Return of the King: The Fall and Rise of Elvis Presley (2024)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Jason Hehir
Cast: Billy Corgan, Darlene Love, Baz Luhrmann, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Schilling
Running Time: 90 minutes

 

This documentary covers the rise to fame of music legend Elvis Presley, with the help of manager Col. Parker. It also delves into how, after having to go to Germany for military service, Elvis came back to a career of subpar musical movies and less-than-stellar songs. Then came the 1968 Comeback Special, on NBC, that would revitalize Elvis’ career. For once, Presley trusted his instincts. He was motivated and performed in the legendary way he was capable of when pushed.

This is certainly not the first documentary on any aspect of the career and life of Elvis Presley. That being said, it is one of the best ones in my book. It left me thinking: Man, what could have been, if the man had been better surrounded.

It was cool to hear from people who were close to Elvis, like his ex-wife Priscilla, friend Jerry Schilling and former work colleague Darlene Love. It was also interesting to hear from well-known fans, such as Billy Corgan, Bruce Springsteen and Conan O’Brien.

Jason Hehir did a solid job bringing all these people together to tell a very compelling story about this man who died almost 50 years ago, but that none of us have forgotten.

Rating: «««««

American Pie 2 (2001)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: James B. Rogers
Cast: Jason Biggs, Shannon Elizabeth, Alyson Hannigan, Chris Klein, Natasha Lyonne
Running Time: 100 minutes

 

The five friends from the first American Pie movie have now been through their first year at college. As they come home, they realize that things have changed and that it is now hard to hold on to the past. In a quest to move forward in their lives, they rent out a Lake Michigan beach house for the Summer, with plans to close out the season with a massive bash.

This sequel is loaded with laughs, sexual shenanigans and crazy situations. I had not seen it in years, and it was really fun to revisit. It is a great movie to turn your brain off and relax. Watching it again has reminded me how much Eugene Levy is an absolute national treasure. The man is so funny as Jim’s dad.

Rating: ««««

The Warriors (1979)

Genre: Action / Thriller
Directed by: Walter Hill
Cast: Michael Beck, James Remar, Deborah Van Valkenburgh
Running Time: 115 minutes

 

A street gang known as The Warriors has to travel by various means from The Bronx to their home turf of Coney Island after getting framed for the murder of a popular gang leader named Cyrus. With a lot of angry gangs on their tale, and the cops, the Warriors have to find their way home.

This film is based on Sol Yurich’s novel of the same name. While it is a bit cartoonish and unrealistic, The Warriors have gained a cult following over the years, and with good reason. It is an entertaining flick. It is kept short. It is action packed. Some of the fight scenes are cool. Not bad.

Rating: «««

Of Mice and Men (1992)

Genre: Drama
Directed by: Gary Sinise
Cast: John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Ray Walston
Running Time: 111 minutes

 

During the Great Depression, George Milton and Lennie Small are two farm workers travelling the country from job to job. George is quick-witted, while Lenny is big and strong, but mentally disabled. The best friends have a hard time keeping jobs, as Lennie, without any ill intent, always gets them into trouble.

This is the second cinematic adaptation of the John Steinbeck novella of the same name. It does a good job telling the basic story of the Steinbeck story, though a few liberties are taken in the film. The cast does a proper job. Everyone is truly believable. A fine little piece of cinema.

Rating: ««««

Conclave (2024)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Edward Berger
Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow
Running Time: 120 minutes

 

After the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals has to go into seclusion for the papal conclave. Cardinal-Dean Thomas Lawrence is put in charge of the proceedings, and, as the process wears on, he finds himself having to look into scandals and secrets, as personal ambitions are rampant among these men of faith.

This is a very smart film inspired by the 2016 novel of the same name by Robert Harris. The pace is slow and deliberate, but the film pulls you in if you let it. I loved how, with little cinematic touches, the filmmakers made these men of God feel so human.

Absolute kudos to Ralph Fiennes on his performance as Cardinal-Dean Lawrence. From his physiognomy to his posture, to his whole performance, he brought this character to life and made it feel real. A brilliant film that I loved very much.

 

Rating: «««««

Smile (2022)

Genre: Horror
Directed by: Parker Finn
Cast: Sosie Bacon, Kyle Gallner, Jessie T. Usher
Running Time: 115 minutes

 

After witnessing the bizarre suicide of a patient while at work, therapist Rose Cotter starts experiencing the same supernatural presence her patient was complaining about before killing herself.

This supernatural horror film does a very good job setting a mood and an atmosphere. It almost lost me there towards the end, but, still, all the way through, I was hooked. Good acting and good directing.

Rating: ««««

Mr. McMahon (2024)

Genre: Documentary / TV
Directed by: Chris Smith
Cast: Vince McMahon, Shane McMahon, Hulk Hogan, Triple H
Number of episodes: 6

 

This 6-episode TV miniseries produced by Netflix covers the life and career of businessman and controversial wrestling promoter Vince McMahon. Through various interviews with McMahon’s family members, current and former employees and numerous medias personalities, we get a glimpse behind the curtain of a business that has always blurred the lines between fiction and reality. Then, the documentary took a dark turn after serious allegations of sexual misconduct came out regarding Vince McMahon.

As a long time wrestling fan, I did not learn much here, but it was a compelling look at a dark complicated man. I am sure Vince McMahon himself is not a fan of this one. It sure does not shine a positive light on him.

Rating: ««««

Anatomie d'une chute (2023)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisation: Justine Triet
Distribution: Sandra Hüller, Swann Arlaud, Milo Machado-Graner
Durée: 152 minutes

 

Sandra Voyter est une auteure vivant avec son mari Samuel Maleski, aussi auteur, et leur jeune fils Daniel, qui souffre d’un trouble visuel, dans un chalet isolé dans les montagnes de Grenoble, en France. Lorsque Samuel est trouvé mort devant chez lui d’une chute à l’apparence suspecte, Sandra se retrouve accusée du meurtre de son mari, avec qui elle entretenait une relation tendue depuis un certain temps.

Non, mais quel film absolument magistral. L’histoire est si bien ficelé et racontée avec talent. Et le travail des acteurs et actrices est splendide. C’est vraiment du gros cinéma. Un long film qui passe si vite.

Rating: «««««

Bleed for This (2016)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Ben Younger
Cast: Miles Teller, Aaron Eckhart, Katey Sagal
Running Time: 117 minutes

 

This biographical film tells the story of former world champion boxer Vinny Pazienza, who ended up with a severe neck injury following a car accident. Told by doctors that he might never walk again and that he certainly will never fight again, Pazienza defies the odds and makes a comeback.

The success of this film lies heavily on the shoulders of Miles Teller, who is solid in the lead role. He does such a great job. The supporting cast is good too. Some of the stuff is a little clichéd, but, overall, very enjoyable movie.

Rating: ««««

American Pie (1999)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Paul Weitz
Cast: Jason Biggs, Chris Klein, Alyson Hannigan, Natasha Lyonne, Thomas Ian Nicholas
Running Time: 95 minutes

 

As approaches the end of their last year in high school, four best friends make a secret pact to support each other as they all try to finally lose their respective virginities before graduation.

It was fun to revisit this one so many years later. It came out just as I finished university, but I realize now that all the actors playing high school kids are my age today. I guess that’s why it still resonates with my memories of high school. That desire to fit in and that obsession with sex, I sure do remember that.

While this film is basically a rehash of the old genre of the sex comedy, it is a well done one. Its crude, it’s dirty, its easy, but its fun. No harm in that. And damn Eugene Levy is hilarious here!

Rating: ««««

Fred l'handicappé (2023)

Genre: TV / Franco / Comedy / Drama
Réalisation : André Roy
Distribution: Antoine Michaud, David Losier, Josiane Benoit, Anika Lirette
Nombre d’épisodes: 4

 

Cette websérie est inspirée de l’histoire vraie de Fred Mallet, qui, juste avant le début de ses études universitaires, a un accident en plongeant dans la piscine derrière la maison familiale et qui se retrouve quadriplégique. Il doit alors passer une longue période à l’hôpital pour apprendre à fonctionner dans cette nouvelle réalité, faisant le deuil de plusieurs choses.

Fred Mallet, aujourd’hui adulte, a écrit la série, qui est réalisée par son ami André Roy. J’ai beaucoup aimé Fred l’handicappé. C’est une série qui marie magnifiquement le drame et l’humour, dédramatisant un événement tragique pour en sortir du beau.

Rating: «««««

Nos batailles (2018)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisation: Guillaume Senez
Distribution: Romain Duris, Lucie Debay, Laeticia Dosch
Durée: 98 minutes

 

Contremaître dans un entrepôt de vente en ligne et aussi impliqué dans le syndicat, Olivier investit de nombreuses heures à son travail. Pendant ce temps, sa femme Laura, qui est vendeuse dans un magasin, doit aussi s’occuper des deux jeunes enfants du couple, Elliot et Rose. Lorsque Laura quitte la maison et disparaît sans avertir, Olivier doit se démener, avec l’aide de sa famille, pour conjuguer vie professionnelle et vie familiale.

Ce film franco-belge raconte une histoire fort intéressante dans laquelle on peut facilement s’investir émotionnellement. Très belle réalisation, alors que l’atmosphère est lourd, ce qui aide à comprendre la pression sur les adultes dans ce film. Le jeu des acteurs est aussi assez solide. J’ai trouvé la fin un peu sèche, mais, somme toute, très bon film.

Rating: ««««

Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love (2019)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Nick Broomfield
Cast: Leonard Cohen, Judy Collins, Ron Cornelius
Running Time: 102 minutes

 

This documentary looks at the relationship between author and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and Marianne Ihlen, who became his lover and muse after they met on the Greek island of Hydra. Through recorded materials of both lovers and interviews with friends and collaborators, we find out how powerful this relationship was: Though life had pulled them apart, there was this bond between them and they both passed months apart in 2016.

As a big fan of Cohen, I found this documentary very compelling. As a poet myself, I understand the power of love and of the muse. And this documentary makes me want to visit Hydra. Moving there might not be recommendable, but I would love to go for a visit.

Rating: ««««

Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)

Genre: Action / Comedy
Directed by: Adil & Bilall
Cast: Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Vanessa Hudgens
Running Time: 115 minutes

 

After Mike Lowrey marries his therapist and Marcus Burnett recovers from a health scare, the two Miami police detective find out their late captain, Conrad Howard, is being falsely accused of involvement in a conspiracy. Being suspected themselves, they spring into action with some help from their friends and family to clear the name of their lost friend.

This is a fun film, loaded with laughs and action. The plot was effective and to the point, and the cast know their roles by now. I love how the filmmakers adapted their material to modern technology. Well done. A few lulls here and there, but, overall, quite entertaining.

 

Rating: ««««

Saturday Night (2024)

Genre: Biographical / Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Jason Reitman
Cast: Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith, Ella Hunt
Time: 109 minutes

 

This film details the events leading to the TV show NBC’s Saturday Night — later known as Saturday Night Live — first going on the air in October 1975, with a hectic schedule, technical difficulties, NBC execs not fully on board and a dysfunctional cast.

As a big fan of Saturday Night Live, I wanted to see this film, but I had some apprehensions. I was worried about this depiction of reality feeling like a caricature that messes with the substance of the subject. There is none of that here. You can tell the filmmakers loved the subject, and the cast members were great in their respective roles.

Brilliant film. The pace was crazy, but it was what was needed to convey what happened that night.

Rating: «««««

The Menendez Brothers (2024)

Genre: Documentary
Directed by: Alejandro Hartmann
Cast: Erik Menendez, Lyle Menendez, Alan Abrahamson, Pamela Bozanich
Time: 159 minutes

 

This documentary takes a look at the murder, in 1989, of couple Jose and Kitty Menendez by their sons, Lyle and Erik, and at the two massive trials that ensued. Having been in jail for now more than 30 years, the two brothers were interviewed to discuss their side of the story. A recent Tik Tok rally started with folks saying that the two men have been imprisoned long enough and should be set free, as their crime was not due to greed but brought on by years of abuse and fear.

This film is so compelling. It goes in great details over all the events that led to the crime and over all that came after. It is so interesting to hear from the two killers over 30 years later. This particular documentary is sure to bring on a lot of discussions over the next few months.

Rating: «««««

Dressed to Kill (1980)

Genre: Thriller
Directed by: Brian De Palma
Cast: Michael Caine, Angie Dickinson, Nancy Allen
Time: 104 minutes

 

Kate Miller is a sexually frustrated housewife who visits psychiatrist Dr. Robert Elliott, flirting with him in the process. Later, after having an affair with a complete stranger, she gets murdered in the elevator of her apartment building by a mysterious woman wielding a straight razor. Liz Blake, a high-priced call girl, witnesses the murder and becomes the target of the killer. Teaming with Kate Miller’s teenage son, she tries to figure out who did it.

This film created a lot of controversy back in the day, for its exploitative nature. By today’s standards, it is not so bad. There are a few graphic scenes, I will admit. Some of the acting, especially by Dickinson and Allen, is somewhat over-the-top. That being said, stylistically, this is a very entertaining whodunit kind of movie. De Palma did a good job with the genre, setting some cool atmospheres throughout.

Rating: ««««

The Sweetest Thing (2002)

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Directed by: Roger Kumble
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, Selma Blair, Thomas Jane
Time: 85 minutes

 

Christina Walters is an interior designer that is known as a player on the dating scene. She hangs out with her best friends Courtney and Jane, and she makes a conscious effort never to get attached to the men she goes out with. All of this changes one evening when she meets a man named Peter in a club. Peter challenges her a bit, and she finds herself falling for him more and more.

This is a comedy written by Nancy Pimental, who wrote it based on her relationship with her friend Kate Walsh. It seems that her objective was to show that women can be just as crude and as playful on the dating scene as men. Mission accomplished.

As such, it is an entertaining flick, albeit very silly. A few scenes made me laugh out of loud. The ensemble is a little flimsy, story-wise, which is unfortunate. With such a loaded cast, stronger material could have made a killing.

Rating: «««

The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day (2009)

Genre: Action / Thriller
Directed by: Troy Duffy
Cast: Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, Julie Benz, Peter Fonda, Billy Connolly
Time: 117 minutes

 

Eight years after the events of the first film, fraternal twin brothers Connor and Murphy MacManus are living a quiet life in Ireland with their father Noah. After a hired assassin attempts to frame them with the murder of a priest, the brothers return to Boston, where they team with a Mexican underground fighter to settle the issue.

While not completely uninteresting, I feel like the original should have been left alone. This extension to the story was not necessary. There were some good battles and some funny lines, but it dragged on way too long. They are talking of a third installment in the franchise. Personally, I think they should not bother.

Rating: ««

Une manière de vivre (2019)

Genre: Franco / Drama
Réalisation: Micheline Lanctôt
Distribution: Laurent Lucas, Rose-Marie Perreault, Gabrielle Lazure, Pierre-Luc Lafontaine
Durée: 118 minutes

 

Colette perd son mari, qui se suicide dans un accident de voiture. En plus de la culpabilité qu’elle ressent, elle doit aussi composer avec sa fille Gabrielle, une jeune femme boulimique, avec qui elle entretient une relation tumultueuse. Gabrielle, qui gagne surtout sa vie comme escorte de luxe, entreprend de séduire Joseph, un professeur belge spécialiste de Spinoza qui est en ville pour une conférence.

Le début du film m’avait accroché, mais quand le tout a pris un virage abrupte avec le périple interminable de Joseph dans le Nord québécois, j’ai peu à peu décroché. À la fin, j’avais tout simplement hâte que le tout se termine. Il y a du bon ici, mais, malheureusement, il y a plus de mauvais.

Rating: ««

Rain Man (1988)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Cast: Tom Cruise, Dustin Hoffman, Valeria Golino
Time: 134 minutes

 

Charlie Babbitt is an arrogant collectibles dealer who finds out, upon the death of his estranged father, that he has an older brother, Raymond, who is an autistic savant man living in an institution. Raymond has inherited almost all of his father’s fortune. Charlie takes Raymond out of the facility where he lives and takes him on the road with him, hoping to find a way to get his fair share of his father’s money.

This film is an absolute classic, thanks in great part to the brilliant direction and the acting of the two main cast members. The story is compelling and pulls you in. Cruise and Hoffman make their respective characters believable. All around a great film.

Rating: «««««

My Old Ass (2024)

Genre: Comedy / Drama
Directed by: Megan Park
Cast: Maisy Stella, Percy Hynes White, Aubrey Plaza
Time: 89 minutes

 

Elliot is an 18-year-old girl who is about to leave the family farm to go to university in Toronto. On her birthday, she goes camping with her two best friends and they consume mushrooms. While hallucinating, Elliot meets her own self at the age of 39. The two versions of Elliot stay in contact, and the 39-year-old tells her 18-year-old self to avoid a boy name Chad, without much more explanation. Elliot meets Chad and tries to keep him at bay, but the heart wants what the heart wants.

The premise of this film felt kind of silly to me at first, but I decided to give this one a chance last weekend. I am glad I did because it is a very charming movie. There is a good lesson here about what is gained and what is lost with age. This one made me smile, it touched my heart. Really well done.

Rating: ««««

All of Us Strangers (2023)

Genre: Romance / Fantasy
Directed by: Andrew Haigh
Cast: Andrew Scott, Paul Mescal, Jamie Bell, Claire Foy
Time: 105 minutes

 

Andrew is a screenwriter living alone in his London apartment. While writing, he decides to visit his suburban childhood home, now empty. He becomes haunted by the presence of his parents, who died in a car accident when he was 12 years old. At the same time, Andrew embarks into a relationship with his mysterious neighbor Harry.

Once we get past the weirdness of the fantastical aspect of the storyline of this film, we find a movie that offers a compelling look at loss, at love and at grief. It was a little confusing at first, but it all came together nicely, with good storytelling and talented actors. Overall, well worth the effort.

Rating: ««««

Mike Birbiglia: The Old Man and the Pool (2024)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Seth Barrish
Cast: Mike Birbiglia
Time: 77 minutes

 

Live on stage, comedian Mike Birbiglia delivers here a strong comedy special about such topics as anxiety, family, death, and swimming. Birbiglia is a great storyteller. The man has a knack for pulling you in a getting you emotionally involved in seeing what he will say next. His style is very self-deprecating, which I dig. I laughed out loud a lot on this one. Very, very well done.

Rating: «««««

Speak No Evil (2024)

Genre: Horror
Directed by: James Watkins
Cast: Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNarry, James McAvoy, Aisling Franciosi
Time: 110 minutes

 

Louise and Ben Dalton are an American couple now living in London with their young daughter Agnes. While vacationing in Italy, they meet another family, Paddy and Ciara, with their son Ant. Paddy and Ciara invite the Dalton family to visit them at their secluded farmhouse in rural Britain, after the vacation is over. After a brief hesitation, they accept. Shortly after arriving there, they realize that something might be severely wrong with their hosts.

This remake of a 2022 Danish film of the same name is a thrilling ride of a horror movie. It keeps you hooked and wondering what will happen next. The strongest element here is James McAvoy’s performance. He is brilliant as Paddy. The rest of the cast is also good, but McAvoy really steals the show.

From what I hear, the ending of the original was changed to make it more Hollywoodian. That is unfortunate, but, nonetheless, I loved this movie.

Rating: ««««

Back to Black (2024)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson
Cast: Marisa Abela, Jack O’Connell, Eddie Marsan
Time: 122 minutes

 

This biographical drama covers the life of English soul-jazz singer Amy Winehouse, from her quick rise to international fame to her untimely death, due to alcohol poisoning and bulimia, at the young age of 27.

I was really excited to see this movie. I was a fan of Winehouse’s voice and songs, and I understand quite well the issue of addiction, so it makes for a compelling subject for me. Unfortunately, this movie left me disappointed. The filmmakers tiptoed around the issue, not wanting to ruffle feathers in Winehouse’s living entourage, and the result ended up being bland and formulaic.

What saved this for me was Marisa Abela’s performance. What a solid job she did bringing Amy Winehouse back to life on screen. She did it justice. Too bad the rest of the movie did not pull its share of the weight.

Rating: «««

Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)

Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Jay Roach
Cast: Mike Myers, Beyoncé Knowles, Seth Green, Michael York, Robert Wagner
Time: 94 minutes

 

Dr. Evil is back with another plan for world domination. He travels to 1975 to collaborate with a Dutch man known as Goldmember on the production of a tractor beam set to be used to pull a meteor into the earth. Austin Powers follows him to the 70’s, where he will work with undercover FBI agent Foxxy Cleopatra to thwart his arch nemesis’ plans.

In my humble opinion, this was the one installment too many in the Austin Powers franchise. The story is a mess that makes no sense and the acting took a drop. Beyoncé was horrible as Foxxy Cleopatra and Mike Myers should have maybe stopped taking on too many roles. His portrayal of Goldmember was weak and uninspired.

Here, it just felt like the filmmakers tried to throw everything, including the kitchen sink, at the wall to see what would stick. Not much stuck. A few good flashes, but the rest is so very forgettable.

Rating: ««