barclayjamesandrew Reviews

False Positive (2021)

Misunderstood but excellent movie

[8/10 · 23 February 2024]

Pierce Brosnan has taken a few extremely interesting roles in the last decade. Some, like 'Urge' didn't quite land. 'False Positive' however, is excellent.

Since A24 began supporting surrealism pretty much since it began operating its been at the cutting edge of Western filmmakers creating surrealist horror, drama and thrillers.

Whilst I won't go into the plot it's important to note this film has a message. It's an uncomfortable one, and I suspect it's been met with considerable negativity because of its stark message.

Many people have commented that they didn't understand the film, and I'm at a loss as to why. It's not like 'False Positive' is overly laiden with metophor like many other movies have been.

Sure, it doesn't reveal itself straight away, but by the end, it's made its point very clearly. It reminds me of the recentish 'Resurrection' in tone, another misunderstood movie.

I believe the lack of 'getting it' is something that will be rectified once more people actually see this film. At the moment, the majority of those who seem to dislike it either didn't understand it, or didn't get the horror movie they were hoping for.

I hope Brosnan takes more interesting roles like this, he was exceptionally good. I also hope the director hasn't been too overwhelmed by the bad reviews, and pursues more interesting projects like this.

Many of today's most cherished movies were poorly recieved when they were released initially. I don't know if film as we know it will even exist in 20 years, but if it does, I hope 'False Positive' is given a fresh release and is seen for the bold, well acted movie it is.

A Day in a Life (2021)

Excellent short by Larry Clark

[8/10 · 3 February 2024]

When I was a teenager I saw Larry Clarks directorial debut 'Kids'. Like most young people at the time, I could relate strongly to the film. I waited eagerly to see his next film. 'Another Day In Paradise' was a tragically beautiful film and again, depending on your life experience, it was very relatable.

After 'Bully', the news that Larry Clark was again working with Harmony Korine was exciting. The result was 'Ken Park', a movie that took the viewer even further into the gritty realism of teenage life than 'Kids' had taken us.

What Larry Clark understands and conveys perfectly is the uncomfortable unity between the beauty of youth and the lack of wisdom therein. He doesn't shy away from holding up a mirror to each generation of societies youth.

'The Smell of Us' continued in that tradition, after two, much lighter toned helpings of 'Mafia Girl'. 2021s 'A Day In The Life' sees Clark at the height of his powers as a director.

Whilst it covers the same ground his other films have, it does so in the setting of modern day France. Larry shows us that the tragic story of youth without wisdom is still alive and well.

He shows us that young people make mistakes. They are passionate. He shows us ourselves as young people.

From the first scene, you're left in no doubt as to what Clark is going to investigate, yet it still seems fresh and vital. These are films that young directors ought to be making, and yet, very few are.

I understand why Larry is working in France, a country that isn't afraid of itself. I hope he has more feature films left in him. 'A Day In The Life' is a fine short, and it leaves the viewer hoping that Larry Clark isn't done yet.

We NEED filmmakers like Larry Clark.

The world's youth need filmmakers willing to tell their authentic stories without fear of censorship.

The truth is never a popular topic, but that's what Larry Clark has to offer you. You can look away and pretend its not happening, or watch these films and engage with reality. Either way, I suspect Larry Clark doesn't much care. His films are for the ages.

These stories have been told for as long as language has existed. The truth cannot be denied. I very much recommend this short to anyone with eyes to see and ears to hear, and I also hope that Larry Clark will continue to be the voice of the confused, angry, and often exploited youth of the world.

Because 'someone' needs to tell these stories.

A Town Called Malice (2023)

Sky Messed Up

[8/10 · 29 January 2024]

Nick Love has directed some of the most underrated British crime movies made since his debut.

'The Business' is an excellent, accurate time capsule and should be given reconsidertion amongst film critics whilst listing great UK crime movies.

When I heard Nick Love was getting the opportunity to create a series with Sky I was extremely interested in what he would do.

I wasn't disappointed. The cast are superb, and the show, had it not been axed, would have surely maintained its momentum of excitement.

Unfortunately the days of shows being given time to find a larger audience are over. The quick win approach, most keenly seen with leading VODs has led to a situation whereby if a show isn't a universal hit immediately it's written off before it's had the opportunity to make its mark.

'A Town Called Malice' is another example of a show not being allowed to spread its wings and fly. For the eight episodes we have, it does actually soar, but this 'should' have been given a multiple series run.

In today's pressure cooker media world I wonder if shows like HBOs trailblazing 'Oz' and 'The Sopranos' would have survived beyond one season. This has found its way on NOW to stream.

In all honesty this should have been picked up by Netflix. Sky didn't market this show in any series way, Sky dropped the ball and if some media entity is smart enough to pick it up and run with it, Nick Loves 'A Town Called Malice' might get a rare second chance to shine.

The shame is, people are probably already looking for their next binge fix elsewhere. A missed opportunity on behalf of Sky.

Direct Hit (1994 Video)

Great fun from Joseph Merhi and PM Ents

[7/10 · 7 January 2024]

Anyone who knows anything about 80s exploitation movies will be aware of Director/writer/producer Joseph Merhi.

He has a list of credits that speak for themselves.

Of his directing, this movie, 'Direct Hit' is arguably (except nobody is arguing) example of what Joseph Merhi could do given the right casting options and the right, enjoyable B movie script.

George Segal is very cool as the comic book villian (on par with Michael Parks turn in 'Death Wish V The Face of Death), although in comparison segals arch bad guy doesn't get his hands dirty the way Parks did in the final Death Wish movie.

William Forsythe, complete with silly hair, does a cool job as the craggy CIA hitman railing against his senior agents.

'Direct Hit' is a fun, B movie actioner and shows what director Joseph Merhi was capable of given the right material, budget and cast.

This, and 'Emperor of The Bronx' were the highlights of Merhi's interesting career. Check both out. For a B Movie, 'Direct Hit' lands on the sweet spot.

Fargo: Happy (2020) Season 4, Episode 10

Poor writing & bad casting ruins an interesting premise

[3/10 · 24 July 2023]

What the writers of Fargo had, was the opportunity to continue the intelligent, and stylish writing that made the previous seasons so compelling.

They had a fantastic premise, the gangs in Kansas City battling one another.

Unfortunately, the writing simply doesn't hold up. I was looking forward to seeing these characters plot and plan against one another, but for the most part, it just didn't work.

That isn't to say there weren't any funny moments, but that dark humour that made the first season brilliant in particular, it just isn't here. Casting wise, Chris Rock, whilst he may be popular, he is a comedian in most people's minds, and he struggles to convey any believable on screen menace.

There are a number of actors who would have been much better in that role. Bokeem Woodbine, Cuba Gooding Jr, or the fantastic Terrence Howard would have been much better choices.

If you're a fan of the Fargo show, I honestly cannot recommend this season. It lacks the cast and writing that could have made it so much better.

The Case of: JonBenét Ramsey (2016– )

Disclosure behind the headlines

[10/10 · 9 March 2023]

I've seen two documentaries on this top.

They left me with more questions than answers, and a lingering suspicion that there had to be more information to point towards the points raised in the other documentaries.

Here we have several experts. I read another review decrying the validity of the experts various methods without going into detail as to why the previous reviewer believes the experts processes weren't credible.

I found the integrity of the experts to be perfectly acceptable. First, the letter is carefully scrutinised. Red flags are found straight away.

Without going into what the experts concluded, I found the documentary to be a worthy piece of the jigsaw.

Yes, it does aim to bring the viewer to a conclusion on exactly what happened, but it didn't begin with any agenda.

If this case, or true crime interests you, I think you will find these episodes to be essential viewing. I gave this 10/10 not just for the experts, but also the detailed shocking revelations revealed around the inept Police investigation and the D. A's strange attitude.

I can't say anymore without spoilers.

The filmmakers do say that this information is yours to do with as you wish. They succeeded in making me think differently about this case.

I wouldn't hesitate in recommending this to anyone interested in the case, and real crime documentaries.

AJB.

The King of Marvin Gardens (1972)

Was It All Just A Radio Show?

[8/10 · 17 January 2022]

We begin, with David Staebler (Jack Nicholson), a late night radio talk show host, slowly describing a fantastical and ultimately fictional account of when he and his brother, Jason, as children, seeing and allowing their grandfather to choke at a family meal.

This wonderfully acted scene is jolted to a close as the radio producer signals to David, telling him of an urgent message.

Later the following morning David is awoken by his grandfather with the news that his brother is urgently trying to reach him.

From this point onwards, we're led into the crazy world of Jason (Bruce Dern) who wants his brother to help him put a deal together to secure a casino license on an obscure Island near Hawaii.

He explains that he's been made aware of the opportunity by his employer in small time crime, gang boss Lewis (Scatman Crothers) who, Jason says, cannot obtain a license for a Casino because he's "upset the wrong people" and this has given Jason the opportunity to close the deal himself, with the aid of unknown financiers, essentially stealing the deal away from Lewis.

Along for the ride are mother and step daughter Sally (Ellen Bursyn) and Jessica (Julia Anne Robinson) who are, in the kindest possible terms, bought company for David to show off on each arm.

As the tangled knot that is Jason's true predicament becomes clear to David, and everyone else, Sally's breaking point is reached, leading to a shocking outcome. As the crazy chain of events come to a depressing conclusion, we are then transported back to where we began.

David is finishing off his late night radio narrative... Which also happens to be the spoken conclusion to the enthralling but disjointed event's we have just witnessed.

Was the entire film just a fictional account of DJ David's memories of one of his brothers crazy adventures, or did we really see the last days of a con artist?

The answer isn't what's important here, the true meaning of 'The King Of Marvin Gardens' is the love between two brothers, who's lives and personalities are poles apart.

Director/Writer Bob Rafelson crafted a wonderful story, of love, of family and of fractured lives.

Essential viewing for any film affectionardo.

Portrait of a Hitman (1979)

Hacked Edited DVD Version

[7/10 · 27 October 2021]

I remember seeing the full 1 hour 26 minute version of this late 1970s crime movie on VHS. It held together ok and although not able to stand up against the truly magnificent films of this genre, it was watchable.

My low score however, is for the 2002 "Hollywood DVD" release. Its transfer looks terrible and its missing 16 minutes, clocking in at only 71 minutes duration.

Not only is it missing key scenes, but the edit is totally different than the VHS version.

If you have a VHS player and can find a VHS version cheaply then 'Portrait of A Hitman' is worth seeing but don't buy the 2002 dvd version distributed by 'Hollywood DVD', that company was operating at a low budget level and obviously couldn't afford to perform a proper restoration of this movie

Maybe in time, 'Vinegar Syndrome' or 'Arrow' may release a Blu Ray version given its cast boasts Rod Steiger, and Jack Palace. If not, don't waste your money on the butchered 2002 release.

The Law of the Desert (1991)

Maktub Vs Desert Law Vs Beyond Justice

[8/10 · 17 March 2021]

I first saw this mini series starring Rutger Hauer (in possibly his last 1980s action role) and Omar Sharif on VHS released as "Desert Law" and that was the full 300 minute version. In a cynical cash grab, it was released again in 1992, on DVD, mutilated in the editing room, and retitled "Beyond Justice".

This probably happened because Hauer had released a string of highly popular home video movies between 1989 and 1992, and the guts of 'Desert Law's' story, and character development is hacked away, leaving behind a barely coherent shell of a narrative, making the 'Beyond Justice' DVD a sad reminder of what had previously been widely available in the days of VHS.

The original 300 minute cut has in recent years mercifully been restored and released as a 2 DVD set called 'Maktub'. If you're a Rutger Hauer fan, this is a must have movie to add to your collection. Contains a superb supporting role by Omar Sharif.

My rating was 8/10.

Le porte del silenzio (1991 Video)

Sometimes Ghosts Don't Know They're Dead

[2/10 · 14 June 2020]

'Door Into Silence' turned out to be Lucio Fulci's final film, completed in 1991. His previous movie 'Voices From Beyond' (also made in 1991) is in retrospect hailed as Fulci's final film of any real quality but that line of thought sorely overlooks 'Door Into Silence'. Hollywood actor John Savage stars as 'Melvin Devereux', a man who embarks on a decent towards his own demise, a demise that he eventually discovers has already taken place.

Devereux's last day seems at first to be just like any other, as he drives along minding his own business. Things begin to take a turn for the worst when he has a few encounters with a mysterious woman and eventually a hearse which to his horror has his name displayed in the floral decoration next to the coffin.

Devereux follows the hearse as his journey turns surreal, the continious driving sending him into a fog of psychological confusion. John Savage portrays the character of Melvin Devereux in a subtle understated manner, which allows the true doom awaiting him to slowly unfold, or perhaps more accurately, allow him time to discover what has already transpired.

You'll see the ending coming, and you're meant to, for as confused as Devereux is, the plots foreshadowing is 'anything' but subtle, and given subtle is not a word that was ever accociated with director Lucio Fulci, its fitting that this psychological horror film continued that career defining trend.

Many detractors of the movie claim its a slow narrative that meandered its way to nowhere. Its a shame those same detractors didn't point out the fact that John Savage's character had already got to his destination before he ever set off. Sometimes, ghosts don't know they're dead.