Movie Reviews

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 there, movie buffs!

So, today we’re chatting about “Inception.” If you’re a fan of movies that make your brain do backflips (like me, hello!), then this is a must-watch.

“Inception,” directed by the mastermind Christopher Nolan, isn’t your average flick. The plot? Oh, it’s just about a bunch of slick operatives who invade dreams to steal secrets. Sounds simple, right? Nope, there’s a twist—they’re not just sneaking into any old dreams. These guys go layers deep, like a dream within a dream within a—well, you get the picture. And this isn’t just for kicks; it’s a high-stakes game that could trap them in a dream state forever. Talk about a nightmare!

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Dom Cobb, the main dude with a tortured past (classic Leo, right?). He’s professional thief who doesn’t steal jewels or cash, but ideas. He’s an extractor, a specialist who can enter someone’s dreams and steal valuable information from their subconscious. Think “Mission: Impossible” meets Freud, you know?

But this time, Cobb gets offered a chance at “inception,” the ultimate heist: planting an idea instead of stealing one. Why does he do it? To get back to his kids. Yeah, the feels are real with this one.

So Cobb’s team, a bunch of dream architects, chemists, and forgers (all crucial for dream manipulation apparently), jet off to infiltrate the mind of a powerful CEO, Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy), and convince him to break up his father’s company. Sounds simple, right? Wrong. This movie is anything but straightforward.

Inception layers dreams within dreams, making it hard to distinguish reality. Remember that spinning top Cobb keeps using to check if he’s dreaming? Yeah, that gets realll confusing real fast. There’s also Mal (Marion Cotillard), Cobb’s deceased wife who keeps popping up in his dreams, messing things up something fierce. Talk about emotional baggage!

The ensemble cast also throws down some serious talent with names like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who plays Arthur, Cobb’s right-hand man, and Elliot Page as Ariadne, the architect prodigy who designs the dreamscapes.

The special effects in Inception are mind-blowing. The zero-gravity fight scenes and the folding cityscapes are visually stunning and totally immerse you in the dream world. Nolan is known for his use of practical effects whenever possible, and it really shows here. In one scene, a hallway is built to rotate, which must have been trippy for the actors to film!

Now, let’s talk about how “Inception” messes with your head. You’re constantly trying to figure out if you’re watching a dream or reality. And since you know I’m a sucker for these mind-bendy movies, “Inception” hits just the right spot for me. It’s like “The Butterfly Effect” meets “Matrix” on steroids. I’ve heard it said that this is the kind of movie that gets better with each viewing, uncovering new details that were missed before, which is like discovering hidden treasure in film form.

But what makes “Inception” more than just a visual spectacle is how it makes you think about your own dreams. Ever woke up from a dream so vivid you thought it was real? Now imagine having the tech to dive back into that dream and explore it with a team. Sign me up (or maybe not, if I end up stuck in limbo)!

But Inception is more than just cool visuals and an intricate plot. It’s a film that explores ideas of memory, guilt, and the subjectivity of reality. Are our dreams a window into our subconscious, or just random firings of neurons? The movie leaves that question hanging, which is part of what makes it so thought-provoking.

Alright, if you haven’t watched “Inception” yet, you’re in for a treat. And for the veterans, give it another go. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Catch you in the dream world, or maybe the real world? Who knows anymore! 😆

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

Hey there, friends!

Today we’re chatting about the twisty, mind-bending world of “Timecrimes” (2007), directed by the one and only Nacho Vigalondo. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Timecrimes? That sounds like a cheesy sci-fi flick!” But trust me, this Spanish gem is anything but cheesy. It’s a cleverly crafted, low-budget thriller that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

The story revolves around Héctor, played by the brilliant Karra Elejalde, who’s just your average Joe living in a cozy little house with his wife, Clara. One day, while spying on a pretty girl in the woods (yeah, I know, not cool, Héctor! 🙈), he spots a mysterious figure wrapped in pink bandages. And that’s when things start to get really weird.

Héctor decides to investigate, because why not, right? But as he gets closer, the bandaged figure stabs him with a pair of scissors. Ouch! Héctor flees and stumbles upon a strange laboratory, where he meets a scientist who convinces him to hide in a time machine. And bam! Just like that, Héctor’s transported back in time by an hour.

Now, here’s where it gets really trippy. Héctor sees himself in the past, spying on the girl in the woods. He realizes that he’s the mysterious bandaged figure! 🤯 Mind blown, right? It’s like a twisted version of “Back to the Future,” but instead of trying to get his parents together, Héctor’s trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

As Héctor tries to navigate this time-travel craziness, he ends up crossing paths with himself multiple times, each version of Héctor more confused and desperate than the last. The film cleverly unfolds through a series of loops and repetitions, each one revealing a new piece of the puzzle. We see the same events play out from different perspectives, slowly unraveling the cause-and-effect chain that’s messing with time itself. It’s a tangled web of cause and effect, with Héctor inadvertently causing the very events that led him to time travel in the first place. Talk about a brain teaser!

What I love about “Timecrimes” is how it takes a simple premise and turns it into a complex, intricately plotted puzzle. Vigalondo’s clever script keeps you guessing until the very end, and the film’s low-budget aesthetic only adds to its charm. It’s proof that you don’t need a Hollywood blockbuster budget to create a compelling, mind-bending sci-fi thriller.

“Timecrimes” isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s a challenging film that requires you to pay close attention. There’s no spoon-feeding here – the movie expects you to think for yourself and piece together the complex narrative. But for those willing to take the ride, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, leaving you pondering the nature of time, cause and effect, and the perils of binoculars (okay, maybe not that last one).

So, if you’re in the mood for a movie that’ll make you question the very nature of time and reality, “Timecrimes” might be your jam.

And maybe, just maybe, you’ll think twice about spying on strangers in the woods. 😉

Catch you on the flip side,
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 195! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey everyone,

Today we’re swinging into the fantastic with a movie that stole my heart (and maybe a few tears) from 2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! I mean, seriously, the animation alone is worth the watch. But let’s get into it.

This flick isn’t your average Spidey story. We meet Miles Morales, a Brooklyn teen just trying to navigate school, family, and the whole “fitting in” thing. Y’know, the usual teenage stuff. Oh, and also he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes Spider-Man! Talk about a plot twist, right?

But things get even crazier when a portal between dimensions explodes, thanks to the villainous Kingpin, and bam! Here come a whole bunch of other Spider-People from different realities. We’re talking about a Peter B. Parker with a bit of a dad bod, a Gwen Stacy who’s a total rockstar (with killer abs!), a Spider-Man Noir who’s basically a detective straight out of a black and white film, and even a Spider-Ham, because why not? It’s a hilarious and heartwarming mix that makes you think, “Hey, anyone can be Spider-Man!”

The animation? Don’t even get me started! It’s like a comic book come to life, with these popping colors, trippy fight scenes that bend reality (think “Inception” meets Spider-Man). The creators used this funky mix of 2D and 3D animation that’s just, like, eye-popping. The colors are bright, the movement is slick, and there are even these comic book-esque action words, like “Pow!” and “Bam!” that pop up on screen. It’s such a sensory feast that you kinda feel like you’re in a living, breathing graphic novel.

But here’s the real kicker: the story. It’s not just about punching bad guys (although there’s plenty of that too). It’s about Miles finding his own place as Spider-Man, learning to trust himself, and dealing with the loss of a loved one. It gets emotional, folks, but in a way that feels real. You connect with Miles, you root for him, and by the end, you just want to give him a high five and say, “You did good, kid.”

Shameik Moore absolutely crushes it as Miles, bringing all the heart and humor to the role. There’s also some serious voice acting talent here, with folks like Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, and Mahershala Ali bringing these unique Spidey characters to life. It’s like a superhero voice acting dream team!

Oh, and did you know that the soundtrack is like a greatest hits of awesome? Hip-hop, Latin beats, and classic superhero themes all come together to create this pulse-pounding, energy-boosting masterpiece. It’s the kind of soundtrack you crank up while you’re, you know, pretending to web-sling around your room ️ (don’t judge, we’ve all done it).

Look, superheroes are cool, but Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is something special. The story is surprisingly emotional, which, you know, I wasn’t really expecting from an animated superhero flick. There’s this touching relationship between Miles and his dad, and the film really hones in on the idea that anyone can wear the mask — anyone can be a hero. It’s a great message, especially for the kiddos, but honestly, it hit me right in the feels too. 😢❤️

So yeah, “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is one of those movies that just leaves you grinning from ear to ear. The visuals are bonkers, the story is heartfelt, and the characters are just so darn lovable. It’s like one of those films you can watch over and over again and still find something new to love.

Just maybe avoid getting bitten by radioactive spiders, okay?

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 194! 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’re chatting about yet another sci-fi flick! This time we’re warping through time with the mind-bending thriller “Looper” by the awesome Rian Johnson (who also brought us the epic “The Last Jedi” ). Full disclosure, I’m totally on a sci-fi kick lately – there’s just something about those stories that mess with your head in the best way possible. Plus, this movie stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and come on, who doesn’t love that guy?

So picture this: it’s 2044, and the world is a bit of a dystopian mess. Time travel exists, but it’s super expensive and illegal for anyone but the rich folks. The mob, however, has figured out a loophole (pun intended!): they send people they want whacked 30 years back in time, where a hitman called a “looper” is waiting to do the dirty deed. These loopers are assassins who wait at an appointed time and place to “close the loop” by killing and disposing of the person sent back from the future.

Enter our protagonist, Joe (played by the ever-charming JGL). He’s a young looper who’s pretty good at his job, living a life of luxury off his ill-gotten gains. But things get messy when one day, Joe’s target turns out to be his older self (played by a grizzled and awesome Bruce Willis) Talk about an existential crisis!

This is where things go haywire. Joe’s future self escapes, and young Joe has to hunt him down or face dire consequences from his ruthless boss, played by Jeff Daniels. The interplay between the two Joes is fascinating, and it made me wonder, like, what would I do if I faced my future self? 🤔

Then the movie gets REALLY trippy. Turns out, Old Joe has come back to stop a terrifying future event set in motion by a mysterious figure known only as the Rainmaker. Young Joe, naturally, wants nothing to do with it – he’s happy with his present life, messed up morals and all.

But as they dig deeper, they realize they’re intertwined in a crazy chain of cause and effect, where their actions keep shaping each other’s destinies. It’s like a mind-blowing game of chess, only the stakes are way higher – think getting erased from existence .

Johnson does an amazing job of building suspense throughout the film. The fight scenes are intense, the special effects are slick without being overwhelming, and the story keeps you guessing. There’s also a ton of moral ambiguity at play.

You kind of root for Joe, even though he’s a killer. And Old Joe, despite his gruff exterior, is clearly haunted by his past and determined to protect the future. It makes you wonder: what would you do if you had a chance to change your past, even if it meant messing with the timeline?

You can really see the effort Gordon-Levitt put into resembling Bruce Willis, from the makeup to his mannerisms. It’s uncanny and adds so much to the film’s believability. Oh, and Emily Blunt is in it too, playing Sara, a fierce mother trying to protect her child, who might just be the key to this whole time-travel mess. Her portrayal is intense and emotional, and it adds depth to the story.

Speaking of the timeline, “Looper” does play fast and loose with some time travel concepts, which might leave some viewers scratching their heads. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right? It’s a movie that rewards repeat viewings as you pick up on new details and ponder the complexities of time travel.

As for the plot, boy, does it twist and turn. There’s a whole lot going on, from Joe’s inner conflict to the overarching idea of fate versus free will. The story is gripping, and the world-building is top-notch. The scenes are gritty and dark, and you can practically feel the tension. You know, the kind of movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s going to happen next.

Overall, if you’re into movies that make you think and keep you entertained, you should totally check out “Looper.” It’s like a mix of “The Butterfly Effect” and “Frequency,” both which, by the way, I absolutely loved. It’s quirky, it’s intense, and it’s definitely one for the watchlist.

Until tomorrow, happy movie watching!
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 193! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

Listen, gotta admit, I’ve been on a serious sci-fi kick lately. I blame it on all those late-night telescope sessions with my neighbor trying to find aliens (jury’s still out on that one, btw). Anyway, this movie marathon led me straight to Duncan Jones’ “Source Code,” and let me tell you, it did NOT disappoint.

This flick throws us into the shoes of Colter Stevens (played by the ever-intense Jake Gyllenhaal), who wakes up on a freaking train, disoriented and confused. One minute he’s a pilot in Afghanistan, the next he’s chatting with a woman named Christina (Michelle Monaghan with a smile that could light up the whole train car). Turns out, Colter’s not actually on this train – he’s in a fancy high-tech program that lets him inhabit the last eight minutes of some dude named Sean Fentress’ life. Yup — he’s in another dude’s body Talk about a mind trip!

The reason for this wacky situation? A bomb is about to go kablooey on this very train, and Colter’s mission, if he chooses to accept it (cue dramatic music!), is to figure out who the bomber is before it’s too late. Each eight-minute loop throws Colter back into the same scenario, and he has to use his detective skills (and some nudges from a mysterious Colleen Goodwin played by Vera Farmiga with a steely gaze that could curdle milk) to gather clues and prevent the explosion. It’s basically Groundhog Day meets CSI: Train Edition, and it’s seriously addictive.

Here’s the thing that really got me about “Source Code“: it’s not just about the ticking clock and the bomb scare (although, let’s be honest, those parts had me at the edge of my seat). The movie explores some seriously deep questions about identity, fate, and what it means to be human. Colter starts off focused on the mission, but as he keeps reliving these eight minutes, he forms a connection with Christina. Their chemistry is sweet and believable, which makes the ticking clock even more intense. The whole concept is a mix of “Groundhog Day” and “Quantum Leap” but with an edge that only a sci-fi thriller could provide.

I have to admit, Duncan Jones, who directed “Moon” (another great sci-fi flick, btw), knows how to pull you into a story. The atmosphere he creates is intense yet somehow comforting, if that makes sense. And Gyllenhaal’s performance is top-notch. He balances the character’s military precision with his growing emotional attachment to Christina and the people on the train. It’s so human and relatable.

Another quirky detail that I loved was the train setting. There’s something about a moving train that adds a sense of urgency, right? It’s like the clock is always ticking, and you can’t stop it. Speaking of clocks, the countdown element really amps up the adrenaline, keeping you on edge the whole time. ⏱️🚆

Now, I wouldn’t want to spoil the whole movie for you (because seriously, go watch it!), but let’s just say the ending left me speechless. There’s a twist you won’t see coming, and it throws everything you thought you knew about the story into question. It’s the kind of ending that makes you ponder the nature of reality and the choices we make.

By the end, I was left feeling a mix of emotions. Without giving away the ending, let’s just say it’s one of those “woah” moments that stick with you. The ending left me speechless. There’s a twist you won’t see coming, and it throws everything you thought you knew about the story into question. It’s like the film leaves you with a little brain teaser, and I love that.

So, yeah, if you’re looking for a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that will leave you questioning everything, “Source Code” is your jam. Just be prepared to have your brain scrambled and your emotions tossed around like a sock in a dryer. In the best way possible, of course.

Alright, I’ve rambled enough. If you end up watching it, let me know what you think!

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 192! 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 just watched “Predestination” and let me tell you, my mind is, like, officially blown. You know how I dig those mind-bending flicks, right? Well, this movie takes the cake. Directed by the Spierig brothers, Michael and Peter, it’s based on the short story “—All You Zombies—” by Robert A. Heinlein, and oh boy, does it deliver a wild, time-jumping ride. 🚀

Now, this movie is not for the faint of heart. It’s a sci-fi thriller that weaves a story so complex, it’ll tie your brain in knots (in a good way, if you’re into that sort of thing). The plot is like a Russian nesting doll of twists and turns, and trying to explain it all without giving anything away feels downright impossible. But trust me, the ride is worth it.

The plot is deliciously complicated, so buckle up. Ethan Hawke plays this Temporal Agent – basically, a time-traveling detective – who’s on his final mission to stop a bomber. But it’s not your typical cop-chases-bad-guy storyline. This film twists time so much that you’ll need a diagram to keep up!

Let’s talk about Sarah Snook, who plays the mysterious “Unmarried Mother.” She absolutely steals the show with a performance that’s both heartbreaking and intense. Her story is the backbone of the film, starting as a young girl abandoned at an orphanage, growing into a writer with a pseudonym, all while carrying some seriously heavy emotional baggage. 🧳

Now, as our Temporal Agent zips through time, trying to prevent disasters, things get super interesting. There’s this jaw-dropping twist where—get this—the boundaries of identity and time become so tangled that you start questioning everything. Like, who’s who and what’s what!

One of my favorite parts? The whole ‘70s vibe. The costumes, the sets, they nailed it. It felt like stepping into a time machine. And the nerdy side of me loved how they handled the time travel science. It’s not just flashy tech and big words – there’s an emotional depth to it, making every jump back or forward feel heavy with consequence.

Also, shoutout to the film for not just being a sci-fi thriller. It dives deep into themes of identity, fate, and free will. It’s like, are we the sum of our choices or just pawns in a predestined game? Deep stuff, right?

And before I forget, the ending. No spoilers, but it’s a full-circle moment that’ll have you hitting rewind to catch all the clues you missed. Trust me, it’s a movie that keeps on giving, even on the second or third watch.

Alright, so if you’re up for a movie night that’s more like a brain workout, “Predestination” should be next on your list. Grab some popcorn, maybe a notebook (you might need it), and dive in. Let me know what you think, or if you figured out the timeline before the big reveal – no fibbing!

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

Hey everyone,

So last night I watched a film that’s been on my list for ages: “Murderous Intent” (also known as “Like Minds” in some parts of the world), directed by Gregory Read. This 2006 Aussie/British flick is a slow burn that will have you questioning everything you think you know

The story revolves around Alex (played by a baby-faced Eddie Redmayne, way before his Newt Scamander days!), a brilliant but unsettling student at a posh British boarding school. When his classmate Nigel (the ever-charming Tom Sturridge) turns up dead, Alex becomes the prime suspect. But here’s the twist: forensic psychologist Sally Rowe (the phenomenal Toni Collette) isn’t convinced Alex is a killer in the traditional sense.

Instead, Sally delves into the complex relationship between Alex and Nigel. Their bond was intense, a mix of intellectual sparring and a disturbing codependency. As flashbacks unfold, we learn that Nigel might have been a psychopath, but not the Hollywood slasher kind. He’s more like a calculating puppet master, toying with emotions and manipulating situations for his own amusement Think less Jason Voorhees, more Hannibal Lecter with a schoolboy uniform.

The film doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker corners of the human psyche. It throws around terms like “Gestalt psychology” and gets into some pretty heady discussions about morality and the nature of good and evil.

The pacing is deliberate in this flick is deliberate, building a thick layer of suspense that had me practically glued to the screen. The performances are all top-notch, especially Collette. She brings a quiet strength to Sally, a woman determined to unravel the truth even when it gets uncomfortable. Redmayne is equally captivating, portraying Alex with a chilling intensity that’s both unsettling and strangely magnetic.

“Murderous Intent” isn’t for everyone. It’s a slow burn that demands your full attention, and the ending might leave you with more questions than answers. But for those who enjoy a good psychological puzzle, this film is a hidden gem. It’s the kind of film that’ll stay with you, making you ponder the complexities of the human mind and the blurry lines between sanity and madness.

So, if you’re in the mood for something dark, thought-provoking, and a little bit out there, give “Murderous Intent” a try. Just don’t blame me if you have some strange dreams afterward.

Catch you on the flip side,
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.