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.
Forgotten Gem: Coupe de Ville (****) rises above formula with good performances
The treat of the film both then and now is the chemistry of Taggart and Arkin as the parents. Their part of the plot is window dressing, but it’s done so well, it lifts the rest of the material.
Nomadland (*****) Sailboat in the desert
As for McDormand, what else can be said about her? She is without a doubt the most courageous actress of our time.
Twilight (**) Not THAT one – is a movie out of time
It is sad, but time waits for no one.
Charley Varrick (**1/2) A simpler, more horrible time
Matthau’s line about this is better than any line in the film “I have seen it three times, and am of slightly better than average intelligence but I still don’t quite understand what’s going on. Is there a device we can use to explain to people what they’re seeing?”
Greenland (***) is in search of an epic
Greenland is the kind of film that straddles the line between disaster movie and armchair psychology about those trying to survive it at all costs.
The Marksman (*1/2) has the range of a Daisy air rifle
This film feels left over from Clint Eastwood’s discard bin.
Let Him Go (****) Moves the old fashioned way
Diane Lane has had a remarkable career. She has aged gracefully in a field that does not usually allow women to grow old on camera.
Synchronic (***1/2) is great mid-trip
Viewers won’t find premises as creative as this often in movies. Even if not explored to the extent desired, it’s still entertaining and somewhat intriguing. One just wishes that the peripheral characters held any interest at all.
Another Look: Wes Craven’s New Nightmare wears down through the years
The gifts that Craven had as a storyteller would not be acknowledged here, as this film made the least of the entire series. There is little accounting for taste or reaching beyond the same old stuff.
The Little Things (****): Lonesome road home
I appreciate ambiguity of the ending and actors willing to be shepherds with their frailty revealed while they seek to defend the rest of the herd.
3 Questionable Choices: Velocipastor, Porno and Jiu Jitsu
Two films that you might watch if you have nothing else to do and expect to live long enough to even out the waste of time. And Jiu Jitsu.
The Empty Man (***) – Long time for a short trip
If you want something to watch as it turns dusk, you could do worse. From dusk till dawn, though, you should try for something with more than chills.
Forgotten Gem: Insomnia (****) still resonates
So if you haven’t watched Insomnia for a while, or even if you’ve never watched it, take the opportunity. It’s anything but wasted time. It’s excellent filmmaking.
