What film did you watch last night?

Just finished 1974's The Gambler, with James Caan as our titular hero. Heard it mentioned in a podcast about the movie Rounders, which I also rewatched this afternoon. Went in blind and it was great. Lovely grimy New York, and lovely to see Paul Sorvino, and Burt Young in roles that they had before they became known for later films. James Woods makes a very small appearance as does M. Emmet Walsh. 10/10
 
True Believer (1989)

James Woods (with a questionable hair style) and a young Robert Downey Jnr star in this legal drama.

For its age it's good film, I think Woods over eggs the pudding slightly on occasions. Still a very enjoyable film of you like courtroom or legal dramas.

Apparently, it's loosely based on a real lawyer and true events.

7/10
 
Kill Me If You Dare (2024) - 4/10

A good concept with a timeless story of how money can change people, but it fizzles out in the second half with no humour or surprises.

It has a snappy pace and the constant music makes it quirky, but its bright style and goofy characters make it feel like a low-budget daytime TV movie.

The cast are likeable and the scenes are entertaining enough, but it runs out of good ideas before the end which was quite anticlimactic.
 
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

Considering the age of the film it doesn't really suffer for it, when watched with modern eyes. The acting, for the most part, it's very natural. The story is interesting from a historical perspective and generally keeps you engaged through out. Easily one of better old films I've seen for the first time.

7/10
 
Last edited:
Seven Beauties (Pasqualino Settebellezze) - 6/10

1975 Italian film which has been called a societal critique of Italys embracing of fascism in WW2 then the resulting self congratulations they felt when they overturned it.

It has a typically flamboyant Italian feel to it, and obviously quite dated now, but it's meandering retelling of the story was just about engaging enough and though it felt like plodding through a morass at times, there were some striking and meaningful points to it.
 
Leave the World Behind (2023) - 6/10
A slow burn film with a sinister story which builds up the stress and tension as the relationships between the characters become frayed.

The fears of isolationism and not knowing what's going on in our technology oriented world are realistic even if the viewpoint is a bit too American.

The acting's good if a bit awkward and the scenario it proposes is well though out, but the story is minimal and just ends with no resolution.

The visuals are memorable but weird just for the sake of it and there's a lot of dialogue but hardly any action - showing as well as telling would have made it more effective and interesting.
 
Dumb Money.

Enjoyed that and took a couple of hours off another flight.

Glad to see some of the big Wall Street ****s suffered. But again depressing to see how much power Wall Street and the financial institutions have that they all got away with it. Again.
 
Dune Part Two (2024) - 9/10

A long story of epic proportions that gets better with every installment. It’s a visual treat with superb special effects throughout, from the grandness of the beautiful desert to the harshness and contrast of the Harkonnen style.

The plot covers religious fervor, mature romance and intergalactic conquest with a good balance and the cast of actors are great, truly bringing the story to life.

The musical score intensifies every scene and whilst it could have been paced better, what with a slow-ish start and a seemingly compacted final act, I was entertained throughout.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom