Unhinged (***) is not quite falling down
If you want to see a film on par with The Hitcher, but well under the capability of Michael Douglas in Falling Down, you could do worse. I think I will watch Falling Down again.
Last Shift (***) not exactly the king of hell
It would be nice to see what DiBlasi could do with a smarter script.
The New Mutants (**1/2) is an old film by now
As the film fades from memory, The New Mutants will be remembered as not much more than a footnote for a franchise that flew atop of the cinematic world for a brief time.
Freaks (****) Not gonna run anymore
Written and Directed by Adam Stein, Zach LipovskyStarring Emile Hirsch, Bruce Dern, Grace Park, Amanda Crew, Lexy Kolker Chloe Lewis (Kolker) is seven years old. She has lived in an […]
Criterion: Further downstream of The Virgin Spring to The Last House on the Left
…it’s remarkable how far a medieval ballad can reach through time, even if what comes out on the other side holds little resemblance to the significance of the tale.
The Grudge 2020 (***1/2) – This is a side-quel
A well acted, decently filmed, but unneeded sequel. That’s the best definition of a side-quel I can muster.
Army of Darkness (****) – Now that’s Groovy
There is nothing here that qualifies as perfect in the film. In truth, this is what makes it better.
Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (***) – I get it, I just don’t get it
…it’s more of a pitstop on the road to some place better.
You Should Have Left (***) doesn’t stay long enough
Written and Directed by David Koepp based on the novel by Daniel KehlmannStarring Kevin Bacon, Amanda Seyfried, Avery Essex, Geoff Bell, Lowri-Ann Richards You Should Have Left is a good […]
Nightwatch (**1/2) – Looks better than it is
The only other film I have seen of Bernedal’s is The Possession, which is a wholesale improvement. He is able to concentrate on atmosphere and leave the script to someone else. One can see the connections between here and there. I would prefer to be there.
The Hunt (***) – Two deplorables walk into a mine…
The Hunt is the type of film that sets itself up as a clash of ideologies. Deep down, it’s just an excuse to go through a bunch of silly characters until the final two alphas fight over toasted cheese.
Brahms: The Boy II (no stars) moves not at all
There has been more ado about nothing, but waiting for almost an hour to realize you just want it to be over is a bad sign for a film that is supposed to create a mood. The mood here is dread. Where is my friend Binage? If I am going to see a crappy horror flick, he should be there with me.
Netflix’ Before I Wake (***1/2) – Living the rest of the dream
“The track record for Flanagan is astounding. His output is prolific and is always appealing. Every one of his films, even those he has adapted, feel like a part of a patchwork.”
The Invisible Man (****) See right through you
Whether or not they choose to build on this film, there is an opportunity here. This film feels like an Iron Man type achievement. No one was expecting a movie like this would actually be as good as it turned out.
The Host (English dubbed) (***1/2) on the verge
We’re never entirely scared, sometimes on the verge of laughing. Sometimes though, it is quite moving. Not sure these are selling points for a classic, but it is definitely not a waste of one’s evening.
Orphan (***) the only thing unexpected is the brutality
We get the absolute creeps from Esther’s relentless mowing through one character after the other, innocent or not, knowing what it is she ultimately has in mind. Still, there is not enough here for more than a mild recommendation.
