Pic A Flic

This is my second Cronenberg joint I've watched (the first being *The Fly*, a film that has one of the most gripping final acts I've seen in my lifetime), and... what can I say, the guy is very interesting and uniquely bizarre. I could only describe my thoughts about what I just watched in the best way I know. Adapted from the book penned from the same author whose other book was made into a film recently (*Queer*), there are some very deep and intriguing dives into coming to terms with one's sexuality, the throes of addiction and creative control. Then on the other hand, there are some crazy-looking bugs. Grisly, spooky little creatures that I'd love to scare some individuals with, and they could've had their own movie. Here are some additional words that will stick with you in some scenes: ***sticky and moist***. Do with that what you will. Such themes made for an immersive watch that leaves you with a lot of emotions - a little confusion, a little cumbersome, a little squeamish. It's the magic of ubiquitous filmmaking, and a great group watch that makes up for the last one (that shall not be named).

> **"Do you know why you're sad?" > ****"I used to be a brother... and now I'm not a brother anymore." > ****"We'll be your brothers, Dad."** **Sean Durkin** crafts a story of familial dysfunction, hardships, and tragedy in *The Iron Claw*, based on the life of the Von Erich dynasty of brothers in the wrestling world: Kevin (**Zac Efron**), Kerry (**Jeremy Allen White**), David (**Harris Dickinson**), and Michael (**Stanley Simons**). Each actor turned in phenomenal performances but Efron definitely left a major impression on me - his final monologue at the end had my eyes a little blurry. All the brothers are unique in their own way, but the two that stood out for me? Kevin and Mike. When it comes to Kev, he's the oldest brother who grapples with a lot of pressure, courtesy of one of the most punchable fathers in biopic-themed cinema (**Holt McCallany**). But Mike's story also held weight: an outlier who doesn't want to follow the destiny his father set out for him... but also doesn't want to let him down. He's in a terrible, terrible spot and his demise hit the hardest. It helps that the chemistry between the siblings felt intrinsic, which only makes the progression of the story even more bleak in retrospect. Additionally, the wrestling sequences also provide high adrenaline for a viewer like me. When you get to know the brothers, you root for them heavily. It's so effective that, eventually, I felt like I was a part of the team... no kidding. There are shots in here - paintings and pictures - that add to the atmosphere and I wish there were more moments like those in the film as sometimes "less is more"... but nonetheless, this really moved me. Granted, the tragic aspect was why I put off watching this for a long time but I'm glad I finally got around to seeing it. Big props to the director, cast, cinematographer, and all the crew involved for this, as this seems like one of many textbook definitions of an "awards snub". ***Note to self: hug my little brother the next time I see him. If your family really rocks with you, never take it for granted. ***

Booked and busy (with a slick hair dye) **Glen Powell** takes on the role of a man who commits deceitful acts of murder towards estranged family members in order to scoop up a massive incentive: the family's inheritance. It's an average yet fun film that has a solid cast attached. Powell - in one of his more restrained turns - definitely does a lot of the heavy lifting for the majority of it, and some good supporting cast bits were provided by the likes of **Margaret Qualley**, **Jessica Henwick**, **Ed Harris** (MVP) and - very briefly - **Topher Grace**. Nothing new under the sun storywise, but there are definitely some elements I felt were underdeveloped and could've used a little more sweetening. A rewatch could make me appreciate some things more, but all in all a decent flick. (PS: Random shoutout to the director - a SC native, you don't see that often!)

It's always a good time going into the **Spike Lee** Joint-verse, and *Inside Man* is particularly solid and gripping... and one that I locked into so much that I highly regret never finishing it years prior. Its starry cast greatly elevates the script: **Denzel Washington** is a great lead (but when isn't he?) as a detective who strategically works around, and solves, a Wall Street bank robbery. Besides him, I've definitely come around to give full kudos to the supporting cast, with the big standouts being **Clive Owen** as the mastermind behind the operation and **Jodie Foster** (whom I wanted to see more of here) as a personal adviser of the bank owner - a bumbling, scheming **Christopher Plummer** - in a case that seems particularly shady. Something that really stands out here, in contrast to other heist thrillers, is how seamlessly the psychological, and complex, elements are interwoven into the storytelling. It doesn't hurt to have a highly competent filmmaker in Lee, who provides some stylish scene work (like the dolly shot of Denzel - I viscerally levitate seeing bits like that), and the cinematography in general is mesmerizing. However... it wouldn't be a Spike Lee movie if it weren't for some jarring soundtrack choices. The opening song? *Mmmmkay*. Doesn't stifle the experience I had as a whole though, a well-done Spike Lee Joint™️ by and by.