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Here you'll find my analytical summation of the innovators in the art of cinema. From legendary directors of classic films like Hitchcock, LeRoy, Fleming, Ford, Hawks, Spielberg, Kubrick and Scorsese to emerging talent like Greta Gerwig, Rian Johnson, Patty Jenkins and Jordan Peele , film reviews covers them all and more.
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Film Reviews by the Old Codger Critic
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Special Features &Videos
Dawn: Year Seven 2019 An Independent Showcase Short Film
starring Chloe Liles, Jeremy Liles and Connie Copeland
written, directed and edited by Jay Reel
This is a short sequel to a 2003 film entitled "DAWN" by filmmaker Jay Reel
This nicely photographed little film features arid and isolated locations which effectively invoke the loneliness of the father/daughter travel companions who. seeking some solitude from what we become immediately aware of as the hardships of their sojourn away from the population at large. The dialog that the obviously stressed and exhausted father and 7 year old daughter exchange perfectly establishes the close bond the two share. Even as she sleeps and he struggles to remain awake , director Reel provides a true sense of urgency to their situation. After nearly crashing the car when his eyes close just once too often, the aroused Dawn chastises her father in a nicely written exchange that feels honest and natural. It also reveals a clear clue as to how much each is actually taking care of the other. We can feel real affection between the actors that triggers our empathy even as we slowly begin to realize exactly what the problem is that has forced them to flee the confines of city life and seek out solitude and respite. It isn't pretty but it lays at the heart of the film.
Director Reel has given the film a very professional sheen and he utilizes the stark colors of the baron landscape and the deteriorating façade of the dying town the two finally arrive at as a metaphor for what is to come. This is a horror film in slow and steady mode, concentrating more on character than on grizzly gore. Dawn, turns out, has some hybrid form of vampirism and has, thus far, lived off the blood her father provides. But she is growing up and he can't spare the amount of blood necessary for her to survive without jeopardizing his own health. For Dawn's part, she is reaching a time in her life where her instinctual need to hunt is growing.
The film has a nice feel to it despite its subject matter. It is impressive visually and it has some tiny bits of wisdom in the dialog that ring true. The acting is a bit inconsistent at times. The key players need to become more disciplined in their craft in order to sustain the believability in their characterizations. They do have some very effective moments, especially in the exchanges between Dawn and her father as well as a tenderly played scene between Dawn and an elderly sick woman she encounters in the nearly deserted town. But even those scenes suffer from an inconsistent tempo. The film would have benefited from some more judicious editing as some scenes dawdle a bit too long which diminishes their initial quality.
Still, there is much to admire about this original take on an old theme. The director is definitely going for something different than the tired old formula and he mainly succeeds with that goal. I, for one, would be interested in seeing what this film leads up to.
I have provided this film with a rating of 81%
Watch it now as part of my Special Features/Video section!
Special features &Videos
Watch the film here! Read my review on The Old Codger's Film Review blog now!
Special Features &Videos
The final Daniel Craig appearance as James Bond. The best since Connery.
Special Features & Videos
Looks like an interesting attempt to resurrect the franchise by the son of the original director. We shall see
Special Features & Videos
Terrance Malik has had a fairly checkered career since we first saw the potential of an outstanding director in the seventies with "Days Of Heaven". This film has all the signs of being a return to that former glory.
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Special Features & Videos
Positive critical buzz for Kristen Stewart's heart breaking performance precedes the theatrical debut of this true expose chronicling the C.I.A.'s relentless pursuit of movie star Jean Seberg's activism.
Special features &Videos
Interesting concept for sure.
Special Features & Videos
I am completely intrigued by this trailer. The film has received solid positive buzz off the festival circuit and Julia Garner is so spectacular on the Netflix series, The Ozarks!
Special Features & Videos
Daniel Radcliffe is enjoying quite and eclectic post Harry Potter career.
Special Features & Videos
Here is a fascinating look at one of the most anticipated year end film releases. Already a multi-nominated Golden Globe nominee and certain to receive major Oscar consideration, this is a must see for me.
Special Features & Videos
WONDER WOMAN 1984 One of 2020's MOST ANTCIPATED FILMS!
Special Features & Videos
Check my blog for my review of this adrenaline charged short film!
Special Features & Videos
State of the Union (2015)
Director: Bruce Branit
Writer: Bruce Branit
I continue to be amazed by the ingenuity that goes into many of these short independently made films that beg the question as to what are these filmmakers capable of if they had the financial resources at their fingertips. Take this film from 2015 by Bruce Branit. It's a clever cinema verite style take on the alien invasion theme.
Special Features & Videos
The latest film from one of our most admired filmmakers.
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