Friday, July 15, 2022
Unforgiven
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: My mother used to be a Clint Eastwood fan with her sister, once they began living close to each other in their latter years. They saw all of Eastwood's stuff, the old and the new. I never figured out if my mother was truly an Eastwood fan or her sister's fan and thus willing to do anything that would bring them closer.
At any rate, although I've seen very few Eastwood movies, I saw this one, I can't remember where or why, when it first came out, and was surprisingly impressed. So, when, one evening, some years ago, my mother suggested that we "rent a Clint Eastwood movie", this is the one I picked. Good choice. Along with Morgan Freeman being in it, she loved the idea that a gunslinger could get old and have trouble reestablishing his former skills in a stab at morality. Since I bought the movie about a year ago, we've seen it a couple of times. Every time she sees it, she either says, "Your Dad would have liked this," or, "You know, I'll bet Jean would like this one, we should have her over sometime to see it. Wouldn't that be fun!"
Once again, I got lucky and found a screenplay online for this movie.
Gerardo Vallero, a site companion critic, also weighs in on this movie, putting it in a modified historical context of Eastwood's work.
Last but not least, an online journalist, a woman named Pam who only reviews westerns, has written a review of this movie that will make you smile and, if you've shied away from this movie, will make you want to see it. See it!
Update 7/15/2022: This post was originally published on November 11, 2006, but but wouldn't pull as a "clint-eastwood" movie. By changing the publishing date, I hope to have fixed the problem.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Clint Eastwood William Munny Gene Hackman Sheriff Bill Daggett Morgan Freeman Ned Logan Richard Harris English Bob Jaimz Woolvett The Schofield Kid Saul Rubinek W. W. Beauchamp Frances Fisher Strawberry Alice Anna Thomson Delilah Fitzgerald
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
If you want to read the Wikipedia info about this movie, though, here is the link.
Release Date: 1992
Directed by Clint Eastwood.
Labels: action3, adventure3, clint-eastwood, drama8, morgan-freeman, popcorn-and-soda3, revenge1, revisionist-western, richard-harris, violence3
Thursday, June 09, 2022
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Keanu Reeves John Wick Halle Berry Sofia Al-Azwar Ian McShane Winston Laurence Fishburne The Bowery King Mark Dacascos Zero Asia Kate Dillon The Adjudicator Lance Reddick Concierge Charon Tobias Segal Earl Anjelica Huston The Director Saïd Taghmaoui The Elder Jerome Flynn Berrada Randall Duk Kim The Doctor
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 2019
Directed by Chad Stahelski.
Labels: don't-ask-me-why, keanu-reeves, laurence-fishburne, neo-noirC, revenge1, super-hero1
John Wick: Chapter 2
- Commentary: Under construction.
In addition (and much to my surprise, even though I enjoy all three John Wick movies, RogerEbert.com contains a second meditation on this movie.
By the way, many critics liked, loved or adored all three of the John Wick movies. In fact, John Wick: Chapter 4, although it's release has been delayed by almost exactly a year, is due out in May of 2022. According to that Wikipedia article, "Keanu Reeves stated that he will continue making sequels, as long as the films are successful. Lionsgate intended to film the fourth and fifth films back-to-back but dropped those plans in March 2021 ... due to the COVID-19 pandemic." I probably won't see either in a theater, I rarely go to the theater, anymore, but, you can bet, I'll be adding the discs to my collection to watch at home. With enthusiasm.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Keanu Reeves John Wick Common Cassian Laurence Fishburne The Bowery King Riccardo Scamarcio Santino D'Antonio Ruby Rose Ares Lance Reddick Concierge Charon Peter Stormare Abram Tarasov Bridget Moynahan Helen Wick Franco Nero Julius John Leguizamo Aurelio Ian McShane Winston Claudia Gerini Gianni D'Antonio
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 2017
Directed by Chad Stahelski.
Labels: don't-ask-me-why, keanu-reeves, laurence-fishburne, neo-noirC, revenge1, super-hero1
John Wick
- Commentary: Under construction.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Keanu Reeves John Wick Michael Nyqvist Viggo Tarasov Alfie Allen Iosef Tarasov Adrianne Palicki Ms. Perkins Bridget Moynahan Helen Wick Dean Winters Avi Ian McShane Winston John Leguizamo Aurelio Willem Dafoe Marcus David Patrick Kelly Cleaner Charlie Randall Duk Kim Specialty Doctor Lance Reddick Hotel Concierge Charon
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Chad Stahelski.
Labels: don't-ask-me-why, keanu-reeves, neo-noirC, revenge1, super-hero1, willem-dafoe
Thursday, June 02, 2022
The Godfather II
- Commentary: For years, ever since I've owned The Godfather, I've wanted to own the trilogy. This part, of course, rivals the original. It has a different style, a different mood, a different feel, but it's great. I don't think I need to say anything else. I'm sure you know why I'm the proud owner of this trilogy.
Once again, no surprise, to me, anyway, Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
Update 8/17/2016: Last night I watched this movie after having watched The Godfather on the previous night. Although I continue to enjoy this one and was thoroughly involved, I realized that, to me, The Godfather is a far superior movie. It's so tight nothing leaks. It is complete in and of itself, while The Godfather II (and The Godfather III, for that matter) demand that you watch the one or two parts previous to get everything. Additionally, they both contain extraneous scenarios that aren't really needed, even though they're interesting. When The Godfather ends you do not wonder what happens to Michael Corleone and everyone else, you "know". You don't wonder about anything at the end of the original, not even individual character biography. Granted, the Vito Corleone biography contained in The Godfather II is interesting and illuminating, but if the trilogy had not become a trilogy parts II and III would not be missed. Neither of the other two is necessary to be overwhelmed by the saga of The Godfather. To be overwhelmed by either Part II or Part III, the original is necessary. This is what makes The Godfather the superior film in the trilogy.
Update 8/12/2021: And of course, somebody disagrees with me. Gerardo Valero, one of Ebert's site "far flunger" correspondents, has posted this argument as to why Part II is the best of the trilogy.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Michael Corleone Robert Duvall Tom Hagen Diane Keaton Kay Adams-Corleone Robert De Niro Vito Corleone John Cazale Fredo Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Lee Strasberg Hyman Roth Michael V. Gazzo Frank Pentangeli G. D. Spradlin Sen. Pat Geary Richard Bright Al Neri Gastone Moschin Don Fanucci Bruno Kirby Peter Clemenza Morgana King Carmela Corleone Troy Donahue Merle Johnson Joe Spinell Willi Cicci Abe Vigoda Salvatore Tessio John Aprea Young Tessio Harry Dean Stanton FBI Agent Danny Aiello Tony Rosato Dominic Chianese Johnny Ola
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1974
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action1, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama5, gang-movie, harry-dean-stanton, period2, revenge1, robert-de-niro, robert-duvall, violence2
Tuesday, May 24, 2022
Ben Hur
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: We acquired this movie just before last Easter when I was on a mission to obtain every jesus/bible related movie that we didn't already own. I didn't know whether Mom had ever seen this movie, but she was up for it when I mentioned it to her and was immediately enraptured in it's sprawl. She's also, of course, is a big fan of over-the-top drama of the period in which this was made.
So am I, depending, and this movie didn't disappoint me, but, I have to say, The Ten Commandments is still my preferred movie spectacle film. I think. It depends. If I want some realistic spectacle grit, this is my go-to. If I want silky theatrics, then I opt for The Ten Commandments.
Update 5/24/22: Yet another post published on 4/09/09 that "disappeared" and I had to recapture.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Charlton Heston Judah Ben-Hur Jack Hawkins Quintus Arrius Haya Harareet Esther Stephen Boyd Messala Hugh Griffith Sheik Ilderim Martha Scott Miriam Cathy O'Donnell Tirzah Sam Jaffe Simonides Finlay Currie Balthazar Frank Thring Pontius Pilate Terence Longdon Drusus George Relph Tiberius Caesar
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1959
Directed by William Wyler.
Labels: action3, adventure3, bible-movies1, charlton-heston, drama7, jesus-dvds, period3, popcorn-and-soda3, revenge1, spectacle2, violence3
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Gone Girl
- Commentary: This movie has quickly become one of my all time favorites. I read the book before seeing the movie, so when I checked the movie out of the library, it was with much trepidation, all of which vanished upon watching the movie. I knew I had to own it. So well done, in all aspects, including book adaptation. Rosamunde Pike is glorious in this; a brilliant characterization of a sociopath. Despite the fact that her character is meant to be "evil", she is also strong, resilient, can take a punch and give as much as she takes. The problem is, of course, that she doesn't necessarily "give" to the people from whom she originally "took".
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published August 14, 2016. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ben Affleck Nick Dunne Rosamund Pike Amy Elliott Dunne Neil Patrick Harris Desi Collings Tyler Perry Tanner Bolt Carrie Coon Margot Dunne Kim Dickens Det. Rhonda Boney Sela Ward Sharon Schieber Lola Kirke Greta
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by David Fincher.
Labels: ben-affleck, drama6, me-favorite1, mystery1, neo-noirC, revenge1, rosamund-pike, suspense2
Monday, May 09, 2022
Gladiator
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3*
- Commentary: As covered in one of the above Mentions, this movie was suggested by MFS. I was surprised at how much Mom loved it. I enjoy it, too. It's yet another spectacle movie for me (I should create a "spectacle" category, shouldn't I...I think I will, then add to it later) and I love a variety of the acting performances in this movie, particularly (but not solely) Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius. Before he ever says anything in the movie his acting makes many aspects of Marcus Aurelius' character clear. We watched this movie on TV several times, in "to-fit-your-screen" format, before I finally purchased it. Much better in widescreen. On a whim, I watched the movie last night. I continue to find it supremely entertaining; and, as well, now that Mom's dead, surprisingly emotional, specifically at the end when Juba says, as he buries Maximus' personal idols, "I will see you again, but not yet." If you have any interest in this movie, I urge you to click into the link to the title of the movie, above, which will send you to a thorough and compelling critique of the historicity of the movie. Believe me, despite the astonishing number of historical inaccuracies in the movie, the critique renders watching the movie even more enjoyable.
Update 2/7/18: So much has been written about this film since it aired. Quite a bit has been dumped, as well, including the link I had originally attached to the title above. I've attached another which may be helpful but, just in case, here's the Wikipedia link for Gladiator which may be a good starting place if you're interested in historicity research.
Update 8/2/21: The link I attached in 2018 still holds strong, is still remarkably interesting, and even has a comment attached. Take advantage of it before it disappears into the oligarchic ether.
Update 5/23/22: Another post I managed to disappear. It's original publication date is 4/9/09.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Russell Crowe Maximus Decimus Meridius Joaquin Phoenix Commodus Connie Nielsen Lucilla Oliver Reed Antonio Proximo Derek Jacobi Senator Gracchus Djimon Hounsou Juba Richard Harris Marcus Aurelius Ralf Möller Hagen Tommy Flanagan Cicero David Schofield Senator Falco John Shrapnel Senator Gaius Tomas Arana General Quintus Spencer Treat Clark Lucius Verus David Hemmings Cassius Sven-Ole Thorsen Tigris of Gaul Giannina Facio Maximus's wife Omid Djalili Slave Trader Giorgio Cantarini Maximus's son Adam Levy Condemned Officer David J. Nicholls Giant Man
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Labels: action3, adventure3, derek-jacobi, drama7, historical2, joaquin-phoenix, oliver-reed, period3, political3, revenge1, richard-harris, ridley-scott, russell-crowe, shared-favorite, spectacle1, suspense2, violence3, war1
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Widows
- Commentary: Under construction.
I haven't received this movie, yet, but it's on its way (from North Dakota, no less) and I should have it by Friday.
It's funny, because, recalling what I said about the last movie I entered in here, Serenity, regarding how I was really excited about seeing that movie, well, the truth is, I feel the same about this movie and the last four I've listed. I obtained them all through a sale featuring movies that featured strong female roles, actors and/or directors and other crew. I've never seen a sale like that. It will probably be a long time before I see one like that again. I want to mention, though, for anyone "listening", there's an excellent chance I would not have obtained any of these five movies had they not been presented in such a format. Kudos to whomever thought of it. Sterling idea! More, please!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Viola Davis Veronica Rawlings Michelle Rodriguez Linda Elizabeth Debicki Alice Cynthia Erivo Belle
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Steve McQueen.
Labels: §4, dramaE, neo-noirC, political5, revenge1, tragedy2, violence4
Promising Young Woman
- Commentary: This movie created quite the buzz, initiating no less than four dedicated articles on Roger Ebert's site and a further flurry of mentions in compendium articles there. It also caught the eyes of many awards organizations and won more than a few of its nominations.
Update 4/21/22: I watched this movie last night, 4/20/22. Yeow! I was glued to the screen! Superbly watchable movie, very involving, no false performances or sloppy plot schematics that I could detect, subtly presented, expertly framed the protagonist's journey into revenge and, ultimately, horror! A wonderful job done by all, notably writer/director Emerald Fennell. Now, I'm curious about her other work, some of which, as an actress, I've seen. Really looking forward to more of her work in all categories of film making!
Of note, this movie has also inspired me to add another label category, "revenge". Turns out, another movie I recently acquired with this one also fits this category, so I've started out running. I'm about to add a third, an old one that clearly fits into this category. I'm sure I'll find more in my collection to which "revenge" applies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Carey Mulligan Cassie Thomas Bo Burnham Ryan Cooper Alison Brie Madison McPhee Clancy Brown Stanley Thomas Jennifer Coolidge Susan Thomas Connie Britton Dean Elizabeth Walker Chris Lowell Alexander Monroe Alfred Molina Jordan Green (uncredited)
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2020
Directed by Emerald Fennell.
Labels: clancy-brown, dramaE, female-director3, feminist, revenge1, violence4, women's-movie2
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Mother
- Commentary: I haven't watched this movie, yet, but I will be watching it tonight and will report back later. I am a fan of South Korean cinema, in general, and Bong Joon-ho's work, in particular, so I'm really looking forward to watching this movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kim Hye-ja Mother Won Bin Yoon Do-joon Jin Goo Jin-tae Yoon Je-moon Je-moon Jeon Mi-seon Mi-seon Song Sae-byeok A Detective Lee Young-suk Junk Collector Moon Hee-ra Moon Ah-jung
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Bong Joon-ho.
Labels: §, bong-joon-ho, dramaE, mother-son-dynamics1, neo-noirC, revenge1
Wednesday, September 08, 2021
The Girl Who Played with Fire
- Commentary: 9/17/21: Just a note before continuing on to watch the last movie in this trilogy: Although I don't think I've watched the third movie before, I kind of get the feeling, from having just watched this one that this second movie is, essentially, a connector between the first and the third. Although events take place, decisions are made and actions are taken, one of which is very important to the second and third movies, this movie, I think (and I'll confirm or refute this after having watched the whole trilogy) appears to have no story and minimal character development. I think this movie was made as a background construction to hold the third movie in place. I'll let you know, later, if I figured this right. [Update 9/18/2021: Yes, I figured this right.]
Not, mind you, that I didn't enjoy it. Information is always a personal delight, with or without narrative, for me. But, you know, I can't imagine having watched this as a stand-alone movie and gotten any satisfaction from it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Noomi Rapace Lisbeth Salander Michael Nyqvist Mikael Blomkvist Lena Endre Erika Berger Peter Andersson Nils Erik Bjurman Per Oscarsson Holger Palmgren Georgi Staykov Alexander Zalachenko Sofia Ledarp Malin Eriksson Annika Hallin Annika Giannini
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Daniel Alfredson.
Labels: action3, detective1, father-daughter-dynamics, journalism, neo-noirB, revenge1, super-hero2, suspense3, thriller2, violence4, women's-movie2
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest
- Commentary: With this movie, the last of the Lisbeth Salander Millenium Trilogy, Lisbeth Salander clearly enters super-hero status, at least in my opinion.
What are her super powers? Her intellect, her anger and her personal agency.
Yes, it takes a village, as a prominent, actual super-villian of our own time was fond of saying, while showing that she not only did not believe in the village, she abhorred the village residents and was all too eager to spit on them and relegate them to classless status.
Lisbeth Salander was not particularly fond of the residents of the village, either, but, while she is, essentially, fond of no one, she was willing, in this particular trilogic adventure, to work with them, those, at least, who she felt could be trusted, to secure her freedom and, often, theirs. She was also more than willing to condemn and seek the incarceration or death of those who hated the villagers and worked against them. Thus, she was trusted by all who sought to help her or simply noticed her on the street and only begrudgingly and fearfully villified by those who sought her destruction.
Excellent trilogy of movies about a powerful, yet oblique, woman. Most women are oblique, unfortunately. Their societies tend to make them so. All women, however, are powerful, in part because of their obliquity.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Noomi Rapace Lisbeth Salander Michael Nyqvist Mikael Blomkvist Lena Endre Erika Berger Annika Hallin Annika Giannini Sofia Ledarp Malin Eriksson Jacob Ericksson Christer Malm Georgi Staykov Alexander Zalachenko Aksel Morisse Dr. Jonasson
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Daniel Alfredson.
Labels: action3, detective1, neo-noirB, revenge1, super-hero2, suspense3, thriller2, violence4, women's-movie2
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Commentary: You'll notice that this Lisbeth Salander movie and the other two are listed out of sequence on this side of my journal. That's because I'll not be receiving the third until next week. I don't know why. According the the Post Office, they're all originating from the same facility, but, I guess, not shipping at the same time. Oh well. I'm waiting until I have all three, sometime next week, to watch them all, back to back, in order, in a Lisbeth Salander revelry. I've not seen any of the other Salander movies, only the ones in the Millenium series in which our heroine is played by Noomi Rapace. I've also read all those books, but no more. Perhaps I'll develop a hankering for the other Salander movies, and books, by the time I get through these. I've seen the first, and I have vague memories that make me think I've seen the second, at some time, perhaps at someone else's home, which is always a dicey exercise for me, since, it never fails, when you watch a movie at someone else's house you are also obligated to listen to their commentary and engage in polite visitation rituals, which, inevitably, take place while the movie is playing. Now, dear reader, do you understand why I have my own movie collection?!?
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Noomi Rapace Lisbeth Salander Michael Nyqvist Mikael Blomkvist Lena Endre Erika Berger Sven-Bertil Taube Henrik Vanger Peter Haber Martin Vanger Peter Andersson Nils Bjurman Marika Lagercrantz Cecilia Vanger Ingvar Hirdwall Dirch Frode Björn Granath Gustav Morell Ewa Fröling Harriet Vanger Michalis Koutsogiannakis Dragan Armansky Annika Hallin Annika Giannini
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2009
Directed by Niels Arden Oplev.
Labels: action3, character-study, detective1, journalism, neo-noirB, revenge1, super-hero2, suspense3, thriller2, violence4, women's-movie2
Monday, May 24, 2021
The Outlaw Josey Wales
- Commentary: Yes, this movie is the only movie listed in the category "jean-favorite". That's because it's the only movie that I know my Aunt Jean was in love with. I am remembering that she may have enjoyed Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, but I'm not sure of that ... I think this may have been mentioned to me by one of her immediate family, but I never heard her talk about that movie, nor do I even know if she saw it.
Of course, I have a suspicion that she probably watched and loved as many Clint Eastwood movies as she could find (this was back in the days when it was rare for people to have movies of any type in their home, reel-to-reel monstrosities that they were, let alone the equipment through which to show a movie, let alone a library of hundreds). But, again, I don't know. I do know about this Clint Eastwood movie, because she was so excited about it that she dragged my mother and me to a showing of its 1976 release at the original theater at Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, AZ.
I ended up liking the movie, much to my surprise. At that time, I tended to avoid westerns, for no other reason than I'd not been exposed to them (or much TV, or many movies, at all) during my childhood and teen years and had the idea that they were simply repeats of the western TV shows my father would watch in the evening when I was a kid and always doing something other than watching TV. I remember Gunsmoke being one of those westerns, although I'm sure I never saw an episode, except bits in passing through the living room and out the door.
I'm not sure, but I think my mother liked being in her sister's presence more than anything else. Throughout their lives, until they were senior citizens, they spent so little time together in even the same state, let alone the same continent, it would be accurate to say that they never really got to know one another until they both retired. When they were finally living in the same city, they discovered that they enjoyed each other's company so much they actively sought each other out as often as possible.
This movie was acquired as a Double Feature with Pale Rider.
This movie is filed alphabetically on my shelves as "Clint Eastwood".
So, you know, Clint, thanks for providing opportunities for my mother and her sister!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Clint Eastwood Josey Wales Chief Dan George Lone Watie Sondra Locke Laura Lee Bill McKinney Terrill John Vernon Fletcher Paula Trueman Grandma Sarah Sam Bottoms Jamie Geraldine Keams Little Moonlight Woodrow Parfrey Carpetbagger Joyce Jameson Rose Sheb Wooley Travis Cobb Royal Dano Ten Spot Matt Clark Kelly John Verros Chato Will Sampson Ten Bears William O'Connell Sim Carstairs
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1976
Directed by Clint Eastwood.
Labels: clint-eastwood, jean-favorite, revenge1, revisionist-western, violence1
Monday, January 28, 2019
The Equalizer 2
- Commentary: I have to say, the second in this series, as often happens, is a little disappointing. I still love the character, and there is a dynamite good-guy-vs.-bad-guy fight at the end, in the rain, on top of a concrete structure, right at the edge of a drop-off into the ocean, on the property that McCall owns. Good set-up. Good choreography. The story, though is a pretty standard avenge story, although it starts well, is so standard that, as I watched it the first time I kept second guessing the coming action and none of my wild and woolly fantasies were even hinted at in the actual film. The movie's set-up implies an imaginative adventure, and then only half-heartedly delivers.
I still love the character, though. I still love Washington's portrayal of the character. I just wish there had been more substance. I really enjoyed the first movie in the series and felt as though I was promised a super-spectacular sequel. Didn't happen. If this series continues, I'll watch other entries, but I can't promise I'll want to own them. The second in the series got a pass because, well, it often happens that the second is a little muddled and, expecting that there is more to this character and his stories, I collected it. If there's a third, as the press following the initial theater release of the first implies that a third is being considered, I'll be careful. Even if a third shows up at my library, I'll be sure to watch it more than once before I buy, especially if I like it.
Apparently, those connected with the film, including the director and the writer, were astonished at the success of this second film. On the subject of the possibility of a third, an article published on 7/25/18 was subtitled: "No-one expected The Equalizer 2 to do so well at the box office when it was released last week." Three days later, in an article written about the premiere of this movie (dated 7/28/18 @ 11:54 a.m., also quoted below): "...it sounds like the cast and crew already have plans for a third Equalizer. While Washington said whether they make another movie is 'up to the people,' Wenk (the writer) said, 'I have [the third film] all in my head. It starts right from the end of this one.' ... Producer Steve Tisch said, 'What people want from Denzel and what they want to get from an Equalizer sequel they are going to get with the sequel. I'm excited for there to be an Equalizer 3.'"
Denzel Washington, himself, refuses to consider this second film a sequel. And I quote, again: "Denzel Washington may be playing vigilante Robert McCall again in The Equalizer 2, but don't call the movie a sequel. 'You know, everybody keeps using that word — sequel,' the Oscar winner told The Hollywood Reporter at the film's premiere last night at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Instead of thinking of it as a sequel, Washington explained, 'It's a story without an ending and it's open-ended, so here we are.'" That sounds promising. Maybe the problems with the second were a case of "sequel (sorry, Denzel) blues". Not that I'm aware that such a condition occurs, but it's not unimaginable that it might. Hopefully, those blues will vanish as a third in the series comes together.
I know. Absolutely preposterous that I am so into these films. But, there you have it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Robert McCall Pedro Pascal Dave York Ashton Sanders Miles Whittaker Orson Bean Sam Rubenstein Bill Pullman Brian Plummer Melissa Leo Susan Plummer Jonathan Scarfe Resnik Sakina Jaffrey Fatima
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up of the movie.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Labels: action2, adventure1, antoine-fuqua, denzel-washington, drama3, melissa-leo, revenge1, super-hero1, thriller1, violence2
The Equalizer
- Commentary: Finally! Yet another super-hero that is my kind of super-hero! And it's an honest-to-goodness origin movie, too! What luck!
I'm still trying to figure out why I like this movie and this character so much. I've only owned it (and it's sequel) for a couple of weeks and I've watched both twice, not including my library check-out watchings. Maybe it's because this super-hero's super-power isn't magical, like a nuclear heart or a mythical origin. This guy has become a super-hero because of his life and his intellectual and physical gifts and training.
In case you're wondering, I never watched the television series. I was unaware of it until I became aware of this movie and did some research on the character. I don't know if I'll seek the series out. I notice our library system has Season 2 of the series. I read the short article in Wikipedia about it but it didn't prick my curiosity. Seems like quite a bit more "system" involvement than the movie series.
The movie, though, oh my! It's not a hit among critics. Words such as "bland" are applied to it and its sequel. But, I don't care. I love the stalwart character this movie puts forth. I love the way Denzel Washington plays him. I love the mystery, and the actuality, of this guy's life. I love his ethics. That probably says something a little nasty about me, but, I don't care. If I could be an equalizer like this guy, specifically this guy in this film series, I would be. And, see, the thing is, since this guy doesn't have a god or a mythical character as a parent, I could be. That's the reverie of this movie. Get a clue, film critics.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Robert McCall Marton Csokas Nicolai Itchenko/Teddy Rensen Chloë Grace Moretz Teri/Alina Johnny Skourtis Ralphie Haley Bennett Mandy Bill Pullman Brian Plummer Melissa Leo Susan Plummer David Harbour Masters
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Labels: action2, adventure1, antoine-fuqua, denzel-washington, drama3, melissa-leo, revenge1, super-hero1, thriller1, violence2
Sunday, May 06, 2007
The Godfather
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is a movie I've avoided purchasing for a long time, even though Mom and I enjoy watching it every time it appears on TV, whether uninterrupted by commercials and uncut or otherwise. It is, plain and simple, riveting. Frankly, a perfect movie, in my estimation. However, for some reason I could never bring myself to pay for it. Finally, I noticed what looked like a relatively unplayed copy of it at my favorite trade-in movie store really cheap (I later discovered that Costco was selling it cheap, by then, too, although not as cheap as the copy I purchased) and decided, yeah, we should have it.
Good choice. As soon as Mom hears the theme music, she settles back in her rocker with a subtle smile, as though someone is preparing to read her a Dickens novel cover to cover.
It should not surprise you to learn that Roger Ebert christened this movie a Great Movie.
Just a side note: The following Actor/Role Table is nowhere near an exhaustive list of actors and characters participating in this movie that, despite sometimes have little screen time, left an indelible impression on both my mother and I as viewers. Some of those actors and characters, I'm sure, will be covered in the tables of The Godfather II and The Godfather III. Some will not.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Vito Corleone Morgana King Carmela Corleone Al Pacino Michael Corleone James Caan Santino Corleone John Cazale Fredo Corleone Talia Shire Connie Corleone Robert Duvall Tom Hagen Richard Castellano Peter Clemenza Sterling Hayden Cpt. Mark McCluskey John Marley Jack Woltz Al Lettieri Virgil Sollozzo Richard Conte Emilio Barzini Diane Keaton Kay Adams Corleone Abe Vigoda Salvatore Tessio Gianni Russo Carlo Rizzi Al Martino Johnny Fontaine Lenny Montana Luca Brasi Salvatore Corsitto Amerigo Bonasera Vito Scotti Nazorine Gabriele Torrei Enzo Aguello Johnny Martino Paulie Gatto Simonetta Stefanelli Apollonia Vitelli-Corleone Alex Rocco Moe Green Richard Bright Albert Neri
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Labels: action3, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama7, gang-movie, marlon-brando, period3, revenge1, robert-duvall, violence3
Saturday, November 11, 2006
The Shawshank Redemption
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Although I don't normally 'force' my mother to watch movies I know she'll find unpleasant, even though most of this movie takes place in a prison and doesn't spare the detail, I 'forced' her to watch this movie, even the very difficult scenes. I told her, before I sat her down to watch it, that the movie was one of the most uplifting movies she is likely to watch, but in order to reap the full benefit, she must watch the entire movie, even the parts that are hard to watch.
My insistence was worth it. The movie has become one of my mother's favorites, and she delights, now, every time she hears Morgan Freeman's voice, even in another movie, because she associates it with the surprises and pleasures of this movie.
Roger Ebert reviewed this movie twice. His initial review is linked to the title in this post in which the movie garnered three-and-a-half stars. Five years later it became one of his Great Movies and was racheted up to four stars. In his "Great Movie" review Ebert explains the disparity: that, in fact, he reacted much like the public did to this movie: finding the word "redemption" in the title off-putting from the point of view of theater watching, but, later, made the movie a phenomenon in the home video market. Read the article. It's interesting how he comes to this conclusion.
I, frankly, don't remember whether I first saw it in the theater or on home video. The dating of this post tells me that I acquired it sometime in 2006. I may have seen it before that, or maybe not. All I remember, now, is that I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it, whenever that was. It is juicy with, well, forgive me, Roger, redemption, not something that one finds very often, in life or in the movies.
Turns out, I own two copies of this movie, this stand-alone and another copy in the "Warner Brothers 20 Film Collection Thrillers". Which is good. I can either give one of the copies away or consider that I have a back-up if one of my copies decides to misbehave.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tim Robbins Andy Dufresne Morgan Freeman Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding Bob Gunton Samuel Norton William Sadler Heywood Clancy Brown Byron Hadley Gil Bellows Tommy Williams James Whitmore Brooks Hatlen Mark Rolston Bogs Diamond
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Frank Darabont.
Labels: bob-gunton, clancy-brown, drama8, morgan-freeman, revenge1, shared-favorite, tim-robbins
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Jeremiah Johnson
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This was the other movie I ordered for Mom's birthday. Truth is, I could only vaguely remember whether she had a marked interest in it. As it turns out, she did. When I cued it, she remembered, almost immediately, having seen it.
"Oh," I said, "I hope it isn't one of those movies you only wanted to see once."
"Oh, no," she replied, "I think I remember liking this movie."
She loved it, maybe even more than How the West Was Won. We saw the movies back to back and she even mentioned, regarding the portrayals of Native Americans, "Yes, now this seems more realistic."
Since I'd never watched the entire movie, I settled down and was surprised, pleased and inspired. "Well, Mom, that's what I'd like to do, figure out how to be completely self-sufficient, in landscape similar to that."
She looked at me approvingly. "I know what you mean," she said. "So would I. Even with all the problems and difficulties."
I know we'll be watching this one again...probably every time I have multiple Abandoning Fantasies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Robert Redford Jeremiah Johnson Will Geer Bear Claw Chris Lapp Stefan Gierasch Del Gue Delle Bolton Swan Josh Albee Caleb Joaquín Martínez Paints His Shirt Red Allyn Ann McLerie Crazy Woman Paul Benedict Reverend Lindquist Jack Colvin Lt. Mulvey Matt Clark Qualen Richard Angarola Chief Two-Tongues Lebeaux Charles Tyner Robidoux
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Sydney Pollack.
Labels: adventure3, biography1, period4, revenge1, revisionist-western, robert-redford
