Reviews

Neil - Richard Benjamin - is in his twenties but still not certain of his career direction. He served his time in the military and now works in a NJ library. It's not lucrative. Also, he lives with relatives in the Bronx. Meanwhile, Brenda - Ali MacGraw - is the pampered daughter of a newly rich couple just across the border in Connecticut. These two meet on a tennis court. Soon, they are a couple and Neil is invited to spend a couple weeks at Brenda's home. No one seems to feel this is a good match but Neil has a big crush on Brenda. Can a middle class slacker fit in with the wealthy suburbanites? This fine film has much to say about love, class, ethnicity and more. It's also quite funny. Benjamin and MacGraw make a fine duo. With a wonderful supporting cast, too and a script based on a Philip Roth novel, do make time for GC.

In the near future, Aliens called kaijus begin rising from the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, they target coastal cities and succeed in wiping out a few. These are huge monsters, generating fear. The earth unites in creating giant robots to kill the aliens. These robots need two pilots working in close tandem. It's explained why but it is complicated. Two brothers become legendary alien fighters until, sadly, one brother dies protecting Anchorage. The remaining man, Raleigh, in sorrow, moves inland to work on future robots. Plans for protecting walls around cities fail badly. All the while, Kaijus are increasing in number. The military comes calling on Raleigh. They have a risky new plan and they need him. Will he rejoin ? This alien film is complicated in plot elements but very fine in visual effects and action. Don't overthink. If you like sci-fi action and kicking Alien butt, you will enjoy this flick.

Detective Thorn - Charleton Heston - works for the NYPD in the near future. The city now has 40 million residents and the earth has nearly been destroyed thru global warming, pollution, and overpopulation. Most folks are waiting for their next meal and live in poverty while a few rich elite live in fortified buildings with bodyguards. The rich can still enjoy steak and strawberries. But, most everyone else eats Soylent Green, a wafer made of plankton, farmed from the ocean. One big wig - Joseph Cotton - is murdered in his home when his bodyguards step out. As Thorn investigates, this rich guy may have found a secret about the production of Soylent Green. Thorn resolves to find out the truth about what is going on. Can he handle the truth ? This scary movie is just as relevant as it was 50 years ago. The earth is getting warmer and our abilities to farm the land may change for the worse. Meanwhile, the population keeps increasing. Thus, this film explores the dark future that may be ahead. Heston and all of the cast are truly wonderful. Everyone should make time for this great flick.

Claudia - Lauren Holly - lives in a seaside NJ town. Sometimes, it seems like a grim place. She lives with her boyfriend Michael - Jon Bon Jovi - a good guy who often works extra shifts. They are quietly engaged, although Claudia has no ring. Meanwhile, her single parent sister lives in the family home while the Mother hasn't left the house in six months. Not since her longtime husband took off. Sad. Claudia waitresses at the same restaurant she's been at for years. Suddenly, back in town is Charlie - Ed Burns, her former boyfriend and Michaels best friend. Will he try to win Claudia back? This sad movie has sad characters who never seen content with their sad lives. It's one day at a time and paying the bills and not much else. Even the look of the town is grim and gray. The ending is a surprise I must say. There are good performances here but it's hard to recommend this film except as a psychological study of small town life.

Marcus - Channing Tatum - has just arrived in Roman occupied Britain. He is the son of a Commander of the "Lost Legion ", that is the troupe of soldiers who went North to battle and disappeared. Especially important to Marcus is finding a golden eagle that represented his father's 9th legion. It's likely in enemy hands. Now Marcus is a leader but his new underlings think he's a bad omen. So, Marcus decides that only he and his slave Esca - Jamie Bell - will go into Pict territory and search. Esca is a native Celt who knows the region. But, oh my. In the hunt for the eagle, the Picts prove to be fearsome indeed. Can the twosome stay alive ? This is a fine film about Roman Britain and a son seeking to bring back honor to his family. Tatum does a good job as does Bell and the rest. The recreation of the times is wonderful, with the Picts scaring the living daylights out of most viewers. If you love history, you will appreciate this stroll back in time.

The Prez of the US, Alan Richmond - Gene Hackman, is having a fling with the younger wife, Christy, of an old friend. One awful night, Alan gets too sexually aggressive and Christy can only stop him by stabbing him in the arm. He screams and in come the Secret Service, who shoot Christy dead. The truth cannot be known so the Presidents staff stage the scene to look like burglar killed Christy. However, there's a witness to the crime. Longtime thief Luther - Clint Eastwood - was indeed robbing the house on the night of the murder and saw the crime from a hiding spot. Will he talk ? Or can the President silence him, too ? This is a standard thriller, not awful but not outstanding. Hackman's role echoes his work in No Way Out and he can certainly play the "bad guy" well. Eastwood, who also directed the film, is slick as the professional thief. Other cast members offer fine support. The concept of the power of any President is a topic on everyone's mind in the 2020s. So, give it a try if you like Eastwood's films.

Dahlia - Jennifer Connelly - needs a cheaper apt in the NYC area for her and her little girl, Cecelia. Just separated, her ex is fighting for custody and he will win if she can't provide a home. She finds one in a ten story building on Roosevelt Island, very near Manhattan. At first, the place seems perfect. There is plenty of room, the caretaker lives in the building and an excellent grade school is nearby. But, whoa. Soon the two have water dripping from the ceiling while strange noises and sights become common. The caretaker stalls and stalls. Cecelia gets an imaginary friend who her teacher cautions Dahlia about. Soon, Dahlia makes a terrifying discovery about previous tenants on the floor above ? Is there a ghost in the place? This scary movie is a remake of a successful Japanese horror film. It's a worthy redo. Connelly shines as the troubled mother while supporting cast and sets are great. You will never hear the nursery rhyme of Itsy Bitsy Spider the same again, as Cecelia chants it during eerie moments. Thriller fans will give thumbs up but caution. This film is not for children.

Paul - Timothee Chalamet - and his Mother Jessica have escaped the Harkonnens on Dune. Now, they are residing with the planets native Fremen. The burial of Jamis, who Paul defeated after a challenge, is something sobering. Stilgar - Javier Bardem - is Paul's greatest defender, since these outsiders are not really welcome. Meanwhile, the Emperor - Christopher Walken - and his beautiful daughter Irulan are mourning the death of Leto Atreides, even though the Emperor ordered it. The Harkonnens are back to ruling Dune for mining the spice melange. Rabban the leader is trying to kill Fremen and increase production. Yet, the Fremen attack his equipment on the sly and creat havoc. All the while Feyd-Ratha - Austin Butler - is honing his fighting skills and his psychotic mind as the eventual ruler of Dune. As Paul gains respect from the Fremen and Jessica becomes the Tribes new Reverend Mother, the group plots the overthrow of the Harkonnens once and for all. Chani - Zendaya - and Paul become romantic partners. But, this spirited lady doesn't believe Paul is the fulfillment of the Fremens prophetic Messiah. How will it end ? This gorgeous epic is a banquet for the eyes and mind. Everything - from the cast to the story to the staging - is gold medal caliber. Even so, there are a few subtle changes from the book which might bother true fans. For one, the Baron is a lesser wicked character to his more evil nephew. Chani's role has also changed from supporting partner to outspoken equal, giving Paul grief. But, these aren't serious quibbles. If you see ONE MOVIE in 2024, Dune 2 should be your choice.

Babe - Dustin Hoffman - is a doctoral student in history at Columbia. He is honoring his father, in a way, because Dad was a brilliant professor who fell victim to Joe McCarthys Red hunt. Babe is also a runner, training for a marathon. One day at the school library, Babe spies a beautiful lady, Elsa, and is relentless in getting her to go out with him. Meanwhile, a former Nazi hiding in Brooklyn is killed in a traffic accident. This prompts a small group of CIA agents to suspect the Nazis more famously evil brother Szell - Laurence Olivier - will arrive in NY soon. He does. He's after diamonds held in a bank box. Unknown to Babe, his brother dies as a government agent, with Elsa maybe the traitor. Szell suspects Babe knows all, being a brother, and tortures him with dentist tools. What is Dr Szell doing? This exciting film is hard to explain but is basically an escaped Nazi fighting for stolen jewels from Auschwitz 30 years after the fact. As Szell, Olivier is terrifying and ruthless. Amazing how great actors can change gears so effortlessly. Hoffman is also fine as the man who knows very little but is tortured anyway. But, his running ability helps him well in the final analysis. If you enjoy films of political intrigue, you can't help but like MM.

A team of scientists in Scotland, around 2090, find a map of a distant planet. It appears this is a clue to the origins of humankind from single cells. As such, the Weyland corporation finances a space trip to this place. The humans will be asleep for the journey but their android David - Michael Fassbender - will stay awake to monitor the long voyage. When the group arrives, they find a strange black ooze which may contain DNA. Sure enough, a traitor on board mixes the ooze in a drink for man, who then has sex with his partner. The man soon begs to die while the pregnant woman carries a fast growing creature of strange identity. Also, the group discovers that the very old Dr Weyland - Guy Pearce - has been on board to find the answer to living indefinitely. Yes, trouble is ahead. This prequel to Alien is unnerving. The consequences of playing God are scary to behold. The cast is terrific and the films design is eye-popping. If you are a fan of the Alien franchise, you certainly will want to view this one, too.

John Klein - Richard Gere - is a reporter for the Washington Post. He and his wife Mary are overjoyed to find a great home to buy. But, on the way to their old digs, Mary sees an apparition in the road. She swerves. The car is wrecked but John is ok and Mary has minor injuries. Yet, the hospital stay confirms she has a brain tumor and soon, she's gone. Johns grief is strong. Mary left drawings of a winged creature with red eyes, puzzling John. Yet, Mr Klein keeps working. His latest assignment is in Virginia but but but. He finds himself lost, with no recollection, on the W Virginia side of the Ohio River. The police chief Connie - Laura Linney - says strange happenings has engulfed the town these last few months. Now, John hears tales of prophecies which comes true and other sightings of the winged creature called Mothman. What's going on? This movie is creepy more than scary but fascinating. Based on true events, sightings of this strange winged creature have happened in many places. Gere gives a fine turn as the confused reporter while the settings are tailor made spooky. Most thriller fans will really love this one.

Dr Ann - Annabella Sciorra - is a shrink with a varied practice. A beautiful female patient is visiting twice a week because of her boyfriends sexual demands. In increasing fashion, he wants to have sex in unusual places, often with her wrists tied. The patient is enjoying these episodes yet is frightened, too. Dr Ann is not sure how to guide her but is intrigued as well. Ann's breaking up with her current boyfriend and takes solace in longtime friend and mentor, Leo - Alan Alda. Then, Ann meets an attractive man named Doug who excites her very much. She is stunned to learn, by happenstance, that his first wife killed herself. Then, her beautiful patient also commits suicide. Morever, Doug may be the same guy who was romancing her, too. Is Ann in danger ? This is a sleazy thriller with sex and twisted deaths. Yes, Sciorra is beautiful and the supporting cast quite fine. But, the plot elements left a sour impression on this viewer. You decide if its worth a look.

Jack - Jack Nicholson - needs a new job and a place to write undisturbed. He gets both when he is hired to be the caretaker of an exclusive hotel high up in the Rockies for the winter. His wife Wendy and young son Danny will be going, too. Danny is special as he can see future events as well as communicate telepathically. The hiring manager makes clear that once it snows, only a few vehicles can make it up the mountain. Sadly, he also tells Jack a former caretaker went berserk and killed his family there ten years ago. Jack insists they will all be fine. Halloram the cook, who is going south, greets the family and communicates with Danny with the "shining" , his word for telepathy. He tells Danny to contact him if there's trouble. Then, the long winter begins. Danny sees ghosts and other scary things. Wendy grows more apprehensive while Jack starts drinking again and exhibits a growing anger. Could Danny need Hallorams help ? This Kubrick film has been praised as a stellar horror movie. It certainly is scary and has many frightening images. Nicholson delivers a descent into crazy performance that is awesome. The hotel and grounds are both lovely and menacing. Horror/ thriller fans should make time for it.

Dr. Guy - Hugh Grant - is an excellent ER doctor. A Brit, he's now working in NYC. On the day a wounded police officer and the perp who shot first arrive at the emergency room, Dr Guy saved both lives. He's well liked, too. Yet, a few days later, a scruffy man arrives with multiple problems. He's wearing a hospital bracelet with no ID. After he finally gives his name as Claude, Dr Guy tries but fails to keep him alive. Doc is distraught. Checking for an autopsy the next day, Guy learns the man's records have disappeared and all information discarded. How can this be? As Dr Guy goes on trying to find out what happened, he is warned to drop it. When he doesn't, Guy is framed for drug possession and arrested. Will this be the end of his career? This is a fine film exploring the dilemma of medical ethics. Grant is wonderful and Gene Hackman compliments him. Taken from an equally good book by Michael Palmer, this movie will ask the tough questions for every viewer as well as delivering plenty of thrills.

Dr Susan - Genevieve Bujold - is a lovely young resident at Boston General. At present, she's in a relationship with Dr Mark - Michael Douglas - a prominent surgeon at the same hospital. The two have a rocky way, at times, when Mark asks Susan to get him a beer or heat up a meal. She wants equal consideration. One day, a close friend of Susan's goes in for a routine operation by a Dr Harris - Rip Torn - but ends up in an irreversible coma. What could've gone wrong ? As Susan soon discovers, BG has had an unusually high number of similar occurrences. Lots of folks have fallen into comas and always in operating room 8. Susan begins a covert investigation and soon her life is in danger. What's happening? This film, based on a Robin Cook book and screen written by Michael Crichton, has a scary premise. Doctors are sworn to save lives but twisted physicians may get other ideas. The cast is fine with Widmark very frightening. Coma is a thriller with an edge. Be sure you don't watch it before surgery !

Juliette - Lily James is a British writer after World War II. A gentleman from Guernsey Island, Dorsey Adams, writes to her, asking for a book he loved during the War. Soon Juliette learns that the Island was occupied by Germans at the start of 1941. Further letters from Mr. Adams compels her to visit Guernsey, leaving her fiance behind. She learns the Germans took all of the pigs away to feed the soldiers, leaving the natives with potatoes as their main nourishment. In a dangerous situation, the Brit islanders invent a book club to cover their whereabouts when Germans stop them. Then, they actually do form a club. Alas, one of the members vanishes. Now, after the War Lily is determined to know more of what happened. And, possibly write down the story. Can she? This beautiful movie is a rare treat. There is a lovely cast, a gorgeous setting and an enthralling story to touch the hearts of any viewers. Find this film today.

Harry Callahan - Clint Eastwood - just sent a mobster to jail. He's famous and the SF police department would like to make him a poster boy. But, Harry wants only to be a detective and gets a new partner named Chan. A big case is breaking. A rock star has been murdered and he appeared on a list of " folks to die". A group of movie makers had a contest called The Dead Pool. They predicted who would die soon. But, one of them, a director, says it was only a joke. Still, more deaths follow. Is there a serial killer in the midst? This is another fine Dirty Harry movie. The cast features stars who were up and coming like Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neesom, and Jim Carrey. There's plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer guessing. As this is the final Harry Callahan film, don't miss it.

Steve Everett - Clint Eastwood- is a reporter for a top Oakland paper. But, he's a screw up in real life. He's a barely recovered alcoholic who cheats multiple times on his estranged spouse and he doesn't make enough time for his young daughter. Nevertheless, when a fellow reporter dies in a car crash, Steve gets the unlikeable job of witnessing the execution of a convicted killer, Frank - Isaiah Washington. But, wait. Once Steve starts reading about the crime, he becomes convinced Frank didn't do it. Now he has 6 hours to find the truth and stop a lethal injection. Can he do it ? Although this film has a good premise, it defies reality to try and stop an execution in a half day. Too bad. The cast is good, with Washington giving a moving performance. Eastwood, too, has his moments as another anti hero. Overall, it just doesn't completely work. If you admire Eastwood, you might give it a try.

Jack - Al Pacino - is a busy guy. He's a forensic profiler for the FBI while teaching his craft at the University of Washington. In addition, this bachelor has time for romance with various ladies. One day, news breaks that a man Jack helped convict if murder is asking a judge for a new trial. This occurs just as a new serial killer begins copycat crimes of the convicted man. As an added bonus, Jack gets a call that he has 88 minutes to live. This number has a significance to Jack which adds to the chase to find a killer. Who wins ? Pacino definitely looks too old for this role while the lame story is tired and twisted. However, a bevy of beautiful costars like Alicia Witt and Leelee Sobieski help provide some interest. Nevertheless, unless you are hoping to cure insomnia, you should not waste time with this one.

Jessie - Kate Bosworth - and husband Mark - Thomas Jane - have tragically lost their son Sean and are unable to have more children. To help them heal, they decide to foster a boy named Cody - Jacob Tremblay. He's a sweet child who has, strangely, has difficulty in previous families. Cody lost his mother at age 3 to cancer and as he tells Jessie, he's afraid to sleep because he sees the Canker Man, a monster. Jessie tries to reassure him that monsters aren't real. The couple let's him decorate his room. But, soon Jessie and Mark see butterflies flying in the house at night and see visions of their deceased son. Then, a bullying boy in Cody's class disappears and Cody is accused of knowing what happened. As Jessie investigates Cody's past families, it's noted that other people have vanished, too. Is the Canker Man real ? This unsettling but beautiful film is about loss and recovery at its heart. But, it's also a horror film with scary images. And, definitely, children should not watch as they would be frightened. The cast does fine work and the cinematography is splendid. If you like scary movies, you will probably it. However, it's not a typical entry in the horror genre.

Nina - Natalie Portman - is a beautiful ballet dancer and rising star in her NY company. For years, another great artist Beth - Winona Ryder - has been the principal ballerina of the ensemble. But, as director Thomas states, their audience wants to see a change in direction. Someone new and different. Therefore, Beth is forced into retirement and Nina is competing for the prize role of the two-sided Swan of Swan Lake. The role requires a dancer to be the pure Odette but also transform into the evil Odile or Black Swan. Thomas loves Nina's audition as Odette but worries she can't do justice to the evil Odile. Nevertheless, Nina captures the starring role. Enter another new dancer, Lily - Mila Kunis. It's obvious from day one that Lily wants Nina's starring part and she begins a subtle torture of Nina's psyche. Can Nina withstand the enormous pressure Lily is inflicting ? This beautiful but harrowing film is a difficult view. Portman gives an Award winning performance as a dancer with enormous talent but a fragile mind. Likewise, Kunis is fine as the evil hearted rival. Other cast members compliment them nicely. The ballet sequences are fantastic, encouraging everyone to seek more knowledge of a very difficult art form. The twist of an ending will also cut to the bone. Black Swan is a very special film indeed.

Tom - Benicio Del Toro - is a seasoned police detective in the state of Maine. One day, he gets a horrific new case. A beautiful real estate agent named Summer has been stabbed to death in a remote house she was showing. There are quite a few suspects. One is her boyfriend, Will - Justin Timberlake - who found the body. He runs a successful land development company. He tells Tom he loved Summer and would've marry her once her divorce came through. Huh. Another possible killer is her estranged husband, Sam, who friends say was still involved with Summer. Wait, there's more. A third possibilty is Eli, a disturbed man whose family was cheated out of land by Will. Are the others? The key to the case is a witness noting a classic luxury car at the scene of the crime. Find the car, find the killer. Maybe. Can Tom, who has troubling dreams, figure it out? This is a fine thriller written by Del Toro and starring him as well. Timberlake is great as the cool as a cucumber suspect and other cast members are very good as well. The unusual setting in Maine is very welcome, with lovely scenery. Best of all is the plot which weaves and wanders from one probable killer to the next surprise. Kudos, Mr. Del Toro. Reptile is quite a thrill to watch.

Dr Sam - Roy Schneider - is a Manhattan shrink who just learned one of his male patients, George Bynum, has been murdered. Someone stabbed him to death. Not long after, a wealthy lady Brooke - Meryl Streep - pays the Doc a visit. She says she was having an affair with the married Bynum, both working at an upscale art auction firm. Could he give a watch back to Mrs Bynum? Dr Sam is riveted by lovely Brooke. Meanwhile, Sam bounces ideas off his retired psychiatrist Mother - Jessica Tandy. Some suspect Brooke is the killer. Could she be? This is a so so thriller in Robert Benton's homage to Hitchcock. Streep is fine as the mystery woman and the rest of the cast compliments her. The best part of the film is the imagery which enhances the jolts and shivers. Most mystery lovers will find it acceptable fare for a dark and stormy night.

Page Forrester, a wealthy heiress, is murdered cruelty in her beach house, along with her maid. She was tied up and stabbed with a jagged edged hunting knife. Her husband Jack - Jeff Bridges - says he was knocked out before finding the bodies. An ambitious DA charges Jack with her murder. Needing a first rate attorney, Jack convinces Teddy - Glenn Close - who gave up criminal law four years ago, to take his case. She's smart. But, also dumb as she gets involved with Jack on a personal level. Jack, BTW, passed a lie detector exam. Strangely, Teddy receives anonymous letters with potential witnesses to help her case. Meanwhile, a janitor at Jack's tennis club insists he saw a hunting knife in Jack's locker. What's the truth ? This is an intriguing whodunnit with good turns by Bridges and Close. There are plenty of surprises to satisfy mystery fans. Also, the San Francisco sets are beautiful. If you missed this nearly 40 year old film, hunt it down. You will be on the edge of your seat for its duration.