movie-a-day-challenge

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

Hey friends!

Have you ever wanted to just hit pause on life and have the world stop around you? Well, that’s pretty much the entire premise of the 2002 flick “Clockstoppers.” Directed by Jonathan Frakes (yes, that’s Commander Riker from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” 🖖), this movie is like a wild sci-fi ride through the dream of every procrastinator out there.

So, the story kicks off with this teenager, Zak Gibbs, played by Jesse Bradford. He’s your typical high schooler with a major crush on the new girl, Francesca (Paula Garcés). Their chemistry is super cute and awkward in the best way possible. Zak’s dad, Dr. Gibbs (Robin Thomas), is this mega brainy scientist who’s always too busy tinkering with gadgets to pay much attention to Zak.

Enter the super cool, time-bending watch. This thing doesn’t just tell time; it manipulates it. Dr. Gibbs accidentally gets involved in some shady government project, and before you know it, Zak ends up with the watch. One day, Zak and Francesca start messing around with it, and they discover that it can speed them up so fast that everything else seems frozen. They call this state “hypertime.” Imagine being able to finish all your homework while everyone else is stuck in time – sounds like a dream, right?

But, of course, there’s a catch. There are always those pesky government villains, led by the menacing Henry Gates (Michael Biehn). This guy is so serious about his evil plans, it’s almost cartoonish. He wants the watch for his nefarious purposes, and he’s not too happy about Zak and Francesca stumbling into hypertime. So Zach and Francesca get caught up in this wild adventure involving government agents, a shady corporation, and a mad scientist.

What’s really fun is watching Zak and Francesca figure out how to use the watch. There are these hilarious scenes where they prank people by moving things around while everyone else is frozen. I mean, who wouldn’t want to mess around like that?

Jesse Bradford is okay as the lead, but the real star of the show is French Stewart (from “3rd Rock from the Sun”) as the villain, Earl Dopler. He’s over-the-top and hilarious, chewing the scenery like it’s bubble gum.

The visual effects, considering it’s 2002, are pretty decent. The whole world-freezing thing looks surprisingly cool, and you can’t help but get drawn into their little time-freezing escapades. The soundtrack is also full of early 2000s gems, which is a nostalgic treat if you’re into that era’s music.

And the acting is quite decent. Jesse Bradford is okay as the lead, but the real star of the show is French Stewart (from “3rd Rock from the Sun”) as the semi-villain, Earl Dopler. He’s over-the-top and hilarious, chewing the scenery like it’s bubble gum.

Now, “Clockstoppers” isn’t some deep, philosophical masterpiece. It’s more of a light-hearted adventure that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon when you’re in the mood for some nostalgia and quirky sci-fi fun. It’s got that early 2000s charm, with cheesy dialogue and all. But sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Plus, it makes you think – what would you do if you had all the time in the world? 🕰️

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

Hey friends!

So what if the Beatles never existed? That’s exactly what “Yesterday,” that 2019 flick is about — The Beatles disappearing from everyone’s memory except for one guy. Honestly, I’ve been putting off watching this because, like, who messes with ‘The Beatles’ legacy, right? But it turned out to be a surprisingly sweet, funny, and kinda thought-provoking film.

The story follows Jack Malik, this struggling musician played by the super charming Himesh Patel. Dude’s got talent but just can’t catch a break. Then, one night, a global blackout happens, and Jack gets hit by a bus (ouch!). When he wakes up, he realizes that no one but him remembers The Beatles! 😱

At first, he’s just confused, but then he starts playing their songs for people, passing them off as his own, and, you guessed it, he skyrockets to fame. He becomes a mega-star overnight, basically stealing credit for the greatest music ever written. Talk about a moral dilemma!

But here’s the kicker: the dude starts feeling all kinds of guilty. Plus, there’s this will-they-won’t-they tension with his best friend Ellie, played by Lily James, who’s been his cheerleader from day one. She’s the real MVP here, bringing so much heart to the screen.

But Jack’s guilt over his Beatles deception starts to eat away at him, and his relationship with Ellie suffers. It’s a classic case of “fake it till you make it” gone wrong.

I’ve gotta say, Himesh Patel? Absolute revelation. The guy sings, plays guitar, and makes you genuinely believe he’s this diamond-in-the-rough musician. And Lily James? She brings this warmth and sweetness that just makes you root for her and Jack to figure their stuff out.

Oh, and did I mention that Ed Sheeran plays himself in the movie? It’s totally random, but he’s actually pretty funny. There’s this hilarious scene where he and Jack have a songwriting competition. It’s a good reminder that even the biggest stars are just regular people, you know? In the film, he kinda becomes Jack’s mentor, which leads to some really funny and awkward moments, especially when Ed suggests changing the lyrics of “Hey Jude” to “Hey Dude.” Like, come on, Ed, really?

What I loved most about “Yesterday” was how it explored the power of music and how it connects us all. The film’s got this light, airy vibe but digs into some pretty deep themes, like integrity, love, and the whole ‘what-ifs’ of life. Even though the world had forgotten The Beatles, their songs still had the same emotional impact on people. It made me think about how lucky we are to have such incredible music in our lives. Their music has just seeped into everything, right? The film also raises some interesting questions about fame, originality, and the pressure to succeed.

Now I will admit that the ending is a bit cheesy, but hey, it’s a feel-good movie! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a happy ending?

So yeah, “Yesterday” is this sweet, whimsical ride that’s all about music, love, and the crazy twists of fate. Whether you’re a die-hard Beatles fan or just in it for a chill movie night, it’s definitely worth a watch. The film makes you appreciate the magic of music and reminds you not to take the simple things—or iconic bands—for granted.

Keep rocking and rolling! ✌️

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

Hey friends!

So, I finally got around to watching the 2018 horror flick “Malevolent,” directed by Olaf de Fleur Johannesson. Honestly, I went in with high hopes. I mean, who doesn’t love a good spooky movie night, right? But honestly? Meh. 😕 It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever seen, but it didn’t exactly blow my socks off either. 🧦💨

First off, the plot. We’ve got Angela (played by Florence Pugh, who’s always amazing – seriously, if you haven’t seen “Midsommar,” do it) and her brother Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes). They’re a pair of scam artists running a fake paranormal investigation business. They go around “helping” people with hauntings by pretending to see ghosts and then charging for their services. Yeah, classic con stuff. But then they take on a job at an old orphanage where things start getting real, and surprise, surprise, there are actual ghosts.

Now, Angela starts hearing voices and seeing things for real, which freaks her out (understandably). This is where the movie tries to shift gears into a genuine horror story. But here’s the thing: the build-up is so slow that by the time we get to the spooky parts, I was already checking my phone for the time. The creepy orphanage setting had potential, but it felt like they were relying too much on clichés rather than building genuine suspense.

Florence Pugh plays Angela, and she’s definitely the star of the show. She’s got this amazing ability to switch between being a total badass and a vulnerable mess, and it’s pretty captivating to watch. Ben Lloyd-Hughes plays Jackson, and while he’s not bad, he doesn’t quite match Pugh’s intensity.

Let’s talk about the ghosts. The special effects were…not great. I know it’s a low-budget film, but sometimes less is more, you know? Instead of eerie, it came off as kind of cheesy. There’s one scene with a ghost girl that’s supposed to be super scary, but I just ended up laughing. It was like she walked straight out of a discount Halloween store.

The plot itself is kind of predictable. You know, the whole “fake paranormal investigators encounter real ghosts” trope. It’s been done a million times before, and “Malevolent” doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. There are a few decent jump scares here and there, but nothing that’ll keep you up at night.

One thing I did appreciate was the film’s atmosphere. It’s got this gloomy, gothic vibe that definitely adds to the creep factor. And the old mansion where most of the action takes place is pretty darn spooky.

Oh, and the whole subplot about the siblings’ traumatic past? It was like a half-hearted attempt to add depth but ended up being just another plot point that didn’t really go anywhere. I felt like they were trying to cram too much into the movie without developing any of it properly.

So yeah, “Malevolent” just felt a little flat to me. It had potential, but it never really lived up to it. Maybe it was the predictable plot, or the lack of truly terrifying scares, or maybe I’m just becoming immune to horror movies. Who knows?

If you’re looking for a light, mildly spooky watch, then “Malevolent” might be worth checking out. I did find it entertaining. But if you’re expecting a truly terrifying horror experience, you’ll probably be disappointed.

TTNF! 👋
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 215! 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 got around to watching “Dear Ex,” and let me just say, I’ve got a lot to unpack here. Directed by the talented duo Chih-Yen Hsu and Mag Hsu, this Taiwanese film truly brings something special to the table with its colorful blend of emotions and drama.

The story centers on three main characters: a teenager named Song Chengxi, his determined mother Liu Sanlian, and the irresistibly charismatic Jay. The drama unfolds when Chengxi’s father passes away and, surprise, leaves everything to his secret lover Jay, bypassing his own family. This revelation sends Sanlian into a tailspin of determination to confront Jay, with Chengxi caught right in the middle. We see Chengxi grappling with the loss of his father, navigating the turbulent waters of his relationship with his mother, and trying to understand his father’s secret life.

Honestly, the acting in this film is top-notch. Roy Chiu as Jay is absolutely captivating, portraying a character who is both charming and flawed. He brings a depth and vulnerability to Jay that makes you empathize with him despite his questionable choices.

Hsieh Yingxuan as Sanlian is equally brilliant. She captures the raw pain and anger of a grieving widow with such intensity that you can’t help but feel her heartbreak. And then there’s Joseph Huang as Chengxi. He delivers a remarkably mature performance for such a young actor, perfectly embodying the confusion and rebellion of adolescence.

What really sticks with you about “Dear Ex” is its refusal to offer easy answers. It explores the messiness of relationships, the secrets we keep, and how forgiveness can sometimes be found where you least expect it. Just when you think you know where things are headed, the film peels back another layer, revealing deeper motivations and hurts. It’s like trying a new dish that keeps surprising you with unexpected flavors.

The emotional depth of this film is something else. There’s a particular scene where Sanlian and Jay confront each other, and it’s so charged with raw emotion, you can’t help but feel drawn into their world.

And the film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like homophobia, grief, and the challenges of blended families. But it handles these themes with sensitivity, offering a nuanced and ultimately hopeful perspective. The ending is particularly moving, leaving you with a bittersweet feeling of closure and a renewed appreciation for the power of love and forgiveness.

In all, “Dear Ex” is a film that challenges you to look beyond the surface of its characters and dive deep into the messy complexities of love, family, and forgiveness. It’s a beautiful story that deserves a spot on your watch list. I loved it!

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

Hey there, friends!

Last night, I dipped my toes into the golden era of cinema to watch a true classic – “Goldfinger”! I’m talking about a journey back to 1964, when secret agents were suave, villains were diabolical, and gold was the name of the game!

Directed by the one and only Guy Hamilton, “Goldfinger” is the third installment in the James Bond franchise, and let me tell you, it’s a real gem 💎 – pun totally intended! From the iconic opening sequence featuring Shirley Bassey’s unforgettable rendition of the theme song to the pulse-pounding action that follows, this film has it all! Now, I’m no film critic, but I do know a good time when I see one. And “Goldfinger” is definitely a good time, albeit a bit dated.

So picture this: you’ve got the dashing and debonair Sean Connery stepping back into the role of everyone’s favorite secret agent, James Bond. Bond finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse with the notorious Auric Goldfinger, played to perfection by Gert Fröbe. And let me just say, Fröbe absolutely steals the show as the suave yet sinister villain with a penchant for all things gold. Talk about setting the gold standard for Bond baddies!

Bond’s mission? To thwart Goldfinger’s (a gold-obsessed madman) audacious plan to irradiate the gold reserves at Fort Knox, thus sending the global economy into chaos and making Goldfinger the richest man in the world. Sure, Goldfinger’s scheme is pretty outlandish: contaminate the gold supply at Fort Knox! But hey, it’s a Bond film, so we’re allowed a little creative license, right? It’s a race against time as Bond navigates a web of intrigue, danger, and, of course, a few seductive encounters along the way (Bond is quite the hound dog, by the way).

Speaking of encounters, let’s talk about the leading ladies of “Goldfinger.” Honor Blackman shines as the iconic and unforgettable Pussy Galore, a femme fatale with a heart of gold (pun totally intended, again!). Their chemistry sizzles on screen, adding an extra layer of excitement to an already electrifying film. And let’s not forget about the iconic Bond gadgets which are always a delight.

Speaking of Pussy Galore, can we talk about those names? They’re so ridiculously Bond, I can’t help but chuckle. But hey, they’re part of the charm. 😉

The action sequences in “Goldfinger” are top-notch for the time, with thrilling car chases, fistfights, and even a laser beam! (Yes, a laser beam!) One standout moment? That epic showdown at Fort Knox, where Bond faces off against Goldfinger’s henchmen in a nail-biting climax that’ll leave you on the edge of your seat. It’s classic Bond at its finest, folks – you won’t want to miss it!

But let’s be real, “Goldfinger” isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some of the dialogue feels cheesy by today’s standards. And as much as I love Sean Connery’s Bond, he can be a bit of a cad at times. (But hey, it was the 60s!)

So yeah, whether you’re a die-hard Bond fan or just in the mood for a retro movie night, this film is sure to dazzle and delight. “Goldfinger” is a fun, campy, and nostalgic ride that’s sure to entertain fans of the Bond franchise. It’s a classic for a reason, even if some of its elements haven’t aged as gracefully as others. So grab some popcorn, kick back, and prepare to be shaken, not stirred!

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

Hey friends! 👋

So, I just finished watching this movie called “Down Low” and boy oh boy, what a trip! It’s like a dark comedy but also a thriller, with a sprinkle of drama. I feel like I need to sit down and process what just happened. Picture this: you think you’re getting into a quirky drama about a closeted guy finding himself, and then BOOM – chaos, bodies, necrophilia and crack cocaine. Like, what just happened?!

The story is wild! It starts with Gary (Zachary Quinto), a closeted dad who just got divorced. Gary decides to hire Cameron, a masseur/sex worker played by the charming Lukas Gage. Things get awkward fast, but it turns out Gary’s never been with a man. So, Cameron, being the adventurous soul he is, decides to help Gary “explore” his sexuality. 🌈 But it doesn’t go as planned, not even a little bit.

Long story short, a night of “exploration” turns into a bloody mess with a dead body in the driveway. Yeah, you heard that right. A DEAD BODY. The scenes of Gary and Cameron arguing about what to do with the body are oddly hilarious and stressful at the same time. Cameron storms off but, of course, he returns. Their chaotic partnership is something you can’t look away from.

Just when you think it can’t get weirder, Gary’s nosy Ambien-loving neighbor, Sandy (Judith Light), shows up. Judith Light is such a gem – she nails the nosy neighbor vibe perfectly. Gary and Cameron manage to distract her for a while, but she eventually spots the body. Things go from bad to worse as Sandy ends up locked in a closet. Talk about a plot twist!

The movie’s got some seriously dark humor, and the actors are fantastic. Zachary Quinto, as Gary, is the perfect blend of awkward and vulnerable. Lukas Gage, as Cameron, is a chaotic ball of energy, and Judith Light, as Gary’s neighbor, steals every scene she’s in.

The film’s chaotic energy might remind you of some lesser-known dark comedies that push boundaries. It’s like if “Weekend at Bernie’s” went off its meds and decided to tackle serious themes like self-acceptance and mortality.

But it’s not all fun and games. The movie delves into some pretty deep stuff about repressed desires, societal expectations, and the consequences of living a lie. It’s a lot to unpack, but it’s worth it.

In the end, “Down Low” is a wild, unpredictable ride that is way, way over the top. It’s super silly, irreverent, unbelievable but, in my humble opinion, wildly entertaining. It’s definitely not for everyone (many would consider it “in horrifyingly poor taste”), but if you like dark comedies with a twist, you just might dig it.

So, yeah, “Down Low” is definitely an oddball movie that sticks with you. If you give it a watch, be prepared for some serious craziness. It’s a wild, weird, and wonderful ride. Bonkers, really.

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

Hey there friends!

Let me take you on a nostalgic trip with “Kim’s Video,” a documentary that feels like a love letter to anyone who has ever lost themselves in the aisles of a video rental store. I mean, do you remember the sheer joy of wandering around, picking up random VHS tapes or DVDs, and discovering hidden gems? Well, this film captures that vibe perfectly.

“Kim’s Video” follows the story of the legendary New York City video rental store of the same name. At its peak, Kim’s Video was like the Mecca for cinephiles, with its extensive and eclectic collection of movies. We’re talking about rare foreign films, obscure indie flicks, and cult classics that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. It was the place to be if you were serious about your movie watching.

The documentary kicks off by introducing us to the charismatic and slightly enigmatic Mr. Youngman Kim, the mastermind behind the store. He started it all with a small electronics shop that slowly morphed into a full-blown video rental empire. Mr. Kim’s passion for movies is infectious, and you can’t help but admire his dedication to curating such an incredible collection.

The heart of the story begins when Kim’s Video, like so many other rental stores, faces the inevitable decline brought about by the rise of digital streaming. Cue the sad violin music. 😢 It’s like watching your favorite childhood playground being torn down. But here’s where things get interesting. Instead of just fading into obscurity, Mr. Kim decides to do something extraordinary with his collection.

In a twist that feels straight out of a movie itself, Kim’s Video collection of 55,000 movies is donated to the small town of Salemi in Sicily, Italy. Yep, you heard that right. Thousands of miles away, in a picturesque but somewhat dilapidated town, the entire collection finds a new home. The idea was to create a cultural hub that would rejuvenate the town and keep the spirit of Kim’s Video alive. It’s like shipping a piece of New York’s indie film scene to the Italian countryside.

The documentary then shifts to follow the journey of these tapes and DVDs to Salemi. And let me tell you, it’s quite the ride. There’s a mix of excitement and melancholy as the collection is packed up and shipped off. The filmmakers do a fantastic job of capturing the emotions of long-time patrons and employees who are seeing an era end. It’s touching and, at times, heart-wrenching.

But here’s where things get interesting. The collection was supposed to be a cultural exchange, a way to bring new life to the struggling town. But when the tapes arrived in Salemi, they were stored in a warehouse and forgotten. Ten years later, a group of filmmakers and Kim’s Video fans discovered the collection and embarked on a quest to bring it back to life.

What I love about “Kim’s Video” is how it beautifully balances nostalgia with a forward-looking optimism. It’s not just about mourning the past but also about celebrating the possibilities of the future. The film is peppered with interviews from former customers, employees, and film critics, all of whom share their fondest memories of Kim’s Video. These anecdotes add a personal touch that makes you feel like you’re part of this quirky, passionate community.

The documentary also serves as a poignant reminder of the physicality of media. There’s something uniquely tactile about holding a DVD or VHS tape, a sense of ownership and connection that’s often lost in the digital age. It’s like comparing reading a paperback to scrolling through an e-book. There’s just something special about the former.

“Kim’s Video” isn’t just a film for movie geeks (though if you are one, you’ll love it even more). It’s also a reminder of the power of film to connect people, inspire creativity, and preserve our cultural heritage. But most importantly, it’s a celebration of the love of movies.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a film that’s off the beaten path, I highly recommend checking out “Kim’s Video.” It’s a quirky, funny, and surprisingly moving documentary that will leave you feeling nostalgic for the days of video stores and VHS tapes. And who knows, it might just inspire you to dust off those old VHS tapes and take a trip to your own personal archive of cinematic treasures. 📽️

Peace Out ✌️
Roger