[RobKnapp]

Two Women (1960)​

Director: Vittorio De Sica Writers: Alberto Moravia (novel), Cesare Zavattini (adaptation) Stars: Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Raf Vallone, Eleonora Brown

A moving, WWII Italian neorealist film . Sophia Loren's performance is astoundingly good. As is Eleonora Brown who plays her daughter,"Rosetta". Loren deservedly won the Best Actress Oscar This film is about the ravages of war and what it does to an entire people but it concentrates on a mother and twelve year old daughter who have lost the ability to interact with one another but find it again after their shared tragedy. It's an extremely powerful film that leaves you worn out from your emotional bond with Loren, becoming the first performer to win an Oscar in a non-English role.

Unquestionably, this is a emotional and compelling film, showing the will of "Two Women" who struggle In the aftermath of the Second World War. A fine example of what Italian cinema has contributed to an international audiences. Superb Italian film. 9/10

Two Women aka La Ciociara [Blu-ray- Region Free]
Two Women aka La Ciociara Blu-ray- Region Free 2016: Amazon.co.uk: Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Eleonora Brown, Vittorio De Sica, Sophia Loren, Jean-Paul Belmondo: DVD & Blu-ray

 

[RobKnapp]

The Furies (2019)
The title 'The Furies' references deities from Greek mythology.
Shudder

​

• Director
  • Tony D'Aquino
• Writer
  • Tony D'Aquino
• Stars
  • Airlie Dodds
  • Linda Ngo
  • Taylor Ferguson

Prefect for a die-hard horror fanatic with a dash sci-fi for good measure. Its a cool movie! The film is receiving huge praise from genre fans beating 78 films from 14 countries to win the coveted ‘Best Death’ prize at UK’s number one horror festival, Fright-Fest. Kayla (Airlie Dodds) and her friend Maddie (Ebony Vagulans) are chewing the fat and spraying graffiti when they are kidnapped by unknown assailants. They awake from a druggy haze, lying in coffin-like boxes in a vast, but thin forest,

separated from each other. Like various other poor girls, they are being hunted by grunting men in animal masks, brandishing deadly weapons. Each girl has had a camera surgically implanted, and each killer has a camera in their mask. This is a hi-tech VR game for the rich and twisted.​

For even the pickiest of gore hounds, The Furies delivers some truly satisfying effects. Though the more gruesome aspects are used economically, there are some memorable moments that make it worthwhile. Apparently there's gore hounds like me , all over the globe Countries released : Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Spain, France, United Kingdom, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, United States

Airlie Dodds in The Furies (2019)​

The Furies is a blood-drenched female-focused take on the hunter-and-hunted sub genre. If you’re looking for a night of tension and pristine practical effects, pop this one on.

 

[RobKnapp]

HARLAN COUNTY, U.S.A. (1976)
TurnerClassicMovies
Any of you boys have HBOMAX ? This excellent Documentary
is streaming for limited engagement

​

• Rating: PG
• Genre: Documentary
• Directed By:Barbara Kopple
• In Theaters:Jan 23, 1977 Wide
• On Disc/Streaming:Apr 25, 2006
  (The Criterion Collection) DVD
  
  https://www.amazon.com/Harlan-Count...N+COUNTY,+U.S.A.+(1976)&qid=1600226893&sr=8-1
• Runtime:103 minutes

This film chronicles the bitter and violent struggle waged by coal miners during a strike in 1973 in Eastern Kentucky against the Eastover Mining Company. The story focuses on the miners and their families' fight for decent living standards in an area where many still live in shacks with no indoor plumbing and work at jobs with little security and dangerous conditions.

Where this film is at its best is where it uses historical footage and traditional hillbilly labor songs to tie the strike to the larger past, and also where it explores other details of these people's lives health issues , living conditions that aren't specific to the strike. 9/10

I discovered Hazel Dickens form the film 'Harlan County U.S.A. Fantastic hillbilly singer.

​

 

[RobKnapp]

The Devil's Arithmetic (1999)
DVD

Kirsten Dunst does a good job in this very early role in her career dvd.com and Prime video both have this selection ' I'd wager you'll probably enjoy it to some degree.

Director: Donna Deitch Writers: Jane Yolen (novel), Robert J. Avrech (teleplay) Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Brittany Murphy, Paul Freeman

Hannah Stern (Kirsten Dunst), an American-born Jewish adolescent, is uninterested in the culture, faith and customs of her relatives; however, Hannah begins to reevaluate her heritage when she has a supernatural experience that transports her back to a Nazi death camp in 1941. There, she meets a young girl named Rivkah (Brittany Murphy), a fellow captive in the camp. As Rivkah and Hannah struggle to survive in the face of daily atrocities, they form an unbreakable bond.

Overall, the films art direction, cinematography and story line remained consistently good throughout the film. Excellent acting and no glossing over what happened in the camps.

Of the many holocaust-related movies, this film is unique in its transportation of a modern girl into 1940s Poland. It is very well done, contrasting the frivolous modern lifestyle with the hardships of the 1940s.

 

[RobKnapp]

On The Water Front (1954)

TCM / Blu-ray
Cable feed
Eva Marie Saint

Director:
Elia Kazan
Writers:
Budd Schulberg (screenplay), Budd Schulberg (based upon an original story by) | 1 more credit »
Stars:
Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb

1955 Best Picture . Best Actor in a Leading Role Marlon Brando with his electrifying performance . Hollywood newcomer in her first role Eva Marie Saint was mesmerizing winning her ; Best Actress in a Supporting Role . On the Waterfront won Oscars also for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay.

A powerful watch, thanks largely to an incredible cast, Leonard Bernstein's strong score, and a handful of iconic scenes, none better than the moving "I coulda been a contender" sequence. This brutal, violently realistic drama, set against the bleak background of the New York waterfront, packs a terrific wallop that results in topflight entertainment. Marlon Brando redefined the possibilities of acting for film and helped permanently alter the cinematic landscape. It's pretty electrifying.

Brando was the first to bring a natural approach to acting on film. According to Dustin Hoffman in his online Masterclass. The first performers to use the method acting technique. In Brando's better films, he appears to be embodying the role rather than acting.

 

[RobKnapp]

Planet of the Apes (1968)
Turner Classic Movies cable feed

Internationally known for her role as Nova, Charlton Heston's mute mate in the science fiction film.....

A Science Fiction Masterpiece

Director: Franklin J. Schaffner Writers: Michael Wilson (screenplay), Rod Serling (screenplay) Stars: Charlton Heston, Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter, Maurice Evans, Linda Harrison

One of the most riveting, fascinating & exciting sci-fi films ever made. An astronaut finds himself on a planet where evolution has flipped & apes are the dominant species. Heston's part is in contrast to the larger-than-life characters he has played, McDowell, Hunter & Evans give great performances under the ape makeup.

Planet of the Apes was nominated for two Academy Awards at the Oscars ceremony for 1968 - Original Score (Jerry Goldsmith) and Costume Design (Morton Haack), but lost respectively to The Lion In Winter (John Barry) and Romeo And Juliet (Danilo Donati). The film did win an Honorary Oscar - for John Chambers for his Special Makeup Design. He was only the second person to receive this honor (after William Tuttle in 1964 for 7 Faces of Dr. Lao) before the Academy decided in 1981 to designate an award category for makeup. Reportedly, Arthur P. Jacobs and Richard D. Zanuck lobbied Academy President Gregory Peck (a former client of Jacobs' publicity agency) for Chambers to be considered for an Oscar. This a first class Sci-Fi movie adapted from Boulle's novel makes strong themes about class & man inhumanity to each other. A satiric tone yet a thrilling delight with a truly unforgettable ending. 10/10

Linda Harrison's Nova character made me want to be an astronaut when I was a boy

 

[RobKnapp]

eXistenZ (1999)
Blu-ray

​

A game designer on the run from assassins must play her latest virtual reality creation with a marketing trainee to determine if the game has been damaged.

• Director
  • David Cronenberg
• Writer
  • David Cronenberg
• Stars
  • Jude Law
  • Jennifer Jason Leigh
  • Ian Holm

One of the unheralded sci-fi horror classics of that 1990's decade. David Cronenberg's dizzying B-movie - is quite good with an all star cast .Gooey, slimy, grotesque ,haunting, hallucinatory attack into the philosophical and cinematic outer limits.

Some of eXistenZ is ludicrous, but as the film goes on the madness adds to a surreal trippy alternate reality. All backed up by a talented cast . Cronenberg has assembled a fascinating ensemble of players for his highly evolved game. Leigh flaunts her provocative some what sexy demeanor to good effect as Allegra, well met by Jude Law as a bodyguard who's new to playing her games. Ian Holm, and Christopher Eccleston assume shifting identities. Willem Dafoe turns up, sleek and freaky, as a grease monkey named Gas. Here, Cronenberg is working from his own original material for the first time since 1983's Videodrome. EXistenZ takes themes from Videodrome and adapts them around its own interesting concept.

Willem Dafoe in eXistenZ (1999)

Jude Law and Jennifer Jason Leigh in eXistenZ (1999)

"eXistenZ" is a crude virtual reality gaming movie. Video game designer Allegra Geller (Jennifer Jason Leigh) has created a virtual reality game called eXistenZ. After a crazed fan attempts to kill her, Allegra goes on the run with Ted (Jude Law), a young businessman who falls into the role of bodyguard. In an attempt to save her game, Allegra implants into Ted's body the video game pod that carries a damaged copy of eXistenZ. Allegra and Ted engage in a series of experiences that blur the lines between fantasy and reality.

Even though the execution of the movie was done with a low budget , the concept was great. Marvel at how a grotesque and visceral world can be made so vividly real and intriguing with the use of practical effects instead of computer-graphics. Cronenburg knows the value of his tactile world and is still one of the masters of body horror .The psychological depths Cronenberg reaches are mind-blowing to fathom. A psychotropic trip. 7/10

Goaded for a re-watch by @titan ii !!​

View attachment 3257748 View attachment 3257749 View attachment 3257751

Jennifer Jason Leigh is sexy in this film

 

[RobKnapp]

Woodstock (1970)
THE DIRECTOR'S CUT​

• 1970​
• R​
• 3h 4m​

Turner Classic Movies cable feed
It received the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.

​

Chip Monck - Stage Announcer : The warning that I received, you may take with however many grains of salt you wish, that the brown acid that is circulating around us, is specifically not too good. It's suggested that you do stay away from that; of course, it's your own trip, so, be my guest.

Rob's Motto. "Most definitely Eat the Brown Acid"

What did they eat at Woodstock?
Yes, hippies actually ate granola at Woodstock.
It just so happens that there were major food shortages at the defining music event of the '60s, and one of the foods that provided relief was granola.

"A girl helps herself to a free food ration in the camp area at the Woodstock Music Festival in Bethel, New York, on Aug. 15, 1969."
​

10:30 p.m. – 12:05 a.m.
Grateful Dead
"St. Stephen" "Mama Tried" "Dark Star" "High Time" "Turn On Your Love Light"

The Who

What's regarded as the most iconic Rock concert ever performed ? IMO #4 The Beatles at Apple Corp Rooftop 1969 ( It was the band's last public appearance together. Going out with a bang has never been done better than the way they did it ! !
#3 Live Aid 1985 #2 The Isle of Wight Festival 1970
#1 Woodstock 1969 The hippie movement was in full force. This bohemian way of life was spilling into society on many levels such as fashion, art, and music.

An intimate look at the Woodstock Music & Art Festival held in Bethel, NY in 1969, from preparation through cleanup, with historic access to insiders, blistering concert footage, and portraits of the concertgoers; negative and positive aspects are shown, from drug use by performers to naked fans sliding in the mud, from the collapse of the fences by the unexpected hordes to the surreal arrival of National Guard helicopters with food and medical assistance for the impromptu city of 500,000.

One of the most anticipated acts to play at Woodstock, Janis was completely overwhelmed by the size of the audience. As a result, Janis spent most of the day backstage getting fairly ripped, and consequently was not in the best shape by the time she took the stage at 2:00 am on Sunday morning.

Woodstock saw legendary performances from Carlos Santana, The Band, CRC, Jefferson Airplane, Canned Heat The Who, Arlo Guthrie, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and many more. However, there was no performances better than Jimi Hendrix. His concert and performance of Voodoo Child is amazing. Guitar playing has arguably never been better than Hendrix and this song. You can decide for yourself.

So it was certainly justified that Jimi Hendrix was billed as the overall headliner at Woodstock in 1969, and that he commanded the highest paycheck of all performers. Hendrix was paid $18,000 for appearing at Woodstock, which is the equivalent of about $125,000 today.

 

[RobKnapp]

Annie Hall
(1977)
Turner Classic Movies
31 Days of Oscar Film Festival

Director: Woody Allen
Writers: Woody Allen, Marshall Brickman
Stars: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton,

Don't take Woody Allen to a drugs party; Woody Allen sneezes into all the good cocaine and literally blows it all the way !
Love him or hate him, there's no denying that Annie Hall is Woody Allen's masterpiece.

At the time it came out, it was a huge hit. At that time in his career, Allen's neurotic persona was the main character of his films. His ethnic neurotic shtick was different than what everyone else was doing, and came off as fresh and funny. He brought in Diana Keaton to play her WASP neurotic persona as his love interest. Allen and Keaton had a winning formula for the 1970s Jewish neurotic plus WASP neurotic, equals successful comedy. "Annie Hall" was Allen's first deeper satire and it was successful to the extent of Oscar possibilities. Keaton won the Best Actress Academy Award as the title character and while he didn't win for his performance, Allen won for directing & co-writing the screenplay.9/10

 

[RobKnapp]

The Gilded Age (2022)
HBOMAX

One of my favorite genres is the "Costume Period Piece" .

'Downton Abbey' creator Julian Fellowes turns his eye from British opulence to New York City circa 1882 for a look at America's empire-on-the-rise. The Gilded Age is set in and around the 1880s. The title refers to this time of prosperity in the United States thanks to the industrial boom, and the show will follow the comings and goings of the upper echelons of New York's high society during that time.

At the heart of new historical drama, The Gilded Age, is breakout star Louisa Jacobson. The 30-year-old newcomer plays Marian Brook in the HBO series alongside Carrie ****, Cynthia Nixon and Christine Baranski.

For Jacobson, whose mother just so happens to be Meryl Streep, the role marks her series debut. Jacobson, who uses her middle name to distinguish herself from her famous family. Prior to making her debut, the youngest of Streep's four children studied psychology at Vassar College before attending British American Drama Academy in Oxford and later earning a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the Yale School of Drama. She is a delight to watch !
Louisa Jacobson in The Gilded Age
Youngest daughter of Meryl Streep
there's some aristocratic lineage to Hollywood royalty right there.

Denee' Benton is superb in her role, a middle-class, 19th-century determined young woman and a gifted writer living in New York City in the 1880s.
Louisa Jacobson and Denée Benton in The Gilded Age (2022)

Nowhere near the depth and feeling of Downton Abbey lets face it! Downton was lighting in a bottle ( Mr. Pamuk dying of a heart attack in series one in Lady Mary's bed) that was pure T. V. gold ! But Fellowes gives you smartly written characters, filmed in lavish sets and costumes, an able cast in this Americanized spin on his beloved "Downton Abbey'. If you like this sort of programming 'The Gilded Age' is perfectly addicting .The time period is a fabulous frame for character-driven stories of social maneuvering. Season two can not come soon enough.
Carrie C o o n in The Gilded Age (2022)

It states it's region free pre-order​

No code has to be inserted here.

2022 | Season 1 | Jul 25, 2022 (4 Months​

 

[RobKnapp]

The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956)
Turner Classic Movies cable feed

Shot in locations in Morocco and London. The cinematographer does brilliant work with the film's colorful cinematography as it captures the exquisite beauty of some of the locations in Morocco and in London in its daytime exteriors as well as the usage of low-key lights for some of the nighttime interior scenes. Academy Awards - Oscars (1957): Best Music, Original Song for the song "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)" (Jay Livingston & Ray Evans)

Alfred Hitchcock's first thriller was The Lodger (1927), but it wasn't until the success of The Man Who Knew Too Much in 1934 that Hitchcock began a near-unbroken string of suspense thrillers that made him world famous. Twenty-two years later, he returned to the scene of the crime for the only remake of his career.

The Man Who Knew Too Much is a spectacular film from Alfred Hitchcock that features sensational performances from James Stewart and Doris Day. Along with its supporting ensemble cast, usage of geography and location, riveting screenplay, and Bernard Herrmann's sumptuous music score. It is a film that does a lot that is expected in the world of suspense and drama while it's also one of Hitchcock's quintessential films in terms of emphasis on attention to detail and maintaining an atmosphere to play up the suspense. In the end, The Man Who Knew Too Much is a tremendous film from Alfred Hitchcock.

Hitchcock's Cameo Appearance
Hitchcock's cameo in The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956) occurs about 26 minutes into the film. As the McKenna's watch the acrobats, Hitchcock appears at the left. The scene is clearly being staged in the studio with rear projection.

 

[RobKnapp]

Downton Abbey(2010-2015)
PBS Blu-ray
season 1-6

​

A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.

Creator: Julian Fellowes
Stars: Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt, Penelope Wilton, Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Lily James, Fifi Hart, Jim Carter ,Phyllis Logan and Oliver Barker
One may not think that a show centered around stuffy British aristocrats and the legion of butlers, maids, cooks, footmen, and valets who serve them would make for riveting drama. But Downton Abbey proved as engrossing as any period drama I have seen , sucking viewers into the world of the Crawley family and their servants as both groups navigated the shifting social landscape of the early 20th Century. Downton Abby proved that a humble network like PBS can compete with the titans of the TV landscape.

Downton Abbey is the embodiment of excellence. Well written with intelligent and inspiring storylines. The cast is superb and the show rises above the mediocrity. 10/10

Jim Carter and Phyllis Logan in Downton Abbey (2010)

Brendan Coyle and Joanne Froggatt in Downton Abbey (2010)

Maggie Smith in Downton Abbey (2010)

Lily James in Downton Abbey (2010)

Michelle Dockery in Downton Abbey (2010)

​

 

[RobKnapp]

LADY VANISHES (2013)
PBS
Masterpiece Mystery
A British Made-for-TV Movie
Prime Video stream

It is wildly unfair to compare this The Lady Vanishes to Hitchcock’s early masterwork, generally considered to be a classic.In a nutshell this is BBC ! The British now how to do a thriller with that delightful English style. The basic story is this, in both the Hitchcock version and this BBC adaptation . Iris Carr is traveling across Europe by train when she befriends Miss Froy, an elderly English woman. But when she wakes up from a few hours' sleep, Miss Froy has vanished. As fellow passengers claim the lady never existed, Iris fights to discover the fate of Miss Froy - and prove that she's not going mad. Starring Tuppence Middleton, Keeley Hawes, Julian Rhind-Tutt

The Hitchcock version is often described as a comedy-mystery, In contrast, this latest made-for-TV version is fairly serious all the way through. The underlying plot, the reason for this elaborate charade, is slightly different in the two films. Tuppence Middleton was quite good, she does a great job playing the spoilt brat and she comes unhinged rather impressively. The landscapes and cinematography in the second film are excellent . This BBC TV movie is definitely worth checking out a well made period piece just a click away on Amazon Prime.

Selina Cadell and Tuppence Middleton in The Lady Vanishes (2013)

 

[RobKnapp]

Infinite Storm (2022)
Cinema Showing
opening night
This movie deserves more attention I was the only one in the theater.

• Director
  • Malgorzata Szumowska
• Writers
  • Joshua Rollins
  • Pam Bales(based on the life of)
• Stars
  • Naomi Watts
  • Denis O'Hare
  • Billy Howle

“Infinite Storm” is the true story of Pam Bales, an experienced hiker and former member of Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue, who saved a man during a blizzard on Mount Washington in 2010

As an experienced climber (Naomi Watts) ascends Mt. Washington, she turns back before she reaches the summit as a huge blizzard approaches. But on her way down, she encounters a lone, stranded man, and takes it upon herself to get them both down the mountain before nightfall arrives and they succumb to the storm. Based on a true story.
"Infinite Storm” is the true story of Pam Bales, an experienced hiker and former member of Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue, who saved a man during a blizzard on Mount Washington in 2010

Produced by the lead actress, this is Naomi Watts statement of serious cinema. It's extremely well done, she is powerful in it. The pacing of this slow burn my not appeal to some viewers, the snow at times looks fake. In the first third of the movie suspension of disbelief in order to enjoy a work of fiction will come in handy but Watts acting makes up for this in spades. And as the movie and story move forward I found myself very engage in this harrowing story ! The film really builds and won me over ! The cinematography is amazing, I almost felt cold and icy chill of the wind .

Naomi Watts put everything she had in this survivalist drama. No makeup. Extreme conditions. Naomi held the movie basically by herself. She is pretty great in her performance. The viewer absolutely needs to let this film unfold; sit through a little uneven storytelling at times. Their characters’ motivations aren’t always clear. But those who trust process of Storytelling their questions by the time the closing credits roll will likely leave satisfied. There is much more to this film than high-stakes survival story filled with twists, missteps and close calls. The tale turns emotionally heavy as you learn more backstory of the characters. It’s got something to say about loss, about grief, about perseverance in the face of howling adversity. Those with the patience to wait for and embrace the slow burn will be rewarded with something inspiring . I don't think this film will get a mass viewing but I am very glad I went to see it. I went in totally blind and it wasn't what I was expecting it all ; I thought it was an Adventure film which it is some degree ; but it's so much more. Recommend !! I am definitely buying this on Blu-ray.

This has nothing to do with anything it's just a random photo I found when looking for images as there are only 5 on IMDb. I found it pleasing to look at.
Age-defying Naomi Watts, 52, she looks great considering she smokes ; I hope she quiets . The Kent-born actress who doesn't mind admitting to a liking for cigarettes.

 

[RobKnapp]

I Am Mother
(2019)
Netflix Original

In the wake of humanity's extinction, a teenage girl is raised by a robot designed to repopulate the earth. But their unique bond is threatened when an inexplicable stranger arrives with alarming news.

• Director
  • Grant Sputore
• Writers
  • Michael Lloyd Green(screenplay by)
  • Grant Sputore(story by)
• Stars
  • Luke Hawker
  • Rose Byrne(voice)
  • Maddie Lenton
  • Hilary Swank
  • Clara Rugaard

Clara Rugaard in I Am Mother (2019)

Fans of Ex Machina and other cerebral sci-fi movies will find another favorite here. The lead actress Clara Rugaard makes a stunning debut and carries the film, with Hilary Swank in a supporting role Who does't like a dose of Hilary Swank ?!. The film constantly has you changing allegiances, unsure of who to trust. The finale is super satisfying.
I am Mother is a creative film, a visceral slow-burn. A cerebral Science fiction coupled with first rate visual aesthetic appeal .

Hilary Swank in I Am Mother (2019)

​

 

[RobKnapp]

Miss Congeniality . Are you afraid of being called a punk, wimp, or sissy?
I am not .
Real men watch chick flicks

Miss Congeniality (2000)
Blu-ray

An F.B.I. Agent must go undercover in the Miss United States beauty pageant to prevent a group from bombing the event.

Director:Donald Petrie
Writers:Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford
Stars:Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt, Candice Bergen , William Shatner , Heather Burns

A tough cop who makes an ugly-duckling transformation in order to go undercover at a beauty pageant. Bullock never for a second looks less than a Hollywood A list star, even when made up to look like a dog. Which is hard to do as Sandra is a total knock-out. But who wants believable when there's fun to be had?

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical Sandra Bullock
Best Original Song - Motion Picture Song: "One in a Million"

This fluff gimmick comedy, about a tough female FBI agent who goes undercover at a beauty pageant, would not be anything noteworthy were it not for Sandra Bullock's performance, who comes across as quite genuine and therefore elicits my sympathy. Michael Caine also does a fantastic job, adding some class to the proceedings. The script does the rest, which is funnier than it has any right to be. This movie is a real charmer.

Sandra Bullock's facial expressions, physical comedy, comedic timing, really lift this film above the mediocrity of the genre ,it is a very fun film. Sandra Bullock is a very funny actress. Miss Congeniality was quite the pleasant surprise.

"Miss Congeniality" - Sexy Blue Dress - HD

 

[RobKnapp]

Tau (2018)

​

• Director
  • Federico D'Alessandro
• Writer
  • Noga Landau
• Stars
  • Maika Monroe
  • Ed Skrein
  • Gary Oldman(voice)

This is an intelligent movie about a sentient AI. Tau , an intriguing sci-fi movie with mild horror sensibilities. Small cast that excels in every aspect including a phenomenal performance by Gary Oldman as a voice!!

The film starts off as a slow burn & ends up keeping you on the edge of your seat . The plot asks some very interesting questions about authority, artificial intelligence, Pre-destination (thinking everything happens for a reason and we have no control over our own futures) , and humanity. The plot on surface isn't very complex; however, when you dig into its nuance, you'll find some rich substance. Tau is somewhat dark and foreboding and this adds to the emotional impact to the drama .

Maika Monroe (Julia) take the stage here. She's a fantastic actress in very alluring. The whole concept of sentient AI I just find fascinating.

Tau follows Maika Monroe's Julia (a street-smart drifter) as she's abducted from her apartment and subsequently held captive within a technologically-advanced smart house - with the movie detailing the increasingly friendly relationship between Julia and the home's artificial intelligence. Julia, showing resourcefulness and courage, must race against time to bridge the boundaries between man and machine, connect to TAU and win her freedom before she suffers the same fate as the six other subjects who came before her. The end result boast some great production design and special effects . Tau held my attention, it was daring,determined , creative, and for the most part it delivers.

 

[RobKnapp]

See for Me (2021)
Shudder Exclusive

​

When blind former skier Sophie cat-sits in a secluded mansion, three thieves invade for the hidden safe. Sophie's only defense is army veteran Kelly. Kelly helps Sophie defend herself against the invaders to survive.

• Director
  • Randall Okita
• Writers
  • Adam Yorke
  • Tommy Gushue
• Stars
  • Skyler Davenport
  • Natalie Brown
  • Matthew Gouveia

See for Me is a new twist on the plot of a blind person forced to defend themselves against a threat they literally can’t see coming. Writers Adam Yorke & Tommy Gushue
have taken the basic plot of the classic Audrey Hepburn Wait Until Dark and upgraded its technology. Blind and being stalked by violent criminals? Don’t worry, there’s an app for that.

Sophie Scott (Skyler Davenport), was a promising skier until she lost her sight to a rare disease. Now she combines house sitting and larceny because “Nobody would suspect the poor blind girl.”. Her current assignment house/cat sitting for very rich Debra looks to steal an expensive bottle of wine or two.It’s a nice touch making the disabled heroine something other than a perfect angel that everyone wants to love and pity. Unfortunately See for Me takes it way too far and gives us a lead character who isn’t much nicer (She is kind of a B i t c h ) than the criminals she’s trying to evade. However is trait does come in handy as the craziness unfolds . I have to say I am impressed by Skyler Davenport she is legally blind in real life. This adds to the believably of her actions as a blind person. Davenport is very skilled at her craft here. A praise soldering along with her impairment.

Home invasion stories are a staple of the horror and thriller genres. It’s well-worn, oft-trod territory, but when handled well, still offers an effective avenue for tension, pressure, and terror. See for Me may not lay any fresh tracks, but it does deliver a tight, impactful, efficient thriller, one with enough unique hooks and unexpected turns to set it well apart from the pack.

The film delivers a taut, brisk, twisty home invasion thriller. Beyond that, The Director brings a unique perspective, inventive tweaks, and enough stylistic flourishes that the overall package is a fresh, forceful, captivating film full of thrills and a unique twist . The result is a quick, edgy, old-school thriller that really works despite wishing I'd like the heroin to a tad more. It is unique enough to raise it above some of the mediocrity that seems to be flooding the streaming service has these days .I enjoyed this off beat thriller. Solid 7/10

 

[RobKnapp]

Ambulance (2022)
Matinee Showing

Two robbers steal an ambulance after their heist goes awry.

• Director
  • Michael Bay
• Writers
  • Chris Fedak(screenplay)
  • Laurits Munch-Petersen(based on the film "Ambulancen" written by)
  • Lars Andreas Pedersen(based on the film "Ambulancen" written by)
• Stars
  • Jake Gyllenhaal
  • Yahya Abdul-Mateen II
  • Eiza González

Jake Gyllenhaal never disappoints! Ambulance sets off a practical spectacle of car crashes, gun battles, stunts, and sweaty acting, orchestrated by a deranged action virtuoso of a director who will stop at nothing. Michael Bay goes "Balls out" out in this action-er thriller. It’s stupid, exciting, unruly (with a 136-minute run time), and strangely old school action cinema with an Ambulance !

Eiza González in Ambulance (2022)

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Drone cameras plunge down the sides of buildings, wheel through mazes of pillars at speed, and glide underneath leaping cars . Nothing is too much for Bay. This is a retro-cool movie even though the whole thing is kind of ridiculous ! You boys are going to like this one .

.Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II in Ambulance (2022)

Needing money to cover his wife's medical bills, a decorated veteran teams up with his adoptive brother to steal $32 million from a Los Angeles bank. However, when their getaway goes spectacularly wrong, the desperate thieves hijack an ambulance that's carrying a severely wounded cop and an EMT worker. Caught in a high-speed chase, the two siblings must figure out a way to outrun the law while keeping their hostages alive.

Jake Gyllenhaal in Ambulance (2022)

 

[RobKnapp]

The Illusionist (2006)
Blu-ray or stream on
the Film Rise app

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In turn-of-the-century Vienna, the illusionist Eisenheim (Edward Norton) uses his abilities to secure the love of a woman far above his social standing.
Director:Neil Burger
Writers:Neil Burger (screenplay), Steven Millhauser (short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist")
Stars: Edward Norton, Jessica Biel, Paul Giamatti, Rufus Sewell

Philip Glass's spellbinding music and Dick Pope's shadowy, Oscar nominated cinematography enshroud this intriguing tale of love, power and magic. "The Illusionist" is a unique film that combines two of my favorite genres into something fresh: the lush romantic period piece and the mystery thriller.

There is a lavish attention to the set designs and costumes, here representing late nineteenth century Vienna. Visually in terms of locations,this movie was stunning .The story weaved fluidly through these locations and seemed to make the locales a vital part of the story.

Edward Norton in his role is excellent and and Jessica Biel is mesmerizing she is very believable and stunningly beautiful. Rufus Sewell as the tyrannical crown-prince and Paul Giamatti as the chief inspector are both splendid in there villainous roles .The music of Philip Glass fits the scenes and add just the right amount of tension.

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This film has a lot going for it ; romance, suspense, star crossed lovers and supernatural illusions.A compelling and beautiful film.