mb-cunningham Reviews

On the Count of Three (2021)

Original, Entertaining, Intense, Funny and Genuine

[9/10 · 17 May 2022]

It is always refreshing to see an original script handled so adeptly.

Jerrod Carmichael chose this material to be his directorial debut and he absolutely nails the gritty and real feel of a day in the life of these characters. His acting, along with the rest of the cast's is admirable as well. This is dark subject matter, but had me laughing on many occasions. From the first scene till the very end, my eyes were glued to the screen. It is a helluva ride, and one film that should have you talking about it long after seeing it.

Metal Lords (2022)

\m/ * * \m/

[8/10 · 14 April 2022]

This movie is metal. It is also well written, cast and acted. As a man of a certain age, it delights me to see the staying power of the genre. I appreciate the reverence the film holds for the music and the attitude. The way the story handled mental health was admirable. And the friendships and relationships seemed very much taken from real life experience. It was an original coming of age story that also happens to be metal AF!

The Devil's Candy (2015)

The Devil We Know

[9/10 · 2 April 2022]

I was raised Roman Catholic, and at age 7, had the distinct experience of having my babysitter tell me all about this novel she was reading. William Peter Blatty's The Exorcist was my introduction to, not just Horror novels, but grown up books as a whole. I can remember her reading passages to me and the visceral terror my young mind endured at the thought of the devil and all his powers being as real as any other subject being taught at the Immaculate Conception School.

In 1973 the book was made into a film and Old Scratch turned into a lucrative brand. He ruled the horror genre and put fannies in seats at the theater. There are few films that create the unease of The Exorcist, but The Devil's Candy manages to pull it off in half the time. Clocking in at just 79 minutes, it is a film that does not waste time, and the eerie, biblically dark sequences are one of its 2 high water marks, the other being the on screen presence of Taylor Pruitt Vince's character.

If you are tired of jump scares, and want more from the dark lord than what is offered on the Netflix series, Lucifer, then this movie should help connect you to the devil you grew up with. The devil the nuns warned you about. The devil you know.

Old Henry (2021)

Tim Blake Nelson aint Buster Scruggs in this Western...

[9/10 · 9 October 2021]

I love Westerns, big and small, Hollywood and Indie. But they must have crazy good writing and masterful cinematography to pass muster with the greats. This film is a gritty, dirt caked slow burn that rewards the patient viewer with a reveal that makes the final act so satisfying that you may find yourself grinning at the predicament our antagonists have unknowingly beset upon themselves.

Tim Blake Nelson is so great at playing in this genre that he has me convinced he time traveled here from Al Swearengen's bar. He nails this role as a grateful man who has seen more sunsets than he's gonna, but made a meager but honest life off the land. I am grateful he saw this script and its potential. The third act is well worth hanging in there for, as it delivers one helluva brutal blow to the senses, both in the narrative and the action scenes. Just a terrific yarn!!

Faking A Murderer (2020)

As subtle as a flying mallet

[3/10 · 5 August 2021]

Early on, one of the 2 main characters admits to being a fan of Forensic Files, CSI, Cold Case Files and the like . This made no sense to me, as anyone that watches enough CSI would know that they had zero evidence of a crime. What they had was 30 hours of a guy talking to a camera. Basing the entire motivation for the characters on such a weak position made wading into this film quite a slog. It was hard to not see this movie as anything but: 2 guys tresspass on a man's property, harrass the man, break into his house, assault and straight up murder him. It was super hard to relate to either of the two leads, but the reason I didn't give it a lower rating is because of Tony Nappo. His turn in this film was nothing short of impressive, and almost a reason to watch until the third act. He was certainly the most interesting and entertaining part of this unfortunate misfire.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

A bargain for the price

[7/10 · 15 July 2021]

Hey kids, do you like violence?

Badass ladies from the 80s and 90s?

Then watch Gunpowder Milkshake like I did!

This movie is darn good for a netflix movie, and is better than some fare I have seen in theatres. Of course, it is R rated, bubblegum comic book fun, and not an introspective view into the duality of human nature by any means. If you have an hour and a half to watch some good action scenes, some one liners and more exploding squibs than you can shake a tomahawk at, then you have found your bliss. If, however, you can't stand the sight of a woman being empowered with serious hand to hand and small arms training, then sit this one out. Stay far away from the icky women with guns and watch Joker again.

This movie does deliver the following: Lena Heady diving thru the air in slo-mo, whilst firing 2 guns, Michelle Yeoh firing guns with precision accuracy, and Carla Gugino behind a .50 cal... If I have to continue, then you may never be convinced.

I Care a Lot (2020)

Black comedies are a hard sell for me, but I liked this one very much.

[8/10 · 22 February 2021]

It looks a lot like some folks are mad at this movie because reasons, but it was so much better than it could have been. It was formulaic, but I enjoy the formula. To be honest, The second I saw Macon Blair's character I knew how this despicable woman would meet her end. IMO, the writer/director knew that the audience also felt a sense of relief at seeing this device. It certainly helped me calm down enough to enjoy the cat and mouse game that they threw at us. Yes, Ms. Pike is typecast in the role she had already played in Gone Girl, but when you are good at something, give the people what they want. Her character got away clean in Gone Girl, but this is a much different, less cerebral but clever story. Suspend your disbelief. Put your politics (sexual and otherwise) aside for 2 hours and enjoy a film, that, if you let it - will have you thoroughly entertained, and the first half hour is an education in the ghoulish behavior that can legally take place in the elderly healthcare racket. The vultures are everywhere, and this movie hammers that home. It is dark material about systemic abuse, not unlike 99 Homes, but don't blame the movie or shoot the messenger Remember that, unlike 99 Homes, it is a comedy. Maybe it is the stellar cast that is confusing everyone into thinking it is something it is not. Maybe it was the trailers (I haven't seen any for this particular film, but I have seen some very deceptive trailers for other films.) Maybe they just hated the story, and that is fair, but this many angry, negative reviews tells me that they did not see the film I saw, and the sheer volume suggests a concerted internet effort to bring the film down in its first week. I don't understand it, but please don't deprive yourself from seeing this film, because the internet is mad again. Make your own choices when it comes to entertaining escapism!

Kajillionaire (2020)

A great movie about horrible people

[8/10 · 25 January 2021]

Who names their kid after a druken homeless man? Everything about this movie is askew, as it gives enormous insight into mental illness, and negative reinforcement. Their are some wonderfully cathartic moments, as well in this surreal story about a woman who knows nothing beyond the scam, and what she has been fed by her mindlessly oppressive parents. With a very carefully thought out plot that takes the time to flesh out each character, and actors equal to the task, I would hope this incredibly original indie film sees some awards.

Dead Man's Shoes (2004)

Indie Gold

[10/10 · 11 October 2020]

I went into this film with no preconceptions, having not seen any trailers or reading any reviews. I came out with another entry in my favorite movies list. Such great writing and directing of what could have been a forgettable genre piece, created a different genre in its making. Toby Kebbel, Gary Stretch, et. al were perfect in their respective roles, but I would be remiss if i didn't point out Paddy Considine's portrayal of a guy just trying to keep it together while he does this thing that must be done. The madness of rage, battling gut wrenching grief (and maybe more than a little guilt), is personified in his performance throughout the riveting story, and a major reason this movie works so fantastically.

Quick Change (1990)

Oustanding, under apreciated, yet perfect NYC comedy

[9/10 · 26 April 2020]

This movie does not get enough love. It has everything: Bill Murray, Geena Davis, Jason Robards, Randy Quaid and Tony Shalhoub in an unforgettable role. That is not even the best part. The genius behind this film is that 1990s New York City is the antagonist. Need more? A terrific scene with the late, great Phil Hartman, more man on man hand holding than you'd expect, and a metric buttload of hilarious, quotable lines, and Stanley Tucci!!. This is escapism, folks

Extraction (2020)

A movie theater movie from home!

[8/10 · 26 April 2020]

If you miss going to see blockbuster movies because of our weeks of isolation, Might I recommend Extraction? The Russo bros. are on their game once again, with Thor himself playing a mercenary in a non stop action packed bloody good time! I would have happily paid money at the googleplex to see this one, but Netflix has gifted us a top tier shoot 'em up! Letterbox format, a continuous shot that lasts about 12 minutes, and Hemsworth proving his action hero status, this movie ticks all the right boxes. It is rated R, and I would normally say NSFW, but who are we kidding. You are working from home, and have been wearing that bathrobe for 8 days now. Get a box of cereal, and pop this on Netflix. You will be happy for the 2 hr. escape. Stay safe, my friends!

Mr. Right (I) (2015)

This movie has everything!

[10/10 · 12 October 2019]

From the soundtrack to the casting, the script and the undeniable chemistry between Rockwell and Kendrick, what is not to like? My wife HATES RomComs, and has this movie memorized - THAT is a testament to the fine line walked by Mr. Right. Personally, I want a sequel now!! This has the potential to be a great Netflix series, as long as they can get Rockwell, Kendrick, and RZA and recapture the balance of action, comedy, and romance without making it seem corny. Okay, after reading my last sentence, I realize that would be a near impossible task, but dammit, I still want a sequel!!!

Cuck (2019)

You should see this movie, no matter what side of the aisle you are on

[8/10 · 7 October 2019]

This film is a lightning rod of a movie. Your political stripe should not keep you from seeing it. The protagonist is someone that many (even progressives) can relate to, and is a study in how one can be pulled into any direction if the circumstances line up. How many of us have had our cars run into the ground simply because we cannot afford the proper repairs, making buying a new one a pipe dream? A steady diet of the internet can warp impressionable minds, and Ronny sure needed some guidance in controlling his anger, but was lauded by the subscribers and viewers of his material. This was his domain, and he was king. ...for a while, anyway. I kept thinking that, had he met one person that could steer him in the right direction, he might have had a better life, but there was nobody real in his life. Most will see where this film is going, but the tension is palpable, and the third act does not disappoint. For those of you calling him an incel, he fits the profile, but technically that title does not apply to him. I empathized with his problems and anger at things we cannot control, but his overt racism made it harder to embrace him in full. We all have problems, and our country is very divided at the moment, so it was refreshing to see our modern problems represented in film. I did not come away thinking all conservatives are Ronny, but if you keep up with current events, we know that Ronny's story is not an unbelievable one. It will be an eye opening look at what is happening in a country where full time jobs are scarce, and we have been getting less and less for more money. Most folks haven't seen a raise in twenty years or more. Things are tough all over, but to blame your problems on entire races and religions is just a gigantic cop out, That bootstrap nonsense doesn't apply, when real jobs just do not exist for people without any real skill set, and Ronny had no discernible skills, and may have been suffering from the Dunning Krueger effect. Anyway, this is one of those films that you can talk about for longer than the run time of the movie, and in any cinephile's book, that is a win. Not unlike gangsta rap, this movie gives perspective to the life of a movement, and a system that can be tough to navigate. Bottom line: Ronny made some bad, bad choices, so what happens is on him. Not the alt-right, not the libs. It was always ever only on him.

Burning (2018)

A modest theory

[9/10 · 18 May 2019]

To the Moderators: I tried to submit this review last night but my computer kept shutting down to update. I hope it was not submitted. Okay, take 3 I enjoy foreign movies, and prefer to have a subtitled copy of a film than a dubbed version. I was happy to see the subtitled version of Burning, even though it was a long film. By the end of the film, I wondered what I missed, and became instantly schooled by the reviews, particularly the reviews that broke down all the plot points, story arcs and political themes. It then dawned on me that Burning is a film that can be viewed by countless people, and everyone will look at it differently. Is that not a form of genius on Chang-dong Lee's part ? My theory has not been mentioned in the reviews that I read, but forgive me for not reading all 124 reviews. Does anyone think that perhaps Hae-mi was not murdered? I mean, it is a possibility, no? What I have here might be paper thin to some, but here goes... I think Hae-mi fits the "manic pixie dream girl" trope, but that is neither here nor there. The girl was a possible/probable liar (again, depending on how the individual views her character). All the the well stories did not add up. She could travel pretty easily, as shown by her (impulsive?) flight to Africa, which in turn tells us that her desire was to "disappear into the sunset.". The cat jumping into Jong-su's arms could have been completely coincidental. Now, the really big clue, for me was the watch, but Jong-su admitted that he won it in a drawing at a fair after he was told it was cheap by Hae-mi. I wonder if it held any significance to him, because he just gave it to her. I kinda got the feeling that this watch was not carefully examined by Jong-su, so the one he finds in Ben's drawer might not have been the same watch he gave to Hae-mi. Okay, the previous statement is stretching things, but let's say it was the watch. This is where I credit (of all things) Psy and Gangham Style video for explaining the social mentality of being poor in this particular part of Korea. I think everyone could agree that Ben's character was that of a rich playboy, and would be considered a good catch to young women, especially women that might want to capitalize on his wealth and social status. I am an American, but here, if a gal returns to your place for even a one night stand, and she wants to see you again, she might leave an article of clothing or jewelry. It is kind of a cute way of using the item as a pretext to see you again. Ben had a lot of trinkets in that drawer. Did he murder the owners of them all? My point (finally!) is that Hae-mi could have just packed her bug out bag and got outta Dodge. In her mind, she had no attachments and no need to tell either man about where she went or why. To me, a sign of a great film is if the viewers could converse about the film for longer than the run time of said film. I was ready to go full neanderthal with a rage filled review saying it was a complete waste of time, too long, and nothing happens. I am so glad I read the reviews, because the revelations were myriad and I would have missed the point completely. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this film with another audience member. I will put on another pot of coffee, because the conversation will last way longer than the film's run time.

Thunder Road (2018)

This is why independent film exists.

[9/10 · 25 October 2018]

If you have read the other reviews, then you will know that this movie is being judged for all the wrong reasons. Jim Cummings put his heart and soul into this film and because it is listed as a comedy and a drama, some have decided to deride this film because of it. It is what most would call a Black Comedy. I saw the official trailer for it, and anyone that saw the trailer would know that this is more drama/tragedy with dark comedic elements, but there are pedants here in internet land that wish to harp on about this film not being properly categorized. Get over it and watch the movie, because it is brilliant! If you have ever experienced loss, then you will connect to the main character's myriad emotions. Jim Cummings does an excellent job as the beleaguered protagonist, and the film moves along at a stride that fits his circumstance, culminating in a third act that is a bit surprising, but fitting. I also loved Macon Blair (Blue Ruin), as Crystal's teacher. Independent films are not for everybody, and many of them are poorly executed, cast, or directed, but Thunder Road is the reason why I watch them, because, otherwise, all we would be presented with are big studio, unoriginal bombastic gunfight and explosion filled sensory overload. I like those movies too, but sometimes, it is a treasure to see a finely crafted and emotional character study.