2012 Films, Adventure, Drama, Historical Drama, International, International Adventure, International Drama, Norwegian

Kon-Tiki-2012

June 28, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Kon-Tiki-2012

Directors Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg

Starring Pål Sverre Hagen

Scott’s Review #78

Reviewed June 28, 2014

Grade: C+

I don’t know what’s happened to the nominating process for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar (it’s been controversial for years). Still, you used to be able to count on any of the five nominated films to be interesting, edgy, and even controversial.

These days, a few of the nominated films barely squeak through, rise above mediocrity, and are such mainstream stories.

Kon-Tiki (2012) is one such film.

It tells the tale of a Norwegian scientist determined to sail, via raft, from Peru to the Polynesian islands to prove a Sun God, centuries ago, made the same voyage.

He forms a team and off they go.

Supposedly based on a true story, the team faces the typical challenges in an oceanic adventure: bad weather, sharks, the raft in peril, and dissent among the ranks.

These high-sea clichés have gotten to me recently. The film is similar in context to Life of Pi, also made in 2012.

It’s not a bad film, but there is nothing special about it either, and it has glossy and safe written all over it- the score is Spielberg to the nines, who has nothing to do with this film.

The five adventurers are bronzed with buff bodies when nobody was buff in the 1940s when this film is set, and the scruffy beards, after months of sailing, look perfectly phony.

For the top-tier foreign language group, I expected something more cutting-edge and with more substance.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

2011 Films, Horror, Horror Anthologies

The Theatre Bizarre-2011

June 28, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Theatre Bizarre-2011

Directors Tom Savini, Jeremy Kasten, Douglas Buck, Buddy Giovinazzo, David Gregory, Karim Hussain, Richard Stanley

Starring Udo Kier, Lena Kliene

Scott’s Review #77

Reviewed June 28, 2014

Grade: B+

The Theatre Bizarre is a little-known horror treat from 2011 that was shown only at horror festivals upon release and is otherwise shamefully unknown.

Horror buffs must give this film a chance.

The main story centers on a young woman’s attraction to an odd theater in her neighborhood and her hesitant pursuit of the theater. Once she musters the courage to enter, she is treated to six stories told by the strange owner of the theater, who is a wax figure.

The audience also experiences the stories in one-by-one vignettes.

A puppet host (or Guignol) introduces the six short films: “The Mother of Toads”, “I Love You”, “Wet Dreams”, “The Accident”, “Vision Stains” and “Sweets”.

As each is shown, the host becomes more human, and Enola becomes more puppet-like.

The stories range from the morbidly gruesome (A bitter, angry woman castrates her cheating boyfriend. An unstable woman serves her boyfriend to her friends for dinner), to poetic, (a young girl and her mother discuss the process of death upon witnessing a deadly motorcycle crash).

The first vignette (Mother of Toads) wasn’t the best, but the subsequent stories fascinated me.

The ambiance, especially inside the theater, is dark, dreamlike, and surreal, which adds a lot of atmosphere to the film.

It reminded me quite a bit of Masters of Horror, a popular series on Showtime in the mid-2000s.

Highly recommended gem for horror fans.

1951 Films, Adventure, Drama

The African Queen-1951

June 28, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The African Queen-1951

Director John Huston

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Katharine Hepburn

Scott’s Review #76

Reviewed June 28, 2014

Grade: B-

The African Queen (1951) is a difficult film to review.

Revered and appearing on many of the greatest films of all time lists, this film is disappointing.

Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn star as a couple who despise each other, stranded together on a tugboat in Africa on the eve of World War I.

Sure, the chemistry between Bogart and Hepburn (Hollywood royalty in their day) is there, and the opposite attraction has a definite rooting value as their passion oozes off the screen.

He is a grizzled alcoholic American. She is a repressed, puritanical British woman. The locales of Africa, as the couple traverses on a makeshift boat, are gorgeous.

That is it for me, though- nothing else about the film is spectacular.

The plot is silly and unrealistic, and the two are thrown together purely for plot purposes. The adventure seems quite secondary to the love story at hand.

How far-fetched is that an “old maid” and a sailor could build torpedoes and blow up an enormous German warship?

The film is a decent, old-fashioned romantic adventure but not much more, which disappoints me because, given its accolades, I was expecting much more.

Bogart won the 1951 Best Actor Oscar for this performance.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Director-John Huston, Best Actor-Humphrey Bogart (won), Best Actress-Katharine Hepburn, Best Screenplay

2013 Films, Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Prisoners-2013

June 27, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Prisoners-2013

Director Denis Villeneuve

Starring Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal

Scott’s Review #75

Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: B+

The film Prisoners (2013) weaves a gripping, taut psychological tale amid a stellar cast, including Hugh Jackman, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maria Bello, Viola Davis, and Paul Dano.

That is what separates it from other similar, yet mediocre, thrillers.

The gray, somber Pennsylvania town is a perfect backdrop for a story involving child abduction and a father who seeks a confession from the presumed kidnapper.

The mood and cinematography are impressive, and the bleakness fits the tone: a cold Thanksgiving holiday weekend in a working-class steel town.

At two hours and twenty-six minutes, the film is long, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

What intrigued me most was the audience conflict of whom to root for. Is the father purely innocent? Is the kidnapper guilty? Is someone else involved?

These questions go through the viewer’s mind during the film.

Prisoners has a major drawback: too many plot holes and questions left unanswered after the film.

The kidnapper’s motivations are weak and never fully explained. Parts of the story don’t add up and make little sense.

The film’s style is similar to Zodiac (2006) and Mystic River (2003).

Prisoners (2013) is an intense, thrilling ride to enjoy, but not over-analyze.

Oscar Nominations: Best Cinematography

2001 Films, Comedy, French, International, International Comedy, International Romantic Comedy, Romantic Comedy

Amelie-2001

June 27, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Amelie-2001

Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Starring Audrey Tatou

Scott’s Review #74

Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: C+

Amelie (2001) was a major disappointment for me. Critically acclaimed and admired, I did not get this movie at all.

First, the positives: this film is French, which gives it an edge for its beautiful language and French setting.

The cinematography, art direction, and set design are inventive and unique. The movie has a magical, whimsical feel that is appealing.

The story, however, is an enormous drawback.

The central character, a waif-like, sweet waitress, is lonely and feels unloved, yet avoids meeting the man of her dreams by playing a cat-and-mouse game of leaving silly notes and sending him on wild goose chases because she is afraid of happiness. Yet, she does everything she can to ensure others find happiness.

The story did not work for me at all, but I admire the film’s creativity.

Perhaps I should allow myself a second viewing, as this film received much fanfare.

Oscar Nominations: Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen/Original Screenplay, Best Foreign Language Film, Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Foreign Film (won)

1974 Films, Drama, International, International Drama, Italian

Swept Away-1974

June 27, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Swept Away-1974

Director Lina Wertmüller

Starring Giancarlo Giannini, Mariangela Melato

Scott’s Review #72

Reviewed June 27, 2014

Grade: B+

Swept Away (1974) is an Italian version of the film, remade in 2004 starring Madonna.

A wealthy, spoiled woman is stranded on a deserted island with her male servant.

The 1974 film is superb and, at times, deeply disturbing, as scenes of humiliation are almost too much to watch.

The theme is about the class system- the haves and the have-nots, and what happens when roles are reversed, and individuals are stripped of titles, is interesting, shocking, and, at times, troubling.

I was stunned, yet mesmerized, by a very animalistic scene in which a man beats a woman. At first, the man is the sympathetic one and the woman is despised, then the roles are shockingly reversed.

Amazingly, the film was directed by a woman, Lina Wertmüller, a brave, underappreciated German director.

When the pair is inevitably rescued and returns to normalcy, the plot takes a dynamic turn.

2013 Films, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

Enough Said-2013

June 25, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Enough Said-2013

Director Nicole Holofcener

Starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini

Scott’s Review #71

Reviewed June 25, 2014

Grade: B+

Enough Said (2013) is a surprisingly well-written, small indie romantic comedy and, sadly, James Gandolfini’s (TV’s The Sopranos) final film performance.

The film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a down-to-earth massage therapist who meets her odd match (Gandolfini) at a party.

They slowly begin dating, and some interesting misunderstandings ensue.

The seemingly odd couple fall in love and form a special bond over time. Both struggle to overcome past relationships and trust someone again, making them vulnerable and compelling characters.

They strive to be happy but are not quite there yet.

I found the dialogue very sharp and witty, and Dreyfus is perfectly cast in this film. She and Gandolfini have enormous chemistry, and the film is not contrived in the least, as many romantic comedies are.

The film feels like a West Coast Woody Allen film from a female perspective with many neurotic, flawed characters.

I enjoyed it immensely.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Male-James Gandolfini, Best Screenplay

2013 Films, Science Fiction, Thriller

Gravity-2013

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Gravity-2013

Director Alfonso Cuarón

Starring Sandra Bullock, George Clooney

Scott’s Review #69

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B

Gravity (2013) has become a film that has divided people- some have described it as “brilliant”, “groundbreaking”, and “phenomenal”.

Because of the hype, I expected something of a masterpiece. Not being a 3-D fan (usually unnecessary), I gave in and saw it in 3-D, which did help the film.

I have discovered the theory- the techies will love it; the storytellers will not.

Yes, the film is inventive, and the space scenes are magnificent, so much so that I felt like I was floating in space looking down at planet Earth.

Sandra Bullock is excellent as a lost astronaut, fearful and desperate.

But the story is quite basic and, frankly, weak. I kept waiting for the plot to thicken and was left wanting much more than the movie delivered.

The backstory for Clooney and Bullock was limited.

I must stress, though, that technically this film is astounding and deserves the praise heaped on it, but as a complete movie, it didn’t deliver.

Oscar Nominations: 7 wins-Best Picture, Best Director- Alfonso Cuarón (won), Best Actress-Sandra Bullock, Best Original Score (won), Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing (won), Best Production Design, Best Cinematography (won), Best Film Editing (won), Best Visual Effects (won)

1956 Films, Drama, Historical Drama, Royalty

Anastasia-1956

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Anastasia-1956

Director Anatole Litvak

Starring Ingrid Bergman, Yul Brynner

Scott’s Review #68

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Anastasia (1956) is an exquisitely shot historical drama set in Paris and Denmark circa 1928.

The film tells the story of a surviving member of the Romanov Dynasty who was discovered in early 20th-century Russia. But is she an imposter or the real heir?

This is the central question that the film encompasses.

The set and art direction are gorgeous.

Ingrid Bergman is flawless as a tortured, lost, amnesiac woman who attempts to discover herself and her feelings. Unsurprisingly, she won the Best Actress Oscar this year (1956).

How wonderful to see Helen Hayes (typically a stage actress) as the Dowager Empress.

It is interesting to see Natalie Schaffer (Lovey Howell of Gilligan’s Island fame) in the film.

My only slight knock is that I didn’t sense any chemistry between Bergman and Yul Brynner, but the romantic element is certainly secondary to the fascinating period drama.

Every scene is first-rate in production and style, and gorgeous filming. Every frame looks like a painting.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Actress-Ingrid Bergman (won), Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama-Helen Hayes, Ingrid Bergman (won)

1964 Films, Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Dead Ringer-1964

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Dead Ringer-1964

Director Paul Henreid

Starring Bette Davis, Karl Malden

Scott’s Review #67

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Dead Ringer (1964) is a black-and-white thriller starring Bette Davis in her final leading role before she took on the character and supporting roles.

Davis plays an interesting dual role, and as a massive fan of hers, I believe two are better than one.

The story centers on a wealthy widow and her twin sister, a struggling bar owner. The two have not spoken in decades and renewed their feud at a funeral.

One sister schemes to cause the other’s death, which results in an entertaining game of mistaken identity.

Davis carries this film and is dynamic in every scene. With her eyes, facial expressions, and throaty voice, her characteristic sexy pose with the cigarette is often utilized.

She is simply dynamic.

The story and plot are carefully crafted, and the angles that show both characters are impressive for the time (1964).

The differing lifestyles of the characters also make for a more challenging performance by Davis.

Karl Malden is a treat as a love interest of one of the sisters.

1945 Films, British, Thriller

And Then There Were None-1945

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

And Then There Were None-1945

Director René Clair

Starring Barry Fitzgerald, Judith Anderson

Scott’s Review #66

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: C+

And Then There Were None (1945) is adapted from a famous Agatha Christie novel of the same name from the 1930s, the first of 3 film adaptations over the years.

A group of 10 individuals from all walks of life is summoned for a weekend of merriment at a secluded mansion on a lonely island.

The premise is perfectly set up for a fascinating whodunit as the characters are knocked off one by one in sometimes bizarre fashion- the bee sting death is great.

There is a wide range of characters- the rich movie star, the spinster, the doctor, the house servant, and his wife). I was very disappointed with the DVD quality (no Blu-Ray is available for this film).

The picture and sound are abhorrent. The quality is quite grainy and faded making watching an unpleasant experience. However, a great film might withstand those issues.

The film has some appeal that the novel had- an interesting whodunit. The character histories are similar to the ones in the book and, to be fair, the film is well-acted, and the wonderful Judith Anderson (Rebecca) is always a treat to watch.

But the most disappointing aspect is the blatantly changed and completely upbeat, romantic comedy ending, vastly different from the dark novel ending, and lost major points with me for the adjustment.

2002 Films, Gore, Horror, Horror-Camp, Independent, Independent Horror, Slasher

Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat-2002

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat-2002

Director H.G. Lewis

Starring John McConnell

Scott’s Review #65

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B

Blood Feast 2: All U Can Eat (2002) is a sequel to the original Blood Feast from over thirty years ago.

It is not necessary to see the original before seeing this film (I hadn’t). The original killer’s grandson is the gruesome caterer/maniac in this installment.

Director H.G. Lewis heavily influenced John Waters, who has a fantastic cameo as a perverted reverend.

This movie is so over-the-top and campy that it should not be taken seriously at all.

The premise, if one can call it that, involves a lunatic caterer intent on using various female body parts to concoct a scrumptious meal to serve at a wedding.

The film is more of a comedy than a traditional horror film.

The victims are bubbleheads, mispronouncing words and traipsing around in skimpy outfits (or less) for no reason. The mean-spirited mother of the bride is a delight.

Scenes of taste testing and the presentation of “ladyfingers” are hilariously creative.

Campy in every way and poorly acted, but good late-night fun.

2013 Films, Biography, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama

Fruitvale Station-2013

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Fruitvale Station-2013

Director Ryan Coogler

Starring Michael B. Jordan

Scott’s Review #64

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Without knowing all the details of this incident, and only considering what the film presents, Fruitvale Station (2013) is a good film.

Most of the film is in the lead-up to the big incident.

While not perfect, the victim is presented as a good guy who helps strangers and stray dogs, loves his daughter, and has a great heart.

He lives a tough life, has been in and out of prison, and is forced to sell drugs to make a living.

But he has a strong family unit (mother, grandmother, girlfriend, friends), so he lives a decent life.

The cops in question are presented very negatively (intense, racist, and brutal).

Again, I don’t know what happened, but obviously, the filmmakers are on the victim’s side (as they should be). The police’s reasons are revealed at the end of the film.

It’s a heartfelt, good, solid portrayal.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Male Lead-Michael B. Jordan, Best Supporting Female-Melonie Diaz, Best First Feature (won)

2013 Films, Biography, Drama

Diana-2013

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Diana-2013

Director Oliver Hirschbiegel

Starring Naomi Watts

Scott’s Review #63

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: C+

Assuming all the details of Diana (2013) are accurate, this film offers an interesting account of Princess Diana’s last two years of life and her transition from married royalty to a single woman, all while remaining the most famous woman on earth.

While the film is interesting, I felt something was missing, and it was not as gripping as I had hoped.

I also did not quite buy Naomi Watts as Diana. Her mannerisms were off to me, and the real Diana was taller.

Also, I didn’t quite believe that Diana could throw on a brown wig and walk freely around London unrecognized.

There was no chemistry between Watts and Naveen Andrews (TV’s Lost), who played a successful heart surgeon with whom Diana begins a romance.

These criticisms do not mean the film was a total failure (there was a sincere likability and charisma that Watts brought to the role), but it was not as good as one would have hoped.

2013 Films, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Biography, Drama, Historical Drama, Independent, Independent Drama

12 Years a Slave-2013

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

12 Years a Slave-2013

Director Steve McQueen

Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor

Scott’s Review #62

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: A

At the time of 12 Years a Slave’s (2013) release, a ton of buzz began circulating. Was it that good?

Considered the front-runner to win the Best Picture statue, it did go on to win the top honor.

The film is not easy to watch. It is brutal and heart-wrenching at times. I will spare the details, but the most intense scene involves a whip.

There are scenes of torture, degradation, and cruelty against the slaves by the slave owners.

While tough to watch, I applaud the film for not glossing over the atrocities of slavery. Some have criticized it for being a retread of similar films, but I disagree. It is worlds more intense than watered-down versions.

However, the film is not a downer.

Yes, a class of people is beaten down and victimized, but they also rise above and never give up hope. The fact that it’s a true story, and that the real Solomon Northup wrote a book about it, makes it all the more powerful.

The performances are outstanding (Ejiofor, Fassbender, Paulson, and Nyong’o).

The look and cinematography are sharp, and I love the distinctiveness of the North and South scenes. The setting is stifling hot and dreary.

There are at least two scenes where the camera pans on a shot and holds for what feels like an eternity until something happens, which makes the scenes effective.

While difficult to watch, 12 Years a Slave (2013) should be viewed by everyone to see how far society has come, not forgetting how far we still need to go to eliminate discrimination and victimization.

Oscar Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-Steve McQueen, Best Actor-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Best Supporting Actor-Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Actress-Lupita Nyong’o (won), Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 5 wins-Best Feature (won), Best Director-Steve McQueen (won), Best Male Lead-Chiwetel Ejiofor, Best Supporting Male-Michael Fassbender, Best Supporting Female-Lupita Nyong’o (won), Best Screenplay (won), Best Cinematography (won)

1959 Films, Black & White, Courtroom, Drama

Anatomy of a Murder-1959

June 24, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Anatomy of a Murder-1959

Director Otto Preminger

Starring James Stewart

Scott’s Review #61

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: B+

Anatomy of a Murder (1959) is a thought-provoking courtroom/legal thriller that is not a black-and-white, good-and-bad story.

It is more profound and more complex than that.

Starring James Stewart as an everyman defense attorney, the film, shot effectively in black and white, pushed barriers for its time by using certain words such as “rape” and “panties” that were never spoken in films before this time.

Much of the action takes place inside the courtroom.

The film pushed the envelope and is still enjoyable today.

Throughout the film, which is admittedly slow at times, the audience is unsure of the defendant’s guilt and wary and suspicious of him from the start, which creates great drama.

The rooting value is with Stewart, the hero, and the interesting supporting cast provides deeper layers than similar-type films that risk being wordy or preachy.

As each new fact or twist and turn arrives throughout the film, it becomes more and more engaging until it reaches a satisfying climax.

Oscar Nominations: Best Motion Picture, Best Actor-James Stewart, Best Supporting Actor-Arthur O’Connell, George C. Scott, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Film Editing

Golden Globe Nominations: Best Motion Picture-Drama, Best Director-Motion Picture-Otto Preminger, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture-Drama-Lee Remick, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture-Joseph Welch

1979 Films, Horror, Supernatural Horror

The Amityville Horror-1979

June 23, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Amityville Horror-1979

Director Stuart Rosenberg

Starring James Brolin, Margot Kidder

Scott’s Review #60

Reviewed June 23, 2014

Grade: B-

The Amityville Horror was undoubtedly more thrilling at its original 1979 release, but sadly, time has not been kind to this film, and it no longer holds up well.

It feels dated, but that doesn’t mean it’s unenjoyable.

The movie’s atmosphere, building tension, and sense of dread are effective. The audience knows bad things will eventually occur.

The film’s look is dark and creepy, and the leads, James Brolin and Margot Kidder, are adequate.

The main problem with the film is that, throughout, a feels like I am watching a pale version of The Exorcist (1973) or The Omen (1976), far superior films, with the religious theme that was heavily used in the horror genre throughout the 1970s.

Also, horror in 1970’s cinema was at its best, and by 1979, horror had shifted into the knife-wielding maniac vein.

Add to this the fact that the supposedly “true story” has since been proven to be a silly hoax, which takes away any shred of seriousness.

The scene involving the herd of flies is scary, but other scenes seem silly and inconsequential.

The Amityville Horror (1979) is not a bad movie, but similar films are far superior.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Score

Golden Globe Nominations: Best Original Score

2012 Films, Erotic, Thriller

Passion-2012

June 23, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Passion-2012

Director Brian De Palma

Starring Rachel McAdams, Noomi Rapace

Scott’s Review #58

Reviewed June 23, 2014

Grade: A

Passion (2012) is a must-see for all Brian De Palma fans, Carrie (1976), and Dressed to Kill (1980).

Unfortunately, the film received little fanfare and has largely been forgotten, but it deserves a viewing.

The film is set in the world of advertising, where backstabbing and scheming are commonplace.

Rachel McAdams stars as an executive who steals her assistant’s (Noomi Rapace) ideas regularly.

Fed up, the assistant plots revenge.

McAdams is delicious as the callous, calculating, little girl over her head in the corporate world.

The praise goes to De Palma, though, for creating yet another stylistic gem similar in tone to many of his other successful films.

The plot is almost secondary to the direction- twists and turns, and cool camera angles make the film an enjoyable experience.

A common De Palma trait is a dreamlike feel, which I love in his films.

The ending is a direct homage to Dressed to Kill.

2011 Films, Australian, Biography, Crime Drama, Drama, Thriller

The Snowtown Murders-2011

June 23, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Snowtown Murders-2011

Director Justin Kurzel

Starring Daniel Henshall, Lucas Pittaway

Scott’s Review #57

Reviewed June 23, 2014

Grade: C+

The Snowtown Murders (2011) is an Australian film based on a true story about a charismatic, manipulative man who influences a family of misfits to follow his murderous streak.

The film is helped by a group of very talented actors (unknown to me) who successfully convey a sense of bleakness and despair in their lives, and some fine, emotional acting makes this film slightly above average.

The entire look of the movie is dreary, raw, and hopeless, from the lighting to the camera shots.

The details of the film are impressive- from the confined, dismal house the family lives in to the unhealthy meals consumed, all are filled with a sense of chaos.

The Snowtown Murders pushes the envelope with the explicitness of the murders and torture scenes, so the viewer is left feeling uncomfortable.

The downside is that the movie drags at times and meanders at a plodding pace, which adds to the discomfort.

I’m not sure whether this is intentional.

1969 Films, Best Picture-Drama Golden Globe Winners, British, Drama, Historical Drama, Royalty

Anne of the Thousand Days-1969

June 22, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Anne of the Thousand Days-1969

Director Charles Jarrott

Starring Richard Burton, Geneviève Bujold

Scott’s Review #56

Reviewed June 22, 2014

Grade: A-

Anne of the Thousand Days (1969) is one of the better historical dramas I have seen.

One can become absorbed in the history of royalty and learn a lot. It has a clear Shakespearean quality to it (tragedy) and is compelling in many ways.

It tells the true story of the tumultuous relationship between Henry VIII of England and his second wife, Anne Boleyn, whose union produced one of the most famous queens, Elizabeth I.

Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine, was discarded amid much controversy and political intrigue.

The drama is part of what makes this film so enjoyable, along with the historical element. It is dramatic, but not a soap opera, and the acting is superior.

The film also has gorgeous costumes and cinematography.

Unfortunately, the finale of the beheading left too much to the imagination, and a more graphic scene would have put it over the top.

The film is near excellent, though.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Actor-Richard Burton, Best Actress-Geneviève Bujold, Best Supporting Actor-Anthony Quayle, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Original Score for a Motion Picture (Not a Musical), Best Sound, Best Costume Design (won), Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography

Golden Globe Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture-Drama (won), Best Director-Charles Jarrott (won), Best Actor-Drama-Richard Burton, Best Actress-Drama-Geneviève Bujold (won), Best Supporting Actor-Anthony Quayle, Best Screenplay (won), Best Original Score

2014 Films, Action, Airplanes, Thriller

Non-Stop-2014

June 22, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Non-Stop-2014

Director Jaume Collet-Serra

Starring Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #55

Reviewed June 22, 2014

Grade: B-

I am a sucker for a good airline disaster action film.

I found Non-Stop (2014) to have two parts- the first one hour and fifteen minutes and the final thirty minutes.

A film like this (action, popcorn flick) requires suspension of disbelief.

The events in this film will NEVER happen.

In recent years, Liam Neeson, at sixty years old plus, has settled nicely into action hero star in mediocre to above-average film roles.

He has found his niche.

The first part of the film is highly entertaining. One hundred and fifty passengers on board an international flight from New York to London are in peril when a terrorist begins texting troubled U.S. Air Marshall (Neeson) that someone on the flight will die every twenty minutes unless One hundred and fifty million dollars is transferred to their account.

From this point begins a compelling whodunit.

Which passenger is sending the text messages? Could it be a flight attendant or the captain of the plane? Several characters are introduced and some red herrings commence. Who begins framing the Marshall? Why?

This is compelling fun stuff.

Most of the action takes place on the plane giving the film a claustrophobic atmosphere.

Then, however, the second part of the film takes over. Not to give spoilers away, but it reaches a ridiculous, silly conclusion, and I found myself saying out loud, “this is stupid”.

A needless and contrived plot of a little girl on the flight is trivial.

I expected more from Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey fame. Lupita N’Yongo is given a throwaway role (let’s assume she was cast before her Oscar-winning turn in 12 Years a Slave in 2013).

Popcorn fun, but disappointing ending summarizes Non-Stop (2014).

2013 Films, Biography, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films

Dallas Buyers Club-2013

June 22, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Dallas Buyers Club-2013

Director Jean-Marc Vallee

Starring Matthew McConaughey

Scott’s Review #54

Reviewed June 24, 2014

Grade: A-

While Dallas Buyers Club (2013) is a well-written screenplay based on the true story of a straight Texas man who contracted AIDS circa 1985.

The film’s main appeal is the brilliant performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto.

1985 was a different period as far as the deadly virus goes- people did not know then what they do now.

The fear and judgment featured in the film must be kept in mind for the time and location (Bible Belt Texas).

McConaughey’s physical transformation is an amazing feat, to begin with, a normally handsome, well-built actor, turned gaunt and hollow-eyed, but he completely encompasses this role with an intense, character, rich and flawed.

His body language and mannerisms are mesmerizing.

Leto’s performance as a transsexual, also stricken with the disease, is equally amazing.

The character is immediately sympathetic and vulnerable- a wounded bird you would like to take under your wing and save.

Despite the subject, the film itself is not a downer, nor does it attempt to be preachy. Rather, it is a tale of friendship, human growth, and survival in bleak times.

The film is dark, yet inspirational at the same time.

McConaughey and Leto deserve their Oscar wins for these roles.

Oscar Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture, Best Actor-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Actor-Jared Leto (won), Best Original Screenplay, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 2 wins-Best Male Lead-Matthew McConaughey (won), Best Supporting Male-Jared Leto (won)

1975 Films, Drama

Mandingo-1975

June 21, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

Mandingo-1975

Director Richard Fleischer

Starring James Mason, Susan George

Scott’s Review #53

Reviewed June 21, 2014

Grade: B+

Mandingo is quite a controversial 1975 film and is inspirational to Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012) and to 12 Years a Slave (2013), as it is very similar to the latter.

It centers on a family of southern slave owners who eventually have physical relations and even romantic, loving relationships with their slaves.

There is also a sub-plot involving bare-knuckle fights to the death among the enslaved men that is disturbing to witness.

The entire film is extreme and difficult at times, but also has a mystical, dreamlike element to it and is in no way an exploitation film.

The sticky, hot, deep southern setting adds a wonderful atmosphere. The romances are an interesting facet of the film, which I have never seen in similarly themed movies.

There is one sympathetic enslaver, but happily, the others get their comeuppance, one by one, which is delightful to watch.

Mandingo (1975) is an interesting film because it inspires others to follow in its footsteps and shows how far we have come as a society.

1968 Films, British, Camp, Comedy, Dark Comedy

The Anniversary-1968

June 21, 2014 scottmet99 Leave a comment

The Anniversary-1968

Director Roy Ward Baker

Starring Bette Davis

Scott’s Review #52

Reviewed June 21, 2014

Grade: B+

The Anniversary (1968) is a British film based on a play of the same name.

The story centers on the Taggert family reunion, celebrating the anniversary of the matriarch (Bette Davis) and the deceased patriarch.

The film is set like a play, and most of the action takes place inside the Taggert family mansion.

The film is all Davis, and she gives a deliciously over-the-top performance as a vicious mother intent on controlling her son’s life and terrorizing their wives or significant others with cutting remarks and insults.

Davis must have had fun with this role, as her storied career was clearly on the downturn, and this role allowed her to let loose.

One must wonder if Davis chewed up the actors in the cast as much as the characters- rumor has it she was pretty intimidating to her fellow actors and a terror to work with, which adds to the macabre enjoyment.

Her physical appearance, with an eye patch, wig, cigarette, and bright red lipstick, all work in her favor. Her maniacal laugh is incredibly campy and wonderful to watch.

Bette Davis is one of the greats, and The Anniversary (1968) serves as a late-career romp that is fun to watch.

Welcome to my blog!1,552 reviews posted so far! I'm Scott Segrell and I reside in Stamford, CT. My site features hundreds of film reviews I have written since I launched the site in 2014. I hope you enjoy reading my latest reviews or searching for your own favorites to see if we agree. Please see my Recent Posts section, and don't forget to utilize the tags and category links.