There is nothing here to be gained. In a sea of films, why subject yourself to this?
Categories: Movie and Series Reviews, Thriller
Doctor Sleep (2019) 4/5
Not perfect. It felt like some things got trimmed in editing and a couple of times the reverence for the prior film goes a little too hard. However, I enjoyed it a lot.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) 2/5
A movie that is so far removed from the sincerity of the prior two before it. Not that it doesn’t try, it really tries but its all vapor. The cast is fine but is given very little to shine with. The cinematography doesn’t really add anything either, as sense of scale never really hits hard. The fear of the creatures is also brought down a lot here throughout various scenes.
I really wanted to like this movie, a lot. I think the first two are pretty great but this is not it.
The instigators (2024) 2/5
The Instigators struggles to feel cohesive and make sense at times. Not everything is satisfying because it feels like it is making and dropping ideas as it goes. Affleck’s character feels like he shortly devolves into a character of his character.
Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) 3.5/5
I didn’t get peoples issue with Dakota Johnson until this movie. Surrounded by everyone giving their best and every one of her scenes was near identically flat.
That being said, there is a lot to like here. It is an enjoyable noir film with a large pool of people feeling out themes of redemption. Jon Hamm and Cynthia Erivo deserve special praise for carrying out their roles.
The Edge (1997) 3/5
Not without problems or aspects to roll my eyes at, but still a fun flick nonetheless. I do wish the characters were a little better managed but the bear is incredible to see and a google search tells me it is the second time Hopkins has worked with the bear turned bear-actor.
A Haunting in Venice (2023) 3.5/5
The twists aren’t so twisty, overly telegraphed to the point of being easy to see. However, the movie stays afloat above its necessity for subterfuge with careful direction and captivating atmosphere.
A house/hospital full of stuck people, literally and figuratively, makes a strong setting.
It is funny that you can walk away from the movie thinking Poirot gives some credence to mysticism or that you think he gives zero and everything can be explained. It makes for a little extra engagement.
I have a real soft spot for these movies. Even flawed, Hercule Poirot and Branagh are an attractive pair.