kevin_robbins

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.

I recently watched The Harbinger (2022) on Tubi. The storyline takes place during COVID, when everyone was still wearing masks and social distancing. A former college roommate is suffering from terrifying nightmares and believes she's going to die, so she reaches out for help. Despite her own strict precautions, the friend breaks her COVID rules to visit-and quickly discovers there may be far more to fear than bad dreams.

This picture is written and directed by Andy Mitton (YellowBrickRoad) and stars Gabby Beans (Honey Don't), Emily Davis (Tulsa King), Raymond Anthony Thomas (Shutter Island), and Stephanie Roth Haberle (Deception).

This movie gave me COVID PTSD. The acting feels authentic, and the circumstances and characters are well grounded. The storyline is unpredictable, and Emily Davis looks unstable from the very start-I wouldn't have taken my mask off, lol. The film keeps you uncertain about whether the characters are facing something supernatural or simply losing their grip on reality. The horror elements, however, are a bit too subtle, and I found myself wanting more. There's a solid twist at the end, but with a strong villain design and effective settings, the movie could have pushed much darker and become something special. Instead, it lands in the "just okay" category.

In conclusion, The Harbinger is engaging enough to hold your attention and make you curious about where it's headed, but it misses the chance to become a cult classic. I'd score it a 5/10 and recommend it only if you can't find something better.

I recently rewatched Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) on Pluto. The storyline picks up with Rambo in prison after the events of the first film. His colonel offers him a mission: return to Vietnam and determine whether American POWs are still being held. When Rambo discovers there are survivors, he does far more than simply confirm their existence...

This picture is directed by George Pan Cosmatos (Leviathan) and stars Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna (Wait Until Dark), Martin Kove (The Karate Kid), Charles Napier (The Silence of the Lambs), and Steven Berkoff (Octopussy).

This film marks the first time we see Rambo fully in his natural element, outside civilization and deep in hostile terrain. The storytelling is straightforward, but compelling, as Rambo ends up battling both the U. S. government and the Vietcong. The camera work is extremely underrated-especially the closeups of him preparing for war, the perspective shots that show what he sees, and the angles capturing how his enemies view him before he strikes. It all helps build the mythic presence of the character and heightens the tension around his infamous traps.

The action scenes are outstanding, particularly after his heart is broken. The explosive arrow sequences are legendary and remain some of the most iconic moments of the genre. The torture scenes are intense and well executed. While the love story is a bit clunky, it doesn't take away from Stallone's fantastic performance. The sound effects and score elevate the film's action even further. There's a lot to appreciate here.

In conclusion, Rambo: First Blood Part II is a powerful installment in the series and a standout in the action genre. I'd score it a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.