lavatch Reviews (2,863)

We Own the Night (2007)

To Protect and To Serve

[5/10 · 20 April 2024]

"We Own the Night" was conceived much like "The Godfather." It is a film that examines a "la famiglia" devoted in this case to law enforcement, as opposed to law breaking.

Instead of the Corleone family, the Grusinsky family is headed by the patriarch Bert, who is chief of police in New York. His son Joseph is a rising, decorated captain. The other brother, Bobby, is the odd man out. Much like Michael Corleone, Bobby has distanced himself from the police in his family and has even taken the name Bobby Green, a successful manager of a nightclub.

While the filmmakers attempted to show great reverence for the men in blue, it was unfortunate that the police were almost completely incompetent against a Russian drug lord. The father is killed, and Joseph is so traumatized that he freezes at a critical moment and will eventually consider taking a desk job.

It us up to the uninitiated Bobby to do the work of the police to set up and finally break up the drug ring. A shortcoming of the film was in Bobby's interaction with his girlfriend Amada. After his abusive treatment of her, it was surprising that she would even put in an appearance at Bobby's "graduation" ceremony from the police academy.

The gritty realism was successful along with well-conceived crowd scenes. But the film never rose anywhere near the intricate family drama of the "The Godfather." And the motto of "to protect and serve" of the NYPD suffered a case of the blues.

The Exorcist: Believer (2023)

Cast Them All Out!!!

[3/10 · 16 April 2024]

Despite the good cast, this remake of "The Exorcist" failed to engage, let alone evoke any of the spine-tingling suspense and horror of the original.

In this update, there are two young victims possessed, who require the ritual casting out of the devil incarnate. It was especially depressing that one of the little girls did not survive the ordeal.

The exorcism itself drew upon a kind nurse who served as Mistress of Ceremonies. While there was no use of split pea soup, there were nonetheless violent vomiting episodes. There was not much of an effort to splash the holy water or read in earnest from scripture to cast out the devil.

In the original film, there was an ebb and flow to the action with the old priest actually collapsing with heart failure during the ordeal. In this film, action was static and predictable.

Not much to recommend here, other than the good character development of the devoted dad committed to bringing back his daughter from a crucible of horror.

Vengeance: A Love Story (2017)

Justice is Blind as a Bat

[6/10 · 15 April 2024]

Nicolas Cage was good in the role of a detective named John, who is confronted with a flawed legal system in a small community in upstate New York.

While the film was made in 2017, the vision of justice applied to a rape victim was closer to the legal system in 1817. The judge was clearly biased, and the mob-like mentality in the courtroom was difficult to believe.

Cage's detective turns vigilante to avoid any further semblance of a trial in this corrupt system. One can only feel horror at what Teena had to endure in this long struggle for justice.

The most curious character in the film was Teena's daughter Bethie, who was presumably age 12-13. Yet she was consistently treated as an adult. There was even one moment when she was invited to drive a motor vehicle. Above all, she would have experienced a parallel trauma to that of her mom, as she witnessed the entire event.

Still, the film stands or falls on the Cage's detective John. His character clearly had the empathy necessary for the situation. It was only unfortunate that Teena and Bethie's next move is to relocate to California. Good luck to them! They'll need it.

Fatal Instinct (2014)

Brothers!!!

[6/10 · 14 April 2024]

On the tough streets of L. A., the fellow detectives Decker & Gates are a modern-day Starsky & Hutch, keeping innocent women safe from nefarious predators.

"Fatal Instinct" included a good set of characters, which helped to counteract some of the pedestrian dialogue ("Bless me, Father, for I have sinned"). We primarily see the world through the eyes of Detective Michael Decker, whose wife Jen has deployed in the Middle East (thank you for your service!!!). Decker is now raising his daughter Kelly while investigating a strong of crimes against women. He is also still dealing with psychological issues from an incident that apparently sent his partner's brother to prison.

As the action unfolds, the focus shifts to the Gates brothers, Jack and Danny. A shocking moment occurs when it becomes apparent that they both love the same woman, Melissa. Danny is a real piece of work: two stints in prison and now out on parole. He cannot keep in check his hair-trigger temper.

There was good location filming that included a wonderful old church. Father Paul may be a suspect in the ongoing abuse against women in the community. But you will have to tune in to discover the twist that occurs in the film's final scene.

The film is worth watching as a historical artifact when the streets of Los Angeles were actually clean.

The Admirer (2023)

The Puffer Pillow Pal Murder Mystery

[6/10 · 13 April 2024]

Nancy Williams is a dynamic sales and advertising executive for the thriving firm of SAGA. Nancy's latest project is the Puffer Pillow Pal that emits sounds that will help in providing a soothing rest. Instead of the "My Pillow" Man, Nancy is the "Puffer Pillow" Woman!

A nefarious stalker is enchanted with Nancy, and this creature may have been responsible for the death of Nancy's fiancé Ross, who was pushed off the balcony of a high-rise hotel.

Nancy and her cohorts at SAGA are under attack from the stalker, who is tampering with their technology and even stealing funds from the organization. There was a good range of characters, including two IT experts, Doug and Martin; the beautiful executive Gina; and the every reliable assistant of Nancy, Simon.

There was good dramatic tension as the various suspects came into focus. Unfortunately, the screenplay became overly complicated and tedious. It took a herculean effort for everyone to have the opportunity to finally relax and get a good night's rest with the talking puffer pillow pal.

Survivor (I) (2015)

Run for Your Life!!!

[7/10 · 8 April 2024]

There were some good character developments and action scenes in this thriller set in London and New York.

Milla Jovovich is Kate Abbot, a security specialist stationed in London. A nefarious group of terrorists first threaten London, then prepare for a big blast on New Year's Eve in Times Square, New York.

Kate is constantly on the move as she is pursued by the Watchmaker, effectively interpreted by Pierce Brosnan. Most of her colleagues and the top brass in government are hopeless in recognizing that Kate is their most valuable asset.

While the film's formula was routine, the set-ups and locations provided a good backdrop for the predictable action.

The Gift (VI) (2015)

Bully Boy

[8/10 · 7 April 2024]

There was excellent dramatic tension developed in the triangulated relationship of Simon, his wife Robyn, and Simon's old acquaintance from high school named Gordon (Gordo).

The film is tantalizing in the slow reveal that Simon effectively ruined Gordo's life with a high school prank that characterized Simon's habit of bullying. But now it is payback time from Gordo, who disrupts Simon's family life and likely inseminates Robyn, who finally becomes pregnant and successfully delivers a baby boy.

Some of the expressions on the face of Jason Bateman, who played Simon, were priceless. It slowly comes to dawn on him that he is being outfoxed with his own game of bullying, this time with a vengeance he never could have imagined.

Good work from the multi-talented Edgerton, who scripted, directed, and played the role of the disturbed Gordo.

Blue Ruin (2013)

Hatfields vs. McCoys

[3/10 · 4 April 2024]

Dwight, the protagonist of "Blue Ruin," was a curious fellow. After the police thoughtfully alert him that the killer of his parents has been let out of jail, Dwight proceeds to kill the entire family, sparing only his half-brother, the result of the union of his lascivious father and the mother of the Cleland gang.

The best part of the film was the brief sequence with Dwight and his old buddy Ben from high school. Ben truly had his friend's back in a struggle for survival and revenge.

Unfortunately, the bulk of the film was filled with one-dimensional characters and a concatenation of unpleasant and violent scenes.

The film's ending was strange with the postcard from Virginia, a memento that acknowledges the end of the struggle of the Hatfields and the McCoys.

Ashes (2024)

Don Quixote Meets Anna Karenina

[7/10 · 4 April 2024]

There was some genuine creativity on the part of the filmmakers of "Ashes." The film combined romance and mystery in a baroque drama exploring the conflict of illusion and reality.

Gokce is the protagonist who reads and considers manuscripts for publication for her husband's firm. In the "Ashes" novel, she becomes enmeshed in a story that seem so realistic that she is drawn into the vortex, attempting to live out the realities of a work of fiction.

In turn, the audience is caught up in the illusionistic impact of the charismatic carpenter. There were intriguing references to "Don Quixote" and "Anna Karenina." The strong performances and intriguing settings added to the dramatic impact of this heady film.

Road House (2024)

Shane Updated to the Florida Keys

[3/10 · 30 March 2024]

The film was disappointing as an updated remake of the classic Western "Shane."

Despite the good production values, the character relationships were not very believable. Even the romantic connection between Dalton and Ellie was flat.

The best interactions were between Dalton and the lively Charlie, who works in the local bookstore with her dad. Unfortunately, that relationship dropped out of the film, which turned into a martial arts slugfest.

There was a good theme in "Shane" about the waning moments in the history of the frontier and the importance of sustaining law and order in world of nasty hustlers. But the villains of "Road House" were beyond the pale in their absence of humanity.

There were too many cardboard characters and too much gratuitous violence. Sadly, this was a mean-spirited and unpleasant film viewing experience!

My Acting Coach Nightmare (2024 TV Movie)

"Let Me Make a Star Out of You, Kid!"

[6/10 · 30 March 2024]

Max Frost is a sleazy acting coach at the local Park Theater in a rural community. His classes run the gamut of the classics in acting Shakespeare to the Meisner method. But he is also a pervert and a groomer, preying on starry-eyed young women and deluding them into thinking he cares about their careers.

Young Sienna is the aspiring actress who registers for Max's acting class. She clearly has some acting skills, as apparent in a nice scene with her partner Alex from "Romeo and Juliet." Unfortunately, the depiction of an acting class was not very believable. It was apparent to the entire class that the hustler Max was giving preferential treatment to a single student, first Hailey, then Sienna.

It was clear that Max was crossing the line with his extra coaching of Sienna after class that included a photo shoot involving "skin." He also talked about a suspiciously sounding "group" in Hollywood that could advance Sienna's chances of success. He concealed that the fact that the success had nothing to do with acting.

While the film was routine in the depiction of a gullible young actress who was the victim of a nefarious creature, there were some heartfelt scenes with Sienna and her mother, Lisa, a widow who is justifiably protective of her daughter.

If Max Frost is any indication, the film did not offer a flattering portrayal of the life of a professional actor in Hollywood. The better part of the film was the unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.

What We Do Next (2022)

Laughable Depiction of New York Legal System

[1/10 · 27 March 2024]

This film was made in 2022. But the New York that was being depicted was closer to 1952. It is difficult to understand the intent of the filmmakers, given the way the law is now being interpreted in the United States legal system.

Young Elsa Mercado is a Puerto Rican who had murdered her abusive father in order to protect herself and her brother. She spent time in prison for manslaughter and the film depicts her attempt to get her life back in order.

She has two devoted and sensitive helpers in Sandy James and Paul Fleming, who are both working their way up in the New York political and judicial systems. After she is harassed in a restaurant and injures the perpetrator, Elsa fears that she will have violated her parole and will be sent back to prison. But the scrupulously honest Ms. James is reluctant to intercede on Elsa's behalf by approaching the DA to give Elsa preferential treatment.

The film's entire premise about how the law is being applied in New York was preposterous and did not reflect the new norm of "social justice" that affords protection to the criminals, not to the victims of crime. The ambitious Sandy James never would have become the mayor of New York. To accomplish that goal, she would have needed to adopt the persona of Letitia James.

Despite the good performances and the skillfully written dialogue, "What We Do Next" was a laughably bad film when it comes to the reality of the legal system today. The film should be bottled in a time capsule labeled "nostalgia" and sent back to the time when law and order truly existed.

New York Prison Break the Seduction of Joyce Mitchell (2017 TV Movie)

How Are Things in Dannemora?

[3/10 · 25 March 2024]

It is sad to contemplate the life of Joyce "Tillie" Mitchell, an employee in a New York prison in Dannemora, who assisted in the escape of two convicted murderers.

First, it was nearly inconceivable how Tillie would become smitten with not one, but two murderers. Her fantasy was to escape with the pair and enjoy paradise in Mexico as a ménage-à-trois!

Second, the slack and incompetent prison authorities should have recognized that Tillie was spending inordinate amounts of time with Matt and Sweat in apparently private spaces in the prison. At one time, she was questioned about her suspicious conduct. She should have been fired on the spot.

Third, after getting cold feet and failing to show up with the escape vehicle, Tillie had the audacity to lie the authorities. She contradicted herself in claiming that she was coerced into aiding the escapees when they threatened to kill her husband while at the same time saying they would kill him anyway after the escape.

At the time of this writing, Tillie has now been released from prison. She now has the time to reflect on assisting two desperate psychopaths who were out the loose for a three-week period, endangering the lives of honest citizens.

Disgraceful!

The Second (2018)

Destined for Greatness

[2/10 · 16 March 2024]

There was good potential in the scenario about a bestselling author writing about the apparently seminal event in her life in which a young neighbor boy drowned. There was also a good rivalry developed between the writer and her bestie, the muse. Both characters were vying for the honor of being "destined for greatness."

Unfortunately, for a film about writing, the screenplay was enormously flimsy, especially in the home stretch of the film.

The main problem was that the story about the boy was never made credible. The scrawny physique and spindly arms made it impossible to believe that he could overpower the writer and the muse.

Another disappointing choice was in why the publisher would be hunted down by the two women. Why wouldn't they invite him to be a part of their "secret" and carefully explain to him that the boy's death was for the most part an accident?

In a film based on the revelation of a secret, the narrative went off the rails in the final fifteen minutes. Even the detective seemed like a cardboard character.

Not only did the writer's first novel sound lackluster, but the second would almost be an even greater dud, just like this movie.

The Perfect Date (I) (2019)

Cute Romcom with Strong Performances

[8/10 · 21 February 2024]

There was a clever conceit to "The Perfect Date" as Brooks Rattigan has devised an app that attracts women who want a date with a specialized purpose. Brooks is all to happy to serve as the gigolo. It turns out that he hits the jackpot on his first date with the feisty Celia Lieberman.

The dialogue was snappy, and the various impersonations by Brooks were spot on. One of the best scenes was Brooks' interview with a dean at Yale. He focused on the Dean's love of bees to find a common ground. Ultimately, the savvy Brooks makes a wise decision in not attending Yale.

The most intriguing character development was that of Celia, who was transformed from a snooty snob into a lively, independent young woman. There was great chemistry between Brooks and Celia, as well as a strong supporting cast.

There were also good, wholesome family values expressed in this film. The Lieberman family has a nice tradition of the "three-way hug" in moments of despair. And the scenes with Brooks and his dad were heartfelt and provided a good counterpoint to the romcom elements in this well-scripted and well-performed film.

Lover Stalker Killer (2024)

Superbly Crafted

[8/10 · 17 February 2024]

This was a documentary film with an intricately prepared screenplay and dynamic technical effects.

In a true crime stalking case in Nebraska, a superhuman effort was made by a small number of dedicated investigators to bring a cunning and devious criminal to justice.

It was often difficult to discern whether there were actors cast in the various roles, or if the entire film was recreated by the actual people. The effect was similar to cinéma vérité.

As the film progressed, it became more and more depressing. But the commitment to this project by the writers, cast, and technical team was unparalleled in the medium of documentary filmmaking.

Performance: A Doll's House (1992) Season 2, Episode 2

Stellar Production!

[9/10 · 11 February 2024]

In reading Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House," much of the dialogue seems outdated and melodramatic. Miraculously, the film artists in this production found a way to overcome all of the obstacles.

The villain Nils Krogstad and the improbable circumstances of his reunion with Kristine Linde were made palpably real and moving. And the truly luminous performance is that of Juliet Stevenson, who finds a way to convincingly transform Nora Helmer in the play's final scene.

The direction of the play was especially noteworthy. There was no attempt to "open up" the script. Everything was confined to the "doll house" with no stagey quality. The close-ups were well-timed and always appropriate for depicting subtext, especially in the Nora's erotically charged scene with the appropriately named Dr. Rank.

This is truly worth seeing in repeated viewings for the brilliant choices made in producing such a relevant work of social realism from the father of modern drama.

Black Bags (2023)

Pie, Anyone?

[8/10 · 5 February 2024]

There is a memorable moment in "Black Bags" where the character Sara forcefully insists that Tess accompany her to a local diner for pie. The waitress brings them a slice of boysenberry and slice of lemon merinigue pie. While the pie is delectable, it is also a key dramatic symbol that bonds the two characters in a conspiracy of silence.

The film was well-scripted in the conceit of the mix-ups in the luggage in which Tess mistakenly takes Sara's bag that contains a human head. The filmmakers hit all the right notes in devising a style of dark comedy that was credible, eerie, and occasionally sly in its sneaky moments of irony. Case in point: Sweet little Freddy, the son of Tess, has been named after slasher icon Freddy Krueger!

While all the performances were strong, an actress named Olesya Rulin must be singled out for a remarkable character transformation in Tess. A mousey expectant mother at the start, Tess has a complete makeover by the end. The performance alone is worth watching this well-crafted film.

So many of today's big budget Hollywood films are a complete waste of time. This modest effort runs on all-cylinders with a roller coaster ride of emotions, snappy dialogue, and first-rate performances.

Crowdsource Murder (2024 TV Movie)

Quid Pro Quo

[8/10 · 4 February 2024]

Noah had a hardscrabble upbringing but eventually got lucky with an app that made him a billionaire. Now, he has become a philanthropist, generously donating to worthy causes and those less fortunate.

But Noah believes his favors should be returned in a quid pro quo arrangement. Typically, he is looking for a payoff in the way of favors from women. When his advances are rejected, he goes ballistic. After his characteristic meltdown, he reverts to his kind personae.

Three strong women, Monica, Rebecca, and Charlotte, band together to entrap Noah in their own version of quid pro quo.

The cast was great, and the film was crisply directed with good pacing and excellent locations. Now, Noah will have the opportunity to engage in crowdsourcing while wearing an orange jumpsuit and operating in the comfort of a prison cell.

The Broken Shore (2013 TV Movie)

Wry Humor From a Broken Cop

[6/10 · 3 February 2024]

The best part of "The Broken Shore" was the deadpan, wry humor of the local sheriff, "Sleepy" Joe Cashin. His banter with the hard-nosed attorney Helen was engaging, despite the fact that their romance seemed improbable.

On the downside, the narrative was exceedingly grim with systemic racism that blames the innocent aboriginal locals for a murder they did not commit.

The truth about the murder and the victim exposed the sad underbelly of the community that included monsters exploiting young boys.

Despite the natural beauty and the interesting locations, the film was depressing and unpleasant. This "shore" was indeed broken.

My Husband's Seven Wives (2024 TV Movie)

Something's Fishy!!!

[5/10 · 1 February 2024]

At a key moment in "He Had Seven Wives," a group of women have gathered to plot revenge against the bigamist married to them all. When it is revealed that the husband had murdered yet another wife by feeding her shellfish to which she had a life-threatening allergy, one of the characters exclaims, "Something's fishy!!!"

The narrative needed more moments of levity like the one described above. The filmmakers struggled to find an appropriate style of dark comedy. The husband was in fact a deadly killer, yet the wives reacted to him in an inexplicably casual and even relaxed manner.

The cast worked hard to individualize the multiple wives. Unfortunately, there wasn't much dramatic tension or suspense throughout the film. It needed either an element of high camp or, at the other extreme, a genuine sense of menace about the dangerous game being played by a repellent and lunatic slimeball.

Tell No Lies (2024)

Miss Sofia Rose: Taken!!!

[8/10 · 31 January 2024]

Wow! This was a thriller with seemingly never-ending twists and turns. The style drew upon the techniques of film noir. But there was also a freshness and originality in the creative choices.

Miss Sofia Rose is a successful executive in an ad agency. But shockingly, she is kidnapped on her 35th birthday. Miraculously, she is let go by her captor and then arrested for allegedly staging her own abduction!

The performances were first rate, and pacing of the film was superb. The audience is constantly kept guessing about the character motivations. A particularly inept police investigation provides unlimited possibilities for the devious machinations involving Miss Rose. The result is a roller coaster ride of emotions.

It is hard not to admire the scripting, directing, and acting, which coalesced into the best neo-noir thriller since "Body Heat" in 1981.

Confessions of a Cam Girl (2024)

Overcoming the Walk of Shame

[7/10 · 29 January 2024]

There was an element of parody in this film about young Kristen Walters, who ventures onto an internet site called "Click Mate" and joins the "Xclusive Patrons" club to make money as a "cam girl."

Perhaps unwittingly, the film took a harsh look at higher education in America today. Kristen's parents are adamant about their daughter attending college. But she is savvy enough to recognize the universities are worthless and has devised a plan to start a career in fashion through a workshop experience in Italy. She thereby uses the money earned as a cam girl to defy her parents and follow her own path.

On one level, the film was crudely made with some especially ludicrous lines of dialogue. After Kristen is "outed" at her school, she takes the "walk of shame" through the halls and then meets with the principal to discuss her possible expulsion. Kristen's reaction is "I feel like I'm going to puke." And Principal Bonville replies, "I know it's a lot to digest." It was remarkable that the actors could maintain a straight face with some of this dialogue.

Kristen has an unfortunate encounter with a dirty old man named Frank who likes to be addressed as "Daddy," and she parts company with her boyfriend Owen, who appears to want to remain a perpetual virgin. But she rallies her spirits to eventually get an interview with a company that can use her talents and her passion, as opposed to stifling them which most colleges and universities would do today.

The Postcard Killings (2020)

Globe-Trotting Psychos on the Loose

[3/10 · 28 January 2024]

This unpleasant film follows a pair of globe-trotting serial killers as they make their way around Europe. The gruesome murders they commit are coordinated with postcards in a cruel cat-and-mouse game with the authorities.

The savvy detective Jacob Kanon lost his daughter to the killers. He uses his experience to discover the perpetrators' identities. Throughout the film, the Interpol authorities seem utterly incompetent.

The most interesting relationship in the film was Kanon's connection to a savvy investigative journalist, Dessie Lombard. They make a good team in flushing the killers out in the open.

Despite the good photography and different locations in Europe, the dismal nature of the film made this experience a major downer.

The Tinder Swindler (2022)

May I Have Your Amex Card, Please?

[8/10 · 27 January 2024]

At first glance, "The Tinder Swindler" appeared to be a slick fictional film making use of documentary techniques. But it turned out to be an actual documentary using real characters plunged into a nightmare beyond any work of fiction imaginable!

The hustler Simon used his unbounded ego to lure unsuspecting women into whirlwind romances before fleecing them to the tune of millions of dollars. For one woman, he was her personal "battery charger," oozing charm in "an emotional con."

The film focuses on three of Simon's victims: Cecilie, Pernilla, and Ayleen. It was due in large part to the quick-thinking and ballsy Ayleen that Simon is eventually exposed and thwarted in his escapades as a gigolo. Some of Ayleen's facial expressions and word selections are priceless when she faces the camera and recounts her experiences with Simon and her eventual outrage.

An essential point emerges in the film about the power of investigative reporting. A small team of journalists served as the catalyst, utilizing the internet to wear down Simon through their relentless stories and especially their work in photography.

The film made extensive use of the very technology used by Simon to attract and con gullible women out of their fortunes. This was a cautionary tale about the dangers of internet-generated romance.

Users Beware: the scammers are out there!!!