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Reviews
Beef (2023)
Unexpected wild ride with unique characters
This was as compelling a series as I've seen in years. The fact that it was mostly Asian characters moving between dramatic and comedic situations made it even more interesting. The relatable road rage situation in the begining goes off the rails into really different territory and has surprises at every turn. The supporting characters are all great but the two stars really go deep into their neurotic relationships and try to cover it all by lying. The first 6 episodes go back and forth into who these people are, their struggles and the absurdity builds. The last 4 kick it up a notch and it goes off the cliff. Was an unexpected wild ride worth binging.
Sharper (2023)
Entertaining con movie with some lame twists
The story telling sequences were very well done with the initial con and character set up all tying together. There's a bit of a Tarantino influence in that regard but it's fine. Moore is always an interesting actress and she has a good role here. The others do ok. A few dumb, eye-rolling twists don't get in the way of an overall good con movie. A few moments are predictable but I guess thieves rely heavily on unrealistic people reactions to pull off a con. I'd like to see what happens in the aftermath. Apple+ doesn't have that many movies so if you're looking for a twisty drama, this one will do fine.
Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters (2022)
Entertaining and relatable family movie
Caught this movie now playing on a red-eye AA flight and was entertained. The message resonates with any parent whose kids grow up and find their own path in life. The theme is similar in some other recent movies like Father of the Bride and is based on a top selling book.
Some pretty good acting keeps the movie going forward and particularly, Brandon Prado, shines in his role as son-in-law to be with a nice mix of drama and comedy. The interplay between him and the father and daughter capture the awkwardness of new families coming together. Fully expect to see more of him in the movies or TV.
Big Night (1996)
Great re-heated
Rewatched after family holiday and dinners. Resonates on all levels. Acting is sublime with the care given to food and presentation. Love this little film.
Goliath: Hadleyville (2021)
Strange and moody start
Kind of an odd start but going after big pharma holds promise of a payoff especially with actors lined up. The dream sequences reveal some idea of what's going on. But Billy going from lazy bum to investigative lawyer make it watchable no matter where the plot goes. Anyone else catch the "plastic fork" reference? (assume that's what it was)
Bosch: Por Sonia (2021)
Next for Bosch
Season had an open ending. Time to tie in Goliath and Bosch together and solve some serious crime.
The Social Dilemma (2020)
Should change your behavior
Worth a watch and should change your behavior. I've been involved in developing technology over the years that is now seemingly being used against us. Have had many conversations on how to manipulate behavior based on location to try and increase revenue. Social Media platforms have fine tuned it and taken it into areas we never dreamed of and now it's running amok. Great interviews although the dramatizations were a bit lame. The cat is out of the bag and now we need to learn to tame it.
Outlaw King (2018)
Strong performances and well paced movie
Pine was really good in this role and didn't try to overdue the accent. Better portrayal of Richard Bruce than in Braveheart. Dillane is always interesting to watch and great here as well. The queen, Robin, played the role intelligently which helped keep my interest. The violence was also well done. Better movie than I expected.
Destroyer (2018)
Kidman goes gritty
Had not seen Kidman play a character like this and she pulls it off. The film takes it's time building the story and although there are holes and questions, it's a gritty drama with some twists. It held my attention and the direction echoes a bit of Resevoir Dogs. Good film.
Miller's Crossing (1990)
Clever, twisty gangster with a great score
Re-watched this masterpiece of a movie with nothing much to add about how great it is except to mention that the score over the opening and ending credits is also memorable. The image of the hat blowing around the forest with this flute or whatever it is, leaves a lasting impression.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
Dark humor delight
Watched this recently on a 3 hour flight and was laughing out loud. Great combination of action, revenge and absurdity with a surreal landscape. The snow plow was like another character. Recommend it.
Velvet Buzzsaw (2019)
Night Gallery knock off
Good premise , good effects but got way too disconnected. Malkovich was wasted in his role. Was fun to see pompous art dealers get what's coming to them for ripping everyone off. But ultimately, the story line needed to pull it together better. Had potential for a great horror movie but falls short.
Hostiles (2017)
Journey through a violent time
The journey of a man filled with hate through a violent time and region was gripping due to Bale's performance. Much of the movie is about dealing with death, reckoning with the past and staying alive. The way Bale interacts with his men and the widow was great. He does a lot of non-verbal acting and it's very powerful. A different kind of western and beautifully filmed.
Goliath (2016)
Goliath binge complete
Binged right through it and thought the performances were all great. Billy-Bob fit his role perfectly and William Hurt was as good a creepy, pervert as they come. The climatic encounter could have been better and the lawyers were pretty weak in the end. The wayward hooker may have been the best character part. But the episodes move along quickly, never lost interest.