ruleof3bobby

[ruleof3bobby]

ABIGAIL (2024) Grade: B-

If you go in blind — no trailer, no spoilers — this could really hit as a great movie. The setup plays well if you don’t know what’s coming, and even if you do know the twist, it’s still a fun ride.

What works is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s a self-awareness to the tone that keeps it entertaining without trying too hard to be clever. And surprisingly, the third act isn’t as predictable as you’d expect — it pulls a few moves that keep things fresh.

Not perfect, but a good time — especially if you’re willing to go along for the ride without overthinking it. Good casting as well.

[ruleof3bobby]

STRANGE DARLING (2023) Grade: B

I honestly wasn’t into it at first — it took a little time to find its footing. But by the end, I couldn’t get enough. The story keeps you on your toes the whole way through.

It’s a great example of how to do a low-budget thriller right: tight pacing, focused storytelling, and a sense of tension that builds steadily.

Also, #GiovanniRibisi did the DP work, which looked great!

[ruleof3bobby]

THE CROSSING GUARD (1995) Grade: C-

A complete miss.

What could’ve been a raw, emotionally charged drama gets lost in odd editing choices, a muddled script, and a downright cringeworthy ending.

The tone is all over the place, and the pacing suffers for it.

[ruleof3bobby]

COLD BROOK (2018) Grade: C-

A small, feel-good film that’s easy to watch — and just as easy to forget. It’s pleasant enough in the moment, but leaves no lasting impression.

The best part is the three leads, all familiar faces from better-known projects. They have solid chemistry and do what they can with a lightweight script, but the material doesn’t give them much to work with.

[ruleof3bobby]

Let Him Go (2020) Grade: B

A gripping modern western anchored by a strong script and even stronger performances. Diane Lane and Kevin Costner bring quiet intensity and emotional depth, while Jeffrey Donovan nearly steals the show with his unsettling presence. He's very underrated.

Every sequence feels purposeful — there’s no filler here. The pacing is deliberate but never dull, building tension with precision. And when the climax hits, it lands. It’s brutal, earned, and deeply satisfying.

[ruleof3bobby]

COMPANY BUSINESS (1991) Grade: C+

This is prime material for a modern remake. The plot still holds up — maybe even works better now — and with the right cast and tone, most people won’t even realize it’s based on an older film.

Audiences may not have appreciated it back in 1991, but today’s viewers are more primed for this.

If done right, the remake could land as a quirky, edgy dark comedy with real staying power. The bones are already there — it just needs a modern polish.

[ruleof3bobby]

THE PAPER TIGERS (2020) Grade: D+

Disappointed, plain and simple. I went in hoping for a quirky comedy gem — something offbeat and surprising. This was a mess.

The characters feel half-baked, awkward in the wrong ways, and never compelling enough to carry the story.

A few moments try to be clever or charming, but none of it lands.Skip it. You’re not missing anything.

[ruleof3bobby]

DISCONNECT (2012) Grade: B

This one still holds weight, even years later. In fact, it might’ve been a little ahead of its time when it dropped back in 2012. The themes hit harder now, and the storytelling feels more relevant in hindsight.

The subplot involving the high school kids is easily the most gut-wrenching part of the film.

The ending, though? Not quite a home run. It’s not bad, just a little too restrained — like it was building toward something bigger and didn’t fully commit. That might be part of why this film doesn’t get talked about as much today. It leaves an impression, but not quite a lasting one.

Still, it’s worth watching.

[ruleof3bobby]

FINESTKIND (2023) Grade: D+

This one's a slow burn — with no real payoff. The first hour is basically just guys fishing, and not in a meditative, meaningful way… just dragging. You keep waiting for something to click, and it never really does.

The villains are bland, offering no real sense of threat or intrigue. And when the climax finally arrives, it completely whiffs — no tension, no stakes, no payoff. The ending itself is just... there. It fades out instead of landing.

Thank god for Ben Foster.

That said, the cinematography is excellent. Visually, it looks like a much better film than it is. Great DP work carries the aesthetic, but not the story.

[ruleof3bobby]

LIGHT OF MY LIFE (2019) Grade: B-

Surprised I hadn’t heard of this one sooner — it delivers a consistent, slow-burning intensity without relying on action to keep you hooked. The tension builds from atmosphere and dread alone, and it works. You feel the looming threat just as the two main characters do, which makes the experience immersive.

The plot is intriguing, keeping you guessing without getting overly complicated. The ending is not explosive, but thought-provoking. One of those conclusions that lingers and sparks conversation after the credits roll.

Definitely worth seeking out if you're into quiet thrillers with a psychological edge.

[ruleof3bobby]

FREAKY (2020) Grade: C

Not a fan of the title — i get it, but it still feels a little off or too on-the-nose. Probably didnt help with Marketing, no teenagers will really get it.

That said, there are some fun nods to classic body-swap movies. The inside jokes and self-awareness are probably the highlight, especially for anyone familiar with the genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it knows what it’s riffing on.

Overall, it’s fine. Totally watchable if you're bored and need something light. It won’t blow you away, but it gets the job done as background entertainment.

[ruleof3bobby]

NOVOCAINE (2025) Grade: C+

Original enough to keep your interest, it's quirky, if a bit uneven. Some of the plot twists are predictable, so the surprises don’t always land — but the film still manages to stay engaging.

The supporting characters are actually a highlight. Jack Quaid plays a good everyday man.

It’s not perfect, the ending sticks the landing. Clever and satisfying in a way that makes the ride feel worth it.

[ruleof3bobby]

THE TENDER BAR (2021) Grade: C

Ben Affleck brings a certain charm that keeps scenes watchable. He’s great at these more comedic roles.

But the film as a whole? It just doesn’t have much of a hook. The premise feels thin, and there are no real wow moments — nothing that sticks with you once the credits roll. It's passable entertainment, but not something you're rushing to recommend.

Most of the supporting characters blur together, with very few making a lasting impression. The humor is hit-or-miss — a couple jokes land nicely, but they’re scattered and inconsistent.

[ruleof3bobby]

MAGIC MIKE'S LAST DANCE (2023) Grade: C-

Definitely sharper punchlines this time around. There’s some wit here that works, especially in the dialogue. Supporting characters feel like fillers. No memorable arcs, no standout performances. All in all, a few good lines and a strong lead can't quite make up for thin character work. Entertaining in parts, but ultimately forgettable.

[ruleof3bobby]

HOMBRE (1967) Grade: B

Really enjoyed this one. Paul Newman is magnetic as the lead — effortlessly cool, layered, and completely in control of every scene.

The dialogue is sharp throughout, but it really shines in the final act. There are a few standout lines toward the end that stick with you.

The climax delivers, too. It’s tense and earned.It doesn’t rely on cheap twists — it just builds naturally to a strong finish. Newman character has a sneaky grind the whole time like he knows what will happen next.

Definitely worth a second watch, especially to catch all the subtle touches you might miss the first time.

[ruleof3bobby]

THE EIGER SANCTION (1975) Grade: C+

Starts off a little cheesy — especially by today’s standards — but give it time. The second half is a bit more interesting.

What really keeps your attention throughout is the location work: the on-site shooting gives the film an authentic, grounded feel that’s surprisingly immersive for something made in 1975. (Eastwood is the directing, working for Warner Brothers for the 1st time)

Honestly, the way it’s shot is more memorable than the actual story.

The script, though, can be a bit confusing. Some plot points feel undercooked or loosely connected. Still, for a mid-70s spy genre flick, it’s got charm (Eastwood again), style, and enough ambition to keep it interesting.

[ruleof3bobby]

THE FALL GUY (2024) Grade: C+

It wasn’t as charming as it should have been. . The jokes pull back every time it starts to get interesting.

It’s breezy enough to pass the time — an inoffensive popcorn watch — but there’s just not much meat on the bone. The characters are serviceable, the jokes are mild, and the story goes through the motions without leaving a real impression. Kinda messy. Except Winston Duke. He was great.

The action scenes are good enough but the overall movie could’ve been so much more.