Movie Reviews

Hey there, friends!

Have you ever thought about the crazy “what ifs” in life? Like, what if you could go back in time and change just one thing? That’s basically the mind-bending ride you get with the 2023 film “Aporia,” directed by Jared Moshe. It’s a movie that takes you on a journey through grief, morality, and the tangled web of time.

First off, let me tell you – this movie isn’t your typical time travel flick. It’s got heart, it’s got depth, and it’s got a plot that’ll make you question everything. The story revolves around a woman named Sophie (played by the incredible Judy Greer, who, let’s be honest, is fantastic in everything she does). Sophie is dealing with the loss of her husband, Malcolm, who died in a tragic accident. The grief is palpable, like that heavy feeling you get in your chest when you’ve had a really bad day.

Enter Sophie’s friend Jabir, a scientist who, like, casually invents a time machine (because who doesn’t have one of those lying around?). But this isn’t your DeLorean or TARDIS – it’s more like a mysterious contraption that can send one burst of energy to a fixed moment in time. Imagine having that kind of power! Sophie decides to use the machine to save Malcolm, which sets off a chain of events that are as unpredictable as a cat in a room full of laser pointers. 🐱🔦

The plot thickens as Sophie’s decision to save Malcolm has unforeseen consequences. It’s like throwing a pebble into a pond and watching the ripples spread out – only these ripples include ethical dilemmas, alternate realities, and a whole lot of emotional turmoil. Every action has a reaction, and Sophie quickly learns that meddling with time is a messy business. There’s this one scene where she realizes the extent of what she’s done, and it’s just gut-wrenching. You can almost feel her heartbreak and confusion through the screen.

Now, I’ve got to give a shoutout to the supporting cast, especially Edi Gathegi as Malcom. He brings a sense of grounded intensity to the film, balancing out Sophie’s emotional whirlwind. The chemistry between the characters feels real and raw, like you’re peeking into their actual lives rather than watching actors on a screen. And let’s not forget the little girl who plays Sophie’s daughter – she’s adorable and adds a touch of innocence to the whole complicated mess.

One thing that really stuck with me is how the film handles the concept of time. It’s not just a sci-fi gimmick; it’s woven into the narrative in a way that makes you think about your own life and choices. Like, what would you change if you had the chance? And would it really make things better? Deep stuff, right? It’s a bit like that feeling when you find an old photo and start reminiscing about the past, only here, the past can actually change.

So, if you’re in the mood for a film that’s not just entertaining but also makes you ponder life’s big questions, give “Aporia” a watch. It’s got all the feels, a gripping plot, and performances that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s a film that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with more questions than answers, and is definitely worth checking out.

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

Hey friends!

Just finished watching “Darby and the Dead,” and let me tell you, it was a surprising little gem! I gotta admit, I was craving something lighthearted after a marathon of super serious and intense films. And let’s be real, anything with a ghost in it is right up my alley. 👻

The movie follows Darby Harper (played by the amazing Riele Downs), a high school student who has the unique ability to see and communicate with the dead. 😱 Pretty wild, right? After suffering a near-death experience as a child, Darby gains this power and starts using it to help the deceased with their unfinished business. It’s like she’s a supernatural therapist, which is both cool and kind of heavy for a high schooler. It’s not easy being a teenage ghost whisperer! 🙌

The plot kicks into high gear when the most popular girl in school, Capri (played by Auli’i Cravalho), dies in a freak hair straightening accident (yeah, you read that right) and becomes one of Darby’s ghostly clients. Capri’s not exactly thrilled about being dead, and she enlists Darby’s help to navigate her afterlife, which involves tying up some high school drama and unfinished business with her friends.

Capri, being the Queen Bee that she was, tasks Darby with making sure her “Sweet 17” party goes off without a hitch. And let me tell you, the shenanigans that ensue are hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. 😂💖 Darby has to juggle her ghostly responsibilities with her own personal life, and it’s a journey filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of heart.

One thing that stood out to me was how disturbingly real some of the high school dynamics felt. Even with the ghostly twist, the movie didn’t shy away from the brutal honesty of teenage life—bullying, peer pressure, and the struggle to fit in. It was a bit jarring at times, but it added depth to what could have been just a fluffy ghost story.

Riele Downs was perfect as Darby—she had this dry, sarcastic humor that made her super relatable. And Auli’i Cravalho was brilliant as Capri, managing to be both endearing and infuriatingly diva-like. Their chemistry was on point and made the movie really enjoyable to watch.

What I loved most about “Darby and the Dead” is how it tackles themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of living life to the fullest. It reminds us that even though we may feel invisible at times, we all have the power to make a difference in the world and in the lives of those around us. 💪

So, if you’re looking for something fun, a bit spooky, and full of heart, I highly recommend giving “Darby and the Dead” a watch. It’s a delightful mix of ghostly antics and teenage drama, with just enough twists to keep you hooked.

Peace out,
Roger

Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

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 201! 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 just got around to watching “Midsommar,” directed by the one and only Ari Aster, and let me tell you, it’s a movie that’s equal parts stunningly beautiful and messed up beyond belief. This isn’t your typical horror flick. There’s no jump scares here (well, maybe one or two), but what it lacks in those, it makes up for in sheer unsettling vibes. Like, seriously, this movie will burrow under your skin and stay there for days. Just a heads up

So, the story follows Dani (played by the phenomenal Florence Pugh), a young woman who’s reeling from a horrific family tragedy. Her boyfriend, Christian (let’s just say he’s not exactly boyfriend of the year material), invites her on a trip to Sweden with him and his friends to celebrate a midsummer festival in his ancestral village.

Now, pictures don’t do this place justice. Think endless fields bathed in sunlight, these crazy beautiful flower crowns everyone wears, and a commune-like atmosphere that’s almost… too perfect. Sounds fun, right? Spoiler alert: It’s not.

The village is all kinds of picturesque, with those endless daylight hours that just mess with your head. But here’s the twist – the locals’ traditions are more twisted than a pretzel. We’re talking bizarre rituals and ceremonies that get under your skin, and some seriously messed up traditions involving sacrifices (think leaping off a cliff but way more graphic )

As the days pass (with the sun barely setting, by the way, thanks to the whole never-ending daylight thing at high latitudes) and the festival unfolds, the veneer of this idyllic paradise starts to crack.

Things go from “Oh, that’s odd” to “What in the world am I watching?!” There’s this wild flower dance scene where Dani ends up being crowned the May Queen, and let’s just say, the flower power is strong but also super eerie. The villagers’ smiles start looking a lot less friendly and a whole lot more freaky.

One by one, Dani’s travel companions meet some seriously unfortunate ends (think bear mauling but way, way more messed up), and let’s just say Christian’s not exactly winning any boyfriend points throughout all this. By the climax, things are full-on crazy cult ritual with hallucinogenic mushrooms, a disturbing crowning ceremony for poor Dani, and a whole lot of screaming. Oh, and did I mention the giant burning bonfire? Yeah, not your typical bonfire night.

What really gets you is the daylight horror vibe. Most scary movies hide behind the cloak of night, but “Midsommar” throws all the creepy stuff at you under a blinding sun. You can’t even trust daylight anymore!

Look, “Midsommar” isn’t for everyone. It’s disturbing, violent, and goes to some seriously dark places. But for those who dig psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll, this is a must-watch. Florence Pugh deserves a standing ovation for her performance – she carries the entire film on her shoulders, capturing every ounce of Dani’s spiraling sanity with such raw emotion. Seriously, her range is incredible. One minute she’s sobbing uncontrollably, the next she’s staring blankly into the distance with this look of chilling determination. She’s phenomenal. And Jack Reynor? He perfectly portrays a boyfriend who’s a bit of a lost cause. 😬

Now, let me get real with you for a sec. This film isn’t just jump scares; it’s deeply disturbing on a psychological level. It makes you ponder about relationships, grief, and human behavior in ways that stick with you long after the film ends. I’m talking about an absolutely horrifying film that just might haunt your dreams.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a fun, feel-good summer flick, steer clear of this one. But if you’re up for a wild and utterly disturbing ride that will leave you questioning everything, “Midsommar” is your jam. Just maybe have a cuddle buddy on hand for after – this one will stay with you. Trust me.

Peace out,
Roger

P.S. Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

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

Hi Friends,

So, last night’s movie du jour was “Blood Red Sky,” and, oh boy, was this a beast of a movie! Directed by Peter Thorwarth, this horror flick is not your everyday airborne thriller; it’s more like if “Die Hard” had a vampire baby with “Snakes on a Plane”—only, you know, way cooler and bloodier.

The movie kicks off with this seemingly typical scenario where a mother, Nadja, played by the fantastic Peri Baumeister, and her son Elias are catching a red-eye flight from Europe to New York. Sounds like a regular trip, right? Nope, not even close. Things take a hardcore left turn when a group of hijackers decides to take over the plane. Now, you’d think that’s the main plot, but strap in, because here’s where it gets wild.

Nadja isn’t just a protective mom—she’s a vampire. Yeah, you heard that right. Not the sparkly kind, but a hardcore, bloodthirsty vamp. And here’s the kicker: she’s not about that vampire life by choice; she’s trying to get to New York for a treatment to cure her vampirism. Talk about bad timing with the hijacking and all.

And let’s just say, when push comes to shove (or in this case, fangs come out), she unleashes a whole new kind of in-flight entertainment for those pesky terrorists. Think less “tray table movie” and more “vampire fight club.” 🩸

Now, some people might say “vampires on a plane? Been there, done that.” But trust me, “Blood Red Sky” puts a fresh spin on the whole concept. The action sequences are intense, the gore factor is cranked up to eleven (so maybe skip this if you’re squeamish!), and there’s a surprising amount of emotional depth to the story. We really get invested in the relationship between Nadja and Elias, and her struggle to protect him at all costs.

The acting here is top-notch. Peri Baumeister delivers a gripping performance. Her transformation from a frail, sickly woman to a full-on vampire momma bear is just, like, wow. And the kid, Elias, played by Carl Anton Koch, does a stellar job keeping up, portraying both the innocence of a child and the desperation of trying to save his mom.

Now, the hijackers, oh boy, they’re a mixed bag of chaos, led by Dominic Purcell, who you might know from “Prison Break.” He’s got this gritty, no-nonsense vibe that makes you kinda hate to love him. The dynamic between the hijackers and the passengers evolves in such a tense way; it keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing what’s next.

The whole setup is pretty slick with a claustrophobic feel that’s perfect for a high-stakes thriller. The twists in this come at you like left hooks — fast and furious. Just when you think you’ve got things figured out, another curveball gets thrown your way, and it’s exhilarating.

One cool thing I gotta mention: the special effects. They didn’t skimp here. The transformation scenes and the bloody showdowns are so well done, they pull you right into the chaos onboard. It’s visceral and gritty, and totally sells the horror aspect.

So, if you’re looking for a movie that’s different from your usual popcorn flick, “Blood Red Sky” is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart (or stomach!). But hey, if you can handle a little blood and guts, you might just be surprised by how much fun you have.

Cheers,
Roger

Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

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

Hey everyone!

Last night was a “weirder-than-usual” movie night! I finally decided to check out Tim Burton’s take on the darkly delicious tale of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. Let me tell you, this movie is a gothic rollercoaster It’s equal parts creepy, bloody, and strangely funny Like, how do you even make cannibalism quirky? Apparently, Tim Burton can.

So, the story goes like this: Johnny Depp plays Sweeney Todd, a barber who’s having a real bad day. You see, the evil Judge Turpin (played by the impeccable Alan Rickman) throws him in prison on bogus charges, all because he has the hots for Sweeney’s wife. Not only that, Turpin is raising Sweeny’s daughter as his ward.

Fifteen years later, Sweeney emerges a changed man (think: major grudge holder with a killer shave 🪒). He returns to London under a new name and sets up shop above a struggling meat pie bakery run by the ever-resourceful Mrs. Lovett.

Now, Sweeney’s got a thirst for vengeance that runs deeper than the Thames (which, by the way, is about as cheerful as a bowl of cold porridge in this movie ). His plan? Use his barber skills to, ahem, “dispatch” his enemies one by one. Mrs. Lovett (who’s wonderfully portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter), ever the pragmatist, sees a business opportunity in all this bloodshed . She uses Sweeney’s, uh, “trimmings” to create the most delectable (and suspiciously meaty) meat pies in London.

Things get delightfully gruesome from there. There’s singing (because, Sondheim!), there’s blood splattering (lots of it!), and there’s Johnny Depp rocking some serious eyeliner and a major case of rage. It’s a bizarre combination that somehow works, thanks to Tim Burton’s signature dark whimsy and the incredible performances.

Johnny Depp’s performance? It’s intense, eerie, and a tad bit heart-wrenching. He’s not your typical hero; heck, he’s not even a typical anti-hero. He’s complex, and Depp brings out all these layers in a way only he can. And Helena Bonham Carter, she’s just fantastic. Mrs. Lovett is equal parts creepy and oddly endearing, a woman who can bake a mean pie and dispose of a body with equal aplomb. Seriously, where does she find the rolling pins that sturdy? Asking for a friend…

One thing I’ve gotta point out—this film is not for the faint-hearted. It’s graphic, with blood splattering like it’s paint and Burton is the macabre artist. But if you can stomach the gore, what lies beneath is a tragically gripping story about love, loss, and vengeance. Plus, it makes you think, you know? About justice, about desperation, and how sometimes the world can carve monsters out of men.

So that being said, this movie isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure. It’s gory, it’s dark, and it has a twisted sense of humor that might leave some viewers feeling a bit, well, disturbed. But for those of us who love a good helping of gothic horror with a side of show tunes, Sweeney Todd is a cinematic feast.

That’s it from me today. If you’ve got a thing for the twisted and theatrical, give “Sweeney Todd” a watch. Just maybe not while you’re eating, okay?

Peace out,
Roger

Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

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

Hi friends,

So, today I’m chatting about a movie that’s like a trip through time (literally and figuratively) – the 2003 flick “Timeline” directed by the legendary Richard Donner (you know, the guy who brought us Superman?). Picture this: medieval battles, time travel, and a dash of romance. What’s not to love, right?

The plot? Oh, it’s a fun ride. It kicks off with a group of archaeology students who are whisked away to 14th-century France to rescue their professor, played by the awesome Billy Connolly. The guy found himself stuck in the past thanks to a time-travel mishap involving a big tech corporation. Yeah, it’s as crazy as it sounds. The team includes Chris Johnston (played by Paul Walker, RIP), Kate Erickson (Frances O’Connor), and André Marek (Gerard Butler – yes, before he was kicking folks into pits in “300”).

Here’s where things get crazy. They land smack dab in the middle of a medieval battle between the French and the English ⚔️. Talk about a history lesson gone sideways!

Now, I’m not gonna lie, the plot does take a few wild turns. One minute they’re rescuing the professor, the next they’re dodging arrows and trying to survive a full-on war. It’s like Indiana Jones meets Back to the Future, with a dash of Braveheart thrown in for good measure. There’s even a villain with questionable morals, played by the fantastically creepy David Thewlis (remember Professor Quirrell from Harry Potter? Yeah, that guy!). He’s the one who messed with the time machine in the first place, and let’s just say his motives are a little sketchy .

But hey, that’s what makes this movie so much fun! It’s a popcorn flick through and through, with enough action sequences to keep you glued to the screen. Plus, the cast is stellar. Paul Walker delivers his usual brand of charisma, and there’s a surprising amount of heart to his character.

And let’s not forget Gerard Butler (hello swoon factor!), who shows up as a knight with a mysterious past. Seriously, can we talk about how good he looks in armor? Just saying. And his portrayal of Marek is just perfect. He’s got this rough-around-the-edges vibe that fits beautifully into the medieval scenery. Plus, there’s a subplot of romance that adds a little spice to the whole time-jumping adventure.

The thing is, the film didn’t get rave reviews when it came out. Some folks even called it boring – can you believe it? But, hear me out, I really liked it. The action hardly ever lets up; one minute they’re dodging arrows, the next they’re sword fighting with French knights. It’s non-stop!

I get that “Timeline” isn’t winning any Oscars, but it’s got a special place in my movie-loving heart. It’s like, sometimes you just need a film that doesn’t make you think too hard, you know? Just pure entertainment, with a little bit of history thrown in. For a mindless escape into medieval mayhem, “Timeline” totally delivers.

So, if you haven’t seen “Timeline” yet, give it a shot. Don’t go in expecting a cinematic masterpiece – just some good old-fashioned fun. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up liking it as much as I did!

Catch you in the next one!
Roger

P.S. Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a FREE short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

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

Hey Friends! 🚀

Today we have a blast from the past! Last night’s movie night rewind took me to 1986, a time when leg warmers were peak fashion and shoulder pads were, well, let’s just say prominent. The movie in question? None other than the slightly bonkers sci-fi adventure, “Flight of the Navigator,“ that’s part nostalgia, part cosmic road trip.

The story kicks off with 12-year-old David Freeman, played by Joey Cramer, who’s just your average kid hanging out in Fort Lauderdale. He’s fetching his younger brother from a friend’s house when bam! He takes a tumble and gets knocked out. When he wakes up, though, things get real weird real fast. It seems like only a few hours have passed for him, but in the real world, it’s been eight whole years. His family is freaked out, the scientists are poking and prodding, and David? He’s just trying to figure out what’s up with his sudden ’80s to ’90s time jump.

That’s when things get really weird. Turns out, David was abducted by this super advanced alien spaceship that’s been cruising around the galaxy, collecting specimens from different planets. And get this – the ship is actually alive and has its own personality! It’s called Max, who is part robotic, part sass-machine, and it’s voiced by none other than Paul Reubens, a.k.a. Pee-wee Herman! 🛸

Max needs David’s help to navigate back to its home planet, so David becomes the ship’s navigator. Together, they zip across the stars, dodging government goons and bending the space-time continuum, all while bonding over Beach Boys tunes. It’s a totally tubular trip!

The special effects in this movie are pretty impressive for the time. I mean, sure, they look a bit dated now, but back in ’86, this was cutting-edge stuff. The scenes inside the spaceship are especially cool, with all sorts of glowing panels and high-tech gadgets. It’s like a kid’s dream come true! 🚀

One thing I really appreciated about this movie was how it dealt with some pretty heavy themes, like the passage of time and the fear of being left behind. David’s family has moved on without him, and he struggles to find his place in this new world. It’s actually kind of heartbreaking at times, but the movie never gets too bogged down in the drama. It always manages to keep things light and fun. 😊

The thing that really sticks with you, though, is the heart of the story. It’s about growing up, finding your way back home, and the bond between David and Max. It’s touching, really, seeing this kid teach a spaceship about humanity and friendship.

The cast is great, too. Joey Cramer is perfect as David – he’s got that wide-eyed innocence that makes you really root for him. And Paul Reubens is hilarious as Max, bringing just the right amount of snark and sass to the role. Sarah Jessica Parker also shows up as a NASA intern who befriends David, and she’s as charming as ever.

So, if you haven’t seen “Flight of the Navigator,” you’re missing out on a delightful slice of ‘80s nostalgia And if you have seen it, maybe it’s time for a rewatch? Let yourself be whisked away to a time when all it took to travel through space was a cool ship and a little imagination. It’s got action, adventure, humor, and heart – everything you could want in a family-friendly flick.

Catch you later, navigators!
Roger

P.S. Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a FREE short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.