The schemer is a classic film archetype. Whether it's "Honest" John from Pinocchio, Moses Pray from Paper Moon, Howard Ratner from Uncut Gems or any of the countless other examples, there's something beguiling about a con man, a character who you love to hate. Mikey, the protagonist of Red Rocket, undoubtedly belongs in that group. He's a despicable person, but he's magnetic and somehow still likeable. You're rooting for him to fail and rooting for him to succeed at the…
Favorite films
Recent activity
AllPinned reviews
MoreRecent reviews
More-
The Cousins 1959
Pairing a shy, introspective person with a carefree extrovert is a common recipe for fictional conflict and it works well here. There's more than a little Great Gatsby DNA, with Jean-Claude Brialy cast in the role of Paul, our New Wave Jay Gatsby, hosting wild parties in his lavish Parisian apartment. The party scenes are the highlight of the film, the final one featuring an excellent use of Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" 20 years before Coppola claimed it for…
-
Death Promise 1977
Some creative death scenes that I appreciated, but the plot is corny and the fight scenes are unimpressive and that's most of the film.
Popular reviews
More-
Something Useful 2017
There's something uniquely feminine about this movie. Leyla is allowed to be intelligent and curious and self-assured while also being nurturing and kind-hearted. Canan is conflicted in a way that feels natural and not plot-driven. There are no villains. No angry screeds or violent confrontations. It's deliberately paced but never boring. Warm but not cloying. It's something special.
-
The Reader 2008
If you want me to sympathize with a Nazi, having her sleep with a 16-year-old in her 40s isn't the way to do it.
