Film reviews

MaXXXine Review

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The three Xs in the title are the correct context of MaXXXine. Ti West is back with a sexual and prolific adventure with no boundaries. The 1980s Hollywood era is mixed with tons of lethal drugs and behaviors. MaXXXine is a dangerous expedition. West did a thriller with the adult film industry in  X and Pearl. Both films opened in 2022. Mia Goth has been in both and continues to be the frightening and audacious actress in MaXXXine.

The eras of Hollywood are always a joy of grandeur for me especially when it makes its focus to be risky or risque scenarios. All the stories many have heard about Hollywood’s history play well into MaXXXine. MaXXXine though, had me in a bind. It is bonkers and quickly curated around its dangerous aspects, but is there meaning behind it? The film itself. The film tends to go down the road of being sexually horrific for the sake of it.

To explain the concept of the film, Goth is Maxine Minx. The three X’s make the point clear that she is an adult movie star. She is one of the bad choices. She does tons of drugs and is addicted to fuels of fame. She even has a nasty attitude. Regardless, she feels she is the sexy queen that conquers the world. However, the film takes place in the era of the night stalker scenario. Maxine finds herself with people who have been killed after the fact that she has seen them. Detective Torres (played by Bobby Cannavale) and Detective Williams (played by Michelle Monaghan) try to get to the bottom of Maxine’s involvement. However, Maxine is oblivious and only tries to remember she is the best.

Another officer John Labat (played by Kevin Bacon) comes around. He has got that dirty cop vibe. He is on the list of hatred for Maxine. The film is a dynamic of Maxine meeting bizarre individuals as the night stalker murder abounds. What is more invigorating? The fact that Maxine is an adult film star? The fact that it is around the night stalker scenario? The film begins to go down a road where personality is damaging. From that, I found the writing to start to have a blur.

Even around the personalities of the film, it is a ride that is average. “Average” in terms of performance and quality. Goth’s performance may be surreal, but her role in this one did not do it for me as much. That is more because I felt she was playing the same role in X and Pearl. Only this time, her way of revenge is getting people crushed in their vehicles. It is also one where bizarre exorcisms come around, and they are hard to take seriously.

The concept is interruption of fame. With all the murder moments zooming back and forth, it is Maxine being distracted from her privileged life. MaXXXine deserves three X’s because that is all the film cares about and so does the role of Goth. Drugs, sex, and murders, just keep going down the aisles. The presentation is bulky which is hard to manage. I found myself thinking how much more over-the-top grotesque moments do I have to endure? Will anyone find joy in this one? I will say I did on some levels. But I wish there was more meaning than over-the-top celebrity nonsense mended with a murder scenario. My rating falls at two out of four stars for MaXXXine.

Film reviews

Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 Review

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Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is a film by Kevin Costner that builds upon the foundation of the pre- and post-Civil War era. I found myself enthralled with the movie due to its aesthetic value set amidst the turmoil. Horizon: An American Saga is just the beginning as the second chapter opens later in August. Although the lengthy film dragged at time, I was sold.

The dynamics in the story take place in the years 1861 to 1865. There are many events taking place throughout Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. One event features a settlement built in Apache territory. Another event is an Apache raid that leads to several deaths as well as families without homes. A third event involves Indigenous land and moral codes not finding common ground. Territory, race, ownership, politics, and authorities clash and boil during this saga. It is an aching ride of conflicts.

The film’s writing is vast when it comes to the personality of authority, Lt. Trent Gephardt (played by Sam Worthington). Heleads the people who have lost homes to safety in a sanctuary camp. The issues related to safety do not stop in Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1. It all starts with one man marking his territory via land from the beginning.

The film also grapples with a couple trying to make ends meet through sales. They are Ellen (played by Jena Malone) and Walter (played by Michael Angarano). This is during a time when essential resources for the masses are limited. With thecomplicated moving parts and obstacles encountered inuncharted territory, the film does a fantastic job staying present in the Civil War era.

Even along the trails, the film feels like the computer game The Oregon Trail. There are individuals who try to collect water for use. They journey throughout Kansas and the Santa Fe area. The commander is Matthew Leyden (played by Luke Wilson). He makes it his mission to make sure there is water collected. The conflict comes about when they cross lands that have restrictions. The challenges during the Civil War go deeper than many anticipate and makes for a spellbinding story.

Now many may ask what Costner’s role is in the film. Costner plays Hayes Ellison, a drifter in the Wild West scenes in the film. He is the hero of the franchise. He may only come around sporadically, however, his role has a sense of purpose. Hayes knows the layout of the lands. He has an idea of where the confrontations happen. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is like Tetris focused on history where conflicts arise, battles are won, or lost in defeat.

The vast scenery of Wyoming and the Montana Territory captured my imagination as they created an ambiance of grandeur. It also made me wonder if any of the same lands will be used in the second chapter.  The first chapter is a breathless adventure where revelations come to life. The authorities of the good, the bad, and the wealthy all fight for their land. Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1 is just over three hours. But with its in-depth focus, it sparks curiosities which may make the next chapter an even more enticing adventure. Three-and-a-half out of four stars for Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1.

Film reviews

Daddio Review

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Daddio is one of the best films of the year.  The approach is different, and the taxi plot is magnificent. Written and directed by Christy Hall, it is a look at reality through an unknown connection where personalities find common ground. Dakota Johnson and Sean Penn are top-notch. Conversations lead to thought-provoking insights. I have never felt so moved by such a simple plot in ages. Daddio made it happen.

The film takes place in New York. Johnson plays Girlie, and she is returning home to New York after a trip to Oklahoma. She gets in a taxi at JFK airport. Once the cab driver begins to speak, the film finds a surreal wave of inner connection. Penn plays Clark (the cab driver). Clark starts to talk about how technology has changed the ways of tipping and how life is unfair. He rambles at first, but then Girlie begins to enjoy his attitude. They then begin to talk about relationships and life itself. They discuss their families, connections, and opinions. This taxi ride takes venting to a new level that is pure and real.

Girlie looks down at her phone periodically. While she is deep in conversation with Clark, she is also receiving lewd and provocative texts. Clark realizes that she has a sensitive side as she turns some of her attention away from him. Girlie jumps right back to giving attention to Clark. However, Clark can tell that there is part of Girlie that is in a bind.

At one point in the film, there is a traffic jam. At this point, it seems like the film might start dragging. Instead, it gets more enticing. The traffic jam offers the opportunity for Girlie and Clark to talk more about life and experiences. They go deeptalking about relationships, sex, and adult humor. Why is Girlie alright being so open with Clark? Why is Clark so open with Girlie? Are they both lonely?

The writing creates the characterizations of two introverted individuals. Their openness comes from both feeling disconnected. They become “connected to reality” once they meet each other. Girlie is coming back from a trip in a blur, and Clark is just making conversation. Girlie is quiet, and Clark is knowledgeable. Somehow, they click. When their conversation has a punchline, the smile on Johnson’s face shines like fireworks.

Daddio made me think about what it means to be open with others. Is it worth opening up to strangers? Is there a chance of a connection? Daddio offers mesmerizing revelations during a cab ride.

Johnson has an innocent personality that is bright and shining. Penn has a character which is social and accepting. They both speak to each other from experience. And they find the light in the heavy topics that come their way. How much will they take with them once the ride is over? Penn’s performance as the cab driver makes the film worth the fare (i.e. price of admission). It is truly worth the time to experience the emotion in the film’s deep conversations. Four out of four stars.

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