Brief Interviews with Hideous Men

I know I rented this movie when it was first released on DVD, and my review said I hated it. However, I couldn't remember why, so I thought I should rent it again and give it another chance. I'm glad I did. First, before I say anything further, I have to say there are moments in this film of utter brilliance, pieces that are so sublime in their execution that they are, quite simply, perfect. For a first time director, as Krasinski was, this is an incredible achievement. I think the first time I watched this film I allowed the surface layer of emotional shallowness and heartlessness to envelope my whole viewing. However, that's not what's really being said here. What is initially shown as disdain and contempt turns around to actually expose the real insecurity, fear, and self-doubt that men feel when confronted with strong women. I also think I read the lack of depth of the main character to be misogynistic, when it fact it was empowering to have her be the sole pillar of strength in the film. This is a complex film with a lot of layers, and I'm glad I went back to look at it again. I think this is a real triumph for Krasinski, and I hope that other who had similar first experiences like me will also give it another chance, because it really is worth it. 4/5

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men on Netflix

The Hollars

I only vaguely remember John Krasinski's first feature, "Brief Interviews with Hideous Men". I remember disliking it quite a bit, but I honestly can't remember why other than feeling that this was just another case of bad people behaving terribly to each other for no damn reason, and it irked me. I also remember that I felt his direction was very promising, and I hoped that his next film would show a maturing of style. This second film of Krasinski's is a definitely step up, but possibly because he didn't write it as well, as he did his first film. The writing was very solid and showed a deep understanding of family, love, and relationships. The acting was strong from all parties, and the direction was impactful and well-paced. I really enjoyed this, and I hope to see more from Krasinski along these lines in the future. 4/5

The Hollars on Netflix

Aloha

Wow, I remember when Cameron Crowe made good films. Hell, the man wrote "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and directed "Singles" and "Jerry Maguire". He was my god for a while. However, his last few films have been bad, and this was downright awful. Everything you've read about how offensive it is to native Hawaiians is absolutely true, and I have no idea why Emma Stone was cast in the role she was in. This was really a miss for me, and I wish Cameron Crowe could just find his way again. 2/5

Aloha on Netflix

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Because I know I have readers of all kinds of political stripes, I am not going to comment on the political or factual accounts of this film, but rather only discuss the quality of the filmmaking itself. This is perhaps one of the best action thrillers I have ever seen. I never thought Michael Bay would be able to pull of both the sweeping broad strokes of the action as well as the simple intimacies of the relationships, but he did so beautifully. The acting was superb, the pace taut and compelling, and I never felt the film too long or drawn out. I admit I was so caught up in everything that I cried through the end - it was that good. A wonderful film. 4.5/5

13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

Promised Land

This would have been a far better movie it is wasn't based on such horseshit. As it stands, good, not great. 3/5

Promised Land on Netflix

Nobody Walks

The character maps in this are very well detailed but, in the end, it's just more people behaving badly. Meh. 2.5/5

Nobody Walks on Netflix

Something Borrowed

Wow, just more bad people behaving badly - why do I keep torturing myself with these crappy films? 2/5


Something Borrowed on Netflix