Three friends accidentally conjure a priapic demon. Fun loose adaptation of the John Updike novel, offering four meaty roles for enthusiastic players. Nicholson is controlled, all are having fine time, and Miller’s direction is elegant throughout. A good job done all around.
Tag: richard jenkins
The Company You Keep (2012, dir. Robert Redford)
A long-underground former radical has to go on the run when his new identity is revealed. Well-made, intelligent political thriller with a cast of character actors to die for. A little low-key for some, maybe, but this is a movie that delivers well on its own terms. Recommended.
The Shape of Water (2017, dir. Guillermo del Toro)
A mute cleaner falls in love with a humanoid aquatic creature being held in a government research laboratory. Dazzlingly confident romantic fantasy with SF/horror touches. Amelie meets The Creature From The Black Lagoon with a bit of Little Voice. Highly recommended.
Jack Reacher (2012, dir. Christopher McQuarrie)
Reacher investigates a mass-murder committed by a former sniper. First and better of the Tom Cruise adaptations of the Lee Child books, with a focus on old-school lo-fi tough guy thrills, and on a reasonable mystery backed up with excellent character acting.
LBJ (2017, dir. Rob Reiner)
A modest biopic of Lyndon Johnson, focusing on his succession from Kennedy. Straightforward and sympathetic to its protagonist, with good performances from a quality cast – Richard Jenkins comes off best – and only marginally-distracting (though excellent) prosthetics.
The Cabin in the Woods (2012, dir. Drew Goddard)
Five students have a weekend away, but nothing is at it seems. Hugely entertaining horror deconstruction, as much about storytelling and the power of myth as it is about pulling apart old tropes for the sake of it. Absolutely recommended.
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