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Black Widow (1987)
Chameleon Woman
This is a pretty considerable what I would call thriller with a femme fatale focus narrative. It makes for a quite intriguing film of a woman who can basically assume multiple identities and find a way to evade successfully. The movie makes some nteresting plot turns, and I would say it's one of debra winger and the antagonist, as the black widow has a strong portrayal of characters. The movie feels definitive for the time it came out and if not, ahead of its time as we got so many thrillers of the same ilk a few years later in the 90s. The film has given me a desire to rewatch just because of the execution of shots. But things really don't get interesting until the 3rd act, and even then the reveals and thrills can be anticipated up to the end.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
What the devil can't do he's gonna send a woman to
Here is a striking visual appeal, only apparent by a master at his craft. Polarizing at times, with its themes making it a disturbing viewing for some I could see. I personally enjoyed this movie and has been something I've enjoyed over some time. The set up of the shots remind of the greats of film with the scenery and mood, Da palma comes to mind to me. The Michael Shannon feature is a great addition.
Also the state of the character of Amy Adams' Susan deteriorates over the course of the movie. Where she recollects or even falls back in love from a distance with her old partner and also becomes borderline delusional in her lost love. And this occurs over the painful experiences of her ex Tony, which she never understands his experiences but is something she feels by reading his book.
I have watched some analysis of this film in which case I find the end scene to be of note. There is a certain body language to Adams in this scene, like she was rejected or having some realization. One person in a video said it's as though Tony (Jake Gyllenhall) refused her and her offers to him and now she is living with this sadness inside. Also how she has been saying she's been talking to him and going to meet him could have all been made up in her mind.
But it plays out in two ways where we see both perspectives whichever the case may be, where she seems prideful, half accepting it almost knowing she has gotten what she deserves for some of her cruelty as she has a devilish side knowing she has these callouses to her. This also makes it the subject of this title which is ironic because Tony wrote the book about her so the writing itself lives on which has immortalized the character of Susan. And her reaction to this is ultimately to become further isolated and reminded of her own pains which we see in the last scene.
Passion (2012)
A brunette, a blonde, and a redhead...
This has the feel of an indie film, but also that of an old school erotic thriller, and throw in a little Da Palma you have the ingredients for a solid piece of work. Many things about it make it pleasing to watch, I don't know about for all viewers who have discredited the plot. I credit the movie much to Rachel McAdams, who here plays the conniving devil in disguise, and I agree she's America's sweetheart. Also features plays on many filmic cues giving some Hitchcock vibes but as modern noir.
Viewers have said that they enjoy the movie up to the third act, where it starts to lose steam. I found it to have a basic instinct twist in the way that it was an unexpected ending, but I feel it is redeemed in its final scenes that complete the story. Which is why I enjoy this movie because it feels like a throwback, but also like Da Palma let these actresses take the riegns in their roles in his film.
The Devil's Own (1997)
The Devil's Rejects
This movie has a few action/ well put to together sequences that make it worth viewing. I had seen it before and it's cool to see heavyweights like Pitt and Harrison Ford make this movie. I was looking for something to watch and this fit the bill. Another one I was considering was Patriot Games, a solid one with good man Harrison.
The end, I won't reveal here, but it is a memorable one. It seems like 96 - 98 was an interesting time in film, just looking retrospectively there was some unique movies coming out around this time and I'm happy that I've found a lot of movies I like from that year. Some people hail the 90s as the best decade for movies and I might agree with them.
Identity (2003)
8 motel room keys out of 10
This movie first came to my attention being on a free streaming service Crackle, whether or not it does however it comes off as a forgotten gem, has an ensemble cast that of the late, great Ray Liotta and plenty of other B listers I have spotted before. The movie unfolds and pulls out the stops and twists at each coroner which surprised me when I first saw it. Amanda Peet plays a pretty standout role as Skimpy Skippy Peanut Butter Paris, along with Cusack.
I won't get into the actual story of the movie but I'll say it is something that comes together over time, possibly in two or more viewings. There's hidden things in it that make you appreciate it more several times watching it. It's a good movie that relies on a typical flashback sequence featuring the Killer (whom is among the cast). For this reason the story is a little convoluted and muddied up like that of giving a bubble tea to someone who is untrained in that kind of thing in that case this type of movie. It almost seems like the Producers were trying to make something somewhat new out of a old formula but it only half succeeded. There is killings, not the most brutal I have seen to make this more like a Mystery, Horreresque thriller that will most likely entertain you.
I have a problem with one sequence - that being the end or leading up to, which is to believe that the culprit got away with the acts so sneakily that he rode in the car to murder the last target and to be able to kill two correctional officers handcuffed? Yeah, this could be done, yeah... right? Unlikely, for that it gets 2 shots to the stomach for what else is a solid film.
A Lot Like Love (2005)
Adult version of Pixar's For the Birds
This movie is likely for people who like the most sprinkley type of cheese on their taco, or what is more found on top of a doughnut for that matter. And Ashton Kutcher who is yet to prove an acting performance he didn't portray in Cheaper by The Dozen at this point I'm still searching for. But the chemistry here is there and it is a cute story. Amanda Peet looks good here while acts well.
The fact that a lady has rules being standards for a man she dates for one is a nice touch, I won't reveal the first rule, but the second is that you should be able to play the guitar. Which any bloke should know is a way to win over a woman and make her swoon. Playing a guitar "solo" like Lil Wayne on stage or like Ashton Kutcher may or may not be the way to a woman's heart, it will be for you to decide. Amanda Peet thinks his kissing skills are a 9 /10, so I guess he's good for something after all.
The Usual Suspects (1995)
Flick, Pack of matches burns
There are quite a few good scenes in this movie I found myself recollecting on upon re watching. I would classify this as a mystery/ action thriller, but in category of entertaining heist movies about a crew additionally close to the the likes of HEAT, the town, and The Score or Ray Liotta's Phoenix.
And the fact that the bad guy, an ominous Kaiser Sose whom not much is known about and the viewer is informed by what other people say about him, which builds up a strong character in our minds. Even until you get a handle on what is going on which makes the effect even greater. And to a certain degree, you can't tell if (actor removed) is telling the truth or not in many scenes. The fact that he is present in literally almost every major scene makes us believe it was all engineered to his design to deceive and get away with it.
Boys and Girls (2000)
Filled with Charm
This movie, while being full of cliches of cheese rom coms and Freddie Prinz Jr (featuring a middle hair part) and admittedly, I'm not typically a rom com person, but this one sticks with me maybe for nostalgia purposes but I'd say regardless it's a pretty good break up movie that does the job.
Maybe riddled with late 90s early 00s cringe like the dance sequence, the ending on the golden gate bridge and the plane scene. Despite, Claire Forlani charms here and for some reason I connected with a lot of the scenes. The movie is about opposite sexes and how we comingle together, some of what late teens go through reconnecting with people and old flames. Also, when Jennifer is going through an important moment and feels like she doesn't have someone to share it with, which is a relatable feeling for people as they start to venture on their own.
Primal Fear (1996)
Fear, the mind is Fear
Arguably one of the best courtroom dramas to have been produced but is also a little something more than that as a thriller that has more going for it. Early in their career and well performed parts for Linney, and Edward Norton here. Richard Gere is himself, possibly one of his most memorable roles. The last 10 minutes stand out setting it up for repeat viewings in the Aaron/ Roy conundrum that is ultimately resolved. Edward Norton almost resembles a Hannibal Lector in the way he is in the jail cell and a menacing sociopath. A true movie in all senses that make it worth viewing. 1996-97 was a good year for movies.
Scream VI (2023)
More gore, New City, More to offer
SCREAM (5) may have been a return to form for the franchise bringing back Sydney Prescott as Neve Cambell (although absent here), proving that Ghostface can endure as a modern film. Many characters from the previous return, including Scream 4 Hayden P. In a somewhat different role. This title found a way to up the ante from the previous one that's for sure in terms of refining what the series is known for and making the most of it in many ways. Seeing these movies evolve given the formula they have sort of spawned has been great with this one being able to tie all the movies together. More interesting and unique deaths, suspenseful parts that continue to surprise you and creep up on you. This got me back into what SCREAM is all about having Scream 2 feels towards the end with the theater and using guns nearly as much as knives to add to the mixture of killings.
Saving Silverman (2001)
Typecast Amanda Peet begins
I remember hearing someone talking about this movie and boy I was sleeping on it because it has some actually good funny parts! And the charming Ms. Amanda Peet pretty much steals the show, after proving her comical chops in The whole nine yards with Bruce Willis. "Don't worry about a thing boys I'll take care of that broad!" And it has Jason Biggs soon after American Pie fame also Amanda Detmer who I know from Boys and Girls who were in the same film which I enjoy greatly as a movie I connect to a lot. As well as Jack Black being in this! But other than that, sit back, open the hatch, pop in some popcorn, pour the gin and enjoy!