Author name: Roger Hyttinen

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 144! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE. Hey everyone!

Hey everyone!

Just got back from seeing Dune: Part 2, and let me tell you, it’s a doozy! For those who haven’t seen the first part, it’s this epic space opera based on a crazy-complex book by Frank Herbert. Part 1 was visually stunning, and part 2 definitely doesn’t disappoint in that department. We’re talking sweeping desert landscapes, giant sandworms that would make Godzilla jealous, and some truly trippy special effects. Like, seriously, some of those scenes looked like they were ripped straight out of my dreams (though hopefully without the giant sandworms trying to eat me ).

In this movie, the plot thickens, friends. We’re diving deeper into the political intrigue, the battles, the betrayals – it’s all ramped up full throttle. I was on the edge of my seat, trying to keep up with the twists and turns. And the themes? Power, destiny, ecology, revenge, and the dangers of fanaticism – Villeneuve doesn’t shy away from the big questions, making you think while keeping you entertained.

Picking up right where the first movie left off, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet – swoon!) is on the run with Chani (Zendaya – looking fierce as always) and the Fremen. Remember those desert people with the cool blue eyes? Yeah, they’re back, and they’re more important than ever. Paul’s gotta learn to control his visions of the future (which involve a whole lot of spice, the mind-altering drug that’s basically the lifeblood of this whole space opera) and navigate the political minefield of Arrakis, the desert planet everyone’s fighting over.

Speaking of fighting, there’s a LOT of that in this movie. Like, seriously epic battle sequences with spaceships, laser beams, and hand-to-hand combat that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. The sound design is incredible too – you can practically feel the rumble of the sandworms and the roar of the spaceships (my theater seat rattled and shook throughout the film). It’s a full-on sensory overload in the best way possible.

Now, I gotta be honest, the plot can get a bit thick at times. There’s a lot of world-building and political intrigue going on, and it can be tough to keep track of all the characters and their motivations. But hey, that’s kind of the beauty of Dune –— it’s a dense, thought-provoking story that leaves you wanting to dig deeper into this crazy universe Herbert created.

Here’s the thing that really struck me about Dune: Part 2 – it’s not afraid to ask big questions. It’s kind of like a space opera with a brain, you know? It makes you think while you’re ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the visuals. Plus, there’s this whole subplot about the Fremen’s relationship with the desert that made me think about climate change and how we treat our own planet. Heavy stuff, but important stuff too.

Walking out of the theater, I felt like I’d been on a journey, not just through the universe of Dune but within myself. It’s more than just a movie; it’s an experience that challenges your perspectives, makes you dream bigger, and maybe, just maybe, inspires you to be a bit braver in your own life.

So, would I recommend Dune: Part 2? Absolutely! Just be prepared for a wild ride. It’s visually stunning, action-packed, and full of complex ideas. I’m already looking forward to Part 3!

Peace out ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 143! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE. Hey everyone!

So today we have a blast from the past! Remember Dark Shadows, that gothic soap opera that creeped us all out (and maybe secretly thrilled us) as kids? Yeah, well, this past weekend I decided to take a trip down memory lane and revisit a truly bizarre relic of television history: Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood. I found it on Hoopla, by the way (Hoopla is free through your library system), if you’re feeling adventurous (or have a serious case of insomnia).

Now, for those who weren’t glued to the TV in the late 60s/early 70s, Dark Shadows was this wild ride of a show. It had everything: a brooding vampire named Barnabas Collins (played by the iconic Jonathan Frid with his deliciously dramatic flair), a sprawling, dusty mansion with more secrets than a locked attic, werewolves, witches and enough family drama to fuel a Shakespearean play. Think “Downton Abbey” meets “The Addams Family” with a healthy dose of the supernatural thrown in for good measure.

Oh, the nostalgia hit me hard, folks. This was a childhood favorite of mine — I used to watch the “Dark Shadows” series every single day after school as a kid, so you can imagine the whirlwind of emotions I felt diving back into this eerie universe.

Now, full disclosure, this technicolor gothic nightmare wasn’t originally intended to be a movie. Rather, it’s basically a Frankenstein’s monster cobbled together from like 50 plus episodes of the original series, all edited down into a glorious (and gloriously long) 3-and-a-half-hour mess. It’s more like a highlight reel of the whole “Quentin Collins haunting Collinwood” storyline, jammed into one supersized serving.

Speaking of Quentin, that’s where things get weird. Apparently, Barnabas Collins (Dark Shadows vampire played by the endlessly quotable Jonathan Frid) isn’t even a vampire in this flick! Whaaaaat? I mean, the dude is straight-up strolling around in broad daylight like it ain’t no thing. Maybe they just ran out of fake fangs that day?

But let’s get into the thick of it, shall we? The plot itself is pure gothic soap opera gold. We’ve got the creepy ghost of Quentin Collins (played by the fantastic David Selby) who hightailed it out of the 1800s to haunt the ever-lovin’ heck out of Collinwood mansion. His favorite targets? Two innocent children, of course!

Much shrieking, fainting, and dramatic pronouncements ensue as young David Collins and Amy Jennings get possessed by Quentin’s vengeful spirit. The poor kids are caught in his spectral shenanigans, leading to an edge-of-your-seat exorcism attempt. Honestly, the whole scenario is peak haunted house drama, with the Collins family literally contemplating packing their bags and leaving their ancient, ghost-ridden home home to escape the chaos. Talk about family drama, right?

The atmosphere of “The Haunting of Collinwood” is something I’ve got to talk about. It’s got that deliciously gothic vibe that’s so thick you could cut it with a knife. The shadows, the suspenseful music, the slightly over-the-top but oh-so-perfect dramatics – it’s like they bottled the essence of a stormy night and poured it all over this film.

Let’s talk about the acting for a sec, because that’s half the fun (or maybe the entire fun?) of this cinematic oddity. It’s like watching a high school play gone wild. The melodrama is cranked up to eleven. Lines are flubbed with glorious regularity, characters emote like they’re auditioning for a Shakespearean play in zero gravity, and there’s a truly impressive number of random cameramen sprinting across the scene. There’s even a boom mic that makes a surprise cameos every now and then. Honestly, these bloopers are like sprinkles on a cupcake – they just make the whole thing even more delightful. It’s all part of the charm. It’s so bad, it’s actually amazing.

Plus these actors knew how to deliver a line with a wink and a raised eyebrow, perfectly capturing the show’s over-the-top melodrama. There’s a glorious lack of subtlety that just makes you laugh, even as you’re peeking through your fingers during the particularly chilling scenes.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t this just a cheesy mess?” Well, you’re not wrong. But that’s kinda the beauty of Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood. It’s SO bad, it circles back around to being good. It’s like a train wreck you just can’t look away from.

But to me, “Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood” is more than just a movie; it’s a piece of my childhood, a reminder of those carefree days spent in front of the TV, wide-eyed and utterly enchanted (and perhaps a tad frightened).

So, is “Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood” a cinematic masterpiece? Oh, hell no! But is it a fun, spooky romp through a world of gothic chills and melodramatic family secrets? Absolutely! It’s perfect for anyone who ever loved the original series, or who just enjoys a good dose of campy horror. Just be prepared for some serious cheese, some truly epic flubs, and a whole lot of gothic fun.

Until tomorrow, stay spooky and maybe brush up on your knowledge of 18th-century curses – you never know when it might come in handy .

Happy haunting 👻
Roger

PS: Fun fact — Did you know that the “Dark Shadows” series was initially not a supernatural show? It only took a dive into the occult after its first year (when they introduced Barnabas, the vampire), which, let’s be honest, was the best decision ever. It’s like they found the secret sauce to captivating audiences, and boy, did they pour it on thick!

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 142! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey everyone!

So, I finally decided to dive into the world of “2:22” last night. This is a 2017 flick directed by Paul Currie that’s been sitting on my watchlist for what feels like an eternity. Given that I love mind-bendy, parallel universe type of films, I was looking forward to this.

The movie stars the dreamy Michiel Huisman (swoon!) as Dylan, an air traffic controller whose life gets flipped upside down after a weird light show in the sky messes with his job (when, you know, he almost causes a mid-air plane collision at exactly 2:22 PM). After getting suspended, Dylan starts noticing a seriously eerie pattern: every single day at precisely 2:22 PM, something bizarre happens. Like, think exploding windows, falling chandeliers and car accidents. Talk about bad luck, Dylan!

His quest to understand these 2:22 occurrences leads him down a path filled with cryptic messages, and a whole lot of head-scratching moments. The film keeps you guessing, throwing out clues like confetti at a parade. Is it all in Dylan’s head? Is there a deeper conspiracy at play? The director, Paul Currie, does a fantastic job of building suspense, and before you know it, you’re right there with Dylan, trying to crack the code.

And the patterns! They’re like this thread weaving through the narrative, promising something grand and mystifying. Honestly, the whole concept had me hooked like a good mystery should. There’s something undeniably cool about the universe dropping cosmic breadcrumbs for our main characters to follow.

Then enter Sarah, portrayed by the talented Teresa Palmer, who’s basically the living embodiment of “mysterious and intriguing love interest.” Their paths cross, sparks fly, and suddenly, we’re in a romance tangled up with a mystery thriller vibe. I mean, talk about multitasking in genres!

Now, I won’t spoil the ending for you (because, seriously, where’s the fun in that?), but let’s just say things get pretty darn philosophical. The film explores ideas of destiny, free will, and the interconnectedness of everything. It’s the kind of film that makes us question our own perception of reality, which, you know, is exactly what a good sci-fi flick should do!

But here’s the thing, though: “2:22” isn’t for everyone. If you crave clear-cut answers and predictable plots, this might not be your cup of tea. But for those of you who enjoy a good mind-meld of a movie, with a dash of mystery and a sprinkle of romance (because, hello, Huisman and Palmer!), then this film is definitely worth a watch. Just be prepared to have your brain cells doing some serious gymnastics!

“2:22” left me wanting to discuss it with everyone I know (which is why I’m rambling on here, of course). It’s a film that prompts you to ponder the very fabric of reality. So, if you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with more questions than answers, then “2:22” might be your jam!

Until tomorrow,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 141! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

Today’s movie review is a tad different this time! We’re visiting a sweaty, sweltering jury room in 1957’s “12 Angry Men.” Directed by the awesome Sidney Lumet, this black and white classic focuses on twelve ordinary dudes deciding the fate of a young man accused of murdering his father. ‍⚖️

Now, hold on a sec, don’t let the limited setting fool you. This movie is a tension-filled rollercoaster from start to finish. The plot thickens when Henry Fonda, who plays Juror #8, is like, “Hold up, folks. Are we really sure this kid did it?” And thus begins the most intense debate club meeting you’ve ever seen. The dynamics in that room? Electric. The arguments? Fire. It’s like watching a verbal ping-pong match where every word could tip the scales of justice. The rest of the jury? A volatile mix of personalities, from the short-tempered Juror Three (Lee J. Cobb) to the stuttering Juror Nine (Arthur Franz).

As the movie unfolds, it’s like watching a pressure cooker about to explode. The arguments get heated, the air gets thick, and you can practically feel the sweat beading on their brows thanks to some fantastic close-up shots. Fonda’s Juror Eight is the voice of reason, slowly chipping away at the pre-conceived notions and biases of his fellow jurors. It’s a masterclass in critical thinking, forcing you to question everything you think you know about the case based on just circumstantial evidence.

What I loved most was how this movie, with its simple setup, digs into themes like prejudice, justice, and the importance of standing by your convictions. It’s all dialogue, baby, but the kind that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And those camera angles? Sidney Lumet knew what he was doing, giving us those close-ups that make you feel like you’re right there in the jury room, sweating it out with the rest.

But what really elevates “12 Angry Men” is the phenomenal acting. Each juror feels like a fully realized person, with their own baggage and prejudices. You get frustrated with them, you root for them, and by the end, you feel like you’ve been through this whole ordeal with them. Henry Fonda, in particular, is just incredible. He embodies that quiet strength and unwavering belief that keeps pushing for the truth.

This movie isn’t just about a murder trial, though. It’s a powerful commentary on the American justice system, mob mentality, and the importance of due process. It made me think long and hard about the responsibility that comes with being a juror. I mean, these twelve guys hold someone’s life in their hands, and the weight of that is palpable.  I also loved how the film addressed racism and toxic masculinity without mentioning racism and toxic masculinity — it was subtle but not subtle. Yeah, there’s a lot going on in this movie.

In all honesty, watching “12 Angry Men” was a good reminder of how powerful words can be. It’s amazing to think that a film with 12 guys talking in a room could be so gripping. And it made me ponder—how often do we judge too quickly? Or speak without listening? This movie, my friends, is a timeless call to pause, reflect, and maybe, just maybe, change your mind when appropriate.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a movie that will challenge you and make you think, this is a must-watch. Just be prepared to sweat a little – even with the AC on high!

Catch you on the flip side ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 140! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi Friends!

So, for my movie of the day, I decided to stream something a bit off the beaten path the other night and ended up watching “I Lost My Body” – yeah, the 2019 French animated film directed by Jérémy Clapin. And let me tell ya, it was an experience. 🎬. It had me equal parts grossed out, mesmerized, and emotionally wrecked. Seriously, this movie is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re down for a mind-bending experience, keep reading!

The movie is, like, really out there with its premise. Imagine a severed hand (yep, you read that right – think “Thing” from the Addams Family) escaping a Parisian laboratory to reunite with its body. Sounds like something out of a weird dream, doesn’t it? Well, that’s exactly how watching it felt.

Alongside, we’ve got this heart-tugging story of Naoufel, a young man with a rather tragic past, who works at a pizza place in a grimy part of Paris. Naoufel’s life isn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows – he’s kind of lost, stuck in the dead-end job and struggles to find his purpose. What’s interesting is how the film flips back to his earlier memories, giving us a glimpse of his childhood and how the past events that occurred rippled into his present life.

Voiced by Hakim Faris (Naoufel), Victoire Du Bois (Gabrielle), and Patrick d’Assumçao (Gigi), the characters come to life in a manner that’s both compelling and deeply human, even when one of them is, uh, a hand. You know, I kinda found myself rooting for the hand more than for some characters in other movies I’ve watched, which says something about the storytelling here.

The movie then flips between two narratives. One follows Naoufel as he deals with his emotional trauma and the other perspective is, well, from the hand itself. This severed appendage, which I came to affectionately (if weirdly) know as “Hand,” is on a desperate journey to reunite with its owner. The animation for Hand is both grotesque and strangely beautiful. It’s a disembodied mess of muscle and bone, scrambling through the grimy underbelly of Paris. Think “Spirited Away” meets “The Thing,” and you’re kind of on the right track. The two narratives weave together in ways that are as unexpected as finding pineapple on your pizza – surprisingly good but not for everyone.

This flick doesn’t just play with your emotions; it juggles them while riding a unicycle on a tightrope. One moment you’re in the depths of despair with Naoufel, feeling every bit of his loneliness and longing, and the next, you’re cheering on a hand as it navigates the dangers of a big city (such at battling rats…really!). It’s bizarre, it’s touching, and it’s got that certain je ne sais quoi that sticks with you.

But here’s the thing: despite the whole severed-hand situation, “I Lost My Body” is actually a surprisingly tender story. It’s about connection, isolation, and the lengths we go to for the people (or body parts) we care about. As Naoufel searches for answers, Hand encounters a whole cast of strange characters adding a fascinating layer to the film.

And the animation style is phenomenal! It’s not your typical Saturday morning cartoon vibe but rather offers a mix of detailed backgrounds and a slightly muted, almost dreamlike quality for the characters. The way Clapin uses visuals to tell this story is nothing short of stunning. The score is also incredible – a haunting mix of strings and piano that perfectly captures the film’s melancholic atmosphere.

Now, you might be thinking, “Is this movie for me?” And honestly, it might not be everyone’s cup of tea (or coffee, or whatever your poison is). But if you’re up for something that’s equal parts beautiful, tragic, and utterly unique, then you might just find “I Lost My Body” to be a hidden gem.

Just be aware that “I Lost My Body” isn’t your typical feel-good flick. It’s dark, disturbing at times, and will definitely leave you with something to ponder. But it’s also a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the human condition in a truly unique way. It made me ponder the paths we take in life, the connections we seek, and the parts of ourselves we sometimes lose along the way. It’s also a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected journeys are the ones that lead us back to ourselves.

TTFN 👋
Roger

P.S. Fun fact: Did you know that “I Lost My Body” is the first animated film to win the Nespresso Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival? Yup, that happened in 2019, and it’s a pretty big deal considering it’s mostly live-action films that snag that prize. (Source: Cannes Film Festival official website)

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 139! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, folks!

Today we’re diving into the world of John Wick: Chapter 2, and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. If you haven’t seen the first John Wick, well, what are you waiting for (You can read my review of it HERE)? But even if you’re new to the whole assassin-with-a-code thing, this sequel will have you glued to your seat.

First things first, Keanu Reeves is back as the brooding, dog-loving assassin we all root for, despite his body count being higher than my calorie intake on a cheat day. 😂 The movie kicks off right where we left off, with John seeking to retrieve his stolen car. But, like, it’s John Wick, so it’s not just a trip to the impound lot. No, it’s a full-on ballet of destruction.

What’s fascinating about this sequel is how it dives deeper into the lore of the assassin world. The Continental Hotel’s rules, the blood oaths, and the high table stuff—it’s like discovering there’s a secret menu at your favorite burger joint. You thought you knew all there was to know, but there’s this whole other level.

Now, let’s talk about the plot because, oh my, it’s like someone threw gasoline on a fire. Wick is trying to live his retired life, but gets dragged back into the fray because of a blood oath to Santino D’Antonio, a guy you love to hate. The mission? Assassinate Santino’s sister. Yeah, from there, it gets really, really messy.

So, John heads to Rome (because why not, right?) to take out a mafia boss’s sister. This is where things get crazy. We’re talking shootouts in fancy suits, car chases through the cobblestone streets of Rome (side note: those poor pedestrians!), and enough dead bodies to fill a coliseum. The action sequences are, like, insanely well-choreographed. John Wick is a ballet of bullets, weaving through rooms and dodging gunfire with the grace of a freaking dancer.

It’s brutal, sure, but also oddly beautiful. It’s like watching a dance. A dance of death, but a dance nonetheless. The gun-fu, the car chases, the hand-to-hand combat—it’s all so… so much, and I’m here for it. Keanu Reeves does most of his stunts, which just adds to the whole “Wow, am I really seeing this?” vibe.

But it’s not just Keanu; the whole cast is stellar. Ian McShane as Winston, the Continental’s manager, brings that calm, menacing vibe we adore. And can we talk about Ruby Rose as Ares? She’s mute but communicates so much with just her expressions and sign language. Major props.

But John Wick: Chapter 2 isn’t just about the action (although, let’s be honest, that’s a big part of the appeal). The world-building in this movie is fantastic. There’s this whole secret assassin society with its own currency (gold coins!), rules (don’t kill on Continental grounds!), and assassins with specialties (like a freaking knife-wielding hitwoman played by the awesome Ruby Rose!). It’s like a dark, twisted version of the Hogwarts houses, but way more bullets and way less butterbeer.

There’s a sense of humor in the movie that I appreciate. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, even though the body count is through the roof. Like, there’s a scene where Wick and Cassian (played by the fantastic Common) are nonchalantly shooting at each other with silenced pistols in a crowded place, and it’s just kinda hilarious.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is a non-stop action thrill ride. It’s stylish, brutal, and surprisingly funny at times (John Wick has a very particular way with a pencil, let’s just say). If you’re looking for an action movie that will blow your mind (and maybe make you wince a little), then this is the movie for you. Just be warned, once you enter the world of John Wick, you might find yourself wanting to learn some killer gun-fu skills yourself (although, maybe leave that to the professionals).

Until next time, keep it real and remember: always be kind to dogs. 🐶

Peace Out ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 138! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends! 🌈

So, guess who just spent another evening plunging into the abyss of mind-bending cinema? Yep, your very own movie junkie right here. This time, I wrapped myself in the enigma that is “Lucid Dream,” directed by the visionary Joon-Sung Kim. And let me tell ya, it was a trip worth taking. I mean, I’m always a sucker for anything that messes with my head (in the best way possible), and this flick? It did not disappoint.

Let’s get the basics down first. “Lucid Dream” is this thriller that hooks you with the story of Dae-ho (played by the brilliant Go Soo), a journalist whose son gets kidnapped. Fast forward three years and the case has gone cold. We find Dae-ho desperate, with the police having zero leads. That’s when lucid dreaming comes into play – as a method to unlock memories of the day his son disappeared. Basically, it’s being aware you’re dreaming and being able to control your dreams. Sounds cool, right? It’s like, “Hey, let’s take a detour through the subconscious!” Sign me up!

Dae-ho is determined to use this trippy tech to revisit his own dreams from the night his son vanished. Here’s where things get INSANE. The movie throws some seriously mind-bending visuals at you. Dae-ho’s dreamscape is a chaotic rollercoaster of collapsing buildings, gravity-defying fight scenes, and haunting glimpses of his missing son. It’s visually stunning and totally messes with your perception of reality in the best way possible. Like, are you dreaming with Dae-ho, or is Dae-ho dreaming with you?

Speaking of mind games, there’s this mysterious character, played by the ever-so-charming Park Yoo-chun (apparently a former K-pop star – whoa!), who can not only enter Dae-ho’s dreams but also jump into other people’s heads! Think dream-hopping like it’s a tourist destination. This adds a whole new layer of mystery and, let’s be honest, major creep factor. Who can you trust in the dream world, anyway?

But hold on, it’s not all about mind games and dream fights (although, those are pretty epic). The movie has a real emotional core that had me tearing up. Go Soo absolutely kills it as the grieving father clinging to any hope he can find. His desperation and unwavering determination to find his son were so raw and powerful. There’s a scene where he confronts a suspect in a dream – the raw intensity and vulnerability in his performance deserve all the awards.

The plot itself was like a puzzle inside a maze – the deeper you go, the more intricate it becomes. What I adore about “Lucid Dream” is its ability to keep you guessing while exploring the vast, untapped realms of the human mind.

But here’s the kicker, the way this movie played with the concept of lucid dreaming to solve a mystery? Brilliant. It’s like giving us a ticket to the most exclusive show inside our minds and reminding us of the power and potential of our subconscious. Every twist, every turn, I was there for it, eating up every clue, every revelation.

Now, is the movie perfect? Not quite. The plot gets a little tangled at times, and some of the dream mechanics explanations felt a bit flimsy. But hey, it’s a movie about lucid dreaming – a little ambiguity just adds to the trippy fun, right?

Still, “Lucid Dream” is a mind-blowing blend of action, suspense, and emotional depth, all wrapped up in a visually stunning dreamscape. So if you’re looking for a movie that will challenge your perception of reality and make you question your own dreams (wait…did I dream that or did it really happen?), then this is a must-watch.

Sweet Dreams! 😴💤
Roger