Heist (2015)

Summary 
When their attempt to rob a casino owned by the feared gangster Pope goes awry and a shootout ensues, Vaughn and Cox are forced to flee on foot and hijack city Bus 657 and take the passengers hostage.

Genre : Crime/Action
Country : USA

Cast : 
Jeffrey Dean Morgan : Vaughn

Robert De Niro : The Pope
Dave Bautista : Cox

Director : Scott Mann

My opinion

“I'm here to ask a favor, a big one.
How big?
$300,000 big, at least.”

"The Trust" was about a robbery in "Ocean's Eleven" style by a "Dumb and Dumber" looking duo. In this film it's "Ocean's Eleven" mixed with portions of "Speed". But this time without an adorable Sandra Bullock at the steering wheel. Robert De Niro doesn't need to prove that he's a class actor. That's beyond dispute. But if you look at the list of films he played in the last few years, I can only conclude that he just did a favor for a bunch of friends. Sometimes his contribution is terribly limited (as in "The bag man" and "American Hustle"). Mentioning his name is obviously part of a purely commercial strategy so the movie will get some extra attention. And there are a few films of such a pitiful level, that you start to believe that De Niro is hopelessly addicted to acting and he can't refuse to cooperate each time a script is shoved under his nose.

Mind you, this isn't the movie made in 2001 with Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito playing in it. I myself have never seen this version. But I am convinced that it can easily surpass this uninspired creation. Perhaps the chosen title is already a sign on the wall. Is there an even more meaningless and unoriginal title as "Heist"? Maybe it was intentionally to choose this title just to match it with the overall concept. Ultimately, there's nothing startling or innovative about this movie. It's a line up of clichéd events. Believe me. After one night, most details of the movie will be erased from your memory.

Luke Vaughn (Jeffrey Dean), an ex-soldier and blackjack dealer at a casino of The Pope (Robert De Niro), an unscrupulous mafia boss, is facing a huge problem. The procedure for his terminally ill daughter costs a fortune. His plea directed at The Pope is being rejected. The only choice he has (apparently) is to rob the vault of this thriving casino with the cooperation of the disgruntled bouncer Cox (Dave Bautista). That the robbery wouldn't go smoothly was predictable. And during their escape they hijack a bus. What follows is a chase by a squadron of policemen and also the furious entourage of the Pope. It looked like "Smokey and the Bandit", but less humorous.

The key words that first occurred to me were unoriginal, an obvious development and laziness. I was experiencing a whole range of deja vu's. And De Niro is a class actor who can make a memorable impression with ease, but his talent alone isn't enough to hide the fact that this was a not so exciting and rather boring movie. And Gina Carano isn't exactly the person who'll lift this movie to a higher level either. Not to mention the pretty senseless ending. It's because I'm a huge fan of De Niro that I didn't pull the emergency brake much earlier.

My rating 3/10
Links : IMDB

Cut Snake (2014)

Summary 
Set in Melbourne in the mid-1970s, Cut Snake tells the story of Sparra Farrell, an ex-convict who is trying to make a new life for himself in a new city. He has found honest work and even becomes engaged but the prospect of this new life is challenged when his foreboding and charismatic cell mate Pommie tracks him down upon his own release.

Genre : Crime/Drama
Country : Australia

Cast : 
Alex Russell : Sparra

Sullivan Stapleton : Pommie
Jessica De Gouw : Paula

Director : Tony Ayres

My opinion

“Good day, Paula.
I'm Jim, but you can call me Pommie.”

My expectations are pretty high strung whenever I encounter an Australian movie again. I was pleasantly surprised already a few times after discovering a film from Down Under. Even though "Cut Snake" put me on the wrong track at a certain moment, the film in general wasn't really surprising. The denouement was even extremely predictable. The two main characters Jim "Pommie" Stewart (Sullivan Stapleton) and Mervyn "Sparra" Farrell (Alex Rusell) shared a grim past. That was kind of obvious. I didn't expect those two former prisoners to have a connection on a whole different level. At first it seemed Pommie had traced his partner in crime just to convince him to pick up the thread on a criminal level. As it becomes clear that Sparra has chosen to walk the right path, this throws a spanner in the works. Sparra has resolutely opted for the ordinary life with his fiancee Paula (Jessica De Gouw). Even a poorly paid job can't convince him to go back to a world of crime. What follows is a complex and tumultuous love triangle.

It's safe to say that "Cut Snake" is a melodramatic thriller. What certainly stands above the rest in this film is the acting of Sullivan Stapleton. Pommie is the type of figure who makes you feel a little uneasy instantly. A burly, heavily tattooed and intimidating appearance whose uncontrollable rage suddenly breaks out and then quickly disappears. Unerringly if unwittingly, Sparra is sucked into a destructive spiral of aggression and violence. And he himself will end up in an inner conflict. Even though it appears from the outset it's heading for a typical crime film, the movie makes an unexpected twist, changing it into a very different mood. In contrast to the terrifying face of Stapleton, Alex Rusell has an angelic face. An ordinary guy who appeared out of nowhere in Paula's life and whose dark past remained hidden until Pommie appeared on the scene. 

The film is set in the 70s and situated in an Australian town near Melbourne. The whole film is made in the outspoken style from the 70's. Clothing, vehicles and used soundtrack fit perfectly. My compliments to the decor department. And if you're wondering what the film title exactly means, then I suggest you look up the Australian statement "mad as a cut snake". "Cut Snake" is an indie with a two-faced character. On the one hand it's a simple crime film. On the other hand it's a rather bold melodramatic love story. The twist incorporated in the film is not without a risk. An experiment where some of the viewers will have second thoughts about. I appreciated the subtlety with regard to how everything was imaged. No overly explicit scenes were being used. Not even during the violent scenes. The highlight for me was the moment the tough and resolute Pommie emotionally crashed and briefly showed how fragile and helpless he was. A strong and persuasive piece. Are you an adventurous movie lover? Then this film is really something for you.

My rating 6/10
Links : IMDB

The trust (2016)

Summary 
Waters and Stone are two nobody police officers who work in the evidence room of the Las Vegas Police Department. When Stone discovers an unusually high bail receipt in connection to a drug bust, the two friends set in motion a plan to find the source of the money.

Genre : Crime
Country : USA

Cast : 
Nicolas Cage : Stone

Elijah Wood : Waters
Sky Ferreira : Woman

Director : Alex & Benjamin Brewer

My opinion 

“I think that guy has a friend with deep pockets.”

My first reaction to a movie with Nicolas Cage playing in it, is that of an eternal doubter. Would I bother to see this? Or should I just ignore it, because I've seen a series of Cage failures lately? The only film with Cage that impressed me the last time is "Joe". This was truly a masterful film where Cage proves that he is a class actor. Most of his films that I've seen recently were really substandard. Both as regards the storyline and the acting. Fortunately, "The trust" was acceptable enough. It's not a real winner, but it surely isn't a disappointing monstrosity. It reminded me in some way of "Matchstick men".

It's certainly not a thriller. I'd rather call it a crime story with a touch of morbid, cynical humor. Especially the interaction between the two main characters, Stone (Nicolas Cage) and Waters (Elijah Wood), is highly amusing. Two schmucks serving at a policedepartment where they archive evidence. A job they aren't really thrilled about anymore. Up to the moment Stone sees something suspicious on a bail slip and sees an opportunity to get out of their situation. The beginning does have a slow start. As the film progresses, however, the tempo increases. This combined with a short runtime, makes this film a suitable in betweener. The acting of the two main characters is sublime. Cage as a slightly neurotic and somewhat disturbed person. A character that suits him perfectly and ensures that his overacting isn't noticable. Elijah Wood (another attempt to shake off his "Frodo" past) matches perfectly with the labile Stone. Waters looks like a poor wretch living on the fringes of society. The only thing that wasn't so obvious, were the maniacal and murderous traits of Stone.

At first sight this looks a bit like "Ocean's Eleven". But this time the heist is done by a kind of "Dumb and Dumber" duo. Although the intelligence of the two semi-corrupt police officers is still high enough to succeed in doing the job. A crime which is needed to break with their daily routine and calmly enjoy their retirement on some tropical island. But the moment it starts to look like an ordinary burglars parody, they come up with a few surprising twists. First there's this unknown woman (Sky Ferreira) who throws a spanner in the works. And then there's the mood change of Waters.

"The trust" certainly doesn't belong among Cage's better films, but it surprised nonetheless in a peculiar way. Not that the storyline is extremely original. And the ending is fairly absurd and abruptly. But the performances are interesting and make sure the film rises above mediocrity. And then there's also the unexpected cameo by Jerry Lewis as Stone's father. His presence is only momentary. But all the time I was wondering who that familiar looking aged actor was. His contribution wasn't very important. But nevertheless. His presence in this amusing film was justified.

My rating 6/10
Links : IMDB

Cash Only (2015)

Summary :
Elvis Martini is in deep trouble. He's in big debt to bookies and his daughter's school and his building is about to be foreclosed on. He finds cash in an evicted tenant's apartment and it briefly keeps the wolves at bay, but it brings out an even bigger wolf. His daughter is kidnapped and Elvis has 24 hours to come up with $25K. Cash only.

Genre : Crime
Country : USA

Cast : 
Nickola Shreli : Elvis Martini

Stivi Paskoski : Dino
Malik Bader : Kush

Director : Malik Bader

My opinion : 

“Well I'm Elvis, the king of lowlife tenants.”

 
It might not be so horrible and disgusting as "A Serbian Film" (I refuse to watch that one because of the immoralities appearing in it), but because of the finale it might deserve the title "An Albanian Film". Not that this part was so groundbreaking horrible, but it was intense anyway. This indie crime shows the self-destructive process of an accumulating debt and the eternal struggle to repay it. That's something Elvis Martini is facing in everyday life. His first name is somewhat unfortunate in this case, because I'm sure his legendary namesake didn't have that problem. You can't say "Cash Only" is very original, but the movie is painfully realistic and pure.

Elvis Martini (Nickola Shreli) isn't exactly a choirboy either. In the past he was found guilty of insurance fraud after setting his house on fire, with a prison sentence as a result (not to mention an even bigger personal loss). Gambling probably raised the debt as well. The basement area of the building where he rents apartments, is used by some weird guy who's growing lots of marijuana there. And in addition, he also replaces additional rental payments by sleeping with the girlfriend of his best friend. But despite these shortcomings, I felt sorry for this landlord who's fighting against loosing everything. In a desperate way he tries to survive and raise his daughter in a decent manner. The way he's deceived by his tenants, shows that he's not as ruthless. Only kicking out a callgirl and confiscating her possessions, proved to be a gross mistake.

"Cash only" is rough and gray. A sketch of an American slum with an Albanian population seeking to pursue the American dream. Afterwards they come to the conclusion that it's just a daily struggle where the law of the strongest rules. Albanians aren't the most peaceful citizens but value the concepts of honor and keeping a promise. Something Elvis also experiences. However it's sometimes the opposite. Nobody really respects him. It's as if everyone tries to take advantage of other people's desperate situation. That this socially critical picture was replaced subsequently by a violent kidnapping scenario, surprised me somewhat. A grim and excessive ending.

Nickola Shreli (who also co-wrote this film) was extremely convincing. Both as the pitiful landlord, as the energetic and determined father. All in all a laudable role. The other supporting roles are functional but not particularly impressive. Malik Bader played a guest role as the crazy Kush who dwelt in higher spheres in the basement of Elvis. Obviously, this was the most amusing part. Stivi Paskoski took care of the most psychotic role. Despite the cliché elements from other crime films, the shocking (but not too gory) denouement left a reasonable impression.

My rating 6/10
Links : IMDB

The Lost Reviews Part 3 : Sicario (2015)

Summary :
When drug violence worsens on the USA Mexico border, the FBI sends an idealistic agent, Kate Macer on a mission to eradicate a drug cartel responsible for a bomb that had killed members of her team.

Genre : Crime
Country :USA

Cast :
Emily Blunt : Kate Macer
Josh Brolin : Matt Graver
Benicio del Torro : Alejandro

Director : Denis Villeneuve

My opinion :  

It's about time I gave my opinion on a number of films I've watched a while ago. I didn't have the time for that yet. Or was it just because I didn't feel like writing about them? It's not because they were aweful and totally crap. Far from. But quite simply because they were already extensively praised by other movie buffs. So here it is. A short and modest opinion.

“You're asking me how a watch works.
For now, just keep an eye on the time.”

"Sicario" was kind of a disappointment for me. Despite my admiration for director Denis Villeneuve ("Prisoners" was an excellent film), the presence of a high-profile and talented cast and an inviting trailer (although I scrupulously shun trailers), I thought this one wasn't really original and impressive. Maybe the trailer has put me on the wrong foot. That sinister and morbid beginning with those corpses stashed in plastic, made an immense impression on me. This combined with the flashy and clever scene where you see a convoy of pitch black SUV's making their way through a crowded highway with an action-packed ending subsequently, made sure I was eagerly looking forward to seeing this film. 

The film certainly is excellent. But haven't we seen this kind of "war against seemingly elusive Mexican drug cartels" before? Particularly the kind of movies where corruption and deliberate lies play a major role. With manipulative officials and field workers who have their own agenda. It's all exciting, hard and ominous in this realistic "war on drugs" film, set in the blistering hot deserts of Mexico. The three main characters are a mixture of different characters. Emily Blunt (who played outstanding in "Edge of Tomorrow", where she showed that she effortlessly could handle a physically grueling role) as the FBI agent Kate Macer, assisting two experts in this hopeless struggle. The first one is Josh "Oldboy" Brolin as the dead calm Matt digger who never shows the back of his tongue. And then there's also Benicio del Toro as the mysterious acting Alejandro. Three masterfully played leading roles who are dancing, on the sound of a mariachi band, a complicated and politically charged Mexican dance.

But as mentioned earlier, it didn't impress me that much. Certainly not in the same way as "Prisoners". It's a rough and (figuratively) ugly film. But gorgeous and endlessly beautiful imaged. But the stereotypical characters are also introduced again. The head of a cartel enjoying a wonderful supper together with his family in a huge, imposing hacienda while his paltry and violent troops do the dirty work. A fragile FBI agent who again must stand her ground between the more robust and more imposing males. And finally it's just another divide and conquer story in which the boundaries of morality are shifted again. Nothing new under the blazing Mexican sun. 

 

My rating 7/10
Links : IMDB

Carnage Park (2016)

Summary :
Part crime caper gone awry, part survival horror film, this 1970s set thriller depicts a harrowing fight for survival after a pair of wannabe crooks botch a bank heist and flee into the desert, where they inexplicably stumble upon Carnage Park, a remote stretch of wilderness occupied by a psychotic ex-military sniper.

Genre : Crime/Horror
Country : USA

Cast :
Ashley Bell : Vivian
Pat Healy : Wyatt Moss
James Landry Hebert : Scorpion Joe

Director : Mickey Keating

My opinion : 

“Brothers burn faster when they're burnin' together.”

The only positive thing about this film was Pat Healy as the crazy ex-marine Wyatt Moss, who set up his own personal amusement park somewhere in the bone-dry desert in California where he lures lost backpackers and hunts them down as a real psychotic hunter. He gratefully uses his talent as a sniper during these chases. The few times he speaks in this movie, show that he's ready for the nuthouse. Especially the dialogue with his brother, Sheriff Moss (Alan Ruck), is a memorable moment with that intonation and those facial expressions. Wyatt gave me the chills here, acting as a real psychopath. Just because of this scene, I'm planning to watch some more films with Healy playing in it.

I also thought that the sometimes eerie soundtrack and sound clips reverberating from the megaphones weren't so bad. They emphasized the insane mind of Wyatt. But otherwise this was a meaningless crime film, starring a madman fascinated by religion, who has his own safari park where victims try to survive. Thus a typical survival film. The last victim here is Vivian (Ashley Bell). She was kidnapped by two layabouts who tried to rob a bank and ended up in Carnage Park. It isn't very original and to be honest, there isn't happening that much essentially. It's during her stumbling flight that Vivian discovers other victims. And surely you can expect some fragments that are similar to those in other famous horror movies.

The thing that amazes me everytime, is the stupidity of the main character. When you take matters into your own hand, make damn sure you do it thoroughly. Such a madman wouldn't get a second chance with me. But no, Wyatt with his gas mask (which reminded me of a CD cover from "Therapy?") resurfaces once again and the cat and mouse game restarts. And a cat could well have an advantage in this game, because it was largely pitch dark in this film. Several times I checked if the power went down, because in the end I couldn't see Jack shit most of the time. Also, the attempt to emulate the feel of a 70's movie wasn't really succesful.

Actually, you can compare this with Mickey Keating's previous creation "Pod". Also, a so-called horror with potential. Good intentions are clearly present and there are also some positive aspects can be seen, but ultimately it's all vague and disappointing. Even downright violence and bloody fragments can't prevent it's becoming pretty boring and tedious halfway. Not to mention the announcement that this film is based once again on true facts. That won't make it an exciting movie, unfortunately.

My rating 3/10
Links : IMDB