"People believe what they want to believe." Swift shot: Splotchy, scattered, yet somehow spectacular. Set in the late 70's, Director David O. Russell's American Hustle features an all-star cast, with Christian Bale committing sex-symbol suicide by playing the most charismatically-vulnerable role since The Fighter. When he first appears on screen, it is the complete … [Read more...] about American Hustle
Rick Swift’s “12 Flicks of Christmas”
On the 12th day before Christmas, you've simply got to watch . . . #12 Die Hard (1988) - While this may not be regarded as a traditional Christmas film - it takes place during Christmas and has a constant Christmas soundtrack, plus, someone gets a Machine Gun for Christmas. My kind of gift! On the 11th day before Christmas . . . yea, I am not doing that theme for 11 … [Read more...] about Rick Swift’s “12 Flicks of Christmas”
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Swift shot: Chapter Two sets the stage for the final conflict. I've read all three of the books now, because I liked The Hunger Games so much, and I just wanted to know how it was all going to end. I know. And The Hunger Games: Catching Fire directed by Francis Lawrence was almost a page for page interpretation of Suzanne Collins' "Young Adult" best … [Read more...] about The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Roulette
God is a sadist . . . Swift shot: Vulgar, disturbing, ugly, and yet a very compelling critique of hypocrisy and how the sins and the choices we make define us. A small disclaimer is needed here, as I matriculated with Ali Lukowski at Flagler College. I was also in a small "student film" shot by our very own H-Man. So, yes, I wanted to like this film, because I … [Read more...] about Roulette
Sunlight Jr.
Swift shot: I really, really wanted this film to just end. I am not sure where to begin with why it was so unpleasant. Naomi Watts is getting blasted by other critics for her accent in Diana, and in Sunlight Jr., I really can't say what she was going for as a convenience store clerk who is trapped in a circle of her own selfishness. I didn't like her character, and as … [Read more...] about Sunlight Jr.