A Year of Films in Review – 2022

January 3, 2023 — Leave a comment

Cléo from 5 to 7 1962
★★★★★ Watched 01 Jan 2023

This French New Wave film exceeded my expectations in so many ways. I was overwhelmingly mesmerized. It really felt like seeing magic. What really sealed the hypnosis was the almost ethereal Corinne Marchand portrayal of Florence (Cleo). Critics love talking about presence but Corinne on the screen was the equivalent of butterflies in your stomach and feathers floating in the air.

Elegant, graceful, and astonishingly effortless; I’m not sure if I’ve seen a performance like this. Corinne absolutely soars as the melodramatic musician Cleopatra.

Cleo From 5 to 7 has powerful storytelling, is brimming with heart bursting romance, and is a refreshing look into beauty, inevitable death, and societal expectations.

This has skyrocketed to the top of my favorite film lists. You can see Agnes Varda’s influence in so many modern directors and cinematographers and I can’t wait to dive even deeper into her filmography.

Violent Night 2022
★★½ Watched 31 Dec 2022

The right amount of gratuitous violence, Christmas cheer, and comedy from Violent Night led to one of the better holiday Santa movies to come out in recent years.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery 2022
★★★ Watched 29 Dec 2022

Provides some laughs and was interesting to watch with the family while it had their attention. Waiting for Netflix to give in and make this an obligatory tv show with rotating detectives.

Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio 2022
★★½ Watched 27 Dec 2022

Not as magical as I would have wished but damn, I admire the craft in stop motion animation. Think I may have enjoyed the behind-the-scenes promo more than the actual film.

Synecdoche, New York 2008
★★★½ Watched 25 Dec 2022

Intensely dark and melancholic but acutely thought provoking. This film will in all likelihood make you depressed, but Synecdoche’s examination of life, death, and purpose/ role is a powerful one.

Heavy on symbolism and it could be argued that at times Synecdoche can be almost oppressive with its themes; Regardless, I have a whole new appreciation for the Eternal Sunshine writer and director. It may be hard to recommend this to anyone but serious cinephiles. Its apparent this film meant a lot to Kaufmann and that passion really shines through here.

The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special 2022
★★★½ Watched 24 Dec 2022

Brief, comforting, and a welcome detour for the MCU. I really found myself enjoying the gang getting into the holiday spirit. The musical numbers and Kevin Bacon are pretty darn good too.

Avatar: The Way of Water 2022
★★★★ Watched 17 Dec 2022

An absolute blast of fun. I can understand those not liking the story but, in all honesty, I would watch almost anything if it was filmed in this way.

You have to submerge yourself in these cinematic waters at the theater for full effect!

Dig 2022
★★★ Watched 01 Dec 2022

Entertaining but stunts and general staging could have used more work. Finale being so sloppy really dragged down what was an overall good film.

The Innocents 2021
★★★★★ Watched 10 Dec 2022

Hair-raising and a truly distressing horror experience. The fact that the film has supernatural elements is just masterful subterfuge. Some of this content may not be for everyone…

Circle 2015
★★ Watched 30 Nov 2022

Dumb but good dumb.

Apur Sansar 1959
★★★★★ Watched 26 Nov 2022

The Indian legend and auter Satyajit Ray has painted an immensely powerful and unforgettable tale with the Apu trilogy. These films are colossal feats for Indian and Global cinema and encapsulate what all film makers strive to capture. Apur Sansar doesn’t miss a beat.

Simply magic…

Brief Encounter 1945
★★★★½ Watched 25 Nov 2022

Brief encounter is an absolutely tremendous film brimming with charm and in a league of its own. Its mesmerizing visuals and black and white technical lighting, dazzling performances, and subtle and intelligent writing/screenplay are near flawless. I can’t recommend enough.

Safe 1995
★★★★½ Watched 23 Nov 2022

Julianne Moore is amazing in this. Safe is a thought provoking and simultaneously haunting film. I get goosebumps when I think of specific scenes and how Moore’s character is struggling with her condition and reality. I can’t wait to recommend to friends.

All Quiet on the Western Front 1930
★★★★ Watched 21 Nov 2022

An engrossing and mandatory staple for fans of the war genre.

Bullet Train 2022
★★★★ Watched 08 Nov 2022

Bullet Train harkens back to an era of ensemble action films from the early 2000s and films like Smoking Aces. Bullet Train is a thoroughly funny and action-packed ride.

Jurassic World Dominion 2022
★ Watched 07 Nov 2022

Too darn cheesy for me. There is almost a good 30-minute stretch of the movie that is actually super fun to watch but then you have to go back to the bad plotlines, contrived side arcs, and the annoying thing where the characters become dinosaur whisperers and hypnotize everything by simply putting their hands up in front of them.

X 2022
★★ Watched 27 Oct 2022

Not any super fresh ideas here but its executed so well that it’s really fun to watch. I somewhat felt that the film resolved hastily but my interest is definitely piqued for how they develop and continue Maxine’s arc. I’m hoping the sequel is an unhinged descent into madness and gore.

Fourth of July 2022
★★ Watched 25 Oct 2022

C.K. I believe went on record for saying its hardest to play yourself as an actor. This idea really manifests in this feature film. An expectedly solid production from Louis C.K. is brought down by the main lead’s acting chops (Joe List). Paula Plum was the standout here in this messy dramedy. Fortunately, the pieces somewhat align together under C.K’s direction for the film and the narrative is definitely engaging enough to warrant a watch.

Men 2022
★★★ Watched 25 Oct 2022

Although the film strives for a chaotic surreal like quality it kind of falls short due to feeling mostly like a horror movie about a shapeshifter.

The Neon Demon 2016
★★★★ Watched 22 Oct 2022

A really fun and twisted movie which is filled with drop dead gorgeous women and is brimming with masterful composition. Half the frames in the movie I really want to just go back and make into wallpapers.

Blonde 2022
★½ Watched 01 Oct 2022

Not sure what hellish fever dream I just watched but at least I enjoyed the cinematography, I guess.

Lou 2022
★ Watched 25 Sep 2022

Terrible film. The one thing that really stood out to me was the black ops CIA operative guy and how he brought the lowest caliber possible to a gunfight and couldn’t shoot through a wooden table two feet in front of him.

Possessor 2020
★★★★½ Watched 24 Sep 2022

Such a cool concept. I really loved how they visualized all the internal struggle between host and possessor. Really fun and gory film.

St. Vincent 2014
★★★ Watched 19 Sep 2022

I know this movie isn’t highbrow art or anything, but damn Bill Murray elevated the film enough to make me teary eyed.

House of Darkness 2022
★★½ Watched 18 Sep 2022

The dialogue was really fun at times. As it dragged on though it got a bit repetitive. Great popcorn flick though.

Never Let Me Go 2010
★★½ Watched 18 Sep 2022

I’d seen this film ages ago but on rewatch didn’t realize how simple the plot was. There is something special hiding here with its sci-fi adjacent plot but it’s hampered by soapiness.

Nope 2022
★ Watched 18 Sep 2022

This film is just bad satire for a director or cinematographer’s need to get the perfect shot. It’s a movie about a glorified balloon animal. Not the type of film I want from Peele.

Emily the Criminal 2022
★½ Watched 16 Sep 2022

Aubrey is great but there isn’t much going for this film sadly.

Thor: Love and Thunder 2022
★½ Watched 10 Sep 2022

So boring. No charm and no wit. This was an unnecessary kiddie film.

The Peanut Butter Falcon 2019
★★★½ Watched 08 Sep 2022

Shia is great as usual but obviously the heart of the film is the star Gottsagen. He is a beautiful soul and delightful character to watch on the screen.

Also, big shout out to Jon Bernthal for his roles in films and tv like The Bear/Wind River. Seems like anything with Bernthal with a super small role ends up being good for some reason.

The Flood 2019
★★ Watched 08 Sep 2022

Overall, a very basic film which lacks a draw even with huge actors.

A Dog’s Will 2000
★★★½ Watched 07 Sep 2022

Fun and full of charm.

Kids 1995
★★★ Watched 06 Sep 2022

Visually pleasing and absolutely nostalgic. The movie felt like a loose documentary at times. I can’t help but think if it was more focused with some work on the musical score it could have been amazing.

Visitor Q 2001
★★★★ Watched 06 Sep 2022

A mixture of the absolute bizarre, taboo, horror/gore, and at times surprising humor makes this film essential arthouse. Takashi Miike will make you uncomfortable. Don’t watch this with your mom.

The French Dispatch 2021
★★★½ Watched 05 Sep 2022

Such an ensemble! Benicio del Toro made this film for me. He is such a good damn actor. Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch is gorgeous and quirky but that is to be expected. Without the Brody/Seydoux/Toro arc this film may have been skippable.

The Squid and the Whale 2005
★★★★ Watched 05 Sep 2022

Relatable and engaging. Now that I think about it, I stuck a raw bean up my nose for days when I was a kid. Guess it’s a universal childish thing to do. In all seriousness this was a good Noah B film with a great cast and strong performances.

War and Peace 1965
★★★★½ Watched 27 Aug 2022

War and peace is exhausting and relentless. It took me months to finish the film but it was well worth it. Even with its propagandic nature proudly displayed on its sleeve; War and Peace is a once in a lifetime special film.

This amazing production absolutely blew me away at times. Seen some things captured in this film that I didn’t even think was possible from a technical perspective for the time period.

Horrific, artistic, and overflowing with spirit and patriotism; It’s hard to find fault in the film besides its hefty runtime and required investment.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness 2022
★★ Watched 14 Aug 2022

For a Sam Raimi film it sort of lacked that delicate balance of camp and drama. You can definitely sense Sam’s touch on the film but maybe the downright absurdity of Strange’s power doesn’t lend well to the underlying themes of humanism that works so well in the original spiderman trilogy. It really just felt like it was weirdly a film about magicians and that’s not really interesting to me.

For a MCU film it was decent.

Elvis 2022
★★ Watched 21 Aug 2022

Serviceable biopic film but honestly everyone will be better off watching a documentary. Sitting through 3 hours of Tom Hanks looking like white Eddie Murphy from The Nutty Professor is not ideal way to spend a day off.

Drive My Car 2021
★★★ Watched 20 Aug 2022

Might be crazy but the one thing I did not enjoy about this film was the driving and the role of the driver in the story. Story felt unique and fresh but felt like it dragged due to being tied down and continually revolving back around to a really awkward and antisocial 23-year-old driver.

Damn scenery in the film is sublime though. I give it that.

Prey 2022
★★★★ Watched 15 Aug 2022

This movie just works as a Horror and Predator film. Prey contains a slew of inspired glimpses of breathtaking film making especially earlier on. Ultimately, it’s videogamey but damn if it ain’t a damn blast! Looking forward to Dan T’s next work.

Eternals 2021
★★ Watched 12 Aug 2022

If this didn’t have Marvel attached maybe this could have been a decent tv show or something. As it stands it doesn’t feel like it belongs in the MCU. I sense lots of people watching just for completionist sake.

Thirteen Lives 2022
★★★ Watched 08 Aug 2022

Good movie and I enjoyed it but thought the editing and speed between days could have been better explored. Ron Howard provides an emotional ride based on a true story without leaning to sappiness.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003
★★★★½ Watched 04 Aug 2022

Master and Commander is epic in scale, packed with great acting, amazing sets, and is an all-around absolutely phenomenal production.

Everything Everywhere All at Once 2022
★★★½ Watched 19 Jun 2022

Damn, I want an everything bagel right now. On my way to Dunkin.

Tropic Thunder 2008
★★½ Watched 20 Jun 2022

Throwback to a light and fun time. Those production values actually blow my mind a little.

Hustle 2022
★★★ Watched 12 Jun 2022

Solid sports movie but no surprises on plot and underdog formula. Queen Latifah is the best though.

This image released by Netflix shows Ainhoa Pillet, from left, Maria Botto, Juancho Hernangomez and Adam Sandler in a scene from “Hustle.” (Scott Yamano/Netflix via AP)

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent 2022
★★★ Watched 11 Jun 2022

I liked it. Nick should have been less subtle though.

RRR 2022
★★★½ Watched 06 Jun 2022 4

Raw talent like this really only exists in Indian cinema and theatre. So damn unbelievably outrageous and funny. A super fun time.

Top Gun: Maverick 2022
★★★★ Watched 04 Jun 2022

Will be an action packed and thoroughly damn fun return to cinema for old and new fans.

Meet Joe Black 1998
★★★ Watched 02 Jun 2022

This film contains a great performance by Anthony Hopkins, as expected.

Although not as philosophical and thoughtful as it’s potential; it packs an emotional punch at key moments thanks to Newman’s musical score.

Some of my favorite moments of this film exist very early on with Hopkins character communicating with the mystery man before he meets him. It would have been neat to further explore that thread.

Claire Forlani has her hand kissed by Brad Pitt in a scene from the film ‘Meet Joe Black’, 1998. (Photo by Universal/Getty Images)

John Wick 3: Parabellum: Review

May 18, 2019 — Leave a comment

John Wick returns for another action packed and fun sequel. The gun-fu series now sees John Wick on the outs from his previous masters. The film hosts some very beautiful aesthetics as we see John evading harm on the gritty streets of New York. The fight scenes and shootouts are still a blast to watch. Well choreographed and filmed martial arts is hard to come by and continues to be a front and center staple for this entry. John Wick’s mastery of close quarters combat is a delight to watch and I don’t see myself ever growing tired of. New notable characters played by Halle Berry and the Asia Kate Dillon (Billions) are a welcome addition.

Yet one of my favorite entries had to be from the introduction of a tag team duo of killer dogs being commanded by Sofia(Berry). Bringing into the fold a genre I didn’t even think was possible– Dog-fu? The series itself seems to have begun developing an ever expanding lore of its own. The John Wick series never seems to rest on it laurels. A growing number of antagonists and allies continue to give myself and audiences a reason to cheer. With the impressive ability to make me root for foes just as easily as friends; John Wick still has a lot of gas in its tanks.

9/10 – Good old fun.

Twin Peaks (Season 1 & 2) : Review

December 31, 2014 — Leave a comment

You go into Twin Peaks expecting weirdness but nothing prepares you for the downright absurdity that unravels. Twin Peaks takes everything you expect out of a normal television program and turns it on its head. This show is heralded by its community of cult followers and shunned by many critics. Of course, Twin Peaks probably deserves some of these polarizing opinions. Yet no one could have anticipated the scope of Mark Frost and David Lynch’s vision.

Twin Peaks is a show with an ever expanding universe that encapsulates film, books, and even the auditory medium with it’s Grammy nominated “Diane…” tapes. I won’t even get started on how good the musical score is in Twin Peaks. It’s not a show you can just sit down and jump into during your leisure. Frost and Lynch make it their job to not let many details get by them in the show. Seemingly irrelevant trivialities that are overlooked by the characters in the show and the audience come back into play later on, sometimes with major implications.

This show wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for Kyle MacLachlan. From the very start, in the critically acclaimed pilot, MacLachlan sets the tone for the eccentric, loving, and superbly charming Dale Cooper. His incredible portrayal of the investigating FBI agent could have held this show up on its own but he is accompanied by an ensemble cast and a list of recurring guest that are just as well acted and well cast. The story of Twin Peaks is hard to exactly summarize without it sounding practically ridiculous but the plot has symbolism and overarching themes that prevail throughout with great effect. Subplots are very much essential and well written to the point where I couldn’t wait to see what was happening at the Diner with Ed and Norma.

Some may say that Twin Peaks is a show that is being weird for the sake of being weird but I think they should try giving it another chance. Twin peaks is a show that really proves itself every episode. The season two finale left many things open and questions unanswered but that is all soon to change due to its impending revival. The fact that the renewal date of the show directly relates to the finale shows great promise for the continuity of the series.

I propose at least trying out Twin Peaks. I’m sure you’ll be hooked from the pilot alone and every episode wonder what exactly did you get yourself into. But god damn you won’t be able to pull yourself away. Twin Peaks is a show which is discussed and interpreted fervently by its viewers and community and you need to check it out immediately. Two Cooper thumbs way up!

Gone Girl: Review

December 25, 2014 — 2 Comments

“Did you kill your wife?” This is the slogan for the movie and the most important question asked in this film, but all is not what it seems in this mysterious drama. Ignoring misogynistic claims from the community, which are actually sort of legitimate, I’m going to just focus on whether this film is good or bad. Gone Girl is a thriller that absorbs you in its story. The adaptation from the best selling novel from Gillian Flynn, translates relatively nice onto the big screen.

Thanks to the great directing from David Fincher and the source material. Major plot devices and elements aren’t sprung on you at the last possible moment for shock purposes. Rosamund Pike’s performance as the alleged killer’s wife Amy will certainly be receiving some nods come awards time. Ben Affleck portrayed the alleged killer’s role with a level of charisma and skill that is really great to watch. His performance up to and including the trial is really a a strong and pleasant reminder of what we could possibly be receiving when he masks himself as the caped crusader.

Gone Girl is considerably dark; a theme and mood that Fincher is becoming synonymous with. Fincher flourishes in this adaptation of this mysterious and gloomy story. He somehow manages to invoke sympathy from multiple angles in this story, a difficult task considering this particular narrative. There are limitations to what can be done with adaptations, such as these. I couldn’t really comment on the faithfulness of the film to the source material but I was left wanting more at the conclusion of the movie. We are given a fantastic build up and a relatively anticlimactic ending. This I must reiterate has no impact or takes away from the overall film in any way.

I was left satisfied and was thoroughly engrossed throughout. Affleck is truly on a great streak right now. We can only hope that his involvement in the Batman film does not force him out of roles like this. This might be on the last films we see before we can only see him as the Bat. I highly recommend going out to the theater and seeing this or pick it up on Blu-ray!

Fish Tank(2009): Review

August 20, 2014 — Leave a comment

In an ocean of independent films about troubled teenagers, Fish Tank truly sets itself apart from the pack. This a movie that I fell in love with progressively as it went on. Fish tank is a film I’m going to shower with praise because I really just can’t any faults in it.The best word to describe certain aspects of the film Fish Tank is authentic.

I sat there watching certain parts of the film, simply admiring how grounded the world seemed. It felt like I was looking outside of a window in East London and spectating the lives of these characters.Camera work is phenomenal in this film. The imagery isn’t the usual pretentious indie affair. There’s actual meaning for what the audience is allowed to see. The way the cinematographer selected what he should focus on was genius and allows for some great symbolism.

The director did a great job with the pacing in Fish Tank. A lot of independent movies end abstractly and almost feel completely detached from the rest of film. Fish Tank starts, progresses, and ends in a satisfying manner. It’s helped even further with fantastic writing. The characters in Fish Tank are extremely well done. The performance by Katie Jarvis as the character Mia was really gripping.The dialogue was very well thought out for all of the characters. The dialogue almost seemed to give off the vibe that it was improvised for some sections of Mia’s scenes. That statement isn’t a criticism though; it’s just a testament to how absorbed I was in the world that Andrea Arnold had directed and penned.

Fish Tank is a forceful drama that mesmerizes you by doing everything right. It’s a moving piece of British cinema that works because its characters are convincing. It boasts a fantastic supporting cast and a real winner with a break out performance and debut from Katie Jarvis. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye out for more work from Andrea Arnold. I recommend this film if you like your heart strings being played on.

Transcendence: Review

August 18, 2014 — 2 Comments

Transcendence wanted so bad to prove to you that it wasn’t mediocre. It sports a great cast, great special effects, and the premise of the story had so much potential that I almost had a semi reading the plot summary. Hollywood needs to learn that you can’t just throw money at a project and expect for the best.

The plot seemed like it was trying to do too much with too little time. A little more focus on the science behind what was happening on screen could have been beneficial. On the other hand, it also could have highlighted how ridiculous everything in this film actually was. We get a ton of run-of-the-mill performances from big name actors but the only real stand out is Paul Bettany. Maybe they should have thrown a couple more smooth talking English actors in the mix to give the illusion that the dialogue wasn’t uninspired.

Sentient artificial intelligence is a topic that I’m very attracted to. I am a great supporter of the Mass Effect series. This is a franchise that really shows how well a story about artificial intelligence can be done. In the universe of Mass Effect Artificial Intelligence is outlawed due to the dangers they present to organic beings.The basic premise of the plot in Transcendence is a bunch of religious nut jobs in an organization called R.I.F.T attack a scientist named William Castor. He is a man who is researching and developing a sentient machine. He is gravely injured and his grieving wife decides to take their research to the next stage by “uploading him”. The plot is a convoluted mess and the actions of the people on screen make little to no sense. In fact I think some characters roles in the film are so insignificant, I ponder why they even made it pass post production.

Wally Pfister who received well deserved attention for his cinematographic work on the movie Inception, made his directorial debut on the film. He did a fair job but to be blunt I think this film needed him more in the cinematography aspect. Characters move around the screen in Transcendence like they don’t know what they are doing or where they are going. It just felt really sloppy and awkward at times to watch.

Transcendence is mostly horrible. Avoid it, unless you like blockbuster mediocrity.

Locke: Review

August 8, 2014 — 1 Comment

Skepticism is the first feeling that rose in me upon deciding if I should watch the film Locke. A drama which follow the story of a construction worker in his car. The entirety of the film takes place in his car, with only the main character Ivan Locke ever getting any screen time. How in the world would this movie work? So many things could make this movie be a disappointment but in the end Stephen Knight did an admirable job directing this piece. What kept this movie interesting was the constant flow of dialogue and story.

You’re witnessing the movie as if it’s in real time. You aren’t bombarded with too much artsy overdone cinematography or wide shots. You’re literally being taken on a ride with Ivan. I really enjoyed Ivan’s character. Even though Tom Hardy’s character has done wrong by his wife and he has royally screwed up in his professional career, he goes over and beyond to make things right. The feelings of empathy I felt for his character actually surprised me. I know he did some things that would be very hard to be forgiven but I’d have to actually think about how I would feel if I was him. Tom Hardy really makes you want to forgive him. His actions can’t be undone but he hopes that he can redeem himself and prove to himself and possible to his father that he is a good man.

A pretty good indication of acting quality can be derived from how well an actor can bring forth intense feelings without any other real actors/actresses to physically relate to. This was a great job for Tom Hardy and a great casting decision as well. Just him,the camera, and raw emotion. Movies like this do wonders for actors. Of course he could do super fun and high paying jobs like being Bane in the Dark Knight but taking a role in a independent film like Locke is just as important. It’s much more challenging and rewarding. Locke actually exceeded my expectations. I found myself almost cheering for the cheating British lad and that says a lot. Or maybe it says nothing at all. Maybe I’m just brainwashed after all the film business is an industry dominated by male protaganist who can literally get away with anything. All I know is, it was really interesting to watch and I’d go as far as recommending it.

The Counselor: Review

October 26, 2013 — Leave a comment

From the writer who brought us The Road and No Country for Old Men, comes the tale of a naive lawyer who tries his hand in the dangerous but lucrative business of drug running. This is a film that had sparks of brilliance but ultimately failed due to having a plot that doesn’t effectively translate to the big screen.

The screenplay is full of witty and intelligent dialogue. Sadly it was hard to suspend belief while watching because this attribute applied to almost every character. Almost every member of the cast was too smart for there own good, It was bit hard to follow the narrative when you are bombarded with long winded conversations. These extended scenes of dialogue paid off at times but on the other hand it just seems as if the characters were just going off on tangents. This really threw off the pacing of the film.

The focus on the characters of the story is trademark Ridley Scott. His direction in the film really allowed for the development of some interesting personalities. We are treated with some some impressive lighting and camera work. The dark scenes set in mexico offer a great visual and atmospheric contrast to what is happening under the surface.

The movie sports an impressive and ensemble Cast. Javier Bardem, is always an interesting guy to watch on screen. Bardem plays the role of Reiner; a drug dealer who invites the counselor in on some of the action. He brings a unique flare to the characters he portrays. He exudes an exotic essence of culture and his personality was one of the more memorable in the film. And he also manages to bring to the film what is becoming a signature attribute of his; his knack for having the wildest hair-dos. The most technically impressive acting which shouldn’t come as a surprise, was the performance from Michael Fassbender. He has an ability to portray some varied and powerful emotions.

Brad Pitt gives a good performance but I think he needs to work on a new accent because it seems like its been dragging on for a couple films now. One of the biggest surprises for me though comes from the casting decision of Cameron Diaz as the antagonist. I have to give it to Diaz. She really portrayed the cold and calculating girlfriend of Reiner expertly. My blood was boiling just about every moment I saw her on the screen. She might be known for more lighter roles but she definitely has more potential then being the usual pretty face in romcoms.

The Counselor is a clever and sexy drama but probably won’t provide enough thrills to keep the average movie-goers attention. The film has moments of suspense but it is overshadowed by some bad decisions in its pacing. With all the talent attached to this film Its surprising this film wasn’t better. The pieces just didn’t fall together. The dialogue occasionally felt like the characters were showing off. The story was convoluted and ended in a somewhat abrupt manner. The Counselor was saved by splashes of humor, violence, and some utterly superb writing for most of the dialogue. In the end, I’d say definitely pass on this one until the Blu-ray or digital release.

Score: 6/10

American Horror Story: The Replacements | Review

October 25, 2013 — Leave a comment

It’s becoming very clear why American Horror story has been getting its record ratings, since the show premiered this fall. This week’s episode has it all; incest, brutal scenes of violence, bestiality, and betrayal. Ryan Murphy is showing he isn’t afraid to tackle some controversial topics. Things are beginning to heat up in the coven as the girls are becoming more in tuned with their powers.

One of the interesting prospects of the previous episode of AHS was Cordelia’s fertility issues. Cordelia had already tried everything from natural remedies to black magic rituals. This led to Cordelia resorting to asking for help from her rival tribe. The show gave us a glimpse at the ritual she would have to perform with Tibitia- the leader the rival clan. Cinematography of the Tibitia ritual was a treat to watch. The camera work throughout this show is unique because it is constantly changing. Overhead cameras, gold fish eyed views, close ups, slanted angles, and other dynamic camera techniques give the viewer a wide and varied perspective of whats going on.

Much like the last season on AHS, , Sarah Paulson plays another troubled and struggling character. Cordelia is dealt a very bad hand and must play it out to the end. She finds herself stuck in between a feud between Tibitia and Fiona . Her goal of bearing a child is being challenged. Her performance is solid as usual. We’re looking forward to seeing more from her in the upcoming episodes.

Meanwhile, Madame Lalaurie must deal with adapting with modern day society and facing her past demons. This all offers some much needed comedic relief. Since the premiere of the show there has been a drastic role reversal for her character. We’ve seen her ability to portray a sadist and now we are seeing how she can easily meld into a more tortured character.

Kyle has more air time this week. Evan Peters manages to show some emotion playing Kyle, even though he’s a mute Frankenstein. Zoe Benson must deal with the resurrection of Kyle and his emergence back into society. This proves to be quite difficult. I hope Kyle regains his humanity because the way he is now is pretty difficult to imagine where the story will leave him. Misty Day also has an appearance which is welcoming. I always smile when I see her character. I don’t know why I like her so much. I think it because she really conveys a carefree soul, even through all the things she’s been through.

Jessica Lange, is superb as usual. Too be blunt she is this show. She really takes demand of the screen. Lange takes on her character Fiona’s flaws and strengths and transforms them into an acting spectacle. Fiona battles with her mortality and becomes a surprise mentor for the ladies of the house. The episode ends on a note which will probably upset some.

Overall, this episode was supreme…(See what I did there?)

9.5/10

What did you think?

Dishonored | Review

October 24, 2013 — Leave a comment

Dishonored takes many elements from the shooting genre that works well and meshes it into one solid shooter. If I had to explain Dishonored in three words, I would just say, Bioshock with Stealth. The stealth mechanics of this game are tight with several abilities that make it very interesting: From teleportation to possessing animals. You use variety of skills to get your objective done.

The downfall of playing the stealthy approach is that many explorative players will find themselves bored. This is because after a while there is no reason to pick up runes to upgrade. All the stealthy upgrades are quickly brought up. The developers of this game made it so you can save the game at anytime . So it’s basically irresistible to play the morally sound route but in all honestly is probably not the funnest way to play.

The graphics in this game are pretty solid but not really that impressive. You can’t really expect much considering the art style of the game which is cartoonish. The story of the of game is pretty straight forward and is told in the in-game engine which helps in not ruining the immersion. My biggest gripe for this game is that the ending is pretty anti-climatic considering you played the whole game stealthily in order to receive the “good ending”.

Where the game really shines is that there is so many ways to complete a mission that it gives the game a really open world and sandbox feel that is really fun. The gameplay is definitely the saving grace of this game and solidifies my review score of …

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