“Again”: Troubling Take on a Tragic Wake-Audio Review from John Smistad
For my Audio Review of “Again” on the TMB YouTube channel please watch below:
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TMB’s Top 10 Films of 2015: John Smistad Edition
In no particular order, though these are my top two. Some had US DVD release debuts in 2015. 1) Goodnight Mommy It is a conspicuously uneasy vibe established practically right from the start of the ultra-unsettling Austrian psychological thriller “Goodnight Mommy”. And then from there all the way up to … [Read More]
“Betrayed”, “Den Største Forbrytelsen”, (2020): The Darkest of Days
“Betrayed” draws from the true story of the Norwegian boxer Charles Braude and his family, who were persecuted, arrested, and murdered by the Nazis during World War II. Appallingly, the entire process was carried out with the full participation of the Norwegian government and the state police, who joined in … [Read More]
First-Time Filmmaker fetes “WHAT HAPPENED AT 625 RIVER RD”
Two young women take a trip to New York. Or do they? Something happened at 625 River Road. Whatever it was remains a disturbing mystery. Promising Debut The horror thriller “What Happened at 625 River Rd” is the first feature film from veteran music video and commercial director Devon Jovi … [Read More]
“Ariel: Back to Buenos Aries” (2023): What is Family?
“Ariel: Back to Buenos Aries” is a captivating story of a brother and sister returning to their birthplace, Argentina, for the first time as adults. Soon immersed in the glimmering tango clubs of Buenos Aires, they come to uncover long-kept family secrets and the heart-wrenching reasons behind their parent’s emigration, … [Read More]
“Films that Forever Matter” Series: “Lost in America” Review
Two yuppies decide to “drop out of society” and hit the road in a motorhome to do all the things they dreamed about in their youth. Albert Brooks (“Broadcast News”, “Defending Your Life”) directs and stars as a hot shot ad executive who abruptly finds himself unemployed. He and his … [Read More]
“Films that Forever Matter” Series: “Christine” Review (2016)
This “Christine” review tells the tragic true story of Christine Chubbuck, a 1970s local TV news reporter. Chubbuck struggled mightily with depression and professional frustrations while striving to advance in her career. “Christine” Review (2016): Riveting Chronicle of Ravaging Mental Illness Films that Forever Matter Series by John Smistad I once worked … [Read More]
“Death Wish” (1974) & “Death Wish II” (1982)……at long last!
“Death Wish” tells the story of New York City architect Paul Kersey, who becomes a one-man vigilante squad after his wife is senselessly slain by street thugs. In self-defense, the vengeful man commences killing muggers on the mean streets after dark. In the “Death Wish II” sequel film, Kersey once … [Read More]
“Coal Miner’s Daughter” (1980): Country Music Legend Biopic as Love Story
Coal Miner’s Daughter is the rags-to-riches story of legendary country music singer Loretta Lynn. The film covers the Kentucky native’s early teen years in a poor family, getting married at 15, and her rise to become one of the most influential country musicians of all time. Based on Lynn’s 1976 … [Read More]
“One on One” (1977): Beautiful as a Buzzer Beater from Downtown!
A young basketball phenom battles the business-driven machine of the major college coaching system. In so doing, he knows full well that his fully financed sports scholarship to a perennial basketball power is now at risk of being stripped away from him. “One on One” (1977): Beautiful as a Buzzer … [Read More]
My Favorite Movie of All-Time
Wyoming, circa early 1900s. Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid are the leaders of a band of outlaws. In the wake of a train robbery gone horribly wrong, they find themselves on the run with an elite hired posse hard on their heels. Their solution – bolt for Bolivia. My … [Read More]
“Duel” (1971): A first glimpse at Greatness
A deranged truck driver weaponizes his tanker truck to terrorize a traveling salesman across the California desert. “Duel” (1971): A first glimpse at Greatness Classic Film Feature by John Smistad And he was only gettin’ warmed up Steven Spielberg’s debut feature film as a director is a taught and tense thriller … [Read More]