I've been around long enough to understand what this movie was paying tribute to. Now purists of the various characters from the comics and younger folk without the benefit of understanding what this film is celebrating may miss the point. The soundtrack, the opening sequence, opening shadow titles design all made me smile. This is a kung-fu movie from a bye gone era with plenty of fights, a meglominiacal villian, and a band of unlikely heroes united by past trauma and training. It's not deep or typical Batman fare. It's a popcorn movie made for entertainment. Period. No need for reflection. Just enjoy!
Reviews
6 Reviews
Time After Time
(2017)
The Nicholas Meyer Movie
7 May 2020
TIME AFTER TIME, the 1979 feature by Nicolas Meyer, was one of my favorite films. It starred Malcom MacDowell as HG and the brilliant David Warner as John Lesley Stephenson---Jack The Ripper. Never got a chance to see the show but would love to see the pilot.
Anna
(II) (2019)
last third makes it worth it
15 March 2020
At first this seemed like a kind of update of La Femme Nikita and in some ways it's a variation on a theme. Some folks don't like the structure of the story presenting an event and then jumpoing back in time to explain what reallhy happened. This didn't bother me because of the great visual style and this movie knows it's a 3-D comic book and doesn't pretend it's anything else. The last third of the movie is what really makes the first part worth it. I does have something to say about women's independence. Nothing new or deep but it cements the relationship between the lead character and the always excellent Helen Mirren who is low-key, believable. but also manages to take proper bites out of the scenery.
A great bottle show
9 February 2019
A bottle show is an episode that usually only involves the regulars in limited settings. This is very close to that idea. It's more like a Playhouse 90 filmed stage play. That being said, I found it compelling. Each of the characters spoke from the place of conflict between their professional obligation and the moral inclinations. Some fans are rattled because it breaks with the usual format to present a simple moral argument with disturbing implications. I remember an episode of the flagship Law & Order show that began with all the main characters attending an execution and how the events effected their emotional lives. Benjamin Bratt's character had an affair to re-affirm his humanity, Lennie got drunk, Van Buren wrote an emotional letter to her son about her own mortality. At the end of the episode Clare gave a ride to a clearly drunk Lennie and her car was hit and she was killed. It was the season finale of that year. Excellent stuff. This reminds me that the potential to explore the humanity of the characters is always lurking in the background which is why the original show could easily do crossover episodes with the greatest police show, Homicide: Life On the Street, which always explored how the job affected it's characters.
The Shadow Line
(2011)
Twisty British Police Drama
6 August 2011
Chiwetel was brilliant! He's never lightweight! This is a mixture of Mamet and David Simon (Homicide: Life On The Street) with an American '70's movie vibe (I'm thinking PARALAX VIEW) thrown in. It's all about how the supposed law & order top brass are more corrupt than their criminal counterparts. I liked the cynical view that emerged which seems to indicate that there's really no place for a moral or compassionate person in the cutthroat world of modern life. All those that prevail ultimately have sold out their moral codes in favor of greed and corruption. Kind of downbeat but beautifully executed. Stephen Rea is one of the most chilling villains to come along in a long time. Christopher Eccelston's character was the most sympathetic and his arc is heartbreaking. Of course this is heightened reality but that's the point.
Appaloosa
(2008)
Great Adaptation of Parker's novel
21 September 2008
I love all of Robert B. Parker's novels and I have a lot of respect for the craft of Ed Harris. This movie was a very faithful rendering of the book. Harris didn't get in the way of the storytelling rather he gave it a strong visualization. As the novel as written, the story is actually told through the eyes of Everett Hitch, played here by Viggo Mortenson. I love the way, even though he is somewhat of a side-kick, he was allowed to remain the viewpoint character. My only complaint was Renee as Allie. Reading the book I visualized a Faye Dunaway at 35. Diane Lane would have been more in line with the way the character was written in the novel. Renne struck me as a little too coquettish and obviously needy rather than manipulative and needy. It's a matter of taste but I would have preferred it. However, the rest of the casting was spot on and I hope Harris considers doing the sequel, "Resolution."
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