Alex Simchison

Alex Simchison

★★★★★ Masterpiece
★★★★½ Worth buying on 4K Blu-ray
★★★★ Possibly worth buying a physical copy of

Favorite films

  • The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
  • Kill Bill: Vol. 1
  • Mad Max: Fury Road
  • The Lighthouse

Recent activity

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  • The Color of Money

    ★★★½

  • Léon: The Professional

    ★★★½

  • Videodrome

    ★★★★

  • Inland Empire

    ★★

Recent reviews

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  • The Color of Money

    The Color of Money

    ★★★½

    I thought this was good. It’s a familiar story—a seasoned pro takes on a skilled but reckless protégé—but it’s told well, with strong performances. I enjoyed seeing a young, eager Tom Cruise in one of his earlier roles. His hot-headed energy plays nicely off Paul Newman’s calm, calculated presence. I liked watching Cruise’s character learn that pool isn’t just about winning games—it’s also about playing people and understanding the hustle. The blues rock score added to the film’s cool vibe.

  • Léon: The Professional

    Léon: The Professional

    ★★★½

    The film starts strong, showcasing Léon’s skills as an effective hitman. Gary Oldman delivers an unhinged and memorable performance as the villain. Jean Reno and Natalie Portman are both strong in their roles, and most of the film focuses on their unusual relationship. While there are moments of action throughout, the bulk of the runtime builds their dynamic before leading into an explosive finale.

Popular reviews

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  • Lost Highway

    Lost Highway

    ★★★★

    Lost Highway has a moody, neo-noir vibe with eerie sound design and an unsettling atmosphere. It leans more serious, but still includes moments of Lynch’s signature humor. The acting is excellent, and Lynch does a great job capturing subtle facial expressions. I especially enjoyed the shots of the cabin burning in reverse. The film is mysterious, alluring, and stays engaging through its trippy, dreamlike structure.

  • Collateral

    Collateral

    ★★★★

    Collateral is a sleek thriller with a sharp visual style and standout performances. Tom Cruise is great as a cold, calculating villain, and it’s fun watching him push Jamie Foxx’s character out of his comfort zone. The story is straightforward and easy to follow. Michael Mann’s use of digital cinematography gives the film a crisp, clean look. The music is solid, and the pacing keeps things engaging throughout. It’s a well-crafted, stylish film that balances tension and character development effectively.