Bobby's Film List

STANDING IN THE SHADOWS OF MOTOWN (2002) Grade: C+

A solid documentary with plenty of interesting stories, but it never quite reaches that next level.

I wasn't a fan of the cutaways to the concerts. Instead of adding to the story, they distracted from it and took away momentum from an already somewhat weak narrative. There are some great moments and plenty of good stories throughout, but there aren't many true “wow” moments that make it stand out among great documentaries.

THIRTEEN LIVES (2022) Grade: B-

An entertaining throwback action-adventure that feels like it could’ve come straight out of an older era of filmmaking. It’s a straightforward, crowd-pleasing story that focuses on keeping the tension high.

YOUNGBLOOD (1986) Grade: C-

I actually thought it was going to be even worse. It's an okay sports movie with a decent story, even if it leans into some pretty cheesy moments, especially the love story.

Rob Lowe is solid, but Patrick Swayze steals nearly every scene he's in. He brings the charisma and energy the movie needs.

DON'T LOOK NOW (1973) Grade: B-

A genuinely creepy film that relies on atmosphere rather than jump scares. It's a slow burn, but the constant sense of dread keeps the tension high from beginning to end. Eerie Sub characters.

But it still feels familiar. Even for its era, the themes and tone reminded me a lot of Rosemary's Baby, which came out just five years earlier. Similar unsettling mood and psychological approach to horror.

STRANGE DAYS (1995) Grade: D+

I just couldn't fully wrap my head around it. The cast is incredible and surprisingly eclectic which makes the film interesting to watch from scene to scene.

NOTHING IN COMMON (1986) Grade: F

I liked just about nothing about it. The story is all over the place, making it hard to stay invested from one scene to the next. The leads never develop believable chemistry, and the characters themselves are difficult to like or care about. Instead of growing on you, they become more frustrating as the film goes on.

HEARTS OF DARKNESS: A FILMMAKERS APOCALYPSE (1991) Grade: B+

An excellent documentary and one of the best ever made about filmmaking and Hollywood. Whether you're fascinated by the creative process or the business behind the movies, there's something here to appreciate.

Packed with great stories, fascinating behind-the-scenes insights, and memorable anecdotes, it never loses your attention. The Marlon Brando sequences are amazing ha.

A PERFECT GETAWAY (2009) Grade: B-

I'm surprised I'd never heard of this movie before. It's genuinely entertaining, with a clever script that keeps things moving and trusts the audience. This feels like the kind of film Netflix wishes it made more often, smart, character-driven, and built around a strong concept instead of just an friendly premise.

THE LAST MOVIE STAR (2017) Grade: C-

Average across the board. It has a cute premise, but it never fully pulls you into the story or gives you much reason to stay emotionally invested.

The supporting characters are underdeveloped and don't leave much of an impression. Where the film succeeds is in its sincerity and nostalgia. It clearly has affection for Burt, and it works best as a heartfelt tribute to an Hollywood icon.

SLIDING DOORS (1998) Grade: D

I thought it was pretty corny. The production felt off from the start, something about the audio mix and the flat, lifeless color palette kept pulling me out of the movie.

The premise is actually interesting, but the execution never comes together. It feels like a good idea that wasn't fully realized.

THE HOT ROCK (1972) Grade: B-

A clever heist caper that feels surprisingly modern. I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t been remade, especially since you can see its fingerprints on so many crime films from the past couple of decades.

George Segal steals nearly every scene he’s in, bringing effortless charm and charisma to the ensemble.

If I had one nitpick, it’s the ending. It’s perfectly serviceable, but after such a clever setup, it doesn’t quite deliver the knockout payoff you hope for.

RIDE THE HIGH COUNTRY (1962) Grade: B

A really enjoyable Western with a strong, engaging plot and top-notch performances from the leads. After watching, I read it was the final film of Randolph Scott. He retired from acting once he saw the finished film, saying he wanted to quit while he was ahead and that he would never be able to better his work here.

The dialogue is a standout, giving the characters plenty of memorable exchanges, and the climax delivers a satisfying payoff that feels earned. True western ending.

LOST RIVER (2014) Grade: D

I'm not really sure who I'd recommend this to. Maybe someone who appreciates great cinematography more than storytelling. The DP work is easily the film's biggest strength. It looks fantastic, with beautifully composed shots and a strong visual style.

Unfortunately, the script is a mess. The story feels hollow, the characters never fully connect, and there's very little emotional payoff.

DINNER IN AMERICA (2020) Grade: B

I really enjoyed this. It’s a refreshingly original indie with memorable characters and a story that has far more heart than you might expect.

Kyle Gallner commands your attention from the moment he appears, bringing the perfect mix of intensity and charisma. But Hannah Marks nearly steals the movie. She can get a laugh with nothing more than a facial expression, and her performance gives the film its emotional core.

SHE CAME TO ME (2023) Grade: C-

This probably would've worked better as a stage play than a feature film. As a movie, it's surprisingly dull and never finds much momentum.

The cast is excellent, but the script tries to cram too many storylines into too little time. Instead of giving any one relationship or conflict room to breathe, it jumps between ideas without fully developing them.

LOVE AND MONSTERS (2020) Grade: D+

Great cast, and I continue to think Dylan O'Brien has all the makings of a future star. The visual effects are solid as well, giving the film a polished look.

Unfortunately, the script and dialogue just didn’t work for me. It leans too heavily into silliness, making it difficult to take the story seriously when it needs to.

I LIKE MOVIES (2022) Grade: C-

For a movie that feels like it should be a love letter to cinema, it ends up being more of an awkward coming-of-age story. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it never fully delivers on either front.

The main character is difficult to connect with for most of the runtime, making it hard to invest in his journey. And one of the supporting character’s biggest reveals comes far too late to have the emotional impact it’s clearly aiming for.