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The Cheat (1931)
A Young Woman Forced to Make a Difficult Decision
This film essentially begins with a young society woman by the name of "Elsa Carlyle" (Tallulah Bankhead) enjoying herself at a party when she suddenly gets the idea to join a poker game going on in the next room. Being the rather daring gambler that she is, she decides to bet a large sum of money on a hand--only to lose all of her money. Figuring that she can quickly make up for it, she then decides to go double or nothing on the turn of a card. And once again she loses. Closely observing all of this is an extremely wealthy ladies' man by the name of "Hardy Livingstone" (Irving Pichel) who quickly senses an opportunity and decides to offer his assistance. For a price, of course. Happily married, she casually rejects his advances. However, when things continue to go bad, she then has to face a very difficult decision. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those films that could have been more successful if some of the scenarios had been a bit more plausible or realistic. Likewise, the rather dated nature of the movie certainly didn't help matters either. Even so, I must admit that it kept my attention for the most part, and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Yuan yang jian xia (1965)
Possibly a Little Bit Better Than Its Predecessor
This film begins where its predecessor "Temple of the Red Lotus" left off with a young man by the name of "Kuei Wu" (Jimmy Wang Yu) and his bride "Kan Lien Chu" (Ping Chin) emerging from the temple after a hard fight and sheepishly heading back to her parent's home from where they had essentially eloped. On the way there, however, they happen to see several women being ambushed by bandits and decide to rescue them at the first favorable opportunity. Sure enough, they eventually find themselves right back where they started--but this time Kuei Wu barely escapes with his life while Kan Lien Chu is taken prisoner. That being said, being totally outnumbered, Kuei Wu hurries back to his in-laws to not only beg for their forgiveness but to also plead with them to help him rescue Kan Lien Chu. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I actually liked this sequel a bit more than the original film due in large part because the plot was a bit easier to fully understand. Admittedly, it still contains a number of preposterous fighting scenes in which several people easily set new world records in the high jump category as if that's quite normal. But those kinds of stunts were quite common for Chinese movies during that time. Be that as it may, although it isn't completely necessary, I would still recommend that the viewer watch the first movie prior to this one--if for no other reason than to have a better grasp on some of the intricate personal drama involved.
Honey Britches (1971)
Clever Thieves Outwitted by Ignorant Hillbillies
This film essentially begins with 4 people robbing a jewelry store of approximate $1 million in stolen merchandise and then finding themselves somewhere deep in Appalachia after their car runs out of gas. To that effect, the leader of the group "Phillip" (Jim Peck) recommends that they hide the car and then find an isolated house where they can hole up for a couple of days until things have cooled off sufficiently for them to refuel the car and head back out on the open roads. A reasonable solution. What he doesn't count on, however, is the problems they will eventually face when they select a house owned by the local moonshiner named "Horlon P. Craven" (George Ellis) and his attractive young wife "Reba Sue Craven" (Ashley Brooks). Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those low-budget comedies that suffered, to a great extent, from bad acting and a very poor overall script. To be sure, both Ashley Brooks and Pepper Thurston (as "Suzanne") definitely improved the overall scenery to a certain degree. No question about that. Unfortunately, it simply wasn't enough to overcome the other obvious faults just mentioned, and I have rated this movie accordingly. Below average.
Turbulence (1997)
Jettisoned Reality Not Long After Takeoff
This film essentially begins with a serial killer by the name of "Ryan Weaver" (Ray Liotta) being transported on a passenger airplane from New York City to Los Angeles where he faces a possible death sentence. Also being transported on this airplane if a bank robber by the name of "Stubbs" (Brendan Gleeson) who clearly has no regard for anyone but himself. To that effect, once the airplane is in flight, Stubbs manages to overcome one of the federal marshals guarding him which results in a shootout that kills him and several people--including the pilot and copilot of the airplane. This action also allows Ryan Weaver to gain access to a gun which he then uses terrorize all of the other passengers. Complicating matters even more is the fact that there is nobody left with any flight experience to land the airplane and, even though a flight attendant named "Teri Halloran" (Lauren Holly) has broken free and wants to attempt this dangerous task, he becomes determined to stop her at all costs. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, although this film started off reasonably well, it jettisoned reality after the first 30 minutes or so and got more ridiculous after each passing scene. Admittedly, I liked several of the actors involved in this film with Lauren Holly, Ray Liotta, Catherine Hicks (as the flight attendant "Maggie") and Ben Cross (Captain Sam Bowen) standing out the most, in my opinion. But even so, due to the extremely absurd plot, none of them were capable of actually salvaging this film, and I have rated it accordingly. Below average.
The Fiend Who Walked the West (1958)
A Convict Having to Deal with a Psychotic Cellmate
After being caught trying to rob a bank, a cowboy by the name of "Daniel Slade Hardy" (Hugh O'Brien) is shocked by the lengthy prison sentence he receives after refusing to testify against his colleagues. Even so, at the very least, he expects them to look after his pregnant wife and young daughter while he is serving time. His attitude changes, however, when he learns that his wife was recently visited by his former cellmate "Felix Griffin" (Robert Evans) who may have caused her to miscarry due to his strange behavior with her. That said, determined to get even with him, Nick strikes a deal with "Marshall Frank Emmett" (Stephen McNally) and "Judge Parker" (Edward Andrews) to gather evidence on some recent murders that may have been committed by Felix in exchange for a full pardon. What he doesn't count on, however, is just how wily his psychotic cellmate has become. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, by sheer coincidence, I happened to watch the 1947 movie "Kiss of Death" a couple of days earlier, and I was surprised at how similar the plot was to this picture. Sure enough, this is basically a remake of that film, but with a Western setting instead. As far as the acting is concerned, although I preferred the earlier version with Victor Mature as the main star, I must admit that I thought the ending was somewhat better. But that is just my opinion. In any case, while possibly not as good as its predecessor, this was still an enjoyable film, for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Halloween (2007)
The Man Behind the Mask
Picked on at school and verbally abused at home, a young "Michael Myers" (Daeg Faerch) finally snaps and kills one of his schoolmates named "Wesley Rhoades" (Daryl Sabara) who had previously been giving him an especially hard time. Later that night, while other kids are making their rounds during Halloween, Michael kills his mother's lover "Ronnie White" (William Forsythe) who has passed out on a chair in the living room, before then murdering his sister "Judith Myers" (Hanna Hall) and her boyfriend "Steve Haley" (Adam Weisman)." Curiously enough, he spares his younger one-year-old sister, and then waits outside for his mother's return from work. Needless to say, Michael is subsequently imprisoned in a psychiatric hospital, where his mental condition declines to such a degree that his court appointed physician "Dr. Samuel Loomis" (Malcolm McDowell) eventually concludes that his psychosis is incurable and recommends that he be kept in isolation for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, things don't quite work out that way, and Michael escapes fifteen years later--leaving a trail of bodies all the way back to his hometown of Haddenfield, Illinois. Back where it all started. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off reasonably well, with much more effort given to the background details on how Michael Myers came to be a homicidal maniac. The man behind the mask, so to speak. Where the movie suffers, to a certain degree, is with the action scenes toward the end, which continue much longer than really necessary. At least, that is how it seemed to me. Even so, while I don't consider this film to be quite as good as its famous predecessor, it was still an entertaining movie in its own right, and I have rated this remake accordingly. Slightly above average.
Sexual Response (1992)
A Therapist with Her Own Set of Problems to Solve
This film essentially begins with a psychologist by the name of "Dr. Eve Anderson" (Shannon Tweed) hosting a radio show in which she gives advice to those listeners who need help in their relationships. Her problem is that, even though she can help other people, she seems to be experiencing some difficulty in her own relationship with her husband "Philip" (Vernon Wells). To that effect, upon meeting a young man known simply as "Edge" (Emile B. Levisetti) at a bar, she is easily seduced by him and, to her surprise, doesn't seem to know what to do from that point on. Complicating matters even further, it isn't long until her husband becomes suspicious about her affair while, at the same time, Edge becomes more and more possessive--and both of them have violent tendencies. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that Shannon Tweed starred in a number of erotic-thrillers during the 80's and 90's with this particular film being neither better nor worse than most. On the plus side, she still looks great, and her performance was quite solid as well. On the other hand, I cannot say the same for the performances of either Vernon Wells or Emile B. Levisetti as neither of them seemed very convincing in their roles. But that's just my opinion. In any case, although I don't consider this to be one of Shannon Tweed's better films, it still passed the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
Kiss of Death (1947)
A Convict Determined to Turn His Life Around
After being caught trying to rob a jewelry store, a habitual criminal by the name of "Nick Bianco" (Victor Mature) refuses to testify against his colleagues due to his general loathing of being labeled as a snitch. So much so that this attitude even earns him the respect of a psychotic prison inmate named "Tommy Udo" (Richard Widmark). Things change, however, when he learns that his wife has committed suicide due to financial problems caused by his imprisonment. To make matters even worse, he also learns that, rather than helping her out during his incarceration, one of the men involved in the heist with him had been sleeping with her during that same time instead. That said, determined to get even with him, Nick strikes a deal with the Assistant District Attorney named "Louis D'Angelo" (Brian Donlevy) to fully cooperate-- in exchange for being able to see his two young children again. To that effect, at first, everything goes well for him, and he is even released early on parole. However, it isn't until he testifies against Tommy Udo that things take an immediate turn for the worse. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I was pleasantly surprised by this film as it had more of a modern feel than most movies of this time. Likewise, Victor Mature also performed in an especially good manner as well. Quite possibly one of his better performances, in my opinion. Be that as it may, in spite of the rather dated aspects of this movie, I enjoyed it, for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
Jiang hu qi xia (1965)
A Young Man Seeking Vengeance
Injured by bandits in an ambush that killed his parents, a young man by the name of "Kuei Wu" (Jimmy Wang Yu) is nursed back to health by a mysterious female warrior known simply as "the Red Lady" (Ivy Ling Po). Once fully recovered, he then makes it his mission to find those responsible and avenge himself on them. However, before he can do that, he feels compelled to marry the woman they had previously arranged for him named "Jin Lian Zhu" (Ping Chin). However, upon finally arriving at her parent's house, he quickly comes to the conclusion that her father is actually in charge of the same bandit group that attacked him previously--and this creates all kinds of problems for all involved. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay action film which was limited by inferior subtitles--which tended to complicate things unnecessarily. Likewise, some of the action scenes were downright ridiculous as well. But then, many of these action stunts were basically a product of the Chinese film industry during this time. In any case, while I don't consider this to be a great action film by any means, I suppose it was enjoyable enough for the time spent, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
The Curse of the Screaming Dead (1982)
Confederate Zombies!!!
The film begins with 3 young men going on a hunting trip with their girlfriends and deciding to veer off from the normal path with the hope of finding a better spot to camp out for the night. As it so happens, while hiking deep into the woods, one of the men named "Mel" (Christopher Gummer) stumbles upon an old Civil War cemetery located next to a small, rundown church. It's then that he happens to notice an old diary left by one of the Civil War soldiers buried there and, despite the ominous warning of his girlfriend "Kiyomi" (Mimi Ishikawa) secretly takes it with him while he rejoins the rest of the group. This angers the dead soldiers who then come to life with the intention of getting it back--regardless of what it takes. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off well enough and had a pretty good plot for the director (Tony Malanowski) to work with. Unfortunately, neither the script nor the acting was sufficient to capitalize on it, with both Rebecca Bach (as "Sarah") and the aforementioned Christopher Gummer performing the worst, in my opinion. That said, this is not one of those low-budget zombie films I can honestly recommend to anyone, and I have rated it accordingly.
Halloween: Resurrection (2002)
Wasn't Nearly as Menacing or Sinister as It Should Have Been
Severely traumatized by her last encounter with "Michael Myers" (played in this film by Brad Loree) three years earlier, "Laurie Strode" (Jamie Lee Curtis) has since been hospitalized in a sanitarium where she lives in constant fear of seeing him again. Sure enough, he eventually tracks her down and, after a brief encounter, heads back to his old hometown of Haddenfeld, Illinois to wreak death and destruction there once again. To that effect, as fate would have it, a television programmer by the name of "Freddie Harris" (Busta Rhymes) has just come up with the idea of having a reality show broadcast from Michael's old home and has hired six contestants for his show. What nobody realizes, however, is that Michael has now come home--and he is eagerly waiting for all of them. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this movie started off all right but then seemed to lose its focus the longer it ran. It wasn't nearly as menacing and sinister as it should have been. Likewise, I'm not sure what the director (Rick Rosenthal) was trying to accomplish but having Freddie Harris demonstrate his kung fu moves on Michael Myers was just plain ridiculous. At least, that's how it seemed to me. In any case, I didn't particularly care for this addition to the Halloween franchise, and I have rated it accordingly. Below average.
Down the Wyoming Trail (1939)
An Old-Style Western from a Different Era
This film begins with a cowboy by the name of "Tex Clancey" (Tex Ritter) riding his horse up to Wyoming just before Christmas in search of work. Along the way he saves a young woman named "Candy Parker" (Mary Brodel) from being stampeded by a herd of elk. As it so happens, this particular herd was deliberately stampeded by some cattle rustlers led by a man named "George 'Red' Becker" (Charles King) who has been preying on the local ranchers in that area for quite some time. Also in this gang of rustlers is a cowboy by the name of "Blackie" (Bob Terry) who is the foreman of Candy Parker's ranch. To that effect, after failing to follow her orders, Blackie is fired and subsequently replaced by Tex Clancey. Furious at this, Blackie then frames Tex for a murder he committed which then leaves Candy Parker's ranch vulnerable to the cattle rustlers. What they don't count on, however, is the resourcefulness of Tex Clancey. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this is one of those old-style Westerns which features a singing cowboy--in this case Tex Ritter--rendering a few songs here and there to entertain the viewers along the way. Definitely a product of its time. In any case, although I don't consider this to be a terribly bad film by any means, it definitely wasn't one of the better pictures from this era, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly below average.
Witchboard (1986)
An Okay 80's Horror Film
This film essentially begins with a party being hosted by a young man named "Jim" (Tood Allen) and his girlfriend "Linda" (Tawny Kitaen) during which a person by the name of "Brandon" (Stephen Nichols) suggests that they summon a spirit familiar to him named David. Not particularly liking Brandon all that much, Jim ridicules him and, in the process, David as well. This infuriates David who lets his anger be known by slashing Brandon's brand-new car tires upon ending the seance. For her part, Linda is quite intrigued by all of this and, unknown to Brandon, decides to use the Ouija board and contact David on her own. Unfortunately, because of her inexperience, she makes contact with an evil spirit named "Malfeitor" (J. P. Luebsen) pretending to be David instead--and he wants Linda all for himself. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was an okay 80's horror film which could have used a bit more intensity or suspense here and there. That being said, while I certainly don't consider this to be a great example of the horror genre, I suppose it passed the time well enough, and I have rated it accordingly. Average.
The Hazing (2004)
A Scavenger Hunt Gone Wrong
This film essentially begins with college professor by the name of "Professor Kapps" (Brad Dourif) talking to an attractive student named "Jill" (Brooke Burke) while at his home when, out of the blue, he bludgeons her with a scepter which renders her unconscious. He then sacrifices her on an altar in order to obtain tremendous evil powers. The scene then shifts to a college fraternity where some new pledges are being sent on a scavenger hunt with instructions to procure as many of the items on their list, and then rendezvous at a haunted house not too far away. As it so happens, however, while in the process of gathering some of these items, two students named "Doug" (Philip Andrew) and "Marsha" (Tiffany Shepis) break into the professor's home in search of the spell book on the list that belongs to the professor. As fate would have it, while in the process of searching the house, they are discovered by Professor Kapps--who is then accidentally killed with the same scepter used on Jill. Determined not to tell anyone about what just happened, the two students quickly head back to the rendezvous point with the spell book in hand along with several other items on the list. What they don't count on, however, is the professor's spirit being there to greet them once they arrive. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this film started off well enough, but then the director (Rolfe Kanefsky) chose to abandon the horror angle in favor of action and comedy instead. Not a good idea, in my opinion, as the comedy wasn't all that special, and the action relied too heavily on extremely cheap special effects. It was pretty bad. On the plus side, however, I will admit that having three attractive actresses like Brooke Burke, Tiffany Shepis and Nectar Rose (as "Delia") to enhance the overall scenery was a rather nice touch. Unfortunately, it just wasn't enough, and I have rated this movie accordingly. Below average.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Captures the Essence of the Deep South During This Particular Era
This film takes place in the depression-era South with a small-town lawyer named "Atticus Finch" (Gregory Peck) being asked by "Judge John Taylor" (Paul Fix) to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman. Firm in his belief that every man deserves equal protection under the law, Atticus agrees--even though he knows that certain people in town will resent him for it. Sure enough, not long after he accepts the assignment, his two young children are taunted in school by some of the other kids. Beyond that, however, their main focus is on a reclusive neighbor named "Arthur 'Boo' Radley" (Robert Duvall) who serves as the town boogeyman and frightens the young children, even though none of them have ever met him. Meanwhile, as the trial date nears, the raw hatred and ugliness of some of the people intensifies. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this is an outstanding movie which, I believe, accurately captures the essence of the South during this particular time in American history. It should also be noted that Gregory Peck deservedly won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in this movie as well. Be that as it may, I found this to be an incredibly good picture, and I have rated it accordingly.
Akai tenshi (1966)
A Very Good Anti-War Film
This film begins in 1939 with a young nurse by the name of "Nishi Sakura" (Ayako Wakao) being sent from her home in Tokyo to a mobile Army hospital in China to care for Japanese soldiers who have been seriously wounded in the war over there. Although she is quite eager to demonstrate her medical skills, she is immediately horrified at the condition of the hospital which is short on medical equipment and supplies needed for all of the dying and wounded soldiers. To suggest that it is an unpleasant environment would be an understatement-especially considering that within the first week of her reporting for duty she is forcibly raped by a soldier named "Private Sakamoto" (Jotaro Senba). Yet as traumatic as this event is for her, she still does everything she can to save his life when he returns from the front lines with injuries even worse than before. And her feelings for other wounded soldiers continues even though she is warned repeatedly not to get emotionally involved. However, it isn't until she falls in love with one of the doctors that things take a turn for the worse. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those films that was well-made but, because of the subject matter, was rather difficult to actually enjoy. To its credit, unlike so many other war movies which glorifies the battlefield action, this one showcases the harsh realities of it to great effect. Likewise, having an absolutely gorgeous actress like Ayako Wakao certainly didn't hurt either. Be that as it may, in spite of some rather disturbing scenes, I still consider this to be a very good anti-war film, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.
The Devil's Candy (2015)
A Painter Possessed by His Artwork
This film essentially begins with an artist by the name of "Jesse Hellman" (Ethan Embry) buying a large house in rural Texas and converting the garage into an art studio where he can paint. Just prior to buying the house, however, he is told by the realtor that the reason for the relatively low price is due to the fact that an elderly couple recently died in it. What he isn't told is that they were killed by their adult son "Ray Smilie" (Pruitt Taylor Vince) who might be possessed by a demonic spirit. Regardless, Jesse is thrilled by the house--until Ray decides to pay him a visit. To make matters even worse, it's at this same time that Jesse begins hearing the same voices that apparently drove Ray insane. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be a surprisingly good horror film despite the fact that it was produced independent of any major studio. Admittedly, I would have preferred a bit more focus on the man known as "Leonard" (Tony Amendola) and his assistant "Mara" (Jamie Tisdale) but, even so, I enjoyed this film for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Pet Sematary (1989)
Where Dead Pets Return to Life
This film essentially begins with a physician by the name of "Dr. Louis Creed" (Dale Midkiff) buying a large house in a rural part of Maine and moving his family into it from Chicago. Naturally, as is often the case, each new house comes with its own peculiar set of problems each family has to overcome. And this house is no exception as it just happens to have been built right next to an extremely busy highway which has numerous semi-trucks speeding down the road during all hours of the day. It's so bad that, as their elderly neighbor "Jud Crandall" (Fred Gwynne) explains, there is even a large pet cemetery located not far from where they live. However, what's even more startling is the fact that there is an old Native American graveyard not too far from there which, according to Jud, can even bring the dead back to life. Needless to say, being an educated man, Dr. Creed dismisses the notion outright. What he doesn't realize, however, is just how correct his neighbor actual is--and it will come to haunt him in ways he never thought possible. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that, although I don't consider this to be a bad movie by any means, I was still somewhat disappointed in it because it wasn't nearly as horrific as the book it was based upon. That being said, of course, I pretty much knew what to expect beforehand--so maybe that has something to do with it. In any case, while it might not have been as good as the book, this movie is still worth a look for those viewers in search of a decent horror film, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Day of the Evil Gun (1968)
Two Men Trying to Rescue the Woman They Both Love
Having killed a man in a gunfight a year earlier, "Lorn Warfield" (Glenn Ford) finally returns to his home only to learn that his wife "Angie Warfield" (Barbara Babcock) and their two young children had been kidnapped by the Apache two months previously. The man who tells him this is "Owen Forbes" (Arthur Kennedy) who had planned on marrying Angie due to their belief that Lorn was dead. Not that his death would have really mattered because, having been left on her own for such a long time, she had become convinced that Owen would have made a good husband for her. At least, that is what Owen tells Lorn. For his part, Lorn takes an immediate dislike to Owen and, not only sets out on his own to rescue his family but tries his best to prevent Owen from following him as well. What neither of them realize, however, is just how dangerous their rescue attempt will eventually turn out to be. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was a solid 60's Western which benefited from good performances from both Glenn Ford and Arthur Kennedy. Admittedly, there were a couple of scenes that were a bit unrealistic but, even so, I enjoyed this movie for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Amityville Ripper (2023)
Exceedingly Boring
This film essentially begins with a couple of goofy looking television journalists initially discussing the fact that infamous house in Amityville has been scheduled to be torn down before pivoting to the topic of alien spacecraft being spotted in several different places. The scene then shifts to a goth teenager by the name of "Marianne" (Kelsey Anne Baker) being informed by her brother "Nichols" (Hunter Redfern) that he has scheduled a big party at their house to take advantage of the fact that their parents are gone on vacation. For her part, Marianne is not at all interested in this party because she had previously made plans with her best friend "Annie" (Angel Nichole Bradford). It then transpires that Marianne has ordered the actual knife belonging to "Jack the Ripper" (played by Josh Allman) which was apparently being kept at the house in Amityville and has recently been sold at an auction to her. Sure enough, upon conducting the séance, Jack the Ripper does indeed appear--and he then begins to kill almost every person that crosses his path. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I have seen a number of bad films which have used the word "Amityville" on its title. I have included this movie in that category because, other than possibly the acting of Kelsey Anne Baker, there is nothing really notable about this low-budget project at all. That said, rather than wasting any more time on this exceedingly boring film, I will just leave it at that.
Knockaround Guys (2001)
A Young Man Trying to Follow in His Father's Footsteps
This film essentially begins with a young man by the name of "Matty Demaret" (Barry Pepper) wanting to eventually take over the crime syndicate his father "Benny Chains" (Dennis Hopper) will one day leave behind. Unfortunately, his father doesn't think that he's cut out for the job--and neither does his father's righthand man "Teddy Deserve" (John Malkovich). So, to prove himself to both of them, Matty begs for the opportunity to personally manage the transfer of $500,000 in cash from Seattle to New York City. At first, Benny is highly skeptical of it all but, after talking it over with Teddy, decides to allow his son the opportunity to prove himself. To that effect, Matty persuades his good friend "Johnny Marbles" (Seth Green) to fly his small airplane to Seattle and, once the bag is transferred to him there, fly all the way back to New York so that Matty can then hand it to his father and therefore prove his worth. What nobody counts on, however, is Johnny losing the bag at a small airport in Montana which, in turn, creates huge problems for all concerned. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this turned out to be a pretty good gangster film due in large part to the presence of Vin Diesel (as "Taylor Reese") who, in my opinion, stole the show. Admittedly, it wasn't quite as intense as it could have been but, even so, I enjoyed this film for the most part, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
The Hitman's Bodyguard (2017)
A Bodyguard on an Assignment to Save the Man Who Ruined His Career
After a highly rated bodyguard named "Michael Bryce" (Ryan Reynolds) loses his client to a fatal gunshot, he is forced to take on clients he wouldn't normally accept. So, when his former girlfriend by the name of "Amelia Roussel" (Elodie Yung) reaches out and pleads with him to help her guard the witness who will put a notorious criminal behind bars, he reluctantly lends his services to her. However, it isn't until he meets her client that he realizes that this was the assassin who killed his former employer and left his reputations in shambles. Neither does he realize just how dangerous this mission is--or the fact that the two of them will actually have to work together to keep each other alive. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those movies that relies heavily upon special effects and pyrotechnics to keep the audience entertained. So, there is definitely a lot of action here. Likewise, there is quite a bit of comedy as well. And while I was reasonably entertained, I honestly believe that the film would have been better if the director (Patrick Hughes) had taken a more serious and realistic approach instead. But that's just me. In any case, I have little doubt that those viewers looking for a fast-paced action movie will probably enjoy this particular film, and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.
Shinrei shashin bu (2015)
A Horror Film Lacking Any Horror or Suspense
This film essentially begins with a teenage student by the name of "Kaya Minomiya" (Makoto Okunaka) joining a small club which investigates photos taken of paranormal activity. As it so happens, one such photo is received by the club and, true to their calling, they immediately go to investigate. When they arrive at the home of the sender, they are greeted by a young girl named "Nozome Makabe" (Mio Kudo) who tells them she has been visited by an angel and managed to take the photograph which captured its likeness. While there, the two colleagues of Kaya are rendered unconscious by a mysterious force and it's then that Kaya realizes that the angel in the photo is actually an evil entity which has possessed the young girl. Adding to the horror is the fact that, not long afterward, both Nozome and her mother "Harue Makabe" (Aki Morita) are soon murdered by a serial killer wearing a grotesque mask. But to make matters even worse, because of ghost photo club's investigation, the masked killer now begins to target them as well. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that I wasn't too impressed with this horror film due in large part to the lack of any real horror or suspense. To that point, it seemed like the director (Osamu Fukytani) tried to add some mystery to the film by throwing in several new twists along the way but, absent the necessary horror or suspense, it didn't really work out. But that's just my opinion. In any case, as stated earlier, I honestly wasn't impressed with this movie, and I have rated it accordingly. Below average.
Home Town Story (1951)
A Film Based on a Flawed Economic Theory
Extremely disappointed with losing a recent election, an incumbent politician by the name of "Blake Washburn" (Jeffrey Lynn) returns to his home town with the intention of running again in two years to regain his former office. And to do that, he uses his position as the editor of the local newspaper to point out certain problems that he believes will work to his political advantage. But what he doesn't realize, however, is that, regardless of how popular his ideas might be with the local citizenry, his populist beliefs eventually alienate those closest to him--to the point that they don't even recognize him anymore. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was one of those films that started off reasonably well but, due to some really ridiculous economic views, ruined what could have been a pretty good picture. To be more specific, the writers in this film apparently want the viewers to believe is that there is something wholesome about big corporations making hefty profits. A rising tide lifts all boats mentality. But lost in this simplistic mindset were various concerns like outsourcing, the rights of workers, labor unions and a host of other issues which were never discussed--just big corporate profits. Again, it all seemed a bit too one-sided to me. But that's just my opinion. In any case, while I don't consider this to be a terrible movie by any means, my interest faded once the conversation shifted to this rather flawed economic theory, and I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.
Rio Bravo (1959)
A Solid John Wayne Western
After arresting a vicious cowboy for the cold-blooded murder of another man in a local saloon, a town sheriff by the name of "John T. Chance" (John Wayne) soon begins to realize that his prisoner's powerful brother, "Nathan Burdette" (John Russell) will do whatever it takes to get him released. To that effect, although he has an elderly deputy he refers to as "Stumpy" (Walter Brennan) there to help him out, he correctly surmises that it isn't enough. So, in an act bordering on desperation, he turns to a former deputy named "Dude" (Dean Martin) to also provide additional manpower. The problem, however, is that Nathan has dozens of gunmen working for him and Dude's reliability is questionable because of his severe alcohol problems. Throw in the fact that one of his other friends named "Pat Wheeler" (Ward Bond) has already been shot and killed by Nathan's men, and the odds of them surviving through the week are quite low. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that this was pretty good Western which benefited from good acting on the part of both John Wayne and Walter Brennan. I also liked the romantic angle between Sheriff Chance and the female gambler known simply as "Feathers" (Angie Dickinson). In short, this is one of those films I would recommend for those looking for a decent, old-fashioned Western from the 1950's, and I have rated it accordingly. Above average.