B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - GULAG (TV 1985)

This month B-Movie Gazette dives into the prison genre and who doesn't like a good prison flick? Gulag is an extremely well-produced TV movie originally made for HBO before wandering out to obscurity-land. David Keith is in top form as a sportscaster and while covering an event in Moscow is framed by the KGB. Unable to prove his innocence a prison escape is now inevitable, just how will he do it? Malcolm McDowell co-stars, this is a good one folks! 2.75 stars/2.75

Saturday, December 17, 2022

TIM ROBBINS, MICHAEL PENA & RACHEL ADAMS ARE THREE SOLDIERS WHO MEET AT JFK AND TAKE A SPONTANIOUS ROAD TRIP IN "THE LUCKY ONES" (2007)

An interesting post-war character-driven dramedy from Neil Burger, the guy who brought us The Illusionist. The various issues and situations soldiers have to deal with when coming back after an extended leave is woven into the plot and dialog but don't expect any huge revelations or statements on war or the soldier's role. When said and done The Lucky Ones is at best an entertaining road trip movie driven by the nice diversity of the three main characters and of course a triplet of acting stalwarts. 

Despite this none of these three performances are particularly noteworthy or above-level although Adams does shine the best of the three, face it, she's great to look at and has a bubbly charisma that's hard to resist. Robbins is a master of the craft and even though he kicks it way back here (even more than usual) in his assumption of the role, the gentle giant vibe of who he is will always show through. 

As a road trip movie it checks off a lot of appeasable boxes including locations and photography but falters with pacing, one of the movie's other big problems. I still recommend The Lucky Ones and strangely enough it would probably be a good choice for a family or friends gathering. We must always remember the ones who serve our country have the same problems as those who don't, they make mistakes just like everybody else. 

The Lucky Ones is currently streaming on Tubi, Pluto or VOD.  3.0 stars/5


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B-MOVIE GAZETTE RATING SYSTEM

5 Stars - Only awarded to the precious few.
4 Stars - Excellent, see by all means.
3 Stars - Very Good, you should like.
2 Stars - Fair, like a frozen dinner.
1 Star - Poor, like a spoiled dinner.

ALL B-MOVIES, DRIVE-IN MOVIES AND TV MOVIES HAVE A MAX AWARD OF 2.75 STARS.