John-76 Reviews

Insomnia (1997)

Why is no one writing about the underlying pedophilia?

[8/10 · 29 May 2022]

I enjoyed this film better than the remake but I'm surprised no one is writing about the queasiness of the two main characters involvement with 17 year old girls.

The scene with our protagonist putting his hand up a 17 year old girl's skirt was disgusting.

Is it because it's a European film that this is acceptable?

Severance (2022– )

Good start but don't turn into another "Lost"

[9/10 · 22 February 2022]

Interesting so far, albeit a little slow.

Looking forward to how things progress and hoping actual info is revealed and does go down the "Lost" hole.

One scene with walken is worth watching the two episodes 😉

The building, both inside and out was filmed at the old bell labs location in holmdel NJ I used to work there and it's architecture fits perfectly with the story.

Line of Duty: Episode #6.7 (2021) Season 6, Episode 7

All right? All right.

[5/10 · 3 May 2021]

I binged the 1st five series over the past month and couldn't stop praising the show. I loved it and I loved the three main characters. The main guest star of each season was also top notch.

When I saw Kelly Macdonald was this season's guest star, I was very excited because I've loved her in so many things...

Unfortunately season 6 turned out to be a dud!

From the very 1st episode to the boring finale.

Macdonald's character had no gravitas and the season just seemed to meander without really knowing which direction to go.

As a few people have mentioned, a keyser Sosa moment would have helped the finale but it wasn't just the finale, the entire season just wasn't up to the high standards of seasons 1-5

I really hope this isn't the last season - I would really miss Kate, Steve and the gaffer as well as that high pitched sound prior to interviews, the gaffer and his "fella" comments and the "all rights" between Kate and Steve.

Take away season 6 and this is one of my all time favorite shows 10/10!

All right?

Motherless Brooklyn (2019)

Cliche

[7/10 · 23 January 2020]

Love Ed Norton as an actor but can't say the same as a director. The film had too many cliches. A couple of examples: closing the medicine cabinet mirror and seeing another person behind you and calling out to someone sitting in front of you only to see that he's dead.

Alec Baldwin plays his role almost as a caricature except in his last scene.

Norton's character's Tourette's syndrome and his constant "I'm sorry" disrupts the film and there would have been a lot more people making fun of him in that era.

The new head of the investigator firm can easily be seen as working against Norton's character from the very beginning and all "surprises" or "twists" can be seen a mile away.

A nice try at film noir but in the end too many cliches and a failure.

Note: watching and listening to the jazz scenes were the highlight for me

Freaks (2018)

Loved it!

[9/10 · 29 November 2019]

A thriller/mystery that subtly unravels revealing a story, at its heart, about family and societal ostracism.

Forget all those superhero nonsense films... and watch this true gem of a film!

Earthquake Bird (2019)

Alicia meet Oscar

[9/10 · 16 November 2019]

Watch this movie for the amazing performance of Alicia Vikander

Her eyes convey a myriad of emotions

Loved it!

Blinded by the Light (2019)

The smile on your face will linger for days

[10/10 · 13 May 2019]

I was fortunate to see "Blinded by Light" at the Montclair Film Festival last night. The director was present and said (and sang) and few words prior to the film and then did a Q&A after the film.

Using a rating system of 1-10, I give it a "100!!!"

I cried and laughed at Bruce on Broadway but I think I actually cried more and laughed more watching this film.

I don't want to spoil the film for anyone but will point out a few things that really helped the film.

-Characters not only play Bruce songs on Cassette and Turntable but they also on occasion quote lyrics as part of the film's dialogue.

-19 Bruce songs are used in the film

-Some of them are live versions

-We see on the lead character's TV Bruce singing the River for the 1st time (which was at the MUSE concert in 1979 at MSG)

-Bruce's lyrics are transposed on the walls and buildings around the character as they are being played so there is no doubt how meaningful the words were to the lead character

-There is a special surprise at the end of the credits... a Bruce song that was put on the shelf years ago... I believe it was called Stand By Me... beautiful song and apropos for the film.

-Bruce's famous line: "Nobody wins unless everybody wins" really sums up this film and is quoted in the film.

If you have friends and family that don't get you and your Bruce "connection" - take them to see this film! In 2 hours they WILL get you.

THIS IS A LOVE LETTER TO BRUCE AND HIS MUSIC AND HOW HE HAS TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE

I plan to take individual members of my family and individual friends to see this when it comes out in August. In the hope that they will turn their head to me and just nod... (I get it!)

BTW: The applause at the end of the film was deafening and when the director returned, she got a standing ovation as well as some "I'm not worthy bows"

Halt and Catch Fire (2014–2017)

Best TV Series I've Ever Watched!

[10/10 · 15 January 2019]

I watched all 4 seasons and it was one of the best TV series I've ever watched. You grew with the characters and came to know them as family/friends... superb storytelling and acting... I can't believe I missed this series when it came out but it's actually probably even more enjoyable to binge.

Condor: Mistrust Blossoms (2018) Season 1, Episode 10

Stop watching after 9 episodes! So you don't have to be completely disappointed!

[5/10 · 21 August 2018]

This was a thoroughly enjoyable series... that is, up until the final episode. Did the writers forget that they only had 10 episodes and then when told this they panicked and tried to wrap everything up in a hole filled bow?

They insulted the viewer's intelligence and probably will lose a lot of eyes if there is a season 2.

An assassin who has killed everyone you love is just left to walk away and then to make matters even worse, is she now supposed to be a potential love interest in season 2??? WTF?

Everyone is resigned to the fact that there is no red light/line and there is nothing to stop the attack... wait a minute, oh that's right, the assassin is now somehow in Saudi Arabia and they have all the info on the man she needs to take out to stop WWIII... sure, how hard can it be to find one man among millions all dressed in the same garb??

Seriously - you invest close to 9hrs into a very good show and they leave you in the climatic episode with this drivel?

Shame on you!

American Beach House (2015)

Only see it if you want to see The PGA and US Open Champion's Girlfriend Topless

[4/10 · 15 August 2018]

This is the only redeeming quality of the movie! :-)

Wakefield (2016)

...but what did he learn?

[6/10 · 10 August 2017]

I enjoyed most of the movie and Cranston did a great job, but at the end, I had no idea what he had learned from this experience. To me, it appeared that the family went on to live happily without him. I seemed that he didn't learn anything or want to change anything about himself. I just see a mean spirited person that gets jealous when his old pal and rival starts dating his wife and then decides to come back home.

The film was well made but the plot could have been so so much more...

Shame.

The Return (2003)

Best Movie I've seen in ages

[9/10 · 21 October 2004]

This is the kind of movie you will want to watch over and over... and it lingers with you long after you've viewed it... hypnotic... phenomenal cinematography... it's so well done that you quickly forget you are watching a move and actors... you think you are watching the real lives of real people...between the Director, the person who did the music score and the cinematographer... these 3 blended into a perfect triad... as they say in the extras - they would know complete sentences that the other person was about to say - before they said it or just a glance, a hand movement and each knew exactly what was wanted and what would work... I can only hope we see these 3 talented people do another movie together... I for one, will be 1st in line...

Whatever (1998)

Whatever? This is probably what you are saying to yourself.

[14 September 1998]

Yes, this is a "real" movie. It's certainly not getting the attention of the mainstream Hollywood summer blockbusters but it's a lot more powerful and enjoyable.

Synopsis: The story takes place in a working class new jersey suburb set in 1981 and centers on a young woman, Anna Stockard played by newcomer Liza Weil. Anna, in her senior year of high school, comes from a broken family, hangs out with the party crowd and is uncertain of her future. Although seemingly intelligent and artistic, she lacks focus. It's unclear if Anna will end up like her hard drinking and drugging friends or fulfill her ambition to go to art school in New York City.

The film was written and directed by New Jersey native Susan Skoog and unlike other films about the 80's (e.g., Boogie Nights), "Whatever" provides a very realistic view of this era. The clothing, hair styles, slang, and music all represent the suburban early 80's not the Hollywood version.

Although many of the characters are unappealing, the film still manages to capture you. I was both riveted and disturbed by it. Weil carries the film by playing Anna with a stoic integrity - you sense that she is a survivor. Skoog has created a film where you feel as if there was a hidden camera viewing a real teenager's life back in 1981. Skoog and Weil appear to have promising careers ahead of them.

If you want to see asteroids, bombs, fireballs and explosions, the 10 plex has a whole bunch of them. If you want to see a movie that is affecting, albeit, slightly disturbing, drive a little further and checkout "Whatever ".

Pi (1998)

216?

[8/10 · 14 September 1998]

As many of us learned after reading Douglas Adam's Hitchkiker's Guide to the Galaxies, the answer to life, the universe and everything is not 216 - it's 42.

This film is destined to live on as a cult classic (Think Eraserhead, Brazil , Jacob's Ladder ...).

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

A VISUAL MASTERPIECE!

[10/10 · 14 September 1998]

Steven Spielberg films come with high expectations. You've come to expect a sense of wonderment, of magic, of taking the audience places they've never been to before in film. Unfortunately, as Spielberg has said himself, his films the past few years have not touched or grabbed us the way they used to. This is most likely due to a combination of our high expectations and Spielberg's losing touch with the general public.

That said, "Saving Private Ryan" has well exceeded my expectations and may be the finest film of his career.

This film shows you how powerful movies can be. Marrying the creative, ingenious minds of Spielberg and cinematographer Janusz Kaminski with new film technology provides us with the most realistic war movie ever made.

The opening 24-minute invasion sequence relentlessly assaults your eyes & ears. The combination of jerky camera movement (by using hand-held cameras) , stuttered framing (by skipping some frames), special film (for grittiness) , slow motion, surround sound, and perfect choreography make this section of the film an instant classic and worth the price of admission. From the second the ramp drops on one of the landing crafts, the audience is a participant in this invasion. I peered around the audience for a few seconds and as the bombs and explosions reflected light off their faces I was able to see their eyes. In them, I saw fear, shock, horror and disbelief.

There are two scenes, which bookend the movie, that force you to absorb the carnage & chaos of war at a deep level. In both scenes, you are watching the bloody battle all around you through Captain John Miller's (played by Tom Hanks) eyes. The sounds of gunfire and explosions which only moments before were piercing your ears are now all but silent. These two surreal and haunting scenes provide the audience with a few seconds to step back, feel themselves breathing heavier, feel their hearts beating faster and truly see the horror & devastation of war.

Another scene that will stay with you is seeing Corporal Upham (played by Jeremy Davies), glued to a stairwell, panic ridden with fright.

Acting: Barry Pepper as Private Jackson the expert marksman and Tom Sizemore as tough Sergeant Horvath stood out among the cast.

Hollywood plot devices (e.g., family gathered at cemetery, airplane appearance, etc) and weak dialogue at times, prevent this film from being a true 4 star classic. Never the less, this is still the most realistic and powerful war film ever made and will be remembered throughout the annuls of film history.

The film is rated R due to graphic violence. The film may be disturbing for war veterans who may not want to invoke their battlefield memories.

The Mask of Zorro (1998)

Zorro could have been making the sign of the Z over my head - as in "Z" for snooZe.

[4/10 · 14 September 1998]

Thank goodness for Anthony Hopkins and a few, well-choreographed sword fights or I would have given it 0 stars.

The film isn't quite sure if it's a tongue in cheek farce or a drama. Antonio Banderas comes across as a buffoon. Why is it that most big production films these days have to have the lead actors making quips every 5 minutes? How about a strong story for a change?

The film might have had a chance if Robert Rodriguez (Desperado) not dropped out as director early on. He would have brought an edge to the film that Martin Campbell, who is just one of the many Spielberg clones working for Spielberg's production company Amblin Entertainment, was not able to do.

Anthony Hopkins brought each scene he was in to a higher level. He is a fine actor that gives a presence to every character he plays - even those that are poorly written.

If you want to see an interesting Antonio Banderas film, check out Pedro Almodóvar's "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down". For a good, recent Anthony Hopkins film, check out "Surviving Picasso".

Save your $8 and wait for Zorro the "Theme Park Show" - where you can see the sword fights performed by the real stars of this film - the stunt men and women.

The film is rated PG-13 for cartoon violence.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

When I first heard that Julia Roberts was playing...

[8/10 · 14 September 1998]

When I first heard that Julia Roberts was playing a character that had to fight for the affections of a man, I had my doubts that it would work, after all this is "Pretty Woman" we're talking about. Well not only does Julia pull it off, but you will actually feel pity for her.

In a nutshell, Julianne, played by Julia Roberts, is best friends with Michael, played by Dermot Mulroney. When Michael decides to get married to Kimmy, played by Cameron Diaz, Julianne realizes she loves him and decides to try and break them up.

Julia Roberts has never been better. Her combination of brashness and vulnerability makes the character and the comedy work. Cameron Diaz's character, Kimmy, reminding me of my girlfriend Tami, comes across as unconditionally in love with Michael. Unlike Julianne, Kimmy is not afraid to show her affections in public. Diaz plays the role with earnestness and purity. Julianne has her work cut out in trying to break this gal's hold on Michael.

I was very pleased that director P. J. Hogan didn't go for the typical "Hollywood" ending. Since I don't want to spoil the ending for anyone, I'll just say it gave a "good romantic comedy" the emotional depth to make it a "very good movie".

RATING: ***

Ponette (1996)

C'est bon! (It's Good!)

[9/10 · 14 September 1998]

Ponette is a 4 year old girl who has survived a car crash that killed her mother. Victoire Thivisol is the actress who plays Ponette. Other than a few scenes with adults, this young girl carries the entire film. She is amazing! Her interaction with the other children is real - you forget that she is "acting". In one particular scene, Ponette sheds tears for her mom - the tears are real. Director Jacques Doillon has a magic touch with all of the young actors in this film. His extreme close-ups of their faces vividly reveals their emotions.

For 92 minutes you are brought into Ponette's world. You share in her grief, her friendships, her imagination and her innocence. In doing so, you also escape back into your own childhood. By seeing everything through Ponette's eyes, you recall all of the different kids most of us grew up with. You also see how confusing it can be for a child when adults tell them tales just to appease them.

Ponette desperately wants her mother back. In some fine examples of how impressionable and vulnerable children can be, Ponette will try or do anything to get her back. To soothe Ponette, her aunt tells her that like Jesus, her mom will come back from the dead. This results in Ponette isolating herself from her cousins and waiting every day on the top of a hill for her mom to appear.

In a poignant scene, which shows how mean kids can be at times, a boy tells Ponette that her Mom is dead because she wasn't a nice child, but Ponette fights back and stands up for herself. In another scene, which depicts the "bossy" kid, a young girl tells Ponette that she can be a "child of God" and speak to her mom but first she has to pass a variety of little tests such as jumping from stone to stone without touching the dirt (which the girl depicts as hot lava from Hell).

Throughout the film you watch and FEEL Ponette's growing pains. The emotions will be mixed. You'll see Ponette grow as a person but you'll also see Ponette lose some of that precious childhood innocence. In order not to spoil the ending for anyone, I'll just say two words about it: Mystical & Sweet.

The film is in French with English subtitles, but please don't let this discourage you. After 5 minutes you'll have escaped back to your childhood and you won't even realize you're reading.

Rating: ***