ardenphillips
Joined Nov 2019
Welcome to the new profile
Our updates are still in development. While the previous version of the profile is no longer accessible, we're actively working on improvements, and some of the missing features will be returning soon! Stay tuned for their return. In the meantime, the Ratings Analysis is still available on our iOS and Android apps, found on the profile page. To view your Rating Distribution(s) by Year and Genre, please refer to our new Help guide.
Badges3
To learn how to earn badges, go to the badges help page.
Reviews22
ardenphillips's rating
One of the best films Ray Milland made in his long and prolific career. No dialogue whatsoever, but just as suspenseful as any film on the start of the cold war made at the start of the cold war (1950). Ray Milland was good in everything even the silly shock slock stuff he did in the sixties, but here is his master class in acting--every emotion running clearly across his face. Plus The Thief expertly uses locations (DC/NY) as well as any current production (2024). The long scene at the Empire State building is remarkable and not to be missed. Love old Ray Milland movies especially the comedies--Milland was such a charming mid-century sweetheart. Yet here he shows what a great serious actor he was too.
The only thing wrong with this movie is that it was marketed as a comedy and it is not. There are some funny moments and it stars two giant comedic actors BUT this is a drama about a marriage disintegrating while on a skiing vacation in Austria. The greatest thing about Downhill is an absolutely Oscar-worthy performance by Julia Lewis-Dreyfus as Billie. So much emotion in every look and movement as Billie tries to balance her own needs with what is best for her two young sons. Will Ferrell is not as impressive as Pete--never sure what his character is about. Pete's selfish and spoiled and not much more. Ferrell's wasn't a bad performance just not up to the level Julia Lewis-Dreyfuss brought to the Downhill slopes.
Do not understand reviews that say this was slow or in someway rudderless. I guess if they mean a slow build to terrifying, okay. The actors were all completely beyond good. A great eclectic cast and sure direction by Jordan Peele. Daniel Kaluuya (always brilliant) plays his role so perfectly--sort of an oldtime yet utterly modern western hero--a new-aged Alan Ladd. Keke Palmer was a revelation and added a spirited performance and the exact counterpoint to Daniel Kaluuya's performance. The California location was also perfect and expertly used by Peele--it was another star of the film. Loved it.