“He looks like a normal person. If we met in a café, I’d never suspect it” The person being described here is Amadeo (José Isbert), a humble old man who is on his way to retirement after years of service to his craft. What most people don’t realize when they see him walking through the […]… Continue reading The Executioner (1963) — Movies Unchained
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A Child is Waiting (1963) — Movies Unchained
The Crawthorne State Mental Hospital is an institution that specializes in housing and treating children with mental handicaps. It’s run by the stern but dedicated Dr Clark (Burt Lancaster), a serious doctor who does his best to care for the children put under his care. He soon finds himself dealing with a new set of […]… Continue reading A Child is Waiting (1963) — Movies Unchained
The Birds (1963) — Movies Unchained
If there was ever any testament to the endless talents of Alfred Hitchcock, it was that he managed to take an utterly absurd premise, a pair of uncharismatic leads, a shrill supporting cast and dated special effects and turn it into inarguably one of the greatest horror films ever made. There’s no need to wax […]… Continue reading The Birds (1963) — Movies Unchained
Lockdown Cinema — INFLICT
I have now returned to work to pour pints to people who tell me that Coronavirus is a myth. Yippie. I guess that means my lockdown is over. However, for all of you still stuck with your bottoms on sofas, here is some inspiration for what to switch on that screen you’ve been ogling for […]… Continue reading Lockdown Cinema — INFLICT
The power and grace of “Just Mercy” — Static and Screen
“Just Mercy” reminds us of the inherent worth of all human beings and that we are all more than our worst misdeed. It pleads for justice but also for mercy and unmerited grace. And if you’re going to pour the moralizing on a little thick, that seems like a pretty good lesson to double down on.… Continue reading The power and grace of “Just Mercy” — Static and Screen
“Bombshell” is not subtle, nor should it be — Static and Screen
Could another filmmaker have told this story with more nuance? Almost certainly. Would it have been better? I’m not sure. In telling the stories of serial abusers like Ailes, nuance can feel a little bit like using kid gloves. Sometimes, you need to scream these stories from the rooftops in order to get your point… Continue reading “Bombshell” is not subtle, nor should it be — Static and Screen
“Charlie’s Angels” have fallen — Static and Screen
While it’s not quite bad enough to make you long for the bad old days of “jiggle TV,” it’s also hard to shake the feeling that the old “Angels,” as offensive as it was, was at least a little more fun than this. via “Charlie’s Angels” have fallen — Static and Screen
“My Spy” has an arsenal full of laughs — Static and Screen
As disposable as the film is, it’s hard to completely denigrate a film that has this much willingness to make you chuckle. Laughter is good medicine, especially right now, and Bautista and company dispense it with ease. via “My Spy” has an arsenal full of laughs — Static and Screen
“Don’t Let Go” of these great actors — Static and Screen
Even as the impossibilities of the plot swirl around them like a gathering storm, Oyelowo and Reid stand firm as the film’s emotional anchors. via “Don’t Let Go” of these great actors — Static and Screen
Thesis, truth and “Mr. Jones” — Static and Screen
By depicting the brutality of the Soviet regime, Holland reminds us of the value of human life and of the press, and how the latter has an integral role in preserving the former. via Thesis, truth and “Mr. Jones” — Static and Screen
