Tag Archives: Michael Wincott

Action, Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

THE CROW (1994): The Things I Liked…

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The Crow is one of those movies I’ve heard about often over the years. Now that I’ve finally seen it, more than the subject matter, my knowledge of director Alex Proyas’s film was limited to the fact that lead actor Brandon Lee was tragically killed on set.

The story of The Crow centres around Eric Draven (Lee), a man who comes back to life after being brutally murdered, along with his girlfriend; his sole mission being to avenge their deaths.

As an action/crime/drama which was largely well-received by audiences, my favourite thing about The Crow is Lee’s stunt work and the engaging way he moved as Eric, especially after his death.

It may be the case that, for the 90s, The Crow was groundbreaking and impressive. But for me, everything outside of Lee’s performance didn’t prove especially memorable or particularly noteworthy, even as someone who appreciates a good vengeance movie. As such, I’m curious about what you think of The Crow. Are you a big fan and therefore, excited about the upcoming remake starring Bill Skarsgard?

Perhaps there’s something about the 1994 movie that I missed. Do share in the comments below.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Horror, Mystery, No Spoiler Reviews, Sci-Fi

NOPE (2022): The Things I Liked…

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Nope (2022), Daniel Kaluuya, Brandon Perea, Keke Palmer, Universal Pictures
Nope (2022), Daniel Kaluuya, Brandon Perea, Keke Palmer, Universal Pictures

I would love to say that Nope is one of my favourite movies of 2022, but that wouldn’t be true. Director Jordan Peele’s third film, following Get Out (2017) and Us (2019), truly tested my patience so much that I came close to giving up on it.

It wasn’t until the fifty-five-minute mark that things changed. I was finally fully engaged and excited about what was happening in Peele’s horror/mystery/sci-fi film about the uncanny, chilling and undoubtedly alien events in an inland California gulch.

The cinematography of Nope is one of its key highlights. Daniel Kaluuya and Keke Palmer’s performances were two more high points. There was a point or two when I wanted Palmer’s character to speak less. Still, what I loved most about Nope is the sibling connection between Kaluuya and Palmer’s characters. A pleasing dynamic that happens to shine through even more after the aforementioned fifty-five-minute mark

As for the question of whether to watch Nope or not, that depends on your patience levels. It also depends on how big of a Peele fan you are. And, lastly, your curiosity about everything that happens after fifty-five minutes. 

I can’t say I completely forgive Peele for the slow half of the movie, just because I enjoyed the second half a lot more. But, I can say that I am somewhat less mad. 

Have you seen Nope? If so, what did you like most and least about it?

Happy Film Loving 

G

Source: JustWatch
Action, Crime, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

GHOST IN A SHELL (2017): The Things I Liked…

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Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson
Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson

The problem with Ghost In A Shell  goes beyond whitewashing and the issue with the main character not being completely true to the original story.

Directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Scarlett Johansson and Juliette Binoche, the movie, which is based on the popular Japanese manga story has some moving moments and a handful of satisfying action sequences. Nevertheless, the execution of the story just wasn’t great. I didn’t consistently feel present and invested in the protagonist’s struggle because of how the story is told/edited.

Major’s, Johansson) response to the words ‘You’re what everyone will become one day’ along with her physical sacrifice towards the end were the most moving moments.

I will remember this movie, probably mostly as a missed opportunity, but also as a film where I enjoyed Juliette Binoche’s performance and loved the way Michael Pitt’s character/face was introduced. Last but not least, it was certainly empowering to witness Major’s ‘get it done’ attitude in action.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Crime, Drama

GHOST IN A SHELL (2017): New Trailer From Scarlett Johansson, Michael Pitt, Juliette Binoche…

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Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson
Ghost In A Shell (2017), Scarlett Johansson

In Ghost In A Shell, Scarlett Johansson is a cyborg Police woman on a mission to bring down an evil computer hacker.

Juliette Binoche and Michael Pitt also star while Rupert Sanders directs.

I know next to nothing about the stories on which this movie is based. That’s ok by me because film is my medium. I want this to be a great movie and much better than Lucy (2014), the last action movie I saw that starred Johansson.

Ghost In A Shell Release Dates: March 31st, 2017 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G