Now You See Me (Netflix disc):
An F.B.I. Agent and an Interpol Detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances, and reward their audiences with the money.
Very nice ensemble cast, and what I thought would be a waste of time overall turned out to be quite entertaining. Of course, movies of this nature have twists and turns, and the foreshadowing (obvious or otherwise) turn out to be tricks or red herrings themselves. You think you have it...then you don't. Or maybe you do.
Worth the 2 hours, for sure. Prob will end up watching it again at some point, to catch any nuances I may have missed.
Now You See Me and the sequel were both very entertaining.
Now You See Me (Netflix disc):
An F.B.I. Agent and an Interpol Detective track a team of illusionists who pull off bank heists during their performances, and reward their audiences with the money.
Very nice ensemble cast, and what I thought would be a waste of time overall turned out to be quite entertaining. Of course, movies of this nature have twists and turns, and the foreshadowing (obvious or otherwise) turn out to be tricks or red herrings themselves. You think you have it...then you don't. Or maybe you do.
Worth the 2 hours, for sure. Prob will end up watching it again at some point, to catch any nuances I may have missed.
Now You See Me and the sequel were both very entertaining.
I never saw the sequel but I was thoroughly entertained by the first one
Unaware of a sequel. Time to look that one up.
SAS: Red Notice (aka Rise Of The Black Swan) (Netflix streaming):
A small army of well trained criminals led by Grace Lewis have hijacked a train deep beneath the English Channel.
Standard action movie with lots of action and a backstory of romance between the hero and the woman in his life. It was entertaining enough to definitely not be a waste of time, but I dunno if I'd search for it outside of pure curiosity. While a touch over 2 hrs, it filled the time well, it was the right amount of viewing time. They didn't waste a minute, and they didn't just throw scenes on the cutting room floor to get to the 90-minute compact action, short-attention span movie.
If you don't know what to watch, I'd give this one a whirl.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Red Joan (Netflix streaming):
The story of Joan Stanley, who was exposed as the K.G.B.'s longest-serving British spy.
Loosely based on a true story (real name Melita Norwood), it's still very emotionally gripping as the details emerge. Very heavy movie, as the context presented is generational (you don't know what it was like, etc). And I have to admit, it's true. Someone my age will never truly understand what the WWII generation felt, pre- or post-war, especially since I am an American.
Dench is the name on the box (playing the elderly Joan), but Sophie Cookson (playing the younger Joan) more than exceeds her expectations of the role. Captures every feeling, action, embodiment of a very smart, but sometimes lost person.
Definitely recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Reminiscence (HBO Max)
Nick Bannister, a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.
Great plot. But, the style is noir. I hate that style. If one likes that style, this would be an outstanding movie. The plot itself challenges the mind but the style numbs it, IMO. Good acting all around, and the minus is the canned dialogue that plagues noir movies.
There you have it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Reminiscence (HBO Max)
Nick Bannister, a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.
Great plot. But, the style is noir. I hate that style. If one likes that style, this would be an outstanding movie. The plot itself challenges the mind but the style numbs it, IMO. Good acting all around, and the minus is the canned dialogue that plagues noir movies.
There you have it.
I had trouble with the basis of this movie but it looked good.
If you like horror movies Malignant is pretty good. Part horror, part thriller, part action movie.
Coda (Apple TV+)
“As a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) Ruby is the only hearing person in her deaf family. When the family's fishing business is threatened, Ruby finds herself torn between pursuing her love of music and her fear of abandoning her parents.”
REALLY liked this movie. Very uplifting. Great date movie.
House Party (Netflix streaming):
Kid decides to go to his friend Play's house party, but neither of them can predict what's in store for them on what could be the wildest night of their lives. Stars Kid'N'Play, a rather successful rap duo in the late 80s/early 90s. Clean cut rappers, barely swore at all, non-gangsta pop rap, I guess one could say.
Was feeling nostalgic tonight, so re-watched this after MANY years. As many movies go, it doesn't hold up in the styles/pop culture norms (what were people thinking with those hairstyles and outfits?! 
). BUT, it did touch on some cultural stuff that is still relevant today. Additionally, before the awesome 8 Mile rap battle finale, there was the House Party rap battle, which is just as good (style is different, but the back and forth is above and beyond).
I will admit, without resistance, the sequels sucked, but this one is indeed a classic. Plus, George Clinton said one of the best tough guy lines:
George Clinton: [after hitting Stab across the Head] Yeah, I did it, I might cry two tears in a bucket. F* it. Let's take it to the stage.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
It Happened One Night (Netflix disc, 1934):
A renegade reporter and a crazy young heiress meet on a bus heading for New York, and end up stuck with each other when the bus leaves them behind at one of the stops.
Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert have excellent chemistry in this one, reminded me quite a bit of the banter in "His Girl Friday." Reading up on it after I watched it, it's considered one of the first screwball comedies, and I'd agree with that. The ending was phenomenal; it was the little touches that truly mattered in that aspect. Definitely recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Guns Of Navarone (Netflix streaming):
A team of allied saboteurs are assigned an impossible mission: infiltrate an impregnable Nazi-held island and destroy the two enormous long-range field guns that prevent the rescue of 2,000 trapped British soldiers.
Tedious. Extremely tedious. This could have been a 2 hour movie. However, I did enjoy it. Rather gritty at times, and considering the era it was made, and given the Hollywood codes and such, they did make it as realistic as they could. I'd say you'd have to be in the right mood to see this one, it's not something you just pop in because you heard it's good.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Kate (Netflix streaming):
A female assassin has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies (she was poisoned).
Linda Hamilton (T2)? Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)? Move over. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has taken the title of the baddest ass b*tch. She was just warming up in Birds Of Prey. Now we get this. She's come a LONG way since Grindhouse.
Very entertaining movie, some twists are obvious, some are not. Pretty much continuous action, lots of over the top fight scenes, pure eye candy, and I really liked it. Woody Harrelson does well as the mentor, very similar to his Hunger Games character.
Personal bonus: the plot is Yakuza-based. Woo hoo!
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Kate (Netflix streaming):
A female assassin has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies (she was poisoned).
Linda Hamilton (T2)? Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)? Move over. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has taken the title of the baddest ass b*tch. She was just warming up in Birds Of Prey. Now we get this. She's come a LONG way since Grindhouse.
Very entertaining movie, some twists are obvious, some are not. Pretty much continuous action, lots of over the top fight scenes, pure eye candy, and I really liked it. Woody Harrelson does well as the mentor, very similar to his Hunger Games character.
Personal bonus: the plot is Yakuza-based. Woo hoo!
Great movie, loved it. Apparently she has some fanboys
Kate (Netflix streaming):
A female assassin has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies (she was poisoned).
Linda Hamilton (T2)? Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)? Move over. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has taken the title of the baddest ass b*tch. She was just warming up in Birds Of Prey. Now we get this. She's come a LONG way since Grindhouse.
Very entertaining movie, some twists are obvious, some are not. Pretty much continuous action, lots of over the top fight scenes, pure eye candy, and I really liked it. Woody Harrelson does well as the mentor, very similar to his Hunger Games character.
Personal bonus: the plot is Yakuza-based. Woo hoo!
Great movie, loved it. Apparently she has some fanboys
That would not surprise me.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Now You See Me and the sequel were both very entertaining.
Just watched the sequel tonight (Netflix disc). It was fun, and much like the Ocean's 11-12-13 series, same story, different tricks, and it didn't really affect the entertainment value that much, if at all. If you liked the first one, watch the second one.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Kate (Netflix streaming):
A female assassin has 24 hours to get vengeance on her murderer before she dies (she was poisoned).
Linda Hamilton (T2)? Uma Thurman (Kill Bill)? Move over. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has taken the title of the baddest ass b*tch. She was just warming up in Birds Of Prey. Now we get this. She's come a LONG way since Grindhouse.
Very entertaining movie, some twists are obvious, some are not. Pretty much continuous action, lots of over the top fight scenes, pure eye candy, and I really liked it. Woody Harrelson does well as the mentor, very similar to his Hunger Games character.
Personal bonus: the plot is Yakuza-based. Woo hoo!
Great movie, loved it. Apparently she has some fanboys
That would not surprise me.
She's pretty awesome.
I would concur. Loved the extras feature in Birds Of Prey about all the women talking about their characters, and the production, and such, and how it was such a big step forward for women in the industry. She has her head on right, no doubt.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Just had a kid with Ewan McGregor. There's some talk about her maybe being a homewrecker in regards to his previous marriage, but I dismiss that stuff because
1. I hate the term. Implies the woman is the nefarious one and completely removes the man from the situation.
2. Personal lives of celebrities are something I just don't care about.
Cry Macho (HBOMax):
A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man's young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.
Well, take out the racism in Gran Torino, and replace it with a road trip, and there you have it. This is a good movie, but not a great one. Eastwood again plays the rough-around-the-edges but has a heart of gold oldster, and Eduardo Minett (who plays the son) is the pretty much unknown actor that does very well in his role.
It's worth a watch, but don't expect anything new or groundbreaking.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The In-laws (1979) was on TCM tonight. One of the top ten funniest movies I’ve ever seen.
The In-laws (1979) was on TCM tonight. One of the top ten funniest movies I’ve ever seen.
Alan Arkin is brilliant!
Cry Macho (HBOMax):
A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man's young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.
Well, take out the racism in Gran Torino, and replace it with a road trip, and there you have it. This is a good movie, but not a great one. Eastwood again plays the rough-around-the-edges but has a heart of gold oldster, and Eduardo Minett (who plays the son) is the pretty much unknown actor that does very well in his role.
It's worth a watch, but don't expect anything new or groundbreaking.
Sounds like a rehash of Gran Torino/The Mule. I love Clint (he also looks just like my dad) but this movie seems like a total rehash. I will surely watch it at some point but it's not a priority.
Cry Macho (HBOMax):
A one-time rodeo star and washed-up horse breeder takes a job to bring a man's young son home and away from his alcoholic mom. On their journey, the horseman finds redemption through teaching the boy what it means to be a good man.
Well, take out the racism in Gran Torino, and replace it with a road trip, and there you have it. This is a good movie, but not a great one. Eastwood again plays the rough-around-the-edges but has a heart of gold oldster, and Eduardo Minett (who plays the son) is the pretty much unknown actor that does very well in his role.
It's worth a watch, but don't expect anything new or groundbreaking.
Sounds like a rehash of Gran Torino/The Mule. I love Clint (he also looks just like my dad) but this movie seems like a total rehash. I will surely watch it at some point but it's not a priority.
Cry Macho, Gran Torino, and The Mule screenplays all written by Minnesotan Nick Schenk.
A series of YouTube videos for a Band Of Brothers Podcast from HBO:
A prologue from Tom Hanks:
And this is bit older but a history professor breaks down each episode. Sorry I'm linking to Ep 3 since that's where I'm currently at. 
Attack Of The Hollywood Cliches! (Netflix streaming):
A look at all the tropes/cliches that movies have done over the years.
As done with "A History Of Swear Words" w/Nic Cage, they cast a tremendously fitting host for this: Rob Lowe. His style fits perfectly with this presentation. It covers the ticking time bomb, the magical Black person, the meet-cute, the jump-scare, the car chase. They kept it to an hour, but honestly could have shown more examples and made it 90-120 minutes without it being cumbersome. I loved it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Britney Vs Spears (Netflix streaming):
Journalist Jenny Eliscu and filmmaker Erin Lee Carr investigate Britney Spears' fight for freedom by way of exclusive interviews and confidential evidence.
The film-makers proclaim their bias from the get-go. It's not really selacious nor tawdry, but it is biased. That being said, they rely heavily on Freedome Of Info/court documents that are there for the public to read. Informative, for sure. It goes up to Sept 7th of this year, so very current. I would watch it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Venom is pretty good but there’s a huge reveal in the credits.
Also, the trailer for the new Batman is spectacular.
Many Saints Of Newark (HBO Max):
A look at the formative years of New Jersey gangster Tony Soprano.
Well, here it is, finally. And for the first 3/4 of the movie, a solid MEH. The last 1/4 of the movie, the pieces fell together and was really good. The last time I had that feeling watching a movie was "Burn After Reading." The light bulb came on during the last act(s). It all came together. Vera Fermiga and Ray Liotta were outstanding in their roles, I will say that without hesitation.
Definitely worth a watch if you loved the Sopranos, take a chance if you simply liked the Sopranos. It wasn't the blockbuster I expected, but it was not a waste of time, either.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Guilty on Netflix
Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.
How many Netflix movies take place in one room?
I need a list so I can avoid them.
The Guilty on Netflix
Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.
How many Netflix movies take place in one room?
I need a list so I can avoid them.
Locke basically is a movie that takes place in a car, with the driver: (Tom Hardy) just talking on the phone, and it's excellent.
Hell, Reservoir Dogs mainly takes place in a warehouse (with bad audio) and that movie is awesome.
Those movies rely solely on the acting. No CGI, no action, just dialogue...trial by fire, basically.
Just because it's one location/room...I won't immediately dismiss it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Guilty on Netflix
Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.
How many Netflix movies take place in one room?
I need a list so I can avoid them.
Locke basically is a movie that takes place in a car, with the driver: (Tom Hardy) just talking on the phone, and it's excellent.
Hell, Reservoir Dogs mainly takes place in a warehouse (with bad audio) and that movie is awesome.
Those movies rely solely on the acting. No CGI, no action, just dialogue...trial by fire, basically.
Just because it's one location/room...I won't immediately dismiss it.
They should just play them on the radio. All you need is the audio. It annoys me that they don’t have to do any production work at all. Just setup the talking head and hit the record button. Netflix is kicking out content as fast as they can and the quicker they can the more $, the better.
Netflix is also getting a bad rep for a lot of the stuff they put out because of it.
To quote Office Space, "The glitch will work itself out."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Hell, Glengarry Glen Ross.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Guilty on Netflix
Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.
How many Netflix movies take place in one room?
I need a list so I can avoid them.
I know The Guilty was filmed right in the middle of the pandemic so that may be why it was limited to one room so they could limit exposures. I read that the director had been exposed to COVID so he wasn't on site for some of the filming. He directed remotely from a van about a block away.
Last night I watched Freaky (HBO MAX). Basically it's a body switching movie like Big and Freaky Friday but the difference is the body switches are between a serial killer played by Vince Vaughn and a high school girl. I really enjoyed the movie. Vince Vaughn was especially funny acting like a high school girl.
Oddly enough, I just rewatched Reaervior Dogs last weekend and although you remember it as all taking place in the warehouse there’s lots of cutaway scenes. There is great acting but also so much blood and brutality in what almost seems like slow motion. Tarantino is a king.
The Guilty on Netflix
Jake Gillenhal is a 911 operator and he takes calls on his shift. Another Netflix movie that takes place in one room and is low budget. 99.9% of dialogue is Jake on the phone sitting in a 911 call center. All scenes are in the call center with Jake on the phone, no action in any other location.
How many Netflix movies take place in one room?
I need a list so I can avoid them.
I know The Guilty was filmed right in the middle of the pandemic so that may be why it was limited to one room so they could limit exposures. I read that the director had been exposed to COVID so he wasn't on site for some of the filming. He directed remotely from a van about a block away.
Last night I watched Freaky (HBO MAX). Basically it's a body switching movie like Big and Freaky Friday but the difference is the body switches are between a serial killer played by Vince Vaughn and a high school girl. I really enjoyed the movie. Vince Vaughn was especially funny acting like a high school girl.
I just assumed Freaky sucked....who knew?
Venom is pretty good but there’s a huge reveal in the credits.
Really liked the new Venom movie. Very entertaining. And the post credit scene... 
American Made (Netflix disc):
The story of Barry Seal, an American pilot who became a drug-runner for the CIA in the 1980s in a clandestine operation that would be exposed as the Iran-Contra Affair.
LOOSELY translated into "fact," but a fun movie. Tom Cruise is great in it, and yes, the basic plot is true. There is just a ton of leeway into the telling of it. It's okay to kill some time, but so many other movies/series are out there that are more factual. Depends on what you are in the mood for.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Destination Wedding (Netflix Streaming):
The story of two miserable and unpleasant wedding guests, Lindsay and Frank, who develop a mutual affection despite themselves.
Keanu and Wynona star, hence my giving it a shot. The cynicism is thick between the characters, and the back-and-forth between the two is absolutely hilarious dry comedy, along with the "chapter" introductions, such as
Saturday Morning:
Sh* You Would Never Do Otherwise
Give it a whirl. It's the anti-rom-com rom-com.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Many Saints Of Newark (HBO Max):
A look at the formative years of New Jersey gangster Tony Soprano.
Well, here it is, finally. And for the first 3/4 of the movie, a solid MEH. The last 1/4 of the movie, the pieces fell together and was really good. The last time I had that feeling watching a movie was "Burn After Reading." The light bulb came on during the last act(s). It all came together. Vera Fermiga and Ray Liotta were outstanding in their roles, I will say that without hesitation.
Definitely worth a watch if you loved the Sopranos, take a chance if you simply liked the Sopranos. It wasn't the blockbuster I expected, but it was not a waste of time, either.
Thoughts on the younger Gandoldfini playing younger Tony?
Many Saints Of Newark (HBO Max):
A look at the formative years of New Jersey gangster Tony Soprano.
Well, here it is, finally. And for the first 3/4 of the movie, a solid MEH. The last 1/4 of the movie, the pieces fell together and was really good. The last time I had that feeling watching a movie was "Burn After Reading." The light bulb came on during the last act(s). It all came together. Vera Fermiga and Ray Liotta were outstanding in their roles, I will say that without hesitation.
Definitely worth a watch if you loved the Sopranos, take a chance if you simply liked the Sopranos. It wasn't the blockbuster I expected, but it was not a waste of time, either.
Thoughts on the younger Gandoldfini playing younger Tony?
I thought he did well. Contemplating his actions (to a point), taking in a lot of information and using it and/or learning from it, pretty much being a sponge that occasionally had to let out some water, so to speak.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Hell, Glengarry Glen Ross.
I've always thought this movie could be a play.
Jack Lemon's character, cocky and vulnerable all at once, was written for the stage. He was brilliant as Shelley Levene.
Hell, Glengarry Glen Ross.
I've always thought this movie could be a play.
Jack Lemon's character, cocky and vulnerable all at once, was written for the stage. He was brilliant as Shelley Levene.
IIRC it WAS a play, translated to the big screen (I seem to recall saying the same thing when I watched the movie, and someone mentioned that).
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Per imdb:
David Mamet based his original play on his own experience working in a real estate office in the 1970s, when he was a struggling playwright. He was the office manager who gave out sales leads and handled the paperwork.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Per imdb:
David Mamet based his original play on his own experience working in a real estate office in the 1970s, when he was a struggling playwright. He was the office manager who gave out sales leads and handled the paperwork.
Interesting. I didn't know that.
The Shelley Levene character was truly special.
Cannot wait to go see No Time To Die on Friday!
Official Secrets (Netflix streaming):
The true story of a British whistleblower who leaked information to the press about an illegal NSA spy operation designed to push the UN Security Council into sanctioning the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
Well, and I must say this, Keira Knightley actually passes for an actress of some ability. That's a plus. Overall, the movie is very interesting on how events unfolded. Reading up a little on it, it didn't seem like they strayed from the facts they knew, and frankly, they didn't have to; the story was that crazy to begin with. Movies like this that show the processes of journalism, government, operations...what they go through, all the back channels, how things really get leaked...this one was a good one for that.
Recommended watch, but falls a tad short of a "must watch."
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Exam (DVD, re-watch, first found on Netflix Disc):
Eight candidates for a highly desirable corporate job are locked together in an exam room and given a final test with just one seemingly simple question. However, it doesn't take long for confusion to ensue and tensions to unravel.
Great movie. The exam is a blank sheet of paper (save the title of "Candidate 1/2/etc") and a pencil. The sparse rules are presented. Go. Given the "one room" movies discussion of late, I'd say this is up there.
Have fun, kids!
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Saw No Time To Die today.
Fantastic. Daniel Craig was outstanding. A great movie for his last Bond film.
Does the theater at West End have lounge seats?