Vultural

JeruZalem - 2015 - 5/10
AKA - ג’רוזלם

Film opens strong with five minutes of ominous backstory, setting the tone.
Which is shattered by two vacationing American girls. Squealing in the air, on the ground, detouring to Jerusalem.
Both highly annoying, I kept hoping for the Horror element to kick in and for them to get killed.
After some forty minutes in, the narrative darkens, although our girls still sound like a bag of cats.

Every scene is shot, point-of-view, from one female’s smart glasses.
Tolerated for a bit, grows staler than travel underwear.
Despite intriguing potential, this is a bungled job all around.
Writer / director brothers Paz clearly view females as stupid, and portray them as such.

Harry Wild - 2022 - 6/10

Professor Wild faces retirement with her usual accessory. Alcohol.
After being robbed, she turns into something of a sleuth.
Cozy mystery series builds the entourage by the end of episode 1.
Set and filmed in Dublin, which will appeal to many.
One might envision Hallmark salivating over this, except our star is foul mouthed, and sleeps around.
Jane Seymour demonstrates a nice flair for comedy.
More seasons followed.

Faxneld, Per - The Tree Of Sacrifice

Forty-four Folk-Gothic tales. An ideal book of interludes. Three pages each, and each with a woodblock illustration. Just the thing before bedtime, between books, between chapters of a novel.
These read like vintage campfire stories, or ominous fairy tales. While a few carry morals, most do not.
Some involve bad dealings, attempted cheats, or simply poor decisions.
More feature innocent souls, perhaps in the wrong place / situation, or Fate had tossed them a sorry hand of cards.
There are a few witches, more stories contain “cunning men” of variable skills.
This is NOT a book to be left on the nightstand of the guestroom – you will never see it again.

Joan Didion: The Center Will Not Hold - 2017 - 7/10

Imaginative biography of the writer’s life, influences, and works.
The first hour staggers through the Sixties, into the mendacious 80’s.
Vogue fashions, California sunshine, peaceful hippies and the corroded underbelly.
Marriage to John Dunne struck me as hothouse, tightly bound, not to the exclusion of friends and colleagues, yet few are in the closest zone.
This is both informative to newcomers, and perceptive for fans of her books.
Talking heads in this are well known, to say the least.

Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde - 1912 - 6/10

Jekyll experiments with drugs to separate his good and evil sides.
Within seconds, the brutish Hyde emerges.
A quick change back, “Thank God it’s me again!”
Except Hyde is not so easily contained.
Edison film distills the story down to 12 minute thriller. Likely very suspenseful back in the day.

The Bride Wore Black - 1968 - 6/10
AKA - La Mariée était en Noir

Wedding day, Julie’s husband is killed.
Grief and temporary madness are soon swept aside by thoughts of vengeance.
Narrative now becomes “track n whack”, with ingenious demises.
While the template may seem Noir, the color photography is not.
Jeanne Moreau excels as the remorseless, yet aloof, huntress.
Probably inspired Franco’s She Killed In Ecstasy, Tarentino’s Kill Bill, among others.

A Little Princess - 1995 - 7/10

Sara, rich yet unspoilt, lives in India with her widowed father.
With the onset of the Great War, dad is dispatched to the trenches, Sara to a post New York boarding school.
All’s well, until dad is reported killed, and the money seized by the bank.
Expect no sympathy from a harsh headmistress (a sinister Eleanor Bron).
Very good family film for children, girls and boys – especially since this values girls.
Minor bullying, nothing upsetting, the tone is generally positive.
One of those rare films that, I think, received a second theatrical release.

Dr. Cyclops - 1940 - 6/10

Decades ahead of his time, the “mad” doctor decides humankind is bad for the planet.
His solution? Shrink everyone. Thus, our impact on the planet and resources will be diminished.
Per his request, other scientists arrive to confirm his findings, and end up … you guessed it.
Despite the potential, the result is a silly B-flick, saddled with an uninspired script.
Implications ignored, this becomes a survival narrative.
Early 3 color release boosts the curiosity factor.

Puppet Master - 1989 - 5/10

Yeah, first appearance of those slower-than-slugs, deadly puppets.
The dolls had lain dormant, hidden, for decades, until curious psychics arrive.
And then, the killing starts.
Depending on your taste for D-movies, or how wasted you are, this initial Full Moon outing is either goofy fun or a dull disappointment.
The puppets are ridiculous. Cheap, not particularly scary, and downright laughable.
However – the terrors have a certain weird, innocent charm that should appeal to anyone who still nurses a twisted, eight-year-old spirit inside them.
For rational types, for 99% of females, this is a mindless 90 minutes.
Wildly popular, over a dozen films followed.

Murder In Chartreuse - 2021 - 6/10
AKA - Les Bois Maudits

The first victim hangs suspended like a marionette.
He was a big man, a bully, more feared than disliked.
Come the next body, likewise hanging, puppet positioned.
Near both, wooden plaques with dates and Latin scripture.
Soon, detectives realize this is a trilogy, with a third murder to come.
This is not one for characterizations or chemistry, but a serpentine plot.
Fairly well written, although landscape not used as heavily as others of this sort.

A Touch Of Cloth - 2012 - 7/10

“What’s that you say, old man?
“Ah, yes, the police procedural, buddy cops, the whole genre, ripe for parody.
‘True, the more one knows those clichés, the more one will catch the jokes.
“Murders, yes. People will do anything to get themselves noticed nowadays.
“Refreshing to finally see a thick skulled detective. Reminds me of the cop who came after the birdbath was stolen.
“Three seasons, but only seven episodes? How much do those writers get paid, anyway?”

Under Siege 2: Dark Territory - 1995 - 5/10

Pointless sequel to Seagal’s best film. (pointless? – money)
Chief Ryback boards a Los Angeles bound train.
Just before mercenaries and terrorists arrive.
Their Plan? Gain control of a weaponized satellite and ransom or dominate the globe.
As with the original, expect Ryback to be unstoppable and unkillable.
Techno terror element far-fetched; Busey and Jones sorely missed.

Daughters Of Darkness - 1971 - 7/10
AKA - Les Lèvres Rouges

Mid-winter, the young lord and his new wife arrive at an empty Belgium hotel.
The plan is the catch a ferry back to England. Until a Hungarian countess arrives.
Despite his bride growing moodier by the moment, despite learning the Countess’s name is Báthory (!), the husband decides to linger. Well, the noble’s secretary is sexy, if feral.
Countess Báthory, meanwhile, has designs, and is a subtle gamester.
Arthouse Horror rewards multiple viewings. (Warning, languid pace.)
A moody, chilly film, essentially an updated spin on “Carmilla”.
Delphine Seyrig is perfectly cast: thoughtful, intellectual, weary, dangerous.
Do not overlooks John Karlen’s commentary, which is funny and affectionate.

Yolland, E. - Mistress Bridget And Other Tales

Historical fiction, set following the English Civil War.
With Cromwell deceased, lawlessness on both sides increases.
Adding fuel to the fires of hatred, Matthew Hopkins and his henchmen scour the land to find and execute witches, for a fee, witches being an all-purpose scapegoat for many.
Bridget is a headstrong girl, liked and disliked in equal measure by grateful / resentful villagers.
Turmoil boils over when Bridget’s parents hurriedly depart to tend an ailing relative, leaving the twenty year old Bridget to protect manor and possessions from roving cutthroats.
The yarn is well written, spiced with details and factual tidbits to please fans of this genre.
In addition, there are seven short stories. A few are barely tinged with supernatural elements, others deal with financial obsessions. Money, lack of money, hidden money, inheritances.
While I would not label this a barn burner, it was a quietly satisfying book.
Again, for readers who enjoy Victorian / Edwardian prose may find this rewarding.

The Devil’s Advocate - 1997 - 6/10

Young defense attorney in Florida had a knack for getting his clients off. Even when he knows their guilt.
His courtroom talents and lack of moral compass attracts the eye of a prestigious New York firm.
Wife, mother, G-man, all warn him that his boss, John Milton, is shady, if not sinister.
While this seems like another yarn of evil corrupting innocence, the acolyte is already a compromised soul.
A layered film, with references to “Paradise Lost”, “Faust”, and Dante’s “Inferno”. (Commentary track)
Al Pacino effective as the malevolent influence, yet he cannot quell his inner ham.
Following earlier woodenish roles, Keanu Reeves is solid in this.
Film something of a guilty pleasure and over-the-top twaddle.

Wall Street - 1987 - 7/10

Young stockbroker at a middling firm gets a chance to “bag the elephant”.
Meaning a legendary tycoon, the swaggering, unscrupulous Gordon Gekko.
Problem is, the young guy works for a reliable outfit and is taught to be honest.
Gekko is anything but, and the film is one of moral and ethical corruption.
One might imagine this is a preachy drama, this is not.
This is a financial thriller, and an ideal time capsule of the unruly 1980’s.
News then was awash with corporate raiders, day traders, and firms like Salomon Brothers.
Michael Douglas as Gekko is a powerhouse.

Never Cry Wolf - 1983 - 6/10

Government biologist is assigned to tundra wilderness to study caribou.
In essence, what is thinning the caribou herds? Wolves?
Charles Martin Smith plays the researcher who, ostensibly, goes “native”.
No bonding with any wolves, but becoming tolerated by the pack.
Low-key film feels like a documentary, which is not a bad thing.
As expected, the visuals are sweeping, and this benefits from an evocative Mark Isham score.
“Message” is buried in the film, a sly touch.

Windy Riley Goes Hollywood - 1931 - 5/10

Based on a comic strip, brief adventures of an ineffectual blowhard.
He somehow winds up in Hollywood as an under-assistant, screwing up everything.
Unfunny comedy, tedious script, obnoxious leading man.
Why watch? Fatty Arbuckel directs, following his blacklisting.
Louise Brooks in her first talkie after returning from Europe.
Tempting for fans of either actor, but still a poor film.

Till The Stars Come Down - 2024 - 7/10

Sylvia prepares to get married, sisters Hazel and Maggie assist.
Plain spoken girl-talk, barbarous with one-liners and harsh observations.
Auntie Carol arrives, a whirlwind on heels, and the tone sharpens.
Family history is spoken and concealed, sharks in the waters, if you like.
Sylvia is marrying Marek, a Polish immigrant who has succeeded, whereas most of the family are failures.
As ever with weddings, there will be a ceremony, there will be a reception, and there will be alcohol.
Live theatre, and this is a rollercoaster of emotional traumas.
Better if you could be there, yet the rewind might be useful as the dialogue is brittle and staccato.

The Boys In The Band - 1970 - 6/10

Manhattan, Michael is having a birthday party for Harold, and various friends.
The party is male, the men mostly professional, all gay, although some closeted.
Compress time, and the jeers and taunts emerge, turning uglier.
I first saw this in the 70’s, and I found it melodramatic and slow.
Nevertheless, it was edgy, since most gays were still in the closet at that time.
Now, the theatrical roots are evident, and the pace is downright ponderous.
Good for studying the acting, but not light entertainment, nor a date film (which is what I was on in ’76 when I first watched this).

Flash Point - 2007 - 6/10
AKA - Dou foh // 导火线

The inspector has been reprimanded repeatedly for excessive use of force.
Injuring, hospitalizing and maiming suspects.
His partner has been working undercover for months, ferreting a Vietnamese gang.
Police thriller never simmers below mid boil, with furious fight scenes.
Donnie Yen electrifying here, the speed of his movements breathtaking.
Collin Chou (Seraph from the Matrix) makes an incredible foe.
Full credit to the action and stunts; pity about the generic plot.

The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent - 2022 - 7/10

Career in something of a dumpster fire, Nicolas Cage accepts a birthday party gig.
Cheer the attendees, share Hollywood anecdotes, pocket a million dollar fee.
His conscience / alter-ego Nicky urges him, in no uncertain terms, to refuse.
Nevertheless, since when did Mr. Cage listen to anyone?
As soon as he lands in Majorca, he is recruited by the CIA to spy on his host, kidnapper and head of a crime family.
Wild shaggy dog film grows weirder, and funnier, with each passing minute.
Numerous Cage movies are referenced, parodied and quoted.

Mysteries Of Black Magic - 1958 - 6/10
AKA - Misterios de la Magia Negra

Damnit, this has so much going for it!
His daughter drags Professor Eladio from his research to enjoy a magic show.
Where the professor, a specialist in superstition and witchcraft, recognizes a centuries old incantation.
Who is this Eglé? How are her tricks so realistic? Where did she learn her conjuring?
Long story short, he asks too many questions, alone, and does not fare so well.
Daughter and fiancée Raúl investigate to their peril.
One look at Raúl and the sorceress realizes she has a cozy chamber for him.
Gothic Horror has sets, shadows, fantastic camerawork, spooky atmosphere.
By the final act, it mirrors Haggard’s Ayesha and the tone weakens.

Accident - 2009 - 6/10
AKA - Yi Ngoi // 意外

Kwok, the “Brain” plans for the next assignment.
His team, assassination specialists.
Method, convoluted diversions. Rube Goldberg distractions. A fatal accident.
Unfolding, these are exciting to watch.
When one misfires into an accident, the Brain begins to suspect there was a hand behind the fail.
Midway, this Hong Kong film shifts into Noir territory, steeped in paranoia.
Criminals behind criminals, games behind games.

Pushover - 1954 - 6/10

After the bank heist, Officer Sheridan is tasked with keeping an eye on the robber’s moll.
She’s wise to him, ensnares him in the petals, corrupts his rather weak integrity.
There is money, a lot of money, for just the two of them.
If they can evade surveillance, wiretaps, suspicious colleagues, underworld characters.
Moody Noir lacks malevolent characters, instead troubled, damaged souls.
Viewers can root for these people, while knowing Fate is a cruel mistress.