zinjo00-587-975183 Reviews

365 Days: This Day (2022)

Funny to see Puritans try to review this film

[6/10 · 21 July 2022]

I find it amusing to read the reviews of American puritans expecting this film to be some sort of masterpiece of cinema. If you saw the first film you knew exactly what to expect. It is an erotic film, period! Expecting more and worse yet, reviewing it as such, is ridiculous.

As erotic films go, it is slick and visually stunning compared to its American cousins. The story is mostly predictable, yet there are surprises. The production values and the surprises set it apart from the typical erotic film. The intimate performances are pretty hot and the simulated sex scenes are convincing to any viewer.

I will say as polished as it is, there are moments where the performances are a bit stiff or forced, but overall, a very well done film that could easily be appealing to couples. Exotic European locales, the dangers of mafia life, etc... set up a decent experience. For those who are looking for Shakespear, see a play, this is not for you.

I enjoyed it for what it was and had no preconceived expectations to ruin the experience. I wouldn't say it was plot dense or dialogue rich, but it played to its strengths. That being the on screen chemistry between Anna Maria and Michele. It worked better than others in the same genre, where a poor story was mixed with terrible dialogue and shoe horned in simulated sex scenes between actors with little to no chemistry. If one were to remove the steamy sex scenes and panoramic vistas, it would likely be a 30 - 40 minute short about competing mafia families.

I recommend checking it out if you enjoy erotic films. The staging and erotic performances are remarkable.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

Liked it but not everything

[8/10 · 27 December 2019]

There are plenty of SW Trolls leaving reviews here, so don't let them decide for you. Make up your own mind. On to the review:

Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker is a "dense" film and packs a lot of information in 2.5 hours, which leads one to wonder if given the scope of the ambition it should not have been planned into a two part film like Avengers and Harry Potter. The lack of available time and Carrier Fisher worked against the more character driven moments. I did not like the reveal that Rey was a Palpatine, however that is a personal position as I liked the idea set forth in TLJ that a Jedi could be a nobody and come from nowhere to be the instrument of the light against the most powerful darkness. However, the fact Rey was a Palpatine changed that narrative to "Your focus determines your fate" not your bloodline. It created a juxtoposition, a "rebalancing" if you will, that the force's "chosen one" who fell to the dark side was replaced by another light side "chosen one" from the bloodline of the dark sith lord. The "chosen one" became an archetype of the ancient prophesy. As Snoke said to Kylo, "as the dark rises, so does the light to meet it", balance. I was annoyed by Luke's dismissal of his own exile as a "mistake". it really wasn't. Luke the Arthur of legend, he fell into a depression and self pity, so abandoned his role in the galaxy as its living legend. A beacon of hope in a time of delicate transition. His exile gave him wisdom, but also left the galaxy vulnerable to dark influences, very much like Arthur left Camelot to fall into darkness. Had he simply said, "I let self pity and despondency overtake me", that would have been sufficient. The missing reason why General Hux was demoted in the chain of command was noticable and the reasons why he wanted Ren to fail also didn't make the final cut. The lack of the Knights of Ren were a disappointment, likely due to time constraints. These were former Jedi students who never showed any force abilities and not one fired up a lightsaber. Many, including me, were hoping to see dark knights show their stuff, but we got very little and what we did see was not what we had hoped for. Missed opportunity. The lack of vintage ships in shown in the final battle was also noticeable. Granted they may well have been there, but few were showcased in the foreground to give us a sense that this was an ode to the 42 years of Star Wars films. Ben Solo's return to the light felt rushed, having Harrison return as a vision to his son was nice, but you could see where Carrie Fisher must have been the intended one to turn Ben back initially, but with her absence, those scenes were impossible which in itself is another trajedy of losing her in 2016. There wasn't enough available time to see Ben's conflict and final epiphany moment when he chose to abandon the dark side. Ben Solo's passing into the force was a nice moment, but I, personally, felt that his fading into the ether would have been more dramatic "while" Rey was holding him still. It would have been as much a surprise to the audience as it would Rey. I liked how the dangling threads from TFA & TLJ were handled for the most part. Leah's training with Luke and her choice not to follow him in the order. The visual revelation that Snoke was a clone and an avatar of Palpatine himself. It explained Snoke's remarkably strong force abilities. The throw away line, that cloning had become a "forbidden technology" by the New Republic which is why the First Order had to "harvest" children to fill their ranks. Lando bringing the cavalry to save the day and Finn (echos of him saving Luke 30 years before on Bespin). The thousands of Sith worshipers in Palpatine's throne room was very nice to see. They brought into focus that not who everyone believes in the Force follows the light side. Again reinforcing the idea that the galaxy has balance between the light and the dark. I liked that Rey took on the name Skywalker at the end. It showed she understood the necessity of keeping the "legend" of the Skywalker name alive.

All in All, for a film that really should have been split into two parts (had Carrie survived it may well have become a two parter), it was a satisfying ride. Worth the money to see it at least twice. To absorb all of what was in it, twice would be a minimum I would recommend anyone seeing it.

Palm Swings (2020)

An Honest Portrayal of an Alternate Lifestyle-Though Weak

[5 January 2019]

I must agree with some of Ccoral419's technical critiques of the film. Lighting was certainly an issue for me. There was also a lack of depth in the story that I was hoping to see. There were several instances where Lockhart was trying to convey a point, but unfortunately it opened more unexplored story threads that were left dangling for us to wonder about. These created motivations that became sometimes unclear and because parts of the story were not explored the reactions came across more as plot devices rather than honest emotions. Often plot points were rushed to get to the next event in the story rather than finding a particular focus to the drama. Sugar Lyn's performances were subtle, nuanced and fearless for the subject matter and I enjoyed the wise sage character of Clair played by Diane Farr. Jackson Davis' performance was also well done, however he didn't really have depth of character to fully explore, I'm sure he would have relished. I liked that it came across as an anti-Halmark movie. One devoid of the purtianical morality tales shoehorned into them, that is often seen in those productions. As someone who has some exposure to swinging, it was clear to me that Lockhart either has experience in this area or has done extensive research. She conveyed the principal issues most couples must deal with in such a lifestyle, "honesty" and "trust". Break either of those and there is often friction or outright trouble in a relationship. The reason why "swingers" stay together is because they share a brutal honesty with each other that often is missing in traditional relationships. This is to be honest, a titillation film. Provocative by design, but also honest about what the lifestyle is about and what it takes for a couple to participate in it. That said, I liked it for what it was in terms of story, but the technical aspects were certainly distractin.

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Ambivalent Reaction to One of My Favorite Director's Foray Into the Star Wars Universe

[7/10 · 2 January 2018]

I waited until after my second viewing and I had some time to fully digest the movie before penning my thoughts. These are not all of my opinions on the film, just the highlights.

This film is dense and as much as I appreciate its depth, it is also its weakness. There was so much to address that often it seemed to skim the surface of what was presented and give the impression there was a lack of focus. The themes of "when darkness rises, the light rises to meet it" and "that things don't turn out the way you think they will" were very present in this film. I found it fresh and disappointing in the same measure. Where JJ was careful not to stomp on the additional lore that Lucas presented in the prequels, Rian had no issues blowing it all up. Cinematically introducing something the TV show has been perpetuating for a while and that Rogue One alluded to, that of the "Grey Jedi". The ancient Jedi philosophy that embraced the Force as a whole, light and dark, not just either side. The belief that the Force is a mystically power that belongs to no one. I can understand why this would be important from a dramatic perspective. Heroes and villains that are internally conflicted are much more three dimensional and interesting than cut out ones.

This is fresh and welcome and in keeping with the meaning of the words "balance in the Force" that Lucas used like confetti throughout the prequels to confusing affect. How is only one side of the Force, balanced? Rian articulated that it was vanity and arrogance that brought down the Jedi order and it was Luke's own vanity that brought down the new Jedi order that he was trying to create.

I am not sure who decided that female Generals would be wearing gowns during a battle, but that was very odd to me. Then add the space walk in said gown, which made for a very campy and bizarre scene in the film.

The producers still have an issue with Rey being seen as a Mary Sue. Someone with Dues Ex Machina abilities that have not really been explained. I kept hoping to see a scene where she does something Mary Sue and another character questions her on it. Then she would reveal that it was her intuition that lead her to do what she did. She doesn't think, she acts on it and it is usually the right thing to do. This would establish that the Force is guiding her to do things she doesn't understand, but invariably work out. I have yet to see that moment in this trilogy.

An ambivalent moment for me came when Rey's parentage was revealed. I hoped for a pedigree lineage, but came to appreciate the everyman heritage. The reinforced idea that anyone can be a powerful Force user. A friend pointed out that the most powerful Jedi seem to come from nothing; Anakin and now Rey. The slap stick humor was a bit over the top to the opposite effect. The principle of diminishing returns comes to mind. This became very evident when Luke milks the sea creatures. That for me was a" jump the shark" moment for the humor. This was a bit surprising considering Mr. Johnson's humor is typically often witty and suitable to the scene. Whereas most of the comedy worked, some scenes fell completely flat.

I don't believe Poe's transformation from a hot shot pilot to an actual forward thinking commander was handled very well. There were no real consequences to him directly from his forced attack on the dreadnaught. He didn't seem to lose anyone close to him or really see the full extent of his actions. Had there been a moment were one of the Resistance allies had signaled back that they weren't coming because they heard of the attack on the dreadnaught and felt that they couldn't trust the Resistance leadership to be good stewards of the reinforcements, with Poe hearing that response. Then he would see the consequences of his hasty actions with total clarity. The believable catalyst for a transformation was missing.

The Finn and Rose adventure struck me as a bit long for its purpose. Some of that time could have been better spent fleshing out other parts of this dense story.

How Luke's story was handled has been my biggest disagreement with this film. I can see Luke losing his confidence as a teacher and even a Jedi after the destruction of his academy, but for him to lose his religion was a step too far. He had seen and done too much to lose his faith in the Force. All of what transpired between he and Rey could have been accomplished without him losing his religion. He could have cut himself off from the Force or stopped reaching out into the galaxy to ensure his location remained hidden from the Knights of Ren. So he could live out his days in his own little pity party island resort.

Some may disagree, but I really enjoyed the final confrontation between Luke and Ren. Just like Ben Kenobi and Darth Vader, the teacher faces the student. Rian established that Force powers can be projected across the galaxy, first by Snoke, then by Luke in dramatic fashion and as he predicted to Rey, it killed him. I saw the final scene, when Ren realized what his former teacher actually was, as a nod back to the moment when Ben Kenobi told Vader that "If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can ever imagine". All the visual clues were right in front of us. Luke looked as young as he was when everyone last saw him and he had his father's sabre. Ren never struck him once until Luke wanted him too and the reveal was made. This series is all about Rey and Ren, not the old guard. This film passed the baton to the next generation as it should have. Though I no doubt we'll see Luke again as a Force ghost mentor to Rey in the next film.

Overall, this film was enjoyable. Not what I expected, however that was by design. The Luke story was my biggest disappointment in terms of him losing his religion. It was far out of character for this to happen regardless of whatever plot device it was intended to be, it rang out as false. I didn't expect any of the original cast to survive to the end of Ep 9 and believed like many that Leia was toast when her bridge was destroyed. However, Rian gave us many surprises in this episode and I'm sure it left JJ working hard to find ways to tie up the loose ends Mr. Johnson has now created.

I look forward to seeing how they are tied up in a couple of years.

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Best Thor Movie thus far!

[9/10 · 2 November 2017]

I loved the energy, the tongue in cheek jokes, the vintage comic book color palette, the music, I could go on an on. It took the whimsy of the character interactions initiated by Jon Favreau in Iron Man and Joss Whedon in the Avengers films and ran with it. The casting is spot on and the story never slows enough to remind you of your theater seat. Well worth the money to see this film on the big screen. You will feel like you finally got your money's worth at a Thor movie.

GLOW (2017–2019)

This Show Hits It Out of the Park

[9/10 · 26 June 2017]

For all the Gen X and Y audiences this show is a nostalgic blast from the past! The music is spot on, the characters engaging, the story smart and funny. Definitely another hit for Netflix.

The show runners fully understand what wrestling is all about. The soap opera drama, the choreography, the archetype characters, it is all there.

I was curious and skeptical when I saw the previews, but I gave it a shot because Alison Brie has great taste in roles so I took a chance and am grateful I did. There is something for all viewers.

I hope there are plans to have a Brett Hart cameo in this show. As far as wrestlers go, he was the true master at making everything in the ring look painfully real.

This is a definite watch for anyone who enjoys good comedic dramas.

Be sure to check it out.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016 TV Movie)

A Few Surprise Performances but Doesn't Live Up to the Spirit of the Original

[4/10 · 20 October 2016]

Ivy Levan's opening sequence was fresh and well conceived, Laverne Cox gave an outstanding performance and Annaleigh Ashford was surprisingly great. Ashford's performance was unfortunately handicapped by the incomparable performance by Nell Campbell in the original. Victoria Justice gave a great Janet performance, but the sanitizing of the show, I believe, hobbled her character too much. Even Staz Nair gave a good performance of Rocky, but the trouble this production had was that it should have been edgier, more raunchy than it was. The RHPS film from 1975 became a cult classic because it was exactly that, edgy, subversive, gender bending, raunchy. Adam Labert did his best but like Ashford, had to follow Meatloaf's performance and would invariably be compared and found wanting no matter who took that role. The staging and choreography wasn't at all appealing to me, neither were the editing choices. The fourth wall moments were unnecessary and forced. Too often it couldn't decide whether it was a TV show or a stage play, complete with back up singers and a band?. This came across to me like an unfocused effort and took away from the overall enjoyment of the broadcast.

I felt it had all the right intentions, but too many restrictions to be an apple to apples comparison. If "a new generation" considers this effort to be the new standard, I am saddened. Personally, I'd like to see this show remade into a feature film with Laverne Cox, Victoria Justice, even Staz Nair reprising their roles and perhaps a recasting of the other roles (love Ashford's talent, but not a role best suited for her in my opinion). An R rated film with all the subversive edge of the original, THAT is what made the 1975 RHPS so classic. An Unsanitized, balls to the wall celebration of the outsider vs the mundane. The mockery of the straight laced pitted against the outrageous. I had hopes for this show to be at the very least an ode to the spirit of the original, but perhaps my hopes were too high for a TV broadcast.

About Cherry (2012)

Matter of fact presentation of an industry and the people who work there

[6/10 · 20 January 2013]

I was struck by the refreshingly matter of fact approach to the adult industry. It wasn't judgmental or some sort of cautionary tale, just a tale about characters who work in the field. The portrayal was albeit a somewhat sanitized one, but then again most films treat industries that way. No doubt co-writing the film with Lorelei Lee, an active porn actress, had a strong affect on the tone toward an industry that puritan moralists abhor.

What struck me was that I didn't really find any point to the film. There were no lessons learned, no insights gained or epiphanies discovered by any of the characters. Angelica was not a weak character made strong, or a confused individual finding clarity. The sub-plots were underdeveloped and often abandoned without any real resolution. Even the implication of step-father abuse was shown on screen but then abandoned.

Why resurrect her alcoholic mother later in the film when it was superfluous? What exactly was her relationship with Andrew? We are led to believe he might be gay and then ultimately he isn't? That struck me as quite unrealistic. Strong attractions are often acted upon in close quarters. A scene with him feeling her up in her sleep would be more telling and realistic than spending 10 minutes of screen time on her mother and sister.

I am not sure what the purpose of the Francis character was? No romantic relationship was really developed (likely due to too little available screen time), so when he dropped the judgment bomb on Angelica it sounded very hollow and without grounds. Probably due to the fact that very little screen time was given to develop the two and so no real loss was empathetically felt by the viewer.

I could go on, but what I truly see here is that there were two films crammed into one. There was so much material that could and should have been developed into two projects.

Things like: (1.) The evolution of Andrew's relationship with Angelica as a Porn star. (2.) Angelica's falling into the relationship patterns of her mother (3.) Margaret's relationship issues stemming from attraction to a porn starlet she works with. (4.) Angelica sorting out her sexuality as a result of her work activities in the porn industry. (5.) Angelica's relationship with her alcoholic mother and the sister she left behind.

Any couple or perhaps three of these plot lines would have made for a compelling story in itself. To Shoe horn all of this into one film is simply too much, it would be too much for Chris Nolan who successfully pulled off Inception!

I didn't hate this film, I was mostly disappointed by it. Like a parent being disappointed in an under-achieving child.

The performances were excellent but the story was too dense and ambitious for a single film.

I look forward to more of Lorelei Lee's collaborations. She has an insight that should be mined.

A good film that could have been greater.