Michael Bay's spectacular highly suspenseful caper action epic is filled with jaw-dropping action sequences and thrilling kinetic cinematography. It takes place in Los Angeles where a decorated Marine veteran named Will Sharp, superbly played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, desperately needs money for his beloved wife's lifesaving cancer operation because he cannot get insurance coverage for her. In desperation he reluctantly turns to his crazy career criminal adoptive brother Danny Sharp, sensationally played by Jake Gyllenhaal in an intense scene-stealing performance that is unforgettable, who is about to commit a $32 million dollar bank heist with a group of muscle bound thugs, he recruits Will to join the group. But a set of unforeseen circumstances will turn the bank job into a deadly nightmare. Will and Danny end up shooting a cop, and soon after hijacking at gunpoint the very ambulance that the seriously wounded cop is in, along with the beautiful and tough paramedic Cam Thompson, terrifically played by Eiza Gonzalez, who has no choice and must comply, she is to keep the cop alive at all costs or she will be killed by Danny, who wants the cop as insurance against the army of L. A. police who are in hot high-speed pursuit and are hellbent on nailing them. Solid direction by Bay who gives us breathtaking action set pieces, and fine performances from his cast that includes A Martinez, Garret Dilahunt, Keir O'Donnell, Olivia Stambouliah, Mose Ingram, Colin Woodell, Cedric Sanders, and Jesse Garcia. Ambulance is not a brainy film, it is a riveting popcorn thriller that is pure escapism and will have you at the edge-your-seat from beginning to end. Highly recommended.
Reviews
69 Reviews
Nope
(2022)
PEELE'S NEW SCI-FI THRILLER IS SENSATIONAL
27 August 2022
Jordan Peele's compelling visual stunning new sci-fi thriller is a slow burn, but once the story picks up you'll be hooked by this thoroughly enjoyable summer spectacle. The story concerns a horse rancher OJ Haywood, terrifically played by Daniel Kaluuya, and his immature, outspoken, sassy younger sister Emerald, memorably played by Keke Palmer, who is a royal pain in the ass, they run their late father's business Hollywood Horses that rents out horses to film studios for movies. Soon some mysterious and inexplicable things begin to happend around their selcluded ranch land, like horses disappearing and then people in the area begin to vanish without a trace. One day OJ witnesses some kind of unearthly massive shape flying fast in the clouds, he becomes convinced that there is a UFO that stalks the skies over his ranch land. OJ tells is sister of his sighting and she gets an ideal of cashing in on it by getting the perfect picture of a UFO, the "Oprah shot" as she calls it. They enlist the help of lonely handsome tech guy named Angel, wonderfully played by Brandon Perea, from the local electronic and appliances store to help set up all the HD cameras that they have brought and put them around the ranch pointing to the skies. But it is going to be a lot harder than they thought to capture a picture of this extraterrestrial airborne menace. So they call upon the help of a craggy veteran cinematography Antlers Hoist, brilliantly played by Michael Wincott in a scene-stealing turn, from the film studio where they once rented out their horses. OJ his sister with Hoist and Angel team up and are ready to set up a shot where the UFO will come out of the sky for the bait that they have laid down for it, this will lead to the film's finale heart-pounding and suspenseful climax that is truly unforgettable. Astute direction by Peele who also wrote the clever and intelligent original screenplay, gorgeous cinematography by Michael Abels, and exceptional performances by Steven Yeun, Keith David, Donna Mills, Devon Graye, and Barbie Ferreira. Impressive visual effects by Lindsay Adams. One of 2022 best films. Highly recommended.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
(2022)
AN EFFECTIVE HORROR SHOW
20 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
David Blue Garcia's effective and suspenseful sequel to Tobe Hooper's classic 1974 slasher film. It takes place some 50 years after the horrific events of the original film. The infamous hulking mass murder known as Leatherface, chillingly played by Mark Burnham in a wordless performance, has been in hiding all these years in the deserted town of Harlow, Texas which is in the middle of no where and has only two residents. An old lady Mrs. Mc that use to run a local orphanage, superbly played by Alice Krige, who looks after Leatherface as her son, and the other is a tough guy mechanic named Richter, marvelously played by Moe Dunford. The new owners of the town are group of young idealistic friends and entrepreneurs named Dante, Melody, and Lila, superbly played by Jacob Latimore, Sarah Yarkin, and Elsie Fisher, who have just arrived with the hopes of revitalizing it, they have a busload of big money investors arriving in just a few hours to see it. But when they get into a serious argument with Mrs. Mc about her still occupying her old orphange home that leads to her having a heart attack, things will take turn for the worse. Leatherface will go on a murderous rampage looking for revenge and whoever he can cut to pieces with his chainsaw. Good direction by Garcia, striking cinematography by Ricardo Diaz, and proactive editing by Christopher S. Capp, but what really works for this well-crafted horror film is the shocking and intense violence and gore, as well as the nail-biting action sequences. No masterpiece here for sure, but a good entertaining and bloody horror show. Recommended. Now streaming on Netflix.
Being the Ricardos
(2021)
FINE FILM WITH BRILLIANT TURNS BY KIDMAN AND BARDEM.
12 February 2022
Aaron Sorkin's intriguing, meticulously crafted look at one production week of the number one show on television "I Love Lucy" the classic groundbreaking sitcom which had a remarkable viewership of 60 million people, and the behind the scenes trials and tribulations into the weekly making of the show, as well as the stresses put upon the marriage of the iconic show's legendary and beloved stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz who played Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, magnificently played by Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem who recieved richly deserved Oscar nominations for Best Actress and Best Actor for their remarkable performances. Special kudos must be given to both J. K. Simmons for his exceptionally endearing Oscar nominated performance as the alcoholic actor William Frawley who played Fred Mertz, and Nina Arianda's marvelous turn as actress Vivian Vance who played Ethel Mertz the Ricardo's best friends and neighbors. Fine supporting performances by Linda Lavin, Ronny Cox, John Rubenstein, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat, and Jake Lacy. Astute direction by Sorkin who also wrote the intelligent screenplay which is a terrific blend of drama and comedy, and exquisite cinematography by Jeff Cronenweth. Highly recommended.
House of Gucci
(2021)
AN ENGROSSING FILM BY SIR RIDLEY SCOTT!
2 February 2022
Sir Ridley Scott's intriguing and fascinating docudrama about the world famous Italian fashion house of Gucci, and the story of the humble outsider Patrizia Reggani, sensationally played by Lady Gaga in a truly impressive performance, who meets and falls for Maurizio Gucci, brilliantly played by Adam Driver, the heir and only son of the mega-rich and powerful Rodolfo Gucci, terrifically played by Jeremy Irons, they soon get married and her ruthless ambition and greed completely transformers her Into a cut-throat business woman who will stop at nothing to get her way. Patrizia sees Maurizio's beloved uncle Aldo Gucci, magnificently played by the scene-stealing Al Pacino, as a way to achieve her ends, and her actions will trigger a series of betrayals that will tear the Gucci family apart and ultimately lead to murder. Masterful direction by Scott, with gorgeous cinematography by Dariusz Wolski, with an intelligent screenplay by Roberto Bentivegna, and exceptional supporting performances by Jared Leto, Jack Huston, Salma Hayek, Reeve Carney, and Camille Cottin. Engrossing and entertaining from beginning to end. A must-see.
Squid Game
(2021– )
BRILLIANT, HYPER-VIOLENT ADDICTIVE TV SERIES!
9 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Hwang Dong-hyuk's thrilling, hyper-violent, unique Korean TV series steaming now on Netflix is one of the most original and gripping shows ever produced for the medium. Taking place in South Korea, it concerns people who are in serious financial ruin that receive a mysterious invitation to compete in a series of children's game at a secret location that could earn the sole winner the ultimate prize of millions of dollars in cash, but the catch is you have a certain amount of time to succeed, and the losers are brutally executed on the spot. The series' lead protagonists are Seong, sensationally played by Lee Jung-Jae, a divorce gambling addict with a lovely young daughter who is in deep debt to some vicious loan sharks, his childhood friend Cho Sang-woo, superbly played by Park Hae-soo, who was the golden boy of the neighborhood that went to a prestigious business university, and now his wanted by the police for embezzling great sums of money from clients of the company he worked for, a beautiful young pickpocket named Kang Sae-byeok, impressively played by Jung Hoyeon, who needs the money for her baby brother who is in an orphanage, a Pakistani migrant worker, Ali Adul, terrifically played by Anupam Tripathi, who is on the run and is desperate for money to support his infant child and beloved wife, a sickly old man, Oh ll-nam, endearingly played by Oh Yeong-su, who has nothing to lose, and a murderous criminal, Jang Deok-su, memorably played by Heo Sung-tae, who is on the run from killer gangsters. Marvelously directed by Dong-hyuk, it has a truly engrossing screenplay by Hwang Dong-hyuk, stunning cinematography by Lee hyeong-Deok, and incredibles sets. This highly addictive show had me and my dear wife on the edge of our seats, the suspense is almost unbearable at times. We cannot want for season two to get here. Highly recommended.
Spider-Man: No Way Home
(2021)
ONE OF THE FINEST COMIC BOOK FILMS EVER!
9 January 2022
Jon Watts' dazzling, exciting, funny, big-screen superhero blockbuster that really delivers. It picks up where the previous film "Far From Home" left off, Spider-Man's secret identity as Peter Parker, wonderfully played by Tom Holland, has been revealed to the world, which has made his life utterly chaotic so in desperation he turns to Doctor Strange, superbly played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who casts a powerful spell to make everyone forget that he is Spider-Man, but something goes terribly wrong and the multiverse is shattered, which has the effect of bringing back nefarious super villains from the past that threaten the destruction of the entire world. This genre epic is a real game changer with astounding action sequences, eye-popping visual effects, a strong nostalgic feel, and a few big surprises. Solid direction Watts, with impeccable performances by Zendaya, Willem Defoe, Alfred Molina, Jamie Fox, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, J. K. Simmons, Tony Revolori, and Benedict Wong. The best and most enjoyable Marvel film ever. Highly recommended.
Dune
(2021)
A NEW GENRE CLASSIC AND THE BEST FILM OF 2021
1 January 2022
Denis Villeneuve's brilliantly crafted visionary adaptation of part one of Frank Herbert's classic 1965 landmark sci-fi novel is truly a spectacular cinematic achievement. It tells the story that takes place in another galaxy thousands of years in the future of a mythic young hero named Paul Atreides, sensationally played by Timothee Chalamet, who is the skilled warrior son of the powerful Duke Leto, impressively played by Oscar Isaac, who accepts stewardship of the dangerous desert world of Arrakis which is also known as Dune, where 'the spice' the most precious substance in the entire universe grows. Once Paul arrives on Arrakis he will soon learn that he is destined to become a Messiah like figure who will be the future leader of the resistance movement to free Arrakis and it's people the Fremen from the malevolent forces of the sinister Baron Vladimir Harkonnen, memorably played by Stellan Skarsgard. Masterful direction by Villeneuve who's rapturous and exquisitely detailed world-building design for this epic is astonishing, an exquisite score by Hans Zimmer, magnificent cinematography by Greig Fraser, and stunning visual effects that are jaw-dropping. Exceptional performances by Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Jason Mamoa, Javier Bardem, Zendaya, Charlotte Rampling, and Dave Bautisa. The intelligent screenplay by Villeneuve, Jon Spaihts, and Eric Roth is filled with political intrigue, betrayals, moral tests, witchcraft, and the coming of war is totally gripping from beginning to end. The best film of 2021 and a new genre classic masterpiece.
Halloween Kills
(2021)
SOLID ULTRA-VIOLENT SEQUEL WITH CHILLING MOMENTS
26 December 2021
David Gordon Green's gruesomely effective ultra-violent sequel to his 2018 box office hit Halloween which ended with Michael Myers the human incarnation of pure evil being burned alive in the booby-trapped basement of Laurie Strode's home as she escaped with her daughter and granddaughter. Laurie, brilliantly played again by Jamie Lee Curtis, is now resting after an emergency operation for a serious knife wound at a local hospital. But the unstoppable Michael rises out of the raging inferno of Laurie's house and begins to brutally kill all the first responders and firefighters at the scene, he then heads towards his childhood town of Haddonfield to continue his bloody rampage of murder, only this time he will have to face a vengeful mob of traumatized townspeople who are being led by Tommy Doyle, superbly played by Anthony Michael Hall, who as boy witnessed Michael's killings and is now hellbent on stopping his evil for good. Solid direction by Green who makes this suspenseful horror film even more frightening and shocking by the extreme level of graphic and bloody killings caused by Michael. Fine supporting performances by Judy Green, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Thomas Mann, Jim Cummings, Charles Cyphers, Scott MacArthur, and Nancy Stephens. Striking cinematography by Michael Simmonds, and a terrific score by John Carpenter and his son Cody Carpenter. A compelling horror show. Highly recommended.
Belfast
(2021)
BRILLIANT MOVING FILM BY BRANAGH
26 December 2021
Kenneth Branagh's beautifully crafted, semi-autobiographical coming of age drama which is set in 1969 in Belfast, Ireland during the violent revolt between Protestants and Catholics. The events in this gem of a film are seen through the innocent young eyes of a charming 9 year old boy named Buddy, sensationally played by Jude Hill in an impressive big screen acting debut, he witnesses protestants' start a raging riot in his neighborhood breaking windows, assaulting people, and burning cars, his beloved Pa, marvelously played by Jamie Dorman, is threaten by the malicious leader of the uprising to join his armed group to push the Catholics out or else, this will forced him and his family to making a heartbreaking and life-changing decision. Masterfully written and directed by Branagh, with truly exceptional performances by the great Judi Dench as Granny, Calitriona Belfe as Ma, Ciarian Hinds as Pop, Lewis McAskie as Will, Josie Walker as Auntie Violet, Nessa Vanessa as Cousin Venessa, and Charlie Barnard as Cousin Charlie. Gorgeous black & white cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos, and a wonderful soundtrack filled with Van Morrison songs. A heartfelt powerful film that is one of the year's finest. Highly recommended.
Don't Look Up
(2021)
A DARK DOOMSDAY COMEDY!
25 December 2021
Adam McKay's madcap darkly funny apocalyptic black comedy is also a chilling political satire. It concerns PH. D student astronomer named Kate Dibiasky, wonderfully played by Jennifer Lawrence, who discovers a massive comet the size of Mount Everest speeding towards Earth, she informs her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, brilliantly played by Leonardo DiCaprio, who make some calculations and to his horror discovers that comet will hit and destroy the Earth in 6 months. Dr. Mindy and Kate with the help of Dr. Oglethorpe, superbly played by Rob Morgan, go to the White House to brief the moronic Trump-like President Orlean, terrifically played by Meryl Streep in a scene-stealing turn, and her obnoxious son Jason who is her Chief of Staff, nicely played by Jonah Hill, she is completely indifferent to the new and just does not get that this comet is a planet killer. So Dr. Mindy and Kate take to the airwaves on a television tour to try to get the attention of the social media obsessed public before it's to late. Astute direction by McKay, with exceptional supporting performances by Care Blanchett, Timothee Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Tyler Perry, Ron Perlman, Michael Chiklis, and Robert Joy. Exqusite cinematography by Linus Sandgren, and striking visual effects. A totally outrageous and hilarious doomsday comedy. Highly recommended.
West Side Story
(2021)
SPIELBERG' REMAKE IS EXTRAORDINARY!
12 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Steven Spielberg's phenomenal, visually stunning, vibrant, epic reimagining of the beloved 1961 Oscar winning musical classic is truly an impressive cinematic achievement. The film is similar to the original with only a few changes in it's storyline and some songs sang in different order and locations, this does not effect the overall emotional impact of the film. It takes place in Manhattan's upper West side in 1958 where most of the neighborhood is being demolished to make way for the New York State theatre Lincoln Center as well as some new high-rent housing. Two rival street gangs that live in this area and utterly hate each other are the Jets (American born whites) and the Sharks (Puerto Rican immigrants), the trouble begins when former gang leader Tony, superbly played by Ansel Elgort, who created the Jets along with his best friend Riff, terrifically played by Mike Faist, is now on parole and is trying to make a new start in life after serving a year in prison for nearly killing a member of another immigrant rival gang, but as fate will have it he excepts an invitation to a social dance at a high school from Riff, there he encounters a beautiful young Puerto Rican girl named Maria, magnificently played by Rachel Zegler in a remarkable big-screen debut, their eyes locked across the crowded gymnasium dance floor and the fall in love at first sight. Maria's hot-headed over protective older brother Bernardo, brilliantly played by the scene-stealing David Alvarez, who is the proud leader of the Sharks confronts Tony and forbids him to see his sister, this will unfortunately set in motion a series of consequences that will be truly tragic. Skillful direction by Spielberg who does a masterful job on his first musical and makes this version of West Side Story his own, and gets exceptional supporting performances from Ariana DeBose as the sassy Anita in a sensational turn, Brian d'arcy as Police Officer Krupke, Corey Stollas as Lt. Schrank, Josh Andres Rivera as Chino, and Iris Menas as Anybodys. Special kudos to Rita Moreno for her wonderfully endearing performance as Valentina, the widow of Doc the Candy store owner. Breathtaking cinematography by Janusz Kaminski, with dazzling dance choreography by Justin Peck which is based on the late great Jerome Robbins' legendary work on the original film, it also beautifully incorporates the iconic music by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. All of the classic songs "America." "I Feel Pretty," "Maria," "Tonight," "One Hand, One Heart," "Gee, Officer Krupke" are wonderfully rendered by the game cast, with fresh new treatments for "Someday," and "Cool." Flawless period recreation, marvelous production design, and gorgeous costume design. One of this year's best films. Highly recommended.
The Last Duel
(2021)
A GREAT PERIOD EPIC BY SIR RIDLEY SCOTT
5 December 2021
Sir Ridley Scott's staggering, meticulously crafted nail-biting period drama during the Middle Ages concerning betrayal, lies, and distorted truth. This epic is based on the true story of France's last trail by combat, a duel to the death between the Knight Jean de Carrouges, brilliantly played by Matt Damon in impressive performance of great dignity, and his former friend Jacques Le Gris, marvelously played by Adam Driver, after Sir de Carrouges' wife the Lady Marguerite, sensationally played by Jodie Comer, accuses him of rape, which is told in the points of view of the different characters which they perceive as the truth. Masterful direction by Scott, who gives his film thrilling and brutal battle sequences, and a climactic suspenseful bloody duel between Damon and Driver that has some of the best swordplay in cinematic history. Exceptional supporting performances by Harriet Walter, Alex Lawter, Marton Csokas, Zeljko Ivanek, Nathaniel Parker, Tallulah Haddon, William Houston, and Oliver Cotton. Special kudos to Ben Affleck for his terrific performance as Pierre d'Alencon the malicious royal cousin King Charles VI. Gorgeous cinematography by Dariusz Woiski. A rewarding adult entertainment that is truly a must-see. Highly recommended.
Spencer
(2021)
A FINE FILM WITH A GREAT TURN BY STEWART
5 December 2021
Pablo Larrin's riveting biographical drama about the late beloved Princess of Wales Diana Frances Spencer, remarkably played by Kristen Stewart in a truly phenomenal performance that captures her mannerisms perfectly as well as her inner psychological torment. The film focuses on three days of Diana's life during the Christmas holiday spent at Queen Elizabeth's massive country retreat, the Sandringham House, in the 1990s. Diana hates being there and struggles with her mental heath due the suffocating atmosphere created by the emotionless and dysfunctional royal family. It is only Diana's close relationship with her two beloved sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, wonderfully played by Jack Nielen and Freddie Spry, and her loyal and trusted dresser, Maggie, endearingly played by Sally Hawkins, that keep her from having a complete nervous breakdown. Skillful direction by Larrin, with a compelling screenplay by Steven Knight, exquisitely beautiful cinematography by Claire Mathon, a fine original score by Jonny Greenwood, and exceptional supporting performances by Timothy Spall, Sean Harris, Jack Farthing, Stella Gonet, Richard Sammel, Elizabeth Berrington, and Amy Manson, but it is Stewart's brilliant emotional powerhouse of a performance that dominates this fine film. Highly recommended.
Lawrence of Arabia
(1962)
ONE OF THE GREATEST EPIC FILMS EVER MADE
23 November 2021
David Lean's magnificent classic epic masterpiece is one of most visually stunning motion pictures of all-time thanks to Freddie Young's extraordinary Oscar winning cinematography which is some of the most beautifully poetic ever capture on celluloid. The film is a richly textured character study of the legendary T. E. Lawrence, brilliantly played by Peter O' Toole in an Oscar, Golden Globe Award nominated and BAFTA Film Award winning performance for Best Actor. O' Toole's star-making portrayal captures many of the nuances and character subtleties of this complex insecure and deeply troubled hero who struggled all his life with his homosexuality, it shows his exploits and his emergence from odd out of place British Army Officer to respected and feared leader of Arab resistance which he led against the Turkish empire during World War I. Masterful Oscar winning direction by Lean, with a fascinating and intelligent Oscar nominated and BAFTA Film Award winning screenplay by Robert Bolt, and a majestic Oscar winning original score by Maurice Jarre. Flawlessly galvanizing supporting performances by Sir Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Claude Rains, Arthur Kennedy. Special kudos to Omar Sharif for his powerful Oscar nominated and Golden Globe Award winning performance as Sherif Ali. Winner of 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture. "Lawrence of Arabia" is number 5 on the American Film institute's list of the 100 greatest films ever made. Highly recommended.
Last Night in Soho
(2021)
A STYLISH HORROR DRAMA
7 November 2021
Edgar Wright's surrealistic nightmarish fever dream of a thriller with a supernatural twist. About a troubled young woman with some mental issues named Eloise, impressively played by Thomasin McKenzie, who's mother committed suicide when she was a child, and she frequently sees her in mirrors. She leaves to London to attened a fashion school and moves into an large old house which owned by the mysterious Ms. Collins, brilliantly played by the late great Diana Rigg, in her final screen performance. Eloise starts having strange dream-like visions of the past in the Soho section of London during the 60s where she is witnessing the life of an aspiring lounge singer called Sandie, wonderfully played Anya Taylor-Joy, who meets her sleazy manager Jack, superbly played by Matt Smith, who helps propel her career, but these visions soon become very dark when they begin to threaten Eloise's life in the present. A very stylish horror drama with astute direction by Wright, and fine supporting performances from Terence Stamp, Aimee Cassettari, Rita Tushingham, Connor Calland, Rebecca Harrod, and Terence Frisch. The technical aspects of this intense motion picture were absolutely brilliant, the exquisite cinematography by Chung-hoon Chung is visually stunning, and the production design by Marcus Rowland is extraordinary. One of this year's finest films. Highly recommended.
No Time to Die
(2021)
CRAIG'S FINEST TURN AS BOND AND A BRILLIANT FILM!
10 October 2021
Cary Joji Fukunaga's dramatic, action-packed, moving extravaganza gives a royal farewell to Daniel Craig's kickass James Bond series of films. It concerns a retired James Bond, brilliantly played by Daniel Craig with real conviction, who is living and enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica with his beautiful wife Madeline, wonderfully played by Lex Seydoux, but this is short-lived when his old CIA friend Felix Leiter, superbly played by Jeffrey Wright, appears and asks for his help to find a kidnapped scientist, but this covert mission is more treacherous then expected when Bond discovers a complex plot involving a mysterious scarred face sociopathic villain named Lyutsifer Safin, effectively played by Oscar winner Rami Malek in a truly creepy performance, who possesses a super lethal DNA-altering bioweapon that threatens the entire world. Terrific direction by Fukunaga who gives his film stunning action sequences that are truly jaw-dropping, exceptional supporting performances by Ralph Fiennes as M, Ben Whishaw as Q, Rory Kinnear as Tanner, Naomie Harris as Moneypenny, Christoph Waltz as Biofeld, with special kudos to Lashana Lynch as Nomi the new no-nonsense "007" female agent and Ana de Armas as the gorgeous and deadly CIA agent Paloma. Breathtaking cinematography by Linus Sandgren, with an evocative score by Hans Zimmer, and a haunting Grammy Award winning title song which was written and beautifully sung by Billie Eilish. I totally enjoyed and was highly entertained by this expertly-crafted epic film which is a perfect swan song to Daniel Craig's sensational 15 year tenure as James Bond throughout 5 films, and his impressive farewell performance delivers on all levels. Highly recommended.
The Many Saints of Newark
(2021)
SUPERBLY CRAFTED AND ACTED PREQUEL!
2 October 2021
Alan Taylor's superbly crafted prequel to David Chase' legendary HBO classic crime drama TV series is slow-paced but is a consistently engaging motion picture. It tells the story of Dickie Moltisanti, sensationally played by Alessandro Nivola, who is the father of Christopher from the original TV series, and the criminal mentor to a teenage Tony Soprano who would later become the powerful future mob boss, he is brilliantly played by Michael Gandolfini the son of the late great Emmy Award winning Sopranos star James, and he not only resembles his father, but also has the same piercing angry glare in his eyes. Dickie struggles with the changing times in the race-torn city of Newark, New Jersey with rival gangsters, his sexy greedy mistress Joanne, wonderfully played by Gabriella Piazza, and a very dangerous, ambitious black thug that use to work for him named Harold, impressively played by Leslie Odom Jr.. Astute direction by Taylor, with marvelous cinematography by Kramer Morgenthau, and fine supporting performances by Ray Liotta, Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Michela De Rossi, John Magaro, Billy Magnussen, Joey Diaz, and Ed Marinaro. Special kudos must go to Vera Farmiga for her truly uncanny turn as Tony's unbalanced mother Livia Soprano. As a huge fan of the original Sopranos I am very pleased with this film, and only hope that David Chase continues with more movie sequels or ever better putting it back on HBO as a new TV series. Highly recommended.
Cry Macho
(2021)
A WONDERFUL ROAD MOVIE WITH A BRILLIANT TURN BY EASTWOOD
19 September 2021
Clint Eastwood's elegant, bittersweet, heartfelt road movie is a slow-burn that is marvelously crafted and beautifully acted. 91 year old living legend Clint Eastwood delivers a wonderfully low-key charismatic performance as an aging ex-rodeo rider and horse trainer named Mike Milo, who has had a tragic hard-bitten life of drink and despair, especially after losing his wife and child in a car accident many years ago. He takes on a job from his ex-boss Howard Polk, nicely played by Dwight Yoakam, to go to Mexico and bring his 13 year old estranged son Rafo, superbly played by Eduardo Minett, back to the United States to free him from his wealthy and abusive alcoholic mother, well-played by Fernanda Urrejola. When Milo locates Rafo who has runaway from his mother, he is living on the streets and making money at illegal cockfights with his prized rooster 'Macho.' He explains and convinces Rafo to go back with him to Texas to live with his father, but his vindictive mother sends one of her hired thugs after them. Milo and Rafo's perilous journey will become an odyssey of self-discovery and redemption that will develop into a deep bond between them. Astute direction by Eastwood, with exquisite cinematography by Ben Davis, and fine supporting performances by Natalia Traven, Ivan Hernadez, Marco Rodriguez, Ramona Thornton, Elida Munoz, Cesia Isabel Rosales, and Jorge-Luis Pallo. This wholesome little cinematic gem is Eastwood's 39th film as a director and it is filled with warmth, humor, and good-feelings. Highly recommended.
Nobody
(I) (2021)
ANDRENALINE-PUMPING THRILL RIDE!
29 August 2021
IIya Naishuller's witty, clever, blood-soaked action thriller which is truly impressive and engaging. It concerns a mild-manned suburban working class father named Hutch Mansell, sensationally played by Bob Odenkirk, who lives a very mundane existence with his wife and children, superbly played by Connie Nielsen, Gage Munroe, and Paisley Cadorath, until one night when a pair of thieves break into his home and change all that, Hutch decides not to defend himself or attack the thieves, which disappoints his son and shames him in front of his wife, but it also awakens a long-dormant rage and a set of super-lethal skills from his secret past. One evening soon after the incident in his home Hutch will have to stand up against a group of young cutthroats on a city bus, where he beats the hell out of all of them, making their murderous Russia crimelord boss Yulian Kuznetsov, terrifically played by Aeksey Serebryakov, seek vengeance on him and his beloved family. Solid direction by Naishuller, who givies film a series of jaw-dropping action sequnces and gun battles, fine supporting performances by Michael Ironsides, RZA, Colin Salmon, Billy MacLellan, and Araya Mengesha. Special Kudos to the scene-stealing Christopher Lloyd for his brilliantly amusing turn as Hutch's elderly father David Mansell. An adrenaline-pumping thrill ride that is one of this year's best films. Highly recommended.
Those Who Wish Me Dead
(2021)
COMPELLING THRILLER WITH FINE TURN BY JOLIE
25 May 2021
Taylor Sheridan's compelling thriller which is tense, visceral and gripping. About a guilt-ridden traumatized Montana forest firefighter named Hanna, sensationally played by Angelina Jolie in an emotionally powerful performance, who helps a teenage boy named Connor, superbly played by Finn Little, who is the son of a murdered forensic accountant, Owen, wonderfully played by Jake Weber, that before his death gave Connor written evidence that the two merciless professional assassins, Jack and Patrick, chilling played by Aidan Gillen and Nicholas Hoult, who killed him must have for their employer. Hanna must use all of her expert survival skills to allude the two pursuing killers, but now she has another major problem which is a massive forest fire heading her way. Solid direction by Sheridan who gives his film exciting action sequences, gorgeous cinematography by Ben Richardson, and a terrific score by Brian Tyler. Outstanding supporting performances by Jon Bernthal, Mediba Senghore, Terry Perry, Boots Southerland, and Tony Kittles. I really don't understand the hate for this film which some people have for it, as a piece of cinematic escapism it is an engaging, entertaining, and highly suspenseful motion picture and certainly worth a watch. Highly recommended.
The Hustler
(1961)
ONE OF NEWMAN'S FINEST PERFORMANCES
30 January 2021
Robert Rossen's gripping classic film about a highly skilled pool shark named "Fast" Eddie Felson, played brilliantly by Paul Newman in a marvelously controlled and artful Oscar nominated performance, he creates a cool antihero that is charismatic but fundamentally flawed and totally unbeatable with a pool cue. But Eddie has an Achilles heel which is his own arrogance, it's not enough for him to win he must force his opponent to acknowledge his superiority. The movie follows "Fast" Eddie on the road with his partner setting-up a long line of suckers to lose their bankroll on pool games with him. Eddie's dream is to to play and defeat the master of the game the legendary billiards champion Minnesota Fats, played by Jackie Gleason in a magnificent scene-stealing bravura Oscar nominated performance. Felson falls in love with Sarah, played by Piper Laurie in a superlative performance, she is a alcoholic would-be writer and sometime prostitute, and falls under the spell of the nefarious Bert Gordon, marvelously played by George C. Scott in a compelling turn, who is a successful and ruthless gambler that takes Eddie under his wing and teaches him how to play for the big-time money. However when Sarah joins Eddie and Bert on a trip to Louisville for a high-stakes match with a dandy named Findlay, nicely played by Murray Hamilton, the consequences prove tragic. Rossen direction is absolutely flawless, and there are some wonderful cameos from pool champ Willie Mosconi and boxer Jake LaMotta that add to the atmosphere of Harry Horner's grubby production design and Eugen Schüfftan's extraordinary black & white camerawork. An exceptional motion picture.
👉🏻 Note: In 1986 some 25 years later Newman returned to his iconic role of "Fast" Eddie Felson in Martin Scorsese's marvelous sequel 'The Color of Money' for which he finally earned an Oscar for Best Actor for his remarkable performance.
Upgrade
(2018)
A UNIQUE AND CLEVER CYBERPUNK THRILLER
18 January 2021
Leigh Whannell's clever genre-bending cyberpunk sci-fi thriller is action-packed and absolutely entertaining. Taking place in the near future it concerns an old school car mechanic named Grey Trace, terrifically played by Logan Marshall-Green, who restores classic cars for rich collectors. After he and his wife Asha, wonderfully played by Melanie Vallejo, deliver a restored Mustang to the underground residence of the mega-rich computer programmer and visionary inventor Eron Keen, superbly played by Harrison Gilbertson, on the way back home Grey and Asha are carjacked by a ruthless gang of of sadistic thugs, Asha is murdered right in front of Grey who is then shot and left for dead, when Grey wakes up in the hospital he discovers that he is now a quadriplegic. The computer wiz Keen visits Grey at the hospital and offers him a chance to have his life back as it once was. he explains to him that he has developed a new revolutionary chip called STEM that can help him walk again. After so misgivings he reluctantly agrees to have the chip implanted in his body, and he does walk again, but he soon discovers that STEM can talk to him directly, and he also learns that it can control his body giving super-human strength and an amazing fighting ability. Grey with the help from STEM is now hellbent on finding his wife killers and avenging her. Astute direction by Whannell who wrote the compelling screenplay, and give his film striking visual effects, and stunning action sequences. Unique and original.
AN UNFORGETTABLE DOCUMENTARY ABOUT AN INFAMOUS SERIAL KILLER
16 January 2021
Tiller Russell's powerful, disturbing and insightful four part Netflix documentary series about one of the most infamous serial killers in American history, his name was Richard Ramirez who was known as the Night Stalker. His crime spree which lasted from June 1984 to August 1985 that terrorized the residents of Los Angeles and later San Francisco with the brutal murders of 14 people, and the 11 rapes of women both young and old, little girls and boys. Ramirez who was a devil worshiping psychotic Mexican who was tall at 6'1,' with a lanky body, dark haired, rotten stained teeth, and piercing demonic dark eyes was truly an inhuman monster. This engrossing series does not focus on him, but on the two dedicated LAPD detectives Gil Carrillo and Frank Salerno assigned to the case who were hot on his trail, and on Ramirez' shocking crimes and his many victims, some of whom miraculously survived, they talk about their horrific encounter with him, and also do the heartbroken family members who's lives were never be the same because of him. Informative an utterly unforgettable. Warning Note: They are some bloody and graphic real crime scene photographs that are very hard to watch.
White Heat
(1949)
ONE OF JAMES CAGNEY'S GREATEST PERFORMANCES
13 January 2021
Raoul Walsh's fast-pace powerful motion picture classic is one of the top crime-heist drama of it's era. James Cagney delivers a sensationally hypnotic performance as the cold-blooded psychotic gangster Cody Jarrett that is totally unforgettable, he has a deep pathological fixation on his doting criminal mother, Ma Jarrett, memorably played by Margaret Wycherly. His ambitious lieutenant Big Ed, terrifically by Steve Cochran, has been secretly taking up with Cody's sexy, vulgar wife Verna, played superbly by Virgina Mayo. Big Ed is going to try to have Cody killed in prison where Cody is serving two years for a hotel robbery he did not commit in order to get away with the deadly train robbery that got him $300,000 and cost the lives of four people. Unbeknownst to Cody an undercover specialist Hank Fallon, impressively by Edmond O' Brien, has been placed in the same cell with him as another con named Vic Pardo, in order to try to get into Cody's crew and get information on the train robbery and where the money is in order to nail him, but when Ma Jarrett is murdered, Cody's goes completely berserk and escape from prison with his crew and the undercover agent Fallon to avenge his mother's death, and pull a new bigger caper. Masterfully directed by Walsh, with excellent black & white cinematography by Sidney Hickox. Solid supporting performances by Jogn Archer, Wally Cassell, Fred Clark, and Joel Allen. 50 year-old Cagney return to his popular gangster image here for the last time and he is electrifying in one of the finest and most vivid performances of his legendary career, the infamous apocalyptic showdown finale with him on top on a giant gas tank surrounded by the police where Cody is shot several times by a high powered rifle but is still defiantly standing and maniacally laughing until he deliberately takes his gun and shoots the gas tank that he is standing on as he screams out "Made it Ma, top of the world" as the tank explodes into a gigantic fireball is one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history. An American classic in every sense of the word.
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