**The Stranger | 70%** crime, drama, thriller, 117min, R, Netflix. Based on one of Australia's largest undercover operations (and Daniel Morcombe). Undercover cop works with suspect in missing person case. Slow burn. Unexpectedly haunting and even surreal—dream sequences, symbolism / motifs (e.g. smoke, second hand smoke, asthma, collateral damage from being close to evil), and stylistic dark/eerie cinematography. Leads were naturalistic and captivating (Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris) in an otherwise tense/strange situation. Emotions manifest in dreams (e.g. "I HAVE A…
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Heart Eyes 2025
**Heart Eyes | 50%** Valentines Day killer stalks new victims in Seattle. Slasher elements were okay (cool costume, fun kills) but overall plays out like another Scream knock-off. Too much silly / irrational behavior (cops did nothing?), unrealistic/convenient plot (why reveal yourselves?), bad tropes ("run!"), predictable mystery, etc. Takes me out of the story too often. It's also trying to parody cheesy Hallmark rom-coms at the same time, but the lead characters and dialog were (intentionally?) cringe/awful for so long…
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The Killer 2023
**The Killer | 80%** | thriller, crime, 118min, 2023, R, Netflix. International assassin misses his target and deals with aftermath. Adpation of French comic by Matz. Protagonist is meticulous, patient, perfectionist, controlling, master of his craft... no wonder David Fincher was attracted to this character/project. Despite not needing to talk/emote much, Michael Fassbender still manages to deliver a nuanced, intense, and even physical performance. Monotonous, repetitive, calm internal monologue helps develop his peculiar personality while maintaining enigmatic stranger status. Revenge…
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Thief 1981
**Thief | 80%** | Trying to achieve his perfect life, an ex-con and professional safecracker takes on a new partner that has other plans for him. Another macho 80s Michael Mann movie. Neo-noir revenge crime thriller with realistic heists, an aggressive/driven protagonist, rain, synth, cars, dirty cops, shootouts, close-ups of hardware, and a seedy criminal underbelly. Reminded me of Drive. "You are making big profits from my work, my risk, my sweat."
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