Delrvich Reviews

Bad Country (2014)

9 for noir

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

Given the background and character of the main character, this is a noir, in my opinion. Very well done.

And to get around the minimum character requirement, I shall quote: arotscheidt on 18 March 2014 10/10 Definitely worth watching!

Reason for my 10 out of 10 is cause i don't think the 5.7 (at the moment) is the rating what it's worth. For me this is a 7.5-8 at least....

Love the movies with Willam Dafoe, Matt Dillon. Both very good actors and in this movie they perform outstanding!

Perhaps director had to put a little more effort into the movies but all in all i believe it fits right into the time when it took place. It definitely gives you the feeling of going back into that time! It's for sure one i would recommend to others!

Action is of great performance with much "effects" although it's greatly filmed in "suspense" mode. Not to little, not to much!

Despite the bad reviews i am sure you will enjoy this movie!

Going Home (1971)

An auto 9 for noir

[9/10 · 26 September 2022]

An auto 9 for noir. Noir is a tragic tale with a moral. In this case, dysfunctional parents often raise dysfunctional kids or similar. And, their flaws are often exploited by the state and misunderstood by the public. Hence the need for court reform, Big Brother, etc. Unfortunately, from glancing through the top reviews, I don't seem to be very far from wrong.

Should be on a double bill with A TASTE OF HONEY (1962).

600 characters required?

Psshaw. This is a review. Not a thesis.

Repeat --- An auto 9 for noir. Noir is a tragic tale with a moral. In this case, dysfunctional parents often raise dysfunctional kids or similar. And, their flaws are often exploited by the state and misunderstood by the public. Hence the need for court reform, Big Brother, etc. Unfortunately, from glancing through the top reviews, I don't seem to be very far from wrong.

Should be on a double bill with A TASTE OF HONEY (1962).

Brainstorm (1965)

An auto 9 for noir

[9/10 · 29 July 2022]

Should be on a triple bill with SHOCK CORRIDOR (1963) and SHOCK TREATMENT (1964). And, from what I can remember, it was a bit better than those two. Maybe, I could be wrong.

Stranger Things (2016–2025)

Just a 2

[2/10 · 28 June 2022]

Quoting larosaj-2666610 on July 2019 ... "Why is this utter dreck popular? I saw the first season somewhat reluctantly but avoided the second. Now I tried the third but it's just awful nonsense... The show just sucks. Total trash."

How to Make a Monster (1958)

8 for Great

[8/10 · 26 June 2022]

One of the few semi-bizarre horror films done, IMO, rather well considering it's low budget. A lot like Carnival of Souls, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Final Curtain.

Dangerous (III) (2021)

6 for Good

[6/10 · 22 June 2022]

Even though I didn't finish it. The "group of rogue military guys" trope is hackneyed. One is even named Sniper. Another is Whymper. Gibson and Eastwood have acting chops, either shooting to low or doing someone a big favor for this.

The Steve Wilkos Show (2007– )

2 for "I wouldn't watch"

[2/10 · 21 June 2022]

I see the negative reinforcement message(s) behind this kind of programming. But, I can also see this as demotivational and an excuse not to help others in need.

The Night House (2020)

An 8 for Great

[8/10 · 20 June 2022]

Though it teetered on being a variation of The Nightmare On Elm Street, it did have me stumped on the ending ... was she really alive? Awake? Really herself? Parallel existence? Was he really a serial killer? Etc ...

What's Up, Doc? (1972)

6 for Good

[6/10 · 20 June 2022]

This isn't funny. A bit like Rhinoceros (1974). And it would seem it was made to promote Streisand as the entire movie, practically, revolves around her. And it's only Streisand's gorgeous looks, IMO, and 70s San Francisco scenery that keep this from a 4 (terrible) or 5 (I don't get it. No opinion).

We're the Millers (2013)

7 for Great but with flaw(s)

[7/10 · 19 June 2022]

A comedy "inspired" by the Faralley Brothers. Rather gross joke (on plane) and sight gag (tarantula bite) to overcome (the flaws), but, it was good. The primary cast carried this well. Helm's character was a bit grating. Nice scenes with Jennifer Aniston, especially the mechanic shop performance. A boody double, huh? Shame.

Nightmare Alley (2021)

A 9 for noir

[9/10 · 15 June 2022]

A noir is a movie involving desperate a main character(s) driven to crime and or a tragic ending giving the viewers a moral (eg crime doesn't pay, no honor among thieves, etc....).

Beautifully done character studies and convincing period piece (no out of place characters and dialogue). Bravo!

The Mule (2018)

A 9 for noir

[9/10 · 15 June 2022]

A noir is a movie involving desperate main characters usually driven to crime, end tragically, and gives the viewer a moral (eg crime doesn't pay, etc....).

Moving. Simple, straight, and effective. Well done without too much melodrama. Clint Eastwood at his very best.

The Last Days of Disco (1998)

3 for "Ffwd right through this"

[3/10 · 30 May 2022]

Nitpicking but was put off by the soundtrack and disco scene. It had a real 70s sound but a 90s look. Early 80s, IIRC, was a lot of new wave and heavy metal.

And this seemed like a chick flick.

Magic (1978)

Nine for a neo-noir

[9/10 · 19 May 2022]

One of the memorable films of the 70s. The gritty look and tone of the film will stand the test of time. Along with Fade To Black (1980), Dressed To Kill (1980), and The King of Comedy (1982), I hope they don't remake them. Frightening classics.

Lady in the Lake (1946)

An auto 9 for a noir

[9/10 · 16 May 2022]

Well, it's really not a noir as the lead characters don't ruin their lives and form the moral of the story which is usually "Crime doesn't pay". I can appreciate the gimmick as it puts the viewers face to face with the absolutely gorgeous Audrey Totter.

House of Strangers (1949)

Disappointing

[4/10 · 5 May 2022]

I recall this, IMO, indirectly propagated the "You can take the bumpkin out of the country but you can't take the country out of the bumpkin". Then, add Edgar G Robinson and Richard Conte, who are often annoying, and this justs makes this hard, for me, to watch.

The Batman (2022)

Great, but ...

[7/10 · 23 April 2022]

My only gripe would be the length of the movie while already knowing the identity of the villain. Not much of a real mystery to savor. For the time, his identity should have been unknown or multiple villains, at large, to be caught. Going to be tough to "out do", two major active villains for a 3 hr sequel is probably better.

Dano was great. Farrell was fantastic, reminded me of DeNiro's Al Capone.

7 for Good - Great with major flaw (3hr slow build up)

Pig (I) (2021)

A terrible noir

[9/10 · 3 April 2022]

All noir (tragedy with a moral) is an auto 9.

Former passionate chef presumably falls out of society after the loss of his wife, but, masterfully scolds former employee for not pursuing his dream of owning a pub. And, doesn't properly pursue retrieving his beloved pig. Ultimately, resumes his monastic life (simply) believing the story, from the man who had the pig stolen, that the pig didn't survive it's abduction. No proof, touching burial, or charges. Oh, and keep working for the son of the guy who had the pig stolen! Seems the moral is passivity, accept your losses, question nothing, mope, if you must, and minimizes animal rights.

Dillinger Is Dead (1969)

3 for "Ffwd right to the end"

[3/10 · 3 April 2022]

Semi-clever idea that should have been reduced to a 3 - 5 minute film short or music video. Especially if you are going to give the message of the movie in the opening scene. Sure this kind of art house movie was the trend ... before Youtube and public access TV spoiled our attention spans and or refined our tastes.

Death Rider in the House of Vampires (2021)

2 for "I wouldn't watch"

[2/10 · 31 March 2022]

This seems like a movie that sounds like a good idea, in theory, but, best done as a trailer or music video. Or at very least, a limited edition movie poster.

The Card Counter (2021)

A poker faced noir

[9/10 · 31 March 2022]

Played just like a high stakes game of poker. Long and slow, drawing in one, raises, and calls. Boom.

Tragic.

The moral? You reap what you sow etc ...

Lansky (2021)

Not an obvious noir

[9/10 · 30 March 2022]

Becomes a successful gangster with an interest in his family's well-being, particularly his disabled son, only to, apparently, lose them over the years. And, with no one to share his legacy but an author who betrays him.

Add: Should be on a double bill with CAPONE (2020).

Prisoners of the Ghostland (2021)

Its passable

[6/10 · 30 March 2022]

Not an ardent fan of Japanese sci-fi, but can still appreciate it. Three fourths into the movie and were the reel to break, I wouldn't be too upset. IMO, Cage bears most of the load. Were he not in it, I would have passed on this movie.

The Breaking Point (1950)

Rather poignant

[9/10 · 25 March 2022]

Second time around, I didn't consider this a real noir but Harry's tunnelvision about being a provider, putting his help/only real friend, himself, and family at risk, the third act, and final scene reminded me.

The French Dispatch (2021)

Not bowl you over great

[10/10 · 9 March 2022]

Like a Saturday trip into a thrift store to browse. You'll slowly be drawn to not only see but feel, recalling memories and magical times gone by. Not a blockbuster or for everyone.