Special October review update after the momentous release of a new Saw movie.
Saw X, 2023 (*****)
The magnificent Tobin Bell is given centre stage and it's his presence that elevates a tried and trusted formula to yet another level. And the greater emotional investment pays off by the time the trademark menacing climactic theme reassuringly fades in for the horrific final act.
Past Lives, 2023 (***)
A film about the lives and interconnected loves of two close childhood friends who are separated by one of the families emigrating from Korea. Yes, it's well acted and you will identify with all kinds of poignant moments throughout however the female lead is such an incredibly cold fish it is the antithesis of romantic. How 2023.
Killing Romance, 2023 (**)
Scattershot comedy/musical/romcom that despite being full of energy and panache all just feels a bit flat and try-hard.
The Artifice Girl, 2022 (**)
Certainly an interesting premise of the evolution in three time periods of a revolutionary AI girl, Cherry, programmed to catch child predators. Nevertheless , poor acting and a wordy script laden with laughable amounts of exposition result in a film that rarely feels believable leading to the final act where, dear Lord, 'Cherry' devolves into a whiny narcissist.
The Invitation, 2015 (**)
Couple are invited to an LA dinner party hosted by his ex-wife. Highly enjoyable quasi-Pinteresque dialogues and awkward tensions between the weirdo guests are sadly let down by a substandard lead actor and a dreadful final act when all the 'action' starts.
Frailty, 2001 (****)
Missed this the first time around! Bill Paxton directs and features in a highly original horror thriller about a father who superficially seems nice enough despite being a religious fanatic. Some real shocks ensue. Props to the two young sons for their fantastic performances.
Love and death as a woman dies leaving behind her husband and young son. The two lead actors are great but just a bit too good-looking and support characters are more developed in the superb Japanese 2004 original but there are still some really powerfully affecting moments and it's the little boy who steals the show here.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment