kevin_robbins

I recently watched White Boy Rick (2018) on Tubi. The storyline follows a Detroit teenager whose father is an arms dealer in their community. When the FBI offers him a deal to avoid jail by becoming an informant, he accepts-only to learn their protection has limits.

This picture is directed by Yann Demange ('71) and stars Matthew McConaughey (Mud), Richie Merritt (Clean), Bel Powley (The King of Staten Island), Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight), Jonathan Majors (Creed III), and Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta).

The film does an excellent job establishing its atmosphere. There's a dark, gritty tone from beginning to end. The cast is outstanding, with everyone delivering strong performances. The writing is solid across the board-the unfolding of the story, the dialogue, and the character perspectives all feel authentic. There's also a young kid who's genuinely hilarious with his constant "grandpa" references, which had me cracking up. McConaughey, in particular, has several standout moments; his "glass half full kind of guy" line is peak McConaughey. The conclusion ties everything together well, humanizing the journey and reminding the audience that this is a true story.

In conclusion, White Boy Rick is a worthwhile, underrated street drama. I'd score it 7.5-8/10.

I recently watched the short film Axemas (2017) on Tubi. The storyline follows a group of friends who plan to party late at night in a storage facility. Unfortunately for them, a serial killer dressed as Santa Claus discovers their gathering and sets out to make them his next victims.

This picture is written and directed by John Ward (Frightvision) and stars Ashley Campbell (Brutality), John E. Seymore (Human Zoo), Lindsey Cruz (Neon), and Dillon Weishuhn (Brutality).

Running just 24 minutes, the movie does the best it can with its limited runtime. It features a solid villain and a great slasher setting. The practical effects exceeded my expectations, delivering satisfying gore and some creative kills. I did, however, want a bit more from the ending.

In conclusion, Axemas is worth a watch for low-budget slasher fans looking for some holiday-themed carnage. I would score it 5/10 and recommend it with the right expectations.

I recently watched Apache (1954) on Prime. The storyline follows a Native American warrior as his tribe nears collapse and is forced onto reservation land. Refusing to surrender, he escapes the American military and attempts to find a way to live peacefully as a farmer.

This picture is directed by Robert Aldrich (The Longest Yard) and stars Burt Lancaster (The Island of Dr. Moreau), Jean Peters (Niagara), Charles Bronson (Death Wish), and John McIntire (Psycho).

The settings, attire, props, backdrops, and cinematography all give the film that classic western feel-along with the unfortunate casting of Irish and Lithuanian actors as Native Americans. Burt Lancaster and Charles Bronson look particularly out of place in their roles, and the premise, along with most of the subplots, feels awkward. The love story seems forced and doesn't integrate naturally into the narrative. While the character motivations are understandable, the execution feels inauthentic throughout. Overall, the film plays like a Hollywood oversimplification of real events.

In conclusion, Apache is a hastily assembled western with below-average writing and even weaker execution. I'd score it a 4/10 and recommend skipping it.