"Saltburn" Review

 

by John Zenoni

What is there to say about the much talked about, hyped-up and scandalous/controversial film, ‘Saltburn’ that has not already been said? Is it noise-worthy for some of the more controversial scenes? Yep, definitely, as there are several shocking moments for sure. Is the storyline truly original? Not necessarily, as one other film that comes close in nature that I thought of immediately - as has been referenced by others in reviews - is ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley.’ Is it is a good film? Well, I'm still trying to decide as I'm still trying to get over and digest the shock value of all that's in the film. And that, I think, takes away from the storyline and plot of the film itself. I think certain moments were purposely included to create a lot of drama, hype and controversy and it was all really unnecessary, as the story could have played out and been told without those particular scenes.

I will say that some of the performances were very good (Jacob Elordi, as spoiled, handsome, millionaire heir, Felix Catton; Rosamund Pike as the Lady Elspeth Catton; and Archie Madekwe as cousin Farleigh, all did a great job), while others were very odd and out of place (such as Richard E. Grant as Sir James Catton and Carey Mulligan as Pamela) but the one character/performer who definitely cannot be ignored is that of Barry Keoghan, who plays the poor, unappreciated (and definitely underestimated) Oxford student, Oliver Quick.

Oliver befriends the wealthy Felix, who invites him to stay with him and his family at their estate, Saltburn, for a while. Little does anyone realize what will play out while Oliver is visiting this wealthy, eccentric bunch and how things will end. Keoghan is a great young actor and he really gives it his all (literally and figuratively) in his latest performance. I personally still prefer his previous performance in 2022’s ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ compared to this one but he still does a great job here as well.

The director did a great job also, including the beautiful camera shots and scenes of the estate, although I'm not sure how this can be considered a thriller/comedy film. I've seen references to it as a dark comedy as well but I just don’t see it as such. It's dark and extremely sad, in my opinion, but that's just me. Just know going into this one that it's not a family film by any means and be prepared for some heavy, adult themes. Whether one likes it or not, this is definitely a film that will be talked about for quite awhile.

"Dream Scenario" Review

 

by John Zenoni

Well, I've seen some strange films in my lifetime but I have to say that the latest starring Nicholas Cage, ‘Dream Scenario’, is without a doubt one of the strangest. The premise is actually pretty good and original.

Cage plays a tenured professor at a major university, has two daughters that he adores (but they are at that awkward teenage stage where parents are more annoying than cool) and a wife who he loves very much, when people begin to tell him that he's suddenly showing up in their dreams. The odd thing is - besides the fact that so many people are seeing him appear - that he's just there and doesn't do anything in the dreams. Initially, he and his family find it strange and annoying but then he becomes a local legend and he begins to enjoy the attention. But eventually people begin to report that he changes and in the dreams begins to become violent so people turn on him and he becomes a ‘monster’ to them.

The way the film plays out is so odd; and don’t even ask me about the ending, as I still don’t understand it. But with that being said, Cage does give a great performance and I can see why he's getting accolades. If you choose to see the film, do so for his performance. But I wouldn't recognize it otherwise.

"G*dzilla Minus One" Review

 

by John Zenoni

I never thought I could get into a ‘Godzilla’ movie again - especially after the last couple of clunkers that were put out - but the latest by Japanese filmmaker, Takashi Yamazaki, is actually quite good! Just a note for those who are not aware: the film does have subtitles but I have no issue with that, so didn't find it distracting at all.

The story is very good - set in the WWII time period, a young kamikaze pilot lands his plan on a Japanese island where the planes are repaired and the mechanic looking over the soldiers' plane finds nothing wrong with it and confronts him, knowing he is abandoning his duty to kill himself during the war. During their confrontation, they encounter the deep sea monster, Godzilla, and escape, not expecting to cross paths again but will do so at a critical time later in the film.

What I like about the film is the story centers not only on this young pilot and what he's going through but also brings in Godzilla in a way that makes sense and works. The acting is very good, as are the conflict scenes with Godzilla. As for the special effects and Godzilla himself, I thought everything looked great and kept my attention!