Promising Young Woman

— What an odd film and my reaction to it flipped nearly 180 degrees from start to finish. At first I pegged it as another psychotic woman film or at least one of those films that wonders if vengeance is justifiable. Had Carey Mulligan not been the star, it might have lost me early on but it moved into something that was still sinister, but more on the “Gone Girl” side of the spectrum than the “Avenging Angel” side! It became more complicated and, as the backstory is revealed, it grows into something more than a revenge film, although it is about revenge, but a more clever revenge than one that only sends people to their deaths. Ultimately, although it’s about coping and reflection, about remorse and regret, and about penance and atonement, it is within the context of coming to terms with a friend’s assault and subsequent suicide, society’s attitude toward violence toward women, and one woman’s path toward healing. The audience is kept a little off-balance much of the time, and it's a dark and tense ride with some surprises along the way. It's a troubling film, but a very good one too and one that is well worth seeing. [HBO Max streaming.]

Let me also say I looked forward to seeing this film for nine months since I’m trying not to encourage the streaming model that releases titles to the streaming market for $19.95, a great price for families but a very steep price for singles. I would have considered it at $5.99 but, by the time it dropped in price it was also likely going to be available through a streaming service to which I’m already subscribed, so I waited more months—until now.

---

[2020. 113 min. Written and directed by Emerald Fennell. Starring Carey Mulligan, Adam Brody, Bob Burham, Alison Brie.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/promising-young-woman-2020

Intrusion

— Another “scary” film with a stalker or a murderer or some such threat breaking into a lovely but isolated house owned by a couple who don’t seem to understand the value of flipping a light switch or running away instead of standing around to cry and tremble in the face of danger. [Netflix streaming.]

---

[2021. 92 min. Directed by Adam Salky. Starring Freida Pinto, Logan Marshall-Green, and Robert John Burke.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/intrusion-movie-review-2021

The Starling

— A story of loss and healing that occasionally shows a bit of a spark but ends up as a plodding, low-key disappointment. It does at least let Melissa McCarthy do more than pratfalls and juvenile comedy, but there’s not enough for her to come close to the power she has and showed in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” The film really needed a better director who understood the difference between buried and non-existent emotions, between depression and boredom. In the end, it just isn’t a very satisfying viewing experience. [Netflix streaming.]

---

[2021. 102 min. Directed by Theodore Melfi. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd, and Kevin Kline.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-starling-film-review-2021

Scenes from a Marriage

— This is just a wonderful series! [HBO Plus streaming.]

---

[2021. 5 Episodes, 50-55 minutes per episodes. Directed by Hagai Levi. Starring Jessica Chastain, Oscar Isaacs, and Sophia Kopera.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/scenes-from-a-marriage-tv-review-2021

The Father Who Moves Mountains

— This Romanian film has some strengths, but overall it’s not very original and it doesn’t leave you with anything worth much consideration. [Netflix streaming.]

---

[2021. 108 min. Directed by David Sandu. Starring Adrian Titieni, Elena Purea, and Judith State.]
https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/408697/

Cry Macho

— This is a decent story—sort of a road trip involving a washed-up cowboy, a 13-year-old kid, and a rooster. The cowboy (Eastwood) was sent to Mexico by the kid’s father to bring the son back to Texas and the son comes with a fighting rooster named “Macho”. Eastwood at 91 is still captivating but the script is so poorly written that’s it hard to know if Dwight Yoakum is just a terrible actor or it takes a talent like Eastwood’s to deliver such poorly drafted lines. It isn't one of Eastwood’s best films, but it’s interesting since it deals with having been something but becoming nothing as you grow older, about the meaning and value of "macho," about what’s important, and about the journey toward redemption and forgiveness. It’s leisurely paced, but I liked it. [HBO Max streaming.]

---

[2021. 104 min. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Starring Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven, and Dwight Yoakam]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/cry-macho-movie-review-2021

The Vault (a.k.a. Way Down)

— The set-up is all very familiar, probably because it’s a successful formula. In this thriller, a fresh but good cast manages their tasks well. The acting, combined with decent direction, pacing, and editing, make it a solid film. It may not change your life, but it's decent way to spend an afternoon. [Netflix streaming.]

---

[2021. 118 min. Directed by Jaume Balagueró. Starring Freddie Highmore, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, and Sam Riley.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-vault-movie-review-2021

The Voyeurs

— I’m pretty sure we didn’t need another film where someone becomes obsessed with watching what goes on in an apartment they can see from their window, but here it is anyway. There’s just enough titillation to assume it must be not just a “thriller” but an “erotic thriller.” I assume that helps bring in a larger audience who will find it appealing that the first half is mostly held together by glimpses of flesh and a growing obsession. Luckily, it did end with a few surprises and a twist or two that redeemed it, or at least made the first half seem a little less gratuitous. [Netflix streaming.]

---

[2017. 120 min. Written and directed by Michael Mohan. Starring Sydney Sweeney, Justic Smith, Ben Hardy, and Natsha Liu Bordizzo.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-voyeurs-movie-review-2021