Month: October 2023

Articles, Review, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 96, Love Affair (1939)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

96. Love Affair (1939) Directed by Leo McCarey

The Movie: A handsome and dashing French painter, Michel Marnett (Charles Boyer) meets a beautiful American singer, Terry McKay (Irene Dunne) onboard a transatlantic cruise. Michel is a womanizer and engaged to an heiress named Lois (Astrid Allwyn) and Terry is engaged to a man named Kenneth (Lee Bowman). Both Terry and Michel began to find the other attractive and have dinner with one another. Terry is well aware of Michel’s reputation and when people start to notice them together they agree to not dine as a couple.

Terry agrees to visit Michel’s grandmother Janou (Maria Ouspenskaya) in Maderia, which complicates Terry’s feelings for Michel more as Janou and her have a wonderful time together. Janou tells Terry that she wants Michel to settle down and get married.

As they arrive in New York, they agree to meet on the top of the Empire State Building in six months. Michel wants that time to see if he can make money as an artist. Terry breaks her engagement off and agrees to be a singer at a night club in Philadelphia.

The date arrives for the meet on top of the Empire State Building, but Terry never makes it. She is struck by a car on the way and is told she may be paralyzed. The doctors inform her that they will not know for certain for six months. Terry does not want to burden Michel if she is in fact paralyzed and does not tell him. Michel, heartbroken that Terry never arrives. He soon returns to Maderia after learning his grandmother has passed away and returns to New York to continue his work at an ad agency.

Terry is overheard singing at the garden while she is in therapy by the owner of a children’s orphanage. Impressed, Terry is asked to be the music teacher there.

Terry decides that she is going to go out for Christmas Eve and goes to a theater. There, she happens to run into Michel. Michel does not learn of Terry’s disability until the next day when he surprises her at her apartment. Michel learns finally what happened to Terry and Terry learns that Michel has changed his womanizing ways. Michel tells Terry that he will be with her, no matter how her diagnosis turns out.

Why I Love Love Affair (1939): Two words. One person. Irene Dunne. I adore Irene Dunne she is my most favorite Golden Age Hollywood Actress. She is immensely talented, beautiful and funny. All of her qualities are on full display in Leo McCarey’s Love Affair.

Dunne flexes not only her acting chops but her incredible singing voice as well. Charles Boyer is also up to the task as the dashing leading man that he is.

Although Cary Grant is my favorite actor, Love Affair is a better film than its remake An Affair to Remember. Although McCarey returned for the remake as writer director, here Dunne just outshines the talented Deborah Kerr in the role of Terry.

The black and white photography is stunning with foggy accents that pepper the voyage on the ship to the bustle of New York City every scene is alive in its own special way.

McCarey is in top form as he stated the idea for Love Affair came from his own trip across the ocean. McCarey was also growing tired of screwball comedies and wanted to stretch himself as a director. His restrained approach serves the film well.

Beautifully shot and told, Love Affair is a romantic film worth falling in love with.

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

Suitable Flesh (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

t’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

Suitable Flesh (2023) Directed by Joe Lynch

Dr. Elizabeth Darby (Heather Graham) finds herself in a state hospital after she is accused of murdering her young patient Asa (Judah Lewis). Elizabeth denies that she killed Asa, but the no one believes her. Her friend and colleague Dr. Dani Upton (Barbara Crampton) visits her and tells Elizabeth she doesn’t sound competent. Elizabeth pleads with Dani to listen to her story, Dani agrees.

One afternoon after a session, Elizabeth is greeted by a distressed young man, the aforementioned Asa. He asks for Elizabeth’s help. Asa says that he read her book and believes that she is the only one who can help him. Intrigued and sensing that Asa is in real mental distress, Elizabeth asks him into her office.

Asa tells Elizabeth about his dad, who is controlling him and hurting him. Elizabeth feels obliged to help Asa. During their session Asa’s phone rings and he tries not to answer it. When he does the voice on the other side transforms Asa from a troubled young man to one beaming with confidence and sexuality.

Elizabeth develops an unhealthy obsession with Asa and is soon brought into a world of demonic possession, gruesome murders and an uncontrollable desire for Asa.

Suitable Flesh packs a wallop. Inspired by H.P. Lovecraft’s The Thing on the Doorstep, it feels like a movie from the 1980’s. The gore is spectacular invoking memories of horror favorites from years gone by.

Director Joe Lynch brings the right amount of flair to the proceedings. One death, which I won’t spoil but I will say it uses the back up camera in a vehicle in an awesome way. I love how the film slowly lets the viewer into the world. Once we get there, however, the pace is unrelenting. From insane murders to insane and steamy sex scenes, Suitable Flesh is never dull.

Heather Graham commands the screen. Her descent from professional doctor and loving wife to a woman spellbound by a mysterious young man is not only believable but when her world unravels you feel sympathy for her and her dilemma. The added bonus of having Barbara Crampton back into the Lovecraftian world is special. Crampton is mesmerizing on screen.  

Go see Suitable Flesh with as little knowledge as possible. It’s a rollercoaster of a movie that rewards the viewers to enjoy the plunge into darkness.

Grade: A

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

Frogman (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

It’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

Frogman (2023) Directed by Anthony Cousins

In 1999, Dallas (Liam Hage) and his family are on a trip to Love Land in Ohio. Their father is film in the trip. When the family is on the side of the road, Dallas takes over and captures the legendary Frogman!

Flash forward to present day and Dallas (Nathan Tymoshuk) now grown is a joke of the internet. Nobody believes that his footage of the Frogman is real and Dallas has been floating through life ever since. After losing his “home” Dallas decides that he is going to finally prove that Frogman is real and get the footage to prove it.

Frogman is an all powerful being. Some say that a cult worships him. Some say he uses a wand like a wizard. Others say he is able to control people with his mind.

Dallas enlists the help of his best friend Scotty (Benny Barrett) and his crush but she doesn’t know it Amy (Chelsey Grant) to help him on his quest.

When the trio arrive in Love Land they meet people that believe in Frogman. In fact, most citizens embrace the notoriety that Frogman brings and have tourist-y stops and spots everywhere.

But as the group gets further and further into Frogman’s territory, they soon realize that maybe the legends are true and Frogman is truly out there.

Frogman as concept is silly. And the filmmakers had a choice. Make it as crazy as possible or play it safe. Thankfully they choose to totally embrace the crazy and pull off a pretty neat film.

I am not a fan of found footage films. The concept is inherently restricted and hampers the film in the process. And while I wish this film was played conventionally, I will give the filmmakers credit again and not taking the easy way out. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the film delivers, it doesn’t leave as many questions like so many found footage films do.

One thing I can spoil is the film is very funny. The three main characters have amazing chemistry and they truly feel like they’ve been friends for years.

Frogman as a concept is silly. As a horror film, it totally works. It’s funny and some truly fantastic practical effects. You should jump at the chance to see this film.

Grade: B

Articles, Review, Telluride Horror Show

You’ll Never Find Me (2023) Review: Telluride Horror Show 14

It’s October in Colorado, which means the coolest film festival takes place in the beautiful town of Telluride. The Telluride Horror Show is a favorite of mine (and my wife and the fellow Nerds). We podcasted from there twice a long time ago. And while we haven’t brought our podcast back, my wife and I have gone back a couple of times. This year, I was able to catch seven films, short programs and soak in the scenery and the gore. Instead of just posting my thoughts of the films on Letterboxd, I thought I would also write detailed reviews with you my loyal listeners/readers my thoughts on the films I saw. So sit back, relax and lets get spooky!

You’ll Never Find Me (2023) Directed by Indianna Bell and Josiah Allen

It’s a dark and stormy night. Patrick (Brenden Rock) is sitting alone at his kitchen table. Patrick seems lost in his thoughts. Patrick also appears to be in pain, not physically but emotionally. As the storm rages on, there is a loud knock on the door. Patrick tells this “intruder” to fuck off and leave him alone. The knocks continue and a faint voice can be heard.

Patrick cautiously opens the door. We see a young woman (Jordan Cowan) standing in the rain. She explains she needs help as her car is broken down and asks to use Patrick’s phone to call for help. Patrick is hesitant and reluctantly lets her in.

The woman tells Patrick that she ran from the beach and she just needs to use his phone. Patrick produces change from his pocket and says he doesn’t have a phone but there is a pay phone on the other side of the trailer park. Patrick offers to take her to the phone when the storm clears. The woman is hesitant and doesn’t trust Patrick.

Patrick also doesn’t trust the woman. What is she doing here? Why is she out so late? As they get to know one another, the distrust and paranoia only grows.

You’ll Never Find Me, is a slooowww burn of a film. The film plays on the paranoia of the two characters and as more of their respective stories are revealed, the more the tension amps up. Which makes this film a hit and miss affair is it that it bubbles with frustration for the viewer as you keep waiting and waiting and waiting for something to happen. It almost never does.

Both actors are very good. We are basically watching a two person play and it only succeeds if the actors are top notch, which they are. The sound design as well is great. It plays an important role in the film and acts a character as well.

You’ll Never Find Me is a hard film to get too much into as you don’t want to spoil it, but again I don’t think the ending makes the slog through the film worth it. Every time I started to think it was going somewhere, it throws another “twist” to the story that neuters all momentum that it had built up and earned.

Even with strong character work turned in by the actors, You’ll Never Find Me asks too much patience from its audience to ever by an effective thriller, let alone horror film.

Grade: D+

Articles, Top Lists

Ryan’s 150 Favorite Films: Number 97, Drive (2011)

One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

97. Drive (2011) Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn

The Movie: The Driver (Ryan Gosling) is a Hollywood stuntman by day and a getaway driver by night. The Driver has a boss, an auto shop owner named Shannon (Bryan Cranston) who is able to convince the mob boss Bernie Rose (Albert Brooks) to fund a car for The Driver so he can race.

The Driver soon meets his neighbor, Irene (Carey Mulligan) and her son Benicio (Kaden Leos). The Driver and Irene become friends and seem to be getting close when Irene’s husband, Standard (Oscar Issacs) returns home from prison. Standard is in trouble as he owes money to an Albanian gangster named Chris Cook (James Biberi). After Standard is assaulted by Cook he is told to rob a pawn store of $40,000 to pay his debt. The Driver decides he will help by being the getaway driver for the job.

At the pawn shop, Blanche (Christina Hendricks) who works for Cook waits with The Driver. The robbery does not go as planned and Standard is killed. The Driver and Blanche leave and are pursued by another car. The Driver is able to get away and he and Blanche hide in a motel. Blanche confides in The Driver that she was going to double cross them and take a bag with $1,000,000 in it for her and Cook. Blanche is killed by one of Cook’s men and The Driver stabs that man to death.

After refusing to let Shannon hide the money, The Driver confronts Cook and tells him he will kill him. Cook tells The Driver the mobster Nino (Ron Pearlman) was the man who orchestrated the robbery. The Driver calls Nino and asks to be left alone and he will give him the money. Nino refuses.

The Driver tells Irene about Standard and the robbery. The Driver tells Irene they need to leave. When they enter the elevator, The Driver realizes that the man in the elevator is a hitman. The Driver passionately kisses Irene and then stomps the hitman to death. The Driver next confronts Shannon after he realizes that Shannon must have told Bernie about the money and Irene.

We learn from Nino that a Philadelphia mobster stashed the money at the pawn shop and plans to use the money for a new East Coast operation. Nino tells Bernie that they need to kill any witnesses that are involved in the robbery. Bernie agrees and kills Cook. Bernie next presses Shannon about The Driver’s whereabouts. Shannon refuses to tell him and is killed.

After he finds Shannon dead, The Driver chases down Nino and rams his car off the Pacific Coast Highway and onto a beach. The Driver grabs Nino and drowns him in the ocean. The Driver next finds Bernie. Bernie tells The Driver Irene will be safe, as long as The Driver gives him the money. The Driver does and is stabbed. The Driver however, stabs Bernie to death, leaving his body in a parking lot with all the money. Irene goes to The Driver’s apartment but there is no answer, The Driver is in a car, driving away.

Why I Love Drive (2011): Just a straight cool movie. Ryan Gosling’s performance is calm, cool and mean. The way he controls the camera, where he just commands you to pay attention to him onscreen made me look at him in a whole new light.

The synth laced soundtrack and score are pitch perfect for the neon light-soaked backdrop of Drive’s crime noir.

Directed with confidence and flair by Nicolas Winding Refn, he would never be this cool again. The movies that he made after Drive never capture the awesomeness and confidence he has here. Refn goes too far after this film and never regains his mojo in my opinion, some of the other Reel Nerds love The Neon Demon, I do not.

The car chases, the getaway escapes all pulsate the screen with urgency and bad-assery. Drive does not follow the rules of most action films, it speeds past them.

Drive also plays with your expectations. Blanche’s death is shocking and brutal. So too is The Driver’s assault on the hitman in the elevator. It is gory and necessary, so we understand that The Driver is the hero, but he isn’t above getting his hands dirty.

From the confidence behind the camera and the cool and mean streak of The Driver in front of the camera, Drive rewards its viewers with an action film that never overplays its hand. It takes us for a ride that is breathtaking and brutal.

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