Netflix Mike Flanagan’s Midnight Mass (*****) undersells and over delivers
Flanagan is once more creating life out of illusion.
Netflix’ Kate (****) treads familiar ground expertly
This film is one we’ve seen before, but somehow it’s still worth remembering on its own merits.
Halloween Michael Meyers Series: The Rank and File
A review of the first 10 Michael Meyers film, complete with ranking.
Copshop (***1/2) gives a new hero
This is the best attribute about Copshop: viewers go in expecting one thing and they are delighted by the different talents that is worth following elsewhere.
Another Look: Police Story 3 / Supercop 1 (***1/2)
Michelle Yeoh plucked this viewer out of the haze and made a lasting impression.
Malignant (**) – Cut out the cancer
Malignant is a film where director, James Wan, takes a step back from the big budget and tries to reconnect with the genre of films that pushed him into the big budget stratosphere.
Don’t Breathe 2 (**) until part 3
If you like Lange, you will more than likely appreciate some elements of the film. It’s understandable that he’d go through another round of killing for the chance to spout a not-quite Shakespearian sonnet towards the climax.
Love and Monsters (***) a pleasant walk with a dog named Boy
In all this is a nice film that should leave a smile on all but the most cynical of faces.
Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (****1/2) – Future Past
The brilliance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is it literally encompasses everything one can imagine. If it hasn’t been covered up to now, Shang-Chi… is evidence that it will all come in good time.
Candyman then (***1/2) and now (*****)
As it turns out, Marvel made the right choice. Candyman, the “spiritual” (instead of exploitive) sequel to the 1992 original, is superior in every way. In fact, this film is so good, it makes Bernard Rose’s film essential viewing, if only to complete the context.
Beckett (**1/2) an unlikely alliance of coincidence and tragedy
The story is nothing new, and not interestingly told as much as acted. If you are not a fan of John David Washington, you can skip it.
Reminiscence (***) – Not the greatest show
A mix of film noir with the mind-bending enterprise of action we’ve come to expect from Joy, we have something that doesn’t excel at either, but fills our time well enough.
The Protégé (****1/2) Welcome back
Whoever’s decision it was to give Maggie Q her long overdue vehicle, God Bless you.
Free Guy (****1/2) is solid
This is truly a film that is worth waiting through a pandemic to see on the big screen. It will also be something worth watching at home for years to come.
Force of Nature (**1/2) rust never sleeps
The film is enjoyable for the most part. It loses steam anytime Gibson is not onscreen. If you don’t like Gibson, you can skip it.
Another (Ironic) look: Blind Fury (**) is a missed opportunity
I used to think I wanted to own this film. Now I feel bad just taking the time watching it on Prime Video. I feel worse for Hauer than anything. He’s got the talent to put more into this film than he does. Given the goofball history of the Zatoichi films of the 50’s through the 70’s, some amount of the silliness is expected. They could have done better by the character though, for sure.
