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Podcast Episode 71: HIPPO Star & Co-writer Kimball Farley On The Quirky Indie Comedy - Movies In Focus
Kimball Farley, the star and co-writer of the new off-beat indie film Hippo joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. Directed by Mark H. Rapaport, Hippo is a black-and-white coming-of-age story set in the 1990s that explores the lives of two step-siblings. The film’s quirky tone – reminiscent of the films of Wes Anderson – is complemented by Eric Roberts’ excellent voice-over, which adds depth to the narrative’s stylised storytelling. Kimball discusses the creative process behind Hippo, its unique storytelling approach, and uncovers what makes this film a standout in modern indie cinema Listen below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE - Movies In Focus
Tobe Hooper – 1974. Tobe Hooper’s The Texas Chainsaw Massacre is a low budget and quite horrific horror pic that set the template for a plethora of other fright films. The set-up is a slow burn, but once things kick-0ff, it becomes unsettling – even though much of the violence is implied rather than seen. A visceral and powerful piece of movie-making.
Podcast Episode 70: Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez On THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT's Enduring Horror Legacy - Movies In Focus
Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sanchez, the directors of the iconic horror film The Blair Witch Project join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. Released in 1999, The Blair Witch Project not only essentially created the found-footage genre but it also left an indelible mark on the landscape of independent cinema. Daniel and Eduardo share their insights on the film’s production – everything from its unique marketing strategy to the challenges they faced in bringing their vision to life. This is a fascinating conversation with two filmmakers who pushed the boundaries of cinema and redefined horror storytelling. It’s an engaging discussion that will illuminate the legacy of a film that continues to inspire filmmakers and frighten audiences around the world 25 years on. that continues to inspire filmmakers and frighten audiences around the world. The Blair Witch Project Limited Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray is available from Second Sight Films on 11th November 2024 –read the Movies In Focus review. Listen below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Blu-ray Review: THE BLAIR WITCH PROJECT - Still Great 25 Years On - Movies In Focus
Horror cinema was taken to a whole new level 25 years ago when The Blair Witch Project came out of nowhere, broke box office records – and for better or for worse – single-handedly ushered in the ‘found footage’ sub-genre. The set-up is simple, but the execution is exceptionally well handled. The 1999 pseudo-documentary opens with a title card that sums up the film better than I ever could: ”In October of 1994, three student filmmakers disappeared in the woods near Burkittsville, Maryland while shooting a documentary called ‘The Blair Witch Project’. A year later their footage was found.” Stars Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua Leonard – play the young filmmakers – fictional versions of themselves who go deep into the woods during the course of their film shoot. Tensions run high when the trio get lost – and then things start to go bump on the night. The Blair Witch Project helped change film-making – and film marketing forever. It showed Hollywood that the internet was an important way to hype films, without having to spend $100 million on promotion. Audiences believed the footage contained within Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez’s low budget fright pic was real [...]
Blu-ray Review: Rutger Hauer Is On The Road To Hell In THE HITCHER - Movies In Focus
A staple of video shops when it hit VHS in the 1980s (the artwork is forever seared into my brain), The Hitcher didn’t exactly set the box office alight on its cinematic release – but its reputation grew over time and it eventually became a cult classic. The Robert Harmon directed thriller sees Jim (C. Thomas Howell), a young motorist on a cross country car trip, get more than he bargained for when he picks up Rutger Hauer’s deadly hitch-hiker. Terrorised across the West Texas plains, The Hitcher leaves a trail of death and destruction as he pursues Jim in his twisted game of cat and mouse. The kind of well-made B-movie that you just don’t get any more, The Hitcher is a tightly constructed thriller that not only features good performances – but also looks great (thanks to Mad Max: Fury Road cinematographer John Seale). Hauer was always a unique screen presence – an actor who could get across an icy cool as well as a level of intelligence and sophistication. He’s at the peak of his power here, delivering a chilly turn as the titular character – a true demon in human form. C. Thomas Howell plays well [...]
Remembering The Great Lou Reed - Movies In Focus
Lou Reed was more than a rock star. He was a street poet, a purveyor of the grit and the grime of the under-belly of New York. His music was polarizing but also deeply influential. His late 60s work with Andy Warhol’s The Velvet Underground helped shape modern music. Not in a way like The Beatles or The Rolling Stones – no – The Velvet Underground took a different route; it was musical guerrilla warfare. Stealth. 1970 saw the release of Lou Reed’s self-titled debut, while he released Transformer in 1972. It was his masterpiece. Produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, Transformer featured Walk On The Wild Side, Perfect Day, Vicious and Satellite of Love. That’s a heck of a line-up – and it’s only half the album. Berlin was a soft, almost spiritual release in 1974, while Metal Machine Music (1975) was an exercise in sonic distortion. The mellow Coney Island Baby drew on his love of Doo-wop and 1989’s New York was a mid-career masterpiece (featuring the classic Dirty Boulevard). Later releases saw a double album inspired by Edgar Allan Poe titled The Raven and his most recent release was Lulu with Metallica. Movie-wise, Reed’s music has [...]
Blu-ray Review: LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL Is 1970s TV Hell - Movies In Focus
Get ready for some late-night horror as Australian filmmakers Colin Cairnes and Cameron Cairnes deliver the 1970s set fright pic, Late Night With The Devil. This is a pseudo-found footage film framed around a live television broadcast in which David Dastmalchian’s chat show host unwittingly unleashes a demon during a Halloween special. The majority of Late Night With The Devil is supposed to be from the existing broadcast tapes of the ‘live’ broadcast, while the between-ad break moments are purportedly from behind-the-scenes documentary footage. It uses the chat show format of the fictitious Night Owls with Jack Delroy to its advantage by weaving a variety of guests in and out through different segments. This keeps the energy levels high, and the live TV format means the pacing is fast as another ad break is just around the corner. Holding Late Night With The Devil together is David Dastmalchian’s, Jack Delroy. We’ve seen in recent years that a massive gulf exists between how television presenters appear on screen and how they conduct themselves off it, and Dastmalchian’s Delroy obviously has layers beneath the plastic sheen of his chat show host persona. This is hinted at during the in-depth prologue, but Dastmalchian’s [...]
Review: IN RESTLESS DREAMS: THE MUSIC OF PAUL SIMON - An Exceptional Look At A Musical Icon - Movies In Focus
Folk star, musical icon and world music pioneer – Paul Simon has been many things across his long career. From his early days playing teenage pop alongside childhood Art Garfunkel as Tom & Jerry to their breakthrough Simon & Garfunkel success and then his work as a solo artist, Simon’s career has encompassed many forms and sounds over the decades. Alex Gibney’s new documentary film, In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon pulls all this together in a fascinating three-and-a-half-hour documentary. Using the recording of Simon’s 2023 album, Seven Psalms as an entry point, there’s a melancholic retrospection to the film as it dips back in time, weaving the present and the past to tell Simon’s life through the trajectory of his musical career. As an album, Seven Psalms is about retrospection and the acceptance of the passage of time, knowing that the end is approaching – and we begin with an older Simon dealing with hearing loss as he makes the album in his Texas recording studio. It’s a fitting way for Gibney to bring his subject into focus as a man and as a musician. Using an exceptional array of photographs and archive footage to show Simon’s [...]
Podcast Episode 69: Scott Adkins Talks TAKE COVER, Action Movies & Batman - Movies In Focus
Action superstar Scott Adkins joins this bite-sized episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his latest film Take Cover – a high-octane one-location action flick that’s a real must for fans of the genre. Known for his athletic turns in films like Accident Man, Undisputed, John Wick Chapter 4 and The Expendables 2, Scott has entertained audiences with his martial arts prowess and charismatic screen presence. Scott spoke over Zoom to discuss his work in action movies, CGI versus stunt work, his passion for film-making – as well as the potential of him suiting up as iconic superhero, Batman. Listen below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Podcast Episode 68: Kevin Smith Talks THE 4:30 MOVIE & Euros Lyn Discusses THE RADLEYS - Movies In Focus
Two very different directors talk about two very different films on this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast. First-up, Kevin Smith talks about his 1980s set comedy, The 4:30 Movie and then later in the episode Euros Lyn discusses his vampire-comedy, The Radleys. Kevin Smith was one of the leading figures in the 1990s independent film scene. His self-financed low-budget comedy Clerks was a massive success and he went on to make the likes of Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back, Jersey Girl and others. Working with rep company that includes the likes of Ben Affleck, Jason Lee, Jason Mewes and Matt Damon, Smith’s films have also had a strong autobiographical bent, incorporating moments and characters from his own life and adding his own style of acerbic wit. His latest film, The 4:30 Movie is his most autobiographical yet- a 1980s set coming of age story that not only takes place within the confines of Smith’s home state of New Jersey – but also his very own SmodCastle cinema. It’s a witty and heartfelt film that delivers the goods for fans of his work and those looking for a well-honed comedy. Kevin Smith talks about [...]
Review: Don't Bother Reading This Review - Just Go Watch JT Mollner's STRANGE DARLING - Movies In Focus
The whole point of a film review is to inform the reader as to why they should, or shouldn’t watch a film. It’s all about pointing out what’s good and what works and conversely, what doesn’t work and what’s bad. It’s a balance and a dance – one that often involves going into great detail about character motivations and plot machinations. As a writer, you’re lucky if your review is informative and educational – even more so if it also happens to be entertaining. And this is where I have a wee problem. The thing is – it’s difficult to go into any plot or character details when talking about writer-director JT Mollner’s excellent new film, Strange Darling. It’s a gloriously twisty and darkly comedic thriller that teases its audience and plays with convention and expectation. It’s a little bit like a cinematic tequila shot with salt and lime – it’s bitter, punchy, zesty and very salty. The issue that I have is you’ll ruin its surprises if you delve into the plot and its characters. Shot over a pretty substantial 32 days with a $4 million budget, Strange Darling has a lot to recommend – if I could only [...]
Notebook Reviews: THE AMERICAN PRESIDENT - Movies In Focus
Rob Reiner – 1995. The American President is an excellent romantic comedy from director Rob Reiner and screenwriter Aaron Sorkin. This politically charged pic has a superb cast – Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, Martin Sheen, Michael J. Fox and others. Douglas brings a relaxed charm to proceedings as the U.S President and Sheen and Fox do particularly good supporting work in roles which predate their turns The West Wing and Spin City. A strong screenplay, well-played comedic moments – and a good old-fashioned feel-good ending make The American President recommended viewing.
Behind The Scenes: Tom Cruise & Steven Spielberg On The Set Of MINORITY REPORT - Movies In Focus
In a career filled with many great films, Minority Report stands as one of director Steven Spielberg‘s finest efforts. Visually impressive, energetically propulsive and complexly plotted – it’s a cinematic blockbuster with a grown-up edge. Released in 2002, the film was Spielberg’s first teaming with Tom Cruise (the pair would later make War Of The Worlds), and it captures both men at the peak of their powers – and it shows. An adaptation of Phillip K. Dick’s 1956 novella, Minority Report is set in the near future where murder has almost been eradicated. Along with Cruise, the Minority Report features an impressive cast working at the top of their game – Colin Farrell, Max Von Sydow, Neal McDonough, Samantha Morton, Peter Stormare, Mike Binder. Cruise is John Anderton, a cop with PreCrime – a police division which uses three ‘PreCogs’ (Dashiell, Arthur, Agatha) to foresee crimes so that they’re stopped before they’re committed. Things go bad and Anderton finds himself framed for a murder that he hasn’t committed…yet. Like Paul Verheoven‘s fellow Dick adaptation, Total Recall, Minority Report is an on-the-run thriller, where the protagonist is always one-step behind. Ironically, Minority Report co-star Colin Farrell would go on to take [...]
Notebook Reviews: PLUNKETT & MACLEANE - Movies In Focus
Jake Scott – 1999 Plunkett & Macleane is an energetic – but hugely disappointing historical buddy movie starring Robert Carlyle, Jonny Lee Miller and Liv Tyler. It sounds like a great idea, but the mix of the modern day and the 18th Century just doesn’t work. There are flashes of good cinema but most of it misses the mark. At the end of the day, Plunkett & Macleane is a bold idea that fails in its execution. A shame – because it had all the elements of being something interesting
Blu-ray Review: Albert Pyun’s THE SWORD AND THE SORCERER - Entertaining ‘80s Fantasy - Movies In Focus
Lord of the B-movie, Albert Pyun’s The Sword and the Sorcerer is a delightfully cheesy slice of 1980s sword and sorcery cinema that embraces its low-budget roots with gusto. This 1982 fantasy romp delivers exactly what genre fans want – muscular heroes, evil villains, and plenty of sword-swinging action. Lee Horsley is Talon, a mercenary out for vengeance against the evil King Cromwell (Richard Lynch) – a man who murdered his family and took control of his kingdom. Armed a trusty triple-bladed sword that can shoot its blades like missiles (!!) and his love of Kathleen Beller’s Princess Alana, Talon sets out to right wrongs as he fights his way through a horde of faceless henchmen. The cast of The Sword and the Sorcerer fully commits to the material, with Lynch chewing the scenery as the villainous Cromwell and Horsley bringing a roguish charm to Talon – think Han Solo meets Indiana Jones by way of Conan. No one was ever going to win any awards for this flick, but they make the material work with the right dedication to the tone. B-movie maestro, Pyun’s directorial debut has an energy that gallops along, covering up lot holes and budget limitations. [...]
Podcast Episode 67: Director Mikael Håfström On SLINGSHOT Starring Casey Affleck & Laurence Fishburne - Movies In Focus
Director Mikael Håfström joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his latest film, Slingshot, a space thriller starring Casey Affleck and Laurence Fishburne. Mikael is no stranger to crafting tense, atmospheric films, having directed works like his adaptation of Stephen King’s 1408 starring John Cusack and the Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger team-up, Escape Plan . With Slingshot, he explores themes of isolation, survival, and the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. In our conversation, we explore the challenges of filming a space-based thriller, working with a stellar cast, and how Mikael approached the unique visual and narrative elements of this ambitious project. So strap in and prepare for launch as we take a deep dive into the making of Slingshot. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN - Movies In Focus
Penny Marshall – 1992. There’s no crying in baseball! A League Of Their Own is an enjoyable sporting comedy. Tom Hanks delvers a great turn as the drunken coach of an all-female baseball team (made up of Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O’Donnell). Sure, it gets a little sentimental at times and the present day bookends feel a bit contrived, but this Penny Marshall directed pic has some great laughs and fine moments. When all is said and done, A League Of Their Own is enjoyably pleasant entertainment.
Mel Gibson's Mark Wahlberg Thriller FLIGHT RISK Diverted To 2025 - Movies In Focus
Well, this is a bummer. Lionsgate has announced that Mel Gibson‘s airborne thriller Flight Risk has been moved from its October 18th release date into 2025. The Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace starring pic will now land on U.S. screens on January 24, 2025. This new 2025 date is a little less crowded with only Mickey Mouse horror Screamboat and the Phoebe Dynevor/Rhys Ifans thriller, Inheritance currently set to open on that weekend. Gibson’s thriller would have had to fight for flight in its October 18th date where Flight Risk would have had to face-off against horror sequel Smile 2, Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or winner Anora the drama pic Exhibiting Forgiveness. Flight Risk is an eagerly anticipated release for Movies In Focus – and it now looks like I’ll have to wait a little longer to see Mel Gibson’s latest directorial effort. Synopsis: In this high-stakes suspense thriller, Academy Award® nominee Mark Wahlberg (Actor in a Supporting Role, 2006 – The Departed) plays a pilot transporting an Air Marshal (Michelle Dockery) accompanying a fugitive (Topher Grace) to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem. [...]
Notebook Reviews: DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE - Movies In Focus
Rouben Mamoulian – 1931 Director Rouben Mamoulian delivers an early (and controversial) screen adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale. This 1931 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an atmospheric work that delivers all the elements that you would want from the story. The terror and tension has dimmed somewhat over the decades, but there’s still much to enjoy if you embrace this horror – especially the make-up and transformation effects. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde might not be up there with the Universal horrors of the era, but this is still enjoyable nonetheless.
Podcast Episode 66: Director Adam Nelson & Writer Chris Watt Discuss THE MIRE - Movies In Focus
Directed by Adam Nelson and written by Chris Watt, The Mire is a well-honed dramatic thriller which grabs your attention and draws you into its tense plot. Essentially a one-location, three-hander, the low-budget film knows exactly what to do with its limited resources and it keeps you hooked until its surprising finale. Returning guest Adam Nelson and newcomer Chris Watt both join this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about the origins of The Mire, how the story developed and the challenges of making a low-budget independent film. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: THE PAPER - Movies In Focus
Ron Howard -1994. The Paper is an excellent comedy-drama from master of all trades director Ron Howard. It features a typically great performance from Michael Keaton – as well as an all-star supporting cast (Glenn Close, Marisa Tomei, Randy Quaid and Robert Duvall). It zips along at a frenetic pace and the script crackles. There are plenty of standout moments along with some strong realistic characterisation. The Paper comes highly recommended.
Notebook Reviews: THE CABLE GUY - Movies In Focus
Ben Stiller – 1996. A comedy with a dark edge, Ben Stiller‘s The Cable Guy is a solid effort but it ultimately lacks spark. Matthew Broderick is good as the hapless customer who is terrorised by Jim Carrey‘s titular Cable Guy. Broderick keeps things grounded, but Carrey’s live-wire antics go too far. I’m guessing the studio wanted to get as much for their $20 million as possible. It’s entertaining enough, but The Cable Guy isn’t as good as it should be.
Review: Hammer Films Rises From The Dead With DOCTOR JEKYLL - Movies In Focus
Director Joe Stephenson‘s Doctor Jekyll is a commendable updating of Robert Louis Stephenson’s classic tale with a modern slant. This Hammer Films production successfully marries gothic horror with modern sensibilities, creating a visually striking experience that pays homage to its roots while carving out its own identity. Eddie Izzard shines as Nina Jekyll, delivering a layered performance that captures the character’s internal conflict. Izzard’s ability to navigate the complexities of Jekyll’s psyche adds depth to the film, making it a compelling watch. The supporting cast also helps contribute to the film’s overall atmosphere, enhancing the sense of dread that permeates the narrative. Visually, Doctor Jekyll is a treat. The cinematography by Birgit Dierken is stylish and atmospheric and Blair Mowat’s score is an absolute treat, harkening back to the Hammer films of yore. While the pacing can be a bit inconsistent, here are enough engaging sequences to keep viewers invested. The clever nods to the original story and the film’s creative choices, such as its striking visual style, make it a worthwhile watch for genre enthusiasts. Ultimately, Doctor Jekyll may not completely transcend its genre, but it offers an entertaining and visually captivating experience that honours its source material and [...]
Notebook Reviews: O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? - Movies In Focus
Joel Coen – 2000. O Brother, Where Art Thou is deftly handled comedy from the Coen Brothers. The 1930s-set film features a terrific wide-eyed turn from George Clooney as an escaped convict. Jon Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson also deliver on-point supporting turns in this ‘modern day’ take on Homer’s Odyssey. Impressive visuals and excellent music from T Bone Burnett add to O Brother, Where Art Thou‘s charms. Great stuff.
Podcast Episode 65: It's Hammer Time With DOCTOR JEKYLL Director Joe Stephenson - Movies In Focus
Director Joe Stephenson joins this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast to discuss his latest film, Doctor Jekyll. This film marks a significant moment for Hammer Studios, being their first horror release since the company’s acquisition by the aptly named John Gore. Starring, Eddie Izzard and Scott Chambers, the film offers a fresh take on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale Joe shares insights into the creative process behind Doctor Jekyll, the challenges of reimagining such a beloved story, and his collaboration with Eddie Izzard in bringing this gothic story to life. He also discusses Midas Man, his forthcoming biopic of Brian Epstein, the manager of The Beatles. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: THE BODYGUARD - Movies In Focus
Mick Jackson – 1992 The Bodyguard is an excellent romantic-thriller that surpasses expectations. Kevin Costner is in stoic form as Frank Farmer, The Bodyguard of the title and Whitney Houston also excels as the star in need of protection. The supporting cast is strong and the film has some strong set pieces and dry humour written into Lawrence Kasdan‘s screenplay. The Bodyguard recommended Saturday night viewing.
Podcast Episode 64: Director Neil Marshall & Star Charlotte Kirk Discuss DUCHESS - Movies In Focus
Dog Soldiers, The Descent and Doomsday filmmaker Neil Marshall joins the Movies In Focus podcast to talk about his new gangster film, Duchess alongside its star, co-writer and producer Charlotte Kirk. The pair previously collaborated on the action-horror The Lair and the mediaeval thriller, The Reckoning. With Duchess, Marshall delivers a fast-paced revenge thriller where Kirk’s working-class criminal dives into the glamorous – and sometimes not so glamorous – world of diamond smuggling. With strong visuals and explosive action, the film showcases her transformation into a fierce anti-heroine. They pair talk the creative process behind the film, explore the characters, and discuss the challenges they faced along the way. It’s always a pleasure to hear first-hand from the people who bring stories to life, as we uncover what makes Duchess a refreshing modern-day gangster pic with an old-school charm. Listen to this episode of the Movies In Focus podcast below or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
Notebook Reviews: MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE - Movies In Focus
Luis Mandoki – 1999. Message In A Bottle is a well composed romantic-drama. The central casting of Kevin Costner, Robin Wright Penn and Paul Newman is a good one and this helps keep the film afloat when threatens to slip into a sea of melodrama. This has some strong moments of inspiration and Newman in particular adds a touch of class (his role should have been bigger). It could have done with a touch more humour, but Message In A Bottle is as good as this type of big budget romance gets.
Notebook Reviews: LETHAL WEAPON 2 - Movies In Focus
Richard Donner – 1989. Sequels don’t get any better than Richard Donner‘s Lethal Weapon 2. This is is a first-rate action movie with a great cast on top form. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover once again bring the magic as Riggs and Murtaugh, while Joe Pesci is great added value as Leo Getz. It might lack the darker edge of its predecessor, but this ups the scope in a big way. Impressive stunt sequences, good characterisation and witty dialogue make this a hugely enjoyable piece of entertainment.
Notebook Reviews: ED WOOD - Movies In Focus
Tim Burton – 1994. A masterpiece. Director Tim Burton‘s biopic of Edward D. Wood Jr – the supposed worst film-maker of all time – delivers on all fronts. An excellent cast and sparkling screenplay make Ed Wood a joy to watch. Johnny Depp excels in the lead role, delivering wide-eyed enthusiasm as the low budget film director. Martin Landau is superb as horror icon Bela Lugosi – and deservedly won an Oscar for his role. Bill Murray also delivers a wonderful supporting turn. Simply put- everything in Ed Wood works. Highly recommended.
Behind The Scenes: Clint Eastwood & Don Siegel On The Set Of 1971's DIRTY HARRY - Movies In Focus
Director Don Siegel‘s 1971 cop thriller, Dirty Harry has now become an iconic slice of cinema and it set the template for loose cannon detective movies. Starring Clint Eastwood, the film sees SFPD Inspector ‘Dirty’ Harry Callahan on the hunt for Scorpio (Andy Robinson), a killer who is stalking the streets of San Francisco. The plot was loosely inspired by the real-life Zodiac killings which took place in the San Francisco Bay area during the 1960s (check out David Fincher’s 2007 film, Zodiac for more on that). Dirty Harry is a great piece of film-making, with tight plotting, quotable dialogue, strong imagery and a wonderful jazz-infused score from Lalo Schifrin. Like with many films before and after, Eastwood wasn’t the first choice to play Harry Callahan. The part was offered to a veritable who’s who of tough guy actors and everyone from John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Robert Mitchum and Paul Newman to Steve McQueen, Burt Lancaster and George C. Scott have all been linked to the role. John Wayne was so disappointed by the success of the 1971 pic that he went on to make a pair of cop movies in 1974 and 1975 – McQ and Brannigan. They both failed [...]
Notebook Reviews: MIDNIGHT RUN - Movies In Focus
Martin Brest – 1988. Beverly Hills Cop director Martin Brest once again tackles the action-comedy and delivers an enjoyable buddy movie with Midnight Run. George Gallo‘s screenplay hits the mark and the cast is off-the-chart great: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto, John Ashton, Dennis Farina, Joe Pantoliano and Philip Baker Hall! De Niro seems to be relaxed and enjoying himself and Grodin is a first-rate wind-up merchant. They make for a great pairing. It relies a bit too much on coincidence and silly mistakes from its characters – but Midnight Run is an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.
Box Office: DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE Say No To Superhero Fatigue - Movies In Focus
We’ve been hearing about the death of the theatrical experience and superhero fatigue for so long now that we’ve all begun to believe it. Superhero flops like The Marvels, The Flash, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Madame Web made it look like the writing was on the wall for comic book movies. Throw in some big budget box office failures like Furioisa: A Mad Max Saga and The Fall Guy and it looked like doom prognosticators were correct. However, that all changed this weekend. Marvel Studios’ $200 million Deadpool & Wolverine has just banked $205 $211 million at the U.S. box office and an additional $233 million in other territories. That gives the Ryan Reynolds/Hugh Jackman headed pic a total worldwide weekend debut of $438.3 $444 million. Not only did Deadpool & Wolverine reverse any fear of superhero fatigue, but it was also the biggest opening weekend for stars Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman and director Shawn Levy. Deadpool & Wolverine also broke a slew of other box office records: Biggest domestic and worldwide R-rated opening of all time Biggest worldwide and international opening of the year Biggest July opening weekend of all-time domestically Biggest worldwide opening since Avatar: The Way [...]
Review: Adam Wingard's YOU’RE NEXT Is A Darkly Comedic Home Invasion Horror - Movies In Focus
There’s quite a lot to recommend in director Adam Wingard’s You’re Next, a darkly comedic home invasion film which takes the horror sub-genre and flips it on its head. It’s all very entertaining and as it builds, it becomes even funnier and funnier. Well-to-do married couple Aubrey and Paul Davison (horror icon Barbara Crampton and Rob Moran) take to the Davison country home to spend the weekend with their children Crispian, Felix, Drake and Aimee (A.J. Bowen, Nicholas Tucci, A. J. Bowen, Joe Swanberg and Amy Seimetz). Familial tensions run high, but that all falls into insignificance when then the house comes under attack by masked assailants. The only person in the group who has it together to fight back is Crispian’s girlfriend Erin (Sharni Vinson), a tough-as-nails heroine with hidden depths in kicking ass. On the surface, this 2011 film might seem like business as usual for the genre, but Wingard and frequent screenwriter Simon Barrett have fun with the premise, setting up a game of cat and mouse where the roles are constantly reversed. The one location enssures that this has strong tension, but there’s also plenty of bloody action as the Davison family are killed off one [...]
Notebook Reviews: AS GOOD AS IT GETS - Movies In Focus
James L. Brooks – 1997. This really is As Good as It Gets. This is a first rate comedy from writer-director James L. Brooks. As Good As It Gets has wit, heart and excellent performances from a great cast – Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. As good as everyone else in the cast is, this is really Nicholson’s show – and boy, does he deliver the goods. This might be a career best turn from him. It might be a wee bit on the long side, but As Good as It Gets is excellent stuff. Recommended.
Review: I SAW THE TV GLOW Offers Up A Poor Reception - Movies In Focus
Sometimes movies just don’t connect. It’s a chemical thing. They might have the right elements, but they fail to react in the way that they should or could. On paper it sounds like it might work for you, but when you watch it, it leaves you cold. That’s how I felt about Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw The TV Glow, It’s a film that I appreciated more than I enjoyed. Schoenbrun’s metaphysical drama is well shot and performed, but I never bought into the internal world or its central mythos. I’m sure that some people will take a lot from this, but it ultimately left me cold and somewhat disinterested. Opening in the 1990s, I Saw The TV Glow sees two teenagers, Owen (Ian Foreman) and Maddy (Brigette Lundy-Paine), bond over The Pink Opaque – a supernatural TV show in the vein of Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Over time, their friendship deepens and then the show is cancelled – and suddenly Maddy disappears. Ten years pass and a grown-up Owen (Justice Smith) attempts to move on with his life, but he’s disconnected and rudderless. Then Maddy mysteriously reappears… I Saw The TV Glow plays with [...]
Notebook Reviews: ARLINGTON ROAD - Movies In Focus
Mark Pellington – 1999. Arlington Road is a first-rate conspiracy thriller from director Mark Pellington. This suburban tale of terror has a great cast – Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, and Hope Davis – all doing great work. There’s a real sense of the late Alan Pakula’s 1970s work here (Klute, The Parallax View and All the President’s Men) – and it’s all the better for it. It’s stylish, but this never takes away from the well-honed dramatic elements. Arlington Road is well-honed film-making for grown-ups.
Trailer: Timothée Chalamet Is Bob Dylan In James Mangold's A COMPLETE UNKNOWN - Movies In Focus
Director James Mangold knows a thing or two about music biopics, having directed the acclaimed Walk The Line, a film about the life of Johnny Cash starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Now, almost 20 years later Mangold is back on the music trail with A Complete Unknown – a new film about the early musical career of Bob Dylan starring Timothée Chalamet. This early teaser just gives a flavour of what the film entails – but it seems solid enough – even if Chalamet looks a little too pretty to be playing the artist formerly known as Robert Zimmerman. He sounds good though – if that is indeed his voice doing the singing. Movies In Focus is a big Dylan fan – I’ve seen him live twice – so I’m very intrigued to see how A Complete Unknown turns out. I hope it’s good.I really do. Timothée Chalamet, Edward Norton, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Norbert Leo Butz, Dan Fogler, and Scoot McNairy star in A Complete Unknown, which hits screens later in 2024. The Synopsis: Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 60s, A COMPLETE UNKNOWN follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician BOB DYLAN’s (Timothée Chalamet) [...]
Notebook Reviews: RADIO FLYER - Movies In Focus
Richard Donner – 1992. Radio Fyler is a solid, though unspectacular fantasy-drama from director Richard Donner and producer Michael Douglas. This had a troubled production and Donner was drafted in after writer David Mickey Evans had been in production for a couple of weeks. The second half is better than the first, but the fantastical elements don’t really fit alongside the darker brutality. It lacks depth. A good cast – and a nice Tom Hanks cameo – go a long way to help things, but Radio Flyer feels like it could have been a lot better. A shame – but sometimes these things just don’t work.
Sing Along With Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga In The Latest Trailer For JOKER: FOLIE À DEUX - Movies In Focus
Joker: Folie À Deux could be a disaster, it could possibly be an awards winner or it might even become a forgotten footnote to one of the most divisive and controversial comic book movies of the last 20 years. However, one thing’s for sure, Todd Phillips seems to be taking another bold swing with this sequel to 2019’s Academy Award-winning, billion dollar grossing Joker. Allegedly a pseudo-musical, Joker: Folie a Deux once again stars Joaquin Phoenix as Arthur Fleck/Joker – this time opposite Lady Gaga (who apparently plays Harley Quinn). Brendan Gleeson, Catherine Keener and Zazie Beetz co-star. Look, I have no idea how this will sequel to the Batman spin-off will turn out. I enjoyed Phillips’ Joker – even though I found it derivative of other, better movies (read my review) – so I’m willing to give it a shot. Will it ruin the mystique of it’s predecessor or will the same cultural lighting strike in the same place twice? We’ll find out when Joker: Folie À Deux opens on 4th October, 2024. The synopsis: Joker: Folie À Deux” finds Arthur Fleck institutionalised at Arkham awaiting trial for his crimes as Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur [...]