spankywzl-41026 Reviews

Eddie Murphy, le roi noir d'Hollywood (2023 TV Movie)

Well intentioned, but Eddie deserves better

[5/10 · 19 April 2024]

This documentary hits all the right points in Eddie's career. But there is something off about the production of this well intentioned outing. My first thought was about the quality being a smidge above that of a Nicki Swift or Watch Mojo youtube offering. I then started to wonder if the narrator was a real person. There are no photos or even any bio information on Aline Afanoukoe in this site's data base, but let us assume she is real. Who wrote what she was narrating? Was it Chat GPT?

All I'm saying is Eddie is a gigantic superstar. Even the kids standing in front of brick walls on Open Mic Night right now, owe a LOT to Eddie and what he did for comedy. I was hoping for more from this film, but perhaps that is because I hold the man in such high regard. I'm glad the film got made. I just wish they were able to give us more.

Dave Attell: Hot Cross Buns (2024)

The Master

[10/10 · 29 March 2024]

Often imitated, but never equaled, Dave has been at this a long time. Patrice O'neal once said of the man that he has the most, "babies" out there, and he wasn't talking about a love child or twelve . He was talking about Dave's younger disciples, those who took Dave's delivery style, his cadence and even his movements. Most forgot to write good jokes, and that is where Dave Attell absolutely crushes it. This special is testament to the fact that he will never not be funny. His humor might not be for everyone, but those of us that remember him from the long ago, or maybe his Comedy Central barhopping show from way back, will not be disappointed.

The Fall of the House of Usher (2023)

Poe Smirked

[9/10 · 30 December 2023]

The works of Edgar Allan Poe have been brought to the screen many, many times, and some of these film adaptations don't even star Vincent Price! Mike Flanagan had his work cut out for him for an undertaking that had to make some well worn territory into something new for 2023 audiences. He succeeds admirably, and the Poe references are plenty, and in the most clever and unexpected places too! I noticed that every time there is a scene in a church, or at a burial, we have a scripture reading priest present. The thing is that the priest isn't reading the bible aloud. He is reading Poe.

These little things, the attention to detail and reverence for the author, are what make good TV great TV.

When Evil Lurks (2023)

A reason to love Horror again!

[9/10 · 29 October 2023]

Let's face it: Modern Horror can be a let down. Whether it is another by the numbers slasher flick, or a cluttered screen full of CGI, bad scripts, bad acting, or directors without a vision, many of the offerings of a genre that used to surprise, fall flat. I mean how many saw The Nun 2 and were Nun 2 pleased?

Well, Demian Rugna may have reinvigorated an entire genre with this tale of evil and its wide reaching power. I won't give too much away, except to say this movie surprised me, a fan of the genre for 45 years!

This film handles its subject matter very seriously, and is a return to form for films like The Exorcist and The Omen. However, where those movies have some scares and deaths after some lengthy exposition, When Evil Lurks story throws you right into the thick of it and gets moving right away. The blood and gore are done with mostly practical effects, and provide a realism to a surreal story. The important thing here, is its ability to keep the tension palpable and keep the audience guessing what may happen next. This is where the movie shines! How many horror movies have you seen with predictable scenarios? I'm sure it is many. How many horror films have you seen that truly make you think that you never saw THAT coming? This film can do that for you. Betcha didn't see that coming!! Enjoy!

God Is a Bullet (2023)

2 days later and I'm still thinking about this film...

[8/10 · 16 July 2023]

I had zero expectations for God is a Bullet. The only name I recognized was Jamie Foxx and I figured why not? Also, and this might not be that important to mast, but I was hoping the eponymous song by Concrete Blonde would be featured somewhere on the soundtrack, but alas it was not to be, which is unfortunate, but not a deal breaker. The soundtrack has some killer tracks though, including Bowie's Rock and Roll Suicide and Jane's Addiction's Ocean Size. Both provided the emotion needed in each of their respective scenes and were a very cool surprise. And the rest of the soundtrack was equally impressive and eclectic.

Once the film started with every mother's nightmare, I was intrigued by the gang's very distinct aesthetic. Cassavetes manages to keep this group of dark cult members from falling into comic book goon territory, but just barely. Shout out to whoever did the ink work on the character's tattoos because it was top notch and just over the top enough to make you wonder about the folks that sport such pieces. The names of the gang members are what you might expect: Gutter, Wood, The Ferryman and the big bad, Cyrus. It was when I realized the main characters names that the eye rolling started. The steadfast religious policeman is Robert Hightower. (okaaaay) The girl that has a past and is willing to risk it all to help him is named...smh... Case Hardin (Y'know, cause she's a hard case *sad trumpet) Outside of the conversations had between the cop and the hard case, of which there are many, the film delivers the goods on terror, violence and blood with some gore thrown in for good measure, and the film is all that much better because of it. Sure it is a long film, laughably preachy at times, but that goes away and a serious film with some excellent action set pieces awaits anyone willing to stick out the long run time I gave it an 8 out of 10 stars, because it is an intriguing piece of work that stayed with me long after I had left the theater.

Surrounded (2023)

I love a good western...

[8/10 · 22 June 2023]

I love Westerns in general but a good Western goes beyond the swinging saloon doors, transcends through the wide open spaces of our history and into the heart of America. Well, that and they always have horses. Some give us elaborate action set pieces, and others rely on good storytelling. Most include sprawling copter/drone shots of the magnificent landscapes of the American frontier. Most of the best Westerns (no hotel jokes please) have a message, perhaps a lesson on greed, revenge or redemption. Surrounded ticks all those boxes and more. Because of the expert writing of Andrew Pagana and Justin Thomas there are some very tense scenes, not the least of which plays out upon the appearance of Michael K. Williams. The cast handles themselves admirably, and bring the story and writing to life, making this an incredibly smart and entertaining watch. Surrounded - 8 out of 10 stars.

Maggie Moore(s) (2023)

Cherry vanilla fun!

[7/10 · 22 June 2023]

I'm happy they make movies like Maggie Moore(s). Honestly, after seeing the Chicken Soup for the Soul logo, I expected some real twee and vanilla plot lines and humor. Then I see that Hamm and Fey are the leads. I like them both so this is a bonus. It doesn't hurt to have these two in particular doing the heavy lifting in making a decent script good, or and an amusing expression more clever simply by their expert delivery. The chemistry between the two works mainly because of the awkward banter. It is fairly lighthearted fair with a tinge of violence and blood. The hour and a half flew by, and the film held my interest throughout. Like I stated above, I am very happy that this script got made so well! 7 out of 10 stars.

To Catch a Killer (2023)

Dark and Entertaining, but Flawed

[7/10 · 15 June 2023]

To Catch a Killer is not without its charm, but it has some of the most amateurish, ham-fisted, and unintentionally hilarious dialogue I have heard outside of the comedy genre. This film is decidedly NOT a comedy, as it deals with some of the most twisted acts of random violence involving disturbingly high body counts. The premise is terrifying. The execution is jarring when taking in the immediate after effects of a mass shooting and delivers the visceral sickening feeling of what a first responder might see.

The problems arise with the film taking itself too seriously, and employing some of the worst cliches to ever spill out of an edgy teenager's journal.

"Take your pills. Ignore the clowns. Fight the jackals." "His gun is an extension of him, like hair or fingernails." These are actual quotes from the film. I have to say that To Catch a Killer is a dark and entertaining movie, but not solely for the reasons it was intended. This movie is bonkers. I gave it a 7 because of its very original premise, but also because I laughed at loud at some of its horribly written dialogue.

Fast X (2023)

Dumb fun

[7/10 · 15 June 2023]

At this point in the series things can get stale, but I'm not sure that is the issue with this entry. I don't know if this was the intention but I got such a 80s and 90s style nostalgic action movie rush from everything from line delivery to the insistent seriousness of the soundtrack. There were parts that seemed crowbarred into the script, like Cypher showing up to Dom's doorstep and the story she tells, but I get that this is supposed to be an epic 3 part saga to end all cinematic sagas so the plot will have many moving parts, some more well written than others. Do you want fan service? You will be swimming in it for most of the movie with set pieces to remind you of the earlier films. I think that Fast X might be a great late night, "so bad it's good" movie night film, because it was, in spite of all of it's flaws, very entertaining and a really fun watch.

Fool's Paradise (2023)

Old fashioned comedy that mostly works

[7/10 · 3 June 2023]

I love the idea of this type of comedy being made in 2023. This is the type of film that in another's hands- say, Charlie Chaplin or even Roberto Benigni, would be a smash hit, and Charlie Day has written a wonderful script with all the pathos that comes with such comedies. His character is an homage to the little tramp; an innocent mute that gets caught in the whirlwind of Hollywood, the movie making process and stardom. How can you miss, if your script has all that and a big heart? I honestly don't know, but something feels a little under-cooked here.. I enjoyed the film and laughed out loud several times. It surprised me, because I am not a Charlie Day fan at all. I absolutely could not watch ASIP because of his high pitched voice and all the shouting in the series. Watching him cast in a role where he doesn't speak made me give this film a shot and I am so glad I did. Fool's Paradise shows what a fantastic writer Charlie Day is, and makes me want to see what he offers in future endeavours. The other actors are having a blast, particularly Ken Jeong, and Adrien Brody chews the scenery with aplomb. John Malkovich is also in the film. No, the movie isn't of the quality of Being There, but you might be robbing yourself of a good time if you skip this one.

Sarah Silverman: Someone You Love (2023 TV Special)

Sarah Silverman's best standup special yet

[9/10 · 31 May 2023]

Sarah Silverman, as she mentions in this, her.4th standup special, has been at this for decades. Many comic's acts get milder and more mellow with age. It is kinda to be expected. We saw it with Carlin, although only very slightly, and we have seen it with Chappelle, who has postured himself more a philosopher these days than a gut busting, guffaw inducing funny comedian. I was a little worried that Sarah might have longer stories, or more songs, and that she might have decided to phone this one in... Not on your life, Buster! This is some well honed stand up right here. The actual interruptions and interactions with the audience played well and she handled them with professional aplomb, but the written material was punchy and direct and filled with laugh inducing set ups and closers. Her delivery was maybe more mature in timbre, but natural and with her usual telekinetic wink at the irony . Silverman has never been known for keeping her opinions to herself, and like most successful stand up comics, and most comedy in general, surprise! She leans left. I love her work, maybe because I am a Gen Xer too, and our generation can watch a film, or stand up act without bringing our political baggage with us for the viewing. Bottom line is, This is Sarah Silverman's best stand up special so far.

With the possible exception to a bit about Pu$$ies and balls, which premise I already heard Betty White expound upon, this special hat a lot of meat on the bone and precious little fat. No matter your side of the aisle, you should be able to laugh at Sarah's observations in this tight and funny 52 minute set.

Hit and Run (I) (2012)

Write what you know.

[8/10 · 22 May 2023]

Dax Shepard delivers a fast paced, amusing cat and mouse game of a road picture with Hit and Run. It is obvious this is a labor of love for Mr. Shepard because it sines through in the dialogue about conflict resolution and Gen X habits best left in the past, as well as his love for the motor vehicle. So great to see Beau Bridges playing his dad, and his main squeeze played by real life girlfriend and future wife and mother, Kristen Bell. There are some absolutely excellent scenes in tis movie, not the least of which involves sub par dog food, but even if you don't appreciate the humor, you hafta love the soundtrack, another piece of the film that I am positive Shepard had a personal stake in. Some fantastic R&B stuff in here, as well as. Hendrix, The dazz Band and Little Eva. Even if you hate the genre, it is a good time in spite of yourself!!

Dead Shot (2023)

Violence begats violence

[8/10 · 13 May 2023]

An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.

This seems to be the very brutal message in Dead Shot. This is what the critics would call gritty realism, but I just call it honest film making. It gives us a glimpse into the warring factions of governments and rebels and the men that will take it too far to see it through. Charles and Thomas Guard.keep us sometimes uncomfortably close to these people and their brothers in arms as characters on both sides watch what they started fighting for transition to new bosses and directives until the lines have been blurred so much that you wonder who, if anyone we should be rooting for. It is an excellent lesson in grief and revenge, and well worth the watch.

Hachiko (2023)

A wonderful story, even if it has been told before

[7/10 · 7 May 2023]

For the record:i: A Dog's Tale (2009) is not the original film based on this amazing dog's life. The Richard Gere film was itself a remake of a 1987 Japanese film.

This retelling is from China and is not without its charm. It hits the right emotional beats too, even though the soundtrack might seem a bit schmaltzy to American ears. The tear jerk moment (when you, the audience realize what the dog cannot)) is still a gut punch and the entire film is shot beautifully. I think most have a problem with this version because of the breed of dog used. Both previous films made about this dog were historically accurate in their depiction of a very particular breed: The Akita . This was an integral part of the story. The change to a Chinese breed kind of negates the well earned reputation that the Akita has for their unflappable loyalty to just one person. It is the main reason I could not give it a higher score.