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Reviews
Chasing the Win (2016)
An Equestrian Days of Thunder
I've been to a few horse tracks in my life, but I didn't know much of anything except how to place a $10 bet. This movie is two movies in one - a documentary of what the actual sport of horse racing entails - all the little details - and a pretty decent Rocky story. Never knew a horse could cost 10.25 million or several pints of Guinness would be good for them. It shows how the horse actually wants to win - gets angry if they don't. Then there's the love all those who trained Kinsdale King, the jocky's eyes getting moist as he reveals how blessed he feels that this amazing horse came into his world. Well made - well shot - easy to understand with a narrative of a story.
On the Corner of Ego and Desire (2019)
"This isn't Pixar!"
Ok, I very very rarely give a film 10 stars, but this one - this one. Yeah... Maybe it's because I can so relate to these characters, to their idiosyncrasies - to their dreams, their desires - their failings and yes, their egos. I KNOW these people - I have probably been each one of them at different times in my life. This is a filmmakers' film and maybe it won't resonate with those that aren't - oh F---- it - who cares - if you have a dreams i any profession - you'll have met these people and you'll laugh out loud. The girl is obviously the standout and if you're a man who's lived a bit - you've met one just like her. Or a guy just like her. They bring out the sun and then claim the rays are their own. You hate em' - you love em' - the world is less exciting without them. Alex has done a great job infiltrating one the gold standards of festivals. I've unfortunately not been to Park City, not been "invited" as well, but now I at least know what it looks like! Many many memorable lines in this film and I honestly laughed through the entire balcony scene with the producer. How he didn't crack up I'll never know. Highly highly recommend.
The Stand Up Doll (2019)
Music in the Soul Keeps us Standing
I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary. I didn't get to know my grandparents because three died before I was even born. I had to learn who they were from my parents. Watching this I get the feeling I'd have had the same feelings listening to their past. Risa has a life force many don't at any age. We see and hear about the moments in her past in Nazi Germany and we feel the anger she still holds for Vienna even though she says she's forgiven those that call it their home. But the common thread throughout the film for me was music. Risa's love of it - her ability to play the piano and her obvious joy in singing, in 10 languages mind you - and dancing - even at 98. We wonder why she keeps standing up after every setback. Well I believe it's the music in her soul. A song in her head and her heart. Something we all have felt but never understood the significance of keeping it there. Risa reminded me of that. I won't soon forget it. The film is a gentle piece, made gracefully by the narrator, Evelyne. It's very good work.
What Love Looks Like (2020)
A cozy, wrap yourself in a blanket, Sunday movie
"First off, I would rename this film "What does falling in love look like." It's more about how the young fall in love. About the longing for a companion that accepts you, no matter how nerdy or shy or seemingly insensitive you may appear to be. Some of these couples shouldn't have found a way to make it work but in the movies, things tend to work out in the end. I felt it wrapped up a bit quick and with a running time of only 85 minutes, the film could risked a few more minutes to make the stories wrap up at bit more realistically. My last wish is for the filmmakers to shoot a sequel in 5 years with the same 5 couples and show us what Love Really Looks Like. The meeting is the easy part, the making it work is what life is all about. Still a sweet comfortable film.
Stadium Anthems (2018)
Slick fun satire that cuts
For anyone who has had the pleasure or displeasure to actually be a part of the music industry - be it a performer, song writer or producer - this one is worth the watch. A little too cheeky for my tastes at the start, but it levels off and by the end has actually shown us some truth under all the raunchy humor. Productions credits are top notch and the songs are pretty damn good as well. Worth the ride.
The Evil Down the Street (2019)
Fun creepy flick that gets better as it goes.
This caught my eye because of the high ratings but at first I felt I had seen it all before, which is kinda on par for the "moving into new scary house" movies, but as it went I got more and more drawn in. I like when films add a few new characters as they go. It changes things up. The introduction of the priest was classic, this crusty dude doing push-ups on the floor. Then there were the neighbors which seemed creepy enough and between you and me, I'd never eat anything given to me by the "neighbors" before I knew if they are sane or not. Film got more and more tense and by the end, I'm glad a gave a go. Recommend.
Before the Dawn (2019)
May-September story led by two amazingly beautiful people
Gotta get this right out of the way - these are two amazingly attractive people. Both decent actors in their own right which goes a looong way toward making me like this film. Yeah, we know where it's going but who cares. The chemistry was there from the start. My only real beef with the pic is the depiction of the bad drug thugs. Could have made them a bit less Hollywood thug types but that's a minor gripe. The kid reminds me a of a young Cillian Murphy that seems to show up in all Chris Nolin films. Bet I see him in future films. Story goes by the numbers at the end and gets a little soft treatment but all in all, I enjoyed this film - especially because of the two leads.
The Evil Down the Street (2019)
Fun creepy flick that gets better as it goes.
This caught my eye because of the high ratings but at first I felt I had seen it all before, which is kinda on par for the "moving into new scary house" movies, but as it went I got more and more drawn in. I like when films add a few new characters as they go. It changes things up. The introduction of the priest was classic, this crusty dude doing push-ups on the floor. Then there were the neighbors which seemed creepy enough and between you and me, I'd never eat anything given to me by the "neighbors" before I knew if they are sane or not. Film got more and more tense and by the end, I'm glad a gave a go. Recommend.