Netflix’ Army of the Dead (***1/2) is Snyder’s road back
Notaro especially is worth the price of admission, with her wry comedic observations wafting through the heavy air like a wisdom to which the rest of us are not privy.
Another Look: Is Rain Man a forgotten gem by now?
I have never come across someone who has a bad thing to say about Rain Man, but if it were released today, I am sure someone could complain. Thank God it came out in 1988.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Another Look: Knocked Up Unrated and Unprotected (****) is loaded
It’s not the landmark that The 40 Year-Old Virgin is, but it’s definitely a few rungs above the normal comedy film.
James vs. His Future Self (****1/2) Stern gets better with age
James vs His Future Self has a depth of feeling unlike most films, yet it is also scientifically interesting without relying on special effects. It resists being something we’ve seen before, and never stops entertaining.
Forgotten Gem: Catch Me If You Can is looking for home (*****)
It’s a glamorization, but it is a damn good one.
Criterion: Housekeeping (*****) – Throw something over her…
It’s a remarkable story that presents the facts with no indication of a position being taken. In doing so, Forsyth allows Robinson’s work to forge its own path through our soul.
Freaky (***1/2) gets in touch with its other self
If you ever enjoyed Vaughn and wondered where his comic chops have gone in the last decade, look here. His skill at evoking laughter from a mixture of intelligence and physical comedy is near top form.
Historical Nugget: The Return of the Living Dead (***) – Be a man, Frank
If you find a way to get into the groove of this film and wend your way through the cheese, it will reward you with some very nice moments.
Bill & Ted Trilogy (***) often takes the easier, funnier route
I appreciate these films more now in hindsight than I ever could when I was younger. With less time to waste, this trilogy finally feels like less a waste of my precious hours.
The Jesus Rolls (**1/2) to nowhere
…the movie just serves to let us know Turturro connects one of his most famous characters to his love of an aimless French film.
