Longlegs (2024)

In my opinion, this film was slightly overhyped, but I bought into it hook, line and sinker. Every screening at my theater was packed, so the word of mouth and clever ad campaign (which revealed nothing about the plot) really paid off. I really loved the tone of the film right out the gate; it builds up a nice feeling of dread and suspense, right out of Silence of the Lambs or Se7en. 

FBI agent Lee Harker investigates a series of mysterious deaths in 1990s Oregon, potentially leading to a bigger conspiracy. Again, it benefits from going in with as little information as possible and allowing the experience to wash over you. Not quite as good as it could have been, given all the tools at their disposal, but still very dark and affecting. It gets weird, in a good way.

3½ birthday card clues out of 5

Rules of Engagement (2000)

From a bloody war in Vietnam, to a bloodbath in the Yemen years later, and finally to a politically dodgy court room in America, Colonel Terry Childers (Samuel L. Jackson) stands up for what he believes in.
A retired Col Lawrence (Tommy Lee Jones) stands with him, although he has doubts about his ability to get the job done favourably.
Leaving aside the supposed flag-waving that some folks accused Dir. William Friedkin of, RoE isn't a bad film, but nor is it a particularly memorable example of the courtroom drama. The dramatic combat scenes fare better, but by the time the final verdict drops it may feel like its overstayed its welcome.

3 sitreps out of 5

The Art of Getting By (2011)

Each year, Hollywood likes to make the same "indie" drama over and over again. Fatalistic teen is obsessed with death and the meaninglessness of it all. Enter the most beautiful woman in the entire world (roll eyes) who just happens to come into his life. Do I even need to tell you how this movie ends? You want to know what the reality of this situation would be? She would have never looked his way. The lonely kid grows up into a lonely man, lives alone and dies alone. FUCK OFF.

1 unrequited hard-on in the middle of the night out of 5