which is cliché and while logically isn’t the first victim, though is the first victim in modern day where the film is set.

The film does offer rebelling against tradition, exposing the ways in which it is bad or stunt the growth of others. As a theme offering an anti-conservative message, which might have been one of the reasons that bothered as well as bad promotion and merchandising for the film.

Which one is hurting a lot of films these days, especially the more independent feature films.

By the end, it even starts to feel a bit predictable. 

Though one is disappointed a bomb as it’s not likely to have a sequel or build an audience even though many have said that the sequel book is much better.

I usually want to root for Eli Craig’s movies but they always seem to fall a bit short where it feels like something is missing that could truly help put them over the top. Maybe it’s because the films play basic yet they have quite the spin that should make them a cut above.

Grade: C

VENUS (2022)

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Directed By: Jaume Belaguero 

Written By: Jaume Belaguero and Fernando Navarro 

Based on the short story by: H.P. Lovecraft

Cinematography: Pablo Rosso 

Editor: Luis De La Madrid

Cast: Ester Exposito, Ines Fernandez, Angela Cremonte, Maugi Mira, Aten Soria, Maria Jose Sarrate, Sofia Reyes, Federico Aguada 

Horror invades the concrete corridors of a cursed apartment complex on the outskirts of Madrid.

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As usual, this is a film that might be best to go in blind. Does this offer quite a mystery in a surprise?

This film for all of its original elements end up being somewhat predictable. Even as it always keeps you guessing with all the detours it takes on the road forward.

As it does, keep changing genres, yet staying thorough with its story and characters. As it is a Pulpy noir crime story, one minute, a horror film the next, then on the edge of being a thriller, as well as a supernatural tale. Before in the last act being a story of revenge or a director Luc Besson style  action film.

The film starts off slow, though quickly gain speed as mentioned in the third act you think that’s the way the rest of the film will go before morphing into something different and more satisfying. 

especially with the journey that the film has put the characters and the audience through. Not to mention how the film has built up to these moments and characters and even the tone.

It continuously tries to throw you off center though it seems to be somewhat predictable, especially if you’ve seen this type of film before but at least it’s trying.

The film offers this mix you find that they feed quite well off of each other. As it’s based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that tells you the places this story will take you.

The problem is that for all that it inspires and tension it makes the audience feel. It never offers up a good enough release. As it builds up you expect something bigger then what it eventually offers. Which is wild but feels a little bit too tidy and minuscule for what it seems to hint at. 

Though being helmed by Jaume Belaguero who works best with the supernatural and thrillers. Sometimes both in small spaces like in his films REC and SLEEP TIGHT. That unfortunately this one doesn’t rise to the occasion as his others have. As this one seems almost like a greatest hits for him or seems to have reached a limit. 

Grade: C+

THE MOTEL (2005)

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Written & Directed By: Michael Kang

Based on the novel “WAYLAID” By: Ed Lin

Cinematography: Lisa Leone

Editor: David Leonard and Colleen Sharp

Cast: Sung Kang, Jeffrey Chyau, Jade Wu, Samantha Futerman, Clint Jordan, Eleanor Hutchins, Ron Domingo, Jackie Nova 

Thirteen-year-old Ernest Chin lives and works at a sleazy hourly-rate motel on a strip of desolate suburban bi-way. Misunderstood by his family and blindly careening into puberty, Ernest befriends Sam Kim, a self-destructive yet charismatic Korean man who has checked in. Sam teaches the fatherless boy all the rites of manhood.

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Even though it offers a coming-of-age story from A different viewpoint. It also shows how universal themes and experiences most of us all have at some points.

It barely offers any answers or true endings, but that is how certain aspects and problems are in

Life also. Especially wanting to be an adult but still acting like a child. 

The film Feels unfinished to a certain extent. As it is already short in running time. That you in the audience wanr more from the film and the characters. You want to stay with them showing how much they mean to you and how strong the filmmaking is, that you have formed a bond with them.

The film is kind of a downer and has quite a few explicit material that might make some in the audience uncomfortable.

Showcasing a young man going through puberty with no male role Models. No real emotional support for his interests. Forced into the family

Business. Bullied and in the friend zone with his crush. 

It also showcases Sung Kang in an early

Role before being in the FAST & FURIOUS franchise. In a role that has the character who comes and shakes things up. Who becomes a debauched role model of sorts. Though has a tragedy behind him.

The film feels like a short story that was needed to be shared. A rarity that unfortunately is never followed up, but serves as an example of something shiny and worth your attention.

Though as an adaptation it seems like lighting in a bottle for both. 

Grade: B- 

VISION QUEST (1984)

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Directed By: Harold Becker

Written By: Darryl Ponicsan

Based on the novel by: Terry Davis 

Cinematography: Owen Roizman

Editor: Maury Winetrobe 

Cast: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Charles Hallahan, Ronny Cox, Forest Whitaker, Raphael Sbarge, Harold Sylvester, J.C. Quinn, Daphne Zuniga, Roberts Blossom, James Gammon, Madonna 

A high school wrestler in Spokane, Washington has trouble focusing on his training regimen when a beautiful young drifter takes up temporary residence at his home.

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This film is kind of like Apple pie or a home-cooked meal. It’s a coming of age story that’s recognizable and down-home simply enough. It’s not very sensationalistic, which makes it all the more believable. 

Taking place in a small town dealing with first love, especially not only an older woman but a stranger in the 1980s which were more relaxed in times and subjects, even though it might be a little bit by today’s standards still a film that has a lot of heart 

Dealing with regret, the future being wide open, learn your obsession as a teenager, which is your world as you grow up how small it seems compared with everything else going on around you, and how it loses its importance 

I’ll be honest this is a film. I’ve always heard about it but never seen it even though I had plenty of opportunities in video stores and on not only regular television but tables and I remember being interested in trying to see it because it was one of Linda Fiorentino’s first big roles and I remember it coming on HBO but it was coming on late at night and trying to stay up me trying to stay up and then falling asleep right before the movie Started and then waking up during the weigh in scene, and then trying to stay up to see if any glimpses of were left in the film and then falling asleep just to see the credits.

This is a film that has been alluded to over the years for me. I think I would’ve enjoyed it when I was younger, but I think it held a special place for me and my heart now having seen it for its cast it’s all of which I think I appreciate on a deeper level now which I think most watching this film for the first time Will also be able to hone in on

It’s a coming-of-age film that doesn’t go for Schmalz nor does it talk down to its characters or its audience. They face real problems, real responsibilities real consequences, and we see the characters who help form their beliefs in life who’ve gone before, these characters aren’t made into icons or legends they’re shown in all their glory, but also their faults and failures.

It also gives him arrival or enemy to strive against who’s not necessarily all that evil, but something to focus his energy in trying to defeat challenge and get over

So Harold Becker deserves credit for putting this all on screen, visualizing it, and making it so believable it helps that the source material was a novel that has plenty for characterizations and setting scenes but still all involved should be proud of themselves 

Watching Matthew Modine as an actor over the years, you can get a sense of the wild spirit energy, and all American image that he possesses in this performance and why he kept working so much in the 1980s and ’90s throughout his career cause you can see that spark, just like his character in nell, maybe he was type even though he played a lot of rules, but this will be the one that he’ll be remembered for, and you’ll always go to straight in your head

This ended up being better than I expected and can see why it’s so well remembered and still talked about truly living up to its title and its themes.

One can admit this is actually way better than expected and can see why not only the movie but it’s memory has lasted with audiences for so long.

Now, I will say, Linda Fiorentino does it once again where as it seems like most of her acting roles, no matter hero or villain by the end one always has a crush on her for whatever reason, even though she usually does play icy emotional. here she plays tough, but slowly reveals her vulnerability as an outsider and newcomer to this town and looking to get out and how she has an obvious connection with the lead, but how she manages to affect other characters also.

Not to mention the film and it soundtrack featured an up-and-coming singer, songwriter named Madonna, who actually appears in the film performing in a bar scene so you can add that to the nostalgia of the 80s in the up and coming cast, as well as just raw talent used to the best of their abilities

Grade: B+

CAUGHT STEALING (2025)

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Directed By: Darren Aronofsky

Written By: Charlie Huston (Based on his Novel)

Cinematography: Matthew Libatique

Editor: Andrew Weisblum

Cast: Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Carol Kane, Griffen Dunne, Action Bronson 

Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

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This is one of those films that is perfectly serviceable and entertaining yeah, there isn’t much that makes it feel too special and might be one of those films that because it’s of quality and there might be such low quality offerings that it might sometimes be over praised.

This is Austin Butler really getting his first chance to play a lead in a film since his Oscar nomination for Elvis so this film seems like it’s a true test of his box office potential.

tfilm feels like a throwback to where it is set late 80s early 90s New York City.

as even though it’s an adaptation of a thriller novel, it also seems to play as a throwback for its director Darren Aronofsky of the New York of his youth, and also may be a playing ground for his memory of setting such a crime story not only in New York City and getting to explore it in a more underground way, but also the various characters that were around and made up the city

as it is being pushed currently as a starring vehicle for Austin Butler and a high octane thriller it plays more like a surprising, more laid-back thriller, that is more about the characters in the circumstances more than necessarily the story or plot 

now, while it’s not the filmmaker‘s fault, the film seems like it’s gonna be more of a thrill ride when you see the trailer then it actually ends up being which is more of a contained thriller that while unpredictable doesn’t offer anything new in fact, it might be one of the most commercial films next to NOAH from Director Aronofsky. Though this proves to be a return to his roots. Not as surrealistic or artistic. Though still gritty that feels a bit manufactured but hits hard enough. This film ends up Showcasing him as more of a journeyman director 

Which is fine as the film stays entertaining and vivid while you watch it, but don’t know how much will stick with you once you’re finished and walk away from the film. In other words it’s cute a little noteworthy impossible, though I don’t know if it’s all that memorable. 

It feels more like a production then one might say naturally lived in as all of the actors are clearly having fun and giving their all which is kind of infectious for the audience.

The most surprising part of this film is how cruel it is, and it’s execution of characters and violence. They never quite marches to the beat of its own drummer. It always seems like it’s on plan on a plan. 

luckily Austin Butler doesn’t embarrass himself even if his backstory is one of the I guess cheesy parts of the movie but does explain how a lot of people come to New York to forget their past. Begin a new and be just another body or person going in and out and surviving from day-to-day 

One of the more memorable pieces of the film and its own game is Zoe Kravitz, and her performance in the film. As she is sexy, sweet and Street wise, she brings a certain knowing element to the film, which also offer her her most impressive and realistic performance to date. When she is not in a film, it’s felt and you can understand why, but it also loses one of the factors that had going for it.

Now of course when you have cinematographer Matthew Libatique. You know the cinematography is going to be beautiful and gritty, especially when dealing with the streets of New York, where he seems to be the go to cinematographer.

Like then, helps explain the emotional range of the main character also.

This is a crime comedy with colorful characters to distract the audience from the more strait laced lead. Who has to get freaky or colorful to survive. 

It’s wild that this film is set in the early 90’s, yet plays more a film from the 1970’s or 80’s. Dark yet fun.

in the end, the film isn’t bad and it’s perfectly entertaining, but it’s not as wild as many might believe or had hoped it’s strangely at times play it safe even for the times when manages the shock and be a bit heartless and hard edged that was needed more.

Grade: B- 

A DOG’S WAY HOME (2019)

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Directed By: Charles Martin Smith 

Written By: W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon

Based On the novel by: W. Bruce Cameron 

Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr. 

Editor: David S. Clark, Debra Neil-Fisher and Sabrina Pilsco

Cast: Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Alexandra Shipp, Edward James Olmos, Barry Watson, Wes Studi, Chris Bauer, John Cassini, Brian Markinson, Patrick Gallagher 

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog meets a series of new friends and manages to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to their lives.

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These are the perfect family films as they are filled with innocence cute show, survival and loving, as well as offer adventure.

They are also manipulative as hell because they want you to get emotionally invested in the film. This is in a film you watch for the filmmaking necessarily or even the story but you will find yourself emotionally involved no matter how long you watch the film.

Especially as they usually focus on the dogs as they know that it is a weakness for the majority of the population to fall in love with these films, or find them more personal or personable.

No, like most of these films this one is based on a novel it still is more about a dog. The people who is a fax and who effect it has every scene seems to be introduced to new characters and get their story and leaves at the right moment, to affect their lives, and more positive ways.

Will admit that these films are guilty pleasures, even for me, and I’m not a dog owner, but I continuously watch the sermons once in a while and find myself charmed, even though I know the tricks, and I know better. They are even diverse and to reach each possible member Of a demographic of the audience.

Which then makes her feel all the more designed rather than natural

at least this one is directed by Character actor, and veteran Director, Charles Martin Smith, which might be why I give this one just a little bit more credit than it deserves.

Grade: C+

THE ESCAPE ARTIST (1982)

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Directed By: Caleb Deschanel

Written By: Melissa Mathison and Stephen Zito

Based on the novel by: David Wagoner

Cinematography: Stephen H. Burum

Editor: Arthur Schmidt 

Cast: Griffen O’Neal, Raul Julia, Desi Arnez, Joan Hackett, Jackie Coogan, Hal Williams, M. Emmett Walsh, Harry Anderson, Elizabeth Daily, Teri

Garr

The young and self-confident Danny bluffs at the local police-station that he will escape out of prison within one hour. What follows is a flashback about his childhood with his uncle and aunt, which are ‘vaudeville’-artists themselves. We also follow the problems of Danny with the corrupt son of the mayor.

There’s a film I knew about thanks to all the video guides which I wish they still had just to get recommendations from as now with message boards and social media and feels like always getting recommendations of the same films that are more modern. He’s older films are hard to find.

This film is disappointing for what could’ve been rather than what it was. As watching it, Juan was hoping that it would get better as it went along. It never quite does.

As it feels too playful with nothing really going on and it feels too slow for kids and too silly for adults.

The film plays like an early Amblin movie and adventurous film with a kid as the star who goes on a journey or adventure. We see it more from their point of view and the Child characters can actually be in True Danger only hear there’s not much fantasy happening, and Amblin films are usually made more for a preteen audience. It does make one long for when they made these types of movies for an audience looks like took more seriously.

This film unfortunately has no feeling of fun things play, but they also just seen that happen with little to no fan fare. Though it is very detailed.

Maybe because it was made under AMERICAN ZOETROPE studios, where the films made, and that matured there were more willing to be experimental

Griffin O’Neal who plays lead, never makes an impact as he Has no charisma in the role and he never seems quite lively or fun. Which makes it easier for him to blend in as a supporting characters are more lively and interesting.

So it seems like maybe concessions were made off of his name and his famous father and sister.

The film keeps in innocence about it as it never goes over the line nor does it ever dirty. It’s south, or the audience with anything exploitive, or too risqué.

This was The last film of Desi Arnaz Sr. one wonders why he even took a role in this as the role he has is Pedro but it’s not that show stopping and there’s not Too much to it.

Raul Julia in his role seems a little too often wacky almost like a cartoon character for how moody he can be one minute and silly the next.

Well, it has a sense of wonder what film quite often is dull. It should be better considering the talent behind it.

It does Seem like a film, where seeing it on the big screen would maybe increase the audience enjoyment. No, the script still would need to be stronger and a bit busier.

Which would give the audience a reason to not only watch the care.

This is one of the few films that was directed by legendary cinematographer, Caleb Deschanel. 

One rarely says this, but this feels like a film that should be remade only with more fun lore and adventure.

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

THE ELECTRIC STATE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus And Stephen McFeely

Based on the Graphic Novel By: Simon Stalenhag

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon 

Editor: Jeffrey Ford 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo, Jason Alexander, Ke Huy Quan, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Billy Gardell

the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

Why does a film about freedom and living life to the fullest and the power of human connection. Feel so stale, lifeless abd boring. Though has very impressive special effects. We can see where the money went into this $320 million Prodcution, but was it worth it? 

Do the Russo brothers just look at budgets rather then scripts. Then look for the gimmick. As they seek like filmmakers from the 90’s given chances for modern times. Pure Hollywood  filmmakers even with their independent films. 

They seem to be Artists for the businessmen running studios. Only their interests are different than what audiences want except for THE AVENGERS movies. 

The electric state feels like their attempt at a big budget amblin film that even spielberg would say is too artificial and JJ Abrams would reject. As there is not enough mysterious elements 

Chris Pratt is pretty much lead by the paychecks he gives his performances but in films, No one really wants to see or more of the same. The spark is there but the material isn’t and he’s not convincing enough for people to watch just for him

Just as Chris Evans seems to be a prostitute for Netflix ok an escort. As he seems to Find his fit in the film world . Though seems to be a down to earth human being.

Millie Bobby Brown seems desperate to find a better role and Wanda will not have her type cast and allow her to break out of her biggest role so far which is playing 11 on Stranger Things. Unfortunately this was not the right one. As it gives her little to truly sink her teeth into even as the lead 

This film tries to come up with emotions with a tale that feels familiar and tired. Though it comes across hollow. Only here to sbowniff the effects. As this film seems to beleivenrhe old mantra “IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” unfortunately not enough came.

This is perfectly set I a lenas a family film, but for something that is such a big production. It shouldn’t feel this disposable and shallow. Nor as always does it really need to be as long as it is. 

One can be all for exploring a world but it diesn’t have to go this deep where we are jistbtrying to show off instead of moving the story forward. 

The film has no sense of pacing and in general just feels bloated and lazy as it doesn’t really make itself quite clear and wants to be 1 million different things but never decides on any as well as there being no dramatic pacing 

it seems to just copy the graphic novel, and whatever it lacks, the filmmakers can blame it on the source material.

The Film seems to only offer an alternative history because in that way he can bring back 90s nostalgia for a certain audience that seems to be in currently

In other words this feels like the typical Netflix original movie with star power and figuring that will be enough and come  together with a simple high concept idea. It’s like the blockbuster filmmaking of the 1990’s. Taking a big and expensive gamble. Right out of the gate rather then building up to it or up on it.

Grade: D