The Old Guard

I usually don't like battle scenes with immortals, but the fight choreography in The Old Guard is outstanding. Theron and Layne are great as the heroes protecting the world as they know it. This movie is worth a watch.

Guns Akimbo

 A violent video game turns real life in Guns Akimbo. The story moves fast and the stakes are high. Violent and bloody, this is a crazy ride. 

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

The 3rd installment in the John Wick franchise, John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum, is a bang-bang shoot-em-up ride you won't soon forget. The plot is pretty lame, but the action makes up for it. There are also scenes on a rooftop in a neighborhood I am familiar with that makes me smile. This is a decent rental.

The Kitchen

When business needs to get done, the women in The Kitchen get it done. For better, or for worse. This is a violent period crime film with good performances. Lots of gun-play. OK rental.

Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood

In the film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, we meet an actor and his stunt man/friend working their way through early Hollywood. They are always looking for work and the reality of age is encroaching on their ability to get work. Real life characters enter the story at the Manson ranch and it becomes a bit of a what-if story. The actor becomes an unwitting hero. I liked this film, which certainly gives film lovers a lot to talk about. 

The Art of Self Defense

After being mugged, a quiet young man turns to martial arts to learn how to defend himself. In The Art of Self Defense he encounters an intense culture at the dojo. This is an interesting take on bullying, crime and coping with a good twist. Good film

Midsommar

A bizarre trip to Sweden in Midsommar does not end well for several of the characters. A young woman joins her boyfriend and his pals to attend a remote festival. Things get weird and very violent. This film is beautifully shot and moves between the real world and the fantastical world in interesting ways. Though the film's violence is jarring, know that it is a horror film going in. Wild stuff.

Wild at Heart

Opening with a very violent scene, Wild at Heart sets the tone for the crazy road trip of a young girl in love with an excon. There are pronouncements of love and hate amid scenes of violence and graphic sex. A bizarre ride from David Lynch with many outstanding performances.

Free Fire

A bungled gun deal turns into a very long shootout in Free Fire. That is all. OK rental.

The Duel

In 1846 southern Texas was struggling to keep its identity. The living was tough and people were territorial and brutal. In the film The Duel a man and his wife try to navigate to new territory looking for answers and find themselves in a tough town. The story plods and the violence is brutal. An OK rental.

Free State of Jones

There is so much drama in the early history of the United States. Film mines this regularly. In Free State of Jones the life of Newton Knight rebelling against the confederates with farmers and slaves in the south is inspiring, dangerous and violent. The aspect of interracial couples being against the law still blows my mind and is told well in this film in a side-plot. A good film that is tough to watch at times. Decent rental.

Deadpool

Oh how I love a snarky superhero and Deadpool is the poster-child for that. From the opening credits to the last frame the snark is front and center, fueled by one-liners and crazy characters. I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to. Earns its R rating, not for the kids.

Green Room

A simple punk rock gig goes south quickly in Green Room There are quick-thinking musicians and ruthless Nazis. They did not spare the blood, this is a good cat-and-mouse thriller. Well done.

The Hateful Eight

Learning that Providence was one of the 100 cities to show The Hateful Eight in 70mm was a wonderful Christmas gift. I always try to see something special on New Year's Day and this fit the bill perfectly. Upon buying my ticket I was handed a program describing the characters. By the time the film rolled I was ready. The story of bounty hunters waylayed bringing their bounty in was entertaining, dynamic and bloody. Every performance was rich, all dialog demanded your attention. This was such a satisfying cinematic experience. With over a 3 hour run-time, there was a welcome intermission that gave a nice breather to absorb the finale of the film. Thanks guys, I had a great time!

Lost River

Lost River is a weird ride. Desperate for money, a single mother travels to a secret city and works in a freak show of bizarre proportions. The production value is high and performances are great, but this is such a strange film.

Only God Forgives

Every once in a while I see a film that I don't get until I've thought about it for a day or so. Only God Forgives is one of those films. Pensive, violent, bloody, beautiful, this film takes it's time telling a simple story of crime and vengeance. Truly an art film.