"Obscurities and Abject Pandering: What You’re Missing
on NETFLIX"
NEW ARRIVALS
Horror/Drama
LET US PREY
(2014, NR--hard "R", 92 minutes, FANTASTIC FILMS)
This not-so-subtle and oh-so-bloody little gem from The
Emerald Isle is a tale of evil, retribution, sin, and Good Vs Evil, played out
in a small town police station. New kid
on the force Rachel (Scottish actress Pollyanna McIntosh) has a rather eventful
first night on the job when the jail becomes populated with all sorts of evil
doers, including a few murderers and a mysterious man that seems to wreak
destruction by playing with matches. A
slight biblical overtone adds atmosphere to this thriller, which brings out the
worst in its players. You may
sympathize with one or two of the characters; however, to intone Yoda: like
them, you will not. As serious as this
film is (great acting, even better cinematography, and a careful and caring
script), it is a fun ride. And it
proves a lifelong lesson: playing with matches is bad. Seriously, kids, don't do it.
STARRY EYES
(2014, NR--hard "R", 98 minutes, SNOWFORT
PICTURES/DARK SKY FILM)
Talk about unlikely performances... all of the acting here
is fine, but it is (in what should be a star-making turn as "Sarah")
the performance of Alexandra Essoe that gives this film its fright factor. In a brave and totally unhinged performance,
we see the mental and physical transformation a struggling actress goes through
in order to land that 'gateway role'.
Gory at times, and absolutely visceral in its dealing with human nature
(and beyond...), writers/directors Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer have crafted
a tale of horror that should leave you thinking. And that ending is not a trick, it is perfect.
Drama/Thriller
THE GUNMAN
(2015, R, 115 minutes, STUDIO CANAL)
In Sean Penn’s first attempt to pull a Liam Neeson, the
actor does a fairly believable job as a retired private security/assassin
trying to move on from his troubled and violent past. However, someone from his bloody time in the Congo is out to
murderize him, so he sets out to get answers.
Never mind the fact that we are rooting for a cold blooded killer,
Penn’s acting, which never is bad, shines through a script that would have had
a younger actor yawning. You feel his
age, his sorrow, and his will to survive... especially when the biggest reason
for him to keep drawing air into his lungs is the gorgeous Italian actress
Jasmine Trinca. She also happens to be
the biggest problem I have with this film: she’s way too young for him. Of course, Hollywood has no problem casting
a younger woman to play the love interest of an aging star, but seriously, I’m
forty-freaking-six years old—WHERE THE HELL IS MY HOT ITALIAN BABE?!? Now, you will notice that, while Netflix
classifies this as “Action”, I do not; while the film does have some rather
exciting action sequences, this is not a spy movie. It is not a Liam Neeson or Bruce Willis film. Penn is all about character, and the pacing
of this film follows the classic thriller formula. Worth the watch.
Drama/International
LA MANTE RELIGIEUSE
(THE MANEATER) (2012, NR—strong “R”, 93 minutes, 7E HEART
PRODUCTIONS)
This French film will surprise you in that you think it is
about one thing, and it turns out being about something else entirely. The bisexual Jezabel (the gorgeous and
sultry Mylène Jampanoï) is a promiscuous painter living the high life
(literally) when she meets Father David (Marc Ruchmann). Her pursuit of the one person she cannot
have is what drives the story, but don’t think for a minute that is all this
film is about. Filled with poignancy
and simple flair, this is a movie that begs you to think afterwards. It is a drama, so the subtle moments of
humor are helpful, but this is a love story deep down. Bask in its tragic glory.
You see what happens when you leave me to my own
devices? I’m still watching horror
movies after Halloween has passed! Put
me to work, dammit! Suggestions are
always welcome, so get creative! The
holidays are right around the corner, and I’m always up to new challenges!
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