Vultural

Olga’s House Of Shame - 1964 - 5/10

Johnny Gordon brings in fresh meat for Olga’s organization.
Narcotics, prostitution, and now, jewel smuggling.
Hard the believe the empress of criminality is holed up in the backwoods in an abandoned mine or tipple.
The girls, hookers, chiselers, hustlers, are petty rebels, and Olga is a harsh mistress.
Brace for beatings, cheap tortures, and girls stripped to their garters and girdle
Grade D exploitation gets classy with classical scores (Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, Rimsky-Korsakov).
Extensive voiceover narration holds this together, and it feels shots were cobbled together with duct tape.
Bad cinema fans, this is pretty slow. Like you care.

Subtitles = https://subscene.com/subtitles/olgas-house-of-shame/english/2965511

Hole - 1998 - 6/10
AKA - Dong // 洞

The infection has turned into an epidemic.
Whole neighborhoods are quarantined, then residents are ordered to leave.
Meanwhile, it rains, and it rains, and it rains.
The humidity overpowers, leaks develop, trickling from one floor to the next.
In this case, opening an ever widening hole.
Where upstairs and downstairs tenants begin looking at each other, wondering,
Much of the film is the banal existence in an emptying apartment building.

Highlights are musical interludes performed by Grace Chung.
Daydreams? Fantasies? Nothing is explained.

Galaxy Quest - 1999 - 7/10

“Never retreat, never surrender.”
Loving homage to interstellar TV, especially Star Trek.
Series canceled, careers stalled, ex-cast members earn a living on the convention circuit.
Until they are space-napped by the last surviving Thermians, driven to extinction by the dread Sarris.
What ensues is a gentle parody, and sheer comedy.
A fellow reviewer had attended an advance pre-screening and reported a lost edit.
Tony Shaloub’s Tech Sergeant Chen clearly huffing a small pipe, which informs his stoner behavior throughout.

(Note: This is prime for an edit, with deleted scenes reinserted.)

Colossus: The Forbin Project - 1970 - 6/10

Another early warning about Artificial Intelligence granted too much clout.
Like Skynet, Colossus is a defense project, and again, smarter than its handlers.
Unlike HAL 9000, controlling a vessel, Colossus has the complete defense apparatus.
Of the States and the Soviets. It also has implacable logic, deeming war illogical.
Move – countermove between humanity and circuitry form the main conflict.
Dated (this feels like TV), though still relevant, especially if you have ever argued with your computer.

Wit - 2001 - 8/10

Professor Bearing, dying from terminal cancer, agrees to experimental treatment.
She is upbeat and pragmatic, all the while knowing her days dwindle.
Based on a play, it feels that way, though Emma Thompson pulls us into the humanity.
And this is a powerful journey of Life, end of life, contesting with the Reaper.
Thompson is grand, and Christopher Lloyd handles the steely, emotionless face of medicine.
What is never mentioned is the payment, especially after Prof. Bearing’s insurance taps out.
In the States, hospital sharks would seize her property to pay bills, then sell her eyes.

The Player - 1992 - 7/10

Late era Altman, whom I had given up on, provides an excellent thriller / mystery.
And scathingly funny, to boot!
Hotshot young producer (pattered after a wannabee Robert Evans?), blows off one too many writers.
Yeah, yeah, writers, they are all God’s gift. After all, their mothers told them so.
Thing is, who is the malcontent scribe? There are so many with a bitter grudge!
For films buffs, especially classic Hollywood, this is packed with jokes, gossip, scandals.
More thoughtful souls, the current era of Hollywood that Altman satirizes acts as a metaphor for America writ large.
One to view numerous times. Indispensable for film hounds.

Company - 2002 - 7/10

One of the few Bollywood films I can unreservedly recommend.
Consider this: Instead of a dozen silly, romantic musical numbers, there is only one. Period.
A gangster film, low level Chandu works for boss Malik in the Mumbai underworld.
Turf battles, revenge killings, political intrigue, obsessive police, this has it all.
As the men and their crew liquidate rivals, their gang is simply called Company.
Three hour film sweeps from India to Kenya to Hong Kong.
For Hong Kong fanboys, longing for 1990’s actioners, this is a freight train roaring down the pass.

God Of Gamblers - 1989 - 6/10
Dǔshén // 賭神

Master gambler Ko (Chow Yun-Fat) is seemingly invincible, whatever the game or stakes.
While playing to help a friend clear debts, he suffers a head injury.
Ko now has the insufferable personality of a two year old.
Will he recover? And in time for a big showdown?
Yes, yes, any fool can predict this.
Exciting first third, strong finish, but my God, that “childish” midsection is a misery.

Gods And Monsters - 1998 - 7/10

“What-if” biographic study of James Whale, long retired from Hollywood, in the twilight of his life.
Whale, openly gay in 1930’s Hollywood, was tolerated because he delivered a string of box office hits.
The hits dried up, and by the 50’s he is ostracized and is in declining health.
A shameless flirt, he is watched over by a protective Mother Hubbard housekeeper.
The relationship between the two, and the new gardener, a hunky ex-marine, forms the core of the film.
Packed with references to Old Hollywood, and periods where Whale goes into a mental fugue.
Ian McKellen deserved the Oscar. (1998 was a strong year for men, so the Academy, as they so often do, gave the award to the weakest nominee. Typical.)
Terrific small film, yet owing to the gay subject matter, fared poorly in the States.

2010: The Year We Make Contact - 1984 - 6/10

Like 2001, the 2010 date recedes further in the mirror each day.
Meanwhile, the chances of human space exploration grows slimmer.
Pointless “sequel” sends US-Soviet mission to Jupiter to find out what happened with USS Discovery in 2001.
Global tensions back on Earth, but nauts astro and cosmo are beyond that, correct?
While both stories were based on Arthur C Clarke works, 2010 misses Kubrick.
Despite better special effects (and I did like that Soviet craft), this lacks the soaring vision and imagination of the original.
What this does offer are tidy guides for individuals (know thyself) who want everything explained.
I remember half snoozing when I originally saw this.
No change.

Harsch, Rick - Wandering Stone: The Streets Of Old Izola

Part travelogue, part history and anecdotes of the small Mediterranean town in Slovenia off the turista radar. For better for or for worse.
A working class town, rough from the fringes to the core, plagued with motor cars, indifference, and thoughtless modernization.
Mine is the 2nd edition, and photos and comments do not always correspond. Adapt.
Literally packed with photos – black n white – so work your imagination to envision pastel colored buildings amidst bold blue skies.
This book should appeal to travelers who routinely trek beyond the familiar destinations. Say Vulcano, rather than Capri or Stromboli.

Rise Of The Nazis: S02-03 - 2022 - 6/10

Unexpected followup to the first series, which was superb
This one promises well, as S02, “Dictators At War” zeroes in on Hitler and Stalin.
As a result, we receive insights on Stalin, Molotov, and Zhukov.
Producers rush the pace, however, and after two episodes the Soviet Union is barely mentioned.
E03 offers the White Rose resistance as well as Colonel Stauffenberg, no Stalin.

The third season was something of a disappointment.
Talking heads, “experts”, dominated this trio of episodes relating to the downfall.
Key members of Hitler’s inner circle were psychologically analyzed.
Speer, Eva Braun, and Admiral Karl Dönitz receive more due than is customary.
All too often, the presenters voice speculation and second-guessing.
A few come across as judgmental.
Such is their privilege, though one expects more objectivity in a documentary, instead of righteous opinion.
I’d suggest stick with S01, and dispense with later series unless you are a hardcore history buff.

Subtitles = https://subscene.com/subtitles/rise-of-the-nazis/english/2971584

The Commitments - 1991 - 7/10

Jimmy decides to manage a soul band in Dublin.
Problem, there is no soul band, so he decides to form one.
Adverts, auditions, rehearsals, disastrous gigs.
Experienced viewers can easily predict how feel-good this will go.
Think again, Farquar, as Jimmy has unerringly selected individuals who detest each other.
Songs are first rate. Very funny film, although some of the Irish humor escapes me.
Film debut of Maria Doyle (Kennedy).

Wicker Park - 2004 - 6/10

Remake of L’appartement (1996).
Matthew thinks he spies an old flame, Lisa, in a Chicago restaurant.
That flame is strong as he puts his life, and career, on hold.
Although the real mystery is why Lisa originally disappeared, this US version flirts with romantic territory.
I would rarely suggest this, but it might be better to view Wicker Park first, then L’appartement a few years later.
The US version is a fine thriller in its own right, but is a lesser film than the original.
Aside from Diane Kruger, there is simply not the talent.

An Unmarried Woman - 1978 - 6/10

Early empowerment film, back when the ERA still seemed possible.
Martin leaves Erica for young stuff.
She is cut adrift, and even though an artist (Alan Bates) soon beckons, she experiences independence.
Unfortunately, this has dated somewhat, and modern audiences may not grasp how unusual this was.
Women were not in the workforce to the extent they are today.
Jobs were part-time things, or temporary. Being alone, after a certain age, garnered social stigma.
Still, reentering dating in your 40’s or later, remains awkward and daunting even now.
This is Jill Clayburgh’s film, period, and she deserved all the acclaim she received.

Cornwall And Devon Walks With Julia Bradbury - 2020 - 6/10

“Wow! Would you look at that!” Later, “My God, look at this!”
And so it goes.
Julia Bradbury, who I have enjoyed in previous docs, has developed chronic jabberjaw.
She comes across as an American teenage cheerleader on cocaine.
Besides constant camera mugging, she is incapable of simply appreciating the obvious.
Whenever she is with anyone, Julia is at least 3 dB louder than they are.
More than once, you can see guides or guests, put off, who refuse to engage with her.
Score is for breathtaking scenery.
Advice. If you go on a walk with Julia, wear earplugs. She cannot help herself.

Nathalie - 2003 - 6/10

Catherine, learning her husband is cheating, hires a hooker to “test him” and report.
Yes, like in real life. Most would hire a detective, but not here.
The plot lurches between absurd and unbelievable like a drunk trying to pass a sobriety walk.
Catherine (a wasted Fanny Ardant) is a folly of insecurity, while the hooker spins tales from the side of her mouth, and I found her impossible to believe from one moment to the next.
Not particularly suspenseful. Not erotic, either.
Excellent cast wasted in film that promises more than it delivers.

Oliphant, Margaret - The Library Window

The young girl is recuperating at her Aunt Mary’s in Edinburgh.
While we are never directly told what her ailment is, in time one might infer it is a nervous condition. Overwrought emotions necessitating peace and quiet. Or a change of scenery.
Aunt Mary and her friends are older, a merry lot, and while the young woman overhears conversations, she refuses to be drawn in.
Besides, she is preoccupied with staring at the window across the street.
As summer days lengthen, she begins to discern the interior of the room across the way. Furniture, paintings, bookshelves packed with volumes, perhaps even an occupant?
This is the gradual unfolding of a haunting. Not a ghost, nor supernatural, but this is a finely crafted tale of things seen, and unseen.
This is not one that packs a punch or delivers a jolt, but leaves the reader with a held breath of the unexplained.

Ian McKellen On Stage - 2021 - 8/10

With a large steamer trunk filled with a few props. McKellen gives a tour de force.
One man play consists of two halves and a brief, very brief, intermission.
First half touches on childhood, growing up, interest in theatre, and film work.
Those anticipating Tolkien will not be disappointed.
The half is theatre oriented. Old playhouses, rep, colleagues.
Second half: Shakespeare, every single play.
Quotes, performances, myths.
A masterclass. Theatre buffs, a must!

Life Is A Bed Of Roses - 1983 - 5/10
AKA - La Vie Est Un Roman

French arthouse territory with three concurrent plots.
One is set on either side of WWI as rich idealist plans to create Utopia.
Following war, he perseveres and creates a mad version of harmony.
Another narrative follows modern day learning institute (set in unfinished Utopia castle).
Third is dreamlike world where children, dressed as play actors, sing, do beheadings, and shift between first narrative and the second.
In all narratives, characters burst into song.
According to what I read (after being thoroughly confused by this), director Resnais was showing characters striving for happiness and harmony.
Most of the happiness resembles the sexual sort.
Bit of a slog for me, though the '20’s section was visually striking.

I have bought Titan books before, so I had a look around their site.
They have put out limited editions before, with little fanfare.
Not sure if the publisher would bother this time, as the signatures would raise the price to a princely ransom.
Still, worth checking periodically for you folks with deep pockets.

Caliber 9 - 1972 - 6/10
AKA - Milano Calibro 9

Barely released from prison, Ugo is picked up by henchmen and taken to the junkyard.
“Where’s the money you stole?” they demand, between beatings.
Ugo consistently declares he knows nothing about nothing.
Not that it’s the money to the big boss, the Americano, it’s the principle.
So begins the long game. Ugo, the Americano and his thugs, the organized wealthy behind them, and law enforcement, struggling to find a weak point.
Great Euro-Crime outing boasts graphic violence, sex, nudity, as well as a plot that keep one wondering until the last scene begins to play.

Arthur & George - 2015 - 6/10

Three part series featuring famous sleuth, Arthur Conan Doyle.
Sherlock mania in full swing, Sir Arthur is recently widowed and suffers depression.
He receives a letter from a recently released convict, hopeful solicitor, asking to Doyle review his conviction.
Martin Clunes makes a crisp Doyle. Costuming seems impeccable and most of the goings-on take Doyle and his secretary outside of London, so plenty of afternoon and full sun framing.
Story springs the odd turn here and there, but nothing too far fetched.
Because … yes, inspired by true events!
The young solicitor, Doyle’s interest, and subsequent law change were all true.
Everything else onscreen, say dialogue or additional characters? No, sorry, pure writer’s imagination.
Entertaining, if starchy, and at three parts not an endless soaper.

A Taste Of Christmas - 2020 - 4/10
AKA - Christmas Romance Al Dente

City girl Natalie does event planning, pet-sitting, gift buying, home delivery, etc ….
A veritable Jaclyn of all trades.
When her aunt, opening a small town restaurant, gets stuck in snow covered Roma, Natalie rushes to the tiny town where, go figure, the hunky Italian chef has arrived.
Christmas, cooking and romance. Keen eyed viewers might smell a formula.

I think … however … what happened was, the writer died.
The producer had already hired actors, bought skillets and aprons, and decided to wing it.
He finished the script with assistance from Ruff. Man’s nest friend.
“Listen, Ruff, they burn food, right?” – “Which sets off the smoke detector, boss!”
“Good job! Kitchen sink springs a leak.” – “And leaks explode everywhere!”
“Great, Ruff! Cinema connoisseurs will recognize an homage to “A Plumbing We Will Go.”
“The peoples should be opposite, right boss? They don’t like how the other smells.”
“In humans, opposites attract. That’s why we get divorced or kill each other.”
“How about puppies, boss?” – “We call ours kids. We find some teens so cute you could choke.”
Missing anything? Well, when the foxy Italian female sings, her voice is pure Nashville.
Nia Vardalos, featured heavily in ad slicks, is barely here.
Midway, I paused and advised Zelda this would not become a holiday repeat.
She tried to reply, through laughter, tears running down her face.
“This is one of the worst films I’ve seen in my life.”

Janis: Little Girl Blue - 2015 - 6/10

Another documentary on 60’s icon Janis Joplin, forty odd years dead.
Does a good job talking with relics and survivors, unearthing a couple forgotten souls.
Copies of letters, photos, the usual concert footage, augmented with a lot of the Festival Express tour.
That was a train tour across Canada with Grateful Dead, The Band, Buddy Guy, Flying Burrito Brothers, Delaney & Bonnie. (In fact, curious souls would be well advised to seek out 2003 doc Festival Express, a better film than this one.)
The earliest doc, Janis - The Way She Was from 1974, was slightly more sanitized than this (blame family white washing), but there were more survivors and their memories fresher.
Myth blurs with history, and this doc seems overlaid with a golden haze of nostalgia.