Train Dreams (2025)

 

A man’s tale of loneliness, brief joy, and then lots more loneliness. Not exactly a good time. Beautifully shot though. 

Rating: C-

F1: The Movie (2025)

 

A peek into the world of Formula One with Brad Pitt at the helm. A typical redemption story told through high stakes, high speed racing. It’s a sport I’ll never be into, but the fast action held my attention. 

Rating: C+

In The Land Of Saints And Sinners (2023)

 

Irish baddies in the 70s get what’s coming to them in a small, rural town. There’s some good character development and acting to be seen. 

Rating: C+

The Banshees Of Inisherin (2022)

I don’t quite understand all the award recognition around this Irish film. The plot is rather dull and pointless, just like the two main characters. Get it? Because he can’t point anymore due to chopping his fingers off. 

Rating: D

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

The excessive swearing, especially the Lord’s name in vain, was both unnecessary and distracting from the story. A story of sad, broken people inflicting cruelties upon one another. Charlie’s mom from Always Sunny In Philadelphia fit right in. Very dark and ultimately rather unfulfilling. I guess that’s the Academy’s sweet spot.

Rating: C

Unleashed (Danny The Dog) (2005)

This is one of a handful of action movies that not only earned its A+ rating, but held onto it after repeat viewings. 

Great writing by Luc Besson and direction by Louis Leterrier. Unleashed is the rare action movie that provides a deep, character driven story to go along with all the kick-ass violence. Morgan Freeman was a huge get for the casting director. Without him, the movie would not have reached the heights that it did. Bob Hoskins was another masterstroke in casting. I've rarely seen such complex villainy portrayed so well on screen.

Jet pulls out an Academy level acting performance out of nowhere, one that I've never seen him match since. He sells this movie with his facial expressions alone.

Oh, and the fight scenes are unreal. It's Gladiator and Bloodsport all rolled into one. It effortlessly shifts gears between mesmerizing fight sequences to compelling drama. And then you have Massive Attack doing the soundtrack. Brilliant concept. Excellent direction. First-rate fight scenes. Amazing performances. Great editing. Perfect from start to finish. I love this film.

Rating: A+

Intermission (2003)

A strange Irish indie with thick characters talking in thick Irish accents. I had to turn the subtitles on after 5 minutes after realizing I could barely understand anything being said. One of those movies where all the character paths seem to cross and meet up by the end. Some nice, dark humor keeps things interesting.

Rating: C