Another Look: The Odd Couple (****) gives our first date with Lemmon and Matthau
Ultimately, what works best is the chemistry of the two leads, as everyone else appears to be along for the same ride as the viewers.
Forgotten Gem: Murder By Death (****) is about the punchline
If you like Knives Out, this film is at least a spiritual predecessor to that comic mystery masterpiece. Absurdity is a journey in an of itself. The mystery is a bonus.
Another Look (*1/2) Runaway hides its talent in an 80’s crappy movie
This is not so much a film to remember as it is one to learn from. There were a lot of movies like this one in the 1980’s, and we survived to make more stupid films later.
3 Godfathers (***) – John Ford / John Wayne play on Wisemen
All told, this is a beautiful, if dispensable film for any time. It’s got a universal appeal with a simple story that works for purposes of a positive message in a desert world.
Godzilla vs. Kong (***1/2) is great when people aren’t there
So here we are, the main event. Where does this series go now?
Nobody (***1/2) makes Odenkirk John Wick
Watching Bob Odenkirk live out his John Wick fantasy is a treat for any asshole who pictures himself something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Criminal (**1/2) Good, but sometimes horrible
It’s not often one goes to a Gary Oldman film and ends up preferring anyone else’s performance.
Another Look at Joe Kidd (***)
This film is not the pinnacle of any of the talent involved in its creation. Still, it’s got too much talent to ignore the film completely.
Let’s talk about Zack Snyder’s Justice League (***1/2)
We’ve lost many of this cast that could have been good for a few more films at least. Where do we go from here when this film makes us want to go back?
Promising Young Woman (***1/2): Girl, Interrupted
There is a tacit understanding within the bounds of Promising Young Woman that men of college age and above are perverted cowards at best, rapists at worst.
Fatale (***1/2) – Attraction
This film is a good time showing beautiful bad people.
Monster Hunter (**) New Old Video Game Movie
One does not simply rent a movie titled Monster Hunter and expect Bill Shakespeare.
Criterion: The In-Laws (****1/2) life in serpentine
There are plenty of comedies of any era that don’t age well. Try one that work at such a human level, one would be hard pressed to avoid relating to it during any era.
Amazon’s Sound of Metal (*****) doesn’t get any clearer
What was just a courtesy of response to me for a friend earlier now has an experience behind it that has added colors my world. Let it color yours, too.
Wrong Turn (****) backwoods Rashomon
In this Wrong Turn, if you’re looking for woke, you got it. You want several traps and gory death, you will get that too.
Netflix’ I Care A Lot. (****) a new type of hunt for an old type of animal
This is a solid entry for Netflix. In picking Blakeson, a mildly accomplished director with a good, albeit short track record and allowing him to thrive, its very clear indication that they’ve turned a corner as a studio.
