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The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
No horror fan, but loved it anyway
I winced at the gore and soldiered on watching this, because I felt compelled to do so. Here we have a very flawed hero who had my compassion almost from the get go. There are layers upon layers in this story and it is a suitably dark and dismal underbelly of England for that period. It is tough to find Sean Bean as lead actor in anything of this quality, so I finally gave it a look after passing over it one too many times. He gave, what I thought was a stunning performance. The writing is splendid when it's not too convoluted, and the supporting actors are all well seasoned character actors. Special attention to Mr. Sampson as the newsman who gave a very impressive performance. Of course there are more. Laurence Fox also comes to mind from the Fox family of actors as well as the fellow who played the ex-priest. The story was left open ended, so I do hope they plan to continue it in some form in the future. No horror fan, but loved it anyway!
Epiphany (2019)
A fine effort from first-time film makers
So. ok, I had to watch this film twice just to go back over the things I missed while sobbing almost all the way through it the first time! Please note: if you decide to see it, bring tissues as it is quite moving at times. You see, there is this poor little girl desperately reaching out to her errant father for just a little attention, but she can't seem to get it because he's so caught up in his own frustrations and his hard luck life. Now is the time for the tissues. You see, she's been cast off and raised by her recently deceased aunt and a sorrowful excuse for an uncle. However, one suspects there is something much more deeply wrong plagueing this little family! Cut to the beautiful cinamatography of the ocean, the bay area, and dazzling sunsets of this dreamy little Greek onclave called Tarpon Springs nestled in the West coast of Florida . The main source of income has been and still is sponge diving not as lucrative a career choice as it used to be in the old days. Bummer! Suffice it to say that the film is, all in all, a fine first effort from 2 writer/directors who just happen to be sisters and who live to express themselves through film. The acting is first rate, cinematography and musical score are memorable. The use of symbolism is noteworthy, too. Sure there are a few flaws, but they in no way detract from the overall beauty of the story or the ability for the viewer to be moved by the experience.
Ignition (2001)
Was that Bill Pullman or Michael Douglas?
What a shock this movie was. The lead actor looked a lot like a beefed up Bill Pullman, but he reminded me more of Michael Douglas. O.k., so I'm joking. I had to pinch myself, but I KNEW it was Pullman I'd been watching as a kick-a__ US Marshal...just never thought of him as an "action" actor, but listen up...HE DID FINE--HE DID GREAT! I just never saw him move so fast or act so tough and there wasn't a false note in it anywhere! And a nuanced performance to boot! Opening scene...he blasts the hell out of the bad guys and then a few scenes later shoots his washing machine....twice! I'd buy it just to see that again. This is an excellent B movie with way better than average acting and an intricate plot. Give it a try, you just might be pleasantly surprised. He played "nice" with Lena Olin, too!
The Virginian (2000)
Great story, great music, great scenery!
*** I read this book twice over the years and found this production to be an honest interpretation in revisionist style of a great work of western fiction. The music and scenery are by turns haunting and breathtaking. The story, however, is more than a bit rushed and needed more time to unfold. Also, some scenes worked better than others and at times budget restrictions seemed evident. The romance between the two main characters, which is the heart of this story is nonetheless spot-on and is handled with grace and charm. Bill Pullman wears three hats as producer, director, and star and his scenes with Diane Lane as a tough lovestruck cowboy romancing a pretty but reluctant schoolmarm have a poignancy that is absolutely endearing! The chemistry between the two is undeniable. Great support from the rest of the cast (especially Dennis Weaver and John Savage). This is the best treatment to date for this granddaddy of all Westerns and I, for one, am glad of it. I'm still waiting for the DVD to add it to my western collection.