rkeilitz-19-537915 Reviews

Poor Things (2023)

Been Following Yorgos Lanthimos Since His First Film

[10/10 · 13 February 2024]

Since 2001 with his directorial debut My Best Friend I have followed his career never missing a film. Weird yes,Wild yes Wonderful yes and Poor Things hit all these buttons and so much more. It is visually a masterpiece and truly provokes you to reflect on life and how it matters or maybe how it really does not matter. The cast is supurb and the characters they play interact with each other seamlessly.

It invokes Mary Shelley's autonomy and story-bones, Jan Saudek's art, with a bit of Tod Browning's 'Freaks',and Tim Burton. The script of trio words poetry is brilliant. It deals with power and male/female dynamics, age-youth, dare-fear, in a playful, astute, past-and-future, then-and-now, here-and-gone-and-resussitated with reference to living in a Steampunk world.

Everyone listed on the credits deserve all the accolades,nominations and awards for their efforts.

Beau Is Afraid (2023)

ARI ASTER IS MESSING WITH MY HEAD

[10/10 · 22 April 2023]

The masterful A24 director Ari Aster is back on the big screen with one of the best actors working today and one my favourite actors, Joaquin Phoenix.

"Beau is Afraid" from start to finish is about the long whacked out journey of an anxious man on his quest to visit his mother. Joaquin always picks very abstract and complex character roles, for the most part he excels in all his film work.

This film is a dream like experience first and foremost. It's ballsy, overwhelming and even suffocating for its viewer at times.

This plays off so well, as not everything is meant to be taken literally! On the surface, there is generally many black comedy themes, with a melodramatic undertone. It's been crafted meticulously by Ari Aster at 3 hours, to make it feel richer and more detailed.

In my experience, it certainly pays off. So many of the films moments will have been engrained into your thoughts well after the run time. There's one moment in particular with Mariah Carey that had me in stitches and a suprise role at the end by Miss Patti Lupone.

"Beau Is Afraid" is Aster's most ambitious film to date. Although not raw and experimental horror, it still makes for an unforgettable experience and feeling that is often missed in Arthouse films these days.

I was so enthralled and satisfied with the latest entry by A24 studio. Whether it was dream logic, or nightmare logic present. I felt its presence well after the films runtime. For that the film was impactful in more ways then I had initially imagined it to be.

"Beau Is Afraid" will be a film polarising to many, but it has a voice that is originally unique and true to itself. Speaking honestly, this was way more complete as a whole for me as a cinephile. I commend everyone involved for their efforts for making such a fabulous project.

Tár (2022)

WASTED SATURDAY NIGHT

[1/10 · 11 March 2023]

My biggest regret is that I wasted a rare precious Saturday night watching this. It is pretentious, self indulgent, incoherent and completely boring. While Blanchett is a great actress in many of her previous films she cannot save this almost 3 hours of cinema. It is full of dialogue and references to classical music that most of the audience will think the movie has something very important to say. It only offers a excuse for a lesbian artist who cheats on her partner pretending to being a creative genius. This movie is terrible and no one who contributed to it ain't a creative genius. The best line in the movie sums it up "You don't know where you came from and you don't know where you are going". If I saw it alone I know where I would go. To the nearest exit sign.

My Policeman (2022)

One of the best movies I've seen in years.

[10/10 · 8 November 2022]

Tom, a policeman in 1950s Britain, falls in love with a schoolteacher on the Brighton coast. However, he soon begins a passionate same-sex affair with a museum curator, in spite of homosexuality being illegal. It brought home how harshly gay men were treated as criminals in 1950's England and how in many countries today are still being treated much the same. The entire cast including yes Harry Styles were brilliant with an engaging storyline that remains true to the novel of the same title."My Policeman" juggles between what had happened in the past and how it affects the characters in the present.

The Watcher (2022– )

A VERY PERPLEXING SERIES INDEED

[10/10 · 15 October 2022]

A family moves into their dream home, only to be plagued by ominous letters, strange neighbors and sinister threats. Sounds simple and trite but wait till you watch all 7 chapters.

As if a fact-based story about a family plagued by maniacal letters from an anonymous stalker wasn't terrifying enough, Ryan Murphy's The Watcher series also drew narrative inspiration from a true story about a mass murder that took place in the same New Jersey town as the 2018 Cut article the show is based on.

I had to binge-watch the entire series as the suspense was too much for me. I must have gained 10lbs with all the junk food I ate. There was a mystery about all the characters but I ain't kissing or telling. Let other viewers gain weight.

Bros (I) (2022)

EH

[1/10 · 5 October 2022]

Bros tries so hard to be a heartfelt romantic comedy but sadly falls flat on it's ass. It is not hysterically funny which was evident from the sparse laughs from the mostly LGBTQ+ audience the night I watched it. Yes I am a mature gay man and was so looking forward to this romcom but instead just rolled my eyes up and felt most of the jokes and one-liners were trite and tired.

I do love neurotic Billy On The Street watching it all the time. It is both sassy and clever but with all due respect a little bit of Billy goes along way. After 2 hours of mostly Billy in one sitting I was counting the minutes till it ended. The cast was okay but really just decoration for him ! Him ! Him!.

Monster (2022–2024)

TOTAL BINGE WORTHY

[10/10 · 22 September 2022]

The story of one of the most notorious serial killers in the United States, largely told from the points of view of his victims. Being a fan of creepy thrillers and the horror genre I had to binge watch the entire 10 episodes each running 60 minutes. Ryan Murphy scores big on this one and is forgiven for some of his stinkers.

Evan Peters as Dahmer is totally intensely creepy that I had to keep the lights on while watching. It is amazing how he can play any character tranforming himself. Niecy Nash as the concerned nosey neighbor deserves an Emmy for her role. The rest of the cast are superb as well.

Make sure your doors are locked,the lights are on and you order enough food and drinks if you plan to binge watch this as I did.

Don't Worry Darling (I) (2022)

A VERY SLOW BURN SLEEPER

[2/10 · 22 September 2022]

I was anticpating the release of this movie not due to all the in-fighting drama about the cast which fueled the fire for online gossip but more about Olivia Wilde directing and Florence Pugh a very underrated actress. The rest of the cast is just decoration with Harry Styles replacing Shia LaBeouf which was a major mistake.

The premise is Alice and Jack Chambers are a young, happy couple in the 1950s, living in the seemingly perfect company town of Victory, California, which has been created and paid for by the mysterious company for which Jack works. Curiosity about the nature of her husband's work on the secret "Victory Project" begins to consume Alice. Cracks then begin to form in their utopian life as her investigation into the project raises tensions within the community.

The beginning of the movie I thought Oh God another Stepford Wives but as it progressed it sort of got interesting with a surprise ending that had me asking is that all there is?

Gutsy (2022– )

Insightful Inspiring Series

[10/10 · 12 September 2022]

I truly do not understand all the negative hateful comments and reviews I have read about this series unless they are either bots or just people playing the political card against the Clintons.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and daughter Chelsea embark on a thought-provoking journey to speak with pioneering women artists, activists, community leaders, and everyday heroes showing courage, determination, and spirit. I loved every minute of each segment and it taught me how to love my mother even more now that she is gone.

I do hope that Hillary and Chelsea will continue their journey of seeking out more gutsy women with a second series to follow.

Five Days at Memorial (2022)

Well done mini-series for a very tragic event

[10/10 · 17 August 2022]

Chronicling the impact of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath on a hospital and it's city. When the floodwaters rise, power fails and heat soars, exhausted caregivers at a New Orleans hospital are forced to make decisions that will follow them for years to come.

The cast was exceptional as was the cinematography and story line. In some of the scenes I felt like I was in the hospital feeling the stress and pain of the both the patients,caregivers and the medical staff.

Day Shift (2022)

Dumb Meaningless Violent Crap

[1/10 · 14 August 2022]

This film is stupid as hell with nothing rewarding about it. The movie opens with a vampire fight with crappy jokes without any context or a reason for the fight. There are bits and pieces of a weak story that just lead to a multitude of kung-fu-type vampire killings. I cannot understand why Jamie Foxx who has been honored with an Academy Award, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Grammy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award would want to appear in this movie.

Carter (2022)

If You Want 2 Plus Hours Of Adreline Rush This Is Your Movie

[10/10 · 8 August 2022]

If you are a fan of hardcore Asian action films, then you must watch this one. Right from the second, this Korean movie starts your blood will be pumping and your pulse will accelerate.

The action stunts and chasing sequences are so well crafted and perfectly timed that will surely keep you at the edge of your seat till the climax.

Joo Won plays the role of an amnesiac agent who lost his memory during a special secret mission and he perfectly suits this agent-oriented role. His non-stop stunts are so realistic and the direction so superb that I forgot to eat my popcorn.

This one is strictly for those who love and enjoy only action films, therefore keep your logic aside and enjoy its hardcore action scenes. You will surely love it.

Uncoupled (2022–2023)

A Gay Sex & The City

[10/10 · 7 August 2022]

It was an absolutely enjoyable experience watching this show and I was hooked watching the whole 8 episodes in 1 night.

I loved the whole setting of a successful gay New Yorker community with the ups and downs we all experience in life regardless of class or status.

The entire cast is wonderful and they deliver their lines beautifully making their characters believable.

Being a gay ex-New Yorker I could relate to each character easily.

I hope there is a second season to continue what the ending of the first season was.

Gone in the Night (2022)

In the style of Hitchcock in 2022

[10/10 · 3 August 2022]

Upon arriving at a remote cabin for a getaway, a woman and her boyfriend discover another couple already staying there. They decide to share the rental for the night, but the boyfriend's disappearance sparks a race for answers.

Winona Ryder and Dermot Mulroney give terrific performances as well as their supporting cast Brianne Tju and Owen Teague as a young couple with bad intentions. I can usually guess how movies will end but not in this case. This ending was 100% a red herring. I LOVED it.

Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris (2022)

CHARMING-HEARTWARMING-FANTASY

[10/10 · 2 August 2022]

Heartwarming, light storytelling, and charming movie. Being in the fashion business and a fashion historian there were plenty of designs from the Dior archives in this movie to enjoy.

It is a story of a war widow (Lesley Manville) who works as a house cleaner trying to help everyone she meets with people taking advantage of her kindness.

She saves enough money to go to Paris to purchase the Dior dress of her dreams which was 500 British pounds back then. She arrives at a perfect time when Monsieur Dior is presenting his Haute Couture collection and this is where the hilarity and a lot of heartwarming moments start with a Hollywood ending.

The supporting cast is wonderful and Lesley Manville gives a lovely performance.

Freedom Uncut (2022)

A Masterpiece About A Master Star

[10/10 · 2 August 2022]

A chronicle of the tumultuous - yet creatively fruitful - period of Michael's life and career following the release of his 1987 solo debut, 'Faith', then through the creation and release of his 1990 follow-up 'Listen Without Prejudice, Vol.1'.

The film features George's incredible, unseen archival and private home footage, giving viewers a first-person account of this dramatic period in his life, revealing how he became one of the most influential recording artists of all time, who alone fought a corner for all artists by challenging the standard recording contract helping to rewrite the rules of the music industry. He talks about why he stepped out of the limelight and turned his back on celebrity.

A cast of celebs who worked with him just shows you how respected he was in the industry. The feature documentary includes the original five supermodels from Oscar®-nominated director David Fincher's "Freedom! '90" video - Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz and Linda Evangelista - who come together for the first time to discuss their experience on the iconic music video. The film also features interviews with some of Michael's most famous friends and music legends, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Tracey Emin, Liam Gallagher, Mary J. Blige, Jean Paul Gaultier, James Corden and Tony Bennett.

The Last Movie Stars (2022)

INSIGHTFUL LOVE LETTER

[10/10 · 1 August 2022]

My rating of 10 is for the effort,tenacity and time that went into making this documentary. I am not old enough to remember the beginning of Joanne and Paul's career and their movies. All I do remember as a kid was when my parents would not take me to see On The Terrace leaving me at home with my aunt. The fact that Paul was overlooked until the very end of his 10 Oscar nominations is heartbreaking as he did give some star performances in his career. I wish he had been at the Oscars to finally accept his long overdue award.

I don't agree with the Gore Vidal comment about them being the last movie stars. Yes they were two great actors whose craft allowed them to contibute to humanitarian causes. But there were so many other Hollywood couples that did the same without all the publicity.

She Will (2021)

Feminine Vengeance Done In A Subtle Way

[10/10 · 23 July 2022]

An aging film star retreats to the Scottish countryside with her nurse to recover from surgery. While there, mysterious forces of revenge emerge from the land where witches were once burned. This is not an in-your-face horror movie like most that are from America. Coming from the UK more of a psychological horror mystery with an interesting storyline, a believable cast of characters, and some fine acting. This is horror meets psychoanalysis - no wonder it's executive produced by Dario Argento. The director Charlotte Colbert does a fine job.

The Gray Man (2022)

Boring, Ugly and Meaningless

[1/10 · 22 July 2022]

Netflix is counting on this movie to be a winner. If Netflix continues with garbage like this they will lose more subscribers than they already have. The CGI and production look cheap like a schlock chop cop movie. The cast is respectable, Ryan Gosling who can't play a tough guy killer to save his life, Chis Evens who just looks pretty, Ana de Armas who is prettier than Chris Evens, Billy Bob Thorton as a sleazy tough guy boss, Alfie Woodard who always gives a solid performance and Regé-Jean Page the heartthrob of Bridgerton season 1 who is too handsome and pretty to play a tough government boss. The opening scenes are supposed to resemble Bangkok but they sure look like Hong Kong with The Jumbo Restaurant in full view. None of which have their characters developed. 30 minutes is all I could take.

The Forgiven (III) (2021)

The Novel Is Supurb The Movie Is Not

[5/10 · 19 July 2022]

While driving to a party at a grand villa, a wealthy couple on the verge of divorce accidentally hit and kill a young Moroccan man who was selling fossils on the roadside.

McDonagh's film is well-crafted throughout but ultimately has nothing fresh or insightful to say about the ugliness of white privilege. It's like attending a weekend bacchanal and forgetting what happened once Monday morning rolls around, or perhaps not wanting to remember.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Have we gone from Marvel fatigue to Marvel exhaustion?

[2/10 · 16 July 2022]

Disney is really draining that formula dry. "Marvel fatigue" is an expression people were using long before this particular bumpy movie in the studio's history, but it's especially applicable to a time when no more than a month or two passes without some new Marvel story hitting the market that now closes the gap between movies with television spinoffs beamed straight into people's homes via Disney+. What hope do these movies have to feel fresh or exciting when they're arriving at a pace to rival the clockwork release of their comic-book source material? This one feels like a parody of itself,childish and insignificant.

The Black Phone (2021)

BLUMHOUSE SCORES AGAIN WITH A HORROR WINNER

[8/10 · 16 July 2022]

More touching than terrifying, Scott Derrickson's Black Phone is less a horror movie than a coming-of-age ghost story. In place of gouting gore and surging fright, this enjoyable adaptation of Joe Hill's 2005 short story has an almost contemplative tone, one that drains its familiar horror tropes a masked psychopath, communications from beyond the grave of much of their chill. The chemistry amongst the young actors was perfection and Ethan Hawke truly creeped me out without going over the top into camp horror. If you have kids I DO NOT recommend they see it.

Men (2022)

Thank you Alex Garland foe great cinema.

[10/10 · 15 July 2022]

The poster and title gives you no indication of what this gem of a movie is about. This is cinema craft at it's very best and I am not sure why in recent interviews Garland says he will never make another movie again. It is creepy but not frightening more like tense, full of fear,emotion and other human traits. Despite what happens in the movie (no spoilers sorry) I felt peaceful right through the closing credits.

Victoria's Secret: Angels and Demons (2022)

The never-ending legacy after Jeffrey Epstein's death

[5/10 · 15 July 2022]

This 3 part much too long documentary really does not answer the many still open questions about what really went on within the world of Victoria's Secret. The major players being Epstein, Edward Razek who was the Chief Marketing Officer for L Brands, his boss Les Wexner and his spouse Abigail S. Koppel. They surely have many more secrets than Victoria has all which ex- employees skate around but never really say much about anything.

Loot (2022– )

Amateur in every way possible

[1/10 · 15 July 2022]

It pains me to give this series such a low rating as I expected so much more from Maya Rudolph who I love as a comedian. The entire supporting cast are as awful as the scripts they were given with every joke falling flat. Even when they converse with each other the dialogue is stilted with no flow of thoughts. The costume designer for Maya must have been blind or working on a limited budget as all her outfits look cheap and clownish and not what a female billionare would wear. The only redeeming feature in this messy mess was to see THE ONE which is the most expensive house built in Bel Air California with an original value of $500,000,000 but was sold for $126M plus closing costs and premiums, bringing the total price just over $141M.