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  • Color Out of Space (2019)

    Color Out of Space (2019)

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    South African filmmaker Richard Stanley has had one of the most promising yet chaotic and fractured careers in film history. Having started off making short films, he got his first professional job directing music videos for various UK-based bands. Stanley debuted onto the scene with the 1990 post-apocalyptic film Hardware, which has become a cult classic despite mixed reviews. He followed this up with the 1992 horror film Dust Devil, which suffered from producers majorly reediting the film. Unfortunately, things only got worse with what was supposed to be his next film, 1996’s The Island of Dr. Moreau. The film was a notorious behind-the-scenes nightmare, such that a documentary, Lost Soul, detailing the production was made in 2014. Following a twenty-plus year hiatus, it was announced that he would be returning to features with an H.P. Lovecraft adaptation. 2019 saw the release of his comeback film, Color Out of Space.

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    Synopsis

    Near the town of Arkham, the Gardener family has been living in a rural home with a farm. There are Nathan (Nicolas Cage), Theresa (Joely Richardson), and kids Lavinia (Madeleine Arthur), Benny (Brendan Meyer), and Jack (Julian Hilliard). One night, a meteorite crashes near their home, and it starts emitting a strange color that is impossible to describe. Ward Phillips (Elliot Knight), a local hydrologist, tries warning the Gardeners after discovering that their water is contaminated. Soon, strange things start occurring, such as space and time blurring, and animals and people mutating into horrifying creatures. While Lavinia and Benny want to leave the farm, Nathan is adamant about staying, slowly becoming more and more insane. As the cosmic force continues spreading around the area, the Gardeners are pulled together only to be torn apart. Can this force be stopped, and who will escape the Color Out of Space?

     

    Review

    Given that this was from the producers behind Mandy, and starred Nicolas Cage, I was naturally excited about this film. Plus, the fact that this was Richard Stanley’s long-awaited return and an H.P Lovecraft adaptation, this has some real potential. Thankfully, I’m happy to say that Color Out of Space doesn’t disappoint and is as good as critics have said. While it may seem derivative of other films, Stanley works these tropes in a way that twists them around. The first act seems bland and flatly shot, but that’s only to lure us into a false sense of security. Once the meteorite hits, Stanley makes great use of colors, mixing magentas, blues, and greens similar to Dario Argento’s style. However, the way Stanley’s style works, it perfectly offsets the seemingly normal look the film starts with. This is one of the most visually striking films I’ve seen in some time.

    The cast is also terrific, with Nicolas Cage, in particular, delivering that crazy manic energy he’s known for. Thankfully, given that this film deals with cosmic madness, his typical on-screen insanity is well warranted and fits perfectly. Joely Richardson also does a good job as the concerned wife, and Tommy Chong is fun in his small part. Also, the younger cast members give outstanding performances, particularly Madeleine Arthur and Elliot Knight, perfectly balancing off Cage’s insanity. There are also some cool practical creature effects and gore that are reminiscent of John Carpenter’s The Thing. Admittedly, while many of the CGI effects are pretty good, there are some that stick out in a bad way. That being said, this is still a fantastic film that shows the power and drive of independent filmmaking. Overall, Color Out of Space is one hell of a trip and a welcome return for Richard Stanley.

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  • The Lighthouse (2019)

    The Lighthouse (2019)

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    Robert Eggers got his start working as a theater director and designer before transitioning to filmmaking in the late 2000s. He mostly worked as a production designer on numerous short films and documentaries, though he did direct a few shorts. Then, in 2015, Eggers burst onto the scene with the period horror film, The Witch, which became an instant hit. Not only did the film gross over ten times its budget, but it received unanimous praise from critics and audiences. Stephen King even liked the film, calling it “a real movie, tense and thought-provoking as well as visceral”. Around this time, his brother Max was working on adapting Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Light-House”, but it eventually stalled. Robert decided to work on the project with his brother, making it his follow-up feature to his earlier success. Four years later, Eggers’ The Lighthouse, written by him and Max, was released.

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    Synopsis

    In the late 1800s, young Ephraim Winslow (Robert Pattinson) gets a contract job as a lighthouse keeper or “wickie”. His boss is the curmudgeonly old salt Thomas Wake (Willem Dafoe), who takes his job as a wickie very seriously. Winslow is scheduled to work the lighthouse for four weeks, and Wake puts him through the wringer in that time. Every night, Winslow sees Wake going to the top of the lighthouse, which he is never allowed to enter. As time progresses, Winslow begins losing his sanity, seeing strange visions of tentacles, tree stumps, and a mermaid (Valeriia Karamän). He’s also constantly tormented by a one-eyed seagull, but Wake warns him not to attack, saying that it’s bad luck. Unfortunately, things get worse when a raging storm prevents them from leaving the island, so they decide to drink. As time flies, it’s a race to see who will survive The Lighthouse.

     

    Review

    When I wrote my Best and Worst Films of 2019 List, I mentioned some stipulations about what made the list. I talked about how there were some movies I didn’t see last year, so those wouldn’t make the list. That being said, if I had seen The Lighthouse last year, it would’ve for sure made my Best Of list. Back when I saw The Witch, I thought it was one of the best films I’d seen that year. So, when I heard the same director was working on a new film, I was more than ecstatic. Sadly, I didn’t get a chance to see it in theaters, but I’ve finally seen it, and it didn’t disappoint. The first thing I have to comment on is the performances from Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe, both phenomenal. This is easily Pattinson’s best performance, and Dafoe is just as good as ever.

    From a filmmaking standpoint, this is one of the most uniquely made and inventive films made in recent years. With its 1.19:1 aspect ratio and black and white photography, it has the look of an early silent film. The black and white look also makes the more intense sequences ever more unsettling, especially with the use of shadows. What also makes this film special is how it mixes its dread and suspense with moments of comedy. There’s even a running joke about how bad Wake’s farts are, showing that the filmmakers aren’t above lowbrow humor. When the characters start getting drunk, you can’t help but laugh at just how outrageous and insane they’re acting. Some people might be put off by the slow pacing, but for fans of slow-burn films, this shouldn’t be missed. Overall, The Lighthouse is easily one of the best films of 2019.

     

    Buy The Lighthouse on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4g1PROw.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch The Lighthouse (2019)

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  • Puppet Master II (1990)

    Puppet Master II (1990)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]After releasing Puppet Master in 1989, things were starting to look up for Charles Band’s brand new production company. They had struck a deal with Paramount to release their films, and they wanted a sequel as soon as possible. Around the same time, Full Moon had three more films lined up: Shadowzone, Meridian, and Crash and Burn. For the next Puppet Master, original director David Schmoeller didn’t return, so stop-motion animator David Allen stepped in. David Allen had been working for Band since the 70s on films like Laserblast, The Dungeonmaster, Trancers, Eliminators, and Dolls. He was even nominated for an Oscar for his work on Young Sherlock Holmes for Best Visual Effects in 1985. For this, not only would he be handling the stop-motion effects, but he’d also be directing, something he rarely did. So, in 1990, one year after the previous film, Puppet Master II was released.

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    Synopsis

    Following the events of the previous film, a team of paranormal investigators goes to the Bodega Bay Inn. Alex Whitaker has gone crazy and Megan Gallagher was killed, so the team is there to investigate what happened. Among them are Carolyn Bramwell (Elizabeth Maclellan), her brother Patrick (Greg Webb), Mike Kenney (Collin Bernsen), and Wanda (Charlie Spradling). Mike’s psychic mother Camille (Nita Talbot) is supposed to join them, but she gets kidnapped by the puppets. Soon, the puppet Tunneler kills Patrick, leading to the sudden arrival of one Eriquee Chaneé (Steve Welles). Turns out Eriquee is Andre Toulon, who has been resurrected by his puppets to continue making his life-giving serum. His serum requires fresh brain matter, so he creates a new puppet, Torch, to assist the other puppets. Who will survive against these tiny terrors, and will Eriquee/Andre’s dastardly plot be foiled?

     

    Review

    While I enjoyed the first film, I thought it was lacking in the puppets, having very little screen time. Luckily, Puppet Master II remedies this by incorporating more of the puppets, even giving us an idea of their personalities. While Pinhead, Blade, Leech Woman, Jester, and Tunneler return, there’s the addition of Torch, easily one of the coolest puppets. Many of the kill scenes are pretty fun, the highlight being Blade running towards someone to slice their face up. With the late great David Allen at the helm, the stop-motion sequences are as delightful and as unsettling as ever. Having Toulon come back as a villain was a nice touch, especially his look, inspired by The Invisible Man. Plus, we get to know more of Toulon’s backstory, such as his introduction to giving life to puppets. Also, like so many other great B-movies, George “Buck” Flower is here, too.

    On that note, the acting isn’t terrible here and they do a fine job, but none are particularly memorable. Elizabeth Maclellan makes for a decent lead, and she does have good chemistry with her love interest Lance (Jeff Weston). Steve Welles makes for a good Toulon, both when he’s normal and when he’s dressed up in robes and bandages. Charlie Spradling is also fairly memorable, mixing a bit of a snarky attitude with her obvious sex appeal. Still, the true stars of this film are the puppets, and they’re easily the best part of the film. They proved to be so popular, Full Moon started producing a line of action figures and a comic book series. Even though Full Moon had only been around for about two years, things were starting to look up. As for Puppet Master II, it’s a great addition to a long-running franchise.

     

    Buy Puppet Master II from:

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

     

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  • 1917 (2019)

    1917 (2019)

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    For roughly the past twenty years, Sam Mendes has remained one of the most successful filmmakers still working today. Mendes made his cinematic debut with 1999’s American Beauty, which took home five Oscars, including Best Director and Best Picture. His follow-up, 2002’s Road to Perdition, received similar commercial and critical success and was Paul Newman’s last live-action performance. After establishing Neal Street Productions in 2003, Mendes’ 2005 film Jarhead released to mixed reviews and a disappointing box office. His 2008 film Revolutionary Road, which reunited Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and Kathy Bates, received universal acclaim from critics. 2009’s Away We Go gained similar acclaim but did poorly financially, though he eventually worked on the James Bond franchise. First, he made 2012’s Skyfall, coinciding with Bond’s 50th anniversary, then he made 2015’s Spectre, leading to his next film. Four years later, 2019 saw the release of his WWI film, 1917.

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    Synopsis

    In April 1917, during WWI, British soldiers Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are given a special assignment. General Erinmore (Colin Firth) informs them of a plan by the Germans to lure the 2nd Battalion into a trap. The two must travel behind enemy lines to deliver a message to the 2nd Battalion to call off their attack. Schofield has his reservations about the mission, but Blake is motivated because one of the 2nd Battalion is his brother. As they trek through no man’s land, they get to know each other while keeping a watchful eye for danger. Along the way, they encounter a downed German pilot, a bombed-out village, and a convoy of fellow soldiers. Unfortunately, one of the soldiers is killed, leaving the other to continue the mission with time running out. Will the soldier get the message on time, or will the 2nd Battalion fall?

     

    Review

    1917 is not only an achievement in filmmaking, but it also works as an engaging and intense war film. This was made to seem like it was shot in one take, which, for a war film, is not easy. There are moments where you can tell where a cut was probably added, but it’s still nothing short of impressive. This style of filmmaking makes it feel as if you’re right there with the two soldiers along their journey. With cinematographer Roger Deakins at the helm, there are some amazing wide shots and fluid camera movements utilized throughout. Even when things are getting chaotic and action-packed, the camera is pulled back enough to show the full scope. Thomas Newman’s sweeping score goes right along with the cinematography, and the sound design, in general, is fantastic. From a technical perspective, 1917 is one of the best in recent years.

    Acting-wise, Dean-Charles Chapman and George MacKay do a great job, giving great performances even when there’s no dialogue. Given that they’re the ones we follow for most of the film, they need to have solid chemistry. Thankfully, they’re able to work off each other well and make for a great duo, even when they’re separated. There are also brief appearances from Colin Firth, Mark Strong, and Benedict Cumberbatch, all of whom shine in their scenes. The story is fairly simplistic, essentially an odyssey film, but sometimes a film doesn’t need a complex story to work. Also, even with its two-hour runtime, the film can be quite slow at times, so don’t expect any non-stop action. This film deserves its place amongst other great war films like Platoon, Saving Private Ryan, Glory, and Apocalypse Now. Overall, 1917 is a technical achievement punctuated with great performances and a solid story.

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  • Underwater (2020)

    Underwater (2020)

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    January is typically considered a dump month for movies, where studios release films they don’t know what to do with. There are several reasons for this, usually because people are less likely to go to the movies post-holiday season. Every so often, there are some exceptions, such as Taken, The Grey, From Dusk Till Dawn, Paddington, and even Split. Many times, movies are dumped onto January when it’s been delayed over and over again after being filmed years ago. Such is the case with the new sci-fi horror film Underwater, the latest offering from filmmaker William Eubank. Having started as a Panavision technician, Eubank made his directing debut with 2011’s Love, followed by 2014’s The Signal. Though it was filmed back in 2017, Eubank’s new film wouldn’t be released until 2020 following Disney’s merger with Fox. With all that out of the way, let’s take a look at Underwater.

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    Synopsis

    Deep in the Mariana Trench, an underwater facility is drilling until an earthquake starts tearing the facility apart. Mechanical engineer Norah Price (Kristen Stewart) finds Rodrigo Nagenda (Mamoudou Athie) and Paul Abel (TJ Miller) while trying to escape. When they meet up with Captain Lucien (Vincent Cassel), they discover that the escape pods have been deployed. After finding biologist Emily Haversham (Jessica Henwick) and engineer Liam Smith (John Gallagher Jr), Lucien comes up with a plan. His plan is for the crew to trek along the ocean floor to get to a nearby base for help. Unfortunately, it turns out that in drilling through the ocean floor, mysterious creatures have emerged to kill off the crew. Along the way, many of the crew end up getting killed either by the creatures or the immense pressure. Who will survive, and will they be able to stop these creatures?

     

    Review

    If my plot description for Underwater sounds familiar at all, that might be because it takes many elements from Alien. Both films involve a crew trapped in some sort of scientific facility being pursued by an unknown creature. Also, both films mention some sort of evil corporation that tries to deny any involvement in the situation. While the Ridley Scott film takes time to develop the characters before things happen, this gets right into the action. Within the first five minutes, the facility is falling apart and the characters are running for their lives. This quick pace, combined with the film’s 95-minute runtime, makes Underwater a breeze to get through that goes by fast. Unfortunately, that’s also a detriment to the film, since we’re not given time to know any of these characters. None of the characters are terrible, but there’s also not much to them.

    Speaking of similarities, Underwater also reminded me of the 1989 film Leviathan, especially in some of the creature designs. Acting-wise, the performances are better than expected for a January movie, Kristen Stewart and Vincent Cassel being among the strongest. The rest of the cast does a good job, though TJ Miller, who’s normally pretty funny, feels out of place. While there are some jump scares here and there, much of the terror is built around suspense and atmosphere. Admittedly, much of that is ruined when you see the CGI ocean creatures that look taken from a PS4 game. Eubank’s direction is fairly solid, clearly showing that he has some talent and a good eye for visuals. While this doesn’t break the January movie curse, it’s still better than the typical fare and worth a rental. Overall, Underwater doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it’s good if you have no other options.

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  • FilmNerd’s Best and Worst Films of 2019

    FilmNerd’s Best and Worst Films of 2019

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Intro” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]Hello fellow film nerds, and welcome to my annual Best and Worst Films list for the year 2019. If you haven’t checked out my Best and Worst Films of 2018 list, be sure to take a look. Anyway, to sum up, 2019 has been a mostly solid year, from entertaining big-budget blockbusters and thought-provoking medium-budget indie films. This was also the year that many long-running franchises came to an end, some satisfying, others either disappointing or terrible. As with the previous list, remember that this is simply what I thought were the best and worst of 2019. Whether you agree or disagree, just know that you are free to have your own opinion and not follow mine. Also, bear in mind that I didn’t see every film in 2019, so if something is missing, that’s why. With that being said, here are FilmNerd’s Best and Worst Films of 2019. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Honorable Mentions” _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]

    Honorable Mentions

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/captain-marvel.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjEzNTQifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/crawl.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE3MDUifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dragged-across-concrete.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE1NTYifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/fighting-with-my-family.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/it-chapter-two.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE4NjgifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/lego-movie-2.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjEzMzIifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/scary-stories-to-tell-in-the-dark-scaled.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE3ODAifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/spiderman-far-from-home.jpg” url=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9saW5rX3VybF9wb3N0Iiwic2V0dGluZ3MiOnsicG9zdF9pZCI6IjE2ODAifX0=@” url_new_window=”on” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″ _dynamic_attributes=”url”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”#15″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/jojo-rabbit.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]

    #15: Jojo Rabbit

    I was struggling whether or not to include Jojo Rabbit in my Best Of list or as an honorable mention. While I enjoyed the film overall, I felt that the tone was inconsistent, struggling to balance comedy and drama. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized just how important the film’s message is, especially now. In a time where hatred is dividing people, movies like Jojo Rabbit show the power of compassion towards others. Plus, more movies could benefit from having a kid yell at an imaginary Hitler and kick him through a window. As great as the main cast is, child actor Roman Griffin Davis has a bright future ahead of him. Though it has some tonal inconsistencies, the humor largely works thanks to the absurdity of everything going on. While it’s #10 on the list, Jojo Rabbit is still worth your time.
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    #14: Midsommar

    With a few exceptions, 2019 was a strong year for the horror genre, some of which appear on this list. After his superb 2017 debut, Hereditary, I was excited to see director Ari Aster’s follow-up film, the uniquely unsettling Midsommar. If I had made this site back in 2017, Hereditary would’ve been placed high on my Best Of list. Midsommar, on the other hand, while a strong follow-up, fell slightly short of expectations, though not enough to be bad. The film has a look that can best be described as beautiful and unsettling, mixing lush colors with horrific set-pieces. Florence Pugh gives a very commanding performance as a young woman looking for support after a family tragedy. While this is reminiscent of The Wicker Man, the film still stands on its own with themes of self-identity. For a sophomoric effort, Midsommar continues to show Ari Aster’s talent as a filmmaker.
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    #13: The Irishman

    Martin Scorsese directing a mob movie starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci; how can you go wrong? The Irishman once again shows how masterful of a filmmaker Scorsese still is, even after all these years. Admittedly, the film isn’t as strong as earlier films like Goodfellas or Casino, but it’s still an enthralling story. De Niro and Pacino are phenomenal as always, but Pesci steals the show with his trademark intensity. With its three and a half hour runtime, this is one NetFlix movie that demands your full commitment. It can be easy to get lost in the details and exposition, but the acting and filmmaking keep it engaging. This is a fantastic story of redemption, betrayal, guilt, and loyalty mixed in with pure 70s style filmmaking. Much like the title character, The Irishman has a rough exterior but is packed with tons of heart.
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    #12: Shazam!

    The DC Extended Universe got off on a rocky start with 2013’s Man of Steel and it kept going downhill. 2016 gave us Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Suicide Squad, both of which turned audiences off completely. However, 2017’s Wonder Woman, 2018’s Aquaman, and now 2019’s Shazam! seem to be turning things around for the better. In the case of the story of Billy Batson, this is probably the strongest entry in the series so far. Not only do you have the fun superhero action you’ve come to expect, but there’s a great story about family. It’s heartwarming and sweet without being overly sappy, it’s funny when it’s appropriate, and there are some tense moments. The cast is great, the story moves at a good pace, and it’s overall a fun and enjoyable romp. Shazam! is the bolt of lightning the DCEU needed.
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    #11: Toy Story 4

    As I mentioned in my original review, I was initially skeptical at the mere prospect of Toy Story 4. Thankfully, my worries were swayed when I saw the film and almost immediately fell in love with it. Sure, it could be nostalgia for the other films and Pixar in general, but this was so wonderful and heartwarming. Amazingly enough, I found myself liking the character Forky, who I honestly thought was going to ruin everything. Plus, I enjoyed seeing Bo Peep further expanded upon, as well as her romance with Woody fully develop. I also felt that, like many great Pixar films, this dealt with some fairly heavy themes for a children’s film. Looking back, I’d say my biggest complaint was that many of the other toys were relegated to background characters. Still, Toy Story 4 is yet another wonderful entry in an already fantastic series.
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    #10: Ready or Not

    Talk about a film that just seemingly comes out of nowhere and hits you in the face with pure excitement. Ready or Not is one of those movies where you feel like you just got off a rollercoaster. You’re nervous because you don’t know what to expect, you get tossed about, and you exit tired by satisfied. This film is subversive, visceral, intense, funny, shocking, gruesome, and one of 2019’s most thrilling and fun movies. Samara Weaving is a perfect lead, along with a cast that can be sarcastic, charming, and terrifying all at once. Admittedly, some of the cast drag the film down, and there are a few too many predictable plot twists. The film can also be somewhat heavy-handed with its satire of the elite, but maybe that’s just what we need. All in all, Ready or Not is an entertaining, if somewhat flawed, thrill ride.
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    #9: Knives Out

    Speaking of fun thrill rides, that brings us to writer/director Rian Johnson’s highly anticipated whodunit, Knives Out. Johnson has always been a skilled and talented filmmaker, and his latest outing is no exception, delivering a solid mystery. Like many great murder mysteries, just when you think you’ve got it figured out, a curveball is thrown at you. The film keeps you on your toes without manipulating you or feeling too farfetched or ridiculous to be plausible. Plus, this film has an incredible ensemble cast, each actor giving an incredible performance and their moments to shine. Particularly, Ana de Armas makes for a likable and sympathetic lead, while Daniel Craig and Chris Evans steal the show. Hopefully, people who gave up on Rian Johnson after The Last Jedi will still give this a chance. Overall, Knives Out is another fantastic film from a fantastic filmmaker.
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    #8: Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

    Quentin Tarantino’s 9th film is a fantastic love letter to a bygone era of cinema: the age of Hollywood stardom. Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt shine as two lifelong friends who are trying to stay relevant as the times change. Margot Robbie, though she has a small role, also shines as a plucky young Sharon Tate unaware of her fate. The film also has a strong supporting cast including Timothy Olyphant, Al Pacino, Kurt Russell, Zoe Bell, and Bruce Dern. Admittedly, it suffers from a sluggish second act after a strong opening, but the acting and dialogue keep it engaging. Also, that sluggish act eventually leads to a strong third act filled with Tarantino’s trademark over-the-top violence and dark humor. It does play around with some real-life events, namely the Manson murders, but it’s handled respectfully and with great care. Overall, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is quality filmmaking.
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    #7: Ford v Ferrari

    On the subject of historical dramas, Ford v Ferrari showcases the power of perseverance and determination against all odds. Even if you’re not a huge car person, you can still be entertained and engaged by this powerful story. Matt Damon and Christian Bale are great as two guys taking on this seemingly impossible task with Ford bearing down. The supporting cast, including Josh Lucas, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe, and Noah Jupe, also does a great job. The driving sequences, especially the Le Mans race towards the end, are the icing on top of the cake. These are some of the most well-filmed and well-edited sequences in recent years, and they’re never boring. Admittedly, some scenes drag out slightly, and some of the characters inexplicably seem to disappear, but those are small nitpicks. Ford v Ferrari is still a fantastic film about people coming together to achieve their dreams.
    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3h9Z89U9ZA” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”#6″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/doctor-sleep.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]

    #6: Doctor Sleep

    Of all the Stephen King movies released in 2019, Mike Flanagan’s follow-up to The Shining is easily the best one. Though not as strong as the Stanley Kubrick classic, Doctor Sleep is still a worthy successor to that film. Ewan McGregor is fantastic as an older Danny Torrance still haunted by the nightmares of his childhood and seeking redemption. Rebecca Ferguson is practically scene-stealing as Rose the Hat, and newcomer Kyliegh Curran gives one of the year’s best performances. While some scenes are reminiscent of The Shining, Flanagan is still able to make this film stand on its own. Plus, the finale at the abandoned Overlook Hotel is the big highlight of the film that makes it worthwhile. While it certainly helps to have seen The Shining, you can still enjoy this as a standalone film. All in all, Doctor Sleep is a great companion piece to Stanley Kubrick’s film.
    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOzFZxB-8cw” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”#5″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/us-scaled.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]

    #5: Us

    Much like how Ari Aster amazed audiences with his 2017 debut Hereditary, Jordan Peele stunned audiences with 2017’s Get Out. Also similarly, Peele’s sophomore effort Us is a great follow-up, though it’s much stronger than Aster’s follow-up film. Lupita Nyong’o continues to shine in the lead role, giving perhaps one of the strongest performances in all of 2019. Along with her is a strong supporting cast, including Winston Duke, Elisabeth Moss, and Tim Heidecker, all giving fantastic performances. What’s also amazing is how many of them play dual roles, succeeding in playing two distinct and separate characters. Much like Get Out, this movie blends horror and thriller elements with hints of comedy, though they don’t always gel. This is also a film that invites its audience to discuss its themes in further detail well after watching it. Us is a horror film that will stick with you for many years.
    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNCmb-4oXJA” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”#4″ _builder_version=”3.22″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/rocketman.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]

    #4: Rocketman

    Though it had plenty of good things going for it, Bohemian Rhapsody was a bit of a letdown for me. Thankfully, this isn’t the case with Rocketman, which not only lived up to my expectations, but it even exceeded them. Taron Egerton is phenomenal as Elton John, delivering a great performance and excelling when it comes to the musical numbers. What makes this such a great biopic is that it doesn’t skirt around the dark times of Elton’s life. With him as a producer, Elton John insisted that this film show everything in his life, both positive and negative. Dexter Fletcher’s direction is top-notch, perfectly capturing the glitz and glamor of Elton’s concerts while keeping it grounded in reality. The musical numbers, rather than being intrusive, help tell the story and showcase Elton John’s best work. Overall, Rocketman is a rocking good time, even for non-fans.
    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_video src=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3vO8E2e6G0″ _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_video][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”#3″ _builder_version=”4.1″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dolemite-is-my-name.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.1″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]

    #3: Dolemite is My Name

    Though I have issues with streaming services, I can’t deny that NetFlix has produced some great original content. In addition to The Irishman, NetFlix also gave us one of 2019’s best films, Dolemite is My Name. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the subject matter, this is an entertaining film about overcoming odds to achieve one’s dreams. Eddie Murphy gives his best performance in years, accompanied by a cast including Wesley Snipes, Craig Robinson, and Mike Epps. Plus, relative newcomer Da’Vine Joy Randolph shines as Lady Reed, and I’m excited to see what else she does. Director Craig Brewer perfectly recreates the look and feel of the mid-1970s, and the script is very well-written. This film does a great job paying tribute to Rudy Ray Moore and his work, while also poking fun. All in all, Dolemite is My Name and f***in’ up muthaf***as is my game!
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    #2: Joker

    Well before its release, Todd Phillips’s Joker gained tons of controversy from people, fearing it would promote mass violence. Critics were divided on it, but thankfully, audiences have embraced it and, thankfully, no violence was committed thanks to it. Of course, it’s impossible to talk about this film without talking about Joaquin Phoenix’s performance, and there’s a reason. As Arthur Fleck, he’s a tragically sympathetic character that society has beaten down and abandoned over the years. But once he becomes the Joker, he’s entertaining to watch while being horrifying and a force to be reckoned with. The supporting cast, including Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, and Frances Conroy is excellent, and Todd Phillips’s direction is top-notch. Not only is this a phenomenal comic book film, but it’s also a great character study of someone becoming insane. Overall, Joker is a challenging yet engaging adult comic book film.
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    #1: Avengers: Endgame

    Now, this is where I’m probably going to draw a lot of ire considering that I’m putting this at #1. Sure, there are probably much better films that came out in 2019, but here’s my reasoning for my decision. As someone who’s watched the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2008, I have become a huge fan despite some less-than-stellar entries. While this probably won’t be the end since there’s more to come, as a send-off, Avengers: Endgame more than succeeds. The film pays tribute to what came before, further develops many new and established characters, and perfectly concludes long-running arcs. While Rise of Skywalker was a disappointing finale, if this were the last MCU film, I’d be satisfied. Plus, the huge final battle with all the Marvel superheroes teaming up to fight Thanos is the definition of spectacle. Overall, Avengers: Endgame is a satisfying conclusion and my favorite film of 2019.
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    The Worst Films of 2019

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/dark-phoenix-poster.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/hellboy-poster-1.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/the-intruder-poster.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/what-men-want-poster.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Most Disappointing Films” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.0.11″]

    The Most Disappointing Films of 2019

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/glass.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/pet-sematary-scaled.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/rise-of-skywalker.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https://staging.film-nerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/terminator-dark-fate.jpg” align_tablet=”center” align_phone=”” align_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.0.11″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.1″]Thus concludes FilmNerd’s Best and Worst Films of 2019 list, which was not an easy list to compile. Let me know whether you agree or disagree with my list, and what’re your best & worst films of 2019. As for the site, 2019 has been a big year, garnering hundreds of views and followers on Facebook & Twitter. I also brought back Full Moon Fridays, and I plan on continuing the series and even expanding into 2020. To everyone who’s followed me either on Facebook or Twitter, and kept up with the site, thank you so much. Your support is what helps keep me going and wanting to continue writing movie reviews, and I am grateful. If you enjoy my content, consider either donating to my Patreon or following my site on Facebook and Twitter. Thank you for your support, and here’s to more great movies in 2020!
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  • From Beyond (1986)

    From Beyond (1986)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]While not a massive hit, Re-Animator was one of Empire’s more successful films, grossing $2 million against a $900,000 budget. Also, the film received positive reviews from critics, including Roger Ebert, who awarded it three out of four stars. Following the success, Stuart Gordon was given a three-picture deal, the first of which would be another Lovecraft adaptation. A sequel to Re-Animator was tossed around, but executive producer Charles Band was unsure about the idea at the time. Instead, it was decided by Gordon, co-writer Dennis Paoli, and co-writer/producer Brian Yuzna decided to adapt another Lovecraft work. Much of the cast/crew from Re-Animator would be brought back, including actors Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs. Whereas the last film was filmed in Los Angeles, this would be filmed in Rome at the recently-acquired Dinocitta studios. So, in 1986, Stuart Gordon’s sophomoric effort, From Beyond, was released.

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    Synopsis

    Physicist Crawford Tillinghast (Jeffrey Combs) has been assisting Dr. Edward Pretorius (Ted Sorel) in building a machine called The Resonator. The machine is designed to stimulate the pineal gland, which will allow those near the machine to see beyond reality. Something goes wrong and strange interdimensional creatures kill Pretorius, though Crawford escapes, only to end up in a mental institution. Psychiatrist Katherine McMichaels (Barbara Crampton) takes him into her care and intends to recreate the experiments that got Pretorius killed. Accompanied by football player turned detective Bubba Brownlee (Ken Foree), they return to Pretorius’ mansion and reactivate The Resonator. In addition to the strange creatures from before, they also see Pretorius, but he’s now become one with the creatures. While Crawford and Bubba want to either destroy the machine or leave, Katherine is determined, believing this may cure schizophrenia. Will our heroes survive, or will Katherine’s obsession be their downfall?

     

    Review

    Compared to the previous film, From Beyond isn’t quite as good, but it’s an impressive film in its own right. While they’ve essentially swapped roles, Barbara Crampton and Jeffrey Combs give terrific performances, able to deliver some ridiculous lines convincingly. Much like in Dawn of the Dead, Ken Foree is very entertaining as the comedic heart of the film. Thankfully, his humor never ruins some of the more serious scenes, and he knows when it’s appropriate for the moment. Similar to David Gale’s Dr. Hill in Re-Animator, Ted Sorel completely steals the show as the evil mad scientist. Even when he has to work with layers upon layers of makeup, he gives a very commanding performance. Also noteworthy is Carolyn Purdy-Gordon as the frigid Dr. Bloch, who has a pretty grisly and memorable death scene. It’s even funnier considering she was, and is still, married to the film’s director.

    In addition to the great cast, the special effects are something to behold, clearly showing the larger budget they had. Designed by the late great John Carl Buechler, the makeup and creature effects perfectly capture the cosmic horror of Lovecraft. Admittedly, some of the opticals stick out, but the rest of the effects still hold up over 30 years later. Though From Beyond lacks the over-the-top dark humor and gore of Re-Animator, the more serious tone works well here. Since the original short story is only seven pages long, everything after the pre-credits sequence acts as a sequel. In lesser hands, this would’ve failed, but given the talent behind the film, they manage to retain a Lovecraftian tone. This clearly shows how Stuart Gordon improved as a director following his impressive debut, given some of the filming conditions. Overall, From Beyond works as a Re-Animator follow-up and a standalone film.

     

    Buy From Beyond on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CkGkCI.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 

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    Where to watch From Beyond (1986)

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  • The Irishman (2019)

    The Irishman (2019)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]In my review of Raging Bull, I talked briefly about the dynamic between Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro. Their working relationship led to them working together on The King of Comedy, Goodfellas, Cape Fear, and Casino. Back in the 80s, the two were working on a remake of the 1952 film The Bad and the Beautiful. Unfortunately, this fell through, but De Niro revived the discussion after reading the 2004 book I Heard You Paint Houses. Scorsese became interested in adapting the book, with development starting in 2007, but it was pushed back due to rewrites. Around 2014, it was announced that the film would be moving forward following the release of Silence in 2016. The cast included De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci, and the screenplay was written by Steven Zaillian (Schindler’s List). Finally, in 2019, Scorsese’s adaptation, retitled as The Irishman was released to Netflix.
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    Synopsis

    WWII and retired hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) recounts his time with the Mafia at a retirement home. He talks about how he got involved with the Philadelphia crime family after meeting mob boss Russell Bufalino (Joe Pesci). While working for Russell, Sheeran is introduced to Jimmy Hoffa (Al Pacino), the head of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Hoffa has been using his ties to the Buffalino family to rise in power and becomes close friends with Sheeran. Things take a turn for the worse when Hoffa is arrested and jailed when Robert Kennedy is made Attorney General. Hoffa’s eventually released, but Russell starts distrusting him and orders Sheeran to eliminate him when Hoffa threatens to blackmail them. This leads to the infamous disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa, which Sheeran still denies his involvement with to this day. In reflecting on his life, Sheeran comes to terms with his mortality.

     

    Review

    Martin Scorsese returns to the mob genre he became famous for in top form with the release of The Irishman. Though not quite as good as classics like Goodfellas and Casino, this still ranks among his best films. The entire cast, from De Niro and Pacino to costars Ray Romano, Anna Paquin, and Bobby Cannavale delivers phenomenal performances. However, Joe Pesci, who reluctantly came out of retirement for this, easily steals the show, delivering his signature ruthless intensity. There are even appearances from Harvey Keitel, Stephen Graham, Jim Norton, Jesse Plemons, Stephanie Kurtzuba, and Kathrine Narducci amongst others. The way Scorsese films the sequences here could only have come from somebody who worked in the 1970s. There are many scenes where everything seems to slow down, but he hits you right when you least expect it. In true Scorsese fashion, there’s some pretty brutal violence sprinkled here as well.

    Be warned, with its runtime of over three hours long, this isn’t a movie you simply watch in the background. This is a film that demands your full and undivided attention as there’s so much information you need to remember. While I’m not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, this is something some audiences may be put off by. Also, the de-aging effects can be slightly distracting at first, but you eventually stop noticing them, certainly not a dealbreaker. This is a story about dealing with one’s mortality, regret over past actions, and seeking redemption for those mistakes. Whether or not the source material is accurate on what happened, it’s an interesting story nonetheless that’s worth telling. If you’re looking for something to watch on Netflix and you have the time, please give this a watch. Overall, The Irishman is an exceptional film that we hardly see nowadays.

     

    Buy The Irishman on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NRPxVG.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 

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    Where to watch The Irishman (2019)

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  • Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

    Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]With The Force Awakens, Rogue One, and The Last Jedi making over $1 billion, things seemed to be looking up. On top of that, all three received generally positive reviews from critics, but things weren’t so with fans and audiences. While fans and audiences were satisfied with the first two, The Last Jedi was especially divisive for what it changed. Between this and the poor box office returns of Solo, it seemed any goodwill Disney had been tainted. For the next installment, Colin Trevorrow (Jurassic World) was originally hired to direct but was let go in 2017. While Trevorrow and frequent collaborator Derek Connolly received story credits, J. J. Abrams would return to co-write and direct. Much of the original cast returned, while unused footage of Carrie Fisher was incorporated since she passed away in 2016. On December 20, 2019, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker was released.

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    Synopsis

    Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) has returned following his downfall in Return of the Jedi and has spread a galaxy-wide broadcast. Supreme Leader Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) seeks a Sith Wayfinder, a device that will reveal Palpatine’s location, the planet Exegol. Palpatine and his followers have built a new fleet of Star Destroyers with firepower similar to the Death Star. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) is continuing her Jedi training with General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) acting as her mentor. Rey joins Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Isaac), Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), C-3PO (Anthony Daniels), and BB-8 in stopping Kylo Ren. Along the way, they meet up with Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams), who agrees to fight alongside the Resistance. During the adventure, Rey discovers her true origins, Ren confronts his past, and the Emperor’s plans are set in motion. Will Palpatine be stopped, or will the Final Order reign supreme?

     

    Review

    While I know tons of people hated The Last Jedi, I enjoyed it wanted to see where things went. Unfortunately, though it has some good qualities, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is a disappointment. To get into those good qualities, I’ll say first off that all of the acting here is great. Ridley, Boyega, Isaac, and Driver especially continue delivering great performances, while Williams and McDiarmid return to their characters enthusiastically. Also, given the unfortunate death of Carrie Fisher, the way they handled her scenes was done very respectfully. Also, as to be expected with any Star Wars film, the action set pieces and visuals are all done beautifully. Granted, there’s plenty of shots recreated from scenes in previous films, but this whole sequel trilogy has already done that. As a pure sci-fi spectacle, this film more than exceeds at providing blockbuster entertainment.

    However, great performances, action scenes, and visuals can’t make up for a poor story that ends on a resounding thud. Much of this can’t be discussed without spoilers, but suffice it to say the story is a complete mess. Not only does this fail as a finale to this new trilogy of films, but the entire nine-film saga. While Avengers: Endgame felt like a worthy conclusion to those films, this feels more like an average Star Wars film. The biggest problem is that in trying to appease those who disliked The Last Jedi, they ended up disappointing everyone. Even the added fan service doesn’t help, as it just feels like manipulation to try and win over audiences. That being said, if you’re just looking for a fun spectacle and exciting Star Wars action, you’ll have a good time. Overall, though, Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is a letdown.

     

    Buy Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AszGdd.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase. 

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    Where to watch Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

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  • Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

    Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

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    As I mentioned in my Rogue One review, a TV series, Star Wars: Underworld, was being developed before Disney’s acquisition. In 2012, the same year he sold Lucasfilm to Disney, George Lucas started work on a Han Solo origin film. He brought veteran screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan (Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi) in to write the screenplay. After Disney’s acquisition, Kasdan was hired to finish the script for The Force Awakens, leaving his son Jonathan to continue. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The LEGO Movie) were originally hired to direct before being fired in 2017. Ron Howard, who ironically turned down directing The Phantom Menace, was hired to finish filming and work on reshoots. With an estimated budget of around $275 million, this would become one of the most expensive movies ever made. Finally, in May 2018, Solo: A Star Wars Story was released.

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    Synopsis

    On the planet Corellia, Han (Alden Ehrenreich) and Qi’ra (Emilia Clarke) bribe an Imperial officer to allow them passage. Unfortunately, Qi’ra gets separated from Han, and he decides to sign up for the Imperial academy to be a pilot. He ends up becoming an infantryman, and soon meets rogueish criminal Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson) who is planning a heist. After meeting the Wookie Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), they go on a heist for coaxium (hyperspace fuel), but it goes south. Because of this, they meet with Beckett’s client, Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany), who Qi’ra happens to be working for. They work out a deal to steal some unrefined coaxium from Kessel, with Qi’ra accompanying them as a liaison. She takes them to rogue smuggler Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover), who agrees to help using his ship, the Millenium Falcon. With the crew in place, it’s time to make the Kessel Run.

     

    Review

    Admittedly, I am somewhat conflicted when it comes to my overall feelings towards Solo: A Star Wars Story. On the one hand, it’s got some decent performances, some fun action scenes, and some interesting visuals, for sure. On the other hand, part of me is thinking, “Is this a story that we needed to know about?” To get into the positives first, I give Ehrenreich tons of credit given the enormous weight on his shoulders. While nothing can ever top Harrison Ford’s iconic performance, Ehrenreich does a fairly decent job matching his charisma and wit. Clarke does have pretty good chemistry with him, Harrelson is fun as always, and Suotamo plays a good Wookie. Oddly enough, Glover completely steals the show, even if he is just doing a Billy Dee Williams impression. Sadly, Bettany and Thandie Newton are wasted here, but at least we have a Clint Howard cameo.

    While Ron Howard didn’t do a terrible job, one wonders what Lord and Miller’s original version would’ve been like. Regardless of who directed it though, this project was doomed from the getgo simply because of the premise. If you’ve seen the original trilogy, you already know where this film is going, which makes it extremely predictable. For instance, while it’s cool to see the Kessel Run, it doesn’t add anything new to these already established characters. If anything, this movie proves that sometimes we don’t need to see a character’s backstory to enjoy them. While I had my issues with Rogue One, that at least had more a reason to exist than this. Still, if all you want is a fun sci-fi adventure film with decent performances and action, this will satisfy you. Overall, Solo: A Star Wars Story isn’t terrible, but it feels unnecessary.

     

    Buy Solo: A Star Wars Story from Amazon: https://amzn.to/378eXHn.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at no additional cost, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and make a purchase.

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    Where to watch Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

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