Tag: Identity

Spoiler-Free Review: “Companion” (2025) starring Sophie Thatcher & Jack Quaid

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Find someone made just for you. -Tagline

[first lines]

Iris: Most of the time it’s like… I don’t know. It’s like there’s this thick black cloud covering everything. Like we see the world, but we don’t really see the world, you know. We’re all just stumbling around directionless. No sense of meaning, no sense of purpose.

Since Iris (Sophie Thatcher- an up-and-coming British actress) and Josh (Jack Quaid) had their “meet-cute” in a grocery store, the couple have been inseparable. They seem deeply in love and V compatible! One weekend, they go to spend time w/ Josh’s old friends (Kat and Eli) at a lovely/spacious lakeside house. Iris is anxious, wondering if the others will like her. Kat (Megan Suri), who is dating a wealthy/older Russian- Sergey (Rupert Friend)- acts rude and cold to Iris. Eli (Harvey Guillen) and his doting bf, Patrick (Lukas Gage), are more chatty and friendly.

This is the feature film (streaming on HBO MAX) debut of a (promising) young American- Drew Goddard. It’s tightly edited, well-paced, and most of the cast do a good job. It’s NOT a “typical” horror, BUT a psychological thriller. The tonal shifts- from horror to comedy- will keep you on your toes. Gage (seen on S1 of The White Lotus) gets to show his range. Check it out for yourself; go in knowing as little as possible!

Related Shows To Watch:

The Outer Limits (S3: E1) – Bits of Love

A painter, Aidan Hunter (Jon Tenney), chats w/ his best pal, has breakfast w/ his parents, then spends time w/ a beautiful/blonde. His modern home is run efficiently by Emma (Natasha Henstridge), a computer that provides whatever Aidan needs. Sounds like a good life, right?

The Outer Limits (S4: E15) – Mary 25

Innobotics Corp. is looking for their next big product; exec Charlie Bouton (Tom Butler) proposes an android nanny- Mary 25 (Sofia Shinas). This is a variation on Valerie 23 (S1: E2), a companion that was discontinued after it developed feelings for its owner. Valerie 23 was a total disaster! Bouton is so confident that Mary 25 will function correctly that he takes it home to care for his children.

“The Departed” (2006) & “Infernal Affairs” (2002)

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The Departed (2006)

Lies. Betrayal. Sacrifice. How far will you take it? -Tagline

The state police in Boston is waging war on the (Irish-American) mob. A recent police academy grad, Billy Costigan (Leonardo DiCaprio), is assigned to infiltrate the syndicate run by crime boss Frank Costello (Jack Nicholson). DiCaprio gained 15 lbs. of muscle for his role. Colin Sullivan (Matt Damon) is an informer for this syndicate; he is quickly rising in the Special Investigation Unit (SIU). Each man becomes deeply consumed by their double lives, gathering info about the plans and counter-plans of the operations they’ve penetrated. In time, it becomes clear to both the mob and the police that there is a mole in their midst! Martin Scorsese said that didn’t realize this was a remake of a 2002 Hong Kong film (Infernal Affairs) until after he had agreed to direct it. In 2003, Warner Brothers bought the remake rights to Infernal Affairs for $1.75M.

Originally, Nicholson turned down his role, but after a meeting w/ Scorsese, William Monahan (screenwriter), and DiCaprio, he was finally convinced. Nicholson had previously done a few comedies, and wanted to play a villain again; he considered Costello to be the ultimate incarnation of evil. As research for his role, Damon worked w/ a Massachusetts State Police unit (Boston). He accompanied them on routine patrols, participated in a drug raid, and was taught proper police procedures (EX: how to pat down a suspect). As a kid, Sullivan is mentored into crime business by Costello, who becomes the father figure he never had. Costigan, coming from a crime-ridden family, decides to become a police officer. Capt. Queenen (Martin Sheen) and Sgt. Dignam (Mark Wahlberg) send Costigan undercover to find out more about the criminal underworld (incl. Costello). With his family’s past, Costigan fit’s perfectly into the situation!

I saw this movie (NOT long after it came out); however, I didn’t recall much about it! When I recently re-watched it, I realized why- it’s basic (few surprises and little flavor). I expected a LOT better from Scorsese! I heard that they shot on location in Boston, BUT you can tell a LOT was done in the studio. The dialogue is NOT impressive; also, if you hate cursing, then avoid this movie (filled w/ f-bombs). As for the (dumb) love triangle, it was unnecessary; there was no heat (chemistry) between the actors involved. Vera Farmiga met w/ a real LAPD psychiatrist to prep for her role. The psychiatrist read the script; she told Farmiga that Madolyn (her character) did pretty much everything wrong- LOL!

[1] I couldn’t feel for Leonardo. He was crying and breaking up after what? SIX MONTHS? Damn! Tony Leung was a undercover for nine years and he didn’t sign up because he chose to, he signed up because that was the only way he could be a cop! Martin Sheen got shafted in his role. There was no time for his character to develop a believable relationship with Leonardo. His screen time was wasted. […]

Mark Walhberg and Alec Baldwin got shafted, too. Mark Walhberg was reduced to a foul mouth asshole turned plot device. […] The only bright spot in this movie is Jack Nicholson. But even his talent is wasted because he had no one but “Mr. French” to play off his evilness. The classic scene of the original Infernal Affairs had Jack’s character to confront his counterpart in the police station with some of the most memorable moment of the film. Jack has no counter part in “The Departed” and his brilliance was wasted.

[2] Some scenes have a lot more impact in Infernal Affairs than in The Departed. I’m gonna cite 3 scenes which are some of the most important in the story in my opinion:

-The death of Wong/Queenan: In IA, Wong falls suddenly, lands on a taxi cab, taking Yan by surprise. When Yan realizes Wong is dead, you can feel the suffering Yan goes through by the loss of the only person who knows he’s a cop, but also (mainly) by the loss of his friend.

– In The Departed we see Sheen falls in slow-mo until he hits the ground in a splash of blood. There’s absolutely no connection, no friendship between DiCaprio and Sheen. We see DiCaprio almost on the verge of crying. But why? He’s not his friend and there’s still Wahlberg to prove he’s a cop.

-The death of Sam/Costello: In IA, Ming seems to show a desire to redeem himself and become a good man for his girlfriend. When he confronts Sam in the parking lot during the raid, he kills Sam to remove any evidence he’s a mole and restart on a blank slate.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

Infernal Affairs (2002)

Andy Lau (who US audiences may recall from House of Flying Daggers) and international star- Tony Leung (recently seen in Shang-Chi)- are the lead actors in this Hong Kong crime/police drama. Chan Wing Yan (Leung), an undercover cop, has spent the last 10 yrs. infiltrating various gangs and exposing their criminal dealings. Inspector Lau Kin Ming (Lau) is a police mole secretly working the Triad (the same gang w/ which Yan is currently affiliated). After an expensive drugs transaction goes wrong for both the gang and the police, each side suspects that they have a traitor in their midst. In an ironic turn, it falls to each of the two moles to find out who it is!

I saw this movie (streaming on HBOMAX) earlier this Spring. It’s tight (well-paced), exciting, and the acting was good- unlike The Departed. I was pleasantly surprised; I haven’t watched many Hong Kong-set action films yet. The world of the film is gritty, moody, and feels lived-in, unlike the cleanliness/blandness of the sets/locations used in The Departed. I connected more to Leung; unlike in his (Western) movies, he is youthful, sports longish hair/bangs, and is slouchy (reflecting his down mood/tiredness). The two women in the movie don’t get much to do; I wish they’d been more developed. However, this is mainly a world of men (displaying machismo and enacting violence), and women’s presence is a rarity.

[1] Both leads are perfect. Lau’s cold calculating intellect against Leung’s anguished and tormented heart, complimentary opposites. There aren’t enough words to commend this fresh, invigorating film…

[2] Both main actors do a good job of maintaining the intensity of the story. There are certainly countless parallels to be drawn between the characters, but what struck me most were the contrasts between the two: Ming is a cold, devoted and ruthlessly efficient; Yan has been reduced to a tired and neurotic wreck after a decade of living in fear.

[3] A seriously refreshing police thriller that cranks up the tension to the max. There’s no overblown gunplay or buddy cop crap here, this baby is tight as a drum and will have your nails down to the quick. Superb performances, a tight script and tense direction make this a winner in every department.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

20th Anniversary: “Pride & Prejudice” & “Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith”

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Recently, there were special events (incl. re-releases) centered on 2 much loved (and much-maligned) blockbuster movies from my mid-20s- Pride and Prejudice (P&P) and Star Wars: Episode III – The Revenge of the Sith (TRS). Nostalgia is a big thing these days, esp. among those who are Xennials (b. 1977-1983) and Millennials (b. 1981-1996). Were you a fan (or hater) of P&P and/or TRS upon 1st release? Have you re-watched these movies? Have your opinions changed? Let me know your thoughts (in comments below)!

P&P (which boasted a cast of soon-to-be famous/cute/young faces) is an important film to my fam: we watched it in the theater over Thanksgiving 2005 (w/ my future BIL)! On a recent re-watch, I realized that it’s still a fun/well-made movie, though NOT accurate to Jane Austen’s book (as many have said in past). The young/British director, Joe Wright, had a fresh/controversial take on the Bennett fam (incl. their farm-style home, hairstyles, clothes, and-perhaps a BIT too quirky- personalities). I was (again) impressed by ALL the British character actors. When it came to casting, Rosamund Pike (who studied Austen in college) fitted the role of Jane perfectly. The best things about this adaptation are its music (composed by Dario Marinelli) and Matthew McFadyen. The tall/theatrically-trained actor conveys Mr. Darcy’s (unspoken) shyness, sadness (he lost parents when young), and vulnerability. And when Darcy (a socially awkward hero) finally smiles- wow, he wins over the audience!

In the climax of TRS, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen)- in Sith mode- declares to his Jedi mentor/BFF, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor): “If you’re not with me, then you’re my enemy!” For the “olds” (like me), this may remind you of former prez. (Dubya’s) words after 9/11: “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Is the acting good? Well, it’s a mixed bag; Chancellor/Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) is compelling/effective in his scenes. The film’s most important element is Anakin’s seduction to the Dark Side of the Force by Palpatine. One reviewer on IMDb said: “He is the lifeblood of the film.” Is the writing good? Well, it’s still basic (as w/ the 2 earlier prequels). Is the directing (by Lucas himself) effective? This is tough to judge, but Star Wars fans know Lucas is infamous for NOT saying much to help along the performance of his actors. There are times when I cringed, wondering why he didn’t give the actors another take of a scene. The first 20 mins. (mainly action) are quite exciting, as are the final 30 mins. (incl. the battle btwn. Anakin and Obi-Wan). The music (composed by John Williams) continues to be impressive, as you’d expect. Hey, I still got a BIT emotional at the end- I’m NOT immune to nostalgia!

“Duel in the Sun” (1946) starring Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten, & Gregory Peck

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A biracial (white/Native American) teen girl, Pearl Chavez (Jennifer Jones), who was raised in Mexico is sent to live w/ her distant relatives on a ranch in Texas. She is warmly welcomed by Laura Belle McCanles (Lilian Gish) and her lawyer son, Jesse (Joseph Cotten). Pearl meets w/ hostility from the patriarch, Sen. Jackson McCanles (Lionel Barrymore). Pearl is (at first) wary of the interests of younger son, Lewt (Gregory Peck), who is undisciplined/untamed. Jesse is calm/educated; he ultimately sides w/ the railroad against his father, saying: “I’d rather be on the side of the victims than of the murderers.” Long-held family tensions are exacerbated by her presence!

David O. Selznick spent the rest of his life trying to top Gone With the Wind. He was also obsessed w/ making 2nd wife (Jones) into the greatest leading lady. He didn’t succeed at either, but it wasn’t for lack of trying (from what I’ve heard from classic movie critics)! Jones got an Oscar for her 1st film- The Song of Bernadette. Selznick realized that she couldn’t play saintly women forever, so Pearl became the total opposite.

This movie is a hot/cringe-y mess, to keep it short! I saw it last month; I’m sure also watched it as a kid, BUT blocked it out (LOL)! This was one of few times where Peck played the bad guy; it may be awkward for fans (b/c he’s NOT doing his best). I’m thinking most of blame was on direction/producing- it’s doing TOO much (as Gen Z say)! The issues of (overt) racism and consent (or lack thereof) will offend those who are more sensitive viewers- so be warned.

[1] One thing with Selznick, he spared no expense. He got the best in talent for this film. Dimitri Tiomkin did the score, King Vidor the direction, Ray Rennahan the color photography which is absolutely stunning. […]

It misses being a classic mainly because Selznick couldn’t keep his hands off it. Sometimes the acting is about as subtle as a sledgehammer from all the performers. I’m willing to bet it’s Selznick more than Vidor.

[2] Everything about “Duel in the Sun” is overripe: the music, the photography (those red sunsets a la GWTW), the strong emotions and the climactic duel on a blazing desert sun by the two mismatched lovers. Indeed, the excesses are almost operatic in proportion–and yet, a viewer can get caught up in this sprawling western rightly termed “Lust in the Dust” by some reviewers.

[3] Pearl just can’t resist Lewt, no matter how bad he treats her. Leave your political correctness at the door, folks. This one’s got a little something to offend almost everybody.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews

“Sibyl” (2019) starring Virginie Efira, Adele Exarchopoulos, Gaspard Ulliel, & Sandra Huller

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This French film (made for ONLY 5M euros) from Justine Triet (director/co-writer) and partner, Arthur Harari (co-writer/supporting actor), follows a 30-something psychotherapist, Sibyl (Virginie Efira). She is also wife to Etienne (Paul Hamy) and mom to 2 young kids. Sibyl decides to return to writing (her 1st career), yet still keeps a few patients. Harari plays Dr. Katz (Sibyl’s therapist), as is required in the mental health profession. One night, while dealing w/ writer’s block, Sibyl gets a (frantic) call from 20-ish/up-and-coming actress, Margot (Adèle Exarchopoulos). As Sibyl becomes more… and more wrapped up in Margot’s (turbulent) life, she starts to blur her past from the present… and reality from fiction!

I became curious re: this (genre-defying) film b/c it involved Triet, Harari, and Huller; it was made before they achieved international fame/critical acclaim w/ Anatomy of a Fall (2023). This is the last film released during his lifetime for Gaspard Ulliel (who plays Igor); he died in a ski accident in 2022 at just age 38. I hadn’t seen Efira’s acting before; she hails from Belgian. Efira and Niels Schneider (who plays Gabriel) are a couple IRL w/ one child. Exarchopoulos (then only 26 y.o.) has a French mother and Greek father; she co-starred in several well-known indies. The movie w/in the movie (starring Margot and Igor) was shot on the island of Stromboli (a part of Sicily, Italy).

From the trailer, I was expecting the tone of a dark/thriller; however, there are funny moments! This is free on streaming, so check it out (if in the mood for something unusual). Some viewers wondered: “Who is the patient and who is the therapist?” Gathering from reviews (IMDb; Letterboxd)- ppl are conflicted re: on this movie. Some called it a “hot mess” w/ “hot people”- LOL! Some expected more, yet did enjoy Huller’s performance as a perfectionist/Type A director. As in Anatomy of a Fall, Huller speaks more in English than in French. How cool is it that she can act in 3 languages!?

[1] You have to suspend your disbelief quite a lot and go with the flow. Having a love for making movies and understanding what can go on behind the scenes (it almost feels like someone is doing their own curing by doing the movie – the writer, the director, producers … all of the above and more?)

[2] I can’t recall seeing a film with so many good and great elements: cinematography, acting, a good deal of great dialogue, that was assembled into such a let down of total experience.

[3] The most enjoyable scenes for me were those with Sandra Huller, playing a film director, especially her reactions to the difficulties the actors are creating on her set. Her sensible response to the psychotherapist’s behaviour is long awaited and ultimately very satisfying.

-Excerpts from IMDb reviews