MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #216

Hired to protect a pampered mining heiress Zoe (Sophie Nélisse), bodyguard Sam (Noomi Rapace) finds herself tangled in a deadly conspiracy. When attackers target the heiress she's protecting, battle-hardened bodyguard Sam scrambles to save her client - and teach her how to fight back. Written by Raihan Khondker  (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

CLOSE (2019) is directed by Vicky Jewson, written by Vicky Jewson & Rupert Whitaker, and produced by Vicky Jewson, Jason Newmark, and Rupert Whitaker. Having passed over this film several times to screen something else it is has made me possibly rethinking my selection process. 

CLOSE stars one of my new female actresses Noomi Pace whom I first say in GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO. There is just something that I like about her presence in those films as well as this one. As for the story in CLOSE, I found it to be believable as well as entertaining. I even felt the twist the story takes was legit, but I am always seemingly wanting to see more character development. 

In the End: CLOSE for me played to the things I like about an action film, but sometimes more is needed to create a more memorable than a forgettable piece. So I give it 3 0f 5 stars.

ART SHARE

Welcome to another Able Abe Studios Art Share WIP Completed. My foray into sequential art has been fun def need to explore this more ...GO!!!

For more from Able Able studios make sure to check out these excellent links ableabestudios.com , Able Abe photography , Able Abe Z store , Able abe fan page , YouTube Channel.

THE LIST

He looked outside to see the downpour ever-increasing making him want to call the whole thing off. He continued to contemplate the decision not to head into the growing storm when he looked into his fridge seeing bits and pieces of what was to be a well-stocked fridge ready to entertain guests the following night. Torn between that and the pitch he was developing, he found himself in a bit of a moment of paralysis. He looked at his watch it read 8:30pm. He had been home since 5pm forgetting to head to the grocery store on his way home was now clearly encroaching on his evening's plans. 

He figured now he'd just have to bite the bullet and make the run running the pitch through his head, venturing to the store to make up time finalizing the entire thing as he pre-made a dish and appetizers for the dinner party for the following night. Still in his work clothes charcoal slacks, a corn flour blue oxford, and a red knit tie. He then put on his London Fog trench coat and left for the store. 

His mind was on the pitch he was to give in a matter of days looking for the angle that would hook the client on his idea of hosting an event to gain traction for their company. That is when he remembered he had forgotten the list of items to purchase. Exasperated, sensing the way the day was going, he'd declined to fight back through the rain to head back up to his apartment. As he had already got situated in his vehicle, he stayed the course. He told himself he'd figure something out once getting to the store, knowing how he could be in a store eyeballing everything. So he mustered up the will power to continue starting up his pearl Lexus and headed to the store. 

He needed them to trust him for them to see his point of view, as the thought about how to persuade the clients he began talking to himself saying "I need to prove to them this is for the people." He said this stopped at a light the rain steadily coming down, dancing off the illuminated street. At the same time, the event needs to sound fun, something that would draw a crowd. This thought came to him as he pulled into the grocery store lot. He parked and prepared himself for the nasty weather outside. He felt the event would need some form of social lubricant to be it a bit of wine and spirits or caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea as they came with many fewer drawbacks than the consumption of alcohol. He had been at several office parties and gatherings where people definitely overindulged. So he made a mental note of that as he popped open his car door and made a run for the front door. 

Inside he shook himself dry like a dog fresh from the pool. The store was somewhat still a few customers milling around, as the night shift remained focused on their nightly duties. He pulled up a cart and began thinking of ways to promote this event granted the client took it up. At about that moment, as he walked up to the first isle did he give thought to what it would be that he'd serve to his guest at his dinner party. So he began thinking of those he was inviting, and what they may like, and one by one item began entering his mind. Something begins to appear to be too complicated, as with only a handful of things at his apartment, added ingredients would be needed to make the dishes worthwhile. He continued to browse using the guests as his catalyst. From there, his basket began to slowly fill while in the back of his head the developing pitch touched on how he would promote the event, be it part radio, TV, and print it needed to be right for the client. 

By the time he had realized the last isle had crept up. He had filled the cart with items to host his dinner party, and he had gained some insight on how to create a pitch his client would go for. He moved to the cashier, a young woman in her late teen's early twenties chewing gum she rang him up he paid. At the door to leave, he saw it was still raining somewhat hard, so he again braced for the weather to get his bounty home safe and sound. Upon making it back home, he looked at the list securely attached to his fridge door. He had gotten more than the list required and even an extra bottle of Californian Merlot that was highlighted on the list as very important, he found one in his cabinet. That is when he vowed to himself to never go to the grocery store without an agenda.

Vlog #17 2020 NEXT LEVEL PLEASE

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #215

Alita is a creation from an age of despair. Found by the mysterious Dr. Ido while trolling for cyborg parts, Alita becomes a lethal, dangerous being. She cannot remember who she is, or where she came from. But to Dr. Ido, the truth is all too clear. She is the one being who can break the cycle of death and destruction left behind from Tiphares. But to accomplish her true purpose, she must fight and kill. And that is where Alita's true significance comes to bear. She is an angel from heaven. She is an angel of death. Written by Anthony Harmon (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL (2019) Is directed by Robert Rodriguez, written by James Cameron & Laeta Kalogridis and produced by James Cameron & Jon Landau. Having been waiting for the release of this film for some time and to see it finally reach me, I was filled with anticipation to watch, but I also hoped it just didn’t suck. 

Having been a fan of Robert Rodriguez as far back as EL MARIACHI, I knew his capabilities and wondered what he’d do with this film. Upon watching and seeing we were introduced into a fascinating new world further piqued my interest.  As the story developed, we were introduced to some intriguing characters that continued to help drive the story. I felt the pace of the film gave you everything you needed to understand this new world as well as better understand the character of Alita.

In the End: ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL was a fun film creating a believable universe and compelling characters with a story that could lead to further films. So I give it 3.75 stars of 5.

MR. HELSINKI

Mr. Helsinki looked across the table at his lawyer and his confidant Laura Jones as they looked over his plans for his next adventure. Both of their faces were tight in the examination of every detail. As they would finish with one page, they would lay it face down on the tempered glass table. Mr. Helsinki quite the world traveler had gone on many adventures, but this one was to top them all. 

He was the out of the box type having gained his fortune with pure determination and a way for not taking "No" as an answer, but turning it into a yes. Even if Ms. Jones and the lawyer came up with a reason for him not to set off on this trip both his will and likable character would immediately work on them to see things his way. 

His lawyer sat there speechless looking at a line of type with his naked eyes and then he'd look at Mr. Helsinki with an exasperated gaze and continue reading. Mr. Helsinki then at that point got up from across the conference room table and walked to the window taking in the panoramic view from the 55th floor and the bustling city below. The view from the top, Mr. Helsinki would say, is lonely, but definitely fantastic. Only a few men had or could relate to him, as most people were so entrenched in the daily grind that they never look up to see what they might be. 

He stood relaxed with his back to Laura and the lawyer as they poured over the many paged document. With his gaze out the window at a point far out past the city coastline he imagined the elements to make this adventure a reality. In his mind, he could reverse engineer the steps and think about possible snags that might occur before they mucked up the actual workings of the plan. As he delved deeper into thought his surroundings seemed to disappear, he was no longer caught up in a concrete, glass and metal building he was amid his mind a moment of sheer flow energy that transcended space and time. It was trance-like moments like this that had helped him envision the company and companies he was running now. The adventures he was envisioning now was something only his current success could afford him, and the sooner he could get to really work on the better. 

Mr. Helsinki stayed in that flow moment putting pieces together in his head when he felt a hand on his shoulder and then heard his name. Slowly he turned around, and his presence came back from his mind space to the soft features of Ms. Jones's face. She smiled as she had realized that she had interrupted Mr. Helsinki from a trance state recognizing the expression on his face. Slightly glazed over eyes yet a blissful smile on his face. "We finished." She spoke again to Mr. Helsinki whom by that point seemed to be back from his state of thought. They both walked back to the table and sat down. This time Laura sat next to Mr. Helsinki with the proposal in front of them on the table. Mr. Helsinki smiled ready to hear the verdict on his outlandish adventure. 

Ms. Jones and the lawyer with his spectacles on looked at each other deciding who would speak first when the lawyer offered Laura to go. She cleared her throat and gathered herself crossing her legs in a charcoal pencil skirt.  Looking at the proposal and back at Mr. Helsinki searching for the words she started out with "This seems like a very ambitious adventure." To which Mr. Helsinki replied that was the point. The lawyer then chimed in "Frankly I don't know what is going on in your head, but I am sorry there is no way we can ensure you for a journey like this!" Mr. Helsinki smiled looking at both the lawyer and Laura. His only reply was to say that he had an idea and they might not see it just yet, but that he was going to work and see that plans are made. He then tapped the table twice hitting the tempered glass with his pinky ring and jovially got up from the table and walked out of the conference room. The lawyer was dumbfounded with a touch of frustration as Laura was secretly turned once more by the type of man Mr. Helsinki was playing at a level most couldn't even imagine.

Vlog #16 2020 STILL HERE

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #214

In Las Vegas, vice LVMPD policemen Vincent Downs and Sean Cass rob a shipment of cocaine belonging to entrepreneur Stanley Rubino, who intended to sell it to mobster Rob Novak, the son of a powerful mob boss. They volunteer to investigate the robbery in order to cover up their involvement, clashing with Internal Affairs investigators Jennifer Bryant and Doug Dennison, who are suspicious of their involvement. It is also revealed that Vincent is estranged from his wife Dena, who is getting remarried, and has minimal involvement in the life of his 16-year-old son Thomas.. (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

SLEEPLESS (2017) is directed by Bran bo Odar, written by Andrea Berloff and produced by Adam C. Stone. As one who is seemingly always into a good cop thriller, I was eager to see what SLEEPLESS had in store. 

As I watched I felt the story had an original take, but lacked something when it came to the depth of its characters. It had its twists and turns, but even those were not able to create more than just an entertaining film.

In the End: SLEEPLESS delivered an entertaining film that I felt could have done more with the story and development of the characters. So I give it 3 of 5 stars.

ART SHARE

And from this week a little something different from Able Abe Studios Art Share WIP. This time I am working with sequences kind of like a comic book wonder how this will turn out ...GO!!!

For more from Able Able studios make sure to check out these excellent links ableabestudios.com , Able Abe photography , Able Abe Z store , Able abe fan page , YouTube Channel

THAT ONE PHOTO

Beth and Marvin had been back from their vacation only a matter of days. Their modest apartment was still in disarray as the vibrant young couple had just unpacked what was needed to start their work week and get back into the swing of things. 

On one of her breaks from the hospital, as Beth was a registered nurse, she stopped by the local drug store to drop off both disposable cameras to have the photos from their trip developed. On the way home, she stopped and picked them up without really taking a complete look through all of them. Rushing home to show Marvin. As she pulled up into the lot, she received a text from Marvin saying to message him back ASAP. Figuring she'd see him in a matter of minutes as he worked from home,she walked up to the apartment and entered. To her surprise, her mother, who had flown all the way from Virginia to surprise them knowing they had just gotten back to the rigmarole of daily life, was sitting on their couch. She figured the couple would be supremely grateful for the gesture on her part. 

Marvin didn't look too bent out of shape, but Beth knew how ruthlessly he protected his working hours. Looking at each other, they were both caught off guard by the surprise visit. Making Beth's mom feel welcome. Marvin had poured her a drink and was engaging in small talk as Beth walked in. 

Beth settled in answering a barrage of questions from her mother about their trip to Jamaica Beth remembered the photos and handed one of the packets to Marvin and the other to her mother. The focus now was on flipping through the pictures and describing what was captured helping Beth and Marvin relived their time in Jamaica, the island his family was from. 

At one point, Beth saw Marvin get an expression of shock on his face with no idea why, but she then looked at the photo in his hands to see a buffet table at the resort they had stayed at. This photo jogged up a memory from that night for Marvin that perplexed Beth, but now seeing the shocked face turn to a sheepish expression on Marvin’s face, she knew something was up.  

She turned to her mother who, exclaimed, "Oh, what is that?" turning the long photo ways, then sideways trying to figure it out in bewilderment. Beth herself took up looking at photos peering over the stack of photos in her hand that she was looking at. Beth turned to see her mom with a frown, still trying to figure out what the photo was "Mom, what is it?" 

"I have no idea,"

"Well then, let me see," Beth explained. Her mother continued staring at the photo as if mesmerized by its imagery intent on seeing and knowing what she was looking at. Beth moved closer to her mom on the couch to see what was captured, slightly apologizing for any images out of focus. 

Upon getting a look, Beth started to say something and gave it a moment "Oh that looks like your..." turning to Marvin still with a sheepish look turning into a grin. Beth knew what it was she and her mother were starting in the photo and then snatching it from her hand along with all of the photos. Her mother began exclaiming "What is going on, what was that?!" "Ask Marvin.” Beth replied, "What was that Beth's mother questioning Marvin. Marvin looking at both women fighting off a shit-eating grin finally getting the nerve to say it most respectfully and voice. He began by calling her by her proper name of Mrs. Porter, as Beth held up the photo so he could see. It was a tad blurry, but if you had an idea of what the white spot in the picture was, as Beth did, which was a birthmark Marvin had on his manhood you could place the rest. 

This was a photo Marvin had taken in fun the night they had feasted at the buffet. As Marvin explained and Mrs. Porter began to understand what she was so closely examining began to blush trying not to make eye contact with either Marvin or her daughter. She soon began to crack a smile as one could see the calculations going off in her head and all she could say was "Oh my!" Beth and Marvin burst out in laughter at her mother's clearly embarrassed reply.  

Vlog #15 2020 JUST A SHORTY

ART SHARE

Yes another Able Abe Studios Art Share WIP completed. Had to let the sunshine ...GO!!!

For more from Able Able studios make sure to check out these excellent links ableabestudios.com , Able Abe photography , Able Abe Z store , Able abe fan page , YouTube Channel.

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #213

Taking place in 1983, Red is a lumberjack who lives in a secluded cabin in the woods. His artist girlfriend Mandy spends her days reading fantasy paperbacks. Then one day, she catches the eye of a crazed cult leader, who conjures a group of motorcycle-riding demons to kidnap her. Red, armed with a crossbow and custom Axe, stops at nothing to get her back, leaving a bloody, brutal pile of bodies in his wake. Written by texasboyy (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

MANDY is written & directed by Panos Cosmatos and produced by Martin Metz & Adrian Politowski. Not knowing what to fully expect from this film, I went in with an open mind. 

Upon watching, I felt the film was moved by the strong rock horror fantasy cinematic choices. I also believe this revenge story sets itself apart from other revenge films by capturing a sort of universe like but unlike ours, with those elements creating a more memorable and original film. 

In the End: MANDY was an entertaining film from a director with a rock and roll fantasy sensibility. So I give this film 3.5 of 5 stars.

HE'S BACK

He found himself in the kitchen trying to avoid a catastrophe before the party. The disaster on the verge was that the special dish he was making for the party was looking dreadfully like it wasn't going to turn out. He had perspiration beading up on his brow and was feeling like a contestant on a Gordon Ramsey show. He told himself to give it a few more minutes, and if it still weren't working out, he'd always have time to give it another try. 

So he then rushed to prepare himself visually for the party he had already showered and shaved, and now he just needed the final touches. He messed with his hair looking to have just the right amount of messed with so it looked good, but also to look like he didn't care. He threw on his cornflower blue oxford button-up with a pair of dark khaki shorts and white leather shoes. Quickly rinses his mouth with mouthwash, and he rushed back to the kitchen to check on his masterpiece. 

To his great surprise, the dish was turning out the way he'd hoped, but it still needed time to cook, so he pushed the timer back two more minutes and returned to the bathroom to primp a bit more. As he stood in the mirror, he thought about the list of people he'd invited. It was a mix of people throughout his Rolodex. These were people he worked with, some were acquaintances, others were friends from way back, to girls that he'd just like to show up. There were a few on the list who gave no idea if they intended to come but hoping they would show. It was like as the host, there was always the anxiety that people would not show. Partly because of the past experience or that the current experience would keep them from showing ever again. 

He was looking the best he could when the timer went off. He entered the kitchen. The smell was indiscernibly fantastic; this is what he was going for. He turned the oven off and set the dish on the Italian marble countertop to cool down a bit. He looked at his watch; it was 5:37pm. He should be expecting guests soon or within the hour. He reviewed his list of 10 to 15 things to see if they were done. He turned on some music, and with some time to spare, he just breathed. 

He had spent time all week just tidying things up so it wouldn't be a whole day thing. He also junked a lot of stuff that just wasn't bringing him joy anymore, which really uncluttered the house. The music he was playing was from his own mix, letting him wind down a little before people began showing up. He thought about one girl he had invited a model he had worked with several times who had gone back to school, wondering if she was still in photoshoot shape. He thought of a metal artist he had been following online and was dying to ask how he created those fantastic pieces. He had another male friend talking about the dish he was going to bring and dying to try. 

At about that moment, he reviewed his list once more and seeing everything was taken care of. He found his lighter and a joint from his stash and lit it up and hit it a few times then put it out, clearing the smoke he began to feel the feeling of a job well done. He had made his way back as the guy with the fabulous dinner parties. He smiled to himself as the doorbell rang, and the guest began to arrive with gifts to share and festive moods.

Vlog #14 2020 GETTING BRAZY

MY NETFLIX MOVIE REVIEWS #212

Following the conviction of her German father for treason against the U.S., Alicia Huberman takes to drink and men. She is approached by a government agent (T.R. Devlin) who asks her to spy on a group of her father's Nazi friends operating out of Rio de Janeiro. A romance develops between Alicia and Devlin, but she starts to get too involved in her work. Written by Col Needham (Courtesy of Internet Movie Database)

NOTORIOUS (1946) is directed by Alfred Hitchcock, written by Ben Hecht, and produced by Alfred Hitchcock. Of the many films made by Alfred, Hitchcock NOTORIOUS was one of the few I hadn’t seen. 

Upon watching, I, of course, had a sense of what to expect, having seen numerous films on the life and movies of Hitchcock. Yet the father of suspense as he is known still had me as the story developed, wondering how it would all play out.

In the End: NOTORIOUS was a joy to watch from the story, cinematography, and on-screen chemistry between Grant & Bergman. So I give the film 3.5 of 5 stars.