Doug Obujen

Oppenheimer is a movie - as I see it - divided up into 3 parts. The personal life of the man, but, centering mostly around his womanizing (as later remarked in the movie), and, his 2 most serious relationships. The 2nd part, which is the development, and, detonation of the bomb. And, the 3rd part, which comes off as a heavily dramatic court scene, in persecuting 'Oppy,' as he is nick-named, for possible breaches of loyalty to America, and, worst, with possible ties to the support of Communism, and, the Soviet Union. Which, if any of these accusations were true, would of course, have grave consequences, as the U.S., would not want to get in an arms race with any other country, much less, the Soviet Union. As a matter of fact, the Truman administration - who has become so panicky, and paranoid of the possibility, that, they will pull out the proverbial microscope, for finding the very remotest partical of danming evidence, to virtually clobber Oppenheimer into submission. The second and third parts of this movie, we're extraordinarily entertaining, and informing. And the acting was, I thought, was, 'par excellance.' Incidentally, Cillian Murphy, is one of my favorite actors, and, it was as much of him, that I came to see the movie, as it was Oppenheimer. And, I make mention of this, because, if anyone would enthusiactingly wade out this first part, I would be on that list. It's not that I don't like romance sequences, and movies. The movies - 'Notebook,' The 'Object of my Affection,' were great movies, and, 'Chloe,' with Amanda Siefred, Liam Nieson, and, Julianne Moore, is among my all-time favorite. But, with the movie Oppenheimer, I came to see a movie . . . about Oppenheimer. What inspired this guy to achieve what he accomplished . . the obstacles he faced, and, how he overcame them. What motivated him to commit to the drive he chose. I wanted to learn as much about him as possible. But, instead, I had to be dragged through about an hour of romantic drudgery - that incidentally, wasn't really so far different from other relationships, in the real world. If this had a direct bearing, or, influence on his work, it would have been more forgiving. But, as it turned out, that wasn't the case - at least not significantly so. I suppose about 15 to 20 minutes, or so, I would have found to be more palatable. I mean, a synopsis of his relationship misgivings, would allow me to say . . I get it. So, there you have it. I wanted to espouse alot about the 3rd part of this movie - regarding the court-like security meeting, which came off to me, as a McCarthy era, Salem Witch-Hunt, Inquisitional mind-set that the board couldn't obsessionally get off to save their own lives. It was, very simply, A-Big-Do-about -nothing. They came off to me, as the 'Gang of Fools.' Propagating just a bunch of sillyness, and nonsense. They were the 'Mudrakers,' clear and simple, trying to nitpick someone, and, his great accomplishment of saving the live of thousands of allied military lives, simply out of a delusional sense of crossing the trivia line, and, for that, they were out to castigate this poor man to no end. Oppy, seemed to sit helplessly, at one end of the room, mentally crippled with the affliction of not only developing a bomb that killed thousands of Japanese lives, but, creating something that could devastate the world as well. It was almost like he was in 'Catatonic Freeze.'

With action and horror movies abounding - as of late - it became all the more refreshing to finally have a comedy thrown into the mix, and,I don't think a better job could have been done, then introducing Jennifer Lawrence's new film, 'No Hard Feelings.' And in my opinion, it hit the comedic mark, hands down . . no pun intended. It was just downright hallarious. In fact, not just to me, but, it soon became obvious, that the surrounding people (audience), had to have had their funny-bone tickled as well - judging by their uproarious laughter. I believe this is Ms. Lawrence's first movie comedy - at least the first I had seen, and, she proved she could accomplish that goal, as a comedic actress, as she could easily and successfully take on the challenge. And, if that weren't enough, she also has shown, to be quite the sex symbol! I had to do several double takes, thinking . . . am I looking at Jennifer here? Wow! I thought . . . have my eyes been opened,and, extra wide, at that too - I might add. She's got quite the figure, she does, which may very well open some more doors for her future in the 'Film Industry,' and so, the 'Hunger Games,' actress, may just very well be turning that title into having a double meaning. She jumped through all the hoops, in convincing the audience, that this was a well meaning and and deserving gal, to take on an objective - as asked by the parents of a young, very, very naive young lad, about to enter Princeton University, to rescue him beforehand, from the closet of a very protective life; a good part of that, exaserbated by peer ridicule for being so overly bookwormish, among other geek attributes. Motivated by the potential loss of her house, and, even worst, becomes deprived of her only means of transportation, (she's an Uber driver as well); her car is towed away by a former boyfriend, no less, and, puts her square in the house, as well as on the couch, facing opposite the boy's parents, in a clandestine meeting, to turn him around, which begs to reiterate the scene from Lee Marvin; Clint Eastwood; and Jean Seberg's movie, 'Paint your Wagon,' whereby, Marvin introduces a young boy to a local prostitute, and says, "I give you the boy . . give me back, the man."

The best, damn good science fiction thriller of the last decade. One that will blow your mind and then some. This film throws out a fractalization of complexity that even the best psychic can't predict. Usually I write paragraphs of description in my reviews, but this needs no promotional enticements. It's just awesome!!! A must see, and, pretty much for any age. Even the youngest might pull up some inspiration. Ben Afflect's new movie. A presentation like hes never been in before. HYPNOTIC review by Doug Obujen

Apparently, Rotten Tomatos', does not like my reviews anymore. I guess because they're too long. And, even when I shorten. Sorry! But, I'm a content writer. But, you can get them on my FB page . as well as my restaurant reviews (which I just achieved an expert rating). So, I'll make this short. 'The Covenant,' is not only an outstanding war movie, but also, an outstanding war story. Take it from an almost 4 year Vietnam and, hazardous duty combat veteran, who has been in those situations. I think it has has a little bit of the flavor of the 1957 film, staring Robert Ryan, and, Aldo Ray, called, 'Men in War.' In any case, this movie (The Covenant), starts off a little slow but, that's okay. It's getting you acquainted with the people, the environment, and, the general direction where this film is going. It's a movie that pretty well shows, that the clash between two individuals, does not go above, respect, comradship, and a genuine compassion for another human being. This movie exemplifies tenacity, perseverance, fortitude, and, tolerance. Though about 2½ hours, it's fast paced, high tension, excellent music choices for suspense, and the acting, and, chemistry, are spot on.

I totally agree with a good number of the other reviewers, this movie easily grabs 5 stars in my repertoire of great action-packed movies of the past. Remember when we saw 'Blade Runner' - Harrison Ford's movie, with the beautiful Sean Young, and, we were totally taken aback by her awesome presence! I think you'll reminece that same nostalgia, when you see Aubrey Plaza. She's absolutely mezmorizing, and, she certainly doesn't take 2nd fiddle, as a somewhat, law-abiding side-kick, to Jason Statham's part. She earns a leadership roll of koodos, by her own right, in this very fast-paced suspense thriller. She makes up the 2nd part of this unique, dynamic trio, that begs a sequel, in the Statham-line of all out action movies. And yet, without further adieu, must I also include - and, just as captivating - from the male end of it, is Hugh Grant, playing the part of, 'The Supplier,' if you will. He depicts the coolness of Robert Redford's demeanor, in so many of his (Redford), earlier films, just to mention, 'Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid' - not withstanding. And, so all this, along with Statham's exquisite Martial Art's scenes, will keep anyone, who has a short attention span, glued to the end, of this superb action-packed movie film, and then again, thinking about doing a double -take, of watching it again, only in Dolby, or, IMAX. And, certainly this review would not be complete without adding Josh Hartnett's character? For the longest time, (while watching), my mind was plagued with the deliberation of trying to figure out whether this was played by Josh Hartnett. I'm still stymied & perplexed as to whether this is him or not! He's not that tall . . is he? Or, maybe he's one of those rare species, that continues to grow for all the rest of it's natural life. And, he's so cavalier! Does this exude the versatility of his acting ability - and, as an older actor now, no less. If this to be . . bravo to Mr. Hartnett! In this dashing portrayal, he must be beside himself! Ha! It's great! In any case, those of you that are Hartnett fans will get a good dose of his personality whether it is . . . truly, he, or not. Oh yes! not to belabor this review, but, I certainly cannot end it without mention of Carey Elwes. He did an exceptional job, in playing the indescriminate, chief, as he did. He, without a doubt, must be included in any further sequels, to the successful future of this most valued, and, soon-to-be, thought-after, modified, franchise. review by, Doug Obujen

First of all, I got misled by the title. Somehow I missed the 's.'. I thought the title read fableman. And so, was anxious to see a movie about someone who was exceptional in telling fables. So, I was expecting to see, and, maybe even learn something, from someone who is a craftsman storyteller. And so as I was getting into the movie, I then thought, OMG, this is a story about an average family, who lives and breaths and deals with the everyday woes and and bright spots of everyday life. And then, it moves into what will be the very theme of the whole picture anti-semitism. And, my first reaction, was that, again . . OMG, another wave slapping me in the face, that involves racism, prejudice, supremacy . . . when are we going to let go, already! It's like pouring salt on this wound, over and over again, and, may just keep fanning the flames, and perpetuate continued hate and discontent. Yes, yes . . I know . . the old, old, saying, to forget, is to subject the past to be repeated. This, particularly hit me when the scene depicts a bagel hanging in a gym locker. Why keep arousing the emotions of nations who at least are trying to put this kind of baggage behind them - accept the lessons learned - and move on. Maturity is moving on up to the next level, not to be fixated on any one of the prior levels. Let me interject one more problematic potentiality here. There has been a long-standing fued between the field of psychology and, the movie industry. Movies that can entice violence, or, continue the momentum of it - that from the psychological point of view - suggest that this kind of interaction (between presentation and, audience), can produce aggressive cues. In contrast, the movie industry may counter that by rationalizing the point that violence is 'tension reducing'. And this may very well be . . but at what price? The public can't keep having this caster oil shoved down our throats (though past history applauds it). To put it another way, our ship is listing to far to the right. Let's get back on an even keel. Let's move on. As seems obvious, this is not so much as a review of the movie, as it is the theme. Review by Doug Obujen

Here, we have a movie that's something different. It's a predication of what humanity will be facing - actually - before too long. The robotic age is here, and, I believe Japan is at the forefront of creating a compatible spouse for male and female humans. They will be likely of Eurasian makeup - looks, personality, and, disposition. An average choice for the common human male, will be a female of a subservient nature - that will cater to his every need, and, to a large degree, be able to be controlled. In fact, Gemma suggests this when she often tells Megan to turn off. And this works for awhile - at least until Megan learns counter-measures to thwart the command. The cyber-spouse will also be taylored to his every selection . However, the movie doesn't necessarily address this new lifestyle, but provides a more subtle, palatable illustration, that is more akin to the canine/human relationship. As canines can be loyal and consuling to humans, here the audience, is exposed to the example of a poor young girl who tragically loses her parents in a car accident, and has completely lost any coping mechanisms that would put her back on a normal track, save but for one last option - not necessarily a pet, but, rather an actual person of her own age, that can provide the necessary healing therapy to jump-start her back into reality, and, out of herself. It's a possible solution that we - as an audience just might likely accept. And, I think that was in the writer's mind who wrote this story. by Doug Obujen

This movie - 'Halloween Ends' - is rather appropriately timed, soon after the release of the movie 'Pearl,' - which takes a good hard look at a mother's intuition of sensing a disturbance in an individual's behavior, perhaps something that is even as far reaching as an evil embodiment, taking place inside an individual's mind, that seems to lurk in the outward appearance of the eyes, and, the demeanor of that individual, and, especially acutely so, in sibling, and potentially, close associates. A mother's protection system, as it were, (and, in this case, that overlooks, clouded judgement, caused by such things as emotion, and, possible other factors), whose senses become extraordinarily alert, whenever son, or daughter, is involved. Unfortunately, this movie - that has many follower's, are prepared for the movie to continue more in-line with its past general theme - spread out in so many previous sequels. 'Halloween Ends,' takes on a different direction, in setting up - over a rather lengthy development, of a relationship, in an attempt to show, pitfalls, signals, and, many warning signs, and, a budding, of an evil, that is growing, but, not yet fully matured to the point of becoming a deadly menace to the surrounding community. If, the audience can be patient enough to wait for the slow matastisizing, and, reasons for, the evolved mental changeover, it gives one a greater understanding for the 'why,' that becomes nature's way of dealing, and, or, coping, with negative forces that lead to such change . . . a kind of mental birth defect, if you will, a mutation, and, disfigurement, of one's mental falculties, and causing in some severe cases, the so-called monsters that can be created, as a result. I thought the ending, and, somewhere between the mid, and, ⅔rds of the movie, that, it began to really pick up, and show promise for an outcome that would be fully satisfying, to anyone watching this lasting trilogy type episode in the Michael Myer's Halloween series. I must add, as I had in a previous review, of 'Pearl,' picking up a simular book and, movie, my mother once recommended for me to read, called, 'The Bad Seed.' Though, I had never read the book, but, as she described its contents, became the beginnings of debates between the two of us (her and I), as to what is more influential, in shaping the personality development of an dividual's mental state . . . environmental, or, genetic. I had chosen the former. And, as I've grown older, and, have become more intuned, I have come to the conclusion, that, maybe, the answers lie somewhere in between.

Vikram Vedha - 2022 If you're looking for what just might be recognized as the very highly tense action thriller of the last few years, then, go no farther, you'll find it all here . . I guarantee it. This action-packed high octane film, rocks! And, if you don't agree to its hyper intensity, with special clashing twists and turns, you most certainly will upon the 'AlCOHOLIA' celebration! When going to see this film be sure your mind is sharp and alert, for all the intracacies that you will be exposed to. The idea of 'Circles,' as presented in the movie 'Dark City,' (1998), will be further clarified in this action-packed thriller. And, flavors of Ben Afflect's 'Accountant,' John Travota, and Nicolas Cage's, 'Face Off,' and, Russell Crow's 'L.A. Confidential,' will also be well noticed, where choices, punishment, corruption, and, just a simple one-on-one, and, varying phylosophies of rationalzation, motives and riddles, intervene. And, let me run this by you, and see if you might not agree, upon an old Japanese saying, 'Life is an Illusion.' This film is very well acted by all who participated in it. I give it easily five stars. My only pieve, was, it was awfully loud. But, this may have been the fault of the projectionist. I didn't want to miss the first part of this film, as I've complained up-front before about these things, so, I just jammed my ears with kleenex, in hopes that that, would curtail the concussive blows of the fuller force - if you know what I mean. But, I must say it did enhance the special effects, when the base notes, and, emphasis, came into play. I plan to soon watch, and, willingly pay the extra ticket price to see this in IMAX. Be prepared for a doozy of an all-out war between rivals who clearly believe their reasons should be validly pursued. Would you like to . . . ? by Doug Obujen

Finnnnaly . . a movie that is sure to be as iconic in macabre & horror as 'Phantom of the Opera,' 'Alien,' or, 'Halloween.' Nathalie Emmanuel & Thomas Doherty nail it. They both do a superb job of acting, and, luring the audience into the demonic domain. It's a horror film that will have you nail biting right out of the gate. Unpredictable and twists galore, it'll be a head spinner as to what will come next. And, a lengthy enough ending to fully justify satisfaction guaranteed. Without saying too much about it, 'Invitation,' suggests a possible love story, and walking into the sunset, or, just maybe, it might be something altogether different. Like as stated in a football game, where one team commits an error . . it simply comes down to . . 'you make the call.' This movie becomes fast paced when it needs to be. And as musically intense as necessary to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you miss this one in the big theater, you will have surely been cheated out of among the best in this genre. Prepare for what I'm going to say, will be this year's best thrill seeker by far . . 'The Invitation.' It will also be - in my opinion - a movie that can be enjoyed by a varied audience, as the level of gore is tastefully toned down. The film is also negligibly risquè. And Nathalie projects a fine quality of innocence, but, one who can be quite self-assertive, and, not afraid to speak her mind. She's inspirational to all girls who find themselves in awkward and precarious situations, and, who holds true to her convictions.