mcquearyrobert Reviews

Bridge and Tunnel (2021–2022)

Well...

[7/10 · 26 January 2021]

After waiting for the yet-to-be released film, Summertime, Bridge and Tunnel is either a way-station or this will replace the film. I'm probably one of the biggest fans of anything Burns does and I was very excited for the B and T premiere.

I like it, I didn't love it. But I think my mind will change seeing as how it was only episode one. It's "talkie" like any Burns project would be with the right amount of f-bombs and attitude. The acting was a little overzealous by the college graduates and you can tell none of them are professional smokers (sorry but c'mon). But the biggest pro for me was it did strike a nostalgic chord, putting me back in the 80's past when it comes to a relationship that might not go anywhere.

I'm hopeful as I absolutely love anything Ed Burns does even it's just cameos.

No Looking Back (1998)

Truthfulness Through Utter Realism

[8/10 · 16 August 2020]

While Long Island is nothing like northern Kentucky (where I'm from), you can definitely relate to what's happening in this film. Since purchasing this movie when it was first available on VHS, I have only watched this it twice. The second viewing today, over 20 years later. The reason why is because if you have ever been born and raised in a small town, you will be taken back to those memories by the way Burns has developed the atmosphere and the mundane nature of the characters and location. But the acting is anything but mundane. No Looking Back is a true indication of independent filmmaking as it was intended, because when you watch it, you feel it. Other reviews have descriptions of what the film is about and who the characters are... but I wanted to explain how this movie draws out raw emotion when you watch it. Agreed, it's not for everyone.

Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies (2019)

Be Patient Part 2

[9/10 · 9 August 2020]

In another review I did for Ed Burns' "Summertime" titled Be Patient Part 1, the great writer/director explained in a Q&A for the Last Picture Show at the Sag Harbor Cinema, that he is still trying to sell this film, Beneath the Blue Suburban Skies, but it has been difficult. I, myself, hope that it does get distribution because I believe this will be his masterpiece (IMHO).