Copycat

“I know all about you. You’re just a sad, second rate, boring, impotent little copycat.”

Written by Ann Biderman and David Madsen and directed by English, Jon Amiel, ‘Copycat’ was a flawless, classic, Drama/Mystery/Thriller that I’d happily have the pleasure to work on as an actress. Our main characters, Helen Hudson and MJ Monahan played by Sigourney Weaver and Holly Hunter respectively were two strong, intelligent, female characters that brought this film to life!

Based in San Francisco, this story shows immense research and takes the audience on an imaginative and discerning ride into the minds of a criminal psychologist, a serial killer and a top-notch detective. One of our villains, Daryll Lee Cullum, expertly played by ‘Harry Connick Jr.’ literally spent weeks watching documentaries on serial killers in preparation for his role. Sigourney Weber stated that she was most proud of her work in this film because she worked hard to portray the mindset of an agoraphobic and consulting with lead forensic psychiatrist Park Dietz who interviewed serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer really was a challenge for her. Holly Hunter also divulged that she spent countless hours with different homicide detectives in downtown L.A. to help her get into character. 

This is a movie that you see the considerable amount of work and preparation put in by actors as well as the crew. The dynamics set in place, the mysterious unfolding, first-rate acting and great soundtrack and dialogue all had the makings for a cult-classic! They got 2 wins and 1 nomination that year and almost doubled at the box-office - here’s to one of the best serial-killer movies since ‘Silence of the Lambs’!

The Invisible Guest

Written and directed by Spanish Oriol Paulo, this Crime/Mystery/Thriller originally known as ‘Contratiempo’ was released in 2016 and despite it’s excellent story and execution only garnered 1 win and 2 nominations that year. Joined by Mario Casas, Ana Wagener, Jose Coronado and Barbara Lennie all actors from Spain; did an extraordinary job with bringing the story and characters to life.

With a run-time of 106 minutes and a budget of an estimated 4 million euros there was great pacing, fantastic framing and a dynamite story that kept it’s audience sitting anxiously on the edge of their seats. The soundtrack was riveting and the twists in the plot were quite satisfying! 

Journey with Jair recommended! 

No Good Deed

I had the pleasure of watching 2014’s ’No Good Deed’ and I must comment that my first thoughts were that it was uplifting to see a strong female lead on screen, and see two people of color do a magnificent job. I enjoyed the high film quality of this film, the camera techniques, frames, shots and climatic music. 

Putting those those things aside, I must divulge that the thriller became less authentic or believable because of the perpetual amount of upper-cut-swipes English heartthrob Idris Alba endured by our fearless super-hero of a mother played by Taraji P. Henson. I had a strong inkling this film was written by a woman, and I was right. 

Written by  Aimee Lagos, who also wrote ’96 minutes’ and ‘Underground’, this story although solid, seemed to give off the essence of ‘let’s bash men for the century’ as there weren’t any positive images/roles of any men in this film. The only other man that had most screen prescence after our two main characters would be Henry Simmons who played our main character’s husband. Before he even came into frame the audience was told we should be suspicious of or hate him. 

This was my interpretation of the film; however it can easily be flipped to mean the opposite that our unstable escaped convict played by Elba, was actually the one who had immense hate for women, and this was an ode to all women fighting back. No matter your take on this film; it is definitely worth a watch. With an estimated budget of $13 million USD it grossed $52 million USD back at the box-office and garnered 2 nominations and 2 wins that year!

Stranger Things

Saying that the 2016’s Drama/Fantasy/Horror Netflix Series ‘Stranger Things’ was inspired by 1984’s ‘The Terminator’ alone would be an understatement. As thrilling, enticing and seemingly “original” these episodes claim to be to numerous viewers worldwide it sadly is a ‘cop-out’ of many many Horror films from the 80’s and 90’s; think ‘Poltergeist’, ‘Nightmare on Elm Street’, ‘ET’, ‘Alien’ or any of Stephen King’s bestselling novels or movies. My question would be  to ask what is Stephen King’s point-of-view on the whole series! 

Setting those thoughts aside, being that this new generation hasn’t been exposed to our classics from the past, and thanks to the excellent 2011 film ‘Drive’ starring Canadian Ryan Gosling, that revived and started ‘Retro New Wave 80’s music’ I can then say that ‘Stranger Things’ delivered as did it’s predecessors also have! 

Garnering 36 nominations, including 2 Golden Globe nominees and another 4 wins it’s easy to see that the audience loved and would love our classic recipe for adventure, mystery and wild titilation! Created or I would rather say ‘re-created’ by American twin-brothers Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer, they were able to succeed in attracting gargantuan talent Winona Ryder (Edward Scissorhands) and David Harbour, Natalia Dyer and some of Hollywood’s top young actors including Caleb McLaughlin, Gaten Matarazzo, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp as well as  stand-out actor British Charlie Heaton to bring the story to life!

The world is suffering from a sense of nostalgia and all things 80’s or anything resembling the wholesome world that made more sense is comforting to escape to. Mixing those emotions with misgiving terror and enough perplexity and cliffhangers, it brews in flying colours a massive success!

Emelie

I didn’t have high hopes for this 2015 Horror/Thriller as the babysitter premise has been done before; but when I saw writer Richard Raymond Harry Herbeck attached to this project (The Cabin in the Woods, Cloverfield) I knew that the story and production should be decent. Director Michael Thelin orchestrated this disturbing film perfectly. Just when the audience was afraid to watch any further, he would give you just enough to make you sick but not traumatize you forever.

I think what made this movie deeply unsettling is the fact that a group of innocent children were subjected to immense torment. It’s bad enough parents leaving their children with a replacement babysitter, and the children know they have to follow the rules, but the series of events that unfurled were absolutely terrifying!

Lead actress Irish Sarah Bolger played her part as ’Emelie’ and babysitter exceptionally, and child actors, Carly Adams, Thomas Bair, and Joshua Rush, also did an outstanding job. Viewers got the full effect of the anguish both the antagonist and protagonist felt. It was definitely believable and heart-breaking at some moments, leaving the audience with a wavering unbalanced feeling at the end of it.

This film certainly packs the punch; and it’ll make you think twice before choosing a new babysitter.

The Exam

“There is one question before you, and one answer is required. If you try to communicate with myself or the guard, you will be disqualified. If you spoil your paper, intentionally or accidentally, you will be disqualified. If you choose to leave this room for any reason, you will be disqualified. Any questions?”

This 2009 Mystery/Thriller was reminiscent of other movies like ‘The Cube’, however it still kept the audience’s attention till the very end. Written and Directed by English Stuart Hazeldine it was a clever and obvious low-budget film (all in one room) that kept viewers on their feet with trying to figure out a confusing riddle given to our main characters at the very beginning.

Starring Adar Beck, Gemma Chan, Nathalie Cox, Luke Manly, and Chukwudi Iwuji all with English backgrounds they all gave incredible, stable and credible performances. Gripping and electrifying from start to finish, it was a film that kept the mind captivated and engaged just as it’s characters were. Not your usual thriller and a wonderful exception to the usual played-out rules!

Side Effects

“What do you doctors call faking? Malingering? Such a funny word. Girls learn to fake things at a very early age - probably around the same time that boys are learning to lie.”

One of the best movies I’ve seen in a long time. Suspenseful, excellent soundtrack, phenomenal acting, thrilling and gripping story, with loads of drama! Writer Scott Z. Burns struck gold with this story about a young woman’s life unraveling after taking pills from her psychiatrist. Directed by Steven Soderbergh, this 2013 Crime/Drama/Thriller won 2 nominations and kept the audience wanting more.

Rooney Mara (known for American version of ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) stars as the young troubled woman, English veteran Jude Law plays the role of her psychiatrist, and Channing Tatum and Welsh sweetheart Catherine Zeta-Jones (who threw all her ‘sweets’ out the window for this film) also joined in the fun.

With a run-time of 106 minutes and a budget of $30 million USD, this film surprisingly only made a profit  $2 million USD; however left an exceptional trail of exciting viewers and reviews. Actors and Actress’ can only dream of displaying roles with such range and splendour! ‘Journey with Jair’ recommended for a night of extraordinary fun!

Chloe

I've watched scores of films with Amanda Seyfried and her performances didn't really impress me; especially that in ‘Red Riding Hood’; striking features and bright bold eyes, but she didn't seem to be connected with her characters. I am happy to say that 2009’s dramatic thriller ‘Chloe’ disturbed the hell-out-of-me; however finally made Amanda connect. Not because she portrayed a lesbian whore, but because she showed vulnerability and a little bit of craziness and those two qualities are unique and admirable qualities to possess in any actor. I’d like to continue seeing the roles and chances she takes in the future as she has been fortunate to work alongside some of the best actors, and directors.

Written by Erin Cressida Wilson and Anne Fontaine from Luxembourg and directed by Egyptian Atom Egoyan, this movie was full of seduction, un-faithfulness, and menace. Despite its racy and sex-induced content, this story kept the audience attentive yet baleful every step of the way. It was creepy yet unfolded beautifully with lovely framed shots, fantastic classical compositions and exceptional acting by Liam Neeson and Julianne Moore.

This film exemplifies that once you tell a good story well, even skeptics will believe you! The power of story is the ability to convince someone beyond questionable doubt. J But just because people are good at telling stories, doesn't always mean that the story is the truth. Winner of 2 awards and 4 nominations, Chloe was a dark ride into the troubled mind of someone who needed to find closeness with her mother.