B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - THE DEATH OF RITCHIE (TV 1977)

Looks like a lot of fun to me, I don't know. Seriously and for those that don't know, The Death Of Ritchie is one of the most iconic TV movies of the entire '70's decade. I was roughly 15 when it aired and i can tell you that both Robby Benson and teens taking drugs were very hot topics at the time. The film is based on a true story where a father who couldn't control his teen's behavior from drug abuse was forced to take the law into his own hands. The father here is good ole Ben Gazzara and he is at his Gazzara best with a ferocious intensity, his scenes with Benson as father and son a perfect chemistry. At the time more emphasis was on Benson as a model but his performance here is really amazing. Streams free on Tubi, Freevee, Roku and Plex, if this was being rated on the standard scale I would give it five stars, 'nuff said. 2.75 stars/2.75

Friday, November 11, 2022

MICHAEL SHANNON IS A MONEY-GRUBBING REAL ESTATE AGENT EVICTING FORECLOSED TENANTS , SIMPLY PUT - HE'S A MAN WHO OWNS "99 HOMES" (2014)

 

The more movies I land up seeing with Michael Shannon the more I have come to appreciate the man's art. Always great at playing the heavy but in tandem with the soulful and at times hilarious especially when chastising another character. 

Andrew Garfield plays "Nash," a carpenter who lives with his mom (Laura Dern, kind of on auto pilot here) and son. His home is foreclosed on and they're kicked out by the sheriff in a riveting opening scene that sets the tone and stays there for the whole picture. Shannon's "Rick Carver" is having just another day and while cold and stern he eventually comes to appreciate Nash for his construction skills and gives him a job. 

How far up Carver's little empire will Nash climb? Will he try and get his original home back? How deep is Carver's corruption and how long will Nash stay loyal before he turns the tables on him? These are all good questions and can be answered by checking out this excellent drama thriller. Currently streaming on Tubi and just about every other free streaming platform out there so you've got no excuse not to check it out, it's a winner.   3.5 stars/5




No comments:

Post a Comment