Change Your Image
jmanger85
Reviews
James White (2015)
I can't say it was enjoyable, but I appreciated it and is definitely worth watching.
I watched this gem of an indie film, James White, the other night. From the plot summary and reading other critic reviews, I knew what I was getting into. It was going to be a heart wrenching, realistic portrayal of one young man's downward spiral in experiencing death and dying of his closest loved ones.
James White is a mid-twenty-something New Yorker with a taste for alcohol, drugs, and women. In the wake of his absent father's death, James is distraught and self-medicating to deal with his feelings of pain and anger. With no one to talk to, he is alone in figuring out how to navigate some challenging life situations. As a 30-year-old single male, I could relate to James White.
The core of this movie was between James White and his mother dying of cancer. The performances from the film's two leads are, and some scenes are just a punch in the gut. All James's mother wants is for his son to grow up and know he will be able to take care of himself. Like many young adults, growing up and finding yourself is not always that easy, and James White shows you how difficult it can b. I enjoyed the ending, but a lot of watchers will not.
Without giving away any more of this well written, directed and acted film, I will say watch it! If you are a fan of indie dramas, then you will thoroughly appreciate this one.
Victoria (2015)
All I can say is...WOW!
Wow! What a realistic adrenaline fueled ride this film was. I had no idea this movie was released until I searched movies playing locally. It was exactly what I expected from it's description and much much more. I would be very interested in watching a behind the scenes making of this film and how the actors were prepared for filming to the scoring of the film.
It is shot in only two sequences with a hand-held camera and improvised dialogue from it's very talented youthful actors. This film contains no editing... just a score that delivers the right feeling for each moment of this roller coaster ride of a night. At times, some of the scenes were a little ridiculous, far fetched and even laughable, but the beauty of what this film achieved can even be appreciated in it's necessary flaws.
For these reasons, this film is a masterpiece!
Spy (2015)
A win for full figured women and a delight for all who watch!
Popcorn comedies are not usually my favorite movie genre, but this was a big step above the rest. My position for such a high rating is for the blockbuster comedy genre only. Melissa Mccarthy is generally hilarious in her roles, and this was no exception. She openly embraces her full figure and has no problem making light of it in her films. The stereotypes around plus size, mid-aged, single women are alive and then shot down by Mccarthy (No pun intended). A-list supporting actors do their part in sharing the laughs. I do not think the movie would have been as enjoyable if only set in the US. The European landscape stepped up the class of this comedy. Melissa Mccarthy as a desk CIA agent turned super spy CIA field agent, relax and enjoy the ride.
Snow in Paradise (2014)
"You can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends"
First off, this movie is not going to be for everyone and probably not most people. I am big fan of British indie crime dramas so obviously I was excited to watch this film. The script is focused on a young criminal and drug addict named Dave who was born into a life of crime. A series of events leads him to rethink his life and the people he chooses to call family.
The acting, directing and cinematography saved this movie, because the script could have been stronger... although not totally disappointing. All the actors played their roles well with an exceptionally strong performance from the film's lead. The setting of the movie in dreary London added to film's character and appeal. The cinematography was difficult to watch at times due it's drug induced scenes and flashbacks conveying Dave's mind on drugs. This type of cinematography/editing will be tough for most to watch who cannot appreciate the art behind it; somewhat reminiscent of a Requiem for a Dream. At times, I could really feel the whirlwind inside the mind of Dave.
This is not an enjoyable feel good movie by any means, but does give you a glimpse into a life of person who feels his life is at the end of the road at such a young age. Is there a way for this young man to find peace after all? Overall, a solid indie flick that will appeal to those who enjoy the darker side of filmmaking.