There is so much to love about this obscure (to me at least) film from the mid-eighties. Willie is a mobster who ratted out his whole gang in London and ran off to sun-soaked Spain. 10 years later a couple of hitmen are sent to bring him back to Paris so that he can be …
Night on Earth (Jim Jarmusch – 1991) B+
One night, same time, five different cab rides in five cities (LA, NY, Paris, Rome, Helsinki). Nothing connects the stories besides the idea of each happening and revolving around a cab ride, the driver and his or her fare. They are distinct, fun, and very engaging and at times deep. Enjoyed it very much.
The Empty Man (David Prior – 2020) B-
The first 15-20 minutes or so of Empty Man are reason enough to watch this creepy, strange horror film. They are the best part and pretty much constitute a stand-alone excellent short film. The rest is good to and while a bit clunky at times overall it works. I'm sure this rewards a second viewing …
Prey (Dan Trachtenberg – 2022) A
It's such a shame that this did not have a theatrical release. It deserves to be seen on a large screen with the best possible audio. It's a Predator film set in 1719 with the main protagonist a young Comanche woman called Naru played so spectacularly by Amber Midthunder. It's a great entry in this …
Predator (John McTiernan – 1987) A
Went back to see this one after loving the new Prey. It still is a fun, tight and thrilling movie. It's also great to be reminded of how skilled and action director McTiernan was. This works so well as a bookend to Prey and watching it after it highlights the similarities and how the newer …
Predator 2 (Stephen Hopkins – 1990) B-
Set in the "futuristic" gang-ruled Los Angeles of 1997 the second entry in the Predator franchise is fine. It lacks the clarity and simplicity action scenes of the first one but it still works. I like Danny Glover as an unlikely action hero and a hard-headed LA cop and the hot crime infested streets of …
Last Night in SoHo (Edgar Wright – 2021) A-
We often wax poetic and nostalgic about the "good old days". Even though consciously and logically we know that is not true, that they were that good. The old days had their charms just like modern days do. They were not always safer, people died younger and racism and sexism were objectively worse. The young …
Continue reading Last Night in SoHo (Edgar Wright – 2021) A-
Body Heat (Lawrence Kasdan – 1981) A
Coincidentally I saw this shortly after Deray's La Piscine and could not help they make a great Hot Summer Double Feature of fantastic movies. It's over 100 F here in my part of the world and these movies sure fit the season. This one is a more noir styled film with the late William Hurt …
La Piscine (Jacque Deray – 1969) A
Alain Delon (Jean-Paul) and Romy Schneider at the heights of their power in this awesome hot summer in St. Tropez film. They are lovers wiling away the summer by the pool in a beautiful villa. They seem to be having a great time sunbathing and making love. Then her ex-lover Harry and his pretty daughter …
The Gentlemen (Guy Richie – 2019) B+
I liked this more than I expected. It's a film with no subtext or messages or really anything you are intended to think about an hour after it is finished. Yet, it is not forgettable. It's fun to watch the cool performance (and awesome wardrobe) of Mathew McConaughey as the big-time London drug dealer Mickey …
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