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ronhounsell
Reviews
Dons of Disco (2018)
Entertaining
Whilst the movie is no doubt entertaining, it is quite sad as well. It shows people locked in the past and refusing to move on.
I started watching the documentary being truly sympathetic to Tom Hooker. As a person who grew up behind the iron curtain, I did not see Den Harrow videos. So I did not have a chance to get to know who Stefano Zandri was. As an avid music fan I loved Den Harrow and devoured tons of the 80-s music. Once I heard Tom Hooker's solo records, I did not need the Internet to find out who the real singer for DH was. However, after having watched Don's of Disco I got to respect Stefano. A lot of things that he said, especially about getting old and appreciating what you have, made perfect sense to me. On the contrary, Tom seemed like having a chip on his shoulder and looked like living in the past. Counting one's blessings is not for him. Anyway, each to their own.
I think that it is a common knowledge that any successful musician is in fact a product of work of a team: composers, producers, players etc. For instance, a-ha's famous hit single Take on Me flopped on its first release. It took off only after having been re-produced by Tony Mansfield & repackaged in a nice video. That's why the argument about the main guy in the room is pointless.
So, I would like to thank the whole team of Den Harrow: Tom, Stefano, Roberto, Niki and others. Guys, your music was the highlight of my teen years. Absolutely the very best memories. Thanks a lot and keep well!
To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)
Totally cynical, nihilistic and... beautiful!
OK, I have a soft spot for this movie so I can not be impartial. I bought it on VHS after I saw the first time. Then I bought DVD... Then BluRay... The movie introduced me to Wang Chung music. Now I have the soundtrack too😊
The reason for my affection is that I have never seen so true-to-life movie. Not in terms of action but in terms on how people interact and what drives them. TLIDILA does not take any prisoners. It shows social and interpersonal relations between human beings without any masks and pretenses. Its nihilistic and almost misanthropic tone alienated a lot of critics on its release.
Positives:
- Non-stop action, very fast moving.
- Soundtrack to die for.
- Totally corrupt and cynical, without being satirical or cartoonish.
- All characters are true to life.
- Violence is not over the top.
- The ending will blow you away (many times).
Negatives:
- Somewhat cheesy beginning.
Similar movies: The Grifters 1990 - Almost as cynical, not much action though. Brilliant movie as well.
The Player 1992 - Even though it is a satire, it has its nihilistic message. The ending is wonderful.
Killing them softly 2012 - Another misunderstood tale of greed and corruption and another satire.
Dragged across concrete 2018 - it was probably inspired by TLIDILA. Less action. Great movie too.
Honorable mention: Ace in the hole 1951 - Somewhat similar in its meaning. However, I must note that the ending is totally unbelievable and a complete letdown.
Paranoid Park (2007)
Not a crime, not a drama, not a mystery. It is arthouse
Definitely not my cup of tea. I like slow burn movies but this is not a "slow burn." It's watching the paint dry. Literally.
Negatives:
- Acting is non existent. Actually, it is so bad that goes into negative territory. Because of that all characters felt annoying.
- Plot never develops into something meaningful. There is no ending. Police investigation was like a joke.
- Many repetitive scenes with no sense. Looked like filler to me.
Positives:
- Beethoven in soundtrack (1 star or that);
Similar movies: Gerry 2002.
Delusion (1991)
However: Criminally forgotten little gem
Perfect example of film noir. I watch it every time I go on vacation (saved on my iPad). Great entertainment.
Actions of all characters are plausible.
Contrary to what some reviewers were saying, white collar guy was quite smart and figured where things were heading quickly. I can not figure what could be done differently. This is the type of story when one thing inevitably leads to another.
Funny one-liners along the way: Tell me if there is life after death? - Yes. The one that you leave behind...
If you are into film noir / crime gone awry type of movies, this is not to miss.
PS. Song during rolling credits & video were good.
Positives:
- Not too violent;
- Plausible, not convoluted plot and characters' actions;
- Easy to connect yourself with the main character;
Negatives:
- None for me;
Reminded me of:
Kill me again 1989 Red Rock West 1993 The last Seduction 1994 Derailed 2005 Wild Things 1998 and (funny enough) Retroactive 1997.
Destroyer (2018)
However: Misunderstood by most viewers
People thinking that it is a straight up revenge flick will be left disappointed: too little action.
Viewers expecting Neo-noir will feel underwhelmed: some loose ends here.
Watchers enjoying criminal dramas and appreciating mind-bending stories will be rewarded. They will find both.
Positives:
- Nicole Kidman is a star, hands down;
- Feels very realistic and true noir;
- Lacks Hollywood glamour;
- Smart story;
Negatives:
- Requires some thinking;
- If you look at it as film noir, you may find some unexplained plot intricacies. However, as credits rolled, I realized that it is rather metaphysical story in veins of Triangle. So, from my perspective there are no negatives. Brilliantly shot and acted film.
Reminded me of: Dragged across Concrete 2018 The Grey 2011 and (surprisingly): Triangle 2009 Jacob's Ladder 1990.
Dragged Across Concrete (2018)
However: Excellent movie but not for everybody
Summary:
In my books the movie deserves 9 stars, one being taken off for giving viewers a hint to a happy ending. However, I am giving it 10 stars to counter undeserved negative ratings.
A few points to counter negativity.
First and foremost, the movie is a drama in a crime setting and not a thriller as such. Characters are given detailed study (may be too detailed at times) to give an understanding to their motifs. That is why it feels slow.
Secondly, the movie lacks Hollywood's gloss whatsoever and everything feels very real which also does not add much to "entertainment" side of things. However, because of that when the action comes it feels much more intense. I was literally biting my nails.
Positives:
- Realistic;
- Very (!) gritty;
- Excellent acting throughout;
- Smart;
- Good dialogs;
- Extremely bleak;
- Focused on average people, not top (or bottom) 10%;
- Not overly focused on being politically correct;
Negatives:
- Some people will find it slow;
- Gratuitous happy ending. (Spoiler here: highly unlikely that the black guy would do the right thing - too much risk involved). However, without that the ending would be heartbreakingly bleak;
Who would it appeal to:
- Mature audience: over 45 with teen kids;
- Film noir lovers;
- Slow burn drama lovers;
Similar movies: To live and die in LA 1985 Devil knows you are dead 2007 Simple plan 1998 The lie 2018.