Month: July 2017

Dark Skies (2013)

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(originally from Facebook – July 27. 2013)

The second film could have been one of the scariest films in recent years, if not for some dragging in the second act. And even then, I found the hair on the back of my neck rising more than once. It’s one of those “slow-burn” films, where everything just builds and builds. It could have been better in spots, for sure, but c’mon–Kerri Russell! Decent performances, and good use of sound. It’s heavy on the atmosphere, and light on the special effects. If this kind of movie creeps you out, and you don’t mind the pacing, definitely watch this one. IMDB gives it a 6.2, but I’d give it a 6.5, and even be persuaded to go to a 7 if you told me you’re freaked out by…well, I better not ruin anything. (running time 1:37)

Dunkirk (2017)

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Michael Bay makes a film that places action over character, shoehorns in too much story for the running time, and fills it with moments clearly designed to tug our heartstrings, complete with a tear-jerker of a score, and the critics make him their whipping boy. Chris Nolan does the same thing, and it’s a masterpiece. Maybe I’m exaggerating, but there were moments in Nolan’s latest film, Dunkirk, that seemed to me just as carefully constructed to elicit the same kind of “guy cry” moments as ones in The Rock or Armageddon (and yeah, I cry when Bruce Willis blows himself up. What’s it to you?) That’s not to say I didn’t like the film, or those moments. They work as they’re supposed to. But in the end, much like the story of Dunkirk itself, the film seems like a failure dressed up to look like a success. Continue reading →

Death of a Superhero (2011)

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A German film with a predominantly Irish/UK cast. I liked this one very much. Although it didn’t avoid the cliches from this type of film, I thought it did manage to avoid much of the treacle that often accompanies them. Great performances by the two young leads and Andy Serkis. (I fully expect to see Aisling Loftus do some wonderful work in the future.) IMDB gives it a 6.5. I say 7. (running time 1:37)

That’s What I Am (2011)

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So, okay–I’ve been watching movies, but been falling down on the job of reviewing them. I thought that in order to keep things moving here, I’d post some of the old Facebook reviews I did, as they come up in my history. In most cases, they’re not as long as my usual ones, and I don’t think I always give them a number rating, either. I’d do so now, but I don’t even remember some of them that well anymore. Take the case of this one. I obviously liked it, but can barely remember it.

“The Wonder Years” meets an “Afterschool Special.” It was a little syrupy, and a couple of times I wondered which of those two it wanted to be. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ve all had our Mary Clears, Mr. Simons, and Big G’s, I suppose. It’s not terribly deep or complicated, and the lessons presented are done so in fairly broad strokes, but it’s a good movie for a weekend afternoon…and you can watch it with your kids! (Middle-school age or above, I would think.) IMDB puts it at a 6.8, which is right about where I’d put it, too. (running time 1:41)