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