THE 355

With such a star studded cast this certainly disappoints. How Universal was able to get the likes of Jessica Chastain, Penelope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Lupita Nyong'o, and Sebastian Stan onboard outside of a payday is beyond me as this film reeks. The premise follows CIA agents Mace Browne (Chastain) and Nick Fowler (Stan) attempting to retrieve a weapon of mass destruction. No, it's not the kind you're thinking about. It's referred to as "the box," but in realty is nothing more than a hard drive with a program on it that can disrupt telecommunications, stock markets, banks, etc. A buy goes down between the aforementioned agents and Luis Rojas (Edgar Ramírez) before German agent Marie Schmidt (Kruger) interjects herself into their plan in an attempt to retrieve the box for her agency. During the operation, Fowler is removed from the equation and Browne and Schmidt, bitter rivals, have to play nice in order to achieve their objective. Insert non-spy/therapist Graciela (Cruz) and tech wiz Khadijah (Nyong'o) and you have your assembled team. Very little backstory is given about each of the characters so it's hard to invest into any of them emotionally. Throw in an extremely paint-by-numbers script along with a 'I saw that coming within 20 minutes of the opening credits' "reveal" and the story is flat. The action scenes don't generate excitement nor interest and 30 minutes in, you're waiting for the credits. Outside of Browne and Khadijah, there is zero chemistry within the group. I understand that's how it's supposed to play but the way it comes off, if they don't even care about each other, why should I as the viewer? Avoid! 4/10

ROAD TO PERDITION (2002)
Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks), solid, stolid middle class husband and father to two young boys, also happens to be an enforcer for Rock Island IL Irish Mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman in his last film). Rooney's reckless, stupid son Connor (Daniel Craig) sets off a chain of killings that make Sullivan and his 12 year old son Mike Jr.(Tyler Hoechlin) fugitives from a killer hired by the Capone Outfit (Jude Law), who likes to photograph his dead victims. Though there's plenty of violence, the heart of the plot is the bonding between father and son in their partnership of survival, with Sr. teaching Jr. how to be useful without having him pull triggers. It works, too. Hanks is strong and credible as both father and hitman; young Hoechlin is superb as his wide-awake, loyal son, and Law is memorable as the driven assassin. Cinematography won an Oscar. Excellent movie.

Oh my God Yes...thee best movie I have not seen in a long while...great synopsis TB..I forgot all about that flick....just rewatched "A Perfect Murder" 1998 last nite w/ Michael Douglas..& Gwyneth Paltrow...still a fav of mine....

711 OCEAN DRIVE (1950)

In this somewhat noir-ish gangster movie, Mal Granger (Edmond O'Brien),a cocky, horse-playing telephone company technician, is introduced to a thug (Barry Kelly) who runs a bookie wire service. He hires Granger to rewire his business, they make plenty of money, then Granger takes over when his boss is killed. The promotion goes to his head; he runs afoul of the Kansas City Syndicate (for once, run by WASPs and headed by Otto Krueger); falls for the wife of one of the Syndicate bigshots (Joanne Dru); has him killed, and then goes on the lam as The Syndicate rats him out to the cops' Gangster Squad. It ends in a well-filmed shootout at Boulder Dam. Crime Doesn't Pay. This isn't a deep movie, and the dialog is pretty simple. O'Brien, never a great actor, is as always, versatile and sturdy. The supporting cast has plenty of colorful characters (like Edward Osterloh) whom you'll recognize from that era. Not bad at all.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER (1958)

This is the class act of Titanic movies, with intelligent script by Walter Lord (from a book by Eric Ambler) and directed by Roy Ward Baker.in semi-documentary format--no sappy love stories, just individual scenes of heroism, cowardice and much in between. Kenneth More plays Second Officer Lightoler, take-charge guy without heroics, but the rest of the cast, mostly in small, often emotionally moving vignettes, is just as good. The pace is gripping and the death-throes of the ship, while not spectacular like James Cameron's 1997 epic, are plenty good enough. A superior drama that pits the hubris of "unsinkable" against the certainty of tragedy.

SCREAM (2022)

I'll begin by saying the SCREAM franchise is very near and dear to my heart. The original is in my top ten favorite movies of all-time and changed the way I thought about films. Yet another entry into the franchise, I was hesitant going in for many reasons: would any of the original characters be killed off? Wes Craven has since passed so is this just a cash grab? Has the franchise run its course? And after viewing this film, I did pleasantly enjoy the many nuances hearkening back to the original as many scenes are duplicated and rehashed. Attempting to "pass the torch to a new generation" I'm split on this. The film was good but not great. Should it have been made? Probably not. But does it take away from the franchise? I don't think it does. As such a rabid fan of the franchise, I thought it was fine as a trilogy but here we are 2 additional sequels later and I think this should be the last one. My biggest grip with the film (other than resurrecting the franchise after another decade in isolation) was the killer(s) motive. I felt it was too thin and weak. Usually that's the hook and here, it disappointed rather than surprised. I was excited going in to this but for other Scream fans on the fence, I think you can wait on your viewing. Doesn't need to be seen in theaters. My rating is a little more generous for my absolute love of the franchise. 7/10

The Ray Donovan movie was alright. There is space for a sequel, but Liev Schreiber says he's done with it 7/10

Like most long-running TV series, "Ray Donovan" started with an intriguing story line, held you in its grip for two or three seasons, and fell apart as it tried to keep going with ever-more improbable and uninteresting plots. I suppose it left room for a denouement: if GF III was "Death of Michael Corleone," this movie would be "Death of Mickey." But it is very slow-moving, with too many poorly paced flashbacks. As usual, Ray sustains multiple catastrophic injuries (ad walks or limps away from them) and kills multiple people (and gets away with them). Liev Schreiber wears one expression: terminally depressed. The big reveal is how Mickey ended up in prison for decades (and Ray's role in it, leading to an even more improbable guilt trip). Yes, there's space for a sequel, but I sure hope there isn't one.

That is one of the reasons I stopped watching the show. Jon Voight is the best, but his character became too far fetched after 3 seasons. I loved the show in the beginning.

Most people I know came out the same as you did, Jace. I stuck with it to the end only because of Voight.
BTW: The younger Mickey in the flashbacks looked and acted exactly like Gary Oldman in "State of Grace."

The Cooler had a great cast (William H. Macy, Alec Baldwin, Ron Livingston and loads of other recognisable names) and an interesting premise but I found it to be mediocre and undercooked.

It does however have some of the greatest nude scenes I've ever seen. Maria Bello Heart

William H. Macy stars as a hapless loser in thrall to Alec Baldwin's antagonist casino boss, who employs him as a "cooler", someone whose mere presence brings bad fortune to lucky gamblers.

The story turns on Macy falling in love with Bello's cocktail waitress. With Macy's newfound good fortune, his effectiveness as a cooler is no longer conducive to Baldwin's financial bottom line.

Interesting as a companion piece to Scorsese's great Casino with its portrayal of the seediness of Las Vegas, casinos, and the clientele they attract, the aforementioned great cast, good chemistry between the two leads, noir elements and a sh*t eating villainous turn from the naturally unlikeable Baldwin, but I ultimately wanted to enjoy this more than I did.

Probably would've been a great movie if it was directed by a bigger name.

The Wrestler

Tour de force performance from Mickey Rourke. Eminently watchable throughout with a climax that sticks the landing.

Very bleak cinematography with characterization to match but it's unerring in its authentic portrayal of the rigours of the world the eponymous character inhabits.

I already feel like a second viewing.

"THE MOB" (1951)

You could call this an "On the Waterfront" prequel. Detective Johnny Damico (Broderick Crawford) screws up an arrest of Blackie, boss of The Mob's waterfront crime empire. As punishment, the Commish sends him on a dangerous mssion: Infiltrate the longshoremen's union and get to the top to nail Blackie. He does this, circuitously, and with the usual fisticuffs and derring-do. Crawford was your basic, one-note actor--either thuggish cop or just-plain thug--but he was good at it. He gets lots of snappy lines from lively script by William Bowers. Plus, the cast of supporting plug-uglies (Ernest Borgnine, Neville Brand, Charles Bronson, Ralph Dumke, John (Jack Woltz) Marley and Emil Meyer, Eternal Bohunk, is irresistible. Not bad.

I would repeat watch just 2 look @ Marisa Tomei in the buff..yummy.

Yes , Turn b...saw it on TCM not 2 long ago..was enveloped by the whole 9 yrds...and how bout' Charles Bronson way back then?..I had no idea he went back that far!....great movie.

The amazing thing about Bronson is that he was typecast as plug-uglies or worse, yet he became America's top box office star in his fifties, with very decent roles. Ever see "Hard Times"? Great movie, great Bronson--he was 53 when he made it, and was in fantastic physical condition.

MUNICH: THE EDGE OF WAR

Taking place in 1938, the story follows secretary to Neville Chamberlain Hugh Legat (George MacKay) and German diplomat Paul von Hartmann (Jannis Niewöhner). The two were former classmates at Oxford six years prior and after a political disagreement, had a falling out with Paul returning to Germany and Hugh staying in England. This is a fictional story based on actual events that deals primarily with England ardently attempting to convince Germany not to invade Poland. A drama that at times attempts to crank up the suspense a little bit but fails at every turn as the audience is quite aware of the stories outcome. Throw in a very average script with average performances outside of Jeremy Irons, who is always wonderful and this time taking up the role of Chamberlain (as well as August Diehl who plays a security office to Hitler and you'll also recognize from INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS) and there's not much to see here. Even with it being available on Netflix, you can find better ways to occupy your time. 6/10

I watched Gold the other day. I really enjoyed it but people seem to either hate it or love it. If you enjoy slow burners that consist of great performances and beautiful cinematography, you'll probably enjoy Gold. Zac Efron was terrific

Will search 4 it ...thanx TB..

JACKASS FOREVER

2 years into a pandemic and I think we could all use a little laugh. Johnny Knoxville and crew are here to provide that levity by sacrificing their bodies for our amusement. Much like the previous Jackass movies, multiple mini-skits fill out the runtime of this feature. However, an important note must be made that the torch seems to have passed to a new generation featuring the likes of Sean McInerney, Jasper Dolphin, Zach Holmes, Rachel Wolfson, Eric Manaka, and Compson "Darkshark" Wilson. More of the same here and if you've enjoyed any of their previous films, you'll enjoy this. Crazy to think that over 20 years have passed since their introduction and many are in their 50's still doing this. To that, I applaud them! 7/10

DEATH ON THE NILE

Another star studded cast joins Agatha Christie's adaptation with the likes of Gal Gadot, Armie Hammer, Kenneth Branagh, Annette Bening, Rose Leslie, and Russell Brand. The story opens in a bar with Detective Hercule Poirot, enjoying some much needed and earned down time. He observes the passionately engaged couple of Simon Doyle (Hammer) and Jacqueline de Bellefort (played wonderfully by Margot Robbie doppelganger Emma Mackey), before Simon is subsequently introduced to Jacqueline's good friend Linnet Ridgeway (Gadot), who just hired Doyle as her estate planner at the behest of Jacqueline. Upon meeting each other, love at first sight strikes both Simon and Linnet as 6 weeks later Simon has broken off his engagement with Jacqueline and has instead wed Linnet. Spending their honeymoon abroad and at an attempt to ditch Jacqueline, who's still madly in love with Simon and following them around, the couple hops abroad a steamship down the Nile. Simon and Linnet are surrounded by friends and potential enemies, a murderer is onboard with a thirst for blood and will stop at nothing to get what they want. A far improved version of the novel over the 1978 film that still had a stellar cast but at times felt like a low production and made-for-TV movie. This has more grittiness, mystery, and suspense than it's predecessor. Branagh shines again as Poirot and doesn't come off as much of a jerk this time around compared to his previous turn in 2017's remake of the MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. However, there are still "updated" character traits for this film as one character is made to be a closet homosexual because, you know, "wokeness/representation." I've never read an Agatha Christie novel but I'm willing to bet the 1978 version is closer to the source material than this as this strays consistently from the original. If you're a fan of whodunit films or any of the cast members, this is a fun ride to take along the Nile. Beautiful costumes and set designs with a wicked twist that unfortunately, comes up limp compared to the '78 version. In saying that, I'd still be up for another Hercule Poirot adventure for a third time! 6/10

NIGHTMARE ALLEY

A remake of the 1947 noir sharing the same name, NIGHTMARE ALLEY is Guillermo del Toro's homage to the genre. Full disclosure, I've never seen the original film nor am I at all a fan of Guillermo del Toro's but this is by far his best film! Powerful performances from Bradley Cooper and Cate Blanchett, the story follows mentalist Stanton Carlisle (Cooper), working his way on to a traveling carnie show while learning the tips and tricks of it all. He meets and falls in love with Molly (Rooney Mara) and they soon leave the festival for venues more "worthy of their talents." Skimming the wealthy out of their money, Stanton's never had it better while Molly feels stale and apologetic about their newfound grifting style. Stanton and Molly have a rule where they will not perform private sessions; however, during one of their shows, Stanton is too tempted by the lure of a big payday to turn it down. Going against Molly's advise, Stanton gets in too deep with psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Blanchett), a local judge, and his local businessman friend. An incredibly engaging story that had me hooked from the very onset and while the film is 2 hours 30 minutes and is a slow burn, I still found myself wanting more. I would highly recommend seeking this out! 8/10

SHUT IN

The Daily Wire releases their first film about a single mother Jessica (Rainey Qualley) and her 2 young children. Cleaning out her mother's house upon her passing, Jessica is soon visited by the children's father Rob (Jake Horowitz) and his child molesting friend Sammy (Vincent Gallo). Jessica, Rob, and Sammy have a long history together as they're all drug addicts (well, Jessica's clean now so she's a former drug addict but Rob and Sammy are both still currently using). Rob and Sammy, looking to score some quick cash from Jessica, thinking she has it from her mother's recent passing, are upset to learn all she inherited was her broken down house. Wishing to "leave things as they found them," Rob locks Jessica in her pantry in an attempt to "teach her a lesson." Unable to get out, Jessica is powerless to care for her young children as Sammy comes back to terrorize the family; yet Jessica is able to find strength and salvation through a renewance of her long lost faith as a child. I applaud the first effort here by The Daily Wire and am glad to see more content like this available to viewers who subscribe to their beliefs (since apparently representation is so important these days). Although, the film is average at best. Qualley is semi-passable as a mother in duress, powerless to protect her children from a sexual predator and a drug-addicted father. Not at all a bad film but nothing great either. An average attempt the first time out but when they release their first film alongside Gina Carano, I will most definitely be checking it out as well! 5/10

Thanks i12, will read these reviews to Wife.

She loves your reviews……. I know she is interested in SHUT IN

The others also other that JACKASS FOREVER….LoL.

Thanks DP. Check out NIGHTMARE ALLEY. Like I said, I'm not a fan of the director's at all but that would be in my top 5 favorite films of last year for sure!

Nightmare Alley is an extraordinary film. What a performance by Bradley Cooper. Anyway, I just got done with watching the new Scream movie. Surprisingly good!

What would you rate it out of 10?

UNCHARTED

Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg bring this video game adaptation to life about treasure hunter Victor Sullivan (Wahlberg), recruiting young and wise beyond his years, Nathan Drake (Holland) to find a 500-year-old lost treasure. The circumstances of their meeting and subsequent partnership is rushed and thin on the surface as Drake is a bartender/petty thief in New York City, while Sullivan calls him out on his thievery and recruits him. This does play out later in the film as Holland does question his decision to join forces with Sullivan but at that point, he's in too deep and has invested too much to turn back now. A passable action film that doesn't do much for me outside of 2 great aerial action scenes. Other than that, it's a lot of double crossing and don't trust anyone. I know Columbia/Sony are hoping this can jump start a franchise and they've left plenty of room for a sequel/trilogy (with the addition of a mid-credits scene) to further their cause; but after this introduction, I'm less than sold on future adventures with Drake and Sullivan. Holland is awesome and likeable as Drake but this is one of the few roles where Wahlberg comes off as a villain in every sense of the word. The box office will ultimately be the deciding factor but if I had a vote, I'm not sold on further dips into this pool. One final note as I feel it needs to be mentioned: I don't typically comment on hair and makeup but Tati Gabrielle's, who's beautiful by the way and plays villain Braddock, is so distractingly bad that is must be called out. How anyone looked at her and thought she looked fine before going in front of a camera should not be in charge of those types of decisions going forward. 6/10

TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2022)

A sequel to the original 1974 film that is attempting to do much of the same as HALLOWEEN (2018) did with its franchise by ignoring every sequel prior to it. A straight sequel set 48 years later finds another group of 4 friends who set off to Harlow, Texas to open a restaurant. From the outset, the liberal propaganda agenda is painfully obvious as the characters come off as morally superior and condescending to the locals. Deciding to open their "dream" restaurant in small town Harlow, with a population under 1,500 people, the group rides in as if the town is out of touch while enforcing their beliefs upon the people as they have problems with the confederate flag, law enforcement, and citizens who enforce their second amendment rights. As such, it's not difficult to not give a damn what happens to these characters as they're so blatantly wrapped up in their own little world and look down upon anybody who doesn't share their same extremists beliefs. Another attempt to use an established IP while shoveling extremists, leftist propaganda to the audience as "normal." The film then attempts to make up for this with gratuitous violence that's been seen before and brings nothing new to the table. Another sad tale in the TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE series but I guess that's par for the course with this property. There's a very good reason why this wasn't released in theaters but rather on Netflix. Do yourself the favor, save yourself the 83 painful minutes and avoid this! 4/10

OLD HENRY

I gave this 4 1/2 Stars

Really good and a great twist on a bit of History.