La Belle Cérébrale - 1968 - 6/10
AKA - The Beautiful Intellectual
Martine, model for a painter is on her break.
While he babbles on the phone, she listens, eats a pear, lets her mind wander.
Nice juxtaposition of the banal conversation with her vivid imagination.
I used TurboScribe to capture the phone talk, then tidied up.
Not ideal, but serviceable.
English subtitles = https://sub-scene.com/subtitle/3364066
Blueprint For Robbery - 1961 - 6/10
Fine caper flick, based on the Brink’s Robbery.
Financial backers contact one to assemble and lead a crew.
Observe the premises, plan meticulously, rehearse, do the job.
An inverted police procedural, where we watch the bad guys execute the heist.
Then they have to wait three and a half years.
Which proves so hard.
The film Frankenstein (2025) is a fantastic adaptation of the book. A much more faithful one, but with its own unique choices. As moving as the book and just as tragic. A must see for horror fans. I highly recommend it.
I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe.
Star Wars has 3 eras: The eras are 1977-1983(pre Expanded Universe), (1983-2014) expanded universe, or (2014- now) Disney-bought version. Each are valid.
My movie reviews aren’t AI, they’re just written by someone who’s Neurodivergent. If you don’t like them, then simply don’t read them.
Ludwig - 2025 - 6/10
After his police inspector brother vanishes, John takes his place.
Inside the department, outside in the field.
Solving seemingly impossible cases.
Which is what he did beforehand, as John is Ludwig, premier puzzle maker.
Weekly stand-alone mysteries are good, all “locked-room”.
Overlook the implausibility that none of the colleagues noticed their boss was now “different”.
The overall arc? I doubt producers will sort that.
For Those In Peril - 2013 - 6/10
Aaron, lone survivor of a fishing disaster, suffers ever more.
The community refuses to accept him, he hears his brother, old fables haunt him.
Fisherman superstition means he will never be permitted onboard again.
He cannot recall the incident, which many refuse to believe.
Listed as folk-horror, this is a pure descent down survivor’s guilt.
Slow, with pregnant pauses, unexplained meanderings.
The film Wicked For Good is a fantastic conclusion to the epic two parter. With the circle now closed I can finally give my thoughts on the whole thing. This story provides a look at the cost of lies. Of coveting power and selling your morals for notoriety. Though it also touches upon our society’s need for a villain and a hero, and how both titles are built to ensare the perceptions of others. The tragedy of it all lies in how without a doubt, the choices we make can save or destroy in the most pivotal of moments. A must see!
I’m just a simple man trying to make my way in the universe.
Star Wars has 3 eras: The eras are 1977-1983(pre Expanded Universe), (1983-2014) expanded universe, or (2014- now) Disney-bought version. Each are valid.
My movie reviews aren’t AI, they’re just written by someone who’s Neurodivergent. If you don’t like them, then simply don’t read them.
Love Birds - 2011 - 6/10
Innocuous RomCom triangle.
A native Kiwi, recently dumped by his aspirational girlfriend.
An English Rose transplant, wary of messy entanglements.
And a duck.
If a joke, this would start “A Kiwi, a Rose and duck entered the bar …”
Not on par with classic RomComs of the 80’s and 90’s, but still an OK date flick.
Note: our male protagonist has a serious Queen fixation. Prepare for Freddie.
Eugenie de Sade - 1973 - 6/10
Eugénie’s stepfather, Albert, writer of erotica, initiates her into a world of seduction, torture, murder.
She proves a willing, even eager accomplice.
At first, they are careful, covering their tracks, creating alibis.
Gradually, more experienced, confident, they grow careless.
Jess Franco’s film of sexual gamesmanship, based on de Sade, is well composed and structured.
Plus, he is blessed with Soledad Miranda, whose presence is palpable throughout.
The stars were aligned for her at this point (1970), and a bright film future loomed.