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 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.

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.