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 137! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hi friends!

Today we’re taking a trip down memory lane to 2002 with the cult classic, “Dog Soldiers.” This movie is like a glorious mishmash of genres: action, horror, and a healthy dose of British humor. Yeah, I know, it’s a bit of a throwback to 2002, but let me tell you, this movie still packs a punch! Or should I say, a bite? 😜

First off, the plot? Absolutely bonkers in the best way possible. Imagine this: a group of British soldiers are dropped into the Scottish Highlands for what they think is a routine training exercise. But oh boy, were they wrong. They stumble upon the remains of a Special Ops squad and soon find themselves hunted by werewolves. Yes, you heard that right. Werewolves in Scotland. Talk about a bad day at the office, right?

Let’s just say things escalate quickly. Limbs get ripped off (think “Evil Dead” levels of gore, just FYI), witty one-liners are exchanged amidst the chaos (seriously, some of the lines in this movie are pure gold), and the body count starts rising faster than the full moon.

The cast is a mix of tough-as-nails characters and some surprisingly deep emotional moments. Sean Pertwee plays Sergeant Harry Wells, and he’s just the kind of leader you’d want in a fight against furry nightmares. Then there’s Kevin McKidd as Private Cooper, a tough guy with a heart, which, you know, adds a nice touch of humanity to the blood and guts. The chemistry between the soldiers is spot on, giving off major “we’re in this together” vibes that I’m totally here for. As they face down ferocious werewolves, they learn to rely on each other, cracking jokes and forming an unlikely bond. It’s like “The Expendables” meets “An American Werewolf in London,” and it somehow works beautifully.

One thing I adore about “Dog Soldiers” is its blend of horror and dark humor. It’s like, one minute you’re on the edge of your seat, biting your nails as a werewolf lunges from the shadows, and the next, you’re chuckling at a one-liner that’s so perfectly timed, it should be illegal. Neil Marshall really knew what he was doing, mixing scares with laughs in a way that doesn’t feel forced. Kudos, Neil!

Speaking of the werewolves themselves, they’re not your typical Hollywood CGI creations. Remember, this was early 2000s, so CGI was there but not like today. No, these are practical effects monsters, all snarls, claws, and impressive agility. It adds a certain rawness to the film that makes the scares feel real, and let’s be honest, sometimes a bit of old-school monster magic is just what the doctor ordered.

But okay, confession time. I have a soft spot for films that don’t take themselves too seriously while still delivering a solid story. “Dog Soldiers” hits that sweet spot like a dart in a bullseye. It’s got heart, horror, cheesiness and humor, all wrapped up in a kilt and thrown into the Scottish Highlands.

“Dog Soldiers” isn’t trying to be a profound cinematic experience. It’s pure, unadulterated entertainment, and it delivers. It’s got action sequences that will have you at the edge of your seat, enough gore to satisfy even the most jaded horror fan, and enough humor to keep you chuckling throughout.

So, if you’re in the mood for a little horror nostalgia or just want to see some werewolves terrorize the Scottish Highlands (and who wouldn’t?), give “Dog Soldiers” a watch. Trust me, it’s a howling good time.

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 136! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, I decided to dive into the 2019 rom-com “Plus One,” directed by the duo Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer. So there I was, snuggled up on my couch, ready to be swept off my feet by some cinematic love story magic, and what do I get? Well, let’s just say my popcorn was the highlight of my evening.

The movie follows long-time friends Ben and Alice, played by Jack Quaid (yes, the son of Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan, talk about Hollywood royalty genes!) and Maya Erskine (you might know her from “PEN15,” which, by the way, is hilariously awkward in the best way). They hatch a plan to survive wedding season by being each other’s plus-ones to avoid the dreadful singles tables. I mean, the concept itself isn’t exactly groundbreaking, but I was here for it, ready to be charmed and laugh my socks off.

But here’s the kicker, folks – I found it to be just… okay. And by okay, I mean it teetered on the edge of the yawning abyss of boredom. You’ve got your standard rom-com recipe: mix two friends, sprinkle in some weddings, add a dash of romantic tension, bake under the “will they, won’t they” trope, and voila! Yet, somehow, it lacked the spices that make your heart do the salsa dance.

Don’t get me wrong, there were parts I enjoyed. The wedding scenes were like flipping through a bridal magazine, dreaming of open bars and dancing. And there were a couple of chuckles here and there, thanks to some witty lines and awkward situations that are the bread and butter of rom-coms.

But, and it’s a big but, I just wasn’t feeling the chemistry between Ben and Alice. It was like watching two really good actors… acting. You know what I mean? When you can almost see the cogs turning in their heads, reminding them to look longingly into each other’s eyes? It just didn’t click for me.

I mean “Plus One” was a decent way to pass the time, but it won’t be making my list of all-time favorite rom-coms anytime soon. It was a little too predictable and formulaic for my taste, but I can appreciate the solid performances and the occasional laugh-out-loud moment. If you’re in the mood for a light, fluffy movie that won’t require too much brain power, then sure, give it a watch. But if you’re looking for something truly original and groundbreaking, you might want to keep searching.

Ciao for now!
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 135! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

I just watched this mind-bender of a movie called “Still Time.” Now, you know me, I’m a total sucker for a good time travel flick — like, if there’s even a hint of messing with the space-time continuum, I’m there. Give me a DeLorean, a flux capacitor, and some Doc Brown and I’m happy for hours. But this movie? It’s a whole new ball game, and honestly, it left me feeling some type of way. 😮

The movie stars the ever-charming Edoardo Leo as Dante, a high-powered architect who’s basically sleepwalking through life. Workaholic doesn’t even begin to describe it. Dude’s got deadlines tighter than a drum and a social life gathering dust in the corner. Then, on his 40th birthday (cue the awkward flashbacks!), things get weird. He wakes up the next day, only to realize it’s, well, his 41st birthday. Huh? What happened to the entire year!??? And so it continues…42…42…44, etc.

But amidst the chaos, Dante starts noticing the cracks in his perfectly scheduled life. He’s neglected his relationships with his wife Alice (played by the fantastic Barbara Ronchi) and his best friend Valerio (Mario Sgueglia is hilarious in this role, by the way). He’s missed out on birthdays, anniversaries, the whole shebang. It’s a harsh wake-up call, and let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt that pang of regret at some point?

What makes “Still Time” special is that it’s not just about escaping the time loop. It’s about Dante confronting his own choices and rediscovering what truly matters. The film doesn’t shy away from the messy reality of change and regret. Dante stumbles, he makes mistakes, but slowly, he starts to prioritize the people and experiences that make life worth living.

What I loved about “Still Time” is that it wasn’t just some sci-fi action flick. It was a clever metaphor for how we all get stuck in routines and forget to appreciate the present moment. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind, neglecting the things and people that bring us joy. It’s like, the movie holds up a mirror to our own life, gently taps us on the shoulder and whispers, “Hey, how are you spending your time?” And I’m not gonna lie, it kinda shook me. In a good way, though! It’s refreshing to see a film that uses the concept of time travel to explore the beauty and pain of everyday life, instead of just throwing in aliens or dystopian futures.

The film doesn’t give us easy answers. Dante’s journey to break free from the time loop is messy, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious. But by the end, he’s not just trying to escape the time loop, he’s trying to become a better version of himself.

“Still Time” leaves you with a ton to think about — like are we sleepwalking through our days, or we truly present and engaged? It’s not always easy to break free from our routines, but this movie definitely inspires us to make some changes and focus on the things that truly matter.

Carpe Diem! ✌️
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 134! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey everyone!

Let’s talk about a movie that completely stole my heart: Richard Linklater’s 1995 masterpiece, “Before Sunrise.” This film isn’t about aliens blowing stuff up or superheroes saving the world – it’s a quiet, character-driven story that unfolds over the course of a single night in Vienna. But trust me, it’s anything but boring!

The movie follows Jesse (Ethan Hawke), a young American traveling Europe, and Celine (Julie Delpy), a French woman on her way back to Paris. By pure chance, they meet on a train and end up disembarking together in Vienna, with Jesse convincing Celine to stay for one night with him. What follows is a beautiful tapestry of conversation, connection, and exploration as they wander the charming streets of the city.

They talk about everything and nothing – their dreams, fears, past relationships, and philosophies on life. The dialogue is witty, intelligent, and full of genuine curiosity about each other. Hawke and Delpy deliver their lines with such natural chemistry, it feels like you’re eavesdropping on a real conversation between two people who are truly fascinated by each other.

And that’s what I absolutely adore about this film — is how real the conversations feel. It’s like you’re eavesdropping on two people falling in love in real time. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy deliver these performances that are so raw and genuine, you can’t help but root for them. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a hopeless romantic. They make walking and talking the most engaging thing ever. Seriously, who knew?

And oh, the dialogues. They’re insightful, funny, and so darn relatable. It’s like Linklater took a deep dive into the human condition and came out with these golden nuggets of wisdom. There’s this part where they talk about how memories and moments are what make up our lives, and it just made me stop and think about my own life. Like, wow, deep stuff.

And let’s not forget the backdrop of Vienna — enchanting and full of life. The way the camera captures the city at night, from the cobblestone streets to the intimate cafes, it’s nothing short of magical. It makes you want to book a one-way ticket to Europe and find your own adventure.

“Before Sunrise” isn’t a film filled with grand gestures or dramatic plot twists. The beauty lies in its simplicity. It captures the magic of those fleeting encounters that leave a lasting impression, the kind that make you believe in the power of connection and the possibility of love blossoming in the most unexpected places.

But what really got to me was the ending. It’s open-ended, leaving you wondering what happens to Jesse and Celine. Do they meet again? Do they not? It’s bittersweet and perfectly captures the essence of fleeting moments and connections.

I love this film to bits. It speaks to the wanderer in me, the hopeless romantic, the dreamer looking for meaningful connections. Watching it is like being reminded of the beauty in chance encounters and the power of conversation. It’s a reminder to live in the moment, to cherish the now because who knows what tomorrow brings.

This film will no doubt become a personal favorite for me.

So, friends, if you haven’t watched “Before Sunrise” yet, do yourself a favor and watch it. It’s a beautiful journey, and who knows, it might just change the way you see the world.

Until next time, keep chasing those sunrise moments 🌞
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 132! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey there, friends!

So, last night I watched “Priscilla,” directed by Sofia Coppola, and let me just say, it was quite the eye-opener. Now, I gotta confess, I’ve never really been the type to dive deep into the personal lives of celebrities. I mean, with all the buzz and gossip magazines out there, it’s easy to get caught up, but it’s never really been my jam. That said, diving into Elvis and Priscilla’s relationship through this movie was like opening a book you didn’t know you needed to read.

First off, Sofia Coppola has this knack for telling stories in such a delicate, yet impactful way. Watching “Priscilla,” I felt like I was being let in on a secret world, one that was filled with love, challenges, and, well, rock ‘n’ roll. The plot wraps around the whirlwind romance between Elvis, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, played by the incredibly talented (and might I add, very convincing) Jacob Elordi, and Priscilla, portrayed by the mesmerizing Cailee Spaeny. Their performances? Absolutely stellar. They brought a kind of authenticity and depth to the characters that had me glued to the screen, popcorn forgotten (a rare occurrence in my household).

The movie kicks off in the late 1950s, when Priscilla was just a teenager living in Germany. She’s this wide-eyed, innocent girl who gets swept off her feet by the charming, swoon-worthy Elvis. I mean, who wouldn’t? The man was a legend, am I right? 😍

But here’s the kicker – their relationship was far from a fairy tale. Priscilla was barely legal when they met (actually, she was 15!), and Elvis was already a mega-star. Can you imagine the power imbalance? Yikes! 😬 Still, they fell head over heels for each other, and before you know it, they’re tying the knot.

Now, I won’t spoil too much for you, but let’s just say that their marriage had its fair share of ups and downs. Elordi and Spaeny did an incredible job of capturing the passion, the heartbreak, and the complexities of this iconic couple. Their chemistry on-screen was off the charts! 🥵

What really struck me, though, was the way the movie delved into Priscilla’s perspective. We got a front-row seat to her struggles with maintaining her identity, dealing with Elvis’s demons, and ultimately finding the strength to walk away. Spaeny’s performance was raw, real, and just downright captivating.

But let’s not forget about Elordi’s portrayal of the King himself. Dude nailed it! From the iconic dance moves to the sultry voice, he embodied Elvis in a way that gave me chills. And let’s be real, he’s easy on the eyes too. 😉

The cinematography and the soundtrack? Oh, boy, they deserve a shoutout too. Every frame felt like a piece of art, capturing the essence of the 60s and 70s with such elegance. And the music, well, it’s Elvis – need I say more? It had my toes tapping and my heart aching, all at once.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Isn’t this just another celebrity biopic?” And to that, I say, “Nah, it’s so much more.” This movie isn’t just about the glitz and glamour of fame. It’s a raw, honest exploration of love, sacrifice, and the price of stardom. It made me realize that behind every tabloid headline, there’s a human story, often far more intricate and touching than the media lets on.

So, if you’re looking for a movie that’ll keep you entertained and maybe even teach you a thing or two about one of the most iconic couples in history, do yourself a favor and check out “Priscilla.” Trust me, it’s a wild ride that you won’t want to miss! 🎬🙌

Stay awesome, and keep rockin’
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 131! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

So, you know how you’ve got that list of movies you’ve been meaning to watch for, like, ever? “John Wick” has been chilling on mine for the longest time. And guess what? I finally dove in! 🎉 With Netflix giving me the nudge by pulling it at the end of the month (classic Netflix move, am I right?), it was now or never. Plus, let’s be real, any excuse to see Keanu Reeves in action is a good excuse in my book. 😍

First off, can we talk about how Keanu never seems to age? It’s like he’s discovered the fountain of youth and is keeping it all to himself. Not fair, Keanu. Not fair. Anyway, diving into “John Wick,” I was expecting some standard action fare, but oh boy, was I in for a treat.

The plot? Simple but gripping. Our man John is grieving the loss of his wife and finds solace in a puppy she left him (the cutest puppy in the whole world, I might add). Then some entitled brat (played by Alfie Allen, who you might know as that guy we love to hate from “Game of Thrones”) decides to steal John’s car and, worst of all, kill his puppy. Big mistake. Huge. Because this isn’t just any guy you’re messing with; it’s John Wick, aka the Boogeyman, aka the guy you send to kill the Boogeyman. 😱

I was glued to the screen as John sets out on his revenge spree. The action sequences? Mind-blowing. It’s like ballet with bullets. And the cinematography? Absolutely stunning. Directors Chad Stahelski and David Leitch really outdid themselves, turning what could have been a run-of-the-mill action movie into a visually arresting masterpiece.

But it’s not all guns and vengeance. There’s a surprising depth to John’s character, a vulnerability that Keanu portrays flawlessly. You feel his pain, his rage, and his relentless drive. It’s a performance that reminds you why Keanu is, well, Keanu.

The supporting cast deserves a shoutout too. Willem Dafoe as a sniper with a soft spot for John? Brilliant. And Ian McShane as the enigmatic owner of the assassin’s hotel? Absolutely fabulous. 😉

Just an FYI to make this even more fun: Did you know that Keanu Reeves performed about 90% of his own stunts for the film? The dedication, folks. It shows. (Source: https://www.vanityfair.com/video/watch/john-wick-2-s-stunt-coordinator-breaks-down-the-opening-car-chase)

Watching “John Wick” was an experience. It wasn’t just the non-stop action or the slick visuals; it was the emotional journey. By the end, I felt like I’d been on an intense and thrilling adventure with John. And it left me pondering the lengths we go to for love and vengeance.

Honestly, the only downside to this movie (and it’s a minor one) is that it can get a tad brutal at times. Heads do roll, and blood does flow. So, if you’re squeamish, maybe give this one a miss. But if you’re looking for a stylish, action-packed revenge story with a killer performance from Keanu Reeves, then John Wick is definitely worth checking out. Just maybe wait until the kids are asleep first.

Catch you tomorrow for the next movie adventure,
Roger