Suave785 Reviews

The Iron Claw (2023)

A movie about family, not wrestling.

[8/10 · 21 December 2023]

If you go into this movie thinking you know the story, well you are probably right. "The Iron Claw" doesn't hide anything. It depicts the life of Kevin Von Erich and how he believes that his brothers and family are affected by the infamous "Von Erich curse." Kevin (Zac Efron) spends his life navigating through the trials and tribulations of his life as a professional wrestler. Everything from winning big matches to be upstaged by others in the ring; the movie depicts how these events affect Kevin and the rest of the Von Erich family. The Iron Claw holds nothing back and paints a grim picture of how hard the pro wrestling lifestyle can be on your mind, body, and soul.

I do applaud the movie for quickly dismissing the idea of the "Von Erich Curse." The truth is that the Von Erich brothers and family were truly affected by a rash of poor decisions and a rugged lifestyle as a wrestling family. The drinking, partying, injuries, and poor mental health are all too common in and out of the ring. I believe the movie attempts to portray the deaths of each of the Von Erich brothers in a subtle way. To add, Zac Efron does a great job of portraying the surviving brother who fights the notion that all men should be raised to be strong, silent, and emotionless lime him. The choice to step away from the ring rewards him generously.

In summary, I am a wrestling fan who spent some my formulative years growing up around the business. From helping to set up the ring, to working the snack bar, I got to be part of a bigger family. But as the movie depicts, the pro wrestling life isn't for everyone. If you lace up those boots you better prepare for the worst and hope for the best. For everyone wants to be champion. But at what cost?

Euphoria: The Theater and Its Double (2022) Season 2, Episode 7

Art imitates life.

[10/10 · 21 February 2022]

Lexi finally gets her day in the sun as most of the series has evolved around drugs, sex, and many other poorly made decisions; not her strong suits to say the least. However, we get a staged rendition of sorts as Lexi shows us what it is like to be a third party to the crazy lifestyles that her friends choose to dabble in. Lexi presents a biased portrayal of the lifestyle choices made by those closer to her and then drastically exaggerates upon them. But did she?

The episode goes rather into depth and takes some time to flesh out some of the relationship dynamics. Plus, we get a sneak peek at what may have really spurned Lexi to share her views in such an egregious manner. And when I mean egregious, you will either love or hate how Lexi shockingly tells her side of the story.

I took two things away from this episode. The first was rather obvious; art imitates life. Hence, the theme that is on display pretty much the whole episode. Second, life is complicated. You really never know the whole story unless you have walked a mile in someone elses shoes. Lexi may, or may not, find out the hard way that her views bring smiles to your face and knifes to your back.

Us (II) (2019)

Get Out!

[6/10 · 22 March 2019]

Like many whom saw the movie I was quite intrigued by the trailer released last December. It provided a great preview for what I thought would be a rather unique viewing experience. I went in with high expectations and was met with a poor storyline and poor character selection. Luckily, the actors and actresses in the movies, especially the lead, were able to carry the film. I am not a movie snob. I expected a horror movie that would be a new entry to the genre. But even horror movies f9r the most part have a plot and characters upon which to build around. "US" felt like an experiment in the horror genre for Peele. In my opinion, he took his shot and missed. To sum it up, please don't put this movie on a pedestal based on the success of "Get Out". They are two completely different movies. I do suggest seeing the movie if you like the actors and actresses. But if you are looking for some real scares check your bank account after hitting the snack bar at the movies.

Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)

Control is an illusion

[10/10 · 28 December 2018]

I knew the episode was coming and prepared for it. I was not prepared for how in depth your choices were and where they could take you. I will not provide anymore details as you must choose your own path. But it does make you think, maybe even shed a tear to realize that a show really delves into an existence some of us question each day. Some may choose to continue to bash Hollywood for their political rhetoric and social antics. I continue to realize that some of the smartest people in the world hide behind a camera or simply in plain view. I hope you understand. I would like to add that I pitched the idea of "choosing your own adventure" in a theatre format per se many times to multiple people and parties over the past ten years. To see an attempt with relevance, thoughtfulness, and a budget behind it makes me happy. Thank you Black Mirror.

This Is Us (2016–2022)

Living Our Best Lives

[10/10 · 19 December 2018]

I was rather apprehensive about watching a show that was consistently promoted by one of the three big networks. It felt forced and at some times crammed down my throat. From the previews and what I did understand about the show it did not fit any genre I was interested in. But I decided to go against my gut feeling and watch at least one episode. That is all it took before I was hooked like so many are. There is no need to tell you how much I loathe this show. While I am still only in the second season there is enough content to get the message across. My childhood was a polar opposite of what was portrayed in this show. But I do believe this is what makes the show so appealing to many. Our world is in so much pain that we love to see someone whom share similar characteristics succeed. I already consider myself a good man. But after watching this show I am striving to be a great man. Without a doubt, one of the greatest shows about picking yourself up at different stages in your life regardless of what is thrown at you. Don't be defined by what you think you can't change. Be the change!

Black Mirror: San Junipero (2016) Season 3, Episode 4

Not being afraid to love. Not being afraid to die. Not being afraid to let go. Not being afraid to cry.

[10/10 · 6 December 2016]

I have not written a review in quite a few years. It is not because I don't enjoy writing. Countless times I have been published. Nonetheless I have withheld my writings because we live in a world where literature doesn't have clout. Opinions on social media conquer and divide. The evil that men do is more relevant than the good that we do. The entertainment that has been released from Hollywood as of late has been dismissed with prejudice on all fronts. I find myself looking for fault in movies and television which are purely fiction. I rarely enjoy a movie or television show without viewing another media device such as my smartphone of PC. Multitasking has become my favorite form of entertainment as of late. Something changed today when I watched this episode of Black Mirror. I am very familiar with the premise of the show as I have watched every episode up to this one. I brought my cellular phone with me to the couch just in case I got bored. Right out of the gate sudden nostalgia was there in front of my eyes. As a child who grew up in the 80's I remember the jean jackets and neon signs everywhere. As the story progressed I stopped focusing on the different decades (which were quite amazing by the way) and started focusing on the love story. See, I am single man who is older; never been in love. I am straight but couldn't help crying tears of joy watching two people who were in love enjoy each other. This episode broke so many barriers that we face as a society with probably most of the viewers not blinking an eye. The episode shows how an inter-racial, lesbian couple finds eternal love. Furthermore, the episode also teaches us about facing our fears of death and learning to let go in hopes of love renewed. While I may have to return to the mechanistic nature of life that inhabits my existence, for one hour I had pure enjoyment. Now it is my turn to be brave and find someone to create my own "San Junipero" with.

Attack on Darfur (2009)

There is no happy ending.

[10/10 · 6 February 2015]

I was a combat medic in the United States Army. I have seen some medical atrocities in my time. While I was not particularly familiar with the particulars on the genocide taking place in Darfur I have heard of the situation. This movie, even though it is a fictional piece holds back no punches. I was extremely caught off guard by the depiction of genocide taking place in the region in Darfur. Attack on Darfur has plenty of gut wrenching and questionable scenes to accurately depict the horrors of genocide in Darfur. The movie tells the story of a crew of journalists looking to investigate the region of Darfur and report on the atrocities of the war taking place between different factions vying for power in the region. The journalists come upon a village full of people native to Darfur who are then encountered by a group of militia men looking to exterminate everyone in the village. From that point on the movie becomes extremely horrific. I did not expect Uwe Boll to produce such a masterpiece. His movies are not known for telling stories of any relevance, unless you are a fan of video games. The brutal honesty and passion that was put into this movie was very well on display. While the movie was a fictional piece the setting and ideals were not. Genocide does take place in regions like Darfur. The ability for Uwe Boll to make a movie about a taboo subject and show the viewing audience violence on an unrivaled scale takes a lot of heart. Uwe Boll knew this film was not going to win any Oscars. The film was shot on a shoe string budget more than likely and contained the same actors that Uwe Boll uses for almost every movie. Uwe Boll knew he could send a message out there to those who were willing to spend 90 minutes of their life watching Attack on Darfur. This movie was about the fight against genocide in Darfur and Uwe Boll's mission to let others know this problem exist. If you are looking for an action packed movie about American journalists saving a village in Africa this is not the movie for you. There is no reason to smile during this movie. Every piece of this movie is tragic. Attack in Darfur is a vile, cold-hearted, Grim reaper that will scoop up the tears you shed while watching this movie and spit them back in your face. I implore you to watch Attack on Darfur if you feel your life sucks. I can guarantee you the opinion on your status of life will change. Just understand this; with genocide there is no happy ending.

John Wick (2014)

John Wick would beat the s**t out of Neo in a bar fight

[9/10 · 23 October 2014]

If you walk into this movie expecting to see the next Oscar winner for Best Picture you will be sadly disappointed. John Wick is a great movie but it was geared towards providing entertainment value and not too heavy on trying to garner Academy votes. Simply put, this is the greatest action film of the year. That is a lot to say when you had Snowpiercer, Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Edge of Tomorrow, and The Raid 2:Berandal all hitting the big screen before John Wick. What makes this film rather unique is not the storyline. There isn't much substance to the plot. John Wick kills well over 100 plus different people in this movie. That is not a spoiler by any means. But nobody expected Keanu Reeves to be cast as a retired assassin who must fuel his yearnings for vengeance with a fresh body count. The only other actor that could of played the title part for this movie is Chow Yun-Fat. I viewed this movie in IMAX and you can most certainly tell the film was not formatted for IMAX viewing in any way shape or form. Yet it just felt good to see John Wick conduct his own symphony of death on a bigger screen. The bottom line is that if you like John Woo action-style movies and enjoy a pretty high body count this is the movie for you. If you are looking for a movie to take a first date out on or treat the kids to this weekend you may want to reconsider. Sorry for not being very descriptive. I believe it's best to let you watch the relaunch of Keanu Reeve's film career with this deadly masterpiece on your own accord. You won't be disappointed.

The Raid 2 (2014)

Last hour of greatness

[10/10 · 11 April 2014]

The great thing I liked about this sequel is you could view it without having to ever see the original for a good back story. The copy in theaters right now is not dubbed so that made the movie viewing experience much more enjoyable. The movie is great for action junkies but the plot and storyline go everywhere. I went into this movie with the idea of seeing a great action flick with mind-blowing cinematic detail centered on fight scenes. I was impressed as you can tell the budget was much higher for Berandal than its predecessor. Gareth is an excellent director and he obviously took some cues from Takashi Miike as a few of the well known actor's from Miike flicks were in the film. You learn to make a film that will leave an impression on someone leaving the movie theater. This film did just that and even though I was the only patron in the whole theater it was money well spent. If there was one negative I would give this film is the director trying to build a dramatic storyline. My advice to him is to stick to what he knows and that is martial arts and action. My advice to you the reader is to watch this film and be ready for awe and amazement. Fingaz!

Kill List (2011)

Apparently only a shocking film if you are from the UK

[3/10 · 24 March 2014]

I love foreign cinema because it gives me a chance to view film through the eyes of the world. I like shocking, disturbing and individualistic pieces of film. I want a film with a story line that is either going to make you think or wow you. If I wanted special effects and CGI there is plenty of that in today's movie theaters. So I found this movie on a few lists that mention disturbing yet must watch cinema. To the average moviegoer those two words don't fall together in any sentence. I must warn you that I am pretty sure this movie was nominated for zero Academy Awards and was not funded by Disney. I can tell you though that if you want to save 90 minutes of your life by all means please avoid this movie. There just seems to be no direction or misdirection. I always see films being labeled as artistic and cinematic masterpieces that help advance culture. What was there to gain in making this movie? The over the top violence started leading the audience down a path of vigilante delivered justice. Then the movie does a complete 180 and you get lost. Some critics say that there is a motive and a storyline that is purely revealed at the end of the movie. I can tell you that the ending of the movie looked like someone was a big fan of "The Wicker Man" and "Memento" and tried to fit their two basic ideas into one movie. The film is basically all over the place and looks like it could be three films in one. If you take the film and stop watching about every 30 minutes you have three great short films with cliffhanger endings. Other than that I am going to send a letter to the powers that be and ask for 90 minutes of my life back. By the way I am not insulting those that reviewed this film who are from the UK. I was just surprised with the "shock" label dealing with the violence and gore. I suggest they try "Hobo with a Shotgun". It is a favorite of mine.

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

A touching drama with some Texas kick

[9/10 · 7 March 2014]

You have to take this movie at face value for what it is. The movie is a pure representation of the train of thought that was so prevalent in the 80's. I grew up in the 80's in the south and a lot of my own opinions were based on biased opinions. I was told that HIV and AIDS were diseases that only affected those that were gay and sinners. I was even told that the disease might of got its origins from men from Africa having sex with monkeys and bringing it to the US. We all know that is not true but back then it didn't matter. I really liked this movie because it didn't try to sugarcoat how America and even the lead characters felt about a disease that most people still don't understand. Matthew McConaughey has always been a favorite actor of mine as he brings that southern accent to the bring screen that reminds me of home. He did a good job of letting his Texas roots run deep in his role. Jared Leto also made another unbelievable transformation for this movie and probably is the best method actor of our current generation. You take those two actors and you add a superb supporting cast and you come out with this gem known as The Dallas Buyers Club. A great movie about a very painful subject in life. The movie gave me a chance to experience some of what I viewed in a negative light as a youth and opened my eyes. While this film opened very many eyes it is so obvious to see that a movie with this type of message and content most certainly could not of been made 20-30 years ago. The presentation of this movie on a global scale shows how far we have come and that through tragedy and sickness comes some of the most loved and cherished moments in ones life.

Brian's Song (1971 TV Movie)

Humanizing pro football and showing us that men of the grid iron hurt too

[10/10 · 1 February 2014]

This television movie was made in an era of laden with stereotypes of gender roles, racial equality, and masculinity. I don't have to tell you what Brian's Song is about or how it ends. The story is very well known throughout the athletic community and amongst fans of the NFL. But if you don't know the story of Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo then I suggest you watch this movie. While the above paragraph was very blunt and did not explain why I like this Brian's Song so much I will use one word to describe my undying love for this television move; simplicity. Yeah; simplicity is the reason. Now I do understand that CGI wasn't um a big thing back then but there was still big budget movies and television shows. The actors in the movie are top notch but did not peak in their careers until later on for almost another 10 years. Plus the movie didn't try and make a spectacle out of pro football. The television movie stuck to the story and draws emotion out of you by showing the budding friendship between two men. Even the strongest men and women will cry when watching this movie. The speech that Gale Sayers gives about his love for Brian Piccolo could move mountains with its emotion. The way it is spoken, versed, and yes the simplicity of the speech make it one of the most revered video clips ever. So sit back, grab a box of tissues, and get ready to join a cinema favorite of mine. Trust me if you are not moved to tears while watching this movie seek medical attention right away. :)

Saving Mr. Banks (2013)

A Travers story and a Disney vision

[9/10 · 5 January 2014]

If you are planning to watch this movie to learn more about the life of Walt Disney you will be thoroughly disappointed. Saving Mr. Banks is a movie that shows how P.L. Travers deals with the decision of letting Walt Disney make a movie about her famous nanny per say. Eventually Mary Poppins was brought to the screen but the real story is how P.L. Travers drew the inspiration for the characters in her novel. P.L. Travers in real life was a very troubled woman who was more likely to scorn and ridicule than sing and dance like Mary Poppins. From this movie you get to see the image of what laid behind one of the great child novelist of all time. You see a woman who is fractured by guilt and has a broken heart invent a character that is her childhood fantasy and let her be molded by someone her complete opposite. This story is not a happy one but a great one at that and shows a touch of the influence Disney had on the people around him. Most noticeably how much P.L. Travers rejects a spoonful of sugar in real life. A lot of the movies attention is on Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. But the real person that carries this movie is Colin Farrell. He plays the kind but troubled father to P.L. Travers. Paul Giamatti also adds a nice touch to screen as the grounded touch of reality that P.L. Travers is looking for while visiting the magical world of Disney. The best thing to take away from this movie is that Mary Poppins was indeed just a fantasy. It was a movie that was a delight to everyone except the creator of Mary Poppins. Almost all will never know why P.L. Travers scolded the Disney team for making a movie about her beloved Mary Poppins that garnered five Academy Awards. I tend to think that Mary Poppins was never written for anyone else to read but herself. It also was a reality that P.L. Travers would like to revel in but she realizes the harsh truths of the world. It is sometimes easier to create a reality then live in one. Sadly you see this through the eyes of P.L. Travers in this movie as she strives for a mundane and lonely life.

Spring Breakers (2012)

Outrageous storyline but the cinematography saves the movie

[7/10 · 30 December 2013]

This movie gets a bad rap because the storyline is truly unbelievable and doesn't add up. I mean hot college girls don't fund trips to spring break by becoming hardcore criminals. They also don't strive to be evil and commit crimes on a daily basis. Lets be honest you go to college so you can be that guy or gal that doesn't have to turn to a life of crime to survive. You want to find a good job and provide for your family. That is what makes this movie more of a fantasy with a touch of reality then the other way around. The filming aspect of this movie is a masterpiece though. The director really know how to capture key moments of the movie and add just as much reality that was needed. I went to college and I can tell you that Spring Break is a time honored tradition where you literally go crazy for a week. The movie shows that through gratuitous nudity, drinking, and partying for the first half of the movie. It also exposes the loss of innocence when experiencing something new. The movie shows how four women are so focused on making memories and living in the moment that they forget about planning for their future. To actually understand what is going on in this movie you have to be able to relate. I am not talking about relating to being a bad girl or a hardened criminal. I am talking about understanding that sometimes in life you do things out of the ordinary to live in the moment and forget the life that you actually know. If you don't see a little of yourself in this movie then my friend you need to live more.

Page 36 (2010)

Sacrifice

[7/10 · 19 December 2013]

I would have to say that I am a big fan of the short films that HBO has been releasing as of late. I enjoy this one in particular as I watched it for a second time today. The subject involved is not one that you think exists anymore but it most certainly does. I commend the director for tackling the issue of slavery with a more modern twist on it. Not only did he exploit the issue of slavery but it is seen from a different view point. The exploitation value of this film is rather unique as most Americans look at slavery as a black and white issue. This short film is far from it. I don't want to go into detail and ruin anything but this short film will leave your mind stirring for a little bit afterwards.

Salvation Road (I) (2010)

unhindered brutality

[8/10 · 19 December 2013]

Another short film that HBO has decided to showcase in its lineup. The subject manner here is very painful for some to deal with. A hit man kills his predecessor at the beginning of the film and believes he got away with it. The hit man does suspect though that he was being watched and that a young boy may have seen him. After the following the young boy to his house the hit man can see some of the similarities between his father and the young boys father. After asking to stay the night in hopes of disposing of the young boy the hit man has a change of heart. Now the story line is very common in a lot of movies but the brutality of the simple act of child abuse displayed in this movie put tears in my eyes. I will leave the rest of the story for you to observe personally on film. I do forewarn that if you are strongly objected to seeing acts of brutal child abuse you might want to avoid this short film. While the scene itself is not very long the way it was shot made it seem very real.

Hours (2013)

A slice of life. A slice of reality.

[8/10 · 15 December 2013]

I heard about the movie a little bit before the passing of Paul Walker and the storyline intrigued me. I didn't choose to watch this movie because it would be Mr. Walker's last. We all know that he will still have a bit role in Fast and Furious 7. I am glad that I decided to watch this movie and are happy to see Paul Walker do something other than drive a car. The movie really hits home with the reality of what you would do to survive and how selfless service applies to individuals differently depending on the circumstances. You get to see a man who literally puts everything on the line to keep his ailing daughter alive in a defunct hospital that gets bombarded by Hurricane Katrina. Depending on the person you may see a bit of yourself in the main character. You might be able to envision yourself in the same circumstances and how you would act and rationale every action you took. I am not asking you to pick through this movie with a fine tooth comb. I am just asking you to simply spend two hours of your life enjoying Paul Walker in a vehicle other than a Skyline. I promise it is time well spent.