redrobin62-321-207311 Reviews

Raw (2016)

Rated 'U' For Unwatchable.

[5/10 · 28 October 2021]

If you're a dedicated fan of the subversive, ultra-violent cinema of Marion Dora, Lucifer Valentine, Jorg. Buttgereit and the guy who made 'A Serbian Film,' then 'RAW' ticks all the boxes. A date night movie this is not. In all fairness, 'RAW' comes across more as a psychological nightmare than a horror film, that is, a near-microscopic view into the hidden world of VERY unusual human beings. This is probably the kind of flick 'Silence Of The Lambs' was hinting to. Here, though, that craziness is in full view for everyone to squirm to. Enjoy...if you have the stomach.

Prey (VI) (2021)

Very Disappointing

[3/10 · 13 September 2021]

I'm not going to detail any spoilers here, but suffice it to say, what "Prey" basically had going for it was the scenery, cinematography, and acting. It wasn't all bad. But the story! Oy! What a let down. Definitely lacking in that department, like an amateur filmmaker who was otherwise preoccupied elsewhere instead of fully crafting this film. And, oh yeah, you've seen "Prey" many times before. Again, the filmmakers didn't have one original bone in their bodies. Just get out there, throw together a quick 90 minute flick, sell the rights to Netflix, and sail off into the sunset with a wad of cash in tow. I guess the strategy worked.

A Classic Horror Story (2021)

Midsommar...Italian Style and Just As Bad

[1/10 · 3 September 2021]

I ventured forthwith into "A Classic Horror Story" knowing only one thing - it's a horror movie. I didn't read about it, saw any previews or checked it's rating. In essence, a completely blind viewing. As it unfolds, you start sensing a touch of "The Wicker Man." As it unfolded, though, it sunk right into dreadful "Midsommar" territory - unoriginal plotting, ovedone sobbing, predictable outcomes, etc. Everything on display had been seen before, including the incredibly stupid mistakes the characters made. The good news? It clocked in at a relatively brisk 90 minutes. It was also a good cure for insomnia, so there's that.

Bordertown (2016–2020)

Watchable...But Uneven And Unrealistic

[7/10 · 17 August 2021]

I enjoyed "Sorjonen," but then again, I'm a sucker for Scandi/Nordic Noir, so sue me. This series lacks the bluish-greyish moody tinge of many other noirs, opting instead for full technicolor hues; nevertheless, it had its heart in the right place. "Bordertown" is so well-filmed that the series felt almost like a Rick Steves travelogue - you can practically smell the scents of their local dishes like.ruisleipä (rye bread) or.lihapullat (Finnish meatballs). As detective fiction goes, "Sorjonen" most hit the mark. Mostly. My two peeves? 1. Kari Sorjonen's character. It's obvious that he's autistic. As a child and adult, his organizational traits are strong. Even as a bullied child, his psychologist noted he'd be unable to connect to people. Yet, there he is, an emotional feeling adult complete with a wife and kid. That part is non believable. Autistic people don't grow out of their traits, at least not to the point where they're living a wholesome family life. There's a reason why the suicide rate is extremely high with this population, and i should know. I'm one of them. 2. I get that, as a series, they opt to have happy endings always, maybe as a way to lure American viewers. What happened, though, is that many endings had forced positive outcomes that were rushed (crammed) into the last five minutes or so. That was an annoying and unrealistic concept, but I suppose from a monetary point of view, necessary. Overlooking these two missteps, "Bordertown" is still valuable entertainment.

Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)

Brought To You By His Eminence, The Pope

[3/10 · 16 August 2021]

Oy! Had I known "Angels With Dirty Faces" was gonna force open your throat and shovel religion down your maw like ipecac, I would've hauled ass to the hills. As it stands, this film is nothing more than a Public Service Announcement for the lord. Who needs Reform School when you can simply peddle this diatribe to juvenile delinquents? Yes, yes, all the actors were on point, and it was nice to get a nice glimpse into criminal life from that era, but oy! The heavy handed use of religion does leave a somewhat bitter taste. That approach never worked then and it sure as hell doesn't fly today.

Capitani (2019–2022)

Capitani...Or Life In MAGA-Ville

[7/10 · 8 August 2021]

Holy cow! Have you ever seen a town so full of people with deceptions and lies that you're surprised it continues to stand? I couldn't last a day in this Luxembourg hamlet. The people are beyond phony. They're simply disgusting. Still, that is the life they live, so who am I to judge? Why do I compare it to a MAGA burg? The truth is out there. It's as easy to find as air, but they choose to lie about almost everything to perpetrate some kind of fake perfection amongst themselves. They wholeheartedly reject reality in favor of protecting and continuing their insignificant lives while, at the same time, reeking of insecurity. No wonder the kids are hooked on drugs. I would be, too, if I was forced to live there. My rant aside, "Capitani" is worthy viewing. It's an interesting crime mystery told in a colorful, albeit depressing, fashion. Besides really good acting, dialog and serviceable pacing, the cinematography of the Luxembourg countryside and forest is worth the price of admission alone.

Tabula Rasa (2017)

Minor Structural Flaws Don't Lessen The Experience

[8/10 · 7 August 2021]

To be fair, movies which incorporate (seemingly endless) time jumps could sometimes not only be hard to follow but structurally deficient as well. Thankfully, "Tabula Rasa" ("Blind Slate") had all their ducks in a row. Obviously, a ton of plotting went into making this mystery series, As Nordic Noir goes (if it truly fits into that category), "Tabula Rasa" sits head and shoulders above similar titles, fitting right up there with other excellent series like"Bordertown," "Depart Q", etc. Cinematography was to die for as was the general acting. Some reviewers complained about pacing issues. I didn't mind the long drags, though. That seems to be part and parcel of Nordic Noir anyway, you know, allowing the viewer enough time to absorb the lush scenery, as it were.

It Follows (2014)

Not Recommended For Anyone Over 12 Years Old.

[2/10 · 5 August 2021]

This so-called horror film had very little going for it. Nice cinematography of suburbia, maybe, but that's about it. The acting was pathetic, the cheesy 80's off-key synth music was annoying, the snail pacing was snore inducing, and the absolutely non-believable actions by the stupid teens was embarrassing. I stayed with this film despite the ridiculous premise because I was bored and it was streaming free (with commercials) on ROKU.

Key Largo (1948)

One Of The Better Ones

[9/10 · 2 August 2021]

From a historical point of view, it was nice to see Jay Silverheels (albeit in a very small role) on screen outside of Lone Ranger. Also, I had no idea that Simon Bar Sinister, the mad scientist from Underdog, had his voice spoken by an actor who mimicked Lionel Barrymore's slow drawl. Those elements aside, "Key Largo" stands head and shoulders above other film noirs. The acting was superb...for the most part. The direction never dragged. The writing was also top notch. And with so many screen legends gathered in one place, how could they miss? Highly recommended.

Books of Blood (2020)

This 'Un Took Me By Surprise

[7/10 · 27 July 2021]

Going into "Books of Blood", I only knew two (2) things - 1. It was a horror movie, and 2. Someone in it had misophonia. As a person who suffers from misophonia myself, I thought I'd give a looksee to "Books of Blood" and hoped they got the condition right. They did. I also must say they constructed the triple storyline very well, too. I had no idea this was a Clive Barker outing till the end credits rolled. I didn't recognize one single person who starred in the film, but then again, I'm not exactly one to stay in the loop these days as TV shows and movies and come go without me having a clue who's a star. That said, I thought the general acting was fine as was the plot. The movie wasn't boring, either. It clipped along at a nice place. I recommend this title as it's not a waste of time.

Nightmare Alley (1947)

Religious Propaganda Film...Nothing More

[1/10 · 25 July 2021]

Sigh. Hollywood really had me fooled with this one. There I was, naive old me, expecting a nice healthy slice of film noir only to be served a heaping pile of religious dogma. To be fair, the acting wasn't that bad. I did appreciate the inside look of the traveling carnival as also displayed in "Freaks" and several other noir films. What I wasn't expecting was the heavy handed call to prayer that was "Nightmare Alley." This piece of fluff could probably have been written by the Pope or the Church of Jesus Christ the Latter Day Saints the Mormons, or any Amish preacher. Sigh. After the conclusion of this review, I'll scour the internet for a "forgetfulness" pill 💊. I hope they exist.

In a Lonely Place (1950)

Hey Bogart, Angry Much?

[7/10 · 22 July 2021]

Oh boy. Now here's someone in desperate need of anger management. Someday, or maybe a psychiatrist already has, a mental health professional will label Angry Boy as having Bipolar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or whatever new disorders they come up with every year. And that poor bride-to-be. She reminds me of countless naive/desperate women who put up with abusive partners because, to them, being alone is analogous to being a failure, then they try to convince themselves that "oh, he is just misunderstood" or "oh, love will cure him" while doctors are stitching the gaping new wounds in their bodies. Pathetic. Good movie, BTW. Recommended.

Funny Games (1997)

Not Sure What All The Hubbub Is About

[4/10 · 20 July 2021]

Like many others, I'd read that "Funny Games" was a violent, eye-searing bit of subversive cinema. It wasn't. The "violence" was only suggested, so visually, "Funny Games" came up short on delivery. You'll actually see more violence in any "Tom & Jerry' cartoon. What the film did have going for it was the acting and, to a certain extent, the plot and cinematography. Otherwise, there wasn't much to it. Hanneke's later remake was just as tepid.

Antichrist (2009)

"Most SHocking?" I Don't Think So

[4/10 · 20 July 2021]

Without a doubt, "Antichrist" has a few, very brief, scenes (or shots) that, were they exorcised from the film, would leave behind an uninteresting bit of cinema. That said, it does require a a bit of balls to produce a movie like this, so kudos to the players. In the end, though, "Antichrist" is unremarkable, to me, anyway. I forgot about it a few hours later. Contrast this with "A Serbian Film", "Irreversible", "Cannibal" which are still etched in my memory years after viewing.

9 Songs (2004)

Eh...Save Your Money.

[2/10 · 20 July 2021]

I'll be brief. The indie music was lousy and the explicit sex scenes were uninteresting. To be fair, I obtained this film solely for the sex scenes and could care less about the boring bands and their insipid music. So, given that the music was uninspired, the sex scenes irrelevant, and the "plot" non-existent, "9 Songs" doesn't merit viewing by anybody.

Baise-moi (2000)

Head Trip Of A Film

[4/10 · 20 July 2021]

I saw "Baise-moi" during my French New Wave of Horror tour which also featured titles like "À l'intérieur", "Haute Tension", "Irreversible", "Martyrs", "Calvaire", "Melancholie der Engel" and several others. Generally speaking, films like those are hard to take. In fact, I wouldn't recommend these kinds of flicks, including those by Marion Dora. Jörg Buttgereit, Lucifer Valentine, and others in that vein, unless you have a strong stomach. Production-wise, "Baise-moi" sits between "Haute Tension" and "Slaughtered Vomit Dolls," and I suppose that grittiness was deliberate. Because the cinematography and lighting was so-so, its grim effect was greatly reduced as opposed to, say, the overt brutality of "Irreversible." To be fair, "Baise-moi" isn't really a good film, just something to check out if you're in the mood for some subversive bit of celluloid.

I Stand Alone (1998)

Hah! You Don't Scare Me!

[6/10 · 20 July 2021]

Seriously, though. How is it films like "I Stand Alone", "Baise Moi", "Man Bites Dog", "War of the Roses", "A Serbian Film" and several others are often labelled black comedies? Perhaps I was born without a funny bone, but I've often found nothing in them to laugh about. Then again, I may be completely missing the point of what black comedy actually means. That said, "I Stand Alone" comes across to me as a psychology class exercise, a visual study of a man unraveling at the edges of sanity. Certainly nothing to laugh at, but interesting to view, nevertheless.

Ace in the Hole (1951)

It's Nice When Hollywood Gets It Right

[8/10 · 18 July 2021]

For the past few months or so, the majority of the films I've seen I've rated seven (7) or less. Every so often, though, it's nice to come across one that's worth its price of admission. "Ace In The Hole" qualifies. I found no fault with the story, cinematography, acting, pacing, or outcome. In fact, quite a lot of work, trouble and effort went into its production. It's kinda funny how Kirk Douglas looks so much like his son Michael - or maybe I got that backwards. It's also interesting how this film lets lumped in with other film noirs given there is no mysterious death for a detective to solve or femme fatale for him to get involved with romantically. In any case, "Ace In The Hole" is recommended if only for a glimpse into early 50's Indian southwest relations.

The Blue Dahlia (1946)

Too Many Implausible Elements On Tap

[3/10 · 16 July 2021]

I really wanted to like "The Blue Dahlia" given that one of my favourite films, "L. A. Confidential," portrays a female who bears a strong resemblance and affinity to one of the film's stars, Veronica Lake. As film noir goes, "The Blue Dahlia" pretty much got all the elements right - high-contrast black & white cinematography, a femme fatale, dirty rotten scoundrels, plot twists, etc. The problems? There were just too many non-believable parts that ruined an otherwise worthwhile experience.

1. When Johnny Morrison learned of his wife's murder, he hauls ass. Why? It made no sense that he didn't just go to the police in the first place.

2. It was way too convenient and coincidental that Johnny just so happened to be picked up in the street by Mr. Harwood's fleeing wife, Joyce.

3. How was it that Johnny Morrison was able to enter the police station's interrogation office with a gun drawn and none of the officers do anything about that?

4. How was Johnny Morrison even allowed to interrogate anyone given he's a fugitive and not a law officer?

5. How is it that Johnny Morrison was even allowed to have his friend shoot a match "on" in the interrogation room? Who's gonna pay for the bullet hole in the wall?

6. Why did "Dad" suddenly, and conveniently, confess to killing Johnny Morrison's wife when he was clearly getting off Scott free? I'm guessing that was because the film was at its end and it HAD to conclude on someone getting arrested? Sigh. I wouldn't mind seeing a remake, or at least a rewrite, of "The Blue Dahlia." Chances are, Hollywood still wouldn't get that right, either.

The Day of the Beast (1995)

Fine...But Could've Done Without The Comedy

[7/10 · 13 July 2021]

I went into this Spanish flick without realizing it had a strong comedic element, mainly in the crazy priest's sidekick. That was a distraction for me. Personally, what I got from "El Dia" was the character study of a delusional man who swears the end of the world is nigh. Really, regarding history, how many delusional cults have come and gone prophesizing the end of the world? From Jonestown to Heaven's Gate, it seemingly never ends. Such confused, twisted, misguided, delusional, mistakenly committed people are to be pitied. Still, if they keep their craziness to themselves and not force their off-the-wall beliefs onto other people, then it's okay.

Another element of the film that struck me as very interesting is how Madrid resembled sleazy Manhattan of the 70's and 80's. It's almost as if I was waiting for Taxi Driver Travis Bickle to suddenly leap out of one of the cabs and start shooting up the place. I mean, all the elements were in place - homeless folks, heavy metal mania, drugs, porn palaces, graffiti, endless violence. All that was missing were three-card monte hustlers and drug addicts constantly cleaning the windshields of unsuspecting drivers with their trusty squeegees in return for money. "Day of the Beast" wasn't bad, actually. A lot of work went and is therefore recommended.

Play the Devil (2016)

Rare Trini Film With Non-Trinidad Elements

[7/10 · 12 July 2021]

Of course, the reason why I titled my review the way I did is because homosexuality is a massively big deal in Trinidad and, as far as the populace is concerned, punishable by death. For years, Trinidad has been playing a tug of war between the conservatives and progressives. Generally speaking, if you wish to progress outside island society, you have to leave for Europe, the US, Canada, and so on. That's where the characters of "Play the Devil" erred. Trinidad should never be confused with Fire Island, NY or Provincetown, MA where such behaviour is the norm. In any case, the movie was daring and intriguing simply because of the bold subject matter, and also because it gave viewers an in depth look of how the common folk live there. The film itself wasn't great - it was a little slow in parts, but the acting throughout was fine and the cinematography of the countryside and beaches are worth the price of admission. Recommended.

Gun Crazy (1950)

Too Many Errors To Make It Believable

[5/10 · 9 July 2021]

So, yeah, this.review contains nothing but spoilers. To wit: 1. Our Bonnie & Clyde commit several armed robberies all over the place without masks? Even kids playing Cops & Robbers have the sense to wrap bandannas around their faces.

2. The journalist tells the sheriff to confront Bonnie & Clyde unarmed and the sheriff agrees? How many chromosomes is he missing!

3. The journalist goes on a ride-along to help capture Bonnie & Clyde? Which jurisdiction would allow this flagrant error?

4. The biggest non-believable part that aggravates me is the fact that Clyde is so spineless, so stupid and whipped, that he allows Bonnie to drag him along on her crime spree. Incredulous. Other that those, the film actually wasn't that bad. At least you get a glimpse of what LA looked like in the late 40's.

Night and the City (1950)

They Got This One Right.

[8/10 · 8 July 2021]

Finally, 'twas refreshing to see a Hollywood film where they didn't force a happy ending, you know, like when the protagonists dust themselves off and ride away happily into the sunset. There were very very few missteps in "Night and the City." The cinematography, acting, writing, direction and music was spot on. The film went along at a nice brisk pace, not lethargic like some others in the genre. The characters felt real, too, and again, not with forced emotions like Hollywood films are prone to having. I'm glad the song and dance numbers were kept to a minimum, too, since those inserts always drag a film down towards an unnecessary crawl. Kudos to all. Highly recommended.

Naked (1993)

Cheaper Than Melatonin

[3/10 · 8 July 2021]

Here's a quick quiz: Q. What's the difference between 'Naked' and the 6:30pm Greyhound bus to Boston from the L. A. station? A: At least the bus is going somewhere. Several adjectives come to mind in the screening of this Mike Leigh outing - Pointless, Uninteresting, Boring, Tedious, Irksome, Deadening, Pretentious, Overblown, and so on and so forth. All the women are so weak and needy, you'd think they were cast-off, one-legged, no-teeth lepers in a desperate colony somewhere. The reason i didn't give it just one star is because some of the acting was actually okay, Too bad there was no plot wrapped around it. The good news? You could save money on Ambien, Melatonin or any other sleep aid by watching this film. It's guaranteed to work or your money back.

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

The Weakest Of The Bunch

[4/10 · 6 July 2021]

Compared to other films in its genre, 'Kiss Me Deadly' is so implausible that it's a wonder it was even made and released. They really scraped the bottom of the barrel for this outing. Here are my issues: 1. The guy who played Mike Hammer was as charismatic as a monkey wrench, yet he was able to charm all these new (and obviously desperate) women and elicit deep, long, probing kisses from them. So, yeah, that was a forced element. 2. An activated nuclear bomb sitting unnoticed in a gym locker would not only have melted the leather case it was in, but all of Hollywood as well. And to think the box it was in was secured by a handful of leather straps! The film does get credit, however, for having Asian, Latino and Black actors in it, otherwise it's just a so-so movie.