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

Saturday, February 24, 2024

NICOLAS CAGE IS A TWISTED, DEMONIC & TOTALLY UNHINGED PASSENGER, YOU BETTER HOPE YOU'RE NOT HIS DRIVER IN "SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL" (2023)

 

If you like Nicolas Cage because, well, because he's "Nicolas Fuc*ingggg Cage," then you will dig this new thriller involving a psychological cat-n-mouse game between the Passenger (Cage) and the Driver (Joel Kinnaman.) An interesting if not slightly convoluted plot keeps it moving along at a nice pace. It's  a more than serviceable thriller with the one caveat being that you dig Cage who delivers a deliciously over-the-top performance. .

I love the diner sequence in middle and cinematography should appropriately be mentioned if not nominated, the nightime photography thru various parts of Las Vegas is stellar. So brilliant it's almost as good as Michael Mann shooting LA in Collateral. 

The movie's title seems like too golden an opportunity to riff off the famous Rolling Stones song which is nowhere to be found in the movie. It's not like Cage is sporting horns or this is a supernatural thriller, I would have opted for a different title. Dosen't matter much, flop-flop went the box office receipts on this one although it seems to be doing better in the streaming world. I recommend this one, you can check it out VOD or also AMC+ and Hoopla. For those that like to build a collection, it's on sale for five or seven dollars depending on which service. Enjoy, and I would also add this is a good late at night flick after a little 420 if you're into that kind of thing.

3.25 stars/5


Do not interrupt the man in conversation, he doesn't like that.

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