Movie Review - Cocaine Bear

Director: Elizabeth Banks
Genre: Comedy/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Keri Russell, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Ray Liotta, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Margot Martindale, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristoffer Hivju, Hannah Hoekstra, Matthew Rhys
 
Description: An oddball groups of cops, criminals, tourist and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.

Review: Cheap slasher films of the 1980s had a plot as high quality as the budget. Nothing more was needed, it just had to be entertainment. This is also a slasher, set in the 80s, but this time is not a knifed killer on the loose, but a bear.

1985. A drug smuggles makes a mistake that causes hi to crash somewhere in a residential neighborhood. The bags full of cocaine he threw from the plane are now yup for grabs in the Appalachian Mountains. Only a drug lord knows about it and sends some people to get them. Meanwhile, a bear has stumbled upon the cocaine and becomes uninhibitedly addicted to it. All visitors to the preserve are a target.

Elizabeth Banks is a fine actress, in both serious and funny roles. For “Cocaine Bear” she took on the role of director. She has yet to proof herself as a director. “Pitch Perfect 2” was just okay and her version of the outdated TV-series “Charlie’s Angels” wasn’t well-received. “Cocaine Bear” is loads of fun, but it’s not the best movie you will see this year.

Banks does have a great cast to work with. Keri Russell is pretty good, as well as Ray Liotta, in one his last appearances. Margo Martindale is the funniest of the cast, as a park ranger.

This movie feels exactly like a drug trip: chaotic, wild and out of control. I believe it was a fun time, lots of laughs. Do not take it too seriously please, and you will enjoy it.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Killing Them Softly

Director: Andrew Dominik
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta, Sam Shepard, Max Casella

Description: Jacki Cogan (Brad Pitt) is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 33: A MOVIE THAT’S ON YOUR NETFLIX WATCHLIST
 
Review: In New Orleans, two not too savvy crooks rob an illegal poker night at the behest of an insignificant gangster. Thinking they can conveniently pin the blame on someone else, they have seriously underestimated the case. Soon they are being hunted by an experience hit man.

“Killing Them Softly” is a hard-hitting crime film, that flew under the radar when it came out. I believe more people should be talking about it. The film is often exciting and witty, but it is a bit too preachy at times, in its critique of American optimism. I think that’s the reason why it didn’t really impress a broader audience.

Rating: 3/ 5

90s Movie Review - Goodfellas

Director: Martin Scorsese
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 145 minutes
Year: 1990
Starring: Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Paul Sorvino, Frank Vincent, Frank DiLeo, Frank Adonis, Chuck Low, Mike Starr

Description: The story of Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) and his life in the mob, covering his relationship with his wife Karen Hill (Lorraine Bracco) and his mob partners Jimmy Conway (Robert De Niro) and Tommy DVito (Joe Pesci) in the Italian-American crime syndicate.

Review: Every movie about the mafia has to deal with the fact that it will be compared to “The Godfather”. Director Martin Scorsese shows us his view on the mob in “Goodfellas”. Less drama, more street.
Ray Liotta is an excellent lead. As Henry Hill he is an opportunist, who does the dirty jobs for others and Liotta convinces you that Hill is also lurid and immoral enough to do it. Robert De Niro knows this as no other, and he cast perfectly as predator Jimmy. Supported by Joe Pesci, as psychotic Tommy De Vito. Maybe the most memorable role in “Goodfellas”.
 The first part of the movie is just genious. We see a young half Irish/ half Italian Henry, who starts working his way into the New York mob. We meet the most important people in this world. When Henry is older, the movie gets more violent. And I don’t mind that, I kinda like it. 
I think “Goodfellas” is one of the best movies Martin Scorsese has directed and one of my favorites that Robert De Niro has starred in. In the genre of mob movies it’s definitely high on the list. A true classic, with status.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - Hubie Halloween

Director: Steve Brill
Genre: Comedy/ Horror
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2020
Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Kevin James, Rob Scheider, Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, June Squibb, Noah Schnapp, Maya Rudolph, Tim Meadows, Michael Chiklis, Kenan Thompson, Shaquille O’Neill, Ben Stiller, Jackie Sandler, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler

Description: Despite his devotion to his hometown of Salem, Hubie Dubois (Adam Sandler) is a figure of mockery for kids and adults alike. But this year, something is going bump in the night, and it’s up to Hubie to save Halloween.  

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2020 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 43: A HORROR COMEDY

Review: Adam Sandler joked that if he didn’t get an Oscar for “Uncut Gems” he would intentionally make a bad comedy. He kept his word, because here is “Hubie Halloween”.
Every now and then Adam Sandler makes a serious movie and shows everyone what a good actor he can be. With movies like “Punch-Drunk Love”, “Funny People” and “The Meyerowitz Stories” he won the hearts of the critics. With “Uncut Gems”, which is probably his best performance and movie to date, he even had a chance to win an Oscar. On Howard Stern’s radio show, Sandler joked that he would take revenge with a really bad movie, if he didn’t win. Sandler never even got a nomination, which is a damn shame. So out of ‘vengeance’, he made “Hubie Halloween”.
It is a typical Adam Sandler comedy. Weird mouth, funny voice, poop jokes and all of his actor friends.
In terms of story, “Hubie Halloween” isn’t much either. Sandler plays adult child Hubie Dubois, the village idiot. He is seen as annoying and a loser and hated by the entire town, when he is actually one of the nicest people out there. Hubie doesn’t care about what others think and always wants to help people. And with his favorite holiday Halloween coming up, he’s got his eyes open. Because things will get freaky this year, but no one believes Hubie.
An old acquaintance of Hubie has escaped from the madhouse, his new neighbor has a dark secret and several residents of Salem are kidnapped. Hubie alerts the police, but no one takes him seriously. So Hubie has to solve it himself.
“Hubie Halloween” is a wink to some of Sandler’s other movies. Ben Stiller is in the opening scene, as the mean nurse from “Happy Gilmore” and his former co-star Julie Bowen from that same movie is also in it. There is a reference to Canteen Boy, a character he played on “Saturday Night Live”, and the film is filled with many of Sandler’s friends: Steve Buscemi, Rob Schneider, Kevin James. Even his wife and kids have roles.
Don’t take it all to seriously, then “Hubie Halloween” might be more enjoyable. It has some funny details, like the running gag of Hubie’s mother’s obscene shirts and women dressing up as Harley Quinn. But apart from that, the humor never exceeds the level of a screaming Adam Sandler.
It's not one of his worst movies, but Adam Sandler sure as hell made a lot better comedies. “Hubie Halloween” just feels effortless. I think, with a better script and jokes it could have been a lot funnier.

Rating: 2 / 5

Movie Review - Marriage Story

Director: Noah Baumbach
Genre: Drama/ Comedy/ Romance
Runtime: 136 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Merritt Weaver, Julia Hagerty, Wallace Shawn

Description: Noah Baumbach’s incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.

Review: “Marriage Story” follows the story of two young parents in a divorce. Their flame is as good as out. She wants this and he wants that. And with a child between them, their divorce is not the same as simply ‘not being in love anymore’. It’s all a bit more complex.
For director Noah Baumbach this is familiar territory. Some time ago, the filmmaker himself, was separated from actress Jennifer Jason Leigh. Although we should never automatically blame the filmmaker for these fictitious events, “Marriage Story” seems to be an obvious look over Baumbach’s shoulder. In “Marriage Story” he flirts very sympathetically with his own story: that of a director and an actress who are in a divorce.
At the beginning of the film, both are instructed by a mediator to write down the good things about each other. He about her and she about him. About their peculiarities, parenting and other qualities. But to read the story aloud for her almost-ex (something like ‘the opposite of a fiancée) goes a little too far for Nicole. She leaves the session stamping het feet and yells at Charlie and the mediator, because they ‘get along so well’.
This comical and dramatic opening scene sets the tone of what is to com: bizarre (but realistic), sentimental (but cheerful) and intense (but also warm-hearted) scenes from a broken marriage. Slowly but surely their relationship becomes one of subpoenas, lawyers and guardianship issues, not knowing that they are pushing each other so closely into a corner.
Like other Baumbach films, “Marriage Story” is also full of lightness and healthy irony. More than enough in fact: Woody Allen is emphatically echoing in this wonderful work, including razor-sharp dialogues and long, uninterrupted scenes. Johansson and Driver form a perfect couple. Even though, ironically enough, they are in a divorce.
Because “Marriage Story” is undeniably supported by their acting skills and those of the rest of the cast (especially the two spirited divorce lawyers, played by Laura Dern and Ray Liotta). The happiness and misfortune that Charlie and Nicole experience at a wild pace, feels very natural and is beautifully captured by clever direction. The fact that Charlie enters the stage of melancholy mood and picks up the microphone to sing “Being Alive” by Stephen Sondheim, fits in perfectly with the film. This scene, and the ‘big fight’ between Charlie and Nicole, where the best moments of the film.
And even if it’s about a divorce: according to Baumbach, it’s worth looking at the wedding story just then. Do that too.
“Marriage Story” is one of the best films of 2019m I just can’t fault it.

Rating: 5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Muppets Most Wanted

Director: James Bobin
Genre: Comedy/ Adventure/ Family/ Musical/ Crime
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, Ty Burrell, Zack Galifianakis, Tom Hiddleston, Ray Liotta, Danny Trejo, Christoph Waltz, Josh Groban, Céline Dion, Peter Serafinowicz, Usher Raymond, Salma Hayek, Stanley Tucci, Lady Gaga, Chloë Grace Moretz, Hugh Bonneville, Tom Hollander

Description: While on a grand world tour, The Muppets find themselves wrapped into an European jewel-heist caper headed by a Kermit the Frog look-alike and his dastardly sidekick.

Review: In 2010 The Muppets made their comeback with an amazing film that was filled with humor, emotion and great music. Off course there had to be another sequel, hoping for that same success.
In “Muppets Most Wanted” the Muppets go on a world tour, led by Dominic. They don’t know that Dominic actually has some evil plans, he is the right hand of Constantine, the most dangerous frog in the world and Kermit’s doubleganger. During the tour, Dominic makes sure Kermit and Constantine switch places. Constantine will tour with the Muppets and Kermit will be send to the Goelag. This way Constantine and Dominic can plan big heists in each city the visit.
The movie starts with a fun song about sequels, mocking Hollywood and themselves. Sequels are never as good, but bring in the money. This is also the fact for “Muppets Most Wanted”. It’s never the same level as “ The Muppets” from 2011. It’s still a fun movie, with lots of humorous moments and fun cameos. And the songs are fun too.
I likes Ricky Gervais as villain Dominic and I especially loved Ty Burrell as the French Interpol agent. And I have to admit, The Muppets always make me smile. No matter what.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 65: The Iceman

Director: Ariel Vromen

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Michael Shannon, Winona Ryder, Chris Evans, Ray Liotta, David Schwimmer, Stephen Dorff, James Franco, Robert Davi, Danny A. Abeckaser, John Ventimiglia, Ryan O’Nan, McKaly Miller, Megan Sherrill, Hecktor Hank, Zoran Radanovich, Shira Vilensky, Kelly Lind, John P. Fertitta, Erin Cummings

Description: The true story of Richard Kuklinski (Michael Shannon), the notorious contract killer and family man. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife (Winona Ryder) nor daughters have any clue about his real profession.

Review: Hundreds of people lost their lives to relentless hitman Richard Kuklinksi aka The Iceman. In the adaptation of this story director Ariel Vromen choose Michael Shannon to portray Kuklinski. And with also Ray Liotta, Chris Evans, Winona Ryder and a small role from James Franco, this looks like a promising film. It’s the acting that makes this movie interesting, not the plot.

Working for various criminal originations Kuklinski kills almost 250 people (according to himself). This is combined with the confrontations about honor, trust and loyalty within the criminal world. Besides this dark life he is living, Kuklinski has a loving wife and two daughters, who know nothing about his job. This gets the audience in the situation where we see him as a cold blooded killer and as a loving husband and father.

Michael Shannon is a perfect choice for this role. His appearance makes it very believable and he is genuinely scary is a hitman. Like I said before, the acting in this movie is very strong. It’s better than the movie itself. Which doesn’t mean that it’s bad, because it’s a very enjoyable film. But not a movie that you will remember for a long time.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 105: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For

Director: Robert Rodriguez, Frank Miller

Genre: Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 103 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Mickey Rourke, Jessica Alba, Josh Brolin, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rosario Dawson, Bruce Willis, Eva Green, Powers Boothe, Dennis Haysbert, Ray Liotta, Christopher Meloni, Jeremy Piven, Christopher Lloyd, Jamie King, Juno Temple, Stacy Keach, Marton Csokas, Jamie Chung

Description: Some of Sin City's most hard-boiled citizens cross paths with a few of its more reviled inhabitants.

Review: “Sin City”(2005), the original adaptation of Frank Miller’s successful graphic novel, was a dark telling of the underworld of the society in the fictive town Basin City. Especially the style of the film caught everyone’s eye. The sequel adds the 3D effect and makes it an experience again.

Like the first movie “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For” is a beautifully made movie. The film noir style is clearly present, the contrast of the black and white and sometimes the color of green eyes, golden blond hair and red lips looks amazing again. The violence is grotesque and the narration feels gloomy and raw, filled with memorable one-liners. Animation and live-action are combined. The 3D effect gives more depth and it really adds something extra to the movie experience. Everything together makes this movie a joy to watch.

Some might feel that the story is much of the same, but to me there was never a moment of boredom. I never expected it to top “Sin City” but it came damn close. Exactly what I expected from “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 12: The Place Beyond the Pines

Director: Derek Cianfrance
Genre: Drama/Crime
Runtime: 140 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Mendes, Bradley Cooper, Rose Byrne, Ray Liotta, Dane DeHaan, Bruce Greenwood, Ben Mendelsohn

Description: A motorcycle stunt rider (Ryan Gosling) turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover (Eva Mendes) and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop (Bradley Cooper) navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective.

Review: We follow the stories of Luke and Avery. Luke is a motorcycle stunt rider, who finds out he has a son. He wants to be a part of his life and he decides to rob banks to support his son and the mother Romina. Luke is confronted with the idealistic cop Avery. One decision changes their lives completely.
The movie is divided in three parts: Luke, Avery and their sons. It’s a pretty long movie, which you only feel in the last part of it. Especially the first part is fantastic. The part with the sons is a good addition to the story, but it could have been a bit shorter.
We know director Derek Cianfrance from his intenste drama “Blue Valentine”. Ryan Gosling had a strong performance there and in “The Place Beyond the Pines” he shows that again. He’s the best part of the film. His character Luke is an anti-hero, with a body full of tattoos and who keeps people at a distance. The combination of his vulnerability and his tough image make his character interesting. Bradley Cooper has been doing some great things too, although his performance isn’t as memorable as in “Silver Linings Playbook”. Eva Mendes gives away her best performance so far, as the mother of Luke’s son.
“The Place Beyond the Pines” is a beautiful drama about choices, fathers and sons. Derek Cianfrance confirms with this movie that he’s an exceptional filmmaker.

Rating: 4/ 5