lwgoodrich

I enjoyed this film from start to finish. It has enough twists and turns to make Agatha Christie proud. A family patriarch worth millions - ironically, from his outrageously successful mystery novels - dies in his huge country mansion following his eighty-fifth birthday party. Although it appears to be suicide, a world-famous detective who arrives on the scene isn't so sure.

There are certainly plenty of suspects - his voraciously greedy family members have been sponging off him for years, and live in constant fear of being cut out of his will. Added to the mix is his young, sweet-natured nurse, who is the one person in the household he genuinely likes.

What went down that night is revealed before the movie is halfway through - but is it the whole story? The detective (played with a Southern accent of indeterminate origin by Daniel Craig) and the nurse team up to unravel the old gentleman's death. But can either one of them trust the other?

A sterling cast is in fine form - Jamie Lee Curtis as the victim's daughter swanning about the huge house, the incomparable Toni Colette as his widowed daughter-in-law and self-help guru, Don Johnson as the blustering son-in-law, Chris Evans playing against type as the smarmy grandson, and numerous others. Cast standouts are Craig and Ana de Armas, who shines in the part of Marta, the pretty nurse.

There are humorous moments, but don't expect big laughs. Try to count the number of different South American nationalities ascribed to immigrant nurse Marta by this phony bunch as they keep insisting she's "one of the family"....I'm not sure if they ever got the right one. There are a few pointed references to the social and political culture we live in as well.

A very well-done movie, with the most natural-sounding dialogue I've heard in modern films - nearly all the characters talk like "real" people, with a singular lack of artifice. And I appreciated the fact that the gorgeous gothic mansion in its parklike setting is in itself one of the film's most outstanding characters. Its interiors must be seen to be believed.

All in all,a highly enjoyable experience; I recommend it.

Beautifully acted and directed, The King is a riveting film. It's over two hours long, and every minute is watchable. Much of the dialogue reflects the spirit of Shakespeare, on whose work this film is based. Henry V is still one of the most revered kings in English history, though it didn't start out that way. Lead actor Timothee Chalamet does an excellent job portraying Henry's transformation from dissolute hellraiser to a young ruler of growing maturity. His supporting cast is peerless. Sean Harris brings his usual intensity to his role as Henry's top advisor. Joel Edgerton gives a fine edge to his performance as Falstaff, and Robert Pattinson chews up the scenery as the French Dauphin, a nasty piece of work. The costumes and sets lend authenticity, and the battle scenes are remarkable - and brutal. This is a great viewing experience....and not to be missed.

Completely lame with absolutely no documentation whatsoever for these campfire tales. I watched two episodes of this nonsense during which I couldn't stop saying, "I don't believe you" during the victims' retelling of these "events". Are we really to believe that kids moved into a completely unsuitable house sight unseen, without at least viewing pictures of it online? Then continued to stay after numerous creepy and terrifying things happened? Next up: a nursing home with a seemingly "possessed" woman living there who manifests all kinds of truly disturbing behavior, including viciously attacking two staff members - and no one thinks to have her examined by a doctor? It was obvious the whole episode was channeling The Exorcist; the only thing missing was the spinning head. I escaped after two episodes, but that was still time spent I'll never get back. Don't make the same mistake.