Agent Game (2022)
Directed by Grant S. Johnson this film stars Adan Canto, Dermot Mulroney, Katie Cassidy, Jason Isaacs and Mel Gibson. Two elements of the CIA battle it out against each other.
Using big name stars in small roles to attempt to prop up this film does not work. The non-linear nature of the plot is just frustrating and the action is shot in such a way you can never tell what is going on here. One of the weaker Saban films which is saying something.
1/5
Benedetta (2021)
Directed by Paul Verhoeven this film inspired by historical events stars Virginie Efira, Charlotte Rampling and Daphne Patakia. A 17th century nun has visions and a lesbian affair.
A lot of the elements of this film could be interesting, the ideas of faith, sexuality and apocalyptic plague, however Verhoeven sticks with the more salacious stuff. Some how the film manages to be less than the sum of its parts. A bit of a disappointment that strays from history.
2/5
Le Bey de Tunis et les personnages de sa suite descendant l'escalier de Bardo (1903)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. Well dressed men walk down some stairs.
The title of this film is probably longer and contains more content than the short itself. This really is just some blokes walking down some stairs. I am sure there is some historical context to this one but it is not a great watch.
2/5
M3GAN (2022)
Directed by Gerard Johnstone this film stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw. A woman takes in her orphaned niece and introduces her to a new toy, a robot girl.
Pretty much we are going through the expected beats here with a little lacking on the character work to hold it all together. There are points where you are sitting waiting for the film to get to the inevitable. Pretty average horror/thriller with no surprises.
2/5
Ancients (2023)
Directed by Patrick Townsend this short stars William Gabriel, Tel Benjamin and Michael Wood. A Greek writer pitches his latest story to his Roman publishers.
This is a pretty simple short based on a familiar joke concept, business does not understand art. The film is fairly well made and does the back drop decently. Not really original or a stand out.
3/5
Finch (2021)
Directed by Miguel Sapochnik this film stars Tom Hanks and Caleb Landry Jones. A dying man living in a dying world builds a robot to care for his dog after he is gone.
Pulling on expected heart strings this is a pretty predictable film. Despite the lack of originality this is a pretty well made film that manages not to get too sappy or melodramatic. It would have been nice to see a bit more of the world the film takes place in.
3/5
Stockholm, entree de l'exposition (1897)
Directed by Alexandre Promio this is an early short film. We see the entrance to the world exhibition in Stockholm.
As street scenes go this is a pretty decent one. We get something unique in the background and then some good action in the foreground in passing traffic. One of the better examples of the genre.
3/5
