Movie Log

 It's been a long covid while to go to the cinema.  I passed up Mortal Kombat thinking it was the original 90's version back in cinemas to keep the movie theatres running during the covid era, and I opted for Odenkirk in Nobody.  I'm glad that I did.  Apart from Mr. Show and Breaking Bad - Ok, Ok, BetterCall Saul is a different series, apart from these two sources we don't get to see enough from this actor.       Finch aptly described the film as John Wick-Lite.  There is a lot of over-the-top violence but also a levity that dips its toe into the comedy pool without actually diving right in.  Love it or hate it, the fight choreography was very well done, leaning toward veritas where although the protagonist always wins the fight, he also gets his ass handed to him in the endeavor.     This lead from Odenkirk brought a so-so script to a next-level because he is such a master of reading a scene and knows not only how to develop t...

A secret about the COVID-19 scare is that the cinema, although still open is mostly deserted.  They are playing older movies that they already run, but still have the rights to, seemingly to keep profits coming in.  There is very little staff, and the actual theatre, once the doors shut, have 4-7 people in them.  I venture out to the cinema once every two weeks to get a moment of serenity from our two boys who are driving, me, my wife, and the neighbors bonkers. I headed to Invisible Man not long ago.  I don't usually for spooky, creepy movies but since there is not much playing at the theatres, I thought it was intriguing enough.  This type of movie isn't really about story but almost a game between the filmmakers and the viewer, a kind of, "I bet I can make you flinch..." kind of game. The director and DP do a good job of making a still shot of an empty set into a fruitful source of tension.  The story plays out well and spooks out the viewer effect...

Anyone who is wondering if Guy Ritchie might have lost his edge as a result of a long hiatus since Rocknrolla can be assured he has not! The latest of his iconic films Gentlemen is an illustration of the tone, wit, rapid-fire dialogue, and intrigue that has endeared previous Guy Ritchie films to his fans.  His stories tend to glorify the archetypes of his fictional, British gangsters.  This film continues this trend and maintains the unique colloquial diction interwoven into the plot which electrifies the story. There is also a use of a multi-media of sorts to illustrate lengthy descriptions and exposition to boost the mood along the way. While I was watching this movie in the theatre, I was titillated with the idea that this is the first time to watch this movie that I know I will see time and time again.

There is a mild pandemic in town, so our two young boys' schools have been temporarily closed.  As a result, the wife and I are taking turns stepping out of this monkey cage of an apartment as these boys are figuratively and literally swinging from the rafters..  I took a turn and headed to the nearly empty IMAX in 2D for a showing of 1917.  I decided to get close to the action and sit 6 rows from the screen, but that was a bit too near since most of the shots contained a lot of close action, which blurred so close to the screen.  I soon adapted to the situation, and kept my seat, even though there were a plethora to choose from.  I do recommend sitting toward the back of center for this film if seen in IIMAX. I think the single-shot aspect of this film was done quite well, which I thought might make or break the action of the film.  I suspected while watching the movie that if I hadn't known going into the cinema that it was a single shot, I might not ha...

Danger has some time off this week so we ditched the kids at their schools and went off to see Little Women.  Surprisingly enough, it was my suggestion to see this one, with the help of Finch, who suggested that I would like it.  I did like it. I was engrossed in the story, and never found myself wondering what I was doing sitting in the dark with melodrama playing out in front of me.  I quite liked the main theme of family and friends striving to help one another through their struggles in life, while ultimately leaving the final onus on the individual to resolve the problem.   I liked the actress playing "Amy" since she has a quiet confidence about her.   Going in cold to the film, I too was elated when the father finally arrived home since it revealed the great Bob Odenkirk.

Fingers crossed, I headed to Birds of Prey with Finch and D.  I was a bit apprehensive since DC had flubbed a few big budget movies lately, trying to play Marvel's game.  There was a lot of potential for another "whiffer" based on my only knowledge of the film, the poster. Once the move was rolling along, I was able to relax.  It looks like DC have found their niche for these times and have regained their stride, not forgetting that DC have been the original hero film winners with Superman then Batman then Batman again. The actors did a nice job of creating a playful but ultimately menacing tone.  The lines of good and bad are refreshingly blurred, or folded, ripped, thrown through the wash and left to hang up and dry.  A favorite visual for me is the glitter grenades.  As terrible as it is, I can't stop from laughing each time one hits.