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Reviews
Allagash (2020)
Realistic Low Key Action
If nothing else, checking with IMdb to see composite ratings in the low fives and seeing the film in spite of them has turned up some surprisingly good sleepers for me. Blood and Money is one of those films. In bone deep angst, Tom Berenger is a gritty shell of an alcoholic with only sad memories of his past, who unwittingly finds himself suddenly confronted with choices he least expected in his quest for solitude.
The action is low key, and much closer to the kind of thing you would expect if such events actually occurred. The story line is so engaging, I couldn't stop watching the film, which more than compensates for the wearisome, it was, "slow and boring" A-D comments here. If you enjoy cerebral approaches to "action" films, you'll enjoy this one. I certainly did. 9 of 10.
Clara (2018)
Deep Storyline With Solid Science
Clara is testimony to the fact that you don't need a big budget to make a good film. And make no mistake, Clara is a a very good film. Patrick J Adams (Isaac) and Troian Bellisario (Clara) reminded me of graduate school colleagues I worked with so many years ago, both in the measured manner of their interactions with one another, and with others, and the under-the-skin intensity of their commitment to (what I call), "habitable zone research" or the astral planetary "Goldilocks" quests in astrophysics.
The screen play has depth and is true to what research scientists go through in the process of working out problems, step by step. Isaac and Clara's developing relationship, however, was more than the product of a shared interest in their research and discovery. We experience, with him, the unexpected meaning of Clara's wish that she could see Isaac's face when he experiences what she seems to already know about their discovery.
Ennis Esmer, R.H. Thomson and Kristen Hagel are excellent in their supporting roles in a very strong screen play and score. As I mentioned in the opening, you don't need a big budget to make a good film. The obvious corollary is that a big budget doesn't guarantee a good film. I watched Clara after spending time trying to decipher the plot lines and hear the half-muffled sound track of Tenet. Save yourself a couple of hours of your life and just watch Clara. It's a better film.
One Night in Bangkok (2020)
See It Before You Read Negative Reviews!
At 4.8, the composite rating is ridiculous. Low key and well paced, this is a good film; the action sequences of One Night in Bangkok were believable and not overplayed.
Mark Dacascos and Venita Golten worked beautifully together to enhance a well scripted screenplay. Supporting cast and cinematography were very good as well.
I was pleasantly surprised at the high production values of this film. Suggest visitors here see the film before making a decision on the basis of undeserved negative reviews.