THE FIRE INSIDE (2024)

 

Directed By: Rachel Morrison 

Written By: Barry Jenkins 

Cinematography: Tommy Daguanno and Rina Yang 

Editor: Harry Yoon

Cast: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, De’Andre Aziza, Idrissa Sanogo Bamba, Adam Clark, Olunike Adeliyi, Chrystian Buddington, Lanette Ware, Sarah Allen 

Claressa Shields becomes the first American woman to win a gold medal only to learn that not all dreams are created equal.

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That is truly what the film is about the passion that fires inside that won’t let you quit for any reason even when you try to walk away, there’s something that keeps bringing you back to it. That is what the film and the filmmakers tried to instill in this inspirational true story.

Though the second half of this film is more eventful. As well as the achievements of the person in real life this film is based upon. The film set up a strong foundation. Which we see as the discovery and maintenance of her drive and passion.

The film offers a look at her personal life, and those that she seeks out to support and those who truly support her. As the route, no character is one dimensional they managed to turn themselves around or show their true colors. 

In that way, the film already plays against the traditional where all of a sudden one character stays the same throughout except for one scene or one final act where all of a sudden they change it kind of an apology or change for the worse. 

The film is very inspiring, even showing what happens after initial success, and all the hoopla dies down. It shows how to maintain and find meaning afterwards, as well as the power of community when it comes to support in all different ways. 

The film is a familiar story of sports discipline and training and saving someone from a bleak future by fighting against all odds .

The film doesn’t have as much fighting scenes as he would expect as it is more dealing with the day-to-day drama of her life, and her family unit parental child bonding with her coach and his family, and the jealousy provides in her family who seemed dysfunctional they were always changing and evolving Usually for the better though there are some trials and tribulations for the worse.

No truthfully, it’s that drama that keeps the film afloat and keeps the audience interested as this is a film of hope and what can be achieved with hard work, finesse, and belief in oneself 

Grade: B- 

VISION QUEST (1983)

 

Directed By: Harold Becker

Written By: Darryl Ponicsan

Based on the novel by: Terry Davis 

Cinematography: Owen Roizman

Editor: Maury Winetrobe 

Cast: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Charles Hallahan, Ronny Cox, Forest Whitaker, Raphael Sbarge, Harold Sylvester, J.C. Quinn, Daphne Zuniga, Roberts Blossom, James Gammon, Madonna 

A high school wrestler in Spokane, Washington has trouble focusing on his training regimen when a beautiful young drifter takes up temporary residence at his home.

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This film is kind of like Apple pie or a home-cooked meal. It’s a coming of age story that’s recognizable and down-home simply enough. It’s not very sensationalistic, which makes it all the more believable. 

Taking place in a small town dealing with first love, especially not only an older woman but a stranger in the 1980s which were more relaxed in times and subjects, even though it might be a little bit by today’s standards still a film that has a lot of heart 

Dealing with regret, the future being wide open, learn your obsession as a teenager, which is your world as you grow up how small it seems compared with everything else going on around you, and how it loses its importance 

I’ll be honest this is a film. I’ve always heard about it but never seen it even though I had plenty of opportunities in video stores and on not only regular television but tables and I remember being interested in trying to see it because it was one of Linda Fiorentino’s first big roles and I remember it coming on HBO but it was coming on late at night and trying to stay up me trying to stay up and then falling asleep right before the movie Started and then waking up during the weigh in scene, and then trying to stay up to see if any glimpses of were left in the film and then falling asleep just to see the credits.

This is a film that has been alluded to over the years for me. I think I would’ve enjoyed it when I was younger, but I think it held a special place for me and my heart now having seen it for its cast it’s all of which I think I appreciate on a deeper level now which I think most watching this film for the first time Will also be able to hone in on

It’s a coming-of-age film that doesn’t go for Schmalz nor does it talk down to its characters or its audience. They face real problems, real responsibilities real consequences, and we see the characters who help form their beliefs in life who’ve gone before, these characters aren’t made into icons or legends they’re shown in all their glory, but also their faults and failures.

It also gives him arrival or enemy to strive against who’s not necessarily all that evil, but something to focus his energy in trying to defeat challenge and get over

So Harold Becker deserves credit for putting this all on screen, visualizing it, and making it so believable it helps that the source material was a novel that has plenty for characterizations and setting scenes but still all involved should be proud of themselves 

Watching Matthew Modine as an actor over the years, you can get a sense of the wild spirit energy, and all American image that he possesses in this performance and why he kept working so much in the 1980s and '90s throughout his career cause you can see that spark, just like his character in nell, maybe he was type even though he played a lot of rules, but this will be the one that he’ll be remembered for, and you’ll always go to straight in your head

This ended up being better than I expected and can see why it’s so well remembered and still talked about truly living up to its title and its themes.

One can admit this is actually way better than expected and can see why not only the movie but it’s memory has lasted with audiences for so long.

Now, I will say, Linda Fiorentino does it once again where as it seems like most of her acting roles, no matter hero or villain by the end one always has a crush on her for whatever reason, even though she usually does play icy emotional. here she plays tough, but slowly reveals her vulnerability as an outsider and newcomer to this town and looking to get out and how she has an obvious connection with the lead, but how she manages to affect other characters also.

Not to mention the film and it soundtrack featured an up-and-coming singer, songwriter named Madonna, who actually appears in the film performing in a bar scene so you can add that to the nostalgia of the 80s in the up and coming cast, as well as just raw talent used to the best of their abilities

Grade: B+

CAUGHT STEALING (2025)

 

Directed By: Darren Aronofsky

Written By: Charlie Huston (Based on his Novel)

Cinematography: Matthew Libatique

Editor: Andrew Weisblum

Cast: Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Carol Kane, Griffen Dunne, Action Bronson 

Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

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This is one of those films that is perfectly serviceable and entertaining yeah, there isn’t much that makes it feel too special and might be one of those films that because it’s of quality and there might be such low quality offerings that it might sometimes be over praised.

This is Austin Butler really getting his first chance to play a lead in a film since his Oscar nomination for Elvis so this film seems like it’s a true test of his box office potential.

tfilm feels like a throwback to where it is set late 80s early 90s New York City.

as even though it’s an adaptation of a thriller novel, it also seems to play as a throwback for its director Darren Aronofsky of the New York of his youth, and also may be a playing ground for his memory of setting such a crime story not only in New York City and getting to explore it in a more underground way, but also the various characters that were around and made up the city

as it is being pushed currently as a starring vehicle for Austin Butler and a high octane thriller it plays more like a surprising, more laid-back thriller, that is more about the characters in the circumstances more than necessarily the story or plot 

now, while it’s not the filmmaker‘s fault, the film seems like it’s gonna be more of a thrill ride when you see the trailer then it actually ends up being which is more of a contained thriller that while unpredictable doesn’t offer anything new in fact, it might be one of the most commercial films next to NOAH from Director Aronofsky. Though this proves to be a return to his roots. Not as surrealistic or artistic. Though still gritty that feels a bit manufactured but hits hard enough. This film ends up Showcasing him as more of a journeyman director 

Which is fine as the film stays entertaining and vivid while you watch it, but don’t know how much will stick with you once you’re finished and walk away from the film. In other words it’s cute a little noteworthy impossible, though I don’t know if it’s all that memorable. 

It feels more like a production then one might say naturally lived in as all of the actors are clearly having fun and giving their all which is kind of infectious for the audience.

The most surprising part of this film is how cruel it is, and it’s execution of characters and violence. They never quite marches to the beat of its own drummer. It always seems like it’s on plan on a plan. 

luckily Austin Butler doesn’t embarrass himself even if his backstory is one of the I guess cheesy parts of the movie but does explain how a lot of people come to New York to forget their past. Begin a new and be just another body or person going in and out and surviving from day-to-day 

One of the more memorable pieces of the film and its own game is Zoe Kravitz, and her performance in the film. As she is sexy, sweet and Street wise, she brings a certain knowing element to the film, which also offer her her most impressive and realistic performance to date. When she is not in a film, it’s felt and you can understand why, but it also loses one of the factors that had going for it.

Now of course when you have cinematographer Matthew Libatique. You know the cinematography is going to be beautiful and gritty, especially when dealing with the streets of New York, where he seems to be the go to cinematographer.

Like then, helps explain the emotional range of the main character also.

This is a crime comedy with colorful characters to distract the audience from the more strait laced lead. Who has to get freaky or colorful to survive. 

It’s wild that this film is set in the early 90’s, yet plays more a film from the 1970’s or 80’s. Dark yet fun.

in the end, the film isn’t bad and it’s perfectly entertaining, but it’s not as wild as many might believe or had hoped it’s strangely at times play it safe even for the times when manages the shock and be a bit heartless and hard edged that was needed more.

Grade: B- 

DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA (2025)

 

Written & Directed By: Christian Gudecast

Based on characters created by: Christian Gudecast and Peter T. Scheuring 

Cinematography: Terry Stacey 

Editor: Robert Nordh 

Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmed, Salvatore Esposito, Orli Shuka, Stephane Coulon, Yasen Zates Atour, Christian Solimeno, Nazmiye Oral

Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world's largest diamond exchange.

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A direct sequel to the actions, characters in the story of the previous film, though written, and directed by the same Filmmakers of the first 

Film this film goes for a totally different and new style while still packing on the action and tension.

The first film was like an updated version of Michael man’s heat only hopped up on energy drinks, and it went way over the top and trying to portray machismo and reeked of testosterone and one upmanship throughout. It also was a cops and robbers tail with twist interns, but also deep character work, or we got to know both sides.

And this equal the few survivors of the first film are back again. This is more cops and robbers but more of the cop going undercover and you not really being able to Tell has he turned completely or is he still a cop trying to do his job.

Also, in filming overseas and that is what the film style is more laid-back and cool more European Just as stylish, though a little more smooth. It also forms a kind of buddy cop, criminal relationship that has its comedic moments, but stays dramatic.

Not as much need for character backgrounds as we know the leads already so that while the film is more flashy, it’s still keeps us invested, even though it doesn’t need to be as long as it is.

Cheaves what you would expect from a sequel it’s not Surprising as the first film but again we only really get to know the two leads where is everybody else is more a 1 to 2 dimensional character, and all the female roles seem to be here because they have to be or given very little to do other than look attractive. This is again more of a male fantasy film.

Though wish there was more of new co-Star Evin Ahmed in the film. As her character is one of the masterminds of the heists. Though it seems like she is more of a note of tension. That might be explored if this film ever has another sequel. Which one hopes happens.

That seems to track Bro-code loyalty, and still having a loose set of morals. Though there is plenty of car chases heist scenes, shoot outs in fighting to keep you entertained. Even though it is more of a thriller and O’Shea Jackson comes across more loose in this film. Though again his character seems in over his head and more the innocent amongst the others. 

Though it is a satisfying continuation. It’s missing that grit, but finds It’s own identity rather then be inspired by another and bringing some new cards to the table. While giving you what you expect. 

One of the roles Gerard butler was born to play and wished he played in more films such as this or at least characters like this more often. There isnMt as much grit characterization making this more Hollywood version of the sequel and also a lot more predictable. Though it hasn’t lost It’s style totally. 

Can admit by the end wanted to own a Porsche. If not just for the design for the sound it makes while driving it. 

Grade: B- 

EIGHT EYES (2023)

 

Edited & Directed By: Austin Jennings 

Written By: Matthew Frink and Austin Jennings 

Cinematography: Sean Dahlberg

Cast: Emily Sweet, Bradford Thomas, Bruno Velvanovski, Nenad Mijatove, Jovan Ristic, Jovan Stanlovic, Gordana Jovic, Milica Djurickovic 

When Cass begins to hear voices while backpacking with her husband Gav through former Yugoslavia, she attributes it to travel stress and cracks appearing in her new marriage. However, when the couple embarks on an unplanned sight seeing expedition with a mysterious local named Saint Peter, Cass quickly suspects that his promises to give them an "authentic" tour of his homeland conceal a much darker purpose. When Gav goes missing, Cass soon finds herself dragged into an increasingly paranoid web of manipulation and murder from which even death offers no escape.

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I can give this some credit for trying to build an aesthetic of the Giallo’s that it’s obviously modeled after and also it’s obvious modern inspirations such as CABIN FEVER, A SERBIAN FILM and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE The film seems especially throughout homage to the latter where we have a couple in a foreign land, who want to see the sights and trust the mysterious Stranger, who’s jovial a nice at first, but seems to slowly turn, and they don’t seem to pick up on the signals that somethings strange as a foot

As the film is definitely a two-parter, where the first half is more mysterious, and the second half Kisco’s balls to the wall off its hinges where it becomes more violent and everything is explained. Though the film stays atmospheric. 

The filmmaking is fun and creative. The problem is that while wanting appreciate that it’s not as violent or Gore fest, as it seems to be where it was going it also seems to lack a certain sense.as theoughout the film. It begins to be filled with psychedelic images and different film stocks. Which help give it a true grindhouse feel

here’s what I mean is is that lol it’s perfectly fine and never quite seems to go the places. It either seems headed or quite instill, fear or tension as much as it seems to want to. It always seems to be good enough yet fall short it doesn’t amaze, nor does it have to do but it always just seems to rise to a certain temperature and then go back that I never met maintaining what is the kid 

No, it seems like the filmmaker has to know how to do so even though it would be over the top for Sam it just feels like in a strange way. They are holding themselves back unless it was just cut to be that way. 

I can’t even say that it’s a perfectly good background movie because it’s something you have to pay attention to to fully understand everything as much as you can.

It just seems like the lead of the husband he is seems to have victim written all over him, especially his nerdish demeanor, which he seem to go overboard on, and his way to trusting nature, though Bruno Veljanovski At Saint Peter and Emily Sweet  Are both noteworthy in the cast, especially at they are pretty much the

Leads

Grade: C+