Tag: THRILLER

THE PAPERBOY (2012)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Lee Daniels 
Written By: Lee Daniels & Pete Dexter 
Based On The Book By: Pete Dexter 
Cinematography By: Roberto Schaefer 
 Editor: Joe Klotz 


 Cast: Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey, David Oyelowo, Macy Gray, John Cusack, Scott Glenn, Ned Bellamy

Eldest son Ward Jansen is a star reporter for a Miami newspaper and has returned home with close friend Yardley to investigate a racial murder case. Younger brother Jack Jansen has returned home after a failed stint at university as a star swimmer. To help give his life some direction, Ward gives Jack a job on their investigation as their driver. But into the mix comes the fiancée of the imprisoned convict who stirs up confusing feelings of love and lust for the young Jack. Meanwhile, Ward and Yardley’s investigation stirs up
deep-rooted issues of race and acceptance which could cause serious consequences for everyone involved.

This film that deemed to start out as a thriller, Quickly seems to spiral into a no man’s land that resembles more of a misguided Grind-house film more than anything else. The sad part is what seems at first to become earnest filmmaking quickly delves into some kind of camp classic

As the film continues the outline is about proving a man might be innocent. It mostly focuses not only on the politics, but the coming of age tale of Zac Efron’s character. It also concerns itself with building and defining the characters.

Now I am not the biggest fan of Lee Daniels as a Director yet, but watching this film. Just like in PRECIOUS. It feels like he puts in too many surrealistic seeming camera tricks and angles that become distracting and unneeded when the film could have just told the story.

It feels like a person just out of film school. Who feels the need to how off or insert things that aren’t really needed in a way to impress. Like a college student writing a paper with too many big words misused trying to impress. I see it as him trying and learning new things behind the camera thinking the audience will be amazed as much as he is using them. The other problem is it plays like a drama then wants to be a thriller, but only at certain times and wanting to represent race relations of that period.

In fact the film begins with Macy Gray playing a maid who is being questioned about a book dedicated to her. now it feels like an interrogation that is really used to give her character a reason to voice over the film. Other then that the opening scene amounts to nothing later in the film. No real reason to be there. There are a bunch of scenes like that throughout the film. Some are what help to bring out the ridiculousness of the film. This film could have been a sort of hard-boiled thriller and mystery if it didn’t seem to get distracted by becoming a Coming of Age film that has the look of a WONDER YEARS episode while parading Zac Efron around in his underwear. I am sure what might have worked on the page here comes off more silly and misguided. The film often times seems confusing or confused itself.

Pedro Almodóvar was several times approached to helm this project and seriously considered to make it his first English-speaking feature. He finally declined but, allegedly, he participated in early versions of the script. He might have been the one to balabce the camp with the drama and thriller elements without making it laughable.

Just as it could have been more believable if John Cusack’s character wasn’t as physically repulsive as he morally.

Alex Pettyfer was first choice for the role of Jack.

Tobey Maguire was cast as Ward but dropped out because of scheduling conflicts. Luckily for him.

Nicole Kidman replaced Sofía Vergara. Which might have pushed it into a more straight to DVD title though the lust factor would have been more understandable. Though explaining her characters origin and why a so called racist would correspond with her would take more then a bit of explaining.

It plays like camp, but tries to be taken seriously which makes it even worse. Though Nicole Kidman seems to be the only one who realizes or is comfortable with having fun and sending it all up, While trying to create a realistic character.

scenes like

Nicole Kidman peeing on Zac Efron to combat his jellyfish stings.

Nicole Kidman masturbating in a jailhouse visit to John Cusack who also masturbates and we see the aftermath of

The film just feels dirty and unnecessary as it’s based on a hard-boiled mystery novel that seems to forget it’s premise. The film feels all over the place, for all of this ridiculousness and shocking scenes that come once on awhile between it is really dull, though gives Zac Efron no real reason to run around constantly only in underwear.

The film gives John Cusack a chance to embarass himself by looking really bad and dirty. Inhabiting a bad caricature of a character.

Matthew McConaughey’s character has an interesting arc that is shockingly Introduced then slightly dropped or pushed out of favor.

The key defining point of this tawdry tale is Nicole Kidman and her character. She gives the role her all and is impressive as a trashy femme-fatale. Overly made up with make up that looks like it was applied by herself an it is messy. She is a scary, but also a scene stealer. She deserves a oscar nomination for her determination and grounding as she stays true to the character throughout and somehow finds a way to fit in.While actually creating a character to care about

The film you think would be ripe for camp, bit it is so underplayed and then serious there isn’t room to enjoy it on a camp level.

In the third act the film revs up to be a thinker then just runs out of steam and ends with no great drama. Leaving us with a whimper.

While I can’t really recommend the film. I will say it is a film to see. To see something hopefully one of a kind. Some might find entertainment from it. Which is why I can’t completely fail it. I believe it shows lee Daniels a former film producer is still leading as a director At least he is trying unlike some directors

 Grade: D

THE LITTLE THINGS (2021)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: John Lee Hancock Cinematography: John Schwartzman  Editor: Robert Frazen 

Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Terry Kinney, Chris Bauer, Natalie Morales, Judith Scott, Michael Hyatt, Isabel Arraiza, Jason James Richter, Frederick Koehler, Maya Kazan

Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a killer who is terrorizing the city. Leading the hunt, L.A. Sheriff Department Sergeant Jim Baxter, impressed with Deke’s cop instincts, unofficially engages his help. But as they track the killer, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.

The film’s main selling point seems to be its bleakness throughout. It stays dark NOT visually exciting SEVEN dark but it makes you think and pay attention. Almost like you are a detective with these characters. As the film ends up being more a character study dressed up In neo-noir

The film is set in 1990, that is also when the screenplay was written and it feels like an old screenplay dusted off and by luck given major talent. It also gives an excuse for a film and story devoid of losers technology that would have cut short the film and it’s lingering questions or would have had to be updated and rewritten.

The film has a padded cast for what ends up being dull, subpar material. So that it comes almost like a marvel movie where you feel the cast is better than the material. At least in name.

Denzel Washington is the major attraction for the movie and at times he seems bored but his stardom and personality fill out the role and film.

Jared Leto is actually the most entertaining piece of the whole movie. As he is the only one who brings some joy and playfulness to his role. Even if again in the process of method action or the characterization he is made to look guilty and like one would imagine a serial killer to look like. 

Rami Malek comes off as heroic but ultimately comes across as weak in his performance. As he seems off as the film goes along. Especially when his character shouldn’t be at that point.

As the film seems to be all about the looks also. As the film continues we are made to question things we have seen. Details form scenes that have been played before. 

The only real action or excitement comes In The opening scene where a young girl is attacked by an unseen assailant. Other than that there is a scene late where Denzel must escape from an apartment he’s not to be at. 

Throughout we get to know the past of Denzel’s character little by little until it all makes sense as to why he is the way he is. He also sees a kinship with the other detective played by Rami Malek and sees why a lot of his old colleagues are shocked to see him again and mostly don’t want to see him. 

It takes its time while it fills in the past of characters. Taking it’s time to get to even know the protagonist.

Makes the film feel more old school and dramatic. As again it feels like a Film from the time it takes place In and was written for at the time. 

The film is different whereas it doesn’t try to play like a typical thriller. It tries to focus more on the detectives not the kills and less on the criminals or the actual crimes in action.

It still feels a bit routine and tries to build interest in the tiniest details and ideas. 

The film goes about keeping you guessing. Especially with Its ambiguous ending leaving the audience to come away with their own judgments and interpretations.

Even though a smaller story this feels like a movie that needs a director who will pay particular attention to it and try to decipher and communicate the films vision and themes. That are dark but also make you think. This film need an auteur who can leave a somewhat Personal style on the film. As much as the killer in this film dies with his victims

In the end, while the film seems to want to play games with the audience and relies heavily on Christian themes and symbolism throughout. This almost feels like a waste. As it feels like much ado about nothing. 

Grade: C-

BREAKING IN (2018)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: James McTeigue 
Written By: Ryan Engle 
Cinematography By: Toby Oliver 
Editor: Joseph Jett Sally 

Cast: Gabrielle Union, Billy Burke, Richard Cabral, Christa Miller, Jason George 

A woman fights to protect her family during a home invasion.

This movie plays like the second half of PANIC ROOM. Where instead of trying to protect her family while criminals are trying to break in. She is trying to break in to save her family.

The film is a thriller but isn’t as action oriented as it appears. As going in was kind of hoping this to be Gabrielle Union’s PASSENGER 57 type action film.

Unfortunately with this film everything is so basic that one wishes it at least had a stylistic director to set it apart or make it seem special in some way. Though this film is still Better than Halle Berry’s thriller KIDNAP.

Still it feels like a lifetime movie only with a minor edge to it and more violent. Even though throughout there is barely any blood in it. It’s low budget but works well within it.

This film has many roll your eyes moments of ridiculous actions and rationale. One truly unbelievable moment after another that feels unexplained which is like most of this movies details vague.

Though will say the movie makes Gabrielle Union a believable hero. While looking great and going up against stereotypical garden variety villains. (The leader, the vicious one, he one who is on the fence as far as morals go and the technical person.) As she shows a mother’s devotion and what happens if they threaten them.

Now while the film is swimming in cliches that are predictable. Which are forgivable as I don’t want to pick on the film for it’s simpleness, but you know what kind of film you are going to get from the trailer and while the film isn’t trying that hard it provides a certain level of entertainment. It’s a thriller really the whole family can watch and enjoy.

One of the few of only black female action heroines even if it is a thriller. A nice start, wished it could have been Angela Bassett. As she was robbed of an action career in the 90’s as she is in shape and can act too.

One stereotypical character makes you wonder if actor Clifton Collins jr. Was too old for the role or maybe turned it down or wasn’t available. As it seems his usual type of role.

There is a third act mini twist that isn’t believable but I will say offers a surprise. That the film doesn’t earn. Shocked it was Directed By James McTeigue as usually his films are much more visual and atmospheric as well as visceral.

This film also seems to include the cliche in African American themed thriller where the Caucasian female friend is of course one of those most viciously slaughtered. In What seems like a glorified bit role usually as these films need a Caucasian victim other then the villains eventually and is a sharp turn on when in action films and thrillers the black character usually very few in the film if any. Is the first one killed or gave up their life to save others.

This film takes place in one location a sprawling estate. As the film introduces plot elements to move story along quicker the. Forgets about those elements time to time.

This is a female empowerment film as most of the villains keep bringing up their thoughts that women are weak, meek, stupid and emotional. Not that the characters seem like they would respect women otherwise.  

Grade: C-

WAR OF THE WORLDS (2005)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: Josh Friedman & David Koep
Based On The Novel By: H.G. Wells
Cinematography: Janusz Kaminski
Editor: Michael Kahn

Cast: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Tim Robbins, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, Yul Vazquez, Rick Gonzalez, Lisa Ann Walter, Lenny Venito, David Alan Basche 

An updated version of H.G Wells’ seminal sci-fi classic about an alien invasion threatening the future of humanity. The catastrophic nightmare is depicted through the eyes of one American family fighting for survival.

This film is not great it’s barely good if you can work your way around it, you can maybe call it entertaining.

The few things I liked about this movie were this instead of a big-budget earth vs aliens action epic it more showed how an alien invasion affected a family in a small neighborhood. Not some paramilitary character doing  on stop stunts and slaughtering aliens along the way

The action that there is, is spectacular action sequences and the scenes we do get are amazing and it astonishes the audience with the volume of people involved in those scenes all the stunts and coordination is such an undertaking that one must give director Steven Spielberg respect. He is a gifted filmmaker and this truly shows where his talents lie and can be beautiful, but then again here come the problems.

The film Goes on for too long. There are the usual with Mr. Spielberg three places where the film could have ended. One of the few admirable elements is that we learn what is going on and the fate of the world through stories of various survivors and the few glimpses of the media.

The film doesn’t make the main character played by Tom Cruise too much of a hero either. He’s a lazy dead beat dad. Who just wants to survive and protect his family. He makes some right decisions and makes many wrongs. The only thing he seems to be sure of is that he wants to return the kids to their mother. One must give credit to Tom Cruise who usually plays not only macho bit with few flaws. Finally, play someone who is nowhere near perfect. Is certainly a stretch for his ego.

 As his character’s plan is as usual to take little responsibility and put the kid’s welfare more in the mother’s hands. As he isn’t doing it out of love for her. This is also the film where it seems to have all started going down for him box office and maybe even personally. The box office this was his last bonafide hit outside of a franchise.

The film has no true villains some people do bad things out of a need for survival they weren’t despicable Before. Especially when Tim Robbins comes into the picture who seemed to be reprised by his role from MYSTIC RIVER that he won an Oscar for the year before or at least keeping the accent. Only here more annoying. A favorite moment in the film is what ends up happening to him. I felt like cheering even though it is an emotionally conflicted moment for Tom.

The narration by Morgan Freeman was a bit much. Was there a two for one sale on narrations with this and MARCH OF THE PENGUINS. It was unnecessary.

What truly is disappointing is the tacked-on implausible happy ending. How did his son live when that hill he was on was annihilated Tom let his son go why because he asked politely? When he has yelled at him throughout the film. Was he knowingly sending him to his death? Letting him be a man and accept his own fate?

One has an idea while watching this film that could have made this film better or at least a little more original and different than most of those alien invasion films. 

Like, kill off Tom Cruise and his son. Preferably at the turning of the ferry or kill just tom (killing off the star? What is the audience to do? We then follow either his son and daughter as they figure out how to survive this and get reunited with mom at the End or have Tom sacrifice himself or just killed when he and his daughter are abducted by the aliens and continue the film after that as we watch the aliens start to die off and the reactions of the survivors. That might have been a more powerful ending that offers surprises. 

 As the aliens die down then at the end we see the mother praying the kids are alive and come back to her and there is a knock on the door and Dakota fanning comes running in crying straight into her mother’s arms. As the mother is about to leave to go into town to see if anyone has seen the kids. she runs into Dakota who has been harbored by some other survivors. The end. 

So that it is just a story of victims and survival not necessarily heroic. Instead of the action hero ending, we get where Tom does it all and completes his mission and promise.

The only reason To let the child survive in this ending is because Dakota Fanning gives the only good to believable performance in the film. Even with all my complaining there truly is nothing wrong with the film and only one person who could have made a film with this vision of modern look yet classic feel.

Don’t let the poster art fool you nor the trailer which makes it look like a good film, as it is misleading

Grade: C

DESIERTO (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed & Edited By: Jonas Cuaron 
Written By: Jonas Cuaron & Mateo Garcia 
Cinematography By: Damian Garcia 

Cast: Jeffrey Dean Morgan , Gael Garcia Bernal, Alondra Hidalgo, Marco Perez, Lew Temple, Diego Catano 

A group of people trying to cross the border from Mexico into the United States encounter a man who has taken border patrol duties into his own racist hands.

This film is a tight simple thriller. That is appealing in it’s simplicity. Not too much to think about or question. Shot all out in the open no indoor scenes.

Like a horror film, it has an unstoppable villain who works as a slasher. Who we know very little about. Whose reason for his killings are very vague, you just know he is evil. Played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan (who is becoming familiar in these types of roles which seem to fit better Than the anti-hero in action films usually developed from graphic novels)

As we watch him murder people who are sneaking across the border for no real personal reason, of course, the film wants us to assume that he is trying to keep them out of the country and doesn’t see them as human beings just prey. At least that is what might be hinted at. As he seems to be doing it out of patriotism

Except that he is kind of disrespectful to the border cops also.

The film tries to provoke a social or political message of sorts. That really hits home in this current American climate. As this might be the type of film our current government would love that is until the ending. I can only assume this. Though it is more a remote survival movie. Where the characters play cat and mouse throughout.

There is plenty of graphic violence. Even as the victims are anonymous. Except for the fact that you feel sorry for them as they don’t deserve their fates. Especially for just seeking a new And better life for themselves.

The film is still a tight mostly dialogue-less grilled that pumps itself up with impending doom and dread throughout. As there is no humor or true happiness here.

It’s admirable what is done in this film with a simple premise that does so much and how full the film feels. It would be nice if the film had a little more substance. Though it is quite entertaining without it. 

The film definitely has style and luckily does Amy go overboard with it. So that it becomes a distraction In itself or become all the film is truly about.

The film becomes questionable when at the end the villain all of a sudden becomes vulnerable. Though I believe that is to remind us that the is human. Which I don’t believe we ever forget. It also allows the film not to become a total horror film. As it obviously has bigger or better aspirations for itself.

The direction by Jonas Cuaron Son of director Alphonso Cuaron (GRAVITY, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN) while good also makes the film feel more anonymous than anything as you know nothing really about the characters other than some tidbits and circumstances that are presented. Given the situation the characters are in this is understandable. It’s just the film that never makes it’s presence felt. So why should you choose this one from any other random thriller that is offered usually on VOD with a big star name attached?

With this film at least there feels like an effort to make something and not just try to make a film to make a profit only.

Grade: C+

BIG FAN (2009)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Robert D. Siegel
Cinematography By: Michael Simmonds
Editor: John Trank

Cast: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Corrigan, Michael Rappaport, Matt Servitto

A hard-core New York Giants fan struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player.

This film feels like a dark odyssey but it’s one that takes place in a lake, not an ocean or river. A hard-core New York Giants fan struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player.

This is a film that I wanted to love but I ended up only liking a lot. It appealed to me but scared me at how much the main character resembles me and my life. Only I hope not as depressing.


In full admission, I am one of the biggest fans of Patton Oswalt. I actually met him while he was in town filming this movie. It’s a darkly comedic film where all the characters might fit a few stereotypes but they felt real. No one was perfect they all had flaws, They all had good things and bad things about them. 

The Writer-Director of the film is Robert Siegel who also wrote THE WRESTLER. In his direction Siegel is a simple storyteller he doesn’t use visual trickery or distracting angles, He still gets his point across. The film’s low budget also adds to the film’s believability. In his writing, at first, you could write him off as someone interested in characters in sports but each film goes deeper than the actual sport, Which ends up only plays a small part in the overall stories, as the film is showing the in’s and out’s of the sport. 

The film let’s you get inside they’re heads and what is going on and affecting them in their immediate life. It shows the characters and the trouble they find themselves inevitably in usually done to themselves and the fact that the world is cruel. And of course, when it rains it pours. 

Not a fan of the film’s ending but if it ended any other way it wouldn’t have made the impact or told it’s the message the way it clearly wanted do. The film is a downtrodden character study that seems to revel in its misery and you feel it deeply as the situations and characters feel more realistic, then fabricated for the story.  

Of course, the film will be compared to the better TAXI DRIVER. But the film has an identity of its own and lends itself to the 70’s era type of filmmaking. Where character comes before story and plot. The reason I believe those films are so well remembered is that the films felt real and believable and the people who made the film wanted to tell stories and not show off they’re technical know-how and care more about pleasing studios, audiences, and box office returns than making a memorable film and maybe art. 

What this film does cleverly leads you down a dark road. That shocks you and fills you with despair the further you go and at each pit stop you think you know and feel dread thinking you know where it’s going to lead. It goes in that direction, But then gives you a detour. Making it all the more revealing. It’s a Must see but it is not a film that needs to be in your film library.  

GRADE: B+

THE LODGE (2020)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Veronika Franz & Severin Fiala Written by: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala & Sergio Casci  Cinematography: Thimios Bakatakis  Editor: Michael Palm

Cast: Riley Keough, Alicia Silverstone, Jaeden Martell, Lia Mchugh, Richard Armitage 

A soon-to-be stepmom is snowed in with her fiancé’s two children at a remote holiday village. Just as relations begin to thaw between the trio, some strange and frightening events take place.

The film’s Style is what becomes more memorable. As it seems set by the directors. The style and story feel similar to their first feature GOODBYE MOMMY. As this also is a slow burn thriller that seems to have an adult and two children secluded in close quarters with one another and seemingly needing each other to survive.

While one is up for a good slow burn in a thriller especially if it has a worthy pay off. This film comes off as dull. As it has many twists and turns that are shocking but also once we get to the end. You wonder why and the reasoning for the twists and turns make no sense and depends on the audience’s suspension of disbelief or the old adage kids will be kids. 

Though when dealing with a character who survived a horrific incident even before we are introduced to them. First of all, you wonder why the father would bring someone they were dating and knew had mental problems around their children who are already traumatized but then also leave them with her alone.

Sort of like the opening scene where we see the familiar face of Alicia Silverstone dripping ehr kids off to their father who tells her he wants to go through with the divorce and she just immediately locks herself in a room and Killa herself with little to no explanation. We in the audience are just left to assume she has problems with such an extreme act 

This film tries to be THE OTHERS only in reverse it feels. 

The film isn’t bad as Riley Keough again. Gives a shattering good performance. The rest fit eh cast do what they are supposed to do and the direction is on point but the script needs a bit of work. 

As the script seems made to fit the direction more than the story here. As it feels more conceptualized then lived in. This leaves the audience wanting more or at least to show the worm in supporting the film’s plot points. As the film comes off too vague then just ends.

Where as by the end. One can’t help what they enjoy or are entertained but here it feels like this film’s praise is more for style over substance. Even if in the end if for all the ingredients that work. It comes off as a letdown. 

Grade: C

THE STRANGE COLOR OF YOUR BODY’S TEARS (2014)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

strangecolor

Written & Directed By: Helene Cattet & Bruno Forzani
Cinematography By: Manuel Dacosse
Editor: Bernard Beets 

Cast: Klaus Tange, Ursula Bedena, Joe Koener

Following the disappearance of his wife, a man finds himself on a dark and twisted trail of discovery through the labyrinthine halls of his apartment building. Led on a wild goose chase by cryptic messages from his mysterious neighbours, he becomes entangled in a hellish nightmare as he unlocks their strange fantasies of sensuality and bloodshed.

Continue reading “THE STRANGE COLOR OF YOUR BODY’S TEARS (2014)” →

THE SQUEEZE (1977)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Michael Apted 
Written By: Leon Griffiths 
Based on the book “Whose Little Girl Are You” by: David Craig aka James Tucker 
Cinematography: Dennis Lewiston 
Editor: John Shirley 

Cast: Stacy Keach, David Hemmings, Edward Fox, Stephen Boyd, Carol White, Alan Ford, Freddie Starr 

A dangerous, violent gang kidnaps a woman and her daughter to extort some money from her rich husband. He and her down-on-his-luck ex-cop ex-husband decide to deal with the kidnappers themselves.

While not the most exciting heist film. The film does keep the audience interest. As the opening where we follow a drunken Stacy leach through the UK transit system until he falls down a set of stairs and collapses. He is then taken to a hospital and put through rehab. Then he flirts and slater sleeps with his rehab nurse. As well as has a drink or two.

This is before the plot even begins but alerts us that what we are watching will be more character-based then anything. Getting us used to our hero or really our anti-hero. By the end he is really one of the few honest and moral characters. Once he gets home then the plot moves forward. 

Throughout the film, Keach’s Character stays sober but seems to drink heavily when the pressure is on and when he is needed he seems to be able to dry out after getting wasted and is brand new after a few hours. He doesn’t have leading man looks and is usually the toughest guy in the room but might be the smartest. Even as an alcoholic who never seems to want to quit. He is tied into the case as it involves his ex being kidnapped. Like the film, we get to learn about all the figures involved.  

Once the third act begins. So does the action there isn’t A lot but it seems to be the release the film builds towards. Then once it ends the film is more matter of fact and take care of. The film is definitely an old school where you could make a mainstream movie for adults that takes it’s time to set up instead of straight to or putting in action scenes to placate the audience with action until the finale. 

 The villain proves to be the evilest of all. He has a more gentlemanly approach first but then slowly reveals a more vicious side. Though he does have a weakness. Which seems to be the only way for him to show any humanity. He is memorably played by Edward Fox 

The kidnappers second in command has doubts and seems to be the only one who has the right ideas and ends up being correct. Even though he initiates a rape. Which has a scene that is disturbing and still maintains the film’s subtle side. As she is soon treated like a maid or slave by the kidnappers.  

This is a film you soak in as you watch. Getting to know the characters, moods, and tones of the film and story. As going with the unorthodox tone there is a side adventure to a massage parlor that only adds to the film’s quirks and up’s the nudity and gives the film a bit of exploitation. Though it does tie into the Story barely. Showing it trusts it’s Audience to follow even some Ridiculous detours  

GRADE: B-

JOHNNY COOL (1963)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: William Asher
Written By: John McPartland
Based On the novel “The Kingdom of Johnny Cool” By: Joseph London
Cinematography: Sam Leavitt
Editor: Otto Ludwig

Cast: Henry Silva, Elizabeth Montgomery, Telly Savalas, Sammy Davis Jr., Elisha Cook Jr., John Dierks, Jim Backus, Richard Anderson, Joey Bishop, Brad Dexter

Colini, An exiled American gangster living in Sicily, rescues Giordano, a young Sicilian outlaw, from the police. After Giordano is groomed, polished, and renamed “Johnny Cool,” Colini sends him on a vengeance mission to the United States to assassinate the men who plotted his downfall and enforced exile. Johnny arrives in New York and quickly kills several of the underworld figures on Colini’s list. Meanwhile, he picks up Dare Guiness, a wealthy divorcée who becomes his accomplice, and she is severely beaten by the gangsters as a warning against the vendetta.

Th is is a great and beautiful gangster film that I have heard anything about going into it and glad I didn’t. Didn’t have a hype to love up to but was thoroughly entertained and by the end shocked I had never heard of it. Even with it’s a more groovy sounding title. It’s a tight little thriller. This a surprisingly brutal and dark-hearted mob movie where no one gets away scot-free or clean.

You would think this based on a graphic novel made today. As the protagonist at the heart of this tale is a kind of anti-hero sent to do a mission but also has plans of his own. So in the beginning, while the film wants ya to feel for him by the end he has become a villain himself with no happy ending in sight.

The film ends with sorrow as even the innocent character played by Elizabeth Montgomery could have gotten away with her parts in the crimes but ends up being the only honest character and ends up paying the price.

What is interesting about her character is that her character is truthful ashamed and disgusted by the actions of her boyfriend Johnny cool. But she knows if he showed up right then and there it would be impossible to resist him. So she is self-aware realistically.

The assassination and action scenes are riveting and don’t usually show too much violence more alludes to them.  The film has an old school charm where even dealing in the underworld With plenty of doubles crosses everyone comes off dignified and sharp.

This is half a rat pack film as it has small roles played by Sammy Davis jr who also sings a few songs on the soundtrack and Joey bishop plays a small pivotal role, as well as the film Was produced by peter Lawford. Plus Henry Silva playing the title role. has co-Starred in many frank Sinatra and rat pack films. Playing various races in films over the years. 
 

This film is a little known gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated more. 

Grade: B-