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Reviews
The Liberation Men (2024)
WWII Drama that gets the details right
The story involves the liberation of a Dutch town by Canadian solders in WWII. So many war movies deal with the Big Battles when there are untold stories of the smaller but no less important victories that can turn the tide of war. Writer Danny Crossman and Director Terry Jansen focus on the liberation of one town by a few soldiers who must negotiate enemy lines, gathering bits of information, and try to figure out the best path forward. Dialogue is in three languages (English, Dutch, German) and each side has their own mission and justifications. The movie shows that there are stakes for each side, regardless of which side we ourselves are rooting for. Micheal Ruhs plays the lead character, Roy, a soldier whose own injuries weigh against him but still proceeds forwards despite the risks. This is a fine war drama that shows the individual motives and actions behind the larger events.
The Cold Father (2024)
Cold but also Empathetic
A man released from prison goes on a journey to find his daughter. That's the starting premise of this story and it leads to a few twists and turns and surprises as he uncovers the truth. He learns as much about himself and what he's capable of doing as he goes on his mission. Luthuli Dlamani is the lead character and he holds the story together through his strong, commanding presence. He skillfully walks the fine line between being ruthless and determined like an ex-criminal and being empathetic and sensitive as a father searching for his daughter. His character has a cold streak that might disconnect from others but the film makes you understand his methods and motives. The writer-director, Henry Charly, keeps the direction tight on the narrative. Charly also served as cinematographer and beautifully shoots Cape Town in both warm and cool tones, befitting the lead character's own journey. I'm looking forward to seeing this filmmaker's next film.
Maybe Forever (2024)
Unapologetically Romantic Film
Have you ever felt what it's like to be in love, or experiencing love for the first time in forever? That's the feeling this movie conveys based on the experiences of the filmmakers who co-wrote, directed, and star in this LA-set story of warm, sunny skies and warm, sunny emotions. In particular, Ruby Capacete plays Sofia with the blissful joy of being in love while at the same time with a surprise that she's unabashedly experiencing this emotion again in her life. With some striking compositions, such as a field of yellow, and beautiful soft lighting, this movie feels a bit like a visual tone poem. The pacing is deliberately slow to take in the moments but it doesn't drag if you let yourself succumb to the characters' emotions. In some ways this movie is reminiscent of the French new wave auteurs when they took the time to explore infatuation and attraction between characters. Even with some beautiful color cinematography this movie could have been shot in black and white without losing its giddy sense of emotional attraction between the two leads. This movie is intimate and passionate and unapologetically romantic.
Feet of Death (2024)
Is it Bigfoot or Not?
Who's leaving bodies in the forest including that of a Bigfoot investigator YouTuber? A forest ranger investigates the case and it leads to meeting interesting suspicious characters and a few twists in the story. Director James Chick keeps the story focused on the mystery with a script that offers surprises and also a good amount to humor. As the lead investigator, Andrew Jacob Brown keeps the right balance between searching for the truth with his own suspicions in check while also dealing with personal grief in his own life. The cinematography is strong, showing the thick forests of the Pacific Northwest in their beauty and mystery. The landscape almost feels like a character itself in this movie, with something potentially behind every tree making people disappear. The thrills are more towards the end but this is a worthy addition to Bigfoot lore and cinema.
How Deep Is the Ocean (2023)
Taking Chances in Life
It's always scary to take new chances in life and this indie drama explores what it's like for young woman leaving a troubled past and moving to Melbourne with cautious hopes for her future. Writer-director Andrew Walsh keeps the story focused on Eleanor, played by Olvia Fildes with a perfect mix of hopefulness and uncertainty. There are only hints of her past, but coupled with her guarded approach to the people she meets, makes her an enigmatic figure. There are men to trust, and other not to trust, but that is her journey to make. You might find yourself yelling at her to make certain decisions and take some chances but her experiences clearly inform her actions. This is a movie that reminds you of your youth and the chances you took and didn't take.
Ordinary Things (2024)
Sweet Fun Film with Positive Message
A deceit leads to unexpected twists and the characters are stuck whether to continue the charade or tell the truth, both paths having their pluses and minuses. This comedic premise leads to twists and turns and, ultimately, a satisfying ending. Director Micah Coronna and writer Jennifer Tobler keeps the story on the engaging central characters so that you're rooting for them. The story works because the performances sell the premise with a warmth towards their characters, not disdain. Playing the two leads, Christine Duschesne-Rivera and Julian Simoes share a familiar back-an-forth as if they've been friends for years, just like their characters. Vanessa Rodgers is both good-natured and suspicious as the mom / mother-in-law. It's great seeing a film where the characters support and love each other despite the central deceit that drives the story, albeit done for a noble reason. The sweet and engaging performances carry this film to a rewarding conclusion.
Extramundane (2022)
Creepy Horror Thriller
Set in a pandemic era L. A. apartment complex, this indie horror thriller plays upon that isolation and the need to make personal connections to ramp up the suspense. The director does a great job setting a steady pace that slowly builds the tension as tenants disappear or are stalked by a mysterious entity in the building. Brant Rotnem is good as the new manager uncovering the mystery of the building and the other characters while Craig Gellis is suitably creepy as the maintenance person with secrets to hide. The performances of the supporting cast of tenants keeps the story grounded in reality. They make it feel like a real L. A. apartment complex if you've ever lived in one! The consistent cinematic style sets a suspenseful mod you might find yourself looking warily into the dark corners of your own house after seeing this movie.
Inez & Doug & Kira (2019)
Emotionally moving film
This is an emotionally moving and satisfying film about characters dealing with love, grief, and the bonds between sisters and spouses. The three lead performances are strong especially Tawny Cypress and Talia Thiesfield as sisters with an intimate bond that feels realistic and deeply-experienced. These are intelligent characters who have to process their shared history with each other. This makes their actions, and story, feel all the more touching and poignant. The filmmaking is likewise strong and doesn't distract from the emotional core of the story. Especially beautiful is the subtle score and the softly-lit cinematography. The setting of this film is intimate but the emotional scale is universal.
The Luring (2019)
Dark but Compelling Horror Mystery
Surfaces aren't what they seem. Beneath the peaceful facade of this cabin in Vermont countryside lies some secrets. This is a dark-themed, independent horror film that takes its time revealing the tragic events as they unfold. Without showy, distracting camera work the director lets the scenes unfold as the characters slowly feel something is off, creepy, to their surroundings. It's this building up of unease that sets the suspense of the story. You can feel the creep on the actors' faces as things start to go awry. This is not a shocking slasher horror but one of quiet, rising tension that feel influenced by Stephen King's tales set in New England and David Lynch's surreal moments on film. The director keeps the eerie tone throughout the film and this makes for an unsettling (in a good way) watch. Looking forward to seeing what the director has coming next.
Scooter LaForge: A Life of Art (2023)
Fun and Engaging Profile of an Artist
Artist Scooter LaForge is a NYC-based artist whose work is a mixture of expressionism, pop, urban street, and modern representational art styles. His densely-layered paintings can be found on traditional canvas but also walls, windows, clothing, and everyday objects. Director Ethan Minsker perfectly captures the playful and instantly impactful nature of LaForge's art in this documentary. Creative visual tricks, cool framing, and backgrounds dissolving into swathes of color keeps the viewer engaged and wondering what is going to happen next in the frame.
The look of the film is as colorful as LaForge's work and the uncluttered, fast pacing never slows the story. The soundtrack reinforces this forward push to the narrative and provide a fitting emotional undertow to the scenes. The film portrays LaForge as a compulsive creative and Minsker's direction is worthy of its subject.
While both the art and the filmmaking are inspiring, this doc also asks deeper questions about the purpose of art and what determines the value of art and the legacy of an artist. The tone is never didactic though and the viewer is left to answer these questions themselves while watching an artist remake the world around him with his creative vision.
This Is Your Song (2023)
Dramatic, Emotionally-moving, and Impressive
Welcome back real filmmaking, I thought while watching this film. It's an impressive cinematic achievement since most of the story is done in two long takes. But this impressive feat still serves the story not the other way around. The story focuses on a relationship between two emotionally-scarred and passionate artists. Their Bohemian dreams haven't panned out the way they were expecting and it is time to take stock of their relationship. Briana Walsh and Jordan Potch are excellent in the emotional tug of war between their characters. You can see their desires, love, passion, and pathos play out in dialogue reminiscent of classic American dramatists like Edward Albee, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller. This film has a classic feel to it in its lighting and set design. The long takes never feel stagey or call too much attention to themselves because of the capable camerawork and the focused direction of the director, Hassan Said. How he blocks a scene and the subsequent changes in lighting makes this cinematic, not just a theatrical experience. But it's the two characters that make this film a moving experience. They embody what Kerouac would call mad to to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time. Their emotions turn on and off like the neon street signs outside their windows. If you enjoy classic films, smart dialogue, and innovative filmmaking, this is a film to watch.
Hemisphere (2023)
Mystery-Drama Set on Space Ship
This is an independent mystery-drama set in the future on a space ship orbiting Mercury. The ship's crew disappears and a company investigator is sent on board to figure out what happened, abandonment or something more nefarious? As the investigator, played by Paige Rion, discovers more clues the story leads to twists and surprises. Paige plays the lead with a serious, professional tone which makes her emotional outbursts at the end all the more powerful. Julie Kashmanian plays a crew member who at first seems abrasive but slowly warms up to the investigator and perhaps holds more clues to the situation. Writer-director Chris Maes keeps the story focused on the mystery but also allows for character development among the main leads. The filmmakers are inventive in making the space ship seem real, especially the VFX of the space shots and the fantastic sound design. With a few surprises in the narrative along the way, this is a space journey worth taking.
Thorns & Thistles at the End of the World (2023)
Beautiful story of hope
This is an indie drama that sneaks up on you with its storytelling and message of hope. Paul, the lead played by Jeremy Levi, lives in a quiet Australian seaside city during the final days of the world. It is not an apocalyptic landscape but people are giving up and resigned to their uncertain fates. Besides the anxiety of the situation, Paul's institutionalized wife returns into his life which brings up their shared grief and guilt over a past tragedy. Jeremy Levi as Paul and Vivienne Marshall as his wife Felicity give fine performance as people with a shared history and the confusion, grief, and accompanying guilt of their shared tragedy. Paul wears a figurative crown of thorns as he wonders about his responsibilities and possible paths towards redemption.
The mature script is smart about human emotions and doesn't give any character an easy out from their situation. The pacing is slow and the drama mainly internal but Aaron Kamp's direction remains tightly-focused on the drama that leads to an instructive and cathartic conclusion. Even as the world ends this beautiful film suggest the importance of faith and hope.
Meg 2: The Trench (2023)
Silly Shark Story
It's back! And not bigger and better than ever. Several megalodons threaten a Chinese billionaire, Jason Statham and his crew from the last movie but unfortunately poor CGI makes the action sequences with sea creature seem cartoonish and not at all threatening. The story is functional based on the deep sea novel, The Trench, but the narrative set ups are basically there to create shark encounters where you wonder who's going to live or die. There is an even a nod (a rip-off?) of Jurassic Park with stubby land dinosaurs too. Either way the creatures look like CGI creatures and don't really move like animals do in real life.
Statham is decent as always in these flicks and the supporting cast is likeable enough including Jing Wu as the billionaire and Shuya Sophia Cai as his niece. But a likeable cast isn't enough to carry this film when the ridiculous action sequences strain credibility, especially Statham flexing superhero strength in the final climatic moment. My favorite part of the film was the end credit song because 1) I enjoyed listening to it 2) it meant the movie was over.
Talent Keyhole (2022)
Science Fiction with Style
Kassandra works at a military research facility and joins secret project that tries to extract information from people's minds in this stylish and original indie movie. The story is about the blurring of reality and the filmmaking serves this theme in all its aspects. The look of the film is cool and distant with pared-down locations and sleek production design. The editing has startling jump cuts that make you question the reality of scenes. As both a spy and a sci-fi movie the cinematography evokes film noir and the neon aesthetic of hyper-stylized films set in the future.
The cast is movie star good-looking and sexy. Why can't I work in a place like this? The actors underplay their performances to fit into the overall cool aesthetic. Kris Luna as Kassandra and Karli Isabella Stunkel as Rachel make impressions as detached but motivated characters who surrender to the increasingly complex layers of this secret project. If anything, they might be a little too detached and the direction sometimes keeps too much a distance between them and the action.
But the director keeps this constant tone and it adds to the overall style of the film. This is definitely an original film and the director-filmmaker Michael Lauter is one to watch for his future projects.
Dublin Crust (2023)
Heartfelt and Funny Story of Friendship
A Dublin punk band decides to reunite for a concert years after they broke up after a key member is sent to prison for a crime both sad and funny. The struggle to reunite and the unresolved relationships between the former band mates carries this movie to a heartfelt conclusion filled with some great music along the way. The biggest strength of this film are the cast performances. The cast interact in an easy, naturalistic manner like their characters have been friends for years, pulling the viewers into their world and their personal relationships. This section of Dublin society comes alive in their hands. Baz Black centers the movie as Bonehead, walking a fine line between drama and comedy and making sure his earnestness does not become overbearing. Supporting roles are also strong, particularly played by Barry John Kinsella and Paul Fitzgerald. The story follows to what seems to be a foregone conclusion but there are some surprises along the way. This is a fun story of music, friendship, and the bonds in life that really matter.
Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)
Fun but forgettable
I really enjoyed the Aquaman movie that came before this. It was fun while having a sense of discovery and even gravitas. This sequel is still fun. The action sequences are fast-paced and creative and the world building of the undersea world and an isolated jungle island was colorful and full of fantastic creatures. But the plot here sort of drags and takes a turn towards the dramatic that does not completely follow from the fun and comedy of the first half of the movie. Jason Momoa holds the screen with his presence but mugs a bit too much for the camera with the endless jokes, some better than others. There's no stakes to the drama with the endless winks and nudges. Patrick Wilson looks like he wants to be in another film, like he can't decide whether to commit to the comedic tone or to keep the serious, vengeful nature of his character. Yahya Abdul-Mateen is strong as Black Manta by keeping a consistent serious tone to his character so I felt his sense of resentment and, in his own mind, justice. There is so much CGI that this is essentially an animated film and not all of it is convincing. I see this movie as a fun but inconsequential cartoon.
ClearMind (2024)
A fun tale of emotional revenge
A tragedy occurs and the main character's repressed emotions are given free rein to express themselves in a simulated setting. It's a great premise and this film delivers both tension and comedy. Rebecca Creskoff plays Nora, the lead character, who suffers a tragedy and her feelings of hopelessness and anger are unleashed upon her cohort of friends and ex-husband present at the event. It's a strong performance by Creskoff as she shows both her character's sublimated emotions and her relief in letting it all go in a frenzy of cathartic violence. The entire cast is strong as they walk the fine line between the dramatic and the comedic. The screenplay is full of witty one-liners that captures the familiar banter of friends who have know each other since childhood. There is a lot of character build-up, somewhat at the expense of the main action, but once the revenge starts there are surprises along the way that hit harder because we have a deeper understanding of the characters and their relationships with each other. The strong direction by Rebecca Eskreis is concise, giving the characters room to reveal their personalities while building the tension at unexpected moments. There's a great recurring motif regarding hunters that also builds the tension while offering some of the best comedic lines. Laughs and catharsis, this film delivers both.
My Yang Gang Diary (2021)
Grassroots passion for politics
This documentary covers the personal experience of a volunteer with Andrew Yang's attempt to become the Democratic Party nominee in the 2020 U. S. presidential election. The movie works best showing the passion and commitment of persons who want to make a change in U. S. society through their support of Andrew Yang and his central message of universal basic income for U. S, citizens. The movie shows the energy and wide-eyed commitment of those willing to work long days knocking on doors in neighborhoods and striking up conversations with strangers to get Yang's message out to the voters. The narrator's own personal journey to the United States and getting inspiration from Yang to get involved in the political process is covered well. The pacing is sharp and you get to feel for these idealistic volunteers even though they know their candidate doesn't really stand a chance against the existing power structure in the American governing system. The film could have been stronger addressing this issue and explaining the criticisms of universal basic income. But like the title says, this is a video diary of the narrator's personal experience of being on the campaign trail in 2020 and is a fascinating look into what drives politics at the grassroots level.
Static Codes (2023)
Solid drama focused on those left behind
This is solid drama about an alien abduction that focuses on those who are left behind and living in their loss, grief, and confusion. The lead character, played by Shane Woodson in a strong performance, has lost it all after an alien abduction and spends his nights reaching out on air with others obsessed with this phenomenon. The script is very cued in on the "us v. Them" and "you're with us or you're not" personalities that define this space. The script also understands the obsessive quality of those caught in a helpless state with no obvious leads out of it. It's a twisted path out of that hopelessness with some surprise twists and a redemption arc that the characters believably pull off. The cinematography is also strong, reflecting the characters inner states. I wished the alien aspect was explored more but I was emotionally involved in seeing the main character finds some light in his darkness.
Eat, Play, Diet (2024)
Best Researched Modern Diet Documentary
This documentary succinctly reviews the "big name" diets of today- Keto, Mediterrranean, Vegan, Carnivore- weighing their benefits and disadvantages without feeling unduly partial to any. The theme is that diets should work for individuals and not fitting individuals judgmentally into each diet. The direction and pacing moves fast while conveying a lot of information. It helps that the experts being interviewed look healthy and fit and like people you'd like to emulate. The narrative reinforces that an individual's bodily activity/ exercise helps determine which diet is best for them. Although the filmmakers obviously cannot go into every detail, this movie is one of the best informative overviews of contemporary diets.
The Berlin Bride (2019)
Poetic surreal fable
It's good to know that there are still cineaste filmmakers making poetic visual movies like The Berlin Bride. This is not a straightforward narrative where the plot is handed to the viewer. There is little dialogue. Instead, visuals propel the surreal story about a mannequin that inspires a Jean Cocteau-like fantasy about the nature of beauty and sublimated desires. The directing is smart and well-paced. I never knew where the story was headed next. The music creates an elegiac mood that enhances the mysterious fantastical images. The cinematography is likewise moody, evoking the 1980's time period in which the movie is set. There is an interesting use of color where the general cool color tone is offset with flashes of brilliant red, underlying the theme of repressed passions. But designating a time period for the story is a mute point since the fantasy elements make this seem like a world all to its own. I recommend this film for cinephiles who enjoy challenging, poetic films.
Token Taverns (2023)
Arcade Games and Beer
If you remember spending your wayward youths in video game arcades dropping quarters into PacMan, Donkey Kong, and Galaga, you'll appreciate this documentary on arcade bars. Combining the nostalgia for pinball machines and arcade video games, bars are popping up that offer these games plus the congenial atmosphere of bars. The direction and editing is fast-paced, just like video games, and personable arcade bar owners and patrons describe why they love the friendly feel of these places. The big antagonist in this story is the pandemic restrictions on communal spaces. I wish there was more time spent on the games themselves and why the patrons enjoy them but the overall sense is that these places become popular because they make the video game experience back into something communal, to share in person with friends.
Bang Bang Betty (2023)
Fun Tale of Vengeance
This is a story of justice and vengeance done in a fun style. The movie starts sexy, adds some action, which leads to a big shoot out, showdown in a desert town. The direction is solid, the cinematography beautiful, and if the pacing slows down a bit towards the third act, the action ramps up again for the final shoot out. The performances are good, some a little underplayed to let the drama push the story along (this is a revenge story after all) but Emily Rose Hernandez lead performance holds the story together. There are some standout supporting performances including Kevin Caliber bringing the macho energy to his role and, especially, Mariah Padilla as one tough bad b**** whom I would have loved to have seen more of in the movie. This is a popcorn movie that is fun and melodramatic in the right amounts.
One Lyfe to Life (2023)
Dramatic Story of a Tough Life
This is a hard-hitting drama about a character who wants to leave his rough life in a tough neighborhood "the hood" but his environment keeps pulling him back in. The direction is strong, especially when the action ramps up, and the editing keeps the story moving along at a steady pace towards the bittersweet conclusion. Most of the acting is solid, although I wish there was more time spent on the relationship between the lead and a supporting character with drug problems since that becomes more important as the narrative progresses. There is a narration that comes in every now and then that seems a bit jarring when it breaks the fourth wall, but most of the character relationships are developed nicely through the characters' interactions. The audio is also a bit jarring at times, as it cuts off and sounds muffled in places. But the story is strong and I appreciated that it shows that there is also love and support in "the hood" as much as there is violence and tough times.