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

Movie Review - Top Gun: Maverick

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Genre: Action/ Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Ed Harris, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro, Glen Powell, Bashir Salahuddin, Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez, Lewis Pullman
 
Description: After thirty years, Maverick (Tom Cruise) is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

Review: It’s been years since Pete “Maverick” Mitchell attended pilot training at TOP GUN. By now he is an old hand in the business and has often been awarded for his heroic actions, but has never risen in rank. This is in contrast to his old rival and friend Iceman, who has become and Admiral. Iceman is the one standing up for Maverick, ensuring that he can return to TOP GUN. However, this time as an instructor to train a group of graduates for a dangerous secret mission. Not being eager to do so, Maverick does return and trains the group, but uses unorthodox methods. One of the pilots in the group is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s deceased co-pilot Goose. Rooster resents maverick a great deal and that makes things more complicated. When the mission is suddenly brought forward, Maverick doesn’t know if the group is ready for it.

In recent years, a number of sequels have been made to classic movies from the 1980s and 1990s. Most don’t really succeed and are merely there for nostalgia reasons. I was sceptic about “Top Gun: Maverick”, I didn’t think we need this sequel. I always liked the movie, but after a recent rewatch after many years, I realized “Top Gun” doesn’t really hold up. But boy was I wrong about this sequel. “Top Gun: Maverick” is the sequel I didn’t think I needed.

The character of Maverick has grown, but he is still reckless and always seeks out the borders and ways to cross them. But here Maverick feels more raw, realistic and someone you can actually care about, what I didn’t really feel in the original. I loved seeing Val Kilmer return, in a brief role, but the rivalry they used to have turned into a beautiful friendship, which is very visible in that one scene they have. Kelly McGillis doesn’t return, there is no explanation about where her character is. But it didn’t bother me at all, because I didn’t really care about her character anyway. Jennifer Connolly is Maverick’s new love-interest, whose character is mentioned briefly in “Top Gun” is you pay close attention.

And talking about perfect casting: Miles Teller as Rooster, the son of Maverick’s deceased co-pilot Goose. It’s totally believable. His character is angry and insecure, which brings an extra obstacle to Maverick’s return to TOP GUN.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is a very successful sequel to a cheesy and enjoyable 80s movie, that easily tops its original. It’s much better. And its best they stay with only the one sequel, because this is a perfect ending to Maverick’s story. One of my favorite films of the year.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

80s Movie Review - Top Gun

Director: Tony Scott
Genre: Action/ Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 1986
Starring: Tom Cruise, Anthony Edwards, Kelly McGillis, Tom Skerritt, Val Kilmer, Michael Ironside, Tim Robbins, Meg Ryan,

Description: As students at the united States Navy’s elite fighter weapons school compete to be best in the class, one daring young pilot (Tom Cruise) learns a few things from a civilian instructor (Kelly McGillis) that are not taught in the classroom.

Review: Lt. Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell and his wingman and friend Lt. Nick ‘Goose’ Bradshaw are among the best fighter pilots in the Navy. Despite their reckless, dangerous behavior and failure to follow orders, they are sent to Top Gun: an elite school for the Navy’s best fighter pilot, who receive extra-heavy training here.

Maverick is also a great charmer, throwing all his charms into the fray the first night to get attention of an attractive lady. The next day she turns out to be the instructor Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood. Charlie is particularly interested in Maverick because he and Goose are the only ones who have been in contact with a Mig-28 in the air. But gradually, Charlie and Maverick fall in love with each other.

“Top Gun” is the epitome of a delightfully macho, cheesy eighties popcorn flick. A film that, many years later, isn’t as great as in the 80s. The film is impressive though because of two elements: the stunning flight scenes and the soundtrack.

When I first saw this movie, in the 90s probably, I was madly in love with Tom Cruise’s Maverick. Now, I realize that he is kind of a dick and that Val Kilmer’s character Iceman, who is portrayed as the antagonist, is absolutely right about Maverick. And the fact that Charlie is very clear with her statement of not dating students, she falls in love with Maverick fairly quick. They’ve only had like three conversations.

But that’s just me nitpicking. I still enjoy watching this film and this is pure 80s fun.

Rating: 3/ 5

90s Movie Review - Heat

Director: Michael Mann
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 171 minutes
Year: 1995
Starring: Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer, Jon Voight, Tom Sizemore, Amy Brenneman, Ashley Judd, Mykelti Williamson, Ted Levine, Dennis Haysbert, William Fichtner, Natalie Portman

Description: A group of professional bank robbers start to feel the heat from police when they unknowingly leave a clue at their latest heist.

Review: “Heat” is directed by Michael Mann and stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The film has a good mix of action, crime, tension, romance and drama.
The title “Heat” refers to the heat you feel when the cops are just around the corner. Neil McCauley’s (Robert De Niro) life motto is that you should live a life that you can leave behind in 30 seconds. The heat comes from Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino), a detective who spends his days tracking down thugs.
When you see a professional at work in a movie, you easily sympathize that character. Even if it’s an unscrupulous serial killer, if he’s good at what he does and you see it through his eyes. In “Heat” they use this. McCauley and his gang and Hanna are all very good at what they do. Add the natural charisma both actors have and it’s really hard to pick a side in this cat and mouse game.
Besides the well-known elements in a gangster movie, director Mann shows us a different side of the leading characters. Workaholic Vincent Hanna is in a relationship that won’t work, because he’s never home and he has a stepdaughter with psychological problems. Neil McCauley falls in love with a woman, but can’t tell her the truth about how he makes a living. Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer)  is a gambling addict and the woman he loves (Ashley Judd) is cheating on him.  
The original story and the fabulous performances make “Heat” a breathtaking action thriller, one of the best in the genre.

Rating: 5/ 5

 

10s Movie Review - The Snowman

Director: Tomas Alfredson
Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Charlotte Gainsbourg, J.K. Simmons, Val Kilmer, Toby Jones, James D’Arcy, Chloë Sevigny

Description: Detective Harry Hole (Michael Fassbender) investigates the disappearance of a woman whose scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman

Review: Every once in a while, a film is planned that can’t fail, at least on paper. “The Snowman” is based on a popular best-selling novel. It has a director who delivered succesful movies and a cast that understands its craft. So what can go wrong? Well, I don’t know what went wrong, but “The Snowman” is a terrible movie.
“The Snowman” is the first film based on a populat book series starring detective Harry Hole. Good ad his job, but bad in getting his personal life together. He has a struggling relationship with his ex-girlfriend and her son and deals with a drinking problem. In the first half hour we see Harry wake up in three different places I the morning, after drinking all night.
To restrain his inner demons, Harry needs a case that he can hold on to. When a killer is on the loose in Norway, killing and beheading young women, he can finally shows off his skills again. On every crime scene, the killer leaves a snowman, which will become the signature.
You would think this is the perfect plot for an intense cat and mouse game between a cop and a serial killer. But this never happen. Where did it go wrong? It’s not director Alfredson, who previously gave us “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” and “Let the Right One In’”. He blamed the hasty production process.
This does show, especially in the subplots of the film. Sometimes they feel out of context and it never really feels like a whole. Especially the scenes with Val Kilmer, which are sometimes even comical and plain weird.
Morbid things happen in this movie, but the movie never shocks, scares are gets exciting. Movies like “Zodiac” or “Sev7en” are perfect examples of how it should have been. “The Snowman” lacks everything that those two movies have.
Michael Fassbender isn’t bad, but he isn’t as strong as usual. And I seriously think that, if it weren’t for him, this movie would’ve even been worse.
“The Snowman” is better of left unwatched. It’s a waste of time.

Rating: 1,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Song to Song

Director: Terrence Malick
Genre: Drama/ Romance
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Holly Hunter, Bérénice Marlohe, Val Kilmer, Lykke Li

Description: Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.

Review: Again a cinematographic meditation by director Terrence Malick, about love and life. He takes the audience on a poetic journey to finding the meaning of life. As always, Malick doesn’t work with a straight forward screenplay and the (amazing group of) actors improvise.
Malicks style is very recognizable. It’s more a chain of images, because there are no real scenes. He creates a series of situations and it’s clearly his intuition that make his montage choices. The randomness of these images make me think of perfume commercials on TV. And that’s really not a compliment here. “Song to Song” kind of feels like a commercial, but then with the length of a film. And I think we could take off an hour, without losing any important moments.
There is no focus, because we see so many characters. And we don’t get to understand them, there is barely any development and their motives are unclear. Hardly any communication between the characters. Whispering voice-overs tell us some philosophical things and a lot of existential questions are asked.
The camera work is a big plus though. No steady images, always moving. The camera is constantly with the characters and switches between warm close-ups and distant shots. And the camera looks for the little things in the surroundings.
I never really understood Terrence Malick and I really don’t get why so many actors want to work with him. He always gets such big names to work with him and all the performances are really good by the way. But “Song to Song” is just a lot of improvising. Maybe that’s it, that the actors can let go of the rules for once. But all that cuddling and stroking, after a half hour I’m done! “Song to Song” is just not for me I guess.

Rating: 2/ 5

Movie Favorites: Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Synopsis: Petty thief Harry Lockhart (Robert Downey Jr.) poses as an actor and is brought to Los Angeles for an unlikely audition and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation along with his high school dream girl (Michelle Monghan) and a detective (Val Kilmer) who's been training him for his upcoming role.

 

Unique Selling Point: The movie has a film noir feel to it, but with loads of dark humor. It’s sly and witty.

Most Valuable Player: Robert Downey Jr. was cast perfectly as Harry Lockhart and he nails every spike one-liner he gets.

Best Moment: While trying to get information from a suspect, Harry tries to scare him with his gun. He only puts one bullet in it. After not cooperating, Harry shoots but the first shot already contains the bullet, leaving Harry speachless and Perry mad because he just shot the only source of information. Harry trying to do the math on the odds makes it even more hilarious.

Movie Moments: "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"

As you know, I love Robert Downey Jr. He's just.... irresistible. "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" is one of his best (maybe even my favorite) and I decided to share with you my favorite moments of the film.

Moment # 1: The audition
Harry is running from the cops, because he was just caught stealing from a toystore. He flees into a room, where an audition finds place. Harry starts reading for the part and because he just lost his partner he gets really emotional. The casting directors are really impressed with him and next thing he knows, Harry is at a Hollywood party.

Moment # 2: Harry and Harmony meet
Harry goes to a bar, where he followed Harmony. They start talking and than Harmony asks him if Harry really didn't recognize her. They've known each other since they were kids. They start catching up on old times and telling each other what they've been doing.

Moment # 3: Stake out
To prepare for his role, Harry goes on a stake out with cop Perry von Shrike (Gay Perry). They see a car in the water and find a body of an unknown woman in it. Harry asks Perry if she's dead and Perry tells him with sarcasm that she's just taking a nap. In the mean time, Harry tosses Perry's gun in the lake, which was a present from his mom and now when the cops dredge the lake they will find Perry's gun and they will know that he was there. They start arguing and Perry tells Harry he's an idiot.

Moment # 4: Spider
Harmony just told Harry about her sister, how she was found dead in a hotelroom. When she goes to bed, Harry sees a spider slip into her bra and he's trying to grab it. Harmony wakes up and realizes that Harry tried to grab her brest. She doesn't believe Harry's spider-story, because he's affraid of spiders. When she sees one of the legs on her brest, she believes him.

Moment # 5: Harry pees on a dead body
After Harmony left, Harry goes to the toilet. While he's peeing, he finds the dead body from the lake in his bathroom. Because he's freaked out, he turns around and accidentaly pees on her.

Moment # 6: "Is that the body?"
After finding the body, Harry called Perry. When he arrives at Harry's hotelroom, he asks him if that's the body. Harry very seriously tells him: "No that's the other one".

Moment # 7: The kiss
While trying to get rid of the dead body, a police car drives by. Perry tells Harry to kiss him, so that the cops don't think they are doing anything criminal. When they finish, Harmony asks them what they were doing.

Moment # 8: The Finger
Harry visits Harmony, who is mad at him. She slams the door and when she opens it again she sees that Harry's finger was cut of.

Moment # 9: A dog eats Harry's finger
Harry's car was stolen why he was sleeping in the back seat. When he wakes up, he enters the house and puts his finger on ice. When he turns his back, a dog grabs the finger. Harry tries to get it back, but the dog eats the finger.

Moment # 10: "You slept with Chook Chutney"
Harry and Harmony get intimate and crawl into bed together. They start kissing, but first Harmony wants to tell him something. She slept with Harry's best friend Chook Chutney, something Harmony always promised she would never do. Harry kicks her out.

Moment # 11: Russian roulette
While trying to get information from a suspect, Harry tries to scare him with his gun. He only puts one bullet in it. After not coorperating, he shoots but the first shot already contains the bullet, leaving Harry speachless and Perry mad because he just shot the only source of information.

Moment # 12: Perry's faggot gun
Harry and Perry are taken captive and Harry's being electrocuted. Perry tries a different approach by telling the hostage taker that he's gay. He makes him extra mad and when he's trying to strike him, Perry shoots him with his so-called faggot gun. He shoots from his crotch and Harry is relieved that it's a gun, because he tought it was a gay thing.

Moment # 13: "Only when I dressed up like a beer bottle"
Perry asks Harry if his father loved him. Harry tells him "only when I dressed up like a beer bottle". Than they turn around because Perry sees a male nurse he likes.

Favorite Moment: Moment # 11: Russian roulette