rhmacl Reviews

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Seemed 'slow' but after a day if thinking...it's my only gripe!

[9/10 · 12 January 2024]

Almost the perfect film? Have you spent your life wondering who you'd be if only your parents truly loved and understood you?

Here's your life-long solution; a study of a family in retrograde replete with early unexpected loss, identity crisis, social fear and loathing, and love, sweet love.

Adam's parents die when he is young, long before they could have 'known' him and longer before they would have known he is gay. These unaddressed deficiencies plague Adam's writing career and one day while conducting research, encounters the spirits of his long gone mum and dad. A long and slow moving conversation ensues (a gift from Claire Foy) revealing that with understanding and compassion, Adam's identity was in fact not a cause of concern for his parents, and that in fact what parents want most for their offspring is that they know they are loved a valued no matter what...heck wasn't it 'the kid' (in each and all of us) that made them 'parents' and the entire identify intertwined with that role? A gift. And the gift in return is love and adoration and a clear insistence from the film makers that no soul wants to leave this 'world' with an offspring hobbled by parental-imposed self-doubt.

Way leads to way and the film wraps pretty quickly around a fledgling relationship between Adam and another but so so very sadly only to find that we are watching scenes of Adam's post-life experiences.

Love your kids while can!

Godzilla Minus One (2023)

OUTSTANDING

[10/10 · 30 November 2023]

This is an exciting film. The pace, story, imagination, production are all done expertly. Dialogue is in Japanese with English subtitles. I wish I could comment on writing but just be assured that despite my remedial Japanese (and a range of inconsequential translation departures the I detected), the cast's ability to convey agony, loss, hope, love, fear, and anger was appreciated, even with its 'just-right' dose of melodrama. Special effects are superior and well presented.

The film sucks you into a vortex of history, monsters, and surprisingly restores your faith in humanity. It makes you fall in love with the characters.

Then with perfect timing, reflects the singular and exquisite quality of the Japanese people; their acute sense of the cost of war and their abiding commitment to the future.

Because of that, there is nothing in this film that I can criticize.

Saltburn (2023)

Psychological thriller dressed as a class warfare study.

[9/10 · 26 November 2023]

Saltburn may strike some as cliché with its juxtaposing classes exercise, but the real hook in this film is in its sublime thriller chops and excellent character reveals. Rosalind Pike is awesome 👏! Barry Keoghan turns in another amazing role. Richard E Grant is in his reliable and gut wrenching prime. Supporting actors playing Venetia and Felix are mesmerizing and serve up surprises right when they are expected to.

Saltburn is a psychological thriller dressed as a class warfare flick. Keoghan's skill at portraying a slightly neuro divergent psychopath is stellar.

These were the best two hours spent watching films in a long time!

The Royal Hotel (2023)

Most Misleading Marketing Film of the Year:(

[5/10 · 8 October 2023]

Ugh...where do I begin. The film is a dog. A pointless, boring, series of missed chances to land some useful commentary. The fact this film is even circulating right now is testament to just how bad the selection of available films in the US is at the moment.

Julia Garner in her OLD hair (c. 2019) bores us with the prospect of a stunning performance...because that's what the marketing promises. Surprise! No such thing...instead we get a series of events punctuated by alcohol (so "1960") and lonely dysfunctional isolated men...(oh hey! That's new! NOT!) All the tension is queued up for a meaningful something-or-other but voila...no delivery... instead audiences are punished with a closeup of Garner mopping up vomit. Yay!

Skip this one...

The Creator (2023)

Pseudo-intellectual Schlock-over hyped, loved by shallow people

[4/10 · 1 October 2023]

This film is embarrassing; a brazen device to inspire shallow, thoughtless people by deploying lovable, charming faces, baby talk, beloved actors, and a veneer of intellectualism. In fact it is Hollywood glitz debuting a new special effects and warming audiences to the prospect that someday "AI" will be not only a useful tool that humans rely upon, but taking it to the next level, by implying that we will live along side future AI and live them (Yes, LOVE...), and even arrive at a point when we recognize that what are today; (robotic vacuums and smart devices) fellow species that we will live amongst and share our lives with. Yes "SPECIES"

If you can't 'buy' into the fundamental premises of the film...and smart people won't...it is boring and tiresome.

Oh My God!! People applauded this crap! Society has reached a new 'low.'

Beef (2023– )

Really good humor...then inner psyche BOMBS! Wow!

[9/10 · 2 September 2023]

Beef hurtles itself into a dispute between two drivers that intersect in a parking lot, living with unresolved personal traumas, and how that interaction ripples through their, and those whom they love's, lives. Set in swanky Calabasas, the characters reflect all different sorts of personalities from trivial and trite to stoic and serious. But the stories never stall or turn boring as it winds itself toward the final episode; a master-class in filmmaking and exploration of inner meaning, purpose, love, hope and ...trauma.

Trauma expresses itself in many ways throughout our lives and Beef showcases those expressions with humor and frank sensitivity, notably within a demographic rife with historical trauma. Road rage is the chosen outlet to start this saga, and the writers tie it up in the end with self sympathy...NOT pity...but each character's ability to finally, sometimes on the brink of death, conjure the awareness to recognize rage as something to console, not react to, not fight. Sometimes we just need to be seen for the little hero's-of-our-own-stories that we are in order to function properly on an overly complex and otherwise painful existence.

Kudos to Allie Wong and Steven Yuen's moving, monumental performances, on top of a stellar cast all of whom turn in brilliant and well directed performances. Spectacular ensemble that make the entire series enjoyable, rewarding, and provocative...bravo.

The Last of Us: Long, Long Time (2023) Season 1, Episode 3

One of the finest pieces of television

[10/10 · 30 August 2023]

I have been studying Linda Ronstadt a lot the last few weeks, familiarizing myself with her music and her career. And I kept thinking back to this episode and the music that is associated with it, and that lovely song; "I'm going to love you for a long long time." So, I randomly decided that I would just watch this episode again today of all days August 29, 2023.

It is a lovely meditation on love, commitment, hope; especially for those of us who are a little different from the main stream. This episode will make you feel like you are soaring on the wings of love ... and then it will remind you of just how painful life can be and the monumental amount of loss associated with it..."...who knows the cost...". We weigh the pros and cons of our lives and when we 'show up' we are declaring the pros outweigh the cons.

It simply broke me when I got to the part of the episode when Bella is reading the letter, and she recites the date the letter was written...August 29, 2023.

I'm hugging everyone I love today and doing my job...to protect them.

Enjoy this episode. RIP Bill and Frank. Thank you Nick Offerman.

Heart of Stone (I) (2023)

Awesome!! Aghast at current "5.7/10" rating...

[9/10 · 22 August 2023]

This film is awesome. It's like a female James Bond that's been in enhanced with biological and intellectual attributes making Gal Gadot a modern everyday super human spy agency asset. Her screen presence is so natural as she rises above the standard spy agency crew and out wits the enemies.

Dialogue and writing is way above average and Gal really plays the part well. The European settings (Lisbon, the Alps, etc.) are spectacular. The cast is outstanding and fun. Great music and fight-scene choreography. And the backstory about an ultra elite spy agency that operates independent of other countries is fresh and original.

This film should be in the 8-9 range. Omg...don't miss it!

Enjoy!

Gran Turismo (2023)

Celebrating SAOYAPVG (sitting around on your ass playing video games)

[6/10 · 10 August 2023]

Bravo and amen for David Harbour who keeps this film alive, and shame on the writers for being unable to create a worthwhile story.

I saw Gran Turismo at a sneak peek event last night. Overall, I was somewhat disappointed. Given the quality of films have been reaching theaters lately. This film is geared towards very young men. And it attempts to glorify something that most of us have come to know, and even our surgeon general has flagged our society about: isolating oneself and becoming obsessed with virtual reality. It is all packaged within some clever special effects, however, the underlying message to viewers is someone counterintuitive, since it's the very topic that is falling under scrutiny by healthcare professionals. It wouldn't be so bad if the quality of the film or higher, but there's just no substance or depth in this presentation.

Sound of Freedom (2023)

Mediocre film, troubling subject, really gloomy music

[6/10 · 6 July 2023]

This film takes a large bite out of an under reported human tragedy; child exploitation. Set mostly in central and South America, it profiles an operation to liberate children, the men who under took it, and most importantly, the victims who endured unspeakable pain and suffering (a point the film seemed comfortable forgetting a few times in order to make time for long lingering shots of Caviezel. There more than enough dwelling on Cav' lemon juice streaked yellow/blondeness for ten films.

The music is a total downer. It wears one down with the deep cello laments mixed with chanting choir. The story is pretty slow although it frames the experiences of the children quite well. Caviezel, Camp and Sorvino all turn in rather forgettable performances; very reserved and almost fading into the background of the film. The children stand out, especially Elanna de la Rossa who plays Rocio, and who earned herself an Oscar nomination, if not a lot of very worthy chatter. Brava!

Otherwise, the film comes off as an anti Hollywood independent film with a strong spiritual or religious streak. I couldn't help but dwell a little bit on the recent social fascination with anything related to child sexual abuse; the way it has permeated politics in such a bizarre manner, and how this film either contributes to that idiocy or clarifies and dispels it.... I did not find it was clarifying.... Nor a contribution to idiocy.

Living (2022)

Unparalleled in 2023! Riveting study of courage, self, life and death.

[10/10 · 10 May 2023]

I am floored. Got on a flight from SFO to Munich and settled in to watch the only academy award nominated film I had not seen last year. Kicking myself for waiting. This film grabbed me by the throat, lifted me up and slapped me back and forth at least 6 times! Bill Nighy was robbed at the Oscars. What a performance. And what an amazing and special film loaded with in-depths explorations of questions each of has or will confront ourselves with before we each reach the end of our own stories. Bravo to the screen writers and the art direction and glorious music. I was moved to tears at least 3 times and just as many other moments of happiness, triumph and satisfaction. What a special film. It is now my favorite film and I can't wait to re-watch it and direct every scene and every hidden message. Bravo!

Emily the Criminal (2022)

Under Rated!

[9/10 · 20 August 2022]

This is a really well-done film. Well written, edited... well paced.

Heart breaking and heart warming.

Challenges the audience, and provides a couple hours of tension and suspense.

The Old Man (2022– )

Failure.

[4/10 · 5 August 2022]

This series seemed to have legs; interesting characters, great actors and a narrative that was setting-up a really interesting resolution - then it just stopped. It was left incomplete, unresolved. All that time spent watching seven episodes ended with an embarrassing gap.

Don't bother ... this should never have been released without an ending.

The Gilded Age (2022– )

Lavish, and talent galore! But... the writing...ugh

[5/10 · 3 March 2022]

OMG! Baranski! Nixon! Coons! MacDonald! This series drips with an embarrassment of talent, but the writing comes off as unnatural, and forced for rapid story movement. It seems to be trying too hard to capture the unique qualities of Downton Abby, but it's no longer new and intriguing the way Downton was.

But Baranski gives Maggie Smith a good run with her witty, biting insight and lines; excellent delivery. I have been watching Cynthia Nixon since I was 12...this role is an excellent addition to her vast repertoire. Cute, funny, sublime, wise and vulnerable.

Sometimes the secondary cast (and Carrie Coons) come off stiff as a board and far over-invested in the delivery of an over-rated line or some poorly timed nuance. It's distracting and needs attention.

The French Dispatch (2021)

Best of the Year!

[10/10 · 10 January 2022]

Brilliant. Fun, funny, engaging. Put your phone down. Watch with your full attention. Anderson has a funny way of pulling you in and holding your attention. But always worth it.

Queenpins (2021)

Sleeper Gold!!

[9/10 · 26 December 2021]

This is a wonderful film, so unexpected!

"Queenpins" sounds like some mafia-esque crime syndicate juju run-of-the-mill gangsta film.

It's actually one of those inspiring 'I-beat-the-system' films with normal folk making it big and getting away with (most of) it. Thoroughly enjoyable. Wonderful characters. Wonderful performances. Happy ending. Lots of tension but fun, funny, and smart. One of those films that compels us to self-reflect, and self-correct, and to take a risk ... because we are always better for it when we do.

Whoever was responsible for promoting this gem should be re-trained because if this film had been marketed correctly, we'd all still be talking about it and the box office records it broke.

Yellowstone (2018– )

Starts it well, Then fizzles.

[4/10 · 21 December 2021]

Seasons 1 & 2 were a romp! Good (not great) story lines, good characters (except Beth who is GREAT!), gorgeous setting. Truly a nice break from the run-of-the mill schlock we get. The whole "Modern western" vibe is fun to sink into, though unreal.

Then...season 3. Whoever decided Rip needed to exhume his mother's body to get her wedding ring is truly a sick mf-er. "I love ya mama" and a kiss to a long dead cadaver??? I lost it...I laughed so hard and haven't taken this seriously since. Season 4 featured the oft crippled-humiliated-bullied-laughed-at clown, "Billy" pleasuring a male horse. Yeah...it's that bad. It is a joke! Pathetic and clownish in all ways. Beth always has a good line, but she alone cannot save this disaster.

Watch it for the farce that it is, get your laughs, snicker at the idiocy and mourn for the opportunity that was lost.

Spencer (2021)

Well made but ... was Diana always THAT exasperated?

[5/10 · 15 December 2021]

I have heard so many good things about this film that I truly expected something more engaging.

Mental health is important. That's about all I took away from this film. Stewart's Diana was not convincing. The perpetual state of exasperation was hard to tolerate.

Land (I) (2021)

One of those under-rated films that will change you👍

[8/10 · 26 November 2021]

I have avoided watching Land for several weeks. Now I tegret that!

It evokes a song by Cole Porter with a line that goes "...until you've lived a lot, and loved a lot, and lost a lot; you may know Paris, but you don't know Pareé..."

It is a story about two souls who have lived, loved, and lost a lot...a lot. And, how those experiences change us in a way that compels us to detach, and through detachment come to know who we truly are; no Facebook profile, no cell phone commandeering our lives; we come to understand hunger, the limits of our minds and bodies. Something we must do to move forward in a paradigm absent of the arrangements we festoon our lives with. The film shows an example of what people do when the have lived, loved and lost a lot, and find their ways through this world to move forward; to put their lives in perspective and realize the differences between our worlds and THE world.

Well crafted film with very special cinematography, lovely score and soundtrack, superb acting, etc: excellent directing.

Goliath (2016–2021)

Jenna Malone...??? OUTSTANDING!

[10/10 · 28 October 2021]

As always, one of the finest binge-worthy series e v e r... yay! Again a gripping story, amaaaaaazing cinematography, spectacular directing, lights, etc....

However...this season was different because of the incredibly nuanced and intelligent performance of Jenna Malone. Bravo. An American Treasure. Thank you Jenna!🙏😘. And....the equally amazing writing and all-encompassing story telling, with the finest cast.

Everybody's Talking About Jamie (2021)

Expected fluff, and a corny way to fill the time...,

[10/10 · 5 October 2021]

But what I saw was an homage to some of the fiercest human beings ever to set foot on this planet.

"Jamie" is all about individuality, self-truth, and human love and kindness. It seems low-budget, and sometimes, simple. Amazing cast and a special nod to the main characters, and the singers.

Musicals typically come with a general expectation that the viewer must suspend reality & belief as characters break into dance and song. I found the songs in this film extremely well written, accessible, poignant and REAL. Still, that need to suspend reality is present, but the viewer is vulnerable to really well crafted messages at that moment and this film, via the original songs, does really well seizing those moments and delivering clear meaningful messages-mind changing truths.

As a 60-something year-old GWM I've done my share of caregiving, protesting, advocating, etc etc... Those were heartbreaking times that we lived through and I am happy to say they are in the past and I was so happy to forget the years of struggle as dozens of friends and co-workers, and acquaintances, and the drawn-out horrifying deaths...it is not a period one enjoys recalling nor one that has been thoroughly explored enough by art...yet. Too soon? Too painful. But this film gently lifted the veil on a sensitive era that needs proper artistic exploration (since so many that we lost were artists) to put it in it's place and help confront it in a healthy way. Leave it to the drag queens and the unmatched, unsurpassed Richard E Grant, and other cast members, to manage this task so affirmatively.

In the end, the film rests on formulaic predictable themes and story-lines. But that simple structure is expertly propped-up with fresh insights, relevant observations and genuine warmth. The result is a well spent 2hours, the pleasure of authentic art, and a new way to define strength; deep individual ferocious strength.

Cry Macho (2021)

Blech!

[3/10 · 25 September 2021]

I think we, collectively, should stop enabling Clint Eastwood. No more movies! Never all that great to begin with, Clint's movies have only gotten worse and it is only because Hollywood's irrational use of money. Stop. Stop. Stop!! Cry Macho is the type of pointless and meaningless schlock we get when bad decisions are encouraged:(((

Pig (I) (2021)

Uhm...wow...just WOW.

[10/10 · 22 July 2021]

This film resonates on so many levels. Friends say it is about caring. Some say an allegory about man's abuse of resources. Others think it is a stunt.

I'd like to believe somebody put some thought into the execution of the story and each character carries metaphorical weight in a narrative that reflects certain truths ... for which we avoid accountability.

Let's all be more authentic and care for our authentic selves; we will be sure to care for everything that sustains us. Time sees all, knows all, remembers all-no point living in denial.

Blackhat (2015)

So... Why not another installment?

[9/10 · 20 July 2021]

Hathaway and Lien live! What do they do next? A complex film perhaps, but the love story continues...no? What would Hathaway and Lien be up to with the 50 million Euro they acquired? What disaster would they foil? How would they '...save the world...' next...?

Summer of 85 (2020)

Heartbreaking, but we'll-done film-making. So real.

[9/10 · 18 July 2021]

A touching story of a young man's heart fully invested in first love ... and an unexpected ending given some of the reviews I've read here...?

I was SO glad I happened upon this gem. It telegraphed the era well, captured the youthful emotion of love and heart break and tragedy and friendship...moving-on and growing-up.

The allegory is spot-on; the metaphors well expressed. My ONLY gripe would be that this was gay cinema at its best yet the narrative did not synch as closely to the story as I think today's values allow-it was almost as though the story was re-told in 1985 for 1985 audiences...maybe it added value to the film, but if so, then the filmmaker's use of "recent history," our evolution in value systems, and age to make a solid and engaging film should be commended! Bravo 👏! A new 'device' to tell a wonderful story.

Great to see Isabelle Nanty again!