raylanboy Reviews

Executor (2017)

Excellent job of showing corruption with religious zealots

[8/10 · 15 December 2023]

I didn't expect much of this movie but saw Paul Sorvino's name so I gave it a try. Glad I did!

The plot was not totally far fetched. A crazed priest believing God gave him permission to assassinate corrupt people, brings young boys under his wing and has them train as hit men. No different than the Mafioso, but added religious validation into the mix. We already know corrupt priests with the abuse in the Catholic church rampant for many years, so this take on a abusive priest is realistic to many. The sickest most demented part is this priest (Sorvino) brings up boys to believe it's all for God, the executions, and loyalty to him.

The ending is both sad and relieving, but I won't spoil it.

Sorvino is excellent as expected, but the young man he takes in as his son and hitman is equally as good. The little boy co-starring is equally gifted and believable.

I found the writing extraordinary and as a writer, I don't say that often. Direction very good with a few quirks in the fighting scenes..a little too staged, but most fighting scenes appear the same.

The writer, director and editor are one in the same, a daunting job for anyone. I don't know of this person but he did an excellent job at all of the above. The acting was good by most characters, but the child stood out above the rest; hope to see much more of this small boy with a genuine gifted skill, as well as the hit-and-run who saves him and takes him in. I truly enjoyed this unknown sleeper which in 2017, never heard of it nor the director/writer/editor/producer.

The movie had undertones of redemption and clearly showed how religion can convince a person to do terrible things in the name of God/ Allah or any other belief system.

I believe the saying.."A child shall lead them" is appropriate in this movie and in reality. It takes a child's innocence to enlighten one to truth..as it did here.

Don't miss this one...I watched it on Tubi..so far, free to stream movies, TV shows and more. And please, be mindful of how religion can influence your thoughts, actions and loyalty.

Stolen (2009)

Terrific film that didn't get the reviews it should have

[10/10 · 27 March 2023]

This movie is a Must Watch on my list for anyone who enjoys a bit of an emotional drain and suspense.

The writer is Glenn Taranto who wrote this first screenplay and I do feel it was hit outta the park. Why others were so overly critical...I just don't understand.

The direction was great..all camera shots done well, a good sephia lens for the 1958 segments, and not overdone with close ups. The acting by John Hamm, VanDerBeek and others was perfectly done, believable and heartfelt.

I was impressed with how well the 1958 and present day storyline weaved into a relatable story with similarities that brought this story together like a harmonized piece of music. The 50 year old boy's remains found at a construction site unearthed, ( based on the true story of The Boy in a Box notority, boy's identity still unknown) was a 10 year old boy intellectually challenged which made this story all the more tragic, as was the sickening attitude of most toward a child with special needs( not much different today sadly).

I especially liked how both dads, 1958 and detective dad, lost their boys by a simple unthinking act that allowed them to be abducted. Relatable in many ways, this film is both touching and a warning, keep your kids close people.

So, ignore the ridiculous reviews, watch this movie and you can thank me later. As a writer/author I can truthfully say, gold star worthy.

Flight Crew (2016)

Action, backstories, great special effects not overboard

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

I'm so impressed with this movie that it will stay in memory.

ActingA+..DirectionA+ WritingA+=1 dam good action movie.

I knew it was dubbed, but so what? Just deal with the terrible misplaced dubbing. The story had feeling, commitment and let us into the main characters lives. Father/son, pilot/girlfriend and how the world has little empathy for refugees. Also, a movie about heroism with the young teaching the older how being a hero is not easy but necessary. A story with soul and not afraid to have it with an action film. Real life emotions without being overdone and not afraid to show that empathy is not a dirty word was also impressive.

I applaud the Russians for this and was quite taken with the beautiful actors. Talent n looks..ee haw! Watch it..promise you'll love it too. Accuracy in science facts..no, but you won't care.

Woodland (IV) (2018)

The Shining updated blended with the Lighthouse

[18 December 2021]

I liked the photography. Basically nothing new under the sun, or trees. A dude with substance abuse takes on a watchman job with a camera. He begins to soulsearch..yawn..and sees his failed future. Not sure about anything "thriller" in here but it could've been a short film instead. I agree the acting was wasted by the lead, but, hey, meloncoly is always a hoot , right! Not sure exactly the point, the message or the underlying theme here, other than a drunk or druggie should never be secluded in the wilderness with their thoughts or conscience.

The Assignment (I) (2016)

Believable character NOT

[5/10 · 5 January 2021]

I loved the whole premise of this movie, but that was the only hope here. Firstly, as been said, Rodriguez was in No way believable as a dude...frame, features, voice, walk, stance...all female. They should have casted a transgender actor for the role..they are out there. Next..she just wasn't believable as a tough hard ass hitman. Nothing was believable. I wanted so badly to get involved in this flick but I kept laughing at her being Frank..the beard wasn't believable nor the fake chest with Halloween costume hair on it. Special effects person had to be a real amateur as well as any coach to teach Rodriguez how to be a guy. The back and forth from present day to before took the viewer away from the story and created distance and flow was ruined. So, in closing, great story idea but everything except the plot was ruined. Too bad..it could have been a great movie.