90s Movie Review - Random Hearts

Director: Sydney Pollack
Genre: Drama/ Romance/ Mystery
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kristin Scott Thomas, Charles S. Dutton, Bonnie Hunt, Dennis Haysbert, Sydney Pollack, Richard Jenkins, Paul Guilfoyle, Peter Coyote, Dylan Baker, Bill Cobbs, Kate Mara

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 46: A FILM FROM YOUR TEEN YEARS
 
Description: Police Seargeant Dutch Van den Broeck (Harrison Ford) and U.S. Representative Kay Chandler (Kristin Scott Thomas) lose their spouses in a plane crash, and they soon discover that their partners were having an affair with each other.

Review: The wife of tough Internal Affairs Sergeant Dutch was killed in a plane crash, as was the husband of politician Kay. Kay and Dutch find out that their spouses were sitting next to each other on the plane, but were also having an affair. Dutch wants to find out why.

On paper, this film sounds interesting. But in practice, it doesn’t work. Mainly because it does not really know in which direction it wants to go. At first, it’s a drama. Two people losing their other half in a tragic accident. Then it turns into a mystery, when they are trying to discover why they were on that plane and why Dutch’s wife didn’t use her real name. And eventually some romance is sprinkled in as well. And it has some strange side-plot of this case that Dutch is working on, that has nothing to do with the actual plot. It just feels very messy. And it’s also very boring, especially given that this film is over two hours long.

Great cast, making the best of it. But really a dull film with little to interest me.

Rating: 2/ 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

TV Show Review - Dahmer (MIni Series)

Season: Mini Series
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 10
Year: 2022
Starring: Evan Peters, Richard Jenkins, Molly Ringwald, Niecy Nash, Michael Beach, Penelope Ann Miller  

Description: Story of the Milwaukee Monster told from the perspective of the victims and police incompetence that allowed the Winsconsin native to go on a multiyear killing spree.  

Review: To say that the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was downright complex is almost an understatement. His childhood was dominated by bickering parents, which eventually ended in divorce. His mother Joyce was addicted to pills and cared only for Jeffrey’s younger brother David. His father Lionel was caring but unwittingly planted a murderous seeded by pulling a four-year-old Jeffrey out of his isolation by getting him interested in dead (road kill) animals. Later in life, Jeffrey became an alcoholic and was thrown out of the army. On top of that, Jeffrey discovered his sexuality, being interested in men. His first of a total of seventeen murders still happened when he took a hitchhiker home and knocked him down when he would not respond to his advances. That’s where the killing began. In addition, Jeffrey Dahmer also got aroused by the shiny sight of internal organs and sometimes ate (parts of) his victims.

When you read this, it makes some people’s stomachs already turn. I understand. And many people who eventually saw the series, could agree. This type of serial killer story could be easily turned into a gory story, showing all the horrors Dahmer has done, in full color. But the creators of this series leave a lot up to your imagination. You know what’s happening, but it’s never displayed fully. There are sounds, visuals and descriptions of smells, that may suggest certain things. And I thought this was a great way to tell this story. In a way, it’s very subtle. There were only two scenes that made me a little sick, but I’ve seen it done way more gruesome in other movies or series.

The other thing I loved about this series, is that it’s not you typical biographical story, about how a serial killer became who he became. We follow the story through different points of view. And especially from the sixth episode on, this show does this in the best way possible. We see the story from the perspective of a victim and his family, the next door neighbor that had been calling the police for a long time before they eventually took action and Jeffrey Dahmer’s father. You see what effect Dahmer’s actions had on the different lives.   

Most credit, when it comes to performances, should of course go to Evan Peters. He really gets into character and I can’t imagine how difficult of a role this would be to play. I sure hope he plays a more happier role next. But high praise to Niecy Nash too, who played next door neighbor Glenda.
Whenever there is a portrayal of a non-fictional character, even when evil, makers always try to make him human and try to give also focus on a more sympathetic side. But Dahmer never becomes sympathetic.

I do understand the controversy that comes with this series. Dahmer’s family, the family of the victims, it feels like they are exploited and they have to relive this traumatic experience. But isn’t that with every true story being turned into a movie or series? And if you can’t deal with this theme, just don’t watch it. I believe “Dahmer” was a really strong series, depicting the story in a unique way.   

00s Movie Review - Burn After Reading

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 96 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, Richard Jenkins, J.K. Simmons

Description: A disk containing mysterious information from a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous and daft gym employees (Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand) who attempt to sell it.

Review: “Burn After Reading” is a comedy from the Coen Brothers that is unpredictable, has a sharp sense of language and characters that will stay with you.
Linda Litzke is an employee of a fitness club who is desperately seeking funding for the plastic surgery she deems indispensable. Her co-worker Chad Feldheimer is all sunshine: a dorky guy who thinks he’s smart, a sports fanatic with a penchant for the word shit. Then there is the fired, alcoholic CIA agent Osbourne Cox, his ice-cold wife, and the sex-obsessed Harry Pfarrer, who sleeps with just about every female character.  
Basically, the plot is simple: Osbourne Cox loses a copy of his memoir. Linda and Chad mistake it for top secret information and try to get something for it, any way they can. But of course, all sorts of things go wrong, the entanglements become increasingly complicated and surreal, and no one, not even the CIA, has a clue what’s actually happening.
“Burn After Reading” is populated with stupid, selfish people, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t any affection for them. And while doesn’t have a clear moral message, it is a film where moral issues come up. A film that seems a bit superficial, but has much more to say about it than you might think. You could even call it a satire.  
But more important than deeper layers and meanings, of course, with a comedy is always: it it funny? The answer is yes, but those expecting one thigh-slapping joke after another will be disappointed. This is partly because the film is filmed fairly straightforwardly. And it’s more the characters and their actions that are funny. A movie by the Coen Brothers that is very overlooked.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - The Hollars

Director: John Krasinski
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: John Krasinski, Anna Kendrick, Margo Martindale, Sharlto Copley, Richard Jenkins, Randall Park, Josh Groban, Charlie Day, Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Description: John (John Krasinski) returns to his small hometown after learning that his mother has fallen ill and is about to undergo surgery.

Review: In “The Hollars” we meet John Hollar, who returns to his family home after his mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor. His pregnant girlfriend stays ack in New York. When he comes home, he walks into his ex-girlfriend and has to face the trouble he has with his brother and father.
The film shows the life of an everyday family, each member with their own problems. Because the family isn’t extremely rich and maybe even closer to being poor, people can easily identify with them. The problems the Hollar family is dealing with, are ones that we can have and it makes the film realistic.
Although the film touches a very heavy theme, the humor is still there. Very dry humor, just how I like it. In the 80 minute runtime, we see a lot of different emotions. It’s not a lame comedy, it is in balance with the drama. But never gets to sobby (even though I cried).
The acting is great. John Krasinksi, who also directs this film, takes on the lead and does a wonderful job. I’ve always loved Krasinski and roles like this are perfect for him. The same goes for Anna Kendrick. Richard Jenkins and Sharlto Copley are fantastic as well, ad John father and brother. But it’s Margo Martindale that steals the show. She is so amazing. And with all this star power, I don’t understand why this film was so overlooked.
The story doesn’t follow the standard paths and it has some surprising moments. The storyline of John’s ex-girlfriend is added, but it could have been left out. At least the moments between John and her. The ones between John and Gwen’s new husband are fun.
This is the genre I love the most, a good mix of drama and comedy. And it was very well executed. I really loved “The Hollars”.

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - The Cabin in the Woods

Director: Drew Goddard
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Kristen Connolly, Richard Jenkins, Bradley Whitford, Jesse Williams, Fran Kranz, Anna Hutchison, Brian White, Amy Acker, Jodelle Ferland, Chelah Horsdal, Tom Lenk, Monique Ganderton, Richard Cetrone, Dan Payne

Description: Five friends go for a break at a remote cabin in the woods, where they get more than they bargained for. Together, they must discover the truth behind the cabin in the woods.

Review: I’m always sceptic when the makers of a movie tell us it’s an unique or innovative film, because they are more often a lie than the truth. I also had that feeling when the makers of “Cabin in the Woods’, Drew Goddard and Joss Whedon, told us that. The slogan ‘you think you know the story, you think you know the place, think again’ sounds like any other horror movie. But “Cabin in the Woods” is different, because it is not like any other horror movie. It’s probably one of the better ones of the past years.
At first sight, nothing special happens in “Cabin in the Woods”. Five friends go to a cabin to relax and party. It’s nothing that has never been done before. And then there are the characters. Curt ad Jules are the louder characters, Holden and Dana are more serious and the fifth one, Marty, is stoned all the time. Marty has his own view on the world, which makes him the odd one out and a great addition to the otherwise stereotypical characters in horror flicks.
But something more is going on, because as soon as the group arrives at the cabin they are like rats in a trap. When they enter the basement, they bring some evil spirits back to life without even knowing it. From that moment on the movie takes a different turn. When we think the five friends are going into a long and predictable survival for life, it’s something completely unexpected. And it gets very bloody. Although gallons of blood flows, it’s never disgusting. It’s sometimes funny instead of gory.
If you’re a fan of horror movies, and you want something different for a change, “Cabin in the Woods” is definitely that movie for you. Surprisingly good, with humor and twists. I enjoy it every time.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - The Shape of Water

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Drama/ Fantasy
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon, Richard Jenkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones, Lauren Lee Smith

Description: At a top secret research facility in the 1960s, a lonely janitor (Sally Hawkins) forms a unique relationship with an amphibious creature that is being held in captivity.

Review: “The Shape of Water” is a fairytale, a version of “Beauty and the Beast” and a reverse version of “The Little Mermaid”. Nothing wrong with that, because there is more to it then just that. Guillermo del Toro’s story of the special band between a vulnerable woman and a amphibious creature has so much depth and substance. And the real question here is, who is the actual monster? The mysterious creature we know nothing about, the scientists, the government?
A central theme here is, when you’re different, you just don’t belong. And that’s why the aquatic creature and cleaner Elisa, who can’t speak, feel so connected. They don’t belong, they are the odd ones out in a crowd. They are different.
But Guillermo del Toro goes much deeper. “The Shape of Water” is set in the early 60s. a period where the Russians were the enemies, people look down on the black community and homosexuality is still not fully accepted. And when these elements pass in the film, it strengthens the bond between Elisa and the creature.
Because society is so hard on them, Elisa and her gay friend Giles have to fight even harder. But there is still room to dream. Like Giles, who buys the most disgusting pie over and over again, just to have a chat with that handsome bartender.
Elisa’s friend and co-worker Zelda is her voice. She is sassy and doesn’t leave anything unspoken. But at home she has a man who doesn’t do a thing and she also suffers under the white doctrine.
“The Shape of Water” is at its best when Elisa seeks contact with the creature. It starts with a look in its eyes, then feeding him a hard boiled egg and followed by light touching and learning him sign language.
Del Toro also pays a homage to the golden years of Hollywood. Giles watches and listens to the stars and composer Alexander Desplat composed a beautiful score.
Doug Jones was the man who had to sit in make-up for hours to become the creature in the water. Del Toro was inspired by “Creature from the Black Lagoon”.
“The Shape of Water” is nominated for thirteen Academy Awards, for me not the typical Oscar movie. Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy drama, a fairytale. This is why I love movies.

Rating: 5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 44 - Kong: Skull Island

Director: Jordan Vogt-Roberts
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, Brie Larson, John C. Reilly, John Goodman, Toby Kebbell, Thomas Mann, Richard Jenkins

Description: A team of scientists explore an uncharted island in the Pacific, venturing into the domain of the mighty Kong, and must fight to escape a primal Eden.

Review: The iconic King Kong has had a full life. In 1933 he started building the Empire State Building. In 1976 there was the first official remake, although the story was different. And Peter Jackson did another try in 2005, with an amazing looking remake that was closer to the original story, but had a lot of extra elements. “Kong: Skull Island” has nothing to do with the original story. it’s a complete new story and has a stunning cast.
“Kong: Skull Island” has a lot of elements for a big blockbuster. It’s action packed, entertaining and it has big monsters. And Kong is who we want to see. But for monster movies, it’s always more exciting and scary if you don’t know what’s lurking in the woods. Kong is shown way to soon, completely. The element of surprise is gone. And in the first half of the film, the makers try to put way too much into the film. All sorts of creatures turn up and they eventually don’t have any purpose, beside just showing us a big ass creature.
The second half of the film is much better. The focus is more on Kong, his battle against the so called Skull Crawlers and how he wants to protect his land.
The characters are disposable. Besides John C. Reilly, who is the only one with any substance and a backstory, is the showstealer. Tom Hiddleston (who looks incredibly hot in this film BTW), Brie Larson and John Goodman are amazing actors, but they really don’t have anything to do. That’s due to the writing, not to their performances. Samuel L. Jackson’s character is also interesting, even though he is one of the most unlikeable characters ever. But he does have substance.
“Kong: Skull Island” is a bit disappointing. It was one of my most anticipating films of 2017, but I wasn’t satisfied at the end. The first half was messy, the second half made up for that a bit. It leaves you with mixed feelings at the end. Is “Kong: Skull Island” a bad movie? No. Could it have been better? A lot!

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 163: Stealing Harvard

Director: Bruce McCulloch
Genre: Comedy/ Crime
Runtime: 85 minutes
Year: 2002
Starring: Jason Lee, Leslie Mann, Tom Green, Dennis Farina, Megan Mullally, John C. McGinley, Richard Jenkins, Martin Starr, Chris Penn

Description: A middle-class man (Jason Lee) turns to a life of crime in order to finance his niece's first year at Harvard University.

Review: The plot for “Stealing Harvard” is as simple as the film itsel. John once made a primuse to us niece, that if she ever got accepted to college, he would pay for it. When the time arrives, he just got the that money. But he is about to marry his fiancée and buy a house. To keep his promise to his niece, he asks his loser friend Duff for help.
The film isn’t as bad as I would think, especially since it stars Tom Green. Jason Lee plays a likeable character, somewhat reminding me of his character Earl in “My Name is Earl”. Some other supporting roles are for Leslie Mann, Megan Mullally and John C. McGinley, which are fun as well. Tom Green is, as always, over the top and not that funny. At least I don’t find his humor that laughable.
It’s okay, the movie is easy to sit through, but also pretty forgettable.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 58: Bone Tomahawk

Director: S. Craig Zahler
Genre: Western/ Horror
Runtime: 132 minutes
Year: 2015
Starring: Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, Matthew Fox, David Arquette, Fred Melamed, Kathryn Morris

Description: Four men set out in the Wild West to rescue a group of captives from cannibalistic cave dwellers.

Review: When the film starts, it looks just like your standard western. About the eternal fight between the cowboys and Indians. But this film has a horror twist and it feels very refreshing. In the opening we get a glimpse of the horror, but we still don’t really know what it is the men are afraid of. Next we meet the leading characters. The wife of one of them is abdicted. Husband Arthur and Sheriff Hunt go on a quest for her, together with two other men.
The first hour is pretty slow, but has a good buildup. The second half of the film is a lot more serious and has some serious horror moments in it. Not for the weak stomach I can tell you.
The cast is really good. Kurt Russell as the sheriff. Matthew Fox does a good job too as Brooder. Patrick Wilson is really strong as Arthur, but Richard Jenkins is the star in my opinion. His performance is really good.
“Bone Tomahawk”had to work on a budget and this doesn’t show. The film stayed pretty much under the radar, I hadn’t heard of it ‘till a few weeks ago. A great combination of western and horror.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 96: A.C.O.D.

Director: Stu Zicherman

Genre: Comedy

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Adam Scott, Richard Jenkins, Catherine O’Hara, Jane Lynch, Amy Poehler, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jessica Alba

Description: Carter (Adam Scott) is a grown man caught in the crossfire of his parents' 15-year divorce discovers he was unknowingly part of a study on divorced children and is enlisted in a follow-up years later, which wreaks new havoc on his family.

Review: In America the chance of a marriage ending is fifty percent. At least that’s what the beginning of this movie tells us. A.C.O.D. stands for Adult Children of Divorce and the successful Carter is the classic example of that. Always the mediator between his parents, trying to get their approval and always insecure. Then he discovers a book written by a child psychologist, and he is one of the subjects. When Carter’s brother is getting married, he needs his parents to act civil around each other.

Carter’s personality crisis is told in a light fashion and is never dull. This is director Stu Zicherman’s debut film and scenarist Ben Karlin wrote episodes of “Modern Family”. Together they manage to get some good jokes and funny dialogues. Adam Scott fulfills his leading role very well, but it’s his on screen parents Richard Jenkins and Catherine O’Hara that give “A.C.O.D.” the living color. And also Jane Lynch, as psychologist Dr. Judith, steals the show.

There is a good balance between comedy and drama, but towards the end it’s losing that balance. It gets more serious and is trying to go a bit deeper. The humor doesn’t have the edge like a satire, so it doesn’t work.

“A.C.O.D.” is an enjoyable film, a pretty good debut by Stu Zicherman. Sadly it didn’t manage to keep that same level the entire runtime, but it’s still a fun film.

Rating: 3/ 5