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Killer Heat (2024)
The Jealousy Private Detective
The son of a wealthy family on Greece's island falls fatally while rock climbing. The death is determined as an accident. But his twin brother's wife believes that he was murdered. So she hires a PI to find the murderer.
One of the drawbacks of Killer Heat is the suspects, ie. Not enough red herring because the list is short. As a commonly noir, "half-boiled" detective story, there is the monologue voiceover, half of the time focusing on the PI past, which explains that he is the jealousy type, which helps his line of work -- recognizing the subtle hint that arouses suspicion.
I rarely guess the whodunnit correctly in most movies, though not this one. But probably that's not the point. It's poetic, which brings:
With its unique theme, I believe Killer Heat has potential, but why it misses the target I don't know -- either a little short deficient writing or it's just not working great for screen.
I enjoyed some scenes but was numb with the rest. It is a half-forgettable movie, though I will remember the three actors who have ever been in this one when I see them next in other movies.
Missing (2024)
Definitive Polarity
It follows the mother and father of a missing child. The child is missing after going with her uncle. The main way of searching the child is through flyers that they hand out themselves and putting them on walls.
A sympathetic reporter, despite having a job agenda, is also hoping to find the missing girl. With the demand of the reporter's boss, the reporter has to interview the uncle, who is not keen to agree to having the interview. The uncle looked quite suspicious because of the way he brusquely answers the questions despite being the one who's been seen with the child the last time.
"Missing" mostly filming how the event affects the parents and their activities aftermath in docudrama-like.
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To say I enjoyed Missing would not be very true. I acknowledge that I want to know how Missing would go from each scene to the next.
The 5 rating (that I rate for my archive only) itself is not advisable to audiences because it really depends on you. It can be quite as high as 9 or 10, or as low as you want to be.
Maybe I just have the feeling that something is missing from Missing. But I'm sure almost all of you will be emotionally affected.
I'd rather not know that this movie exists, but because I stumbled over it, I have to watch-have to know.
Sometimes the complex interpersonal dynamic of the husband and wife or the wife and the reporter feels cringingly amusing to watch. Such as with the husband's discomfort with the way her wife acts in a particular situation and how we see the husband should instead let this pass but doesn't, making it seem he doesn't care enough about his child. But is he?
The Perfect Couple (2024)
I Agree: They are the Perfect Couple
One big disfunctional family lives in a big house near a beach. The mother is a famous writer who supports all of them. One of the sons will get married with the main character, who also invites her parents and her best friend. The wedding is cancelled just before the day because someone important is murdered. And everyone is a suspect, even the maid, even the friends of family, even the relatives. They can't leave the island until the murderer is caught.
I'm surprised that for me the main character is unlikeable. Ultimately, though, all the plots kind of tie together almost seamlessly. The good thing about The Perfect Couple is how almost everyone has a little motive that the audiences could feel that is believable. Though every time we will be so sure at least of who didn't do it. Throughout it, I'm feeling afraid I will be disappointed with the revelation. As it turns out, neither disappointed nor having a good shock.
With many cliches that bother me, I feel like I can't complain about the mainstream formula. Another surprising thing is how I have more sympathy for Greer (Nicole Kidman) than all other characters. With the intentional writing to make her the foremost unlikeable character then slowly disclosing to be not, at least in my mind. The series itself is not a disappointment, but often than not it appears to be so-so. N. B. Really hated the opening dance. I didn't skip it to make sure, but happy enough to cement my cringe.
Nightsleeper (2024)
When a Train Is Infected with a Virus
A Glasglow--London Sleeper train will be unstoppable. The system has been hack-jacked, and it's automatically/remotely controlled by a hacker.
Eleven people inside need to be saved. The two main protagonists, one inside the sleeper and one outside in a government agency, are working together to save the day.
Joe inside the train has a cop background and is currently hunted by the Interpol, and Abby is somehow a genius in cyber security.
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The problem with all hacking films is that not even one of them is convincing. It's because the course of possibilities in cyberfilms is limitless. So it seems the power to limit the possibilities is in the hands of the writer, who very often never uses it to curb it down. Which is why I prefer sci-fi films for an excuse for the limitlessness.
Putting aside, Nightsleeper does have many elements put together to make us hold our attention with the nonstop scenes of ongoing terrorist attack eventuality which confines in one passenger vehicle.
From the initial motive of the hack-jacked that is for ransom, soon the motive is spiraling into ambiguity. With the attempted interconnected personal, interpersonal, and the central plot: one's level of emotional investment towards Nightsleeper would differ from each person to each person.
When Joe is aboard the train \ A commotion happens about a bag. \ The bag is recovered, and Joe becomes a hero. \ The passengers don't have any idea. \ The fact that a circuit board has been installed \ Guess what \ An antivirus firm has a virus. \ Joe checks the circuit, but \ He doesn't know what to do. \ So Joe calls, and Abby answers. \ As it happens, the train uses the antivirus, \ which has the virus \ and the dancing begins.
Fast Charlie (2023)
A Feel Good Pierce Brosnan Movie
The protagonist works for a crime boss. Another rival mobster is on the move, seeking to seize the territory of the protagonist's boss by eliminating his entire crew. As a loyal hitman to his boss, the protagonist does all he can to take revenge and also to save his own life with the help of a woman he just met who is the ex-wife of a low-level mobster.
Based on a pulp fiction book, what first drew me to watch this movie was Pierce Brosnan. His acting style is all pronounced in this movie, which makes it seem that the movie is in production because of him, not otherwise. It does feel like a pulp fiction movie, which feels light, much contributed by the soundtrack and the voiceover narrating the protagonist's thoughts that give the film noir feel. It's no more than light entertainment at its best. Sometimes smart with its insightful one-liner, but most of the time non-memorable. It ends with a little twist and a feel-good one.
Berbalas Kejam (2023)
3 stars for passing my time
A man whose family killed during house robbery, got to meet the robbers after 2 years. During the first encounter, what is the spontaneous urge? Nothing other than killing for sure?
Too many coincidences. The story and plots are too common. They were recycled from many film of the same genre and with even lower quality and details. The same vengeance story with nothing new. I guess it was good just to spend brainless time. Don't expect an original plots or surprises, cause this was just a neat plots without improvisation. Not bad actors, but sometimes too much act probably from mediocre script.
A Spy Among Friends (2022)
Ironic Friendship
A cheerful music in different context will appear sad.
Somehow a contrast of a traitor to a country vs to a friend. Both intelligence officers, Elliott never knew that his best friend Philby is a spy, for more than 20 years.
For me, it's hard not to notice that both main actors, who excel being an antagonistic character could both act as Philby the double agent. Interestingly in this one, Damian Lewis became the lesser evil. But this difference can be notice that, they are suitable for each role in the last episode.
The thing is, if you are not the hard core fan of spy drama, it will be hard to enjoy A Spy Among Friends. Pay attention to Drama keyword, because it's very different with Spy Action one. I would not say you must pay close attention while watching A Spy Among Friends, because I don't think the Series is that hard to digest. I would not say also that the Series is highly rewarding, because much of them are subtle. Also with a subtle ending, giving some vibes, I just wish the process had been more magical atmosphere given somehow more often monotonous.
In the end it's almost a story that try to explore the friendship with unusual situation as the foundation for that relationship. Ah, the irony.
Poker Face (2022)
From an Ambitious One to Coincidences One
So a group of friends have been playing poker for a long time, from since they're teens. They meet regularly to play the game. Now they are adults with different professions. Now their last game will be different. Of course with super added coincidences.
It has a central trick of screenplay to make this plot work, which I don't have to tell you what is that. But that cheap trick to make the plot works become useless because after it works, there are no more honest intelligent plots development. It's like then they're just smart anecdotes after anecdotes we feel not genuine we've seen many times.
And the coincidences, well let's just say we can ignore if all else are good. This movie makes me remind to be amazed of many other simpler movies that can glue me to the screen, as somehow like magic.
Mr. Harrigan's Phone (2022)
I've read the book
Not a horror.
I sure know what an horror is and this is surely not one. Not even close.
This makes me thinking about how do you get into wanting to watch a movie. Two ways: either someone told you the movie is good, or the short intro about the movie (or trailer) is very enticing. It is the latter.
Not every filmmakers always want to make a masterpiece anyway. You know what it is they want.
Reading the short story feels like reading a coming-of-age story. And the little bit supernatural parts just plots to keep that coming-of-age story going.
That story are too long, it's like preparing you for a novel, but of course it isn't.
I know you're wondering about the difference between the book and the movie. There's no difference. Same progression, from how the kid making connection with the old billionaire, until his demise, but somehow still powerfully have a super ability from no obvious reason.
Almost like a modern parable. Man, how flexible is an horror genre. To just turn into a moral one.
Panhandle (2022)
I only watch show that have chemistry with me
The point is finding main male character's deceased wife's killer. There are many banter or scenes between main male and main female. The male cannot really go outside his house, but go out nonetheless. The female, a traffic police, tempted to step up her job to investigate. Thus leveraged by the smartness of the male and his desire to find the killer.
This is truly a comedy detective show. Although there is no chemistry between the show and me, but that just my subjective view. I'm yet to finding a scene that trigger my focus. The show's light, yet logically constructed.
My watch history: season 1 episode 1 and episode 2.
The Forgiven (2021)
Not Enough
Too simple. Too many unnecessary scenes to make-up over simplicistic plots.
It seems the protagonist purposely accept and asking for his destiny although that just the opposite of his character, with corny progress. I guess that's the moral of the story.
I like his condescending look, kind of similar with the natural cast of Ralph. With almost knowing of how it's all gonna end, makes the movie purposeless even disappointing, also ironically bland if the end will be the other way. So after all, scenes can be reimagined by more dramatic. Because style over dramatization is failing for this movie.
American Gigolo (2022)
I will be surprised if there's season 2
First of all, notice the keyword "reimagine", so that's why if you curious to watch the movie (if you haven't), which you will, it'll ruin your perception through their vastly difference between the series and the movie, making you being over-analytical.
Thus my experience of watching the series is there a feeling unnatural to it, sometimes flimsy. There is simplicity in the movie before developing to a little bit more complicated. It should stay that way.
There are many more puzzles, more plots in the series than the movie. But I'm unconvinced by its exaggerations over everything.
I'm at episode 2.
Chloe (2022)
Dull Episode 1
This is ultimately boring. There is no amount of good plots can save an already boring story. Can't get through to episode 2 for another dull time, even though I don't know yet. I was interested with the synopsis, then I wondered if this is a non-executable idea.
The Fear Index (2022)
Much ado about nothing
If you wish to see a man got tense and frustrated, look like a moron over all 4 episodes; then try watching this. The man looked confused throughout over univariated thing which make it less than interesting. Kinda too bad, that a story with such a good promise, went into brainless dribble.
Penyalin Cahaya (2021)
Forced Idea, Well Executed
Sur lost her scholarship, because her indecent photos went online. She launched an investigation to clear her name.
This is a good addition to the Indonesian movies scene. Nevertheless some things are getting old, yet with the inclusion of fresh infusion.
Not oblivious of the obvious holes in the plots with splashes of unrealistic conditions; The idea of Photocopier is kind of forced, but it is a well executed one.
It has more potential to be developed even further to be a greater one as mini series. Even more ironic is the alleged controversy around one of the Photocopier's writer. This could be the cost of that of greatness.
The Shrink Next Door (2021)
Target Audience
We will be seeing how psychotherapist misused friendship and his prerogative power when apparent interpersonal situation like this miniseries not often appears.
This is a more interesting than a too bad to see that this miniseries missed its target audiences. Why? The two main characters are played by two figure very publicly known for their comedy portraits. When a dark comedy so subtle like this actually becomes a show, only people who can relate can enjoy this show, as sometimes it is intoxicating to watch. Well, if you can feel a disgust by the the therapist character, then you can "enjoy" this show. Well, it's lucky, it's not Paul Rudd first show as an actor, as he has been usually played a likeable characters. Because if he did vice versa, we'll have hard time to see him as comedian.
The Last Son (2021)
Western as a medium for something else
Cursed that he will be killed by one of his son. Which causes him to search for them, to kill them
And that is why the story is ridiculous for one. Who are the parents who will kill their own kids. Start a film like this, is just the thing that prepare you to feel something is off. Nevertheless, it's not the point I would like to make.
You can't look at this movie normally. Not a story, but more of a tale, if you can spot the difference. Because the story can't be enjoyed normally the way we usually immersed inside a world of fiction.
It's an arthouse film. Ironically a retro, and if you think western film is a time before the retro time, you're right. I don't know why they chose western to present this tale, because the style is modern all over. An eerie retro arthouse style, to sum up. It's okay to watch this in home when you're bored and just want something for a change of scene.
Clickbait (2021)
We'll be out of story by the end of 21st Century
A good man abducted. Video of himself with he holding sign that he abuse woman is made available online and upon reaching 5m views, he will be killed.
Far-fetched plot and with characters over-dramatized over small stuff just to make the plot going. You can spot those on the early and last episodes. Nevertheless, only the whodunit element that will make you still watch it, and surprise that you will by the end, but also disappointing with the far-fetching revelation. I was click baited.
Sweetness in the Belly (2019)
Poetic irony
Lovers separated by civil war, a woman in the UK try to find the man who may still be in Ethiopia.
It's not really suitable for a film. Even I know this even I haven't read the book. After a while, your brain will turn to irony mode, as you become aware that the story is full of it, as it is the theme.
It has becoming common plot nowadays, although the background story is a smart one.
Joje (2020)
A Longing Mental Picture in a Realistic World
Boy helps disabled girl who fell from her wheelchair. Girl paybacks with cooked food in her house. That's how they meet.
Realism. That is what in the writer mind to be realized. Girl is a fragile mind. Boy is a non confrontational. Both characters hinder what could have been.
Maybe I will not conform to the mass, by saying this one is very well paced. Not as slow as most people think. It's because almost every scenes speak to how I felt in those situations. So when those were added to the build up to monumental scenes. They're just heart touching.
Un dimanche matin (2012)
Short review for...
...a short film:
The synopsis in main page is longer than the film.
If only a story like this could be a film. We all be filmmakers.
There will be 1 in a million people that would appreciate this, not as film though.
Lisey's Story (2021)
Whose favorite?
Every time new series came out. The writer always said that this one is their favorite.
Z (1969)
Can some director remake this good political idea film
Not very near and by the end of Z, there exists little bit excitement, but throughout oh how this feels like documentary. Talk over talk without stopping, like a procedural steps of something for us to learn. First time I have to agree to disagree 165 degree with critics and reviewers.
Grace and Grit (2021)
No longer can ignore death, pay attention to life
Treya and Ken fall in love and got married. 10 days after, Treya diagnosed with breast cancer, until her death 5 years later
This movie is about death, really. It starts very cheesy, like they're amaze with each other extravagantly, really? Then it begins to move to an alternating hope and hopeless between all treatments procedure available
All deaths are affecting to us, even to anyone not close to us. I really believe this is relevant to us. Me, especially, just experiencing of my girlfriend ex husband passed away today. Even though we never talked, I feel the grief. Sometimes the imagination just took over with me to become in her position
Recognizing the difference of Treya's death and my girlfriend ex's death makes me realize death more. Because with my gf ex, as it was from stroke, the death come only weeks and he gave no word at all, as he could not speak anymore.
Citizen X (1995)
Introducing a Serial Killer to Russia
A serial killer keeps killing year after year. Burakov (Rea) devoted completely himself to catch the serial killer
Early part of Citizen X felt amateurish. Slowly develop to become worthy of your attention. Much involved in the interactions of people who on the side of catching the serial killer. It's like an introduction to Criminal Minds series, because of the methods that they are beginning to use. "There is no serial killer in Russia," said one of them who only care about his position in the government. We could catch the serial killer in 5 minutes of the Criminal Minds show's duration using status quo method, but in which case more than an hour of Citizen X's time. But these are what make Citizen X interesting.