Movie Review - The Holdovers

Director: Alexander Payne
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Da’Vine Joy Randall, Dominic Sessa, Carrie Preston, Naheem Garcia
 
Description: A cranky history teacher (Paul Giamatti) at a prep school is forced to remain on campus over the holidays with a grieving cook (Da’Vine Joy Randall) and a troubled student (Dominic Sessa) who has no place to go.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 25: A COMEDY FILM 

Review: Director Alexander Payne and actor Paul Giamatti were responsible for the success of the film “Sideways” in 2004. Payne is also known for his films “About Schmidt”, “The Descendants” and “Nebraska”, that all perfectly combine comedy with drama. It’s been a while since Payne brought us something really good. But he’s back with “The Holdovers”, where he succeeds again.

In “The Holdovers”, Giamatti portrays history teacher Paul Hunham, who still champions old-fashioned teaching methods at a remote boarding school for boys. He has no use for excuses and any excuses made by a student, should not be met with any kind mercy. And in his eyes the principal is a rookie, who he himself taught.

The parents of the rich students have no need for their sons and let them stay during the Christmas holiday. Paul is forced to stay behind with these students, which eventually is only the one student named Angus and the school’s cook Mary.

Set in 1970, “The Holdovers” features the usual story arc of two opposites who eventually come to appreciate each other’s company. It is primarily the performances of Giamatti and young antagonist Dominic Sessa that provide an uneasy but ultimately engaging chemistry that floors any kind of predictability. Giamatti plays a multi-layered character who harbors an undeniable tragedy beneath the comedic exterior of an old-fashioned teacher. Da’Vine Joy Randall plays Mary, a cook at the boarding school who is still grieving her son’s untimely death. She is the perfect addition to the two opposites.

Payne also masterfully manages to capture the timescape. The snowy New England region of the United States fits seamlessly with the emotions and developments of the characters. It is desolate, but also hopefully familiar. And the most impressive thing about “The Holdovers” is that it doesn’t bring anything new, yet manages to deliver a unique film. This is mainly in the unique dynamic between the three characters and the way layers of their personalities are slowly peeled away.

I absolutely loved every minute of Alexander Payne’s newest film, that transcends the period of the year in which it is set and is a true gem when it comes to layered characters. Definitely a favorite for 2024.

Rating: 5/ 5

Book Review - The Guest by B.A. Paris

Title: The Guest
Author: B.A. Paris
Genre: Thriller
Published: 2024
 
Description: Iris and Gabriel have just arrived home from a make-or-break holiday. But a shock awaits them. One of their closest friends, Laure, is in their house. The atmosphere quickly becomes tense as she oversteps again and sleeping in their bed, wearing Iris’ closthes, even rearranging the furniture.
 
Laure has walker our on her husband – and their good friend – Pierre, over his confession of an affair and a secret child. Iris and Gabriel want to be supportive of their friends, but as Laure’s mood becomes increasingly unpredictable, her presence takes its toll.
 
Iris and Gabriel only respite comes in the form of a couple new to town. But with them comes their gardener, who has a checkered past. Soon, secrets from all their pasts will unravel, some more dangerous than they could have known
 
Review: I had never read from B.A. Paris before and I do have another one of her books on my physical TBR. Starting with her newest novel “The Guest” might not have been the best idea.
 
When Iris and Gabriel return from a holiday, they discover someone has been in their house. It’s their friend Laure, who has fled her husband, after finding out he had an affair and a child as a result of that. At first, Iris and Gabriel want to support Laure, but soon they get enough of her presence.
 
For a thriller to be a thriller, it should at least be thrilling. It is not. I found “The Guest” pretty boring. The book dragged and nothing interesting happens for a long time. And the book is also very repetitive. Sometimes when a characters talks about something or explains something, they later repeat it and this happens on several occasions in the story. This is very unnecessary, because it’s not something that is so complex they need to over explain it.
 
I didn’t like the characters. I felt like Iris was being very mean to Laure. Her friend is dealing with a difficult time in her life and I understand that you eventually wish they would leave, so you can have your house to yourself again. But Iris felt that very early on during Laure’s stay. She didn’t show a lot of empathy. It’s understandable for Laure to be upset. Gabriel and Iris’ relationship also felt flat. The way they talk to each other, is not the way a married couple is supposed to talk. At least not the ones I know. There is no love between the two, whatsoever. Esmee I did like, at first, but even she got annoying as the story moved on.
 
As for the plot itself. All these people kept secrets, many of them that had no reason to be kept. And the story was very predictable. In the end, there is this epilogue that gives us a final twist and explains everything to us. But I couldn’t care less. At this point, I didn’t care at all, not about the characters, not about the mystery, not about anything. The ending is not credible at all.
 
This book was boring, uninspiring and I just didn’t enjoy this book. I can’t believe I actually finished it.
 
Rating: 1/ 5

Movie Review - Miller's Girl

Director: Jade Halley Bartlett
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 93 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Martin Freeman, Jenna Ortega, Bashir Sallahudin, Gideon Adlon, Dagmara Dominczyk, Christine Adams
 
Description: A creative writing assignment yields complex results between a teacher (Martin Freeman) and his talented student (Jenny Ortega).

Review: Jonathan Miller is a writer whose debut novel wasn’t a huge success and now hides out as a creative writing teacher at a Tennessee high school. His marriage to a successful writer is odd to say the least.

Meanwhile, his student, 18-year-old Cairo Sweet, manages to peak Miller’s interest with her writing talent. You know, from their first meeting, that things won’t end well.

In her feature debut, director Jade Halley Bartlett opts for easy-going effects, barely fleshed-out characters and an ending lacking inspiration. This film was very boring, too cliché and a waste of great talent. Jenna Ortega is such a talented actress, but she never really convinces as the young temptress she becomes. And Martin Freeman really feels out of place in his role. Miller wife, portrayed by  Dagmara Dominczyk, delivers a terrible performance. She is such a caricature, she doesn’t feel like an actual person.

I paid to see this film, don’t make the same mistake. This is a boring, uninspiring, cliché film and I would not recommend.

Rating: 2/ 5

Book Review - Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

Title: Listen for the Lie
Author: Amy Tintera
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller
Published: 2024
 
Description: After Lucy is found wandering the street, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone things she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life.
 
But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast “Listen for the Lie”, and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one who did it.
 
Review: “Listen for the Lie” is one of the books I was most looking forward to in 2024. It had a lot of elements I love in a mystery/ thriller. An unreliable narrator, a podcast/ mixed media element, a small town mystery, different timelines. All things I really enjoy. With that, the book got mainly good reviews and I had 5-star vibes from just reading the synopsis. Man, was I disappointed.
 
We meet Lucy. Five years ago, her best friend Savvy was found dead in their small Texas town. Lucy was found wandering the streets, covered in Savvy’s blood. She doesn’t remember anything that happened that night and everyone in town believes Lucy killed Savvy. But there was not enough evidence to proof that and no one was every convicted for the crime. Lucy returns to her hometown, to celebrate her grandma’s 80^th birthday. But true crime podcaster Ben Owens is also there, shining a light on the unsolved mystery.
 
Such a promising story. I enjoyed the fact that Lucy (and us as readers) has no idea whether she has committed the crime or not.  But she also constantly has murderous thoughts, in the form of a voice in her head. Which I found very annoying. And sometimes she even sees Savvy, which I didn’t really like either.
 
I was ready for some really good twists and reveals, but I was let down on this front as well. Most of the reveals were about people cheating on their partners or having a sexual relations with someone in the Texas town. I was not surprised or shocked by any of the reveals. And the eventual outcome of the mystery was also anti-climactic. Not surprising at all.
 
And Lucy is not a likeable character that you easily root for. That was not author Amy Tintera’s intention, but I never really cared for Lucy. The only character I actually liked was the grandmother. I loved her and wouldn’t mind reading a complete book about her.
 
The podcast element was okay, but these chapters were way too short. They never really go that in depth and it felt like they were leaving things out. And some characters are introduced into the story, where they reveal a certain thing, but it’s never referred to again.
 
It happened before, that a book doesn’t live up to my expectations. But most of the time, I can understand why other people have enjoyed it. For “Listen for the Lie” I just don’t understand how so many people are giving it a 4-star or higher. This was a huge let down and I feel so sad about it.
 
Rating: 2/ 5

 

Book Review - The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Title: The Measure
Author: Nikki Erlick
Genre: Science Fiction
Published: 2022
 
Description: Eight ordinary people. One extraordinary choice.
 
It seem like any other day. You wake up, pour a coffee, and head out.
 
But today, when you open your front door, waiting for you is a small wooden box. This box holds your fate inside: the answer to the exact number of years you will live.
 
From suburban doorsteps to desert tents, every person on every continent receives the same box. Is an instant, the world thrust into a collective frenzy. Where did these boxes come from? What do they mean? Is there truth to what they promise?
 
As society comes together and pulls apart, everyone faces the same shocking choice: do they which to know how long they’ll live? And, if so, what will they do with that knowledge?
 
Review: If you could know how long you will live, would you want to know it? And if you knew the answer, what would you do with that information? This is the dilemma that the characters in “The Measure” have to deal with. One day, each person , 22 and over, receives a box. Within this box is a single string. The length of this string is different for everyone. This string tells you how long your life is.
 
At the start of the story, know one know what the strings mean. And nobody is forced to look at the inside of the box. But people are curious by nature, so most people do. And quickly society is split in two: the ones with the long strings and the so-called ‘short stringers’.
 
Author Nikki Erlick tells the story through several different perspectives. And this way you get to see how different people are dealing with a similar situation. Much like John Marrs’ books “The One” and “The Marriage Act”. For instance, we meet someone who finds out their string is short and how they try and cope with that information. We read from a couple where one of them gets a short string and the other doesn’t want to know. And also a long string politician, who is using it to his advantage for his campaign as a presidential candidate.
 
Many political, societal and ethical themes are touched upon. Like the aforementioned political candidate using it to gain more votes, for his opponent is a short-stringer. The army that doesn’t allow short-stringers, to up their odds. Mass shootings become even more ‘normal’, people breaking up with their partners because they don’t want to live with someone that will die within a few years and people with short strings that are denied health care.   
 
“The Measure” is a unique premise that gives you a lot to think about, raises questions and makes you try to put you in the position of the characters. What would you do if you received the box? Would curiosity win? This book was so amazing, it’s thought provoking, unique and interesting to read from all the different perspectives. How something that is brought upon an entire society makes everyone respond to it so differently. A book I would recommend. For sure!
 
Rating: 5/ 5

Rewatching My 100 Favorite Movies - Update 28

I decided to rewatch my 100 favorite movies of all-time. What those are, you can check HERE. I watch them in random order, there is no rhyme or reason there, just watching those movies I love so much.

92/ 100: Atonement (2007)
Working class boy Robbie (James McAvoy) is falsely accused of rape by his girlfriend’s thirteen-year-old sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan). His relationship with Cecilia (Keira Knightley) is on the rocks, but on the battlefield around Dunkirk, Robbie’s longing for great love proves not a fraction lessened. The acting is excellent by McAvoy, Knightley and especially Ronan is the strongest part of the film. Based on the novel by Ian McEwan, which is also a favorite  of mine. And it’s very true to the book. The way the story I told is very unique and why this movie is on my favorites list. Check HERE for my full review.
 

93/ 100: Psycho (1960)
Still, after so many years, the film gives me (and a lot of people with me) chills. The film was very ahead of its time for so many reasons. One of Alfred Hitchcock’s best film ever made. HERE you can read my full review.
 

94/ 100: Thunderheart (1992)
A thriller set on an Indian reservation. FBI Agent Ray Levoi arrives there to investigate a murder and discovers there is more to it then meets the eye. I never, ever, heard anyone talk about this film. I literally know no one who has seen this movie, let alone love it as much as I do. It’s one of the most overlooked films and I think it deserves more praise. See my full review HERE.
 

95/ 100: You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Two opposites in everyday life discover each other through an anonymous correspondence. Tom Hanks plays Joe Fox, who is opening a large book store (think Barnes & Noble size) and Meg Ryan play Kathleen Kelly, the owner of a small children’s book shop called The Shop Around the Corner. This film is a favorite because of the vibe, the natural charm of Meg Ryan and of course Tom Hanks, who can do no wrong in my eyes. I want to be Kathleen Kelly, I identify with Kathleen Kelly, she lives the life I would love the live myself. HERE is my full review.
 
Still to watch: 5

Oldies Movie Review - Sunset Boulevard

Director: Billy Wilder
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 1950
Starring: Gloria Swanson, William Holden, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olsen, Fred Clarke, Lloyd Cough. Jack Webb

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 25: A MOVIE FROM THE 1950s
 
Description: A screenwriter (William Holden) develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star (Gloria Swanson) determined to make a triumphant return.

Review: Hollywood used to be shown as a paradise of glamour. Stars always lookd perfect and their status was maintained by the press courtesy of the powerful studio bosses. Anyone who worked in Hollywood knew that this world might be so beautiful on the outside, but was way darker behind the scenes. Director Billy Wilder created a portrait of this with “Sunset Boulevard”.

William Holden plays screenwriter Joe. He meets the once celebrated star of silent film, Norma Desmond. She disappeared from the Hollywood stage when the sound film took over. Living in a delusion herself, she thinks she is making a comeback. When Norma hears Joe is a writer, she wants him to help her with her comeback. He is allowed to live with Norma and she develops feelings for him. But it’s not mutual. And when Joe gets involved with a woman his own age, tensions run high.

Wilder used many authentic details, such as real names and cameos of illustrious Hollywood icons. And he used real locations. And Gloria Swanson herself, who plays Norma, was one a big Hollywood star in silent movies who became passé when the sound film came along. And casting her was the best choice.
Although Norma verges on madness, Swanson manages to make her a wonderful character who is not one-dimensional. She may be extremely theatrical and ill at ease, but she also has a charm that comes out.

There is a reason why “Sunset Boulevard” is on so many “best films of all time” lists. Wilder’s directorial work, the script, the casting, the authentic details and cinematography make the film a masterful classic.

Rating: 4/ 5

90s Movie Review - Thunderheart

Director: Michael Apted
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller/ Mystery
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 1992
Starring: Val Kilmer, Graham Greene, Sam Shepard, Fred Ward

Description: A young mixed-blood FBI agent (Val Kilmer) is assigned to work with a cynical veteran investigator (Sam Shepard) on a murder on a poverty-stricken Sioux reservation.

Review: Ever heard of the movie “Thunderheart”? No? That’s not a surprise, because not a lot of people know this movie. Which is a damn shame, because “Thunderheart” is definitely worth watching. “Thunderheart” is about the conflict between the Indians and the American government. FBI agent Ray Levoi is sent to the Badlands, South Dakota, to investigate the murder of an Indian. Jimmy Looks Twice is the main suspect, a member of the Aboriginal Rights Movement. The ARM has committed murders before. Indians are the victims; there is a civil war going on. At least that’s what Frank Coutelle, Jack Milton and his GOON’s make you think. When Ray starts working with Walter Crowe Horse and other local Indians, he slowly discovers the actual truth.

The plot is based on actual events, in the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the 1970s. Director Michael Apted also made a documentary, “Incident at Oglala”, that shows us the experiences he had while visiting that area in the 70s. Themes like drilling for uranium, illness amongst Indians because of the radiation in the water and the conflict between Indians and GOON’s were pictured in that documentary. The character of Jimmy Looks Twice is based on Indian activist Leonard Peltier, who was wrongfully accused for killing two FBI agents. It’s strange to see that those things are reality. It makes you feel guilty.

Another important theme in the movie is Ray’s inner struggle. Ray, an FBI agent with talent, has showed some impressive work. He is part Sioux Indian, from his father’s side. Because of Ray’s heritage, he is chosen to investigate this case. So he can easily connect with the Indians. But that’s not as easy as you might think. At first Ray is ashamed of being part Indian, but that later grows out into respect and pride.

Val Kilmer does a great job as FBI agent Ray Levoi, especially because he shows us that inner struggle so well. Funny detail: Kilmer is actually part Cherokee. We also see Sam Shepard as Frank Coutelle and Graham Greene as Walter Crow Horse. Both deliver a solid performance. Most surprising is maybe Ted Thin Elk who, as the 72-year old Grandpa Reaches, debuts in “Thunderheart”.

“Thunderheart” is a forgotten film, sadly enough. The movie has so many great elements and has a good, intelligent plot. If you haven’t seen it, please do and spread the word. More people should see “Thunderheart”.

Rating: 5 / 5

Book Review - Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay

Title: Horror Movie
Author: Paul Tremblay
Genre: Horror
Published: 2024
 
Description: In June 1993, a group of young filmmakers spent four weeks making “Horror Movie”, a notorious, disturbing, art-house horror flick.
 
The weird part? Only three of the film’s scenes were ever released to the public, but “Horror Movie” has nevertheless grown a rabid fan base. Three decades later, Hollywood is pushing for a big budget reboot.
 
The man who played ‘The Thin Kid’ is the only surviving cast member. He remembers all too well the secrets buried within the original screen play, the bizarre events of the filming, and the dangerous crossed lines on set that resulted in tragedy. As memories flood back in, the boundaries between reality and film, past and present start to blur. But he’s going to help remake the film, even if it means navigating a world of cynical producers, egomaniacal directors, and surreal fan conventions – demons of the past be damned.
 
Review: Paul Tremblay returns with a terrifying novel about the making of a movie and its effects on all who are involved.
 
We follow the story from the perspective of “The Thin Kid”. This is the name of the character that the further unnamed main character played in the original film from 1993. He was part of a film called “Horror Movie” that was never fully released, only three scenes made it to the audience. And the film has a large cult following. Now, 30 years later, the film is being rebooted and The Thin Kid is asked to be a part of it again. He is the only still living member of the cast and crew.
 
The story moves between then and now and the character speaks directly to the reader. Despite repeated warnings not to trust him, he leaves us readers spellbound by explaining the details of the original film and the current reboot. We also read the original screenplay and the filming of the scenes. The result: an exciting story with disturbing revelations.
 
It’s really difficult to fully explain what I read, but is a immersive reading experience. It was my first go at Paul Tremblay and I am totally in awe of his writing. I can’t wait to read more of his work. He totally broke me. His main character is sympathetic, but also sinister. The story build and twists itself until you get completely caught up in it. And when you hit the truly horrific part, you can’t turn back. And I loved the ending. Fucked up, but loved it.
 
Not for everyone, but I was told that it goes for all of Paul Tremblay’s books. I listened to the audiobook, which I can highly recommend. What a ride, still need to recover.
 
Rating: 4,5/ 5

20s Movie Review - Godzilla Minus One

Director: Takashi Yamazaki
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Drama
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Minami Hamabe, Ryunosuke Kamiki, Munetaka Aoki, Sakura Ando, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Yuki Yamada, Yuya Endo, Osuno Nakamura, Kisuke Ijda
 
Description: Post-war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb.

Review: “Godzilla Minus One” is as much a tribute to the original “Gojira” from 1954 as it is a contemporary update of the format. Homage, because Godzilla’s visual design bows to the original monster, minus the three-quarter of a century ago inevitable woodcut stop-motion.

Without notice, “Godzilla Minus One” hit theaters and suddenly appeared on Netflix in June 2024. Set in the country the creature originates from, Japan is just getting back on its feet after World War II. But the arrival of Godzilla threatens mass destruction once again. It is up to a former kamikaze pilot, who previously ran away from his duties, and some war veteran to stop the monster.

It's all done with the necessary visual spectacle, of course. Especially with a more limited budget, it’s amazing what they did with that. We have seen it before. But what makes this one stand out from the other “Godzilla” films is that it also manages to convince in its smaller, more melodramatic moments. The people are often the side characters in these monster movies, but here the focus is on them and their journey and their fight against Godzilla.

Even though it is unique in that matter, when I watch a movie about Godzilla, it’s Godzilla I want to see. It never bothered me that the human characters in these movies aren’t fully developed or might be a bit stereotypical or cliché. That’s not why I go see these films. So, having the focus on the people more did not work for me. And the ending of this film felt way to “Hollywood” for me, I did not like the ending.

I do get why people are raving about “Godzilla Minus One”, I did like it too. But not as much as most people. I personally prefer “Godzilla” from 2014.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Book Review - Every Vow You Break by Peter Swanson

Title: Every Vow You Break
Author: Peter Swanson
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery
Published: 2021
 
Description: Abigail Baskin never thought she’d fall in love with a millionaire. Then she met Bruce Lamb. But right before her wedding, Abigail has a drunken one-night stand one her bachelorette weekend. She puts this incident – and the sexy guy who wouldn’t give her his real name – out of her mind, and now believes she ants to be with Bruce for the rest of her life.
 
Then the mysterious stranger suddenly appears, and Abigail’s future life and happiness are turned upside down. He insists that their passionate night was the beginning of something special and he’s tracked her down to prove it.
 
Does she tell Bruce and ruin their idyllic honeymoon – and possibly their marriage? Or should she handle this psychopathic stalker on her own? To make the situation worse, strange things begin to happen.
 
Review: Abigail is about to get married to Bruce, a self-made millionaire. On her bachelorette party, in a very drunk mood, she sleeps with a stranger. He never gets his real name, but she calls him Scottie, while he calls her Madeline. Abigail intends to leave that one-night stand and the handsome stranger behind her, when a couple of days before she is about to get married, she received an e-mail from “Scottie”, telling her he believes they are meant to be. Abigail responds, thanking him for the compliment, but she is sure she will marry Bruce.
 
When Abigail and Bruce are on their honeymoon, “Scottie” is there too. Is he stalking her? And should she tell Bruce about him, before it turns for the worst? With that, strange things start happening on the island they are vacationing on.
 
I have read a few books by Peter Swanson and I’ve like them and loved a few as well. Swanson has a large backlist and I want to eventually read them all. “Every Vow You Break” unfortunately won’t end up on my favorites list. I did not like this book.
 
First of all, the characters. I didn’t like a single one of them. And I can deal with unlikeable characters. But not with characters that make dumb decisions, have strange motives and are simple impossible to relate to. Abigail cheated on her husband and I jut can’t root for someone like her, even though that’s what we are meant to do. Okay, she doesn’t deserve what eventually happens, but still.
 
I also never understood the relationship she has with Bruce. Other then the few sex scenes in the book, they show no form of love for each other. People around Abigail ask her if she is marrying him for this money, but I can’t really think of another reason either.
 
The book has some predictable twist, but also a really strong one. It was a good twist in the sense of, I didn’t see it coming. The whole twist itself was strange. I didn’t see the reason why the people involved did what they did, leading up to these events. The motives felt weird.
 
The one element I did really enjoy was the setting. I’m a sucker for a secluded location, where there is no cell phone reception and you’re cut-off from the rest of the world. That worked.
 
If I would ever recommend a Peter Swanson, this is not going to be the one. I’m sure there are many people who did love it, but I did not.
 
Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - A Ghost Story

Director: David Lowery
Genre: Drama/ Mystery/ Fantasy
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 24: A SILENT FILM OR ONE WITH MINIMAL DIALOGUE
 
Description: In the singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost (Casey Affleck) returns to his suburban home to try to reconnect with his bereft wife (Rooney Mara).

Review: With “Manchester by the Sea”, Case Affleck showed us how great of an actor he actually is. And he was awarded an Oscar for his role. On paper, “A Ghost Story” sounds like the perfect movie for someone like Affleck, because he can portray themes of grief and sorrow like no other. But director David Lowery decided to cover Affleck for the most part with a white sheet for this film.

The film starts with a couple, nameless. We follow them through some ordinary moments in their lives. But then the husband crashes his car and returns as a ghost (hence the white sheet). He watched his wife grief, but cannot make contact with her. Time passes and the wife moves one, while the husband is still under the sheet watching life pass him by.

Lowery opted for long takes in the film, which also includes hardly any talking. Initially, it all doesn’t look that special. But then very slowly the themes the film is really about begin to unfold. It’s not just about the wife and her grief, but about the husband and his experience in a world where time is relative. He is looking for puzzle pieces, things to cling to. The answer he is looking for unfolds like a mystery.
Rooney Mara plays the wife, she really impresses in the first part of the film. Her character fades to the background in the second half, to make way for Affleck. Not only is he good in the scenes we actually see him in, but the way he shapes the ghost is really impressive. Even though you don’t see a person and there is no speech, he manages to make a lot clear in terms of feeling though posture and movements. Great framing, fantastic camera work and a unique soundtrack.

“A Ghost Story” is a strange film and I never though I would love it as much as I did. It’s a beautiful film, where patience is rewarded.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

Movie Review - Sous la Seine

Director: Xavier Gens
Genre: Horror/ Thriller/ Action
Runtime: 104 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Bérénice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Aurélia Petit, Léa Léviant. Akesl Utsun, Marvin Dubart, Daouda Keita, Ibrahima Ba, Anne Marivin
 
Description: To save Paris from a bloodbath, a grieving scientist (Bérénice Bejo) is forced to face her tragic past when a giant shark appears in the Seine.

Review: Sharks, the horrors in the ocean that instill fear in many. They have been the fascination of filmmakers for years. To be viewed in all shapes ans sizes, from the great “Jaws” to the not-so-great “Sharknado” series. “Sous la Seine” falls in that last category I’m afraid. Entertaining but bad.

Sophia is researching a mackerel shark. When she and her crew seek out the shark, things go wrong. The shark in question, Lilith, has grown quite a bit. Unfortunately, Lilith has also taken on a temper and kills everyone but Sophia. Years later, Sophia works at an aquarium in Paris. One fateful day, Lilith is traced in the middle of the Seine river in Paris. Sophia alerts the police, but of course no one believes her.

And that’s understandable, because a shark in Paris is a non-sensical set-up. But one that can generate low-key fun. The reason why projects like this work is the fact that they don’t take themselves so seriously, and that’s where “Sous la Siene” misses the mark: its tone. It’s far too serious. It takes most of the fun out. And you do laugh, don’t get me wrong, but for the wrong reasons.

On top of that, there are some confusing themes crammed into the film without very good elaboration. Like a messy and unclear subplot about the climate crisis. A group of activists, SOS, oppose fishing and especially the killing of misunderstood sharks. They want to save Lilith, because she is misunderstood. But Lilith just happens to be a completely ruthless killing machine.

So is “Sous la Seine” exciting or even scary? No, not really. All the so-called suspense comes from people totally not listening to the very understandable advice and warnings from Sophia, who is specialized in sharks.

The film has one really brutal scene, in the catacombs of Paris, which was pretty awesome. I can’t deny that. But that’s about it. And it was entertaining, because even a bad shark movie is a fun time for me. Will there ever be a better shark movie then “Jaws”? Probably not. “Sous la Seine” most definitely isn’t.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

Book Review - The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

Title: The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels
Author: Janice Hallett
Genre: Mystery
Published: 2023
 
Description: Everyone knows the story of the Alperton Angels: the cult who brainwashed a teenage girl into believing her baby was the anti-Christ. When the girl came to her senses and called the police, the Angels committed suicide and mother and baby disappeared.
 
Now, true crime author Amanda bailey is looking to revive her career by writing a book on the case. The Alperton baby has turned eighteen; finding them will be the scoop of the year. But rival author Oliver Menzies is just as smart, better connected, and also on the baby’s trail.
 
As Amanda an Oliver are forced to collaborate, they realize that the truth about the Angels is much darker and stranger than they’d ever imagined, and in pursuit of the sotyr they risk becoming part of it.
 
Review: A safe. Within that safe is research material of true crime events. Je have to read the documents and make a decision: destroy them or deliver them to the police. The documents are about the Alperton Angels, a well-known cult that made a teenage girl believe her baby was the anti-Christ. Almost twenty years after the fact, crime author Amanda Bailey wants to write a book about the Angels. Because the Alperton baby has turned eighteen, they can finally be interviewed. If Amanda can find her. She believes she could have the scoop of the year if she manages to track down the baby. But her rival Oliver Menzies is just as smart and also after the story.
 
I was so impressed by Janice Hallett’s first book, “The Appeal”. I loved everything about it, but mainly enjoyed it because of the unique style (written for the most part in e-mails). Earlier this year I read “The Twyford Code” which I also liked, but this time the format didn’t really work for me (audio files transcribed to written text). For “The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels” Hallett decided to do it all in mixed media form. From text messages to e-mails, and parts from movie scripts to chapters of the book Amanda is writing. And I loved it!
 
The starting point is that you, the reader, have come in the possession of a key to a safe that contains all the documents Amanda had while working on the Alperton Angels story. A cult that was infamous for eventually dying in a mass suicide, with only a few survivors to tell the tell. Telling you more about the plot would be a shame. The less you know, the better.
 
Prepare for a wild ride of conspiracies, corruption, systematic failure in social care and personal vendetta with unexpected consequences. Even though you can predict some of the twists, you will never guess them all. And the ending especially.
 
There are many characters and several interweaving and connected plot points, so it will take you some time to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. But that’s the fun thing about this book. And again, just like her other books, the story and mystery is so well-crafted. Hallett’s writing is so clever. And I loved the ending, even though it gives you a bitter after taste. Maybe that’s why I like it so much.
 
Fans of mystery novels will definitely enjoy this. I know I did.
 
Rating: 5/ 5