Tag: THRILLER

CONFIDENCE (2003)

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Directed By: James Foley 
Written By: Doug Jung 
Cinematography By: Juan Ruiz Amchia 
Editor: Stuart Levy 

Cast: Ed Burns, Rachel Weisz, Dustin Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Brian Van Holt, Morris Chestnut, Louis Lombardi, Andy Garcia, Robert Forster, Robert Pine, Leland Orser, John Caroll Lynch, Luis Guzman, Donal Logue, Tony “Tiny” Lister, Franky G, Nicole Lenz 

Jake Vig is a consummate grifter about to pull his biggest con yet, one set to avenge his friend’s murder. But his last scam backfired, leaving him indebted to a mob boss and his enforcer.

I have never seen a film try so hard to be a modern version of THE STING.

The film offers likable quirky thieves and a handsome protagonist. Who is in over his head? An untrustworthy femme fatale and a big-name legendary actor playing the villain raise the stakes of the endeavor and make it seem like a challenge to the other actors to impress him or even hold the screen with him.

Then you get the requisite double crosses. Everyone is who they seem or say they are. I really wish I could have disliked this film. It ends up winning you over as long as you don’t look too deep. As it is a film that openly challenges you and wants the audience to overthink. So that while you are doing that it is sneaking stuff right by you.

Ed Burns is the lead con man. I will admit that when it usually comes to him in acting performances. He tries to play more laid-back characters but there is a certain arrogance in his performance that is perfect for the character he is playing here. Here he has his qualities actually work for him.

It helps that this film is stocked to help support him with so many character actors. Who he actually holds his own with. Under those conditions, you have to bring you a game and pray that some of their talent and charisma Rub off.

It’s hard to talk about this film and really have too much to say, when most of the enjoyment comes from watching these twists and turns in action.

It’s actually quite a charming film that is perfect to watch with an audience. Though you will probably only need to see it once. Since after that you know what it is all about. And not as much fun.

Watching it feels like you are playing a game. Once you watch it will All have the same outcome.

The film tries to be gritty but it comes off more as fascinating. As the film is much better than you would expect and is stylish to a degree, but feels like it is a victim of itself when it comes to the intelligence of the script. It thinks it’s smarter than it actually is. Even includes the will they or won’t they sexual tension between the con man leader and the new sexy recruit.

Watching this at the time it seemed part of a bunch of movies that were trying to be about con games or at least trying to fool the audience. That also seemed more in being self-promoting. This is worth a shot but more as entertainment than anything else.

GRADE: B-

INFINITY POOL (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Brandon Cronenberg 
Cinematography: Karim Hussain
Editor: James Vandewater

Cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Mia Goth, Cleopatra Coleman, Thomas Kretschmann, Jalil Lespart, Adam Boncz, Amanda Bruegel, Jeff Ricketts, John Ralston, Caroline Boulton, Anita Major

James and Em Foster are enjoying an all-inclusive beach vacation in the fictional island of La Tolqa, when a fatal accident exposes the resort’s perverse subculture of hedonistic tourism, reckless violence, and surreal horrors.

When it comes to the films of Brandon Cronenberg so far at least for me is that I like his films but I believe I like the concepts more than the follow-through.

So far they have focused on body horror usually through some kind of transaction, rather than a natural occurrence. That helps you to believe that the characters bring it on to themselves.

This film is not really any different. Though it seems to speak to more positions of class. Through its twists and turns, as well as double crosses it is like a more disturbing version of the movie THE GAME without a happy ending.

Mia Goth is good in her role, one that she seems perfect for. As her character is more alluring, and seductive than in X Or PEARL. Though in those movies her characters had more of innocence. Here she always knows what she is doing and is in command.

Cleopatra Coleman is good here, I only wish the film had more for her to do. As she is such an onscreen presence. Though there seems to be no room for her here. As the film gives her the responsible kill-joy companion. 

WARNING There are spoilers ahead 

The film is a good example of showing class and how it works. As it has a seemingly well-to-do couple mixing with another that is rich or more the haves in a third-world country resort.

An accident happens when they break the rules in a car that was procured illegally and outside of the resort grounds which results in death. In this country, they have a choice whether they can be sentenced to death or a long prison term or if can pay the price. They will clone you and your clone is dealt the punishment for you.

After the first occurrence, it gives the main character is a failed writer who has married into money. A kind of second lease on life and he ends up meeting all these other wealthy characters. Who has had the same experience and now they form a little club where it quickly becomes hedonistic and unlawful. Believing they can do anything because they have the money.

At first, he is appalled and then joins in, but things get more dangerous and he gets pulled in more erotically and narcotically. Soon not only does he not know what is real and what is not. He begins to question who he really is, an original or a clone. Also is he with them or against them. As the group seems to feel a certain ownership of him.

By the end they do win him because they have done this so much their new game or jollies is getting someone who believes they are one of them and putting them through the wringer for their own entertainment and treating them almost like a pet or newly found toy and breaking them. 

Then by the end treat them like vacation friends like nothing happened. Asking if they are going to come back next year. Now they are more part of the group and the next year they can indoctrinate another new person into the group. 

Even in trying to get him under their thumb, they use and abuse or downright kill so many innocents. That they know they can get away with it because they have money. Those who they hurt are not seen as on their level. So they can be victims and never thought of as anything more than that. 

Which can also be seen as an allegory to what has happened in modern politics. Where you get a base of people riled up and fighting for the things you say. Making them believe that they and you are the same, but then once they have done the dirty work for you sell them out to a degree. 

The film is provocative in that way. As it pushed along the idea and story. While touching on many subjects vaguely. If it wasn’t so hardcore in Its material it would be a more accepted science fiction classic. 

Grade: B

LA LLORONA (2019)

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Directed By: Jayro Bustamante 
Written By: Jayro Bustamante and Lisandro Sanchez 
Cinematography: Nicolas Wong 
Editor: Jayro Bustamante And Gustavo Matheu

Cast: Maria Mercedes Coroy, Sabrina De La Hoz, Margarita Kenefic, Julio Diaz, Maria Telon, Juan Pablo Olyslager 

An aging paranoid war criminal, protected by his faithful wife, faces death while being haunted by the ghosts of his past.

The film is well put together and grafted. As things come together or are revealed slowly deepen our understanding. 

As this is a horror story with barely any scares. Which makes it all the more dramatic. With its tight cinematography and lack of score 

The film is not as scary but is more about the horrors of the past. Done to humans by their fellow man for little to no reason and how they live with themselves after. Just trying to live yet haunted knowing their own guilt.

In certain scenes, the film grabs your attention. As not only does it leave you in the middle of things but also offers no immediate explanation. While it has a tendency to start a scene in a tight close-up seemingly small then slowly moves back to reveal more complexity to the scene as you see more space revealing many remaining others in the scene but still stays artistic and quite striking in images that you might have thought was the art of the beauty of the shot was only a fraction of the overall. A piece of the ultimate puzzle. Which scenes are usually for a movie or production.  

The director does the same when a scene is in wide shots only in reverse and slowly pushes in to bring us closer to the character in the middle in a tight close-up. Again managing to reveal more, as we see certain details we miss initially as they come more into focus, but also brings us closer and more intimate with the characters who are the focal point as they come more into focus.

This also helps build the tension even when this style is phased out toward the middle. As this is a film devoted to slow reveals which is genuinely what the style and even the film are all about. 

The central location of the house becomes an odyssey in itself even without its limits it feels endless. 

The film offers striking images and angles. As we wait to see what will happen driving our imagination and expectations. Then chooses to retreat slowly leaving its own restraints. 

As the film exposes the class divide as well as race through the country and in the family’s behavior. 

What is spooky, The main character never seems to blink. Her long natural black hair could be a shroud for her. That ends up becoming more of a long frame for her beauty 

It offers up the vanity of beauty with the general’s wandering eyes. As his wife knows of his indiscretions. The young lady who comes to work for them is a native of the country and knows that is his weakness.

Who he has taken advantage of before. It offers hints that the young lady seems to be haunting him or a representation of his past.

The audience is kept expecting violence. So it works on your anticipation, expectations, and temptations offering glimpses to read the mood. 

Not as mysterious as I thought but still effective. His wife going through in dreams the crimes he committed against her in the past. This is why she haunts him as a way to get in so that other spirits slowly are allowed protestors to represent past victims and their kin.

The film even seems sequel ready if needed. As she keeps implying she is not done and might be coming for his comrades. Whom we see early on in a meeting. 

When his wife is going through in dreams the friend he committed to the young lady in the past. This is why she haunts him, as a way to get in so that other spirits slowly are allowed in. The protesters more represent past victims and their kin. That is when it all really hits. We are expecting one kind of film and the film is offering something quite unexpected but still a revenge tale. 

The film runs out of steam a little once you figure it out. Not as striking as a gothic style and goes more for harshness. A ghost story in a reality that feels a little more like a fable only modernized 

Grade: B+

SALOUM (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Jean Luc Herbulot
Story By: Jean Luc Herbulot & Pamela Diop
Cinematography: Gregory Corandi 
Editor: Nicolas Desmaison, Alasdair McCulloch and Sebastien Prangere 

Cast: Yann Gael, Evelyn lly Juhen, Roger Sallah, Mentor Ba, Bruno Henry, Marielle Salmier, Bobacer Oualy, Ndiaga Mbow, Renaud Farah, Cannabasse 

In 2003, a trio of mercenaries escaping a coup in Guinea-Bissau take refuge in a hidden region on the Saloum river of Senegal. But something from beyond the grave awaits them there.

The film starts off stark already and gets more captivating as it goes along. As more is revealed. As at first it seems more political and then seems to be a story of criminals on the run.

At first, it seems like a crime story with political aspirations. That becomes a revenge tale after a crime story in the first half. The second half has the characters more or less facing their personal demons. 

The film is many things and touches on quite a few genres, but mainly sticks to African folklore by the third act.

This is one of those films that is continuously inventive with beautiful imagery and stylish and downright cool to a certain extent.

It is even a ghost story of sorts that involves mercenaries, rebellion, and some philosophy. Either way, it leaves the film soulful and haunted. 

Most of the excitement of the Film is in the discovery’s definitely best to go In with as little knowledge as possible. Just enjoy the ride and take notice of the beauty and style. 

GRADE: B+

LES MISERABLES (2019)

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Directed By: Ladj Ly
Written By: Ladj Ly, Giordano Gederlini and Alexis Manenti
Cinematography: Julien Poupard
Editor: Flora Vol Peldiere 

Cast: Damien Bonnard, Alexis Manenti, Djerbil Zonga, Almammy Kenoute, Issa Percia, Al-Hassan Ly, Steve Tientchau, Nizer Ben Fatem, Raymond Lopez, Luciano Lopez, Jaihson Lopez 

A cop from the provinces moves to Paris to join the Anti-Crime Brigade of Montfermeil, discovering an underworld where the tensions between the different groups mark the rhythm.

This film feels like a mixture of the films END OF TOUR and TRAINING DAY only set in France.

The film shows the hostility between the residents of a neighborhood and the corrupt cops who hassle, rob, and torture them. Until one day they decide to strike back. Some In the neighborhood are no innocents but they are not all bad and they are human beings, yet they are never treated like them.

The film has an intensity throughout that keeps you on the edge of your seat and offers viewers another picture of France different from the tourist attractions.

The film shows or sets in motion how a minor incident has huge repercussions. Especially when there has been a growing hostility underneath the community for so long.

The film is also a celebration of the country the characters love and how they are treated or mistreated by it. As the film’s cast is a melting pot of immigrants trying to settle into the country. While showing how a new generation learns and takes over from elders who are too passive and want to stand up for themselves to liberate themselves and demand respect. Which they do by taking action.

The film mostly takes place after the Incident in which the cops trying to work it out, end up butting heads with new partners who have different philosophies when it comes to police work. How things are supposed to be done versus how they must be done to have any effects 

How it affects cops and citizens both as the scary part for each of them. As well for us in the audience is that we never know what is going to happen. Each side is stressed to the breaking point.

On the streets, they have no choice but to beat each other up or snitch on one another for survival short of killing. 

As the police are their own gang against all others with a false sense of power, abuse, and loyalty that comes back to haunt them. As they stick together not out of loyalty but out of survival and duty. It offers a spellbinding ending. 

If you are into energetic and vivid street stories this might be the movie for you. As it shows the many injustices that citizens must go through just to survive. 

This feels like the film the recent release ATHENA was trying to be or have the same effect, only a bit more personal

GRADE: B+

BONES & All (2022)

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Directed By: Luca Guadagnino
Written By: David Kajganich 
Based on the Novel By: Camille DeAngelis
Cinematography: Arsani Khachaturen 
Editor: Margo Costa 

Cast: Taylor Russell, Timothee Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Michael Stuhlberg, Andre Holland, Jessica Harper, Chloe Sevigny, Sean Bridgers, David Gordon Green, Ellie Parker, 

A story of first love between Maren, a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee, an intense and disenfranchised drifter, as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey that takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap doors of Ronald Reagan’s America. But despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their otherness.

This is a film where you can watch and read into what you believe. As that seems to be its purpose. 

As it shows what can be the life of an addict. As the characters aren’t exactly junkies as they can go through periods of time without feeding but they know sooner or later they will have to feed to an extent and can’t quit and it can’t go away. So you can look at it as a story of addiction to a degree. 

This would explain why most are drifters and look trashy.

Though it is also a story of loneliness as they can detect one another and seem to need or desire to be around one another. Though the can’t completely trust one another. Though for little excursions they aren’t completely monsters or even vampires because at least as a vampire you have an epic weakness but it comes with supernatural powers. A kind of trade-off and a slice of life.

Though also as a predator and getting closer to their victims they have to play roles and have to invent and invest themselves in their lives. So that they get a glimpse into other’s lives as do we in the audience and have something to take away from it all, but also living a certain life and adventures for a while.

It’s no surprise the film is based on a young adult novel. At heart, it is a coming-of-age story of a girl who is 17 and is introduced to a world she has no training in and has to survive for herself through. Discovering the world is only a different one than most of us are used to. She also meets her first love and for a chunk of the film, we see their romance. Where they need one another to survive and she learns from him how to manage that life 

It’s another film for director Luca Guadagnino to present a forbidden love story or an unorthodox one here. 

It doesn’t eroticize violence or even sex. While there are both in the film. There isn’t an abundance of either. There are plenty of emotions and plenty of stand-alone scenes of suspense. As this film works in that way. There are some great scenes and the rest of the film is what you have to go through to get to them and inform them more.

The whole cast is superb and as always Mark Rylance Steals the movie. As the closest to a villain, the film has thought he comes across more as disturbed, sad and lonely. Though a one-scene cameo from Michael Schulberg is also a show stopper.

Though at times it does feel less random when it comes to the supporting cast and more like scenes that have been designated for guest stars that are important for the overall story, but still a little glad standing or too planned and it 

The two leads Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet impress as a kind of 1980’s lovers on the run in the Midwest that might remind some of BADLANDS for all the landscapes and relationships. Only they aren’t that vicious. As the first half of the film at least gives some direction as she searches for information about her mother. Though after that the film isn’t aimless but focuses more on trying to figure out a future.

It’s a film of a certain time period but not about the time period. As it explores some of the cultures of the time without it being dependent purely on pop culture or exploring the events of the time period when it takes place 

I can’t say I loved the film, but it is a film That challenges an audience not necessarily with shocks or endurance, but by not giving them what they want or stowaway. Not what they expect and offering a different point of view rather than the popular or most obvious one 

Which one tends to be a fan of as sometimes you feel like you are in on it. If you know what to expect or an experience that you know will challenge or upset others around you. Only they have no ideas what they are in for 

How we all long to make connections and how when we do it feels so special and one of a kind as we have the same afflictions, passions, and desires that no one else can understand.

The way it is presented finds a kind of beauty in a type of the ordinary and mundane of middle America. How something. So ordinary has extraordinary Bart things about it be it sights, land, mentality 

This is a film That if you pay close attention you will be able to find some kind of meaning for yourself and what the director is trying to present. Like the film purposely Challenges the audience It’s not cookie-cutter and is daring in It’s own right 

I give director Luca Guadagnino credit for trying to find beauty and substance throughout instead of making a typical or stylish horror film which it could have easily been. 

Grade: B-

SISSY (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Hannah Barlow & Kane Senes
Cinematography: Steve Arnold
Editor: Margi Hoy

Cast: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow, Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett

Teen best friends Cecilia and Emma, run into each other after a decade. Cecilia is invited to Emma’s bachelorette weekend where she gets stuck in a remote cabin with her high school bully and a taste for revenge.

The film reminds me a bit Of BODIES, BODIES, BODIES. Only that movie was more experimental and subversive. That had good ideas, but ultimately never quite came together.  This film tries that at first before becoming more what you might expect. Just  as it might remind some of a more  gruesome version of the recent comedy thriller MY FRIENDS HATE ME 

At first, it seems like a film that will be a battle of wills between two characters still vying for the same friend. 

The film Could have played that way of having the main character constantly being at odds with her nemesis throughout one against the other but along the way goes more for a witty throwback slasher film.

The character seems to take out revenge early on. So that was the first strike. All these years later, she got what she wanted and now feels threatened by her reappearance and just as when she got herself together and felt better about herself. She is dragged back in and hopes everyone will be civilized as adults. Her adversary playing the victim goes back to her old ways villanizing her to their new friends. When really she stays the bully only now through victimhood and microaggressions. That slowly triggers the protagonist into a mental breakdown.

The film shows how overly positive self-therapy can backfire if you never truly face the trauma of your past and still hold onto issues and anger. As it isn’t always proper care and if not fully healed old winds can fester and infect.

The film indulges in macabre humor. Where it seems to take particular glee in showcasing the more gruesome death scenes. Which have a nostalgic flavor like the main character by using practical special effects. 

A revenge tale. The film has the audience at times switch loyalties as we are usually with the main character and while might not condone her acts. We see what pushed her to it and at times feels like some characters get what is coming to them and others are collateral damage. 

As they can be cruel and treat her like crap. They do deserve a comeuppance but not necessarily death. Especially when they judge her and don’t reply know her. Though by making them more modern hipster types instead of characters. We do feel not too much sympathy except for the gruesome nature of their deaths and the more decent ones seem to get the cruelest death scenes. After a while, the film becomes more about that set-up 

Would say it seems cruel but goes with the attitude of the film. Pokes fun at influencer culture and social media to validate and can easily drive you crazy. After the first kill it pretty much feels like a comedy.

The film focuses a little too long on dead carcasses. Gore and violence though constantly provoking behind her back with group think. 

It’s obvious who the villain is from the beginning but seems to want to play with the audience’s emotions. Even as it seems each is the other’s trigger. So the writing was pretty much on the wall. So the setup is there 

Doesn’t use the opportunity to the best of its abilities. Don’t know why she would really invite her, especially knowing how her two friends feel about one another, and worst of all the bully is proven right. Even if she is mroe pushed into it and mentally broken. 

An explosive situation brings an unstable element. Is it predictable for a fan of the genre or at least a little spoof or poking humor at a horrific situation

The audience can predict the order of deaths at first. Especially if an aficionado of the genre. Kind of like the guest Star system of Star Trek.

The main character is overboard in her actions even from the beginning. As she is obsessive and finally pushed over the edge. As is her first kill. She and her bully are alike, her bully Might be evil but stops short of being a physical psychopath she is more mental. So the bully is more of a sociopath.

The film could have easily gone into a more racial direction but obviously not wanting to showcase or have much to say about it. While the main tormentors and central figure are caucasian. The other characters including the lead are made up of a diverse cast. In fact another African American character, a disabled character, and a character of Asian descent 

The ending is not quite predictable. There is a set-up for a sequel. 

In all, I would call this a film of a murderous mental breakdown 

Grade: B-

END OF THE ROAD (2022)

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Directed By: Millicent Shelton 
Written By: Christopher J. Moore and David Loughery
Cinematography: Ed Wu
Editor: Tirsa Hackshaw

Cast: Queen Latifah, Beau Bridges, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Mychala Lee, Shaun Dixon, Keith Jardine, Frances Lee McCain, Jesse Luken, Tababtha Shaun 

In this high-octane action thriller, a cross-country road trip becomes a highway to hell for Brenda and her family. Alone in the New Mexico desert, they have to fight for their lives when they become the targets of a mysterious killer.

This film is pretty basic in the way that you know in each instance what is going to happen. Though you go through the motions. While it never gets exciting, at least it never gets boring. 

This is a film back in the day you would have rented from a video store. As it would have a good enough cast for straight-to-video premiere goodies. 

The film’s first third at least dramatizes the family dynamic and clearly shows each of their roles and tendencies. Mostly as a result of the tragedy of losing her husband and using any of the savings on trying to keep him alive. Which unfortunately failed.

Dealing with her screwed-up brother to take the trip. Their nerve is tested early on with a couple of rednecks. In which to remind them they aren’t in their old stomping grounds. Once they end up deciding whether or not to take The money they have stumbled across is where the second act begins and the story truly starts.

Again once the big reveal of the villain happens is never quite as shocking as the film wants us to believe. What was more unbelievable is that how much power he apparently has but seems to have only a few people working for him. Yet his name sends shivers down the local’s spines even the Neo nazi that Queen Latifah’s character has to fight off. 

At least the film tries to keep the audience on it’s toes. It stays in character while having Queen Latifah running around like an Alfred Hitchcock character. Who keeps having to overcome ever-surmounting challenges. While leaving Lidacris’s character as caretaker to the kids and occasional comic relief. 

The truly shocking part of the movie is how graphically violent the ending is. After most of the film being semi-violent or more threatening

Grade: C-

THE TWO JAKES (1990)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C+

THE MECHANIC (1972)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C+