kathiklein Reviews

Hostiles (2017)

WOW! Hits a depth rarely seen..

[9/10 · 3 December 2023]

Watch when you won't be distracted as this film unfolds slowly. CAST drew me in... and I do like a good Western. But had no idea what I was getting into.

Never heard of this film. Read no reviews beforehand. It popped up as a suggestion, so I watched.

I wasn't expecting this.. left me rather speechless. Which isn't easy!

It's about back then... and now, with wardrobe changes. Our world and our lives. Difficult elements are examined. The big ones: Love. Hate. Life. Death. God. Mercy. Forgiveness.

I think Hostiles slips in many questions. By what standard do we measure our lives? Our actions? By whose standards can we judge? Do we compare ourselves to those in similar situations? Or is there another higher standard in our DNA? Can we trust our conscience to be our guide? Can our conscience change?

Where can we find peace when our life or our actions feel too overwhelming to endure? Do we hang onto faith? Onto God? Or is it that God hangs onto us -- to get us through?

All good questions with no easy answers. But I saw a few answers unfold. My heart is provoked by the depth of this film- a depth that is rarely accomplished onscreen. We all looki for the answers to the questions that Hostiles asks.

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

Whitney was electrifying. Movie was not.

[5/10 · 27 April 2023]

Acting all around was great. But the essence of Whitney was not close to being captured.

But the then with someone as one of a kind as Whitney - how could it be?

Being a fan forever it bothered me that the casting of Whitney (Ackie) didn't look like her at all- or have any of her gripping presence. Likely an impossible task for anyone to match.

Ackie is a fine actress. I think this film will give her a wider exposure. However, casting her as Whitney did not work for me in this movie. All other casting was great.

Whitney had that "IT factor." When she walked onstage even before she opened her mouth to sing, she had the room.

The film did not capture any of the magic. It went through facts in a rote manner and glossed over so much while at the same time, attempting to cover everything.

Better screenplay / directing would've helped. I think...It was all kinda flat to me. But for those who didn't track with her real life maybe it doesn't matter .

I kept watching because I wanted to see how the end was managed. Meh.

Whitney's death was devastating. Her and Bobby's drug use was documented by them in their reality series.

I think everyone was pulling for her to get back on her feet and just when it seem like maybe she did. She didn't.

I'd hoped for something better.

Mr. Church (2016)

Pure and beautiful! More like this Please!!

[9/10 · 16 April 2022]

Where did this movie come from? I randomly came across it online - never heard of it before!

No synopsis here. But some critics had problems because a black man served a white family... I found their inability to see beyond skin color to be sad - and their remarks pandering.. just trying to be on trend.

How Mr Church got his job initially, isn't as important as WHO HE WAS, What he did and HOW HE LOVED. Love IS servanthood for everyone who actually loves.

Having a family if you're good at it is all about serving each other.

A great movie- super well acted by all especially by Eddie Murphy and Natasha Mc.. and Britt.

More movies like this! Please!!

Run Hide Fight (2020)

"Critics" so wrong, great story and acting

[9/10 · 15 January 2021]

One Hollywwod critic said this is shallow! So off base, nothing about this film is shallow or as expected. I live in Hollywood- and born here, and don't agree with the bias.

Great actors that I've never heard of before, but I'm sure we'll know their names in coming days.

Unique story that shows heroism, good and evil are not confused.

The good gals and guys are interesting! And not stereotypical. Bad guys interesting too.

The female lead named Zoe, (wow!) along with Louis her best friend / maybe romantic too, and main shooter are SO well acted! these young unknowns are amazingly talented!!

School shootings and fears of it are real, and faced.. and it's not pretty, but positive role models, courage and putting others first are highlighted- the shooters are not glorified.

Hard material is well handled!

La Bamba (1987)

simple -- and well developed

[8/10 · 4 October 2020]

It looks like this movie is trending upwards in popularity I suppose because of all the big music bio pics that have come out in the last few years. I've just re-watched this movie again -- and have seen it many times over the years.

I grew up in Los Angeles and remember Ritchie Valens fondly. This film has probably been underrated over the years. And now comparatively with all the big hoopla and special effects we have... I really have not read the other reviews but this film would be fairly simple compared to what is out now.

It describes Los Angeles in that time very well, and also the prejudice against Mexicans. I have been in situations where this prejudice has been clear, although I am not Mexican, it happened to people I knew and loved when I was with them.

This story shows so much about family, love and warmth. When someone dies at 17 they don't have a lot of backstory, but I really felt this movie gave us some important insights, not only about Richie, but about a very warm and loving people as a whole, with basically good family values which are lacking most movies today.

The Whole Truth (2016)

very good idea -- needed better script

[6/10 · 4 October 2020]

I watched this as I do like courtroom dramas and it had a shorter run time the most movies -- but there were so many holes left in the script, and there was certainly enough time in the film left over, to fill in, to bring more satisfaction, closure.

It did keep me interested, but I felt kind of used, manipulated by the end of the movie. There was a lot of trickery in Keanu's VO narratives, clearly needed to pull it off, but it bothered me... it just wasn't smart enough. But perhaps feeling manipulated was part of the idea because everybody was manipulated in the movie.

I think this movie wanted to have a big wow of a twist, like Sixth Sense... "I see dead people" but they didn't totally pull it off. I knew way too early in the film something was up, Keanu was the surprise factor.

Keanu felt very bland and boring. Gugu is always worth the watch, and wish there had been more of her arc in the movie. Renee was unlikable, which I think was the point, but still... she does look painfully strange. It just made it hard to watch her.

I thought there were too many flashbacks especially the one at the end with Boone, too many seeds are planted that do not get reaped at all.. and that bothered me, and it's where I felt the script fell short in the telling of the story. The wicked witch of the west, in the movie, is the only one who's life is not ruined...

Mary Shelley (2017)

Better than expected

[9/10 · 12 September 2020]

Without high reviews and knowing nothing about Mary Shelley I decided to watch this basically because of Elle Fanning. She has In the last few years stepped up and done some very good work.

I did fast forward a few times in slow parts,but the movie kept me interested. I thought all the actors did a very good job and I liked the direction, lighting, costumes, sets. I noticed that many scenes that were expected, were simply alluded to, I'm guessing because of budget. But the story was easy to follow.

I enjoyed the story and actually thought I need to get the book Frankenstein, I've only seen the movie, and maybe it did not do the character justice. It made me interested in knowing more about the themes as explained, in this movie.

I definitely felt the script was a little heavy handed leaning towards the me too movement, however it was pretty realistic considering the times, and Mary's age - it WAS a mans world for sure.

I'd say that I'm expecting Elle to be bringing down some big awards.. not for this one, but in the future! Watch out Reese!

In Time (2011)

Great Fresh idea.. but,

[6/10 · 12 July 2020]

The plot has already been broken down thoroughly by others. It was really a unique and clever idea that I had not seen in a film before, but...

Sadly, Timberlake in this role, just didn't have the charisma or charm needed to pull it off. There were parts that a smile, wink. or glint was needed... I felt like - a Clooney-Pitt-Ryan Gosling-like Actor, was needed.. but I DO think Timberlake is a charming guy, but just not in this film.

So overall it lacked "chemistry" ok yes that "magical glue"between the leads that keeps you watching their sparks and sparkle- and I don't know if it was the directing or if Timberlake didn't have it in him to pull off some of the witty dialogue, unspoken, subtle sexy moments . perhaps he bit off more than he could chew on this one. The movie was in his shoulders and it slipped off a bit.

Still JT pulled off the action and running for sure.. worked hard, and I'm giving Amanda +10 for running in 22" heels! All over yonder roads and desert.

I watched to the end to see what happened.. a bit of a moral tale. Those who have little give to others.still GIVE AWAY freely TO OTHERS . Those with a a lot only want more.FOR HIMSELF. A message in itself.

There were a few other problems in the film but these were the ones I wanted to mention. It was definitely entertaining if you can overlook some of the weaker parts I think you'll enjoy it's cleverness.

In

Bombshell (I) (2019)

A fable - about a truth

[3/10 · 19 March 2020]

Why not write a great script about sexual harassment in the workplace and not mislead people into thinking that you are documenting the truth about one specific horrific situation? I followed the actual story as it was happening. Yes two of the 3 stars portray real women. Yes Roger was exposed and dethroned and made millions for leaving.

But it annoyed me that it was painted in the light of "all conservatives are creeps and think and do terrible things"... I think many young women will watch this thinking it was how it actually happened. I watch both Fox news and CNN and they are like two different worlds. However Politically the left and the right have both had sexual scandals. It's in business wherever you look.

You find out in opening credits that although based on a real story we made up most of it - after you've paid your money. It was such an agenda driven smear.

However Robbie was great , as well as Megyns two assistants who showed some semblance of mixed emotions .. Yes the harassment must stop and all must speak up. But I find The Morning Show on Apple's tv much more interesting, provocative. Especially in showing the compliance of so many people, along with the ignorance of many men who think they're having consensual sex and ignore the intimidation they impose and the conflict Much more complex storytelling there. This was kind of a cheap shot at targets the writers did not like. And I'm not speaking of Roger because he should have gone to jail instead of to the bank with a fat check. Sad such great star power had such a shallow script..

After the Wedding (2019)

Loved it

[8/10 · 6 March 2020]

This was a random movie that came up on STARZ. Because of the casting I watched it, and I'm really glad that I did. In fact I just watched it for the third time in two days.

It has a very interesting plot line with multiple layers, some that I didn't see until the second or third watch. Maybe a bit too complicated or complex for some but why I loved it. It deals with life death poverty wealth in various ways but they are not Judgmental

Nor are they trite involving the usual tropes.

There weren't easy answers, and required some thought.

I have been to India several times and felt it was portrayed fairly accurately, however a bit more tidy then in real life.

Julianne Michelleand Billy did a great job As usual but the real find for me was Abby Quinn. She did a superb job and I looked her up and saw her acting credits which are numerous. Also she wrote a beautiful song and sings it that plays over the crawl at the end. A very talented young lady

I highly recommend this film if you want something more meaningful than the usual fare we are served up. I'm not sure why I've never heard of it and why it did not get more attention. I saw the ratings here were not very high- after I watched it. I haven't read the reviews so I don't know the issues, but this is a very original and heartfelt story, well told.

Little Men (2016)

Great acting, and script, until...

[4/10 · 12 January 2020]

I watched to see the boys who get 10 stars - I was not disappointed in them.. at all - rising stars! Well acted by everyone, even GregKs "mediocre acting" playing a mediocre actor.

Many good plot summaries already so I will just comment on some content and lessons the realistic portrayal of Inheritance situations - and lack of an ending in the film which was beyond disappointing and earned the 4 stars.

A Generous old-school grandpa doesn't respect his actor son, whose doctor-wife is supporting their one child family. He helps support a woman, a wife with a child, the same age as his grandson, (whose husband lives in Africa) by not raising her dress-shop rent (beneath his apartment) for 8 years.. they are very close friends.. but Gpa does not share with his son or his daughter that he wants her to remain in that shop at a low rent after he dies, so she can support herself and her son.

The old-school part is he doesn't write any details or instructions in his will, if he even has a will, I'm not sure. And he doesn't communicate his wishes.

The dressmaker expresses in much certainty that grandpa wants her to stay there, because she was like family, so I kept waiting for a reveal that her son was fathered by the grandpa, but no reveal. But he left it "on her" to express his wishes.. not good. Awkward for her.

One big take away was: Write a detailed will people! Don't leave these things for your Kids to sort out once you die. And don't make big promises unless put in writing.

Here, grandpas grown children know he wanted to leave them both something- so son moves to the apartment owned by his dad, now rent free to him, and daughter who lives elsewhere, wants to raise the rent to current market value on the downstairs shop, and receive the rent as her inheritance. Not unreasonable and a normal occurrence.

So the boys suffer the loss of Their friendship, and hurt and confusion as their parents are now in conflict. Dressmaker evicted. Boys remain loyal to own family.. but lose a beautiful friendship with each other.

One 10 star review said this film was supported by a Fathers Rights group or person, but I saw it as a "father's mistakes" film, as all fathers represented seemed absent of heart, or absent in physical presence - and mainly thinking of themselves - not the repercussions on others due to their actions or inactions.

After bringing the watcher deep into these lives it's just sad a satisfactory resolution could not be found.

I think film was mis-marketed as a "boys coming of age story".. very annoyed when screen went black and that was it.. great until end. Why was this story written?

But I really did love watching the boys! Well done guys, you have places to go!

Mountain (2015)

Well done but...

[3/10 · 19 October 2019]

Well acted, good production values, and a great portrait of loneliness and rejection in a marriage... until the ending, or lack there of. I rarely like a film without a thoughtful ending, happy or sad.. and this film is no exception. A woman is driven to murder, to cook up some poison stew, and then not know if she feeds it to her hubby and four kids, or the group of guys and gals having sex in the cemetery where she lives, makes the previous two hours of watching a Painful exercise for me... Come on writer, pick an ending and show it. I don't agree with a previous review saying it "doesn't matter" who she poisoned because her life is over either way. True, she did do herself in, but who she chose to take down with her, does matter. And the story separates great writing from a writer who got stuck in their own story and left viewers dangling too. For this I only gave 3 stars for what I think could have been a great movie if it had an ending,

The Mule (2018)

A brave and good tale

[7/10 · 18 August 2019]

I wasn't expecting much because initial reviews seemed tentative. So I was surprised at how engaging I found the film. Brave.. because of how well Mr Eastwood aged and acted wobbly and out of step with the world. Really appreciated the unfolding of the story... one with a good message of what the most important things in life are especially as you get older and realize there aren't a lot of do-overs. Cooper had a smaller role than usual but my guess was a chance to work with Mr Eastwood. Weist as always is a gem. some funny and very moving moments. Exceptional casting all around and good production values. Glad it didn't get gruesome. It really had a unique take on a story told thru the ages.. not only that "money can't buy you love," but that it can't buy you time either. I hope it draws a young audience since there is more time to set priorities when you're younger. Not fast paced, but just enough movement and changed to keep my interest. Well scripted too.

Junebug (2005)

Amy Adams!!! (Painful film.)

[5/10 · 17 April 2019]

It's April 2019 and this film came up on my list.. how did I miss this?

Amy did not disappoint- in fact all the acting was great, but it was Amy's movie hands down.

The film has been rated and analyzed very well by so many.. haters and lovers alike... but let me say this::: I was shocked that Madeleines character- big city art dealer, sophisticated etc. would jump thru hoops, and basically offer up her firstborn so to speak.. to want to sign an artist who paints such disgusting racist sexual images of black people -- and hates them, who has never even "seen one" and hates Jews too.. Shocked that she thought she'd actually sell these awful paintings in her Chicago gallery??? Every character has their problems and flaws in this film.. but this part was totally unbelievable. Not credible at all... As for the bigger picture this was Amy's breakout role and worth the watch just for that. But a painful study of family dynamics and hiddenness it is.. as people never say what they mean or show what they feel in this film - except for Amy's part.. heart on her sleeve. Great acting all around really, but if you like closure of any type, or a peek at backstory this is not your type of movie. Lots of plodding and angst without much reveal or payoff. But for many this is what a deep character study should look like though.. subtle and without a lot of answers, but lots to think about. Your call.

Blue Like Jazz (2012)

Sad attempt at bridging a gap. Really sad.

[2/10 · 11 March 2019]

The elected "pope" of the year, at a very liberal college, doesn't want anyone to know he grew up in church.. So he becomes a big obnoxious, despicable guy, in his fear. A sleaze. The most sickening thing was putting a huge homemade "condom" over a tall church steeple - so the gang could laugh while watching churchgoers look up in shock coming out of a Sunday service. Really?? Now I like a good faith based movie now and then - but few are made.. this one included. The end was the "pope" setting up a confessional on campus, and as students came in, he confesses his failures to them... and the failures of the church to care enough. That was a good twist. And should have been exploited further. But was Too little too late. And, getting there had me feeling sick from second act forward. Sad.

Little Children (2006)

Ugh.. so depressing.

[3/10 · 11 March 2019]

I love dramas so with high expectations watched this film, especially for my favorites Winslet and Connelly. Maybe could have given more stars for acting, but story was a 2 so split difference. Despite great acting and good Production values, etc. A horribly depressing 2+ hours. Very flawed people, as we all are, being their worst selves, and only going down down down.. Felt bad for their children, and worse at the miserable ending.. where maybe one person has a chance at redeeming something in his past by helping another maybe stay alive since that mans act of "trying to be better" was irreversibly permanent. Such great talent wasted. Saw no redeeming value. Seemed like no one learned any lessons or made a clear choice for the better that they weren't forced into by circumstance. Totally disappointing. Glad it was over.

Searching (III) (2018)

Great Surprise!

[7/10 · 6 March 2019]

Big Bang for my buck!! ( actually 99 cent rental from AppleTV) Trailer looked interesting so gave it a shot.. but didn't expect much. I'm big on "story" -- and this story was really well told.. A lot of backstory as well as forward motion was jammed in, in under two hours. I cared about the characters and it was well acted all around. Was a gem of an idea, with great execution. Many unexpected twists and turns. I never lost interest, which for me is saying a lot. The music enhanced the tensions. Found it surprisingly gripping. Had good sub plots.. something for all - techies, young people, parents, and those who appreciate a fresh take on what could have been just another who-done-it in lesser hands. As I write I'm thinking about one loose end still dangling, but maybe I missed it. It's worth another watch anyway. I do recommend this movie.. it's a fast, fun and insightful ride that I will take again in another watch.

First Reformed (2017)

Great talent, preachy, bad ending

[1/10 · 4 March 2019]

Glad I rented for .99 and even then barely made it thru. Great acting by Ethan and Amanda - and good production values. Full stop. Spiritual?Using Bible verses does not make a spiritual or soul searching film. This was depressing without relief.. and I love deep dramas with meaning and will watch again and again, and take them apart to see what made them tick.. not this one. Why? Hawke (who I love) has a character arc that takes him from a depressed minister to a guy willing to kill himself and others.. I had no connection with him even though I have lost children and know the pain and despair of that. The resolve was disconnected, abruptly without meaning - not thought provoking at all... Also preachy and script so on the nose - about an important topic. A characature of church with zombie like choir and attendees. But I must also say Amanda did a great job.. and showed another side of her abilities.. still it felt like a wasted of two hours of my time. I've watched hundreds of movies dozens of times, like I said to see what made them tick.. not this one. It built expectations but didn't deliver. If you're curious wait til it's on Netflix, but even then, I don't recommend this film. (And too bad the opportunity was missed to do more than just mention the churches link with the underground railway) That aspect drew me in a bit, but again didn't deliver anything on that topic.