lbenot Reviews (66)

Problemista (2023)

Punishingly Bizarre

[1/10 · 10 April 2024]

There's usually something about an excruciatingly bad movie to commend, but not for this one. One possible exception could be the constantly changing fantasyland wardrobing of Swinton. Probably best enjoyed after taking LSD - a lot of it. Those who have found anything entertaining about sitting thru an hour and a half of this nonsensical spew, and paying to do so, must also be able to find entertainment in the unique arrangement and content of sidewalk vomit. No plot. No continuity. Just some pathetic gen z loser with an annoyingly bouncy walk, a constantly raving mental ward escapee, and a few other bizarre characters thrown in to give the appearance of an ensemble.

Poor Things (2023)

Poor Audience!

[1/10 · 28 December 2023]

A uniquely grotesque Frankensteinian coming-of-age conglomeration of Shakespearean-speak dialog; lavish period settings, scenery and costuming; steam punk inspired machinery; copious use of ultra-wide angle camera lenses; and, apparently the most important ingredient to the script-writer, a frequent shock-value infusion of graphically gratuitous nudity and soft-porn throughout, willingly depicted by actors of all shapes and sizes, not the least of which, our unabashed hope-this-gets-me-an-Oscar starlet. In the end, nothing more than heady snob-bait, and a bizarrely dark and prurient nightmare that "entertains" at the same level as the real-time viewing of a multi-car pile-up crash.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

A Rare Walk-Out For Us

[1/10 · 23 July 2023]

A unanimous and rare walk-out for us after suffering thru 40 minutes of drab, dreary, deadpan dialog which hopscotched around in time periods. A history lesson? Yup. Entertaining? Nope!

A unanimous and rare walk-out for us after suffering thru 40 minutes of drab, dreary, deadpan dialog which hopscotched around in time periods. A history lesson? Yup. Entertaining? Nope!

600 words?

A unanimous and rare walk-out for us after suffering thru 40 minutes of drab, dreary, deadpan dialog which hopscotched around in time periods. A history lesson? Yup. Entertaining? Nope!

A unanimous and rare walk-out for us after suffering thru 40 minutes of drab, dreary, deadpan dialog which hopscotched around in time periods. A history lesson? Yup. Entertaining? Nope!

Showing Up (2022)

Throwing Up!!

[1/10 · 5 May 2023]

THE FOLLOWING IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: This film consists of an hour and 48 minutes of sloowww, non-stop, senseless stupidity. Zero plot, moronic-ly dysfunctional characters all, inane dialog, excruciatingly dull, robotic acting, ZERO entertainment value. No redeeming value, at any possible level, whatsoever, except to serve as a shoe-in for, "The Worst Film Ever Made." Got someone you really hate? Enthusiastically recommend this tripe to them, and hope they stay till the pathetic end. Should be evaluated as a forced-viewing alternative, and far less humane punishment, to waterboarding. Not worth the 600 character-length IMDB is forcing me to type to complete this review.

Official Competition (2021)

When . . . . Will This Movie End?

[1/10 · 27 July 2022]

2-3 brief entertaining moments. The rest was obnoxiously simple-minded, witless, and punishingly drawn out. A tortious two hour ode to itself with a plot that could/should have been played out in 30 minutes. Subtitled for those who don't speak Spanish. Cruz's hair rates a 10, but as usual, her one-note acting - a 1.

Elvis (2022)

POS

[1/10 · 6 July 2022]

Agonizingly surrealistic, semi-psychodelic and jerky beginning, followed by one depressing scene after another, all to the narration of a drawling Tom Hanks, as if that were supposed to give this ridiculous excuse for entertainment some sort of pedigree.

A film-school-project quality direction combined with a new-age trying-hard-to-be-edgy/arty screenplay that combine to spew out the story-telling slop that results, all while the rap-infused soundtrack blares on. Maybe Hanks will also stoop to narrate a new-age dish-all-the-dirt story-telling of "Marilyn."

P. S. Effusive "10" fake/shill reviews by new/recent IMDB members abound as a smokescreen to hide what a POS this tripe is.

The French Dispatch (2021)

At Least The Pop Corn Was Good

[1/10 · 12 November 2021]

Non-sensical and non-existent storyline, inane dead-pan-delivery dialogue, and constantly changing random visuals. Heady snob-bait for hip pseudointellectuals to rave about, but a rare walk-out for us and a few others.

Free Guy (2021)

Very Entertaining!

[10/10 · 18 August 2021]

This thoroughly enjoyable, well-cast/well-acted unique fantasy combines a clever and intelligent plot/premise (a rarity these days) which is supported by terrific cgi, rich visuals, a welcome absence of gratuitous blood spatter, multiple positive themes, humor, and start-to-finish, genuine charm. It has trace elements/themes reminiscent of Tron, The Truman Show, and The Matrix, but clearly stands on it's own.

Another natural role for Ryan Reynolds to excel in, but also enjoyed the villain and his dialog and mannerisms, as well as the young female lead, the two male supporting actors, and the rest of the cast, talented and convincing, all. Bravo!!

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It (2021)

Poor Me ?

[2/10 · 8 July 2021]

The proud public pronouncements by some attention-starved, out-of-the-limelight movie and entertainment types of having been "a victim" decades earlier, seems to be the current tried-and-true method for them to self-righteously re-enter and wallow in the now-popular sympathetic spotlight of victim-hood and self-pity these days. Every few weeks another new revelation of self-pity . . but they don't make a movie about it.

Seeing the clips of her amazing performances and accomplishments were entertaining and uplifting, but her constant theme of ethnic and female-centric poor-me self-pity (parts with accents, suicidal relationship with Brando, hate toward her long-time husband, her agent - that she kept, long ago movie moguls, etc.) should have been directed in private to her shrink, not an unsuspecting admission-paying audience.

It's ironic that with all her ego-centric, poor-me complaining of being "forced" to play only ethnic/accent and/or sexy parts, her most current chosen role is not only ethnic, but has an overly-heavy Hispanic accent, and one that she specifically requested the writers make . . . Sexier!?!

Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard (2021)

Inane Stupidity Would Be An Understatement!

[1/10 · 27 June 2021]

The inane script, dialog and screenplay, and the gratuitous glorification of gun violence and blood spatter represent a disturbing low in the name of entertainment, in addition to being an stupefying waste of valuable movie-making talent, technology, and resources. Hard to believe Morgan Freeman needed the money so bad as to so late in his career stain his fine body of work by being associated with this tripe. I genuinely feel bad for him. But I feel worse for all those who like me have and will put up money plus time out of their life to sit through this non-stop insult to humanity.

Once Were Brothers (2019)

An Entertaining Insight

[10/10 · 6 March 2020]

Smooth, well-done narration supported by archival photos and film of one band members recollection of the beginning, middle, and end of the musical group The Band. Unfortunately, yet another story of the personal and interpersonal destructiveness of drug use and addiction.

Dark Waters (2019)

An Important, Must See Film!

[10/10 · 10 January 2020]

A very powerful and well-done account of a devastating and relatively recent example of egregiously long-term corporate arrogance, greed, and social irresponsibility; verses the sustained dedication of one farmer and one attorney.

With such well-documented, internally done, red-flag-raising studies which revealed the substantial long-term health consequences of the manufacture and use of such a widely used product, one has to wonder - where were the company whistle blowers?

Also, in light of all the years of legal maneuvering and stone-walling, one must also wonder what efforts Dupont damage control executives put into keeping this movie from being made, released, and seen by the public.

It's rare for a film to entertain and inform, and where the superheroes are real live people. A superb and important story-telling that everyone should, if not must, see!

Richard Jewell (2019)

A Gem!

[10/10 · 18 December 2019]

Casting, dialog, screenplay, and acting (bravo to Paul Hauser, Sam Rockwell, and Kathy Bates) combined to create a very entertaining, powerful, and nuanced story-telling, while at the same time recounting a sobering example of a self-serving, blatant abuse of power carelessly wielded by a handful of ego-driven governmental and media employees.

The sparing use of understated piano work on the musical sound track was perfectly executed and placed, a feature of other Eastwood (a jazz pianist) films.

Don't miss the two memorable lines toward the end of the movie which were spoken by Jewell's attorney just prior to them both entering a room for their final meeting with his FBI accusers.

What has become a rarity these days, this film from beginning to end is a well-told story well worth the price of admission.

The Irishman (2019)

The Dire-ish Man

[1/10 · 7 December 2019]

Slooooow, gloomy, melancholy, been-there-done-that, blandly and tediously played out, with all the requisite blood spatter, and by all the usual suspects. A director's cut release that begs a re-editing, Scorsese has met his waterloo. With Pacino mis-cast, and DiNiro's facial cgi and blue eyes a huge distraction, Pesci conjured up the most with what he was given. Thanks to Netflix we thankfully saved the price of theater admission, but whether seen at home or the theater, a dismal waste of 3 and a third entertainment hours.

P.S. #1 Where was the technical adviser on the glaringly obvious 'here, it's the timing chain' goof? P.S. #2 Enjoyed the period look of all the film's locales, but while the period background vehicles were mostly correct, their always shiny, showroom condition spotlessness were not.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Oddly Interesting, But Unworthy Of A 10

[4/10 · 15 November 2019]

A few powerfully dramatic moments, some gifted acting by most but not all, a bizarre subplot which featured anachronistically humorous dialog, all seasoned by an odd and equally anachronistic soundtrack that detracted far more than it added. All together noteworthy and quirky, but far from all the IMDb 10's that will encourage many to see it.

Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice (2019)

A Pure, Biographical Gem!

[10/10 · 10 October 2019]

Well edited and powerfully assembled, this beautifully done narrative begins with the calm words and pure voice of the star herself recounting her parents and early life, followed by just the right amount of commentary from those who know and love her. The vintage video of her performances tells the rest.

As will be the case with anyone who sees this important biography, I now understand and appreciate her important professional accomplishments and unique talent far more, but more importantly, now have a heartfelt and deep respect for the beautiful person she was, and now is.

The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)

Just Dreadful! (And Heavily Shilled?)

[1/10 · 12 September 2019]

Just dreadful, top to bottom, start to finish. No redeeming value what-so-ever. The absolute worse screenplay in history. The Down Syndrome actor deserved a better script than to be sent running around in his underwear for most of the movie. Dern, who looked like he just wandered in lost from the set of 'Once Upon A Time . . . ,' was, again, an embarrassment. The initial dialog between the ridiculous love interest couple sounded like it was written by a crackhead. Horrible on so many levels. P.S. It's a sorry note that some of those who give this movie those glowing 10 ratings have been imdb members for years, but have rated few if any other movies. For at least one member of 5 years, it's their very first movie review.!?!!

Honeyland (2019)

Depressingland

[1/10 · 4 September 2019]

This film, deceivingly titled "Honeyland," starts out visually beautiful and charming. Enjoy it while it lasts, for what follows is what this film is really about: An audio/visual assault chronicling the depressing squalor and destructive stupidity of the "nomadic family" that pulls their trailer up next door, bringing with them (for the viewing pleasure of the audience) all their nonstop argumentative and irrational interpersonal relationships. They invade her land, steal and eventually destroy her livelihood, while we watch her aged mother fade away and die.

But not to worry, having literally scorched the earth and left it barren, they eventually hitch up their trailer and move along in search of their next host, leaving our charismatic middle-aged protagonist pondering the hope that she and her dog can start from scratch.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Nope!

[1/10 · 2 August 2019]

Devoid of any plot, any meaningful storyline, and any skilled acting, the only redeeming value of this installment of Tarantino Giddy-Teen-Mentality Narcissism is the 1969 LA backdrop, which just in case you didn't notice it, is shoved in your face via a vintage neon sign montage toward the end of this are-we-there-yet trip to nowhere.

Poor DiCaprio, struggling to pull it all off, to most notably include his cutting-room-floor-worthy scene of trailer rage; Pitt, just happy just to beefcake his way through yet another movie on his way to the bank; and most regrettably, poor Pacino and Dern . . .

A ridiculously long 2-3/4 hours of one disjointed, clumsy, cringe-worthy scene after another. It certainly isn't art, and other than watching that white, windows-down '66 Coupe De Ville wheel around town, it isn't entertainment.

Wild Rose (2018)

Hold Your Nose!

[1/10 · 17 July 2019]

Although we were able to understand less than ten spoken words by anyone in the entire movie, the action clearly depicted a totally unsympathetic, self-centered, alcohol-guzzling looser who had long been the hard to watch wrecking ball in the lives of her long suffering mother, the true staring role of the story, and her long suffering children; while, totally unprepared for life, she escapes it by dreaming delusional of becoming a famous country singer in Nashville.

Sound entertaining? It ain't! It's depressing. But it's worse than that. Most characters were nothing more than clunky, mechanical insertions; and for a movie about an aspiring singer, the music was scarce, and what there was poor to awful.

Ruben Brandt, Collector (2018)

Snob Bait!

[1/10 · 6 March 2019]

Simplistic, stupid, and un-entertaining story line (unless you're stoned) acted out by Inventive animated characters with extra eyes, faces, mouths, and an endless variety of Picasso-ish/cubism-ish head configurations, most notable in the brief crowd scene. The cars, machinery and backgrounds were creatively well done, and offered the only redeeming entertaining value (1 star worth) to an otherwise total waste of admission price and time. The whole nonsensical mess, including the reoccurring appearance of the snail and butterfly, will most certainly provide grist for those very special few who can also hear a secret coded message when playing a Beatle record backwards.

Wishing Box (2017)

Honorable Mention??? Really???

[8/10 · 18 February 2019]

Just saw the 2019 Oscar nominated animations. Have enjoyed seeing these nominated animations for years and the 2019 is worst bunch ever. One was pretty good, the other three were uninspiring and two downright depressing. Nominating committee must have been pseudo intellectual artistic snobs looking to reward works of art with 'deep' meaning. This well-done, humorous, and clever animation was shown as an "Honorable Mention." The most entertaining of the bunch and should have been a nomination.

Stan & Ollie (2018)

Bravo!

[10/10 · 23 January 2019]

A very entertaining movie that has it ALL: engaging story line, terrific editing, rich vintage backdrops, an intelligent script and direction which included humor as well as pathos, and most importantly, absolutely splendid lead and supporting acting! The physical likeness of the actors real life counterparts is amazing, as is their subtle kinetic and vocal mastery of Stan and Laurel's comedic mannerisms. A biographical gem that pays tribute while it respectfully humanizes.

A Dog's Way Home (2019)

A Dog!

[2/10 · 16 January 2019]

Saw and enjoyed "A Dog's Purpose" so was hopeful about enjoying some clever, creative, and charming story-telling. HUGE disappointment! A few charming moments aside, nothing clever nor creative . . . nor entertaining. There's more than a few annoying and implausible plot twist and turns that were too poorly conceived and/or executed to be over come by the predictably happy ending. A mediocre child's TV movie at best. Interesting to note Hollywood's new, not-so-subtle "Mary Queen Of Scots" Trend of manipulating the screenplay and casting for politically-correct inclusion.

The Mule (2018)

The Minuscule!

[1/10 · 11 January 2019]

Clint! Why?!? You're an icon! This action-less, disjointed, diminutive plot is too far too small for your iconic stature and charisma. You deserve better, and so do we.

The meandering story telling was weak and forced: flower hobbyist, broken family life, bikini clad drug lord parties, Nothing flowed. There was no entertainment value to be found anywhere. There were a few brief out of character moments, brief glimmers.

As one of your countless huge fans, I'm hopeful you have at least one more well-chosen performance to showcase and memorialize what you instinctively do best.