Month: September 2022

Today’s quick review: The Ipcress File. British intelligence agent Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) is assigned to work with Major Dalby (Nigel Green) to find Dr. Radcliffe (Aubrey Richards), the latest in a string of missing scientists. Palmer’s investigation leads him to Eric Grantby (Frank Gatliff), who offers to return Radcliffe for the right price. But when the deal goes bad, Palmer realizes that there is more going on than just a kidnapping.

The Ipcress File is a spy thriller based on the novel by Len Deighton. The movie falls on the grounded side of the spy genre, a Cold War-era mystery that sacrifices action for intrigue. Michael Caine makes for a capable lead as Harry Palmer, whose sharp mind and determination make him the perfect man to unravel Grantby’s scheme. Solid plot work, attentive direction, and a well-picked cast are enough to make The Ipcress File a worthwhile choice.

The Ipcress File is a slow burn. The plot moves forward at a steady pace, but there is typically only one lead in play at a time. As a result, the movie gives the illusion of linearity, feeling focused even though it has the usual assortment of plot twists and false leads. The advantage of this approach is that it lets the movie play its cards close to its chest. However, the downside is that the puzzle only truly starts to fit together towards the end.

Give The Ipcress File a shot if you’re in the mood for a spy movie with a tense plot and a high degree of craftsmanship. The film’s slow build-up will not please everyone, and those looking for raw spectacle may be disappointed. But anyone who enjoys cerebral thrillers in the classic mold will find The Ipcress File to be a solid pick.

For another Len Deighton adaptation starring Michael Caine, check out Funeral in Berlin. For a more fanciful take on the spy genre, try Dr. No or From Russia with Love. For a thriller that toys with similar ideas, try The Manchurian Candidate.

7.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a tight plot and strong lead.

Today’s quick review: The Jigsaw Man. Philip Kimberley (Michael Caine) was the head of British intelligence until he defected to the Soviet Union. Under pressure from the KGB, Kimberley returns to London with a new identity to retrieve a list of KGB assets in the West. Kimberley tries to strike a deal with Admiral Scaith (Laurence Olivier) for the list, but in doing so, he accidentally puts his estranged daughter Penny (Susan George) in danger.

The Jigsaw Man is a spy thriller starring Michael Caine. The story revolves around Philip Kimberley, a legend in the intelligence community who resurfaces for one final payday. The Jigsaw Man aims to be a taut thriller with a clever protagonist and a splash of action. Unfortunately, it falls well short of the mark. Flimsy acting, a jumbled plot, and a poorly developed main character all contribute to a less-than-stellar watch.

The Jigsaw Man’s chief mistake is that it never establishes Philip Kimberley as a character worth following. His motivations for defecting to the Soviet Union are never explained, nor is his reason for hiding the list of KGB assets in the first place. Several characters, most notably Admiral Scaith, build Kimberley up as a brilliant tactician with a distinguished track record, yet he shows no particular talent for spycraft in the movie itself.

The Jigsaw Man also suffers from other problems. The plot is disappointingly linear, with none of the twists the spy genre is known for. Kimberley’s list does a poor job of driving the story, a plot device with no mystique or significance. The movie tries to set up a handful of subplots, but they never go anywhere. The Jigsaw Man is further hampered by confusing dialogue, extraneous detail, and performances that don’t quite fit together.

Overall, The Jigsaw Man may have something to offer dedicated fans of the spy genre, but most viewers would be better off skipping it. Even within its niche as a Cold War-era thriller with a distinguished cast, The Jigsaw Man is outclassed by several movies with better action and sharper writing. Viewers who are interested in the premise should instead try Funeral in Berlin, Three Days of the Condor, or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

5.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for shaky acting and a bare-bones plot.

Today’s quick review: Funeral in Berlin. Harry Palmer (Michael Caine), a thief turned British spy, goes to Berlin to convince Colonel Stok (Oscar Homolka) of the KGB to defect to the West. Suspecting a trap, Palmer investigates Stok with the help of Johnny Vulkan (Paul Hubschmid), the British agent stationed there. But what was already a delicate situation gets even more complicated when a gorgeous stranger (Eva Renzi) approaches Palmer for information.

Funeral in Berlin is a spy thriller based on the novel by Len Deighton. The movie follows a sharp-minded spy as he navigates the intrigue surrounding the defection of a prominent Soviet officer. Palmer must rely on his wits to stay alive on a mission that turns out to be more complicated than it appears. Funeral in Berlin features a complex plot with several layers of twists and a nuanced main character, making it a solid entry into the spy genre.

Funeral in Berlin’s greatest strength is its main character. Harry Palmer is a reluctant but effective spy who has more scruples than he lets on. He is never fully in control of the events unfolding around him, but he has a knack for cutting through lies and deception to get at the truth, much like the best noir detectives. Michael Caine is a great fit for the part, capturing Palmer’s innate skepticism as well as his tenacity and sarcastic sense of humor.

Funeral in Berlin is a solid pick for anyone interested in the grounded side of the spy genre. Funeral in Berlin does not do anything too unexpected, but the combination of an intricate, unpredictable plot and a skilled lead makes it worth a watch for anyone in the mood for something cerebral. Steer clear if you’re looking for more action or an easier story to follow.

For an action-oriented adventure set in Cold War-era Berlin, check out The Man from U.N.C.L.E. or Atomic Blonde. For a spy drama in a similar vein, try Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. For a Cold War thriller about a Soviet officer attempting to defect, try The Hunt for Red October. For a lighter caper starring Michael Caine, check out the original version of The Italian Job.

6.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for a rock-solid plot and an interesting lead.

Today’s quick review: Dallas Buyers Club. Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey), a hard-partying electrician from Dallas, has his life turned upside-down when he’s diagnosed with HIV. Upset with the treatment the hospital is giving him, Ron starts importing experimental medicine from Mexico and selling it to other HIV patients. But distributing unapproved drugs puts him in the crosshairs of the FDA, who take action to shut his business down.

Dallas Buyers Club is a drama based on a true story. The movie follows Ron Woodroof as he learns of his terminal diagnosis, searches for alternative treatments, and defies the medical establishment to get his fellow patients the medicine they need. His allies on his journey are Rayon (Jared Leto), a gay man who’s also suffering from the disease, and Dr. Eve Saks (Jennifer Garner), a doctor who becomes skeptical of the FDA’s HIV drug trials.

The heart of Dallas Buyers Club is Ron’s growth as a person. He begins the story as a stubborn, bigoted hedonist, but his HIV diagnosis forces him to change his perspective. Out of necessity, Ron starts to take better care of himself, while his interactions with Rayon and his gay customers make him more receptive of a group he once despised. Throughout it all, Ron retains his tenacity and his refusal to accept the hand he’s dealt.

The other side of Ron’s story is his battle with the FDA to continue to distribute his unconventional but potentially life-saving medicine. Ron uses hard work and determination to turn his illness into a profitable business, and in doing so he gives a chance to hundreds of people. The balance between Ron’s flaws and his virtues, as well as his underdog struggle against the FDA, gives Dallas Buyers Club the foundation for an effective story.

How much you get out of Dallas Buyers Club will largely come down to taste. The movie excels at realistic drama, thanks to compelling subject matter and a set of impressive performances. It is a strong pick for those interested in AIDS treatment in the 1980s or down-to-earth biographies in general. Its heavy tone, abrasive protagonist, and sensitive subject matter will not work for everyone, but the movie is well worth a shot for anyone interested.

For a legal drama dealing with the social issues surrounding AIDS, check out Philadelphia. For a more harrowing story about a selfish man forced to become a hero to those around him, try Schindler’s List. For a vengeful drama about a flawed protagonist fighting for justice, try Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for solid craftsmanship, with the potential to be much higher for viewers who engage with the story.

Today’s quick review: Gone Girl. On the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) comes home to find his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) missing. Her disappearance sparks a media firestorm, and suspicion immediately falls on Nick, whose unnatural reactions only make the situation worse. As the pressure on Nick mounts, he maintains his innocence, even in the face of disturbing revelations about his marriage.

Gone Girl is a crime thriller and mystery about a man accused of murdering his wife. All of the clues point to Nick, from his rocky marriage to his odd behavior after his wife’s disappearance. But without any hard evidence for the police to use, his trial plays out in the court of public opinion. What follows is a dark and intricate thriller with a heavy psychological angle. Impressive performances and sharp twists make Gone Girl a compelling watch.

Gone Girl is, in part, a dissection of a failed marriage. Amy’s narration over a series of flashbacks tells the story of how she met and fell in love with Nick, only for their relationship to crumble over the next few years. The details of their marriage and the stresses that wore away at it are surprisingly realistic, giving the movie a sickening authenticity. At the same time, they fuel an unpredictable plot that has plenty of lurid spectacle.

Give Gone Girl a shot if you are looking for a cerebral thriller with a heavy tone. The dark nature of the story will not appeal to some viewers, but those who can stomach its disturbing events will find it to be a smart film with a lingering emotional impact. Those curious should give it a try. Steer clear if you are looking for a mystery with easier answers.

For a crime drama centered around a similar ambiguity, try A History of Violence. For a crime thriller in a similar vein, check out Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone, Changeling, or Primal Fear. For a psychological thriller with similar ideas, try Memento or The Secret Window. For a lighter take on a failed relationship, try 500 Days of Summer or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

8.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a gripping and original plot.

Today’s quick review: Dark Eyes. While on a boat to Italy, Romano Patroni (Marcello Mastroianni), an Italian architect, tells Pavel (Vsevolod Larianov), a Russian newlywed, the story of his life. Trapped in a stale marriage to Elisa (Silvana Mangano) and dissatisfied with his life of luxury, Romano has an affair with Anna (Yelena Safonova), a married Russian woman. But what was meant to be a brief fling turns into a love that Romano cannot escape.

Dark Eyes is an Italian romantic drama with comedic elements. Marcello Mastroianni stars as Romano, a womanizer and fabulist who finds himself falling in love with an innocent Russian woman. Dark Eyes charts the complicated course of their relationship, from their chance meeting to the impact the affair has on their respective marriages. Skilled acting, comedic flourishes, and a meaningful story make Dark Eyes a rewarding watch for the right viewer.

Dark Eyes is an insightful film that sheds light on the nature of love and humanity. The lynchpin of the film is Romano, a man whose wit and passion make him sympathetic in spite of his many flaws. Over the course of his story, Romano grows from an idle gentleman to an earnest lover, but he struggles with the challenges this brings. Mature writing and a multifaceted story allow Dark Eyes to dissect Romano’s character and the human tendencies he represents.

Dark Eyes will not hold the same appeal for everyone. Its bittersweet romanticism will only resonate with certain viewers, while the insights it has to offer are buried in an elaborate story, requiring the audience to look past Romano’s wistful narration to understand the truth. But for viewers with the right taste, Dark Eyes is a beautiful movie that captures the sweetness and sorrow of love, as well as the subtleties of human nature.

For an even more powerful Italian drama, check out Cinema Paradiso. For a moving dramatic comedy starring Marcello Mastroianni, try Macaroni. For an even more fatalistic Russian tale, try The Twelve Chairs. For a romantic drama with some of the same appeal, try The Notebook.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it 7.0 to 7.5 for insightful writing and skillful performances; your score will vary.

Today’s quick review: Illang: The Wolf Brigade. In the future, the reunification of North and South Korea sparks civil unrest, leading to the formation of a terrorist group known as the Sect. As a member of the Special Unit, a ruthless branch of the police, it is Lim’s (Gang Dong-won) duty to hunt down the Sect without mercy. But Lim courts danger when he becomes involved with Lee Yun-hee (Han Hyo-joo), the sister of a Sect member he watched die.

Illang: The Wolf Brigade is a Korean action thriller set in a tumultuous future. Illang follows the cat-and-mouse game between the Special Unit and Public Security, two rival law enforcement agencies vying for dominance in reunified Korea. Caught in the middle are Lim and Lee, two troubled individuals who are hiding their own secrets. Illang is a live-action remake of Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade that sacrifices subtlety for a greater sense of spectacle.

Illang: The Wolf Brigade takes a different tack from its predecessor. Where Jin-Roh was an introspective movie that focused on the mental state of its protagonist, Illang focuses more on external action. To its credit, Illang handles the shift well. The power struggle between the Special Unit and Public Security takes center stage, and there are enough twists to keep the viewer engaged. The action scenes are another strong point, with crisp stunt work.

Illang: The Wolf Brigade will appeal to fans of the serious side of the action genre. The movie does not do anything groundbreaking, but the combination of an intricate plot and solid action sequences makes it a worthwhile pick for the right viewer. Even so, Illang does not have the artistry or nuance that made the original Jin-Roh special. Casual viewers should give it a shot, but fans of the original may be disappointed.

For a focused, artistic take on the same material, try Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. For another police thriller with a winding plot, try The Departed or Infernal Affairs. For an even more action-oriented film about a skilled cop facing long odds, try The Raid: Redemption. For one with bloodier violence and an overtly sci-fi setting, try Dredd.

6.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for an interesting plot and solid action.

“Only in the tales that humans tell did the hunters kill the wolves in the end.” —Tohbe

Today’s quick review: Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade. In post-War Japan, riots and terrorist attacks prompt the formation of the Capitol Police Organization, a paramilitary group that uses violent tactics to keep the peace. Kazuki Fuse (Michael Dobson), a rookie member of the Special Unit, finds himself torn between his duty and his conscience when he witnesses the death of a young woman, and he turns to her sister Kei Amemiya (Moneca Stori) for answers.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a Japanese animated crime thriller set in an alternate version of Japan. Jin-Roh steps into the mind of Kazuki Fuse, a young police officer struggling to understand a traumatic event that happened to him in the line of duty. Caught in a web of political intrigue surrounding the incident, Fuse must decide whether to give in to his human side and pursue a relationship with Amemiya or become the ruthless killer he was meant to be.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade features a richly detailed world, potent themes, and a carefully constructed plot. The movie explores the guilt Fuse feels and his complicated feelings for Amemiya. However, Jin-Roh never gets lost in introspection. The plot moves forward steadily, revealing information to the viewer piece by piece until the events of the film are cast in a different light. The result is a somber movie that mixes psychology with intrigue.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade backs up its plot and themes with excellent craftsmanship and a few select moments of violence. The art style is subdued but effective, with incredible amounts of detail, fluid animation, and a high degree of realism. The direction shows similar skill, switching seamlessly between Fuse’s mind and the world around him to visually capture the movie’s themes. The action scenes, while not a focal point, are sharp and powerful.

Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade has a lot to offer for the right viewer. The subtle nature of its story, its moody atmosphere, and its relative lack of action may not appeal to those who are expecting an all-out action movie. But those willing to dig into its world and its characters will find it to be a mature and thoughtful movie executed with unusual skill. Those in the mood for something weighty should give it a try.

For a science fiction anime about a special branch of law enforcement, try Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, or Appleseed Ex Machina. For an action thriller about a killer’s struggle with his conscience, try The Bourne Identity. For a crime thriller with a similarly cerebral plot, try Infernal Affairs. For one with an introspective protagonist and a similar storytelling style, check out Drive.

7.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for understated quality.

Today’s quick review: Robot Carnival. In a dungeon laboratory, a crazed scientist tries to bring his robotic creation to life. At a futuristic amusement park, a robot falls in love with a visitor. In an advanced society, a man (Michael McConnohie) builds a robotic companion (Lisa Michelson) in secret. In 19th century Japan, two rudimentary giant robots square off. Elsewhere, a mysterious robot transforms a city’s machines into horrific creatures.

Robot Carnival is a Japanese animated science fiction anthology that contains eight short films about robots. The stories have a wide variety of settings and tones. Some are light-hearted romps. Others are love stories infused with flashy action. And still others are unsettling tales of machinery gone wrong. Each of the tales in Robot Carnival has a high degree of artistry, but their surreal and abstract nature will limit the movie’s appeal.

Robot Carnival showcases an impressive array of art. Every short film has its own style, and all of them are a treat to look at. The films also explore interesting ideas, whether they are musings on the nature of being or simply striking images brought to life. The only major downside is a general lack of narrative. The stories tend to be dreamlike and open-ended, without much dialogue or context to lead the audience to a particular conclusion.

How much you get out of Robot Carnival will depend heavily on your taste in sci-fi. Fans of the surreal and visually striking side of the genre will find the movie to be a fascinating exercise, even if not every short film hits the mark. Viewers who are used to focused stories with a clear point will find the anthology a little too abstract to get into. Anyone curious should give it a shot.

For an animated fantasy anthology with darker subject matter and even more variety, try Heavy Metal. For a science fiction anthology featuring stories about robots, try The Animatrix. For a dark fantasy movie featuring haunting mechanical designs, try 9.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a high degree of artistry that doesn’t always pay off.

Today’s quick review: Demon City Shinjuku. Ten years after his father died trying to save the world from Rebi Ra (Bob Sessions) and his demonic power, Kyoya Izayoi (Bradley Lavelle) meets Sayaka Rama (Teresa Gallagher), a young woman who urges him to finish what his father started. Together, Kyoya and Sayaka journey into Shinjuku, a section of Tokyo devastated by Rebi Ra’s power, to confront him before he can complete his final ritual.

Demon City Shinjuku is a Japanese animated action horror movie that pits a reluctant hero against a demonic sorcerer. Kyoya must brave Ra’s demons and learn to master his father’s power to have any hope of success. Demon City Shinjuku has a linear plot but executes it well. Its detailed art, immersive world, and smattering of violent action will appeal to the right viewer. However, its story is missing some of the depth it could have had.

Demon City Shinjuku puts its own spin on a few classic ideas. The setup would fit any number of fantasy movies: a talented but untrained hero, a father’s legacy, and an evil villain capable of destroying the world. Where the movie carves out a niche for itself is the details. Shinjuku makes for an ominous setting, and the demons are a tantalizing glimpse into a supernatural world. The detailed art style also helps the world and the action come alive.

Demon City Shinjuku’s main drawback is that it doesn’t go farther with its best ideas. Kyoya’s progression from pupil to master is disappointingly short, and it’s missing an element of personal growth. The plot is short and linear, and it relies too heavily on generic plot points. The setting has better development, with its unique demon designs and a strong hook in the form of Shinjuku, but the supernatural elements still could use a little more cohesion.

Overall, Demon City Shinjuku is a promising movie that doesn’t fully capitalize on its strengths. Fans of horror-tinged fantasy will find something to like, thanks to strong art and an intriguing world. But a mediocre plot and a few rough edges keep it from having more than niche appeal. Give it a shot if you’re curious. Otherwise, you may be better off with another movie that’s more iconic.

For a violent, action-oriented anime movie from the same studio, check out Ninja Scroll. For a CGI-animated action horror movie from Japan, try Gantz: O. For a horror anime with sci-fi elements and a more surreal plot, try Akira.

6.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good art and a mediocre story.