Mayhem! (Farang) (2023)

This French Thai film scores very high on the list of top revenge flicks. I appreciated the backstory and character development before the blood spray from some excellent fight scenes erupted. 

Rather surprised they got permits to shoot this script in Thailand, as it portrays the extremely seedy underbelly lurking around every corner. It’s not all doom and gloom though. There are many vivid and heartwarming scenes of everyday Thai life, people, food, and traditions. Quite well made. 

Rating: B

Civil War (2024)

Seeing this on a big screen with an incredible sound system really added to the tension of the story. We live in a divided America, and it’s not much of a stretch to see things becoming violent. Whether or not that could manifest into an organized, militaristic attack is yet to be seen. But seeing this director’s vision of what it might look like makes me really hope it doesn’t. 

I felt like the storytelling was even keeled–not preachy about which side was right or wrong. It’s more of a both-sides-lose situation. One thing is for sure. If shit hits the fan and society breaks down, don’t take a cross country road trip. Hunker down with people you trust. Have resources to self-sustain. Thank me later. 

Rating: B-

Drive-Away Dolls (2024)

How is this a Coen Brothers film? How did they get Matt Damon and Pedro Pascal to debase themselves with cameos? Was this supposed to be a comedy? It wasn’t funny. Was it supposed to be a sexy lesbian romp? No heat or chemistry at all. A dark thriller? This flick had zero pulse. 

Total disappointment. Complete flop. 

Rating: F

Mayhem (2017)

Virus causes folks to get homicidal in an office setting. Came off too much like a B movie. Poor execution across the board. Meaningless violence alone won’t save your film. 

Rating: D-

Self Reliance (2023)

Loved the concept. The setup in the first third of the film was excellent. Anna Kendrick was cute and fun. I just wish they had committed to the story and had a few more dangerous encounters that were less corny. A slow reveal to his family and friends would have been funny and cathartic. 

Instead, the game became too much of a joke without any real consequences for breaking the rules. I would have loved to see the viewers perspective–those tuning into the dark web D.O.G. show. The final act was all over the place. Real shame. 

Rating: C

Orion And The Dark (2024)

With Charlie Kauffman calling the shots, I kind of hoped it would be weirder. Some cute moments and themes, but mostly straightforward with a bit of cheese. 

Rating: C-

American Fiction (2023)

A clever twist on African American stereotyping in film, but also a story of a typically dysfunctional family coming together in their own way. It doesn’t feel like a comedy, but I laughed out loud a lot. Smartly written and well acted. 

Rating: B-

The Promised Land (Bastarden) (2023)

What a fantastic historical drama from Denmark. Mads is brilliant as always. Amanda Collin, who played Mother in HBO’s Raised By Wolves is also terrific. It’s a battle of wills, where no one escapes unscathed. It’s a film that will engage and move you. 

Rating: B+

The Greatest Night In Pop (2024)

A behind-the-scenes musical documentary for the song 'We Are The World'. As a music lover, I enjoyed seeing the drive and collaboration to make this thing happen. It certainly wasn’t easy. Fun to see all these stars gathered in one place. It’s not groundbreaking cinema, but certainly entertaining to watch and listen. 

Rating: C

Poor Things (2023)

I’m not particularly fond of Yorgos Lanthimos’s work, but I was intrigued with the award nominations and Emma Stone, so went to see it with my cousin. Captivating and often funny, but seemed way too focused on her sexual awakening. Multiple people got up and left the theater midway through. 

Emma’s performance was pretty spectacular. I’m sure many would say brave. She put it all out there. Not for the squeamish. 

Rating: C

The Beekeeper (2024)

I’m always up for a good revenge flick. Okay, I’m always up for average revenge flicks too. Beekeeper walks a fine line between ridiculous and fun, with a lot of splashy violence. No regrets from my $10 Saturday matinee.

Rating: C+

Albert Brooks: Defending My Life (2023)

As a moderate fan of Albert, it was interesting to see his body of work critiqued by himself and others. There is nothing exciting or unique about the documentary itself. Reiner plays a series of interviews and clips. The end. 

Rating: C