Tag: THRILLER

BRUTE FORCE (1947)

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Directed By: Jules Dassin
Written By: Richard Brooks 
Story By: Robert Patterson
Cinematography: William Daniels
Editor: Edward Curtiss 

Cast: Burt Lancaster, Hume Cronyn, Charles Bickford, Yvonne De Carlo, Ann Blyth, Ella Raines, Anita Colby, Sir. Lancelot, Jeff Corey, John Hoyt, Roman Bohnen 

At overcrowded Westgate Penitentiary, where violence and fear are the norm and the warden has less power than guards and leading prisoners, the least contented prisoner is tough, single-minded Joe Collins. Most of all, Joe hates chief guard Captain Munsey, a petty dictator who glories in absolute power. After one infraction too many, Joe and his cell-mates are put on the dreaded drain pipe detail; prompting an escape scheme that has every chance of turning into a bloodbath.

This was certainly an eye-opener. It tries to live up to its title as it was definitely that way when it was made and might be considered light for today’s times, but shocking that it was made when it was. 

One of the films where Burt Lancaster definitely seems mroe engaged and it lets him use his physicality more. 

One of the more violent Black and white movies the type of film used makes it timeless. As it will always going to be the same. In prisons and for anyone watching the film. 

No one is innocent but still don’t deserve the brutality that they endure.  We see their pasts that got them stuck in prison, from time to time so we also get to know the characters along the way. The camaraderie that exists and how they bond. So that we get to care about them, their demise is all the more shocking And heartbreaking like a horror film. 

Hume Cronyn as the main villain is absolutely brutal and scary. Though he also seems so finely tuned. Not a bloodthirsty psychopath. Not even is he physically intimidating. He’s more threatening and cerebral.

The strength of the film is that we are introduced to the characters mroe in the middle of something larger and as the film goes along it builds in intensity and pressure. Until the end where it finally blows in a well-orchestrated ending. 

It’s Beautifully filmed you can constantly feel the claustrophobia in the prison more than in the cells. Just as the prisoners try to feel like they are still on the outside, busting themselves to pass the time Cronyn’s character wants to not only own and be in Charge with them but remind them where they are and keep them small. 

It’s a film that is captivating but has a sadness hanging over it. It has a fluidity to it. So that it keeps moving even when it has its moments with the characters 

Grade: B

NIGHT AND THE CITY (1950)

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Directed By Jules Dassin
Written By: Joe Eisinger 
Based on the Novel By: Gerald Kersh
Cinematography: Max Greene
Editor: Nick Deamaggio & Sidney Stone 

Cast: Richard Widmark, Gene Tierney, Google Withers, Herbert Lom, Mike Mazurki, Charles Farrell, Hugh Marlowe, Francis L. Sullivan, Stanislaus Zbysko, Ada Reeve 

A small-time grifter and nightclub tout takes advantage of some fortuitous circumstances and tries to become a big-time player as a wrestling promoter.

The film ends up more of an ensemble than expected. As the main character at the center of it all. Though the secondary characters are added in and ends up feeling like so many gears going all at once at the same time.  

So that it keeps the audience mesmerized and engaged. Watching how the narrative tightens and converges and affects one another like a chess match. They are feeding into one another as the stakes are raised and the challenges get more prominent. 

The film is full of love stories and triangles with jealousy and revenge. None were quite sturdy except for one.

This is a thriller centered around a wrestling promotion. Showcasing the business and dramatics involved even back then. As we watch it all come apart. While men are all trying to be the alpha full of bravado and machismo.

Richard Widmark’s performance is filled with manic energy and intensity. Where his character goes through so much intensity. Though always with a Whiff of anger the untrustworthy glamorous bad boy who dresses up as a gangster though is truly a two-bit hood and hustler. Very wiry and athletic he overshadows everyone else in scenes with him. As you can tell he is always thinking and scheming. He has to line up the dominos of making a deal keeping all the parts moving just like in this film.

Keeping the production a well-oiled machine. Luckily Leaving it not all that predictable. While showcasing dynamic examples of shadows and light. Showcasing this tale as a film noir. 

The film has an excitement in the filmmaking. That is assured yet takes its time. Leaving one surprised that the tale takes place in England. Seeing these descriptive old-time faces and tough guys that seem more New York City old school. Then they start talking and you realize where you are once you hear the accents. 

Director Jules Dassin was in the middle of being blacklisted and the studio’s head Daryl Zanuck told him this might be the last film he ever made. This might be why this film is so strong as he seemed to put all his energy and vision into it. 

Like so many classic films It’s partially in the grain. As there is a richness in there that is rare yet all-encompassing. Making it seem timeless yet feels nutritious. As we watch it grow. 

The audience marvels at it. As it’s an example of the best that seems shared with us. A recipe that works better than expected or just right. Where the dialogue feels like lines of scripture. As these are stories to illuminate. 

The film does offer a comeuppance. Even in all these dark stories and corners. Judgment and themes said simply that feed the shadows.

Grade: B+

DREAM LOVER (1993)

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Written & Directed By: Nicholas Kazan 
Cinematography: Jean Yves Escoffier 
Editor: Susan Cruthcher and Jill Savitt

Cast: James Spader, Madchen Amick, Bess Armstrong, Larry Miller, Frederic Lehne, Kathleen York, William Shockley, Carl Sundstrom, Clyde Kusatsu

Ray is young, charming, successful, and the owner of a prosperous architecture company. However, he has recently gone through a very painful divorce. His friends try to cheer him up by showing him the positive sides of being single but for Ray marriage and stability are just too important. But when he meets Lena his gloom is quickly forgotten. She is beautiful, sensual, and mysterious and he is drawn to her like a moth to a candle. They marry quickly, have their first child and Ray lives in total bliss. But then strange incidents occur which shed some light on Lena’s background. Ray slowly realizes that he hardly knows anything about her at all. Who has he really married?

A movie that I have read about and cursed my oath many times but never drank the Kool-Aid to watch it.

Now watching g ti for the very first time it is very much of its time in the early 90’s as it feels like it has some holdovers from the 1980’s the wardrobe, score, and setups. The film seems to go for Glamour shots while trying to protest a certain reality 

The one thing that shines above all else is that it’s rare to see James soarer mroe as the person being taken rather than the villain. Though this is Madchen Amick’s movie truly. As she is a femme fatale who truly plays her prey like a piano

The movie seems Buck convention as it feels like an earlier version of the recent release DEEP WATER directed by Adrian Lyne.  where the lead wants to get to know his wife’s Past and the more he does it becomes an obsession once she lets him find out she openly Lies to him and he is so much in love he wants to believe it as it fulfills his fantasy about her and gets to stay with her. She is his fantasy and everything he wants and so desperately wants to believe even if it goes against his happiness ultimately or maybe this is all his fetish

The movie already hit his mental fragility with scenes at a circus in his dreams. Which feels like it’s trying to be too artistic. 

Again Madchen Amick is the reason to see the movie overall coming off of Twin Peaks at the time. Her character is cold, sexy, smart, and calculating. With a chic wardrobe, she would be a screen legend in this role only the film fails to really support her or rise to her level.

The film at times tries to be sexy and erotic but only she truly is in the end. Even as the film tries to be sexual quite a few times.

James Spader is perfectly cast also as he is handsome but has something off-putting about him as the character. Who seems to overthink except when it comes to the things and people he should. 

Though the character’s fascination as well as the film and audience is what is the battery of this film. This is a polished film but not one that is beautifully put together.

If you are a fan of movies you can see what is going to happen from the beginning. You just watch to see how it will happen and what exactly is the end goal. No matter what she can provide the receipts. Though a last-minute reveal that is never shown only talked about comes across as weak.

The ending feels right, but also feels a bit too complex and comes across as it thinks it’s smart too much. While simple it is also brief. 

The film might have been stronger if we saw this whirlwind romance as romantic in the first place or too good to be true and then started to wonder if this Is a con or if is it all in his head.

The film also comes across as a little too wasp-ish. It’s absolutely whitewashed. As there is very little real passion. It just seems like everyone is going through the motions. No matter how much I wanted to like it. It feels a bit melodramatic and thrilling.

This neo-noir takes place mostly in the daytime. Leaves itself to be too transparent at times. 

Grade: C 

THE KILLER ELITE (1975)

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Directed By: Sam Peckinpah 
Written By: Marc Norman and Stirling Silliphant 
Based On The Novel “Monkey In The Middle”: Robert Rostand 
Cinematography: Philip Lathrop 
Editor: Monte Hellman and Tony De Zarraga 

Cast: James Caan, Robert Duvall, Bo Hopkins, Mako, Burt Young, Gig Young, Arthur Hill, Tom Clancy, Tiana, Kate Heflin, Sondra Blake 

Mike Locken is one of the principal members of a group of freelance spies. A significant portion of their work is for the C.I.A. While he’s on a case for them, one of his friends turns on him and shoots him in the elbow and knee. His assignment, to protect someone, goes down in flames. He is nearly crippled, but with braces is able to become mobile again. For revenge as much as anything else, Mike goes after his ex-friend.

The film plays like experimental jazz. So many elements coming together seemingly Off beat, yet you stay to see where it is going. Considering the talents involved 

James Caan is the lead, laid back and riffing through it all, but showing his skills and talent. Even though his character is supposedly handicapped.

Where it always seems Like he is more a lady’s man constantly flirting or always having a one-liner rather than being a fighter. Though I won’t Front would totally rock the outfit of his turtleneck.

Robert Duvall seems more like he dropped into the production as a favor or a debt owned (think Edward Norton in THE ITALIAN JOB)

The film shows Life at the C.I.A., might not be as exciting day to day, but lacks plenty of action in the field. 

The main characters aren’t suit and tie or all business, nor typical heroes. In fact, it looks like they are all wearing their own clothes from home. As half the film takes place over 2 days. 

They are ordinary guys the type you see around your neighborhood  Back in the day 9 – 5 guys. Who meet up for drinks at a local bar after work to talk and drink their troubles away.

Not too much exciting action. A lot of slow motion doesn’t help. The film Has a messy 3 act structure that seems to have Its own mini-arcs in act one through so many soliloquies. Which leads to pacing problems. 

You are left wanting even when it seems to take side steps to be more quirky. As you are looking for something with more attitude. Though it plays more like a kind of Western with those types of characters.

At times the film is impressive, even more knowing what went on behind the scenes and the messiness of the production. Which includes diced to cast the screenwriter’s girlfriend, and drugs being used on the set. 

As it goes off on its own solos of little twists and turns that add to the overall element of a project. 



In the end, this is a film that seems like it will only be liked by fans of those involved as a completist type of movie. 

This Ends up as sub-par Peckinpah 

Grade: C

ORPHAN: FIRST KILL (2022)

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Directed By: William Brent Bell
Written By: David Coggeshall
Story By: David Leslie Johnson-McColdrick 
Based on characters created By: Alex Mace
Cinematography: Karim Hussain
Editor: Josh Ethier 

Cast: Isabelle Fuhrman, Julia Stiles, Rossif Sutherland, Hiro Kanagawa, Matthew Finlan, Samantha Walles 

After orchestrating a brilliant escape from an Estonian psychiatric facility, Esther travels to America by impersonating the missing daughter of a wealthy family.

A movie where It’s surprising success got a sequel or prequel trying to open it up into a franchise that is not needed or truly asked for.

So while it could easily be written off there is an attempt here that makes it not necessarily feel cheapened but an attempt to Make Something worthwhile.

While not great at least it tries not to be as surprising as the original but still manages to keep up the suspense and thrills. Now we are more in on the surprise to see how she works to stay ahead of those who suspect her and keep manipulating those around her. 

The second half of the film or truly the last third offer up a twist that is unexpected like the original, but enlivens the movie so that it doesn’t feel like more of the same. It makes the film worthwhile, adding a dimension you’re not expecting.

It has Villains underestimating each other until a confrontation is needed to show dominance. Where the film tries to make us have sympathy for a sociopath to a degree. Which began with showing how vicious she can be.

While the movie is certainly brutal to show the viciousness and evil it never feels unnecessary. 

Julia Stiles in yet another horror extension, but at least she is very good in this one and can understand why she choose this role. Reminds you of how good she can still be when given the right role 

As always in these movies the black character already suspects something is up And can see through the facade. 

The film makes every scene look hazy most of the time. Almost wish that this was a Brian DePalma movie.

How do you do that by having a psychopath go against people who are much worse?

A Little cheesy but worthwhile as it stays entertaining for the most part even if at times it feels trashy with a delectable shiny sheen and gloss Also shows how she knows she will never be accepted.

Maybe this sequel feels so good and refreshing as most likely going in you aren’t actually expecting as much especially when it comes to quality.

A prequel origin story where we learn the details of the fate of the characters we vaguely hear about in the first film. 

It gets very campy 

Grade: B-

INFLUENCER (2023)

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Directed By: Kurtis David Harder
Written By: Kurtis David Harder & Tesh Guttikonda 
Cinematography: David Schuurman 
Editor: Rob Grant & Kurtis David Harder 

Cast: Cassandra Naud, Emily Tennant, Sara Canning, Rory J. Saper, Justin Sams, Paul Spurrier 

While struggling on a solo backpacking trip in Thailand, social media influencer Madison meets CW, who travels with ease and shows her a more uninhibited way of living, but CW’s interest in her takes a darker turn.

The film l lives up to its title as everything in this film is pretty yet shallow. 

The film follows a familiar trend when it comes to a lot of thrillers recently involving the internet and revolving around it. Characters who are Influential on Social Media. 

The film is fairly predictable throughout. Despite trying to throw some twists that never amount to Much. Here at least the film tries to humanize the victims.

The film has a glossy Veneer which keeps it visually interesting. As it tries to say something about the shallowness of Social media before branding itself as kind of the same. 

As you only feel sympathy for the first victim and at times her boyfriend but he always seems To remain on the fence about how you should feel about him.

The only trace of originality is that it takes place overseas and that the main actress has a noticeable birthmark on her face.

Though the villains’ motives are never truly explained or revealed. Is she jealous of them?

Does she just want to live in their identities for a bit to see how the other half lives? Is it done for survival? Or is she just a psychopath? 

The film makes everything look good. Even the lead is much sexier than her victims and shows the most skin throughout. Though ever completely and set up a kind of sex scene. That is the most revealing she or the film Gets.

Cassandra Naud gives a believable performance and stays captivating throughout. Hopefully, she gets better material in her future films. 

This is a nice film for those beginning into thrillers or wanting one with not too much violence. So that it feels like a Lifetime Movie but maybe a little bit harder-edged.

Back in my day, we would’ve considered this a CW movie as that channel used to have television shows with very young casts that were model-looking or would have adults playing teenagers and adult situations. Everything in this film is picturesque at times too pretty to be believed. This film seems to want to showcase the darkness that runs underneath all that shines.

Grade: C –

KILL BOKSOON (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Sung-Hyun Byun 
Cinematography: Hyung Rae Cho
Editor: Kim Sang- Beom

Cast: Jeon Do-Yeon, Esom, Koo Kyo-Hwan, Hwang Jung-Min, Lee Yeon, Si-ah Kim, Sol Kyung-Gu, Fahim Fazli, George Tsai, Elyse Dinh 

Single mother Kill Bok Soon is one of the world’s deadliest assassins thanks to her 100% success rate on contract killings. Bok Soon works for M.K Ent, which is run by the man that taught her, Cha Min Kyo. The pair hold mutual respect for each other, but Kill Bok Soon understands that a moment’s notice could take everything away from her. Just before Kill Bok Soon is due to renew her contract, loyalties are put to the test when Bok Soon is involved in a kill-or-be-killed incident.

This has a bit of JOHN WICK in it. Only when it comes to the action. Which is more hand-to-hand than guns, though guns are used frequently. It more leans into the facts of that film’s world-building or an organization of assassins of which there seem to be many. Which has its own set of rules.

The action sequences here are noteworthy for not only the choreography and staging but for some of their humor. One, In Particular, takes place in a bar/restaurant where various killers are after only one person and end up sometimes sabotaging themselves. While other males testimonies as they perish.

The film definitely has a sheen and polish. That puts it a little above the rest. As it isn’t gritty but just as dirty as some others of Its genre 

The film does end up feeling too long at over two hours. You, unfortunately, feel it, so it’s not a smooth journey. As the film plays like a contained epic with many levels. It starts to feel endless. Especially when it plays up more the melodrama of the relationships.

Which is expected though strangely a bit strong for an action film about assassins. It is also that element at the heart of the film and pushes the running time. It might be a case of trying to be more than what is expected.

As the film makes the case of showing why maybe as a paid killer it doesn’t always help to have Friends to get to close to your colleagues

Though not a Netflix original. It feels like their brand of recent action films. Similar to GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE only without the all-star cast. 

Grade: C+

BOSTON STRANGLER (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Ruskin 
Cinematography: Ben Kutchins 
Editor: Anne McCabe

Cast: Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Chris Cooper, Alessandro Nivola, Rory Cochrane, David Dastmalchain, Peter Gerety, Robert John Burke, Ryan Winkles, Morgan Spector 

Loretta McLaughlin was the reporter who first connected the murders and broke the story of the Boston Strangler. She and Jean Cole challenged the sexism of the early 1960s to report on the city’s most notorious serial killer.

The film is well shot almost like an episode of the show MINDHUNTER. This might be why it feels like an R-rated tv-movie, but it lacks the drama, tension, and strength of that television show. 

In fact, it ends up representing those made for cable movies of the 1990s and 2000s. That was meant to be an event. where they got an all-star or established cast of recognizable names.

The movie plays like it’s own version of SHE SAID, though instead of tackling the Harvey Weinstein case. There is two female reporters who are looked down upon. One established and one rookie, cracking a case wide open that established reporters didn’t. As they are even the first to notice a pattern. 

Similar to that film we get to see their domestic lives while also tackling this story. Only here Kiera Knightley gets more screen time. As the rookie and how this case is also disrupting her domestic situation. 

The film short changes Carrie Coon a bit. As she is the mentor to Knightley’s character. We learn a bit less about her. She also doesn’t have as much screen time or moments. 

I can admit so far I have never been a fan of the movies based on this true crime case. Including the film THE BOSTON STRANGLER from 1968 

Directed by Richard Fleischer and starred Henry Fonda, Tony Curtis, and George Kennedy. Though that movie focused more on the killer and the police detectives. 

As a true crime movie, you could easily look up the case to discover the ending as well as the ins and outs. What the film does actually do successfully is offered up the surprise of the suspects and the realization of how many men got away with murder using the M.O. of the strangler, but when not being able to be linked with the other crime of the strangler were let go.

As towards the end, a character pretty much defines what the movie is about and sums up the point of this dramatization. Which is the changing times and realizations of things either kept hidden, quiet or never acknowledged. That was unfortunately showing that society could never go back to being so innocent. 

Though the film at least offers some hope for two female reporters challenging the status quo and finding courageousness and leading a way for females in the future. Even as they are pretty much the prey out there at that time. 

Grade: C+

WATCHER (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Chloe Okuno
Based on a Screenplay By: Zack Ford 
Cinematography: Benjamin Kirk Nielsen 
Editor: Michael Block 

Cast: Maika Monroe, Karl Glusman, Burn Gorman, Madalina Anea, Daniel Nuta, Stefan Iancu 

A young American woman moves with her husband to Bucharest and begins to suspect that a stranger who watches her from the apartment building across the street may be a local serial killer decapitating women.

The film offers no real thrills or chills. Though it looks great visually. 

The film never lived up to the potential that it seems to set up. Though it finally comes alive in the final 15 minutes. Which is when we believe it is over. Then it seems determined to try and surprise us finally.

The ending feels a bit tacked on in the final Minutes. Downtrodden and stronger but killer wouldn’t be able to get away. As this has to make sense or have a payoff for sitting through all of this.

It’s a consistently sad film though nothing throughout makes you care or endears her to the audience other than she is the protagonist and a human being. 

As the film plays heavily into the cliche belief that the lead is seeing things or losing her mind rather then what she sees’s being real and believed. So that it almost plays like a drama more than anything. 

As the film immersed us in her situation and world which is foreign to her and us.

This feels like a Brian DePalma movie without the inventive cinematography 

Though if you are a fan of actress Makia Monroe, we are with her through most of the film. Plenty of shots of her looking beautiful her wardrobe was immaculate 

This is more of a film you gaze at that could be played in the background. You would study it for its Look and shots. Nothing much of note happens.

It does offer up that common fear of being a stranger in a strange land and being alone. Yet when you should feel safe not truly feel that way. As there is always a creepy element or even a person who personifies that feeling. No matter how lavish the surrounding.

In the end, it’s a little predictable and pretty traditional. While there is something special here in its sharp direction. It never rises to the greatness it could have been. Even with an ending that tries to make up for all the slower pace in the beginning.

Grade: C+

SHALLOW GRAVE (1987)

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Directed By: Richard Styles
Written By: George Edward Fernandez 
Cinematography: Orson Ochoa 
Editor: Carolyn J. Horton

Cast: Tony March, Lisa Stahl, Tom Law, Carol Cadby, Donna Balton, Just Kelly, Vince Turner, Greg Todd David, Merry Rozelle

When four young college girls stumble upon a murder, they find themselves targeted by a killer who will stop at nothing to silence them.

This is not the exceptional thriller that was one of Director Danny Boyle’s first films. This is seemingly rushed to video spring break thriller. 

The film almost could have been a decent television thriller. Except that the first half has a few lingering nude scenes and a scantily clad character. Who strangely never gets a chance to do any unveiling and truly seems to be the most stereotypical single-minded character. 

The film is silly in parts but it keeps the audience’s attention. The first half of the film feels more exploitative than anything. As after all, it’s supposed to be a spring break T & A film.

The second half plays more like a thriller and a race against time. As each moment of mercy or hope is dashed at the last second. 

Though there is an instance of nudity in the second half of the film that isn’t really needed and feels cruel.

The film opens with a bad yet believable PSYCHO homage only with more nudity.

Along the way, the characters meet with a pair of college boys who seem like Dimwitted heroes but prove to be more red herrings. For the majority of the movie, we watch how the murderer is going to try to cover his tracks and get to any witnesses.

The film opens promising before going very dark and never quite looks back. Definitely can give it points for trying. 

This Film is practically THE LAST AMERICAN VIRGIN of thrillers only not as good as that film. The ending is that much of a gut punch, but also feels mercilessly cruel throughout to our Protagonists.

It’s sweaty, sleazy, and exploitive. So long as you know what you are getting into, you can find it repulsive or entertaining.

Grade: C+