artie412 Reviews

Expats: Central (2023) Season 1, Episode 5

I felt like throwing a hammer at the TV screen

[4/10 · 17 February 2024]

My wife and I have spent the last month or so watching every second of every episode hanging on the CENTRAL QUESTION "what happened to Gus?????"

So, you can imagine us sitting down for episode five and all of a sudden having a dozen new characters, new sub plots, and static narrative movement on what we had seen up to that point.

While it's very "nice" to see new character portrayals, new scenery, hear new songs, etc., my bet is that if you really asked 95% of the viewers of this program, what they got out of this particular episode, most would say "frustration."

You don't set up a situation and a plot and subplots and characters based on a central premise, and then just have a full episode that doesn't advance that plot at all and just decides to muse the "larger question" of class stratification in Hong Kong. After the first four episodes, who cares????

I'm saving my hammer for episode six. I hope I don't have to use my coupon for a new flatscreen.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

I was in the room . . .

[8/10 · 23 July 2023]

. . . in 1971, at Noah's Brooklyn home where Jon (with Georgia Brown's help) were analyzing mine and a half dozen other creative writing students. This was a weekly occurrence as Jon Baumbach wanted to hold his Brooklyn College classes evenings. This included, as needed, holding young toddler Noah while Georgia stepped away.

While Jeff Daniels does a pretty good low-energy portrayal of Jon, but Laura Linney, who I love, didn't capture Georgia's quiet, waif-like countenance.

But this doesn't detract from the film, which was very entertaining and reflected the growth of Noah Baumbach as a filmmaker.

Mammals (2022)

Infuriating

[8/10 · 13 November 2022]

Alright, the premise of this 6-part Amazon series is wonderful. The cast (even James Cordon) is quite good. Melia Kreiling is a wonder, and perfect in this role. The rest of the cast is excellent. The writing is MOSTLY good, especially the dialogue and pacing. Especially good is the tone. There is a magical element that serves the series very well.

What then is my complaint?

Here comes the big spoiler. Don't proceed if you don't want it ruined.

SPOILER ALERT:

The "big reveal" at the end. This was not set up at all earlier. The thematic material of "mammals" did nothing to show the "real" reason for Amandine's extraordinary exploits. All I got was "Oh, hell: THAT'S why?"

All in all I enjoyed it, but was left infuriated that the resolution and explanation was that elementary.

The Outfit (2022)

Sooooo close to a classic, but . . .

[7/10 · 6 October 2022]

. . . the filmmakers didn't know when to stop. Just like a great painting that could be ruined by ONE extra brushstroke, they kept coming up with extra twists and reverses to try and outdo M. Night Shyamalan and Rod Serling.

The "outfit" metaphor and double meaning was wonderful, as was the setup. The acting was superb, as was the theatrical, spare setting. The chess moves that Leonard employs were jaw-dropping and very very credible, right up to his last one, which he had planned for months.

But, when they could have simply had Leonard act on his decision to set the shop ablaze and leave, . . . They stage a resurrection. Ok. Fine. Trite, but excusable as a last gasp. Instead of having Leonard simply use his wiles as a tougher-than-expected Savile Row "cutter," to fend off this last obstacle, they reveal Leonard's Real Identity.

Unnecessary, plus it undercuts the wonderful job the filmmakers did in creating this crafty, unobtrusive "cutter." They didn't have the courage to have faith in themselves that they crafted a great narrative without using a sledgehammer when a simple shears would have done the job.

Colossal (2016)

One of the most original concepts I've seen . . .

[9/10 · 2 September 2021]

. . . In the last 20 years. I suggest going in blind and let it entertain you.

Anne Hathaway and Jason Sudekis we're amazing. Jason gives a performance that is sooooo different from anything he's ever done. It will change the way you see him going forward.

I don't review many movies, but this one grabbed me, and hasn't let go.

A Little Help (2010)

Hated the main character

[6/10 · 15 February 2021]

It's a small indie movie. Filmed in Nassau County.

But I've never had less respect for a main character. Self-destructive and willfully stupid. She never met a bad decision she didn't embrace. I felt like reaching through the screen and strangling her. Jenna Fisher did magic in making me despise her.

Dave (1993)

An almost perfect movie

[9/10 · 5 October 2015]

Dave is one of my top 10 ever movies. I've seen it a dozen times, and it is always fresh. First rate plot and performances, especially by Kevin Kline in a dual role.

But the movie really shines in its use of character roles. Aside from Kline and Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella and Kevin Dunn give excellent portrayals of White House insiders. Charles Grodin and Ben Kingsley play small but very important characters, and each handle them excellently. Laura Linney has a very small role (one of her first?) as does Bonnie Hunt (don't blink, or you'll miss it.

It's a timely movie with fun cameos from real-life Capital Hill figures. Highly recommended.

Darkness Falls (1999)

Better than expected with TWO caveats

[7/10 · 19 August 2014]

I enjoyed this movie despite two problems:

First, the damned synopsis tells far too much and ruins a nice surprise.

Secondly, I was dissatisfied with the ending. . . you'll see why.

But the acting, and the general story was excellent. I especially appreciated the arc of the Sherilyn Fenn character, and totally believed it! This is rare, as often it is forced. But the circumstances of this story called for it.

Also, Ray Winstone shows his range here (see Sexy Beast for the other end of the spectrum).

Darkness Falls could just as well have been stage play, and a good one at that.

Give it a shot.

Femme Fatales (2011–2012)

Fooled by good reviews

[3/10 · 5 July 2014]

I too was taken in by a few of the great reviews for this series. As I read them, being a film noir fan, I was hoping for some updated James Cain, or Jim Thompson-type productions.

Wow, was I wrong.

If the plan of the producers was to get a small platoon of "reviewers" to lure folks in to watching this show, it worked in my case at least. It was boiler plate Late Night Ultra soft core drivel. Great looking, trashy dressed babes and stud muffin guys with lame dialog and cliché story lines.

Do not waste your time. Disappointment guaranteed.

In Time (2011)

Surprisingly (shockingly) good . . .

[9/10 · 11 January 2012]

I should have learned that when it comes to thoughtful, original, creative "speculative fiction" films, that many of the brain dead reviewers would dismiss IN TIME.

BIG mistake. Epic fail.

IN TIME is one of the best concepts of any movie I've ever seen, and I have a chunk of decades behind me. If it were not for the relatively bland handling of the love story elements, I would give this film a 10. The dystopian "feel" of IN TIME is similar to that of GATTACA, also an Andrew Niccol film.

That IN TIME is an effective metaphor on the current world state of capitalism and class structure, and other deeper issues should not preclude going for the sheer action/drama thrills of popcorn moviedom.

Open your mind, get a large popcorn and enjoy IN TIME. Your brain and heart will appreciate it.

The Last Play at Shea (2010)

Paean to a City, a Team, a Venue and a Performer

[9/10 · 3 January 2012]

Met fans, Billy fans and New Yorkers of a certain age will get their share of goose bumps and lumps in their throat watching this words and musical paean to The City and its soul.

The evolution and maturing of Billy and the Mets, along with its self-destructive ups and downs, is expertly handled by the film makers.

The insights into the life of Billy Joel, the impact of urban sprawl, Robert Moses and working class are set to the music of Billy, along with Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks and others.

You don't HAVE to be a NY Met fan, a Billy fan or even a New Yorker to watch this engrossing documentary.

Comedy Tonight (1970– )

Sweet memories of this classic

[8/10 · 3 May 2010]

I was courting my now (and always) wife when this show came on in 1970. We used to sit in her folks non-air conditioned apartment and roll in laughter.

This was our first exposure to Robert Klein, after which we became big fans.

I remember one sketch where a Doctor is at an anatomy chart, using a pointer to review for his audience the steps for a very serious procedure.

(I'm paraphrasing) "After appropriate anesthetic, we will proceed to make the incision, pull back the skin in question, and commence with the procedure. . . " He goes on with this, detailing a very complex surgery filled with drama and risk.

Then, when he is finished and takes a breath, he turns to the audience and states, "UnLESS the patient is a Capricorn." . . .

I wish I had that clip from 40 years ago.

Great show for its time.

Artie

Coronet Blue (1967)

Summer Replacement Stunner

[10/10 · 18 December 2006]

This was, to me, my first exposure to the possibility of "good television." This show was SOOOO special because it was a 30-year precursor of the ALIAS/LOST/PRISON BREAK intricate continuing series.

In today's entertainment marketing environment, this show would have been through the roof in ratings and been short-listed right into production.

Back then, I think the network was stunned by the audience reaction. By the time they realized what it hit it had on its hands, it was too late to do anything about it. What a shame.

Bravo!!

Artie

Incognito (1997)

Underrated

[8/10 · 28 December 2000]

Yes, the production values of INCOGNITO (especially the gauzy photography) smack of "B" Level production, this film shines for a few reasons, most notably the peek into the world of Art, Art History and Art Forgery. Anyone who considers themselves curious about both Rembrandt, his place in the art world, and the art world's place in history will enjoy this movie. This movie's depiction of the steps in the creation of a counterfeit masterpiece are possibly the best half-hour of film I've ever seen. The performances are excellent, and it deserved better than Direct to Video. Especially good are the performances of Rod Steiger, Jason Patric and Irene Jacob.