Recent theatrical viewings

[Rev. Powell]

KKurosawa really seems to have made "underwhelming" horror/thrillers the mission statement of his career. I like parts of all his films (which I've seen) yet only CHARISMA congeals for me into a great film... I realize most people say CURE. He keeps makin' 'em and people keep watchin' 'em, but is the genre any fun for him?

Maybe not, since this was not horror (though he kept in some jump scares). If the first half of the movie matched the black comedy/action tone of the second half, I think this might have been a success.

I like (but don't love) CURE.

[M.10rda]

CAUGHT STEALING (2025):
First half of a drive-in double bill. A straightforward thriller that takes place in a mostly realistic NYC generally bound by laws of physics was probably a good pivot for Darren Aranofsky at this point in his career. Although its advertising kinda' sells it like a wacky comedy, it's a pretty gritty and tense thriller with occasional dashes of wry humor. It reminded me most of RUNNING SCARED, the taut '06 Vera Farmiga thriller, but one of the plot twists and the presence of Griffin Dunne in a supporting role also make me think AFTER HOURS was an influence. I didn't see Austin Butler as Elvis and didn't care to, but he does a good job carrying this film. (Ironically he looks nothing like Elvis here but very much like Elvis-enthusiast Nic Cage, as well as a little bit like Ryan Gosling.) All the acting is good. I don't usually like Matt Smith at all, but he is used very well here. And - no spoilers and try to go into this blind if possible - exceptional casting of Liev Schreiver and Vincent D'Onofrio.   

4/5

CAT-CENTRIC SPOILERS FOR CAT LOVERS:
The incredibly awesome cat is threatened and is mildly injured (offscreen) but escapes fatal harm.   

[jimpickens]

Deranged the 1974 movie loosely based on ED Gein pretty effective although not as accurate as the 2001 movie but still scary