Change Your Image
robertasburyrussell
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
The Bubble (2022)
A period piece?
No one is going to mistake this film for great art, but that's clearly not it's intent. What it captures for posterity is a very specific period of time when major studios went to great lengths to complete planned blockbusters despite a global pandemic (eg the Mission Impossible & Jurassic franchises). By casting a slew of notable franchise and B-list stars, Judd Appatow creates a world that's both believable and frought with comedic drama.
Ôdishon (1999)
A Bizarre Classic
I enjoyed this film the first time I saw it, and my star rating reflects that, but I gained a much deeper appreciation after watching it again as part of "The Last Drive-In" series on Shudder. JBB's commentary was illuminating in so many ways - I recommend any fan of J-horror to get on Shudder and watch Audition through the (somehow non-spoilery) lens of Joe Bob Briggs.
Slasher: Kindred (2021)
Brilliant Finale!
The final episode wraps this season up brilliantly. Although I don't think any viewer would be truly surprised at who the "winner" of the game turned out to be, the way the various themes of the season are bound together within a tight story is quite surprising. Somehow this episode resolves the show's takes on love, hate, greed, and class privilege without being obvious or preachy. Kudos!
Queenpins (2021)
Great cast!
No one is going to refer to Queenpins as a "great film" - the dialogue is often clunky and its side-by-side stories are thematically at odds with one another - but its definitely worth watching as a showcase for the exceptional acting talents of a cast that brings what could have been a ho-hum comedy to life. Bell & Howell-Baptiste shine as partners in crime, and Hauser is achingly believable as the dumpy loss prevention agent, especially when Vaughn shows up as his USPS foil. Cameos by Jack Macbrayer, Paul Rust and Bebe Rexha fill out a cast that makes this hyper-real world feel warmly realistic. Recommended as a pleaser for any movie night!
Hacks: New Eyes (2021)
Favorite Episode So Far
This episode is the pay-off we've been waiting for in terms of several character arcs, back-stories and themes that have been developing since the show began. Even though the writing has been consistently great, "New Eyes" stands out by mixing comedy and drama (and even a little romance) in a way the series hasn't up to this point.
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
A polished gem
Rewatching this film for the first time in over a decade, I found it even more charming and well-crafted than I remembered. The four main actors - Perry, Willis, Peet & Henstridge - never overplay their parts but imbue them with personality. Perry's physical humor is laugh-out-loud funny in places, all the more for his subtle timing. The plot is tight enough to keep the suspense building while the comedy allows the characters come across as human and interesting as opposed to caricatures. While the director received more praise and success for some of his other movies, like Clue & My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards is a more mature and, to me, more gratifying film.
Best in Show (2000)
The Best of Guest!
Of all Christopher Guest's partially improvised comedies, Best in Show is, well, the the best. The film's depth of characterization elevates it beyond the comedy of Guffman, which is mainly rooted in the characters' lack of self-awareness, into a sublime combination of the ridiculous and the heartfelt. When the film ends, you want nothing more than to continue following the various characters and their deeply rich plot-lines. It's a film that rewards repeated watching: highly recommended!
The Old Guard (2020)
OMG, She's Got a Battle Axe!
Charlize Theron once again channels that Furiosa vibe as the 4000 year old, battle-axe wielding leader of a team of immortal soldiers. The action is well-directed and the movie could just sail by on those merits alone, but director Gina Prince-Bywood and writer Greg Rukka (upon whose comics the film is based) provide a believable undercurrent of emotional depth in the connecting scenes. This is especially true of the chemistry between Joe and Nicky. The finale is open-ended enough that a sequel has to already be in the works.