Black Sea

TAKE 1: One Man’s Opinion

…because film is largely subjective

by Frederick William Springer III

Black Sea

Release Date:  23 January 2015                                                            Runtime:  115 Minutes              

Review Date:  22 January 2015                                                             Rating:  3 (of 6)

     The premise sounded intriguing:  A sunken WWII Nazi submarine filled with gold attracts a recovery mission wherein the crew of profiteers realize that their take will be larger if there are less people to share it with.

     Unfortunately, the story itself wasn't too exciting.  Bland even.  And none of the characters are too compelling.  Writer Dennis Kelly leaves me unimpressed.

     But should you decide to see it yourself, be prepared to listen closely as there are so many different accents going on here that it often can be difficult understanding their English.

Horrible Bosses 2

TAKE 1: One Man’s Opinion

…because film is largely subjective

by Frederick William Springer III

Horrible Bosses 2

Release Date:  26 November 2014                                                      Runtime:  108 Minutes              

Review Date:  13 January 2015                                                           Rating:  5 (of 6)

     If you're looking for an off the wall comedy, Horrible Bosses 2 may satisfy your appetite.  Though it feels like Charlie Day's Dale is only the slightest evolution of his Charlie Kelly in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Jason Bateman's Nick a close facsimile of Michael Bluth in Arrested Development, the story and characters are fun nonetheless.

     (However, I am worried about Jennifer Aniston as her appearance here looks as though something has gone very wrong, whether it be some botched cosmetic work or a bad makeup artist.  I hope it isn't permanent.)

Gone Girl

TAKE 1: One Man’s Opinion

…because film is largely subjective

by Frederick William Springer III

Gone Girl

Release Date:  3 October 2014                                                           Runtime:  149 Minutes              

Review Date:  13 January 2015                                                          Rating:  5 (of 6)

     While I (partially) suspected the truth of the matter, Gone Girl had enough going on to keep you on your toes.  Though I would have personally liked a tidier ending, the story was well written (adapted by Gillian Flynn from her own novel bearing the same name)--the film seamlessly integrating several different perspectives, including those of the suspect, law enforcement and the victim--and well executed by the actors under David Fincher's direction.  All the performances were top-notch, but Rosamund Pike as Amy was especially well done.