Vultural

All Good Things - 2010 - 6/10

Blonde, middle class Katie (Dunst) falls in love with David Marks (Gosling), über rich, heir apparent to Times Square properties.
David is a weak bundle of insecurities. Love goes astray until one night Katie disappears.
Though never tried, David, by many accounts, was believed responsible.
Based on true events.
For earnest souls who believe in Justice exists in this world - or karma - this is not your film.
Well acted, yet there was an overall coolness, an aura of disengagement, in the narrative.

Live Forever - 2003 - 8/10

Oh, to seize the moment, recognize your own time, and ride the tiger of fame.
Gleeful documentary of the 90’s rise of Britpop - Cool Britannia, focusing on the lopsided rivalry between Blur And Oasis.
Plenty of music, video clips and concert footage. Interviews with Noel Gallagher, Damon Albarn, Jarvis Cocker, Louise Wener (Sleeper), Del Naja (Massive Attack). And Liam. Abso-frakking-tutely. Liam Gallagher gabbing away is always worth your time!
Many groups barely referenced - Stone Roses, Suede, Verve. Others - where was Manic Street Preachers?
For some, the background history of the politics is distracting, others will find it helpful.

Not surprisingly, the sound was eventually appropriated and usurped by artists more accessible, less creative.
The end of Britpop seemed to be followed by all the Idol crap.
I worked at a large music shop back then, this doc is a giddy romp.

The Souvenir - 2019 - 7/10

A female student, pitching her film project, meets a member of the gentry.
She is quiet, but sunny, whereas he works for the Foreign Office and is more taciturn and secretive.
They enjoy each other and drift into a relationship.
His secrets, which viewers will quickly spot, increasingly surface, as do crises of trust.
Piercing study of the blindness of love, accepting the implausible, looking the other way.
Honor Swinton Byrne is the main protagonist. I cannot decide whether she is talented or a vacuous sponge.

Karppi - 2019 - 7/10
AKA - Deadwind

Police thriller set primarily in and around Helsinki.
A body is unearthed near a recently announced property development.
The detective assigned is freshly bereaved, her new partner, a transfer from Technical.
Character dynamics surface now and then, but the wandering trail predominates.
Clues and witness statements lead to detours and false paths.
Nevertheless, those are generally engaging, one is rather funny.
A few reviewers have compared this with The Bridge, another Scandinavian cop series.
No, not close. Karppi is not Saga, and this series is not as dark nor as grim.

Souvenir - 2016 - 6/10

New hire at the pâté factory spots a familiar face.
“Didn’t you – weren’t you … Laura?”
“No, my name is Liliane.”
Indeed, she is Laura, a forgotten singer. Our lad scores points by saying, “My Dad used to like you!”
He is 22, a boxer, while she is slightly older (in the Eurovision competition, she placed 2nd to ABBA).
Smitten, he decides Laura can make a comeback, and he can be her manager!
Lightweight fluff. Isabelle Huppert seems to be coasting in this.
Music snobs, beware songs delivered with lots of hand gestures and dramatic posing.

LV 426 (Prometheus) - TMBTM

Rearranging of Prometheus as a direct prequel to Alien.
This is a timely edit since it is apparent director Scott seems disinclined to follow the Prometheus arc any time soon.
The B-movie angle is paramount here. This has a 50’s SciFi look. Horror elements are more to the fore, as well, with an emphasis on dark undercurrents and heightened tension.
The character “David” is particularly Machiavellian here, whether by programming or faults.
The grandeur of the original is lacking, though the original was a disappointing failure of broad ambition mangled by sloppy, poorly focused writing.
Faneditor “TMBTM” has crafted a great late night ride. The last act interweaves several stories and strikes the hammer down. Strap in for high octane excitement.

Note: Some sources offer subtitles, most do not.
I converted the pgs subs to srt, then did a wee bit of editing.
My srt = https://www.addic7ed.com/movie/122414

Father Time (About Time) - NJVC

Initially, I thought this resembled a pitch for “About Time,” an interesting, if slight film from 2013. That film was leisurely to the point of lethargy. In addition, it tried, over hard, I thought, to fiddle the heartstrings.
As this edit progressed, however, I realized the story and themes had been chiseled to essentials.
For lack of a better phrase, similar to a prose poem.
Better than most, the character grasps the reward of Life is not replaying “moments” over and over, but embracing the joie de vivre.
An excellent edit with a sly, positive subtext.

Mulholland Drive: The Pilot - Q2

Note: Pilot!!!
The pilot, disowned by Lynch for decades, has been available in dismal quality for years.
Using the original script, and workprints as guides, Faneditor (and obsessed fan) Q2 restored the pilot into immaculate condition.
Numerous storylines weave a Hollywood entertainment tapestry.
There are mysteries, though no real story. Viewers had to accept on faith Lynch had an extended vision.
Though interesting as a curious what-if, this in no way supersedes Mulholland Drive, the film.
Character trajectories differ in the pilot, and the open endedness makes one wonder how stories might have played out over a season.

Warning! Diehards already know the site below.
New arrivals to Mulholland Drive, visit at your own risk:
https://www.mulholland-drive.net/studies/theories.htm

Omniscient: S01 - 2020 - 6/10
AKA - Onisciente

Tech series set in near future Rio de Janeiro.
Society has surrendered privacy for security, as fly-sized drones follow citizens everywhere.
Yes, that means bathroom, that means bouncing the sheets.
Nina is a programmer candidate for Onisciente, the massive surveillance firm.
Her father is murdered; his drone saw nothing. Actually, because of privacy laws, no footage is available.
His death is ruled an accident. Afterward, Nina starts digging, hacking into the system.
Much is given over to Nina outsmarting or gaming her ever-present drones.
The tech may be too shaky for engineers, but for those who suspend a lot of disbelief this should be OK.
To my amazement, S01 did resolve and tie up questions, while opening floodgates for S02.
Same creative team made 3%.
I watched S01 of that show, never bothered with later seasons.

Snodgrass - 2013 - 6/10

1991, John Lennon is behind in rent and applying for a lowly job.
Some still remember him. “You’re the guy who quit the Beatles!”
This version of the Beatles, however, without Lennon, never quite made it.
Lennon views those around him as dim fools, the man, the wad - - - Snodgrasses.
Angry, sarcastic, bitter, venting when no one gives a damn.
Ian Hart excels as 50 year old washout, spitting rage, cocksure that the lads never ought to have compromised and agreed to sing that “How Do You Do It” trifle.
Unpleasant “what if” story - except - this John still breathes in 1991.

Two Of Us - 2000 - 7/10

In 1976, Paul drops in on John at the Dakota.
The story “speculates” on what they discuss, later do.
Film omits two other persons who are there that day, Linda and Yoko.
This smacks of a small play, but is enjoyable and well acted.
Aiden Quinn has, perhaps, the tougher part playing Paulie.
His Paul is well grounded, worldly, and not merely the “cute Beatle.”
John, holed up in his Dakota fortress, is troubled by demons, though when they go outdoors, the prankster emerges.
Few tunes, by the way.

3% - 2016 - 6/10

Unwashed masses teem and struggle “Inland,” while “Offshore” is an undreamed utopia.
The concept of meritocracy, often espoused, is here carried out.
Via “the Process” each coming-of-age bracket are put through mental, physical, psychological tests.
Only 3% pass, and they are allowed to journey to Offshore.
Elysium … or Soylent Green?
Slow going 8-part parable from Brazil (in Portuguese, so find subs, if necessary).
Backstories of unlikable characters unfold.
E04 was “Lord Of The Flies” excitement, yet E05 ground to a standstill.
Near future look is heavy on dystopia, light on SciFi.
Budget and script-writing limitations apparent.
Doors left open for a second season.

The Day Of The Jackal - 1973 - 8/10

I recently watched Speakerine, set in the early 1960’s, and it was fair enough.
Nevertheless, for a top tier intrigue thriller of that era, try this -

Brilliant adaptation of Ludlam’s thriller.
Edward Fox peerless as “the Jackal,” hired by the OAS to assassinate DeGaulle.
Film is three narratives: French intelligence. British intelligence. The Jackal.
Agencies have difficulty dealing with the lone wolf, outside the compromised OAS.
Each side adjusts, but the assassin is resourceful.
Exceptional editing throughout. At two hours plus, the film never drags.
I cannot imagine this being made today without gadgets and booming music.
Riveting from beginning to end.

Kisses - 2008 - 7/10

Dylan and Kylie live in dysfunctional households. One endures physical violence, the other abuse of another sort.
One afternoon, they flee and hop a ferry to Dublin. (Yes, a road movie of sorts.)
Fun under the lights, contrasts with predators in shadows.
Dublin proves too hard. No surprise since the characters are aged 10 and 11.
Another, more iconic Dylan appears in a white hat and offers advice.
A small gem.
Friends with sensitive ears - foul language galore.

Last Train Home - 2009 - 7/10
AKA - 归途列车

Excellent documentary about Chinese migrant workers who jam trains every New Year to go back to the village and their families.
Shows the sweatshop conditions of two garment worker parents contrasted with the lush village they left behind.
No preaching or soapbox. This is how it is.
Parents toil, making clothes for Westerners, so their kids can attend school and have a chance at a better life.
Shot in Guangdong before and after the Beijing Olympics, and before the financial meltdown in 2008.
An unsettling future if one can look beyond today’s horizon.
Planet Antfarm.

Speakerine - 2018 - 6/10

Brief French series set in 1962.
Christine is a broadcasting institution. She announces upcoming programs.
What she longs for is her own show, a woman’s show. By women, about women, for women.
An early strike for representation and equality. Anticipate male resistance.
Into the mix are a budding network alliance between France TV and US networks, terrorist activities from the OAS, family drama, and a large manor house where alpha males entertain underage plaisirs du jour.
Oh, and a malicious, unscrupulous rival bent on shoving Christine from her throne, no matter the means.
Six episodes stitched nicely.

The Last Black Man In San Francisco - 2019 - 7/10

Meandering film about ownership, property, status, memory, family.
In the Fillmore district, long before gentrification excluded all but the affluent, Jimmie’s granddad built the family house, roof to cellar, by himself. Later, Jimmie’s father lost it.
Since then, Jimmie has acted as guerilla caretaker, tending the house whenever occupants are away.
It took me a good half hour to realize what was going on here.
Then I became engaged, though wondering why the police were never summoned, even when Jimmie is clearly painting the house exterior!
Ever so subtly, however, layers of deception begin to fall away.

Kings Of Pastry - 2009 - 7/10

Documentary about winning the red/white/blue collar of the Meilleur Ouvrier de France.
The finest pastry craftsmen of France.
To say competitors were obsessive would be an understatement.
I had friends who perched on the edge of their chairs watching this.
Me? I found the tone a bit cool, the creations out there.
The final event is always the sugar creation, very fragile creations that shatter easily.
Worth watching if confection (creating or eating) is your thing.

Tapas - 2005 - 6/10

Four minor storylines weave in and out of a minor tapas bar in Barcelona.
Characters ache for love, say goodbye to love, find love.
Random assortment of types and ages.
Mild diversion.
STILL … If a movie is titled Tapas (or Tapas Bar) then, damnit, there ought to have been a lot more food!
This flick serves tiny portions of prep work and dining appreciation.
¿Muy gusto? Nada.

Interpol - 1957 - 6/10
AKA - Pickup Alley

The underrated Victor Mature stars as a federal agent chasing a narcotics ring.
Small fry are easy enough to catch, and for the criminal organization, easy to replace.
The top man has never been seen. His name, perhaps an alias, is McNally.

Trevor Howard is memorable as the smooth, calculating mastermind, seen above with Anita Ekberg who acts as courier, bait, decoy, whatever is necessary.
Filmed between London and the US, but also includes jaunts to Lisbon, Naples, Rome, this recalls To The Ends Of The Earth (1948), but that was more procedural and this more character driven.
Watchable throughout, though I did find myself starting to root for the narcotics ring.

Vorse, Mary Heaton - Sinister Romance

Seven stories from 1906 - 1926 by a prolific writer, though her forays into supernatural were rare.
Few of these are as overt as ghost tales or vampire lore. These are, more often, residual echoes.
In “The Mirror Of Silence,” new owners move into Thorn House. They, and their busy-busy friends are loud, devoid of grace and empathy. After a fashion, the occupants sense, all too palpably, that the house disapproves.
“The Pavilion Of Saint Merci” is another house, more sinister this time out, with a ruinous history.
Moira often lapses into a rapturous spell in “The Other Room,” for she possesses second sight. Such souls can be challenging to live with, let alone love, especially those who would fetter them to the ordinary world.
Sinister Romance is a quiet collection, though melancholy pervades.
Jessica Salmonson provides an excellent introduction, as well as biographical details of Vorse.
I still pick up Ash-Tree books when I can. Volumes by female authors are generally more available and more affordable.
Often that holds true with other presses, as well. I’m unsure why male readers of horror and strange still harbor faint prejudices.

Model Shop - 1969 - 6/10

George’s bad day is a continuation of what appears to be a streak.
His girlfriend wants to discuss their relationship, the repo man wants his MG, his finances are zilch, and he expects a letter, any day now, from the draft board.
For all that, he gets out of bed and hustles, hopes to borrow money, if anything to save his car.
Moody study of a man marking time nicely catches Southern California at the end of the 60’s.
George, mixing with the creative class, doesn’t know what he wants, only what he doesn’t want.
Stone-faced Gary Lookwood (2001) strikes one as too old for the role.
Director Demy’s original choice was a young unknown. Harrison Ford.

Wild Grass - 2008 - 5/10
AKA - Les Herbes Folles

French twaddle by Alain Resnais.
Marguerite has her purse stolen, Georges finds her cash empty billfold outside his car.
Before turning it over to the police, he goes through her cards and photos and grows obsessed.
Obsession turns into stalking.
These are not teenagers. He is around 65, she is 53.
After Marguerite complains, police warn Georges off.
Then Marguerite begins stalking him!
Shallow, utterly implausible, sheer nonsense.

Boundaries - 2018 - 6/10

80 tear old dad phones his estranged daughter after he is ejected from his senior center.
Seems his gardening hobby, though lucrative, was considered illegal.
He makes his daughter a deal: Drive me down to my other daughter in Los Angeles, and I’ll pay my grandson’s private school tuition.
The road trip follows, from Washington state to Los Angeles, with a few stops.
For adult diapers, for stray dogs, and to make marijuana drops.
The gardening hobby, which he excelled in harvesting primo cannabis.
If you buy the premise that there is still a market for homegrown in states where reefer is legal, then you are halfway to enjoying this implausible, feel-good adventure.

Fallen Angel - 2007 - 6/10

Dark, three chapter series with Emilia Fox and Charles Dance.
Child kidnappings, severed limbs, and a locked freezer. Part, the first. Or parts.
The following segments contain flashbacks, detailing the creation of a monster.
Much of this will be horrifying to parents.
The ending stretched plausibility.
Note - This is not an American production.
Outside of the States, children characters exist and suffer much as actual children.