Change Your Image
AudioFileZ
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
26th Street Garage: The FBI's Untold Story of 9/11 (2021)
The FBI Rises
More than two decades since 9/11 we are still learning more through information brought out into the light. As civilians some of this information will forever be held closely and known only within the multi-agency counter terrorist forces. In spite of that fact, there are more stories to be told, as well as declassified intel released, which prove to be of great interest. We all have heard news regarding failures in the agencies to prevent 9/11 through old-school compartmentalization and plain stone-walling non-cooperation. Yet, there's a positive story few knew.
That story is about how that was all pushed aside when faced with an unthinkable crisis. Led by NYC FBI moving at an impressive speed on the very afternoon of that unforgettable day. All the different law and governmental agencies came together in the most unlikely of physical places. A bureau leased garage in NYC.
Coming together, and setting up a remarkable infrastructure at warp speed, the FBI spearheaded a powerful cooperative all agency force. Quickly identifying the major whos and whats comprising the 9/11 attack. This is huge, to accomplish such when times are good seemed elusive, so it a bit of a wonder it occurred under the bleakest of circumstances, and, in a space hardly suited for such. As such it is compelling, another 9/11 story of great merit well worth a watch. Watch it for what it is and park all the former negatives cast about non-cooperation, et.al., we all know that was a ghastly fail. This is the story of the day that failure was righted.
Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal (2024)
The Real Ending of Tommy Thompson & The Ship of Gold Story
First I recommend that you read Kinder's book "Ship of Gold". It will tell far more about Tommy Thompson's early years that set the stage for his groundbreaking discovery of the S. S. Central America shipwreck. It's an extremely interesting and engaging story about a very different type of treasure hunter. He's not in the mold of a, say, Mel Fisher. He's an engineer whose childhood love of sea adventure became a mission to find a storied lost ship and its reported cache of gold. This all emerged out of land-locked Ohio. A very improbable story where you root from the kid with a dream.
This film gives a concise rundown on those early years concentrating on the actual mission over three years that culminated with Thompson's team finding The S. S. Central America moving on through all the legal complications once the ship's treasure, was partially recovered. Legal problems brought the status of who owned the treasure to a halt for years. After Thompson's group was awarded the bulk of their haul and future rights to the remaining treasure it seemed things were righted. Not so as the viewer soon realizes. When the treasure was sold none of the investors received any profit and were still in for their original investments. The company formed by Thompson and his investors were actually in debt, a lot of debt. With this turn of the cards there was great doubt in how Thompson had handled the whole business side. Left with heavy debt and the cloud of suspicion it seemed Thompson rebelled. He became a ghost in the wind. Said to have absconded with 2.5 million in gold coins a whole new round of lawsuits came forward, this time aimed at Tommy Thompson himself. The value in watching this documentary series is that it picks up this bizarre part of the story that Kinder's book did not address, probably because at the time of it's publication most of this had yet to unfold. Personally I always wanted to know this part of the Tommy Thompson saga. And, the documentary does a pretty good job of it. I learned far more than I had by reading various articles regarding Thompson over the years. In the end it's well worth the time I feel if you are at all interested in deep sea treasure hunting. Hollywood couldn't come up with this stuff as truth is often stranger than fiction.
Into the Fire: The Lost Daughter (2024)
The Bond At Birth That Defies Explanation
Cathy gave up a 10-month old daughter for adoption. What might have been a self-less act for the best for the child was a hole for Cathy. Years later she discovers the child she entrusted to others as a teen went missing with no resolution. Cathy embarks on a seemingly hopeless mission to find resolution in an extremely cold case. Cathy's drive and pain comes through as palpable. It goes into overdrive as Cathy learns more and more about the couple who adopted her child. Cathy, as if through some kind of power only a birth mother can have, knows in her heart who killed her missing child. This is her gut-wrenching story.
I have let little out of the so-called "bag" here. That would be a disservice to the excellent filmmakers here. They have done an amazing job of making what would be an old forgotten missing person's case into a dogged pursuit for closure and justice. Along the way they have captured the unique elements that only the long-game can reveal. Those elements, each of them, are often pain-infused, frustrating, and even highly unlikely to cohere into a kind of final resolution and justice. This is a harrowing ride, but one that due to some inexplicable mother's bond finally comes to a just end. I give the filmmakers the highest honor as to realistically documenting the journey of finally solving this missing child case.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
Righteousness Delivered Intelligently
This is a flick that will live on Netflix as I think many either missed it in the theaters...or, perhaps, it was simultaneously theatrically released...or, possibly never released in theaters? Who knows these days? Netflix will be the home for this one and that is a good thing.
It's a good thing as you shouldn't miss it, especially when we know many of us do not find nearly enough new programming of interest on the various streaming services. This one, I'm certain, is worthy of a sizable audience.
Rebel Ridge seems at first as if it is another take on police brutality and racism, but, in fact, it is far from that. It is about a small, in this case a fictitious small backwater Louisiana parish, as a cash cow taking advantage of the vulnerable. Not hard at all when the police love bending the law. Bending the law to the point it bumps up against illegal procedures and more. When the "good old" boy Sheriff's deputies perform their schtick on the wrong "victim", well...it's game on.
Think Rambo, all around leaner and more believable. Pretty much: injustice served, more injustice piled on, time to teach the "good old boys" a lesson. Simple, but the acing of Aaron Pierre as the victimized Terry Richmond anchors the film. No bombast and a very measured approach to actions needed to obtain the upper-hand. I'd say Pierre is excellent, truly pulling the viewer in because you soon care for his plight. We also have a well preserved Don Johnson. Oh, he's aged, but with some aging that suits the character he plays here. Johnson approaches the Chief Burnne character with his well-worn cock-sureness...he just traded in the no sock with suit look for a cheap polo shirt and blue jeans which is just right for creating a shifty small town cop. To give the proceedings a proper angle of inflection enter the character of Summer McBride. Victimized Pierre meets her, and kind of being mutually damaged they sense a need to cooperate. McBride can supply inside information to which the corruption leading up to the murder of Richmond's cousin. Richmond would seem to be outnumbered, plus he will be putting McBride in danger just by their loose association. Our young single mother has lost her child and she's equally sick of the town's shenanigans. Pierre and Robb, as Terry Richmond and Summer McBride, work perfectly in their roles and chemistry. I think most all viewers will be rooting for these two to somehow leverage what they've discovered and, as a famous actor and President was known to say: "drain the swamp". This movie is a stand-up 7.
The Dark Past (1948)
Attempts To Break Ground & Falls Flat
The beginning of this film seems standard enough. The difference is a police psychologist being the focus. This set up is made so on a weekend family outing our psychologist can intersect with a killer played by a youthful William Holden. Holden, after a murderous prison escape, commanders our psychologist's lake getaway home while he waits for a hired getaway boatman to arrive. The criminal gang secures the psychologist, psychologist's wife, child, in addition to guests and help staff as prisoners while waiting for their water escape. The wait festers into a lengthy one. Holden is intrigued by the psychogist who takes the opportunity to work on Holden's obviously unstable mental state.
Unfortunately nothing above seems more compelling than contrived. Despite good performances by Cobb and Holden it's a hopeless premise. One that, in reality, would only serve to enrage a killer more as scripted here. This makes for a hole in the writing the good acting attempts to sell while it puts all innocents at higher risk for harm. It doesn't make enough sense to buy in spite of the hard sell. A noir thriller based on psychology. One attempting a higher plane than the standard cops chasing criminals. It makes a viewer wish for the later.
There's some who will like the difference this noir story tells. I'm not one of them and I figure I might have company.
Untold: Untold: Sign Stealer (2024)
The Mess That Is The NCAA
The NCAA couldn't detect a dead skunk in the middle of the road. They can, and, do find mays to maximize their power and fill their coffers. I do not believe in paying any collegiate athlete for their signing and playing on any college team. But, I do abhor the NCAA for their greed at the expense of these youngsters. It is the NCAA that has brought the last bastion of purity in sports to the convoluted level it is today. So, I'm not surprised in the nature of this documentary. There could be countless other situations with more flagrant and illegal moves yet the NCAA saw an opportunity here. Of course they handled it the most boneheaded way possible. Taking actions they had no certain grounds to do when they did them. It's all about greed which is the NCAA's standard operating procedure.
I'm an Alabama graduate and fan. We were defeated by a team that played their hearts out and were better on a particular day. No funny business. And as far as funny business goes. Unless there is outright criminal activity such as bribery on another teams inside to get privileged information just watching, or even filming, everything any team does isn't criminal. It isn't even wrong. It's called scouting. Whatever is learned by just watching is fair game. If I can dechiper those crazy sign boards and catch on to what they're telling the players on the field so be it. I'm just intelligent enough to see a weak link. They should be intelligent enough to make it where I can't. Even so, in the end, it comes down to talented athletes coached by a smart staff that knows what gives those athletes their best chance to win. Just having an elevated sense of what the other team might do without criminal activity is what I want from my school's coaching staff. I do not think Connor Stalions broke laws, at least any I believe to be right and just. Playing smarter is as important an ingredient as playing safer.
At Alabama we all hated to see Nick Saban retire, especially without a final national championship to go out on. However, I think he retired with absolute class and he's made it clear that the evolving rules whereby players receive payment makes it a game he's no longer comfortable with as head coach. Now we all know that for decades players have received perks they weren't ethically allowed to receive. It was done, I believe, without many coaches like Saban being a party to. As I said earlier the way the NCAA kept finding ways to increase their profits set the tone. Is the NCAA the one that should be investigated? Good luck with that one. In lieu of that I think this makes the organization look like Boeing...a greedy corporation that attempts to manipulate their thiefdom as it bumbles around like a 500 gorilla. This Connor Stalions guy I like, and this story, I think, makes him look a lot more intelligent with a real heart than the NCAA. I thoroughly enjoyed this well made documentary.
The Current War (2017)
Worthy Light (pun intended) History Lesson On Mankind's Greatest Feat
Yeah, I get it many still say man on the moon was the greatest feat humanity ever accomplished. Monumental though it was, nothing moved our species forward faster and with greater benefit than the introduction of electric current. Because of the ubiquitous nature of electricity, and since after two-hundred years, it seems almost criminally forgotten as to its impact. True, we get a feel for how dependent we are when through whatever means we're deprived of it. But, do we think of how it came to be and that there was an actual war of two very different methods? Hardly. Even so, I am surprised here we get a movie about that war. I mean Hollywood could have just spent this on blockbuster about something that threatens mankind. Instead we get a very well made and acted retelling of how a war of two men's efforts ended up in changing everything that has followed and continues to be refined to even greater heights. Not really a weak link here for what I believed was intended. Well done.
Secret in Their Eyes (2015)
Solid Crime Drama Should Be Seen Without Comparison To The Original
Cop stuff is often complicated. Add in some more elements like terrorism ,and The FBI, now it can be convoluted with diverging agendas when intersecting. This sets the stage in LA as resources are on high-alert after 9/11. The murder of an police agents daughter goes unresolved likely because the suspect is a kind of gilded lily informant with insider information about the FBI's suspected Mosque hotbed for a possible LA terror cell.
If the above seems to be a set-up, it is in more ways than simply a viable story. It sets the stage for the three principal actor's roles. And it is the performances of the three central characters that immediately become the actual movie. The three have a dead case regarding the murder as all of their higher-ups only care about the bigger threat of terrorism. Did I mention the person murdered happens to be the daughter of the law enforcement agent played by Julia Roberts? Our three go their separate ways after the murder case goes cold. However, none of the three go forward unscathed.
The three didn't forget of course and 15-years later they're back. One risen to a pinnacle in her profession, one seemingly back from the wilderness yet still in the law enforcement fold. And, one, the mother of the murdered daughter, retired. Out of this mix and due mainly to the one still active agent, a new push for justice in the unresolved murder ramps up...still complete with push-back from the higher-ups. This has promise for a unique situation.
The synopsis given above should aid in if this kind of movie is for you. It is a low-key thriller/drama. I do want to emphasize low-key. Not the usual Hollywood bombast and everything revolves around the three principals acting. And they do turn it in to a quite good film. The only thing that feels a bit strained, or maybe somewhat superfluous, is the unrequited romance of two of the three. This, fortunately, isn't a major part just adding a humanistic and emotional element that hovers quite lowly. Perhaps I shouldn't have even mentioned it? What is worth mentioning is how the parts these three play mesh well to make for a usual path to justice all three sought, but separately as the ending is a great surprise given away by none. A film that has this element is more rare and definitely worth a watch. I will add after reading many who dwell on this being a re-make of what they seem to consider a superior original foreign film, that for folks like me who just watch without that element it works well. Just a solid crime thriller/drama that doesn't insult a person's intelligence as it keeps the interest level high to a fine ending.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Guitar Player Returns (1961)
See It For Andy's Midnight Special Performance
Guitar sidemen that go solo and make it are a rare commodity. That fact makes for a good idea for an episode on TAGS. Jim Lindsey, the once aimless, but singularly talented poor young man from Mayberry, made it out hitching his star in popular regional ensemble with a catchy name. Having tasted success, Lindsey falls trap to the feeling of greener (more fame, more money) grass and pridefully walks away from his meal ticket. As is oft the case, it's a downward spiral. Having few options Lindsey returns to Mayberry. The town, spearheaded by Barney, make a big deal of it with a bit of impromptu parade. Instead of licking his wounds by leveling with the hometown faithful, Lindsey instead goes the "star" route bragging about all his non-existent offers. It might have worked for a while save the fact he never pays for anything accumulating bills to the point of suspicion. Everything rings true except for nitpicks like acoustic guitars and electric ones without amplifiers sounding on like amplified electric guitars. That, and the fact that in real life the actor playing Lindsey isn't a true guitarist, are inconsequential. It's the story that is. This one isn't the kind of comedic entertainment TAGS thrives on. The fickleness of the music business and big-headed artists aren't inherently funny or, particularly, entertaining. Yes, it does provide a platform for the wise Andy to save the day as well as give us a nice performance of the song Midnight Special. I'll give it points for that, and the good use of Barney's oft habit of repeating sequiturs of dialogue as if he's an intellectual spreading enlightenment. But, we can't get away from the low quotient of the gold standard of comedic entertainment here.
The Andy Griffith Show: Barney Gets His Man (1961)
One Of The Best Barney Centric Episodes
Here's an almost perfect episode where Barney steals the show. TAGS is brimming with iconic characters and Barney assumes the point position for carrying the comedy propped up ably by an even wiser and more sophisticated Andy. Yes, this is the point where Andy's character eschews his less sophisticated "bumpkinisms" character fully for the more refined country Sheriff gentleman that he was steadily inching toward. It works like a fine Rolex. This is the gold stand of the series as such. With his mastery of delivering physical comedy combining exaggerated expressions, insecurity, and false pride, Barney truly becomes the bonafide gem of the series.
Land of Bad (2024)
The Messy Business of Black Ops Holding Back Little
This is the kind of military op action film that doesn't insult the viewer's intelligence. It's only over the top in logical ways. The film never dwells long on any particular back stories either though it inserts them. The action comes early and sustains the tension between the events. The story centers around an inserted specialized team and the duo of drone operators which provide intel and suppressing pinpointed fire from the drone as well as aircraft. As military operations in deep hotspots will go sideways it's no surprise as things quickly become life and death minute by minute. It's exactly the case here before the mid-way point. The tenuous communications between the duo of the drone operators and the boots on the ground is ramped up palpably totally immersing the viewer.
I have to give kudos to the cast and especially Russell Crowe's outstanding performance. He carries the fast moving well done script hardly wasting a minute. Things reach a tipping point between Crowe and his colonel right at the brink of insubordination and court martial territory. It feels right instead of forced thanks to Crowe's blend of nuanced yet heavy fisted acting. No, this isn't a movie you'll likely see mentioned for awards, but watching it has it's own reward.
The Big Combo (1955)
Fantastic Cast, Weak Story
I get a kick out of the title, The Big Combo. Sounds like a meal deal at any number of generic hash joints. In reality it's quite close to a generic plate of hoodlum hash. Here, the title probably means the range of illegal activities with shady characters which Mr. Brown is running. Brown, played by the cock-sure Richard Conte, is the slippery arrogant wealthy crime boss who gets off by tweaking the noses of law enforcement answering to no one. Conte is almost too unlikeable, in other words a realistic self-centered psychopath. The muscle is played by the great Lee Van Clef with his simpleton lachey played by Earl Holliman. They drank the boss's kool-aid alright. Throw in, for simply rounding out our toughies. A second banana, Joe played by one of the screen's most accomplished tough guy actors Brian Donlevy, who has been sidelined instead of promoted when the big Sicilian boss goes AWOL. Joe is often at odds with Mr. Brown in an uneasy partnership.
In the mix we have to have a damsel in distress and it's Brown's indentured girlfriend Susan played by Jean Wallace, Cornell Wilde's beautiful fragile real-life wife. That fragility is just right as she knows her relationship with the married Mr. Brown is all wrong. She can't get away from Brown even failing at suicide. Enter dashing lieutenant Diamond played by Cornell Wilde. Diamond is going to put Brown away and rescue Susan. Pretty standard gangster stuff here. I'd say it's the cast that works well enough to raise things to a recommended view, but just B-movie stuff otherwise.
The Fugitive: Fear in a Desert City (1963)
Quite Possibly The Best Drama TV Series Ever Made
While one certainly doesn't have to see the pilot it would add to the impact of the first episode. The basics: Kimball's running from a death sentence by what, indeed, the show calls "fate's big hand" which has given Kimball his escape. The running has a means to its end which is beyond surviving the wrongful death sentence. Kimball is actively looking for the real murderer, the "one-armed man" which he sees as justice for his wife and, now, his own life.
QM Productions have high standards, often inserting top-shelf actors/actresses on their way up. Here it is Vera Miles and Brian Keith. The rest of the cast is also much better than average. Of course to get by Kimball needs to hide his real identity while taking on work. He has chosen the name of Jim Lincoln. Working at a local Tucson neighborhood watering hole as a bartender makes good sense in that he can be relatively anonymous while keeping his eyes and ears open hoping for the miracle of any information on the man with one arm. We are immediately aware of Kimball's character: intelligence, humbleness, and empathy is, perhaps, his achielles heel too in a world where those possessing the opposite traits rise up. Miles plays the role of a wickedly oppressed estranged wife from her wealthy and powerful husband played by Keith. Keith is a very visible stalker seeking out his wife with no regard to the estranged nature of their separation. He is going to have her and if any one comes between that he will do whatever it takes to make sure the person is eliminated. This is exactly the kind of volatile situation Kimball doesn't need as Lt. Gerrard's constant pressure is quite palpable. Even so, the good man who is Kimball inserts himself as Mile's protector and possible love interest all while Kimball knows the later can never be.
This is the winding road beginning for Richard Kimball. One that will repeat many more times in the coming 120 episodes. What keeps it vital is the human element Kimball seems so perfect crafting. He personifies the best of humanity along with his heavy burden of constant fear. Playing this out in what almost seems like a travelog of the very different and impressive locales in the American landscape, along with memorable co-stars and characters, is the final part of a masterpiece of TV drama. In my estimation the best, if not at least, one of the top two or three TV series of all time.
The Andy Griffith Show: Andy and Opie, Housekeepers (1961)
Ain't It A Dinger, Pa?
Here's an example of a no Barney episode that entertains just as much as our favorite deputy. Perhaps, it's due to the inherent nature that the male species has a tendency to slightly de-value all things neat and orderly compared to the fairer sex. Aunt Bee exists on the difference and how she keeps "the ship sailing fair and true". What I like about this episode is seeing how Andy is just as sloppy as Opie. Realizing they let things get way out of control a quick fix is in order. Love the hurried fixes that are pretty lame themselves only to outwardly look fixed. One of the best scenes is when, after thinking they've narrowly averted the wrath of Bee by this cursory straightening, they are puffed up with pride on the couch their arms behind their heads. That rings true tool...false pride right before the other shoe drops. To be sure there's a few nuggets that require a bit of introspection. I like it. To take the words right from Opie: it's a dinger.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Beauty Contest (1961)
At More Than A Few Points I Laughed Out Loud!
Personally I love the premise as a very good jumping-off for numerous comedy sketch segments. My favorite is when Henrietta appears at dinner time for a cup of sugar. Well, Henrietta and her daughter Darlene (is one of the writers on TAGS doubling down on this name?). Darlene proceeds to take the long way to the kitchen for the sugar and I won't spoil it because it is comedic gold using mostly body language that cracks me up along with some "bombs" of hilarious dialogues. Whatever else is just like icing on an already fine, fine, (Andy-ism) cake. This is an episode that proves TAGS can be right at the top of it's game without the character of Barney Fife.
Worst Roommate Ever: My BFF Tried to Kill Me (2024)
A Twisted True Tale To Be Sure
Soon in to this crime story I'm already wondering what is wrong with Rachel? Why is a person, even perhaps one that might be considered unlucky in love, opting for a deep relationship with another female when, apparently, there is not a romantic reason? Is Rachel got some sort of inherent personality deficiency? Is she just a bit brain dead? Living with another in what is definitely a co-dependent relationship with no romantic reason for well over 15-years just seems wrong.
What is more wrong is the other person in that relationship. Janie is a kind of friend who seems to be 100% about manipulative control. That shouldn't be comforting to Janie, and soon enough isn't. Yet Janie seems oblivious to catch on in what may be the worst case of denial that is quickly heading toward her own demise.
The reason to watch this frustrating story is woven right into what frustrates the viewer itself. How could a person be so complicit in their own house of horrors only to ignore signs that flash as if made of five-foot tall neon? This is not unlike a hard to believe thriller that one just keeps watching to see what's next. This is, in spite of the afore mentioned frustration, that holds some interest. I won't spoil the next as it is not singular and builds to a critical mass. Actually I am not even sure how to rate this one? Low for the often ridiculousness of the situation a willing participant allows? High for the strangeness in which it all plays out? I think I'll opt for a seven simply because of the fact stranger than fiction element which hovers throughout the entire story.
The Bangles Live at the Syria Mosque (1986)
Here's Why The Bangles Were So Great
I never saw The Bangles live in person. Pity. They may be the singular greatest all-female rock band ever. The gals had good chops in both playing and singing. What, to me, puts them in rate air is they combined it with excellent song-craft, both in covers and originals.
I'm going to preface this with my experience over the past several days. I've been watching some 2024 Glastonbury concerts as presented by the BBC. Shania Twain was off and it didn't help that there was apparent miming to a backing track. Avril Lavigne brought it, but there's a kind of one-dimensional sameness that falls short of what is greatness to me. The Bangles are flat-out great. This concert is ample evidence. They're really singing and really playing, they harmonize amazingly and the instrumental part is spot-on tasty and rocking. I'm talking about this performance which was originally shown on MTV.
I do not believe the concert here was ever properly released commercially on DVD. That means today we must see it in a somewhat lesser quality form likely on YT. Nevertheless it is well worth seeking out (you can still find bootleg DVD-R copies around) because it a special moment captured. Still raw enough, but definitely at this stage quite polished they have it all and can perform it live.
These gals were so talented. They had immaculate senses of writing original and owning the covers they tackled. There's a bit of that both here making it rise up to quite an entertaining level. I have hopes someday a pristine version of this concert will somehow see the light of day. It is simply fantastic.
The Andy Griffith Show: Andy and the Gentleman Crook (1961)
Pocket Bullet Roulette
Inspired by the Biblical warning of the devil appearing innocent in sheep's clothing comes the "Andy and the Gentleman Crook" episode. When Mayberry becomes a temporary holding jail for an infamous celebrity Otis has to go. Lol! Like George Jefferson, Barney ,along with Mayberry, are moving up - to a higher class of criminal. This is a great layered episode tied together by the nuanced performance of Dan Tomlin as Gentleman Dan, The Gentleman Crook. He's everything you wanted and everything you need to take a cue from the Vertical Horizon song. Seriously, he's mysteriously evil, deliciously creepy, slick as goose $#!+, beyond charismatic, all with something intangible which equates to very interesting. I can't overstate it, Toblin really does give the character some wicked good legs. To push it over the top we have Barney as the starstruck celebrity criminal idiot who begins to worship Gentleman Dan. Lol. Barney isn't the only one. Aunt Bee and Opie had their own Big Gulp of Dan the Man. This episode is better than most folks realize on first glance. It's a mini "tour de force" of writing, superior utilization of TAGS characters, and the requisite Barney dash and resurrection. It works and it is FUNNY.
The Lineup (1958)
A Turning Point In Film Violence
The Lineup, a Don Siegel film, springing from a popular 50's TV series of the same name, is a Columbia Pictures late noir sleeper. Siegel, electing to shoot as much as possible on location uses historic picturesque San Francisco as a major ingredient leveraging fantastic urban cinematography. Some of Siegel's ideas weren't fully realized as he did not want to hang his story around the police procedural base of the TV show of the same name. He was going more for the gritty criminal element which he sought to depict with a degree of horror not made for TV. In the end, even with the somewhat mundane elements of procedural police work added, he managed to capture the horror of a psychopathic murderous criminal figure in shocking form. More ghastly juxtaposed against an otherwise beautifully photographed iconic town.
The story of hiding heroin from China using unsuspecting tourists as mules may be a bit thin when deftly measured. As each smuggled drug packet was quite small, hidden within singular small items, it would take far too much energy, time, and luck to meet actual demand . Simply put, this method as pitched here ,would be too inefficient and lossy for a sophisticated drug cabal to use. Wisely, the value was seriously inflated, to which a movie going public with scant knowledge of drugs wouldn't question. The point was to have a serviceable framework in which to shine a light on a shocking criminal element without a shred of any recognizable moral conscience. Siegel managed this with his casting of Eli Wallach as central figure "Dancer". Wallach was brilliant in his portrayal of a murderous thug with extremes. Wallach's performance simply carries the movie past any weaknesses. At the time it was said the movie was too violent. But, we would soon see this was where gritty movie crime films were moving toward, thus would later be often mentioned as groundbreaking. Definitely worth a watch.
Brainstorm (1965)
Post Golden Noir Period Solid Flick
Ahh, mystery movies that have trains in them. I dig 'em! Well, this one has a train for only a few minutes, but it's an excellent setup for what follows. The wealthy and beautiful Lorrie Benson is, apparently, trying to commit suicide as the movie begins. Passed out in her car, and strategically parked in the crosshairs of a train crossing, she is saved from demise by the dashing Jim Grayam (Jeffrey Hunter) without a second to spare. It doesn't take long for that "funky smell" of things may not be as they seem to be apparent. Grayam, after learning who he saved, takes on a bit of a hard tone made clear when he crashes into the Benson mansion to deliver the passed out Mrs. Benson. There's irony when we find out Grayam works for a company owned by Mr. Benson. Does Grayam know something we do not? And, anyway, who exactly is this wealthy magnate named Cort Benson(Dana Andrews)? Around five minutes in and, folks, we have the makings of a good "hook".
Being just shy of eight years old I remember Anne Francis from seeing her in Honey West on TV. She was a female James Bond type swapping a lot of his mystique of refinement for stylish beauty and "groovy" coolness. How could she not always get her man when even a pre-teen youth could see she had that "it" factor. As Lorrie Benson here she commands the same attention but with a damaged vunerability. Grayam, already projecting well founded paranoia, finds Cort Benson's reaction to his heroic actions only ramps up his suspicions. There's going to be more to this than a heroic act.
Brainstorm, directed by William Conrad, is a story of a man who seemingly does a good deed only to become ensnared in something diabolically menacing he believes he can outwit. The man, Jim Grayam, is suddenly seen as deranged genius, the opposite of the up and coming scientist he was before his kind act. Not that his actions don't perpetuate his downfall, he in fact plans it. He's definitely losing his control unknown to him. What follows, though often stretching credibility, never quite goes so wholly in that way keeping the viewer fairly rapt. Hunter's acting goes a long way in selling his crushing path to a cruel ending. All in all, a solid take on the newer kind of noir films which were getting often too selacious or campy catering to the booming drive-in fare. This one keeps to a tried and true genre much more. It deserves a look as such.
The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch (2020)
Chasing An Actual Enigma
I feel after watching this show I get the interest in the area. It has a deviation from what is considered to be normal. The team has actual evidence of this in both video and scientific data form. Trouble is this deviance from normal is unexplainable and somewhat dipping into the weird world of the paranormal. The unexplainable is video evidence of actual UAPs often showing up as well as GPS data being defeated or . The paranormal includes things like interference with all manner of electronics, re-directing aerial paths of rocket projectiles by strange rings of aerial energies which cannot be explained by any known science, and mysterious animal deaths sometimes with no or singularly strange animal perdition, or the unusual normal decomposition of nature. One can hardly argue against the fact this place is some kind of enigma where things just don't fit into our daily normal world where concrete laws of nature and science exist.
Why do I have any reservations. I get it that this is a show made for television. That is going to play into my reservations. I keep watching mostly because of what I've already said. They are chasing something that is truly mysterious. They are trying to figure out how to force some kind of revelation as to what the root cause of the mysteriousness is. They do think outside a bit to come up with triggers that may just lead to something concrete. I am sure it will take this "outside" thinking mentality if there are ever to be any answers. I give a big credit to lead scientist Travis Taylor. I am sure he is real in his desire to find answers. Eric Bard is our base science man who is all about the data he collects. This is a bedrock of whatever Travis' efforts can produce. That security guy who, unfortunately, chose to be called Dragon is the outlier who is best seen as a "warm body" helper and not so much what I'd call any kind of security expert. He kind of doesn't fit, but then I wouldn't go as far as some here who seem to want him to never be on screen, just maybe somewhat sparingly. Never the less, I'm hooked on the idea of forcing a revelation to the reasons for the truly abnormal area called Skinwalker Ranch.
Unfrosted (2024)
Since It's Politically Incorrect Why No Kramer?
Take the warped ethos of middling to good Seinfeld episodes and make a satire about the most consumed pastry on earth. Oh, and be sure to toss in some political incorrectness as questionable as the pastry itself. Personally, I thought it was sporadically funny enough. You could spend an hour and change worse I imagine. Bottom line : it entertains if your sense of humor allows. I'll give Jerry Seinfeld some guarded praise as such: It's a show about something this time out...and you get an all-star cast that would only come together in an alternate universe. I can see Un Frosted finding a certain audience (cult?) that will watch it multiple times to pull some of the dialogue nuggets that are kind of like the frosting idea, that, in time, became more appreciated.
Green Acres (1965)
Silly Surrealism Taken To A High Level
Green Acres, not simply a reversal of the premise used in The Beverly Hillbillies, is brilliant. Yes, the idea is gold, but the true hook lies in the hilarity of the whip-smart writing and wicked good cast. I can't imagine anyone but who we have as each quirky character. The cast delivers so well they can't help but suffer as they probably get passed over by producers claiming I can't do a serious movie with "Ebb". Lol.
Throwing in a lot of pure absurdity played straight is a tasty base. But, to reiterate: the crack cast for each character makes each character rise to iconic levels. Stereotypes are skewered to such a high level I can't even relate it to a number. I mean, really, a town named "Hooterville"? I laugh out loud more with this show, especially seasons one through three, more than any TV series I can think of. It had the magic of Sienfeld before that series found it. It is so rich in comic fairy dust it bears watching multiple times. I even like how the producers ditch common sense and increasingly kick saneness to the curb as the series progresses. This is the core that makes things have a cult following. I think it's definitely not for everyone, but somehow masqueraded as such and got a solid viewership in it's day. With the luxury of looking back it's better than ever. For those of us who like a little lighthearted buzz in the PM, it gets infinitely more layered and hilarious. I just have to say it again...this is brilliant stuff.
Keishichô sôsaikka rûshî burakku man jiken (2023)
Horrible Documentary In Style & Substance
I figured going in this missing person case would not parallel a domestic, or even UK, case. Immediately it was fairly frustrating to watch from early on. Lucie, a UK woman in her early twenties, came to Tokyo for a life adventure. Becoming what is called a "hostess" in the unusual Tokyo club scene certainly was that. The concept just seems dodgy and dangerous even if we're told it isn't sexually like prostitution. That may be so, but it certainly provided an excellent hunting ground for a sexual predator. I am certainly uncomfortable with this as the father of a daughter. Being told for such a massive population center the crime rate is low begs many questions when young Lucie comes up missing. All cultural differences aside, the human animal is driven in similar ways regardless, maybe more so in a traditionally male dominated society?
The film omits so much of what I have come to expect in crime docs about the missing, again, it's frustrating. I don't think these omissions are things lost in translation either. Whatever the Japanese police are finding early on is not revealed. Instead of keying on who was last believed to be with Lucie, and information given by those who worked with her in the same bar, the story focuses on the arrival of Lucie's father. He clashes with the locals taking the story to the press who he tells his youngest daughter are the people who will find Lucie. I take it he has little respect for how Tokyo's finest are moving. There is definitely a disconnect between the two as the lack of respect seems mutual. While the father's modus operandi is of interest, it's Lucie we want to know about which the makers of this documentary never dig into.
I also should mention besides the omission of lack of insight into both victim and early investigation, the film moves at an extremely slow pace. Boring comes to mind. It never pulls the viewer in as such. One never feels a connection to the victim as such. It meanders until it finally, past the mid-point, the police find a gal from Australia who worked in the hostess profession with a chilling experience. She reveals her rape by a client raising red flags. Now, finally armed with some facts, the Tokyo police go more into a mode we're familiar with in the west. But surprisingly this is again drawn out too slowly. Lucie's story could have been told much more succinctly - and much more palpably. Where's the interviews with actual victims who survived? Even when the perpetrator's real name is known, we won't know much about him. A frustrating feeling seems to be the only constant watching this.
I've read many peoples comments about this case as it did make the rounds on the "podcast circuit". I'd have to say just about any of these gave more of the down and dirty grit about Lucie's abduction and murder than this long-winded and un-focused telling. The final irritation is how much was left out about the victim (mainly), the actions of the father beyond the press, and the perpetrator himself. Too add insult, though convicted for life of multiple rapes, the perpetrator escapes being convicted of the actual murder of Lucie which seems to go unanswered as to why he escaped, possibly, his worst crime. The absent murder conviction, though no fault of the film, deserves an explanation as to why which is not properly explored at all. Sorry, but I can only give this production low marks and no recommendation.
The Gentlemen (2024)
Episodic Version of The Gentlemen Is Great
The Gentlemen, the 2019 movie was a very entertaining Guy Ritchie addition to his reliably well-received UK gangster collection of films. Cracking good cast with a bit of a well done wicked humor separating it from others, including all imitators. As such, one might ask why redo it? With the solid basic drug related foundation a series offers much more real estate to flesh out an even better story.
So, in 2024 we get Ritchie's Netflix series of the same name. Once again we get an exceptional cast. This time the mix of the same premise gets the long-form. And, in this longer telling of a novel underground UK weed operation there's time to develop the characters quite well. Carried by the trio of Theo James, Kaya Scoelario, and Daniel Ings their characters of Eddie Horniman, Susie Glass, and Freddy Horniman admirably propel this 8-episode retelling of The Gentleman - often it seems better than the movie. Adding gobs of twists and deceit along the way, this version hardly lags, even at eight episodes. In fact, it's addicting to watch leaving one hoping for another season. Definitely one of the best things I've seen on Netflix.