terrazygotes-30881 Reviews

Alien Code (2018)

Starts Out Very Well

[6/10 · 2 March 2024]

This movie starts out very well, with great mystery and indications of profound thought. The acting is very good. By mid-way through, it begins to thin out, although it still manages to hold on to quite a bit of suspense. As it approaches the ending it tries to maintain its profundity, but like many movies of this kind, it wavers in its ideas and in the end comes up with a less than satisfying conclusion. I always use the example of "A Cure for Wellness" as a film, that starts out with great mystery and promise, but by the end the writers/film-makers come up empty, unable to create a bold end statement and the film just dissipates into inanity. Possibly "2001: A Space Odyssey" is the only film of this sort, which I have seen, that manages to maintain its powerful message, right until the end. "Alien Code" is however, better than many films in its attempt to stretch our imaginations.

Slow Burn (2005)

Excellent Twister

[7/10 · 14 January 2024]

This film brings back memories of "The Usual Suspects". It's a real puzzle, right to the end, with surprises coming along throughout. Very well written script, with excellent acting. Ray Liotta is great, as the lead. Of course, this type of film is a staple for him, and he doesn't disappoint. The other actors, including Jolene Blalock and L. L. Cool J are also very good. The script is quite realistic, hinging on a real estate scam. The story is seen from different individuals' perspectives, which is always interesting and certainly in a twisty tale, like this. Although this isn't a classic film, it certainly is entertaining, with lots of tension, and a great atmosphere.

Yardbird (2012)

Dustbowl

[8/10 · 15 June 2023]

A very rustic, lonely atmosphere is created in this film, which is quite lyrical. Excellent "rustic", brown-tinted photography. The soundscape and music are very well done. The acting is very good, appropriate to the setting of some squalor and isolation. All characters are very vivid and engaging. The story is a common fairytale of the downfall of "evil" before the vengeance of "justice". The main characters, the girl and her father were very sympathetic and the "villains" were suitably nasty and clueless. The ending was interesting and unexpected (by me !) accompanied by a haunting song. I found it an excellent entertainment. It reminded me a little of one of my favourite films, "Let the Right One In".

Woman in the Chair (2022)

Ghost Story

[5/10 · 12 May 2023]

This was an interesting story, which increased in tension and suspense, as it moved along. An eerie set, a dilapidated house on a piece of land cut off from the mainland by flooding, due to a storm. A man searching for someone or something explores abandoned houses in Japan. In one he finds a strange woman or at least the remains of a woman sitting in a chair, at a table. She doesn't move and he doesn't know what to make of her. A young woman invites him to a meeting, where he can "pitch" his proposal to get investors to finance him to study the phenominon, which he has discovered. A motley group joins him in this effort and he sells interested parties tours of the house, with the "sitting woman", to get more research money. The movie reveals the "sitting woman" begins to influence the very thoughts of the group and the visitors. The film seems headed in an interesting direction; however, I found that it sort of falls apart in the hurried ending, which I really didn't comprehend.

Encounter (II) (2018)

Inspiring

[7/10 · 8 May 2023]

Why are some reviews very short, while I am required to have 600 characters ? I don't understand your policies.

I found this a quite endearing film of ordinary people dealing with an extraordinary situation. I thought, that the acting was very realistic and the story was enchanting. I was tempted to turn it off, shortly after nit had begun, because of the dismal, cliched prologue, but because the film was so engrossing, I decided to carry on, with the hopes that the wrap-up wouldn't be, as pathetic as, the prologue predicted. I am happy to report, that I was rewarded with an amazing and unforeseen ending, that justified me staying with it. I admit, that it was a fairy tale, but in our time of despair and cynicism, such a tale is very welcome and appreciated.

13 (I) (2010)

Brutality

[7/10 · 2 May 2023]

I watched this film, with no knowledge of the story.

I liked the actors and it looked to be a gangster thriller.

It turns out, that it is a remake of a French original, with the same director. The original is touted to be a better film.

This film is very brutal and the plot is nihilistic, with empty-hearted men using the lives of the down-trodden to gamble for profit. There is quite a bit of tension, as men's lives are are on the line in a gruesome game.

An interesting aspect of this movie is the portrayal of the American for-profit medical system, that pushes a naive man to get involved in a deadly underworld nightmare to pay for his broken father's medical bills. We watch, as he has to emotionally steel himself to participate in something, which he never could have imagined.

Well made and acted, but as I said based in immoral brutality.

The Disappearance of Willie Bingham (2015)

Revenge by Torture

[8/10 · 2 November 2021]

This is a very difficult film to watch. It is not really "entertainment", as one commenter called it. It is a film for mature, concerned, "thinking" audiences, although some adolescents may also find it thought stimulating.

It deals with our horror of certain crimes and our impulse for revenge on the criminal. Does revenge gain anyone anything ? I have thought myself, that a crime, that takes away someone's loved one for the rest of their life, should have some indelible consequences, where the perpetrator should suffer some loss, to always remind him/her of the pain, that his/her transgression has caused others. The loss of a limb say or his/her hands or feet. This film has forced me to reconsider that idea. It certainly isn't a Christian idea, that raises us up. Cutting off someone's hand, because they stole some object seems barbaric to me. What if they stole a life ?

With all the corruption that manifests in society, the society/government can seem, as bad as, or worse than the criminal his/herself. We cannot allow these people to make such grave decisions. Compassion and strength must supplant anger and revenge. As for deterrence, the majority of violent crimes are impulse crimes, which will not be deterred.

An excellent and courageous film, of an idea, which needed to be examined.

Wraith (I) (2017)

The Pro-Death Folks are Apoplectic !

[8/10 · 1 November 2021]

I felt, that this movie was a gentle and touching story. I guess, that I'm a bit sappy, but I enjoy a film with endearing emotions and a positive view of children. I am shocked to read all the negative criticism of the acting of the woman playing the daughter. I found her a sweet and an innocent young woman, except when she was screaming after getting stuck in the dark. But I don't think that was her fault. I guess these rabid "Pro-death" types had to find somebody to rag on, to display their displeasure with a film which celebrated the birth of a loved child, who was scheduled to be terminated. I think, that women should have access to abortion in occasional cases, but using abortion as birth-control is disrespectful and heartless.

Tenet (2020)

"Diversity" BOND

[10 May 2021]

Michael Caine ; YOU need a new suit.

J. D. Washington ; WE need some new dialogue.

Michael Caine ; Damn straight !

J. D. Washington ; . . . And a PLOT, that makes sense !

Michael Caine ; CHECK THAT !

J. D. Washington ; . . . And some SEXY BABES !

Michael Caine ; . . . And some BETTER CO-STARS.

J. D. Washington ; WHOA !!! I need this gig !

Dark Encounter (2019)

Portrait of Grief

[8/10 · 16 April 2021]

This was indeed a very unusual film. It was very long, but it needed to be to encase a complex story. The story was very unusual and in the end very sad. It's main focus was a family tragedy, showing how each member tried to cope with their grief and bewilderment. An unearthly element is introduced, which takes up the main part of the film. This unearthly activity really is given no explanation, until a major surprise, at the end of the film reveals what it is all about. It's sort of a fairy tale with fantastic events, which swirl around the isolated family. The most important element to me was the family interaction. The acting was excellent, as was the photography/lighting and soundscape. Laura Fraser's expressions were amazingly powerful deluge of emotion.

A Tale of Two Sisters (2003)

Incoherent

[5/10 · 11 November 2020]

As it seems to me with many films, this one started with an interesting premise, which however needed much more thinking and molding to create a powerful unified whole. The film-makers and actors were very good at their jobs, which resulted in a host of scenes which were well done ; however, these scenes, from my point of view failed go coalesce into a pointed, powerful whole. The film seemed to meander about through atmospheric and emotional scenarios, which in the end lacked a clear focus. I tend to think of Stanley Kubrick, who purportedly spent a great amount of time to prepare for his films. Since filming is an expensive and complicated business, I presume, that screen-writers do not always have the time necessary to prepare their ideas, before they are subject to the demands of filming. I often see films, that start out impressively and I find myself wondering if this level of ideas and craft will be sustained for the entire film. I am often disappointed, as the film's quality seems to crumble, as it nears its conclusion. I don't know if the cultural differences in this particular film, made it less accessible to me or not, as that could possibly have contributed to my lack of comprehension.

Halloween (I) (2018)

Hallowe'en R.I.P.

[5/10 · 29 October 2020]

It would be very difficult to create an effective sequel to the first "Hallowe'en" film. The most potent element in "Hallowe'en" was the mystery. After the mystery is revealed, it Is very difficult to create a new mystery using the same characters/location, that didn't appear, as just a copy of the first. The first movie, like many great films, left audiences craving more; however recreating an amazing mystery from the same cloth would require a very creative idea, of which the movie industry seems to have a dearth at this time. All of the Hallowe'en sequels, seem to be nostalgia for the first film and this one is no different.

Shortcut (II) (2020)

Ummmm . . . errrrr

[4/10 · 24 October 2020]

I liked the actors. The British teen-agers seem more like real people, than the often smarmy, precocious teens often portrayed in US movies. I found the first half of the movie interesting and well photographed. When the monster showed up, it seemed like a different movie, which didn't seem congruous and was poorly thought out. I found the second half of the movie poorly conceived and very weird, but not in a good way.

The Devil All the Time (2020)

Sexual and Violence Porn

[5/10 · 18 September 2020]

This film sucked me in due to its sensationalism of a world of mentally-damaged people involved in sadistic violence and pornographic sex. I gave it a 5 score, because it was very effective at doing this. It was like gawking at a tragic, bloody road accident without the ability or even the desire to assist. I feel disappointed for allowing my imagination to be captured by such degenerate material. Although this sort of material is commercially popular, it definitely isn't healthy. I couldn't feel empathy for those, who suffered, because rather than containing their suffering, their immediate reaction was to lash out with violence at those they believed was the cause of their suffering. There were only a few tangental characters, that acted in a way, that I would describe, as normal. Maybe that was the point, to mirror the new upside-down world-view, that deranged is "normal".

Irreversible (2002)

Brutal Realism

[8/10 · 18 September 2020]

For me, the importance of this film, is that it shows the sickening reality of violence. So many movies, especially American ones, have people being killed left and right, but the violence is very unrealistic, with little consequence to the characters. The violence here is gritty, brutal and sickening just like my experience of real, close-up and personal violence. There is no concern for the feelings or well-being of others just a savage, out of control bloodlust and desire for destruction. The seedy sexual situations, make the brutality all the more repulsive.

The War of the Worlds (2019)

Interesting

[6/10 · 1 July 2020]

It is interesting, that almost every review of this film is almost totally negative. When I began watching it, I was excited, that finally I was going to see a genuine interpretation of Well's book. I liked the nineteenth century placement and how it started with a quote from the author and the Mars photos, as in the story. The love story aspect really didn't bother me; just a way to carry the story in a human sense. Of course I recognized the feminist empowerment angle, but that didn't bother me either, as I thought the actress played it well, and this was about the time of the "suffragettes" I liked the scene at the landing site, although it was different than in the novel. I liked the design of the tripods with their articulated legs, as they seemed to facilitate a more realistic method of movement, than with the straight ones. They could however, have been more robust with gleaming metal and tentacles. As others have noted, the design of the aliens themselves, although monstrous, was problematic in that they seemed to have no way to grip tools. I rationalized, that they must have amazing telekinetic abilities . . . The atmosphere in the last half became very heavy and rather depressing and was weak, I thought, as an ending. There definitely could have been more interaction between the alien machines and the armed forces. The film did lack action in this way. All said, this film was enjoyable, although not the ultimate cinematic version of Wells' tale, unfortunately.

The Monster (2016)

Wonderful

[8/10 · 19 April 2020]

A wonderful fable or fairy tale. A girl's difficult life with her mother turns into a monster. The painful feelings, which run through their relationship, come to a head, when they set out on their parting journey, as the mother takes her to stay with her father, never to return. They care about one another, but the daily stress and the mother's drinking only leads them to bickering and screaming at one another. It's a very sad situation, but one they can't seem to resolve. The mother is sad to let her daughter go, but she is resigned, to the fate of their relationship. On the road, a great mythical creature appears and they must join together to save each other from a fearsome beast. Here the mother has the opportunity to let go of her confusion and fight for the daughter, whom she truly loves. It often takes extraordinary circumstances, for us to move beyond our quotidian cares and issues and act out the deepest commitments of our hearts. Excellent acting, excellent film.

The Platform (2019)

Special

[7/10 · 30 March 2020]

A very original and special film. It portrays our deepest fears, our confusion, our sorrow. Those who participate in the system, which they are in without thought. Those, who would change the system for the betterment of all. Those with hopeful illusions. Those, who can learn from their failures. Those, who let Life or God take the reins. Those, who may attain peace by acceptance. A film of questions and a search for answers. One of the best films, which I have seen. Transcendant.

Surviving Confession (2019)

Impressive

[8/10 · 1 March 2020]

First of all, the writing of this screenplay is superior to almost any film, that I've seen. It explores the human condition, of those, who choose to represent a religion on the front lines, their needs, duties and self-evaluations. It focuses on the human behind the collar, behind the symbolism and mystique. It is very much like a play, taking place in one location, with the protagonist using soliloquies to confide in the audience. It is a film about ideas and emotions. The acting is also superior. It needs to be, to render such a simple set-up so powerful. It succeeds amazingly well, at this. The photography and staging are very well done, which I suppose is the main job of the director. It has a wonderful sense of humour, to balance its wrenching pathos. I grew up, indoctrinated in this particular religion, which of course gave the film a particular significance to me. This is a small drama, for deep thinking, and emotionally open adults.

Kindred Spirits (I) (2019)

Froot Loops !

[5/10 · 31 January 2020]

This story is what is referred to, as a "guilty pleasure", or a guilty waste of time. It's a silly, emotionally-manipulative waste of time, which starts out fairly good and degenerates into more and more "wacko", as it goes along. The crazy plot keeps your inner "bad news junkie" salivating, even though you know, you're being taken for a ride,"over the top". Near the end, I actually thought, that it was going to go off formula, which surprised me, but it was just a tease. It actually went back to the expected script, amazingly, in a most awkward and unexplained manner.

Cyber Bride (2019)

Twilight Zone Wackadoo

[5/10 · 27 January 2020]

I found this film quite amusing. It was quite comically quirky and the violence was unrealistic and therefore not disturbing. The ending was a little much, but not too much more, than the rest of the film. Those, who are angrily critical of the film must have had expectations of a much more serious and realistic film. To me, this was much like an episode of the old "Twilight Zone" or "Outer Limits". Sometimes they played out "tongue in cheek".

Color Out of Space (2019)

A Little Perplexing

[6/10 · 26 January 2020]

I saw, that this film received good reviews, and of course H.P. Lovecraft's stories are an interesting proposition. Reading the reviews, enticed me to want to read the story. The impression I got from people's comments is that the story is eerie and mysterious. I found the film a little too loud and wild to fit that description. It was well done, for what it was, but the impression I got from reading about Lovecraft's story was that it was more subtle, more abstract, maybe more philosophical. That tweaked my imagination, as to how such a story could be made a little more obscure, yet interesting enough to hold a viewer's attention by inspiring his or her imagination. 2001: A Space Odyssey gave me that kind of fascinating experience. I will attempt to get a hold of the story and see how it affects me, if I can see a more interesting way, that it could be be translated to film.

Terrified (2017)

A Mix-up

[6/10 · 6 January 2020]

First of all, the art on the poster is excellent, which attracted me to this film. Unfortunately no visual in the film matched this. I found the first death scene very creepy, although I think, that the husband's reaction could have been more intense. If Iwitnessed something like that, I'd be overwhelmed with horror. It was the scariest scene in the film, I thought. After that the film started going all over the place, showing paranormal events in three different residences. The events really didn't have much, if any continuity, nor explanation, which diminished my interest. In the end, a group of scientists and police investigated these paranormal occurrences, but came to no understanding of them. So the film has some interesting, paranormal scenes, with very little cohesion to them.

They Look Like People (2015)

Difficult Reality

[7/10 · 30 December 2019]

I don't know, that this film would make sense to anyone, who has never been affected by mental illness themselves or in those close to them. It's a very scary and tragic occurrence. Here, the afflicted person is fortunate enough to be loved and supported, which is rare. He is afforded trust, which is very difficult to do, with someone, who is behaving incomprehensibly. I thought, like others from what I'd read, that this was to be an imaginary horror or thriller story. In fact it is a very realistic drama about mental illness, which is character-driven and may be boring to many, if they were looking for fantastical entertainment. Because I am interested in human interactions, their causes and repercussions, I was able to empathize with the characters' dilemmas and found the unravelling of the story suspenseful. It becomes very dark and uncomfortable to watch, but the ending gives hope, that with love darkness can be dispelled.

Let the Right One In (2008)

Wonderful

[9/10 · 26 December 2019]

One of my two favourite movies ! The most important feature for me, was the emotional interactions, especially between the two main characters. Lost children, like the rest of us, who found someone to rely on. A real love story, wrapped in a mysterious, supernatural fairytale. A snowy winter world adds a magic atmosphere to the tale. It is totally serious and realistic in emotional demeanour, unlike most films. The real situation of childhood angst in a world of distracted and confused adults, whom they cannot count on for love and guidance, which somehow they are able to find in each other, because one of them is much more than she seems. This reminds me of the denouement of the other childcentered drama, "My Life, as a Dog." The two main child actors are amazing, a boy and girl, whose gender characteristics are somewhat reversed. She is realistic and tough and he is a delicate dreamer. Unfortunately the American remake did not convey this, I believe due to miscasting. Though well-made its existence seems rather pointless. The Swedish version is definitive.