recent product reviews
Confess, Fletch (2022)
Hamm channels Chevy in expression, habit, and quick wit, but he’s not Chevy. I’m just not convinced Hamm is all that funny. Some of his dialogue feels a bit scripted and forced, and a smart-ass who is not that funny starts to get annoying. Izzo looks like a mix of…
Full ReviewThe Wonderful, Horrible Life of Leni Riefenstahl (1993)
What a remarkable connection to history she is. Great to have been able to get these interviews with her, even if this project was conceived by Leni herself. Fiery and pretty sharp for 90. I really appreciated Leni’s very frank and matter-of-fact answers. What I like most is how they…
Full ReviewOn Deadly Ground (1994)
A festering pile of shit, from story to editing to acting to casting. Seagal is a C-list action star and a D-list actor. Shame seeing respectable actors like Caine and Thornton wasted. Hard to take McGinley seriously. The PSA and associated press footage tacked onto the end is laughable. And…
Full ReviewA Personal Journey with Martin Scorsese Through American Movies (1995)
The guy is passionate about movies. I wonder how many of today’s directors have this kind of passion for and familiarity with the classics. Should have been required viewing in film school. I like how personal it is, and I love Scorsese’s unique, fast-talking narration. But a camera fixated on…
Full ReviewDavid Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet (2020)
This is not a biography, but it certainly gives us a lot more insight into the man than we’ve ever gotten before. A true personal statement, and since he’s one of the few experienced enough in this subject, he’s earned the right to make one. Beautiful footage from the documentaries…
Full ReviewCoda (2021)
A beautiful film, with magic coming from the sweet and cleanly told story, the heartfelt and authentic characters, and perfect casting. The drama of having a voice in a deaf family is real and marvelously explored in this one. Similar drama plays out in Mr. Holland’s Opus (though perhaps in…
Full ReviewSoul (2020)
Interesting exploration of complicated ideas and a real thinker for spiritual adults, but it might be a little too cerebral for kids. The genius of Pixar is that their stories are not about enemies. Instead, the antagonist is always life and its emotional complexities. The hero must find a way…
Full ReviewThe Batman (2022)
They set out to make something even darker and moodier than the Nolan’s Batman, and they succeeded. The contemplative pace something different for a superhero movie. I like it overall, but it starts to wear a bit in a movie this long. After The Lighthouse and this one, Pattison is…
Full ReviewEncanto (2021)
Engaging story full of magic, wonderful animation, and good comedy. It’s clear that Disney has assimilated Pixar without major consequence, as this one feels like an independent Pixar release.
Full ReviewNope (2022)
Beautiful photography, effects are impressive, and Peele is really great at creating tension and suspense for a few moments at a time, but all these little moments don’t support a very good story. Carnivorous alien spaceships? Why are they here and what do they want? Where is the media or…
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