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Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Detective Story (1951) in Movies
Mar 3, 2020
Adapted from a stage play that he loved, Detective story typifies the kind of roles of a man under pressure that Douglas came to be indelibly identified with. This time it was his co-star Eleanor Parker who got the Academy Award nomination, but it was their chemistry that really drew the eye. The troubles of life, and the task of being a good man in the face of a bad world were the themes Douglas tackled here. The setting of crime fighting over one day in the 21st precinct is secondary to the personal fight of the “hard-nosed” Jim McLeod, who does his best but can never get ahead. There are shadows of such films as Miller’s Crossing, LA Confidential and even Blade Runner in here. Notable for some gorgeous film-noir photography, and the obligatory Douglas breakdown speech.
Travis Knight recommended Yojimbo (1961) in Movies (curated)
Richard Hell recommended Au Hasard Balthazar (1966) in Movies (curated)
Dean (6925 KP) rated Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) in Movies
Aug 31, 2019
Great cast (1 more)
Cool 60's soundtrack
A classy Thriller
Finally got to see this on Sky cinema as I missed it at the cinema. This is a very good thriller. It has a very strong ensemble cast line up, Jeff Bridges stands out. A bi-state Motel, which has long seen better days, is the backdrop as a group of strangers check in, all with something to hide.
The Motel set adds a cool and quirky location and the soundtrack is great. As the reasons for each of them being there unfold we get a slick, stylish thriller with a slight noir touch to it. You don't even notice the long run time, which is always a good sign the story has you hooked in. The ending maybe stopped it from being a classic for me but it's still a highly enjoyable film.
The Motel set adds a cool and quirky location and the soundtrack is great. As the reasons for each of them being there unfold we get a slick, stylish thriller with a slight noir touch to it. You don't even notice the long run time, which is always a good sign the story has you hooked in. The ending maybe stopped it from being a classic for me but it's still a highly enjoyable film.
Dean (6925 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
May 12, 2018 (Updated May 12, 2018)
Ambitious Sci-Fi Thriller
A classy Neo-Noir detective Thriller. From the same director as @In Time (2011) @Gattaca (1997) This is set in the near future where Humans have a minds eye tech. They can record memories, or anything from their point of view, or even make a type of video call all through the "ether". A kind of online, cloud system for data.
The technology ideas are very impressive and clearly touch on current issues around personal data and privacy laws. Despite this it doesn't have a big blockbuster feel to the film. The Sfx are kept quite simple overall. The film does have a certain visual style to it, including some impressive sets and locations.
A very interesting film that touches on some current issues whilst also being an enjoyable thriller. Short of being excellent but possibly a future cult classic!
The technology ideas are very impressive and clearly touch on current issues around personal data and privacy laws. Despite this it doesn't have a big blockbuster feel to the film. The Sfx are kept quite simple overall. The film does have a certain visual style to it, including some impressive sets and locations.
A very interesting film that touches on some current issues whilst also being an enjoyable thriller. Short of being excellent but possibly a future cult classic!
Edgar Wright recommended Le samouraï (1967) in Movies (curated)
Ross (3282 KP) rated The Boys Volume 5: Herogasm in Books
Sep 24, 2019
A dip in quality
The 5th volume of The Boys sees the world's superheroes take time out, while pretending to be fighting an intergalactic war (similar to the secret invasion), and head off to a remote island for days of extreme sex, drugs and an awards ceremony. Herogasm being the name for this mini-festival of debauchery.
There are some smirks here, mainly aimed at the Fantastic 4, and what they might get up to in private, but the joke is a little laboured over the 6 issues.
I think a key learn for me is that if Darick Robertson didn't ink it, you can probably skip it (he seems to avoid the issues that are heavier on the sex). While there is a little about the corporate corruption and the 9/11 conspiracy, and a naughty attack by Black Noir, this story is somewhat throwaway.
There are some smirks here, mainly aimed at the Fantastic 4, and what they might get up to in private, but the joke is a little laboured over the 6 issues.
I think a key learn for me is that if Darick Robertson didn't ink it, you can probably skip it (he seems to avoid the issues that are heavier on the sex). While there is a little about the corporate corruption and the 9/11 conspiracy, and a naughty attack by Black Noir, this story is somewhat throwaway.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Life (2017) in Movies
Jul 9, 2017
Highly Intelligent Characters (4 more)
A Fresh Feel to Sci Fi Horror
Highly Intelligent Alien Species with an Unconventional Look
Fast Pace
1950s Noir Ending
Holy S**t!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Many people didn't like this movie, but I freaking loved it! Here's why: The most popular character kicks the bucket first: This for me was a huge deal, you always expect the highest billing actor to be the main character but no, first to die, it was excellent because it gave a tone to the movie that absolutely anything could happen. Another reason to love it: The pure claustrophobia you are trapped in a metal tube in the middle of the vacuum of space with a highly intelligent killer alien, some people may say it's already been done which yes it has but the pace of the movie kept it interesting, in the first half of the movie the majority of the characters are either injured or dead, you barely have time to process each death before someone else is gone, it's exciting. The occasional glimmer of hope: Every time you think they are going to make it something else goes wrong. You know a regular horror you usually spend half the time yelling at the characters for being utter morons, but this movie, these people are highly intelligent and do everything possible to stop the alien without being utterly dumb, it's truly chilling to watch. The ending was a work of art: You get your hopes built up only to realise at the last possible second that everything has gone to s**t and the world is doomed. It was a beautiful 1950s noir film feel which was perfectly executed. No happy ending and endless speculations as to what would happen to the human race. Will it reproduce? How quickly? Just how evolved will it get with endless water and food supplies? Will conventional weapons work on it or will humanity be helpless? A perfect mix of science fiction, thriller, and horror. Will definitely watch again!