Category Archives: Violent

2014, Based on true facts, Basically Sad, Book Review, Crude Talk, Disturbing Image, Explicit sexual discussion, Military, PTSD, Torture, Violent, War, War Veterans

Redeployment (2014)

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From GoodReads:

Phil Klay’s Redeployment takes readers to the frontlines of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, asking us to understand what happened there, and what happened to the soldiers who returned. Interwoven with themes of brutality and faith, guilt and fear, helplessness and survival, the characters in these stories struggle to make meaning out of chaos.

From Phil Klay’s blog:


Phil Klay is a graduate of Dartmouth College and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He served in Iraq’s Anbar Province from January 2007 to February 2008 as a Public Affairs Officer. After being discharged he went to Hunter College and received an MFA. His story “Redeployment” was originally published in Granta and is included in Fire and Forget: Short Stories from the Long War. His writing has also appeared in the New York Times, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, the New York Daily News, Tin House, and The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2012.

When I started reading “Redeployment” I was horrified at the language and writing style which reminded me of a C-student in a slow track in high school. But the story itself is tragically interesting. After reading more chapters I realized that each chapter is written in the voice of some particular character. Here are some examples of some chapters:

  • REDEPLOYMENT: Told by an uneducated young man who volunteered.
  • FRAGO: Description of a house raid.
  • AFTER ACTION REPORT: Timhead’s first kill is a young boy and he suffers a lot of anguish.
  • BODIES: Lonely Marine at home visits his former girlfriend.
  • OIF: An unreadable satire featuring the military alphabet soup of acronyms.
  • MONEY AS A WEAPONS SYSTEM: American bureaucrat in Iraq eventually learns the impossibility of getting anything done.
  • IN VIETNAME THEY HAD WHORES: Frank discussion of the sexual practices of military personnel.
  • PRAYER IN THE FURNACE: Military chaplain gives his side of the picture.

So far the above chapters cover about half the book and the list goes on.

“Redeployment” may be worth your time for the content rather than the several styles.

But the summary remains the usual: War is hell and destroys soldiers, especially the ones who physically survive.

2013, Acceptable Sci-Fi, Action Film, Action Hero, Based on a Book, Good digital effects, Mediocre, Nothing special, Violent

Oblivion (2013)

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From Netflix:

High above a war-torn future Earth, Cmdr. Jack Harper is maintaining the planet’s defensive drones when a crippled starship enters his territory. Its sole occupant, a mysterious woman, leads Harper to shocking truths about humankind’s legacy.

Good digital graphics, plausible plot and the usual really bad guy (a machine named TET) versus some nice survivors make this nothing-special sci-fi film bearable. Fortunately Tom Cruise does not try to act, pulling instead that old trick of keeping a perfectly straight face and letting you supply appropriate emotions on his behalf.

If the ending confuses you, you might try believing the plot description in Wikepedia.

If you have nothing better to do, then the adventure may not be a total loss.

2014, Abduction, Alcoholism, Child Molestation, Conspiracy, Corruption, Creepy, Crude Talk, Detective, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Dysfunctional Lives, Explicit sex, FBI, Murder Investigation, Nudity, Philosophic Discussions, Physical child abuse, Police Corruption, Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer, Suspense, TV Series, Violent

True Detective (2014)

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From Netflix:

Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson star in this crime drama about two detectives caught up in the 17-year-long hunt for a serial killer. Both cops’ roles in a 1995 murder investigation come back to haunt them when the case is reopened.

Because the DVDs are not yet available and because there was so much interest in this 8-episode series, I weakened and subscribed to HBO so that I could stream all 8 episodes without waiting. For $10 a month for one year, the money was well spent. HBO (and no, I am not getting a selling commission) offers not only streaming on HBOGO but also at least 14 channels on cable TV.

Besides a really gory serial killer and some pretty serious pedophilia, mostly the entire series concentrates on the two detectives. McConaughey and Harrelson have both matured in their acting as they present the two detectives constantly at each other’s throat. Harrelson is a flawed adulterer much to the unhappiness of his long-suffering wife. McConaughy is a moody philosophical pessimistic loner suffering throughout the film from the death of his young daughter and the subsequent failure of his marriage.

Wikepedia offers a very detailed discussion of the film including the plot for each episode. But that would be cheating!

“True Detective” is one of those crime series that can easily suck you into watching all episodes non-stop. But if this is your genre, then DO NOT MISS!

2013, Abduction, Action Film, Action Hero, Chase film, Clever Plot, Could Be Hard To Watch, Creepy, Detective, DO NOT MISS, Kidnapping, Prison, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense, Thriller, Violent

The Prey (2013)

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From Netflix:

This thriller follows the ups and downs of thief Franck Adrien, who’s serving prison time for a job whose proceeds he’s safely stashed away. But when the hidden loot and his family are compromised, Franck has no choice but to bust out early.

When you start to watch this film you get a choice of the original French version or the Americanized (i.e. dubbed) version. In addition with the English version you can select subtitles.

Brace yourselves because this is a very exciting, tense, well-done and violent French film. According to IMDB Albert Dupontel (the prison escapee Franck Adrien) has an impressive acting resumé. What does strain credibility is the actor’s superman ability to run, fight, leap from tall heights, recover from wounds and escape the police over and over. But then American movies are full of unbelievable superheroes.

In some sense the real star of the film is Stéphane Debac who plays Jean-Louis Maurel, a really creepy, clever, manipulative, charming serial killer of young girls. He kidnaps Franck Adrien’s little girl. Originally Franck escaped prison because he thought his $2 million stash was in danger. But most of the film concerns his efforts to rescue his daughter.

Suspense lasts till the last moment. If you like a really tight, tense plot then DO NOT MISS!

2012, Arab Culture, Arabic, Basically Sad, Conspiracy, Disturbing Image, DO NOT MISS, Drama, Hebrew, Israeli Palestinian Conflict, Jewish Culture, Medical Theme, Military, Nudity, Sex Scenes, Terrorist Attack, Violent, Well developed plot, Wonderful acting

The Attack (2012)

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From Netflix:

An Arab Israeli physician offers assistance at the scene of a gruesome suicide bombing in Tel Aviv and then learns that the bomber was his own wife. Stunned and furious, he sets out to confront the people who encouraged her deadly decision.

To paraphrase an old saying, “One good film is worth a thousand history books”. My guess is that as you watch this marvelous film in Hebrew and Arabic with English subtitles your attitude towards the events and the protagonists will change at least somewhat. Here is yet another film about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that succeeds in not choosing sides, something that is very difficult to do in a film. If nothing else you will probably sympathize with the surgeon husband of the suicide bomber, a man caught in the middle of two cultures.

Superb acting, subtly developed plot, and a thought-provoking situation make for a must-see film.

2013, Computer geeks, Corruption, Crime, FBI, Gambling, Mediocre, Nothing special, Police Corruption, Violent, Vulgar

Runner Runner (2013)

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From Netflix:

After losing a lot of money to online poker, a Princeton student confronts the site’s shady CEO, Ivan Block — and soon becomes Block’s protégé. But when an FBI agent tries to take Block down, the relationship between mentor and protégé goes south.

Here is your opportunity to see Ben Affleck as the bad guy and Justin Timberlake as the “good guy”. Anthony Mackie is an FBI agent who is another “good guy”. Take that phrase “good guy” with a grain of salt. Makie is just plain ruthless and not beyond murdering in the course of obtaining “justice”. Note how cynical films have become? Timberlake starts out as an intelligent but somewhat naïve Princeton student gambler. Rather than ruthless, he is just plain cunning. Affleck eventually reveals his sociopathic personality.

You more or less have seen this plot in other film incarnations and it is nothing special. But, and correct me if I am wrong, I do not remember Affleck as a villain in any previous film.

2012, Addiction, Amusing banter, Bicycles, Could Be Sad, Drama, Drugs, Dysfunctional Lives, Ethical struggles, Explicit sexual discussion, Father-son relations, Flirting, Human spirit, Marital Infidelity, Masturbation, Medical Theme, Mostly About Sex, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Optimistic, Psychological Drama, Sex Scenes, Thought provoking, Violent

Thanks for Sharing (2012)

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From Netflix:

While making his way through a support group for sex addicts, Adam dips his toe in the dating pool to embrace a meaningful relationship. But the woman he’s attracted to has sworn off addicts altogether.

Sex addiction is the sole topic of this serious, thought-provoking, well acted, and hopeful film. Originally AA helped just alcoholics, but the idea of mentor-mentee organized group therapy involving public acknowledgement of one’s problems has expanded to all sorts of addictions. Plot line centers around four addicts and their associates. Expect very little comic relief from the problems of the various characters:

  • Mark Ruffalo (Adam) compulsively engages in all manner of sex acts. After a successful period of recovery he meets…
  • Gywneth Paltrow (Phoebe) who is both seductive and has her own set of eating and exercise compulsions.
  • Tim Robbins (Mike) is Adam’s mentor. In addition to his own personal demons, Mike was not a good father to …
  • his now drug-addicted son Patrick Fugit (Danny).
  • Josh Gad (Neil) is a young mother-smothered MD who loses his hospital job due to his compulsion to touch women in public. He helps and is helped by fellow sex addict …
  • Alecia “Pink” Moore (Dede) who needs sex following any emotional stress.

Each character during the course of the film suffers some setback (“falling off the wagon”) followed by a recovery. Hope and mutual support rather than a feeling of despair makes this film somewhat inspiring. Nobody is perfect. Good flick!

1955, Action Hero, Based on a Book, Crime thriller, Detective, Murder Investigation, Old-Fashioned, Suspense, Terrible acting, Thriller, Unusual, Violent

Kiss Me Deadly (1955)

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From Netflix:

Shortly after sleazy detective Mike Hammer (Ralph Meeker) picks up a scantily clad hitchhiker (Cloris Leachman), his car is forced over a cliff. He awakens from unconsciousness to find his passenger dead — but it wasn’t the fall that killed her. As Hammer sets out to uncover the woman’s deadly secret and find her unknown assassins, he ignores explicit signs that he should mind his own business. This film noir was adapted from Mickey Spillane’s novel.

PBS showed this 106 minute black-and-white film from 1955. You can also get it from Netflix. To think that I was only 15 when this film came out – how films have changed. Nonetheless, despite the old style stiff way of acting (at times seemingly mere line reading), the film is fascinating, if only from a historical perspective.

The Wikipedia article has this to say:

Kiss Me Deadly is a 1955 film noir drama produced and directed by Robert Aldrich starring Ralph Meeker. The screenplay was written by A.I. Bezzerides, based on the Mickey Spillane Mike Hammer mystery novel Kiss Me, Deadly. Kiss Me Deadly is often considered a classic of the noir genre. The film grossed $726,000 in the United States and a total of $226,000 overseas. It also withstood scrutiny from the Kefauver Commission which said it was a film designed to ruin young viewers — leading director Aldrich to write against the Commission’s conclusions.

Kiss Me Deadly marked the film debuts of both actresses Cloris Leachman and Maxine Cooper.[2]

As you approach the surprising end of the film you will understand the comment from the same Wikipedia article:

Critical commentary generally views it as a metaphor for the paranoia and nuclear fears of the Cold War era in which it was filmed.

Ralph Meeker, the lead actor, has a huge resume even though I never heard of him before seeing this (to me) unusual film.

Even the orchestral music seems old-fashioned.

2013, Action Film, Amusing banter, Car Chase, CIA, Complicated, Conspiracy, Corruption, Crime, Cynical, Flirting, Gangs, Mayhem, Military, Navy, Nudity, Plot Twist, Violent, Witty dialog

2 Guns (2013)

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From Netflix:

Two special agents — one Naval intelligence, one DEA — partner for an undercover sting against a drug cartel that takes a serious wrong turn. Disavowed by their agencies, the pair goes on the run while trying to find out who set them up.

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg make a fun team in this twisting and turning romp. According to the film’s philosophy just about everybody is a crook. Just start off by thinking the pair are just a couple of crooks aiming to rob a bank and let the plot take you by surprise. Many of today’s action films feature clever repartee between characters and this film is no exception. Needless to say the film is violent. As for sex, Paula Patton is slightly naked in just one scene.

Only in our cynical age could such plots be possible. Just because in fact the CIA installed our Pinochet in Chile after murdering Allende is no reason to think that CIA agents might be dishonest.

Have fun!

2010, Abduction, Acceptable Science, Asperger's Syndrome, Book Review, Crime, Forensics, Gritty, Interest in dogs, Medical Theme, Murder Investigation, Not Recommended, Plot Twist, Psychological Thriller, Revenge, Sadism, Serial Killer, Suspense, Torture, Violent

Port Mortuary (2010) [Book Review]

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From the Amazon page for the book:

Cornwell returns to form—somewhat—after the plodding Scarpetta Factor (2009). Told in the first person, the story finds Kay Scarpetta, now the chief medical examiner of the new Cambridge Forensic Center in Massachusetts, involved in a couple of cases: the mysterious sudden death of a man and the murder of a child (whose confessed killer seems to be innocent). Soon she begins to suspect the two cases are related—joined by a piece of high-tech hardware found in the first victim’s apartment—and before too long, she realizes she’s facing what could be her most clever foe yet. For the first time in a while, Cornwell seems genuinely interested in Scarpetta again, giving the novel that spark of life that has made the series so enjoyable for its many fans. The book is still a long way from the glory days of Postmortem (1991) and From Potter’s Field (1995), but it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Series fans who have felt a bit let down of late will be pleased.

Unfortunately this was the first Scarpetta novel I ever read as well as the first Patricia Cornwell I ever read. In the paragraph above there are recommendations for other Scarpetta novels that the critic deemed better.

My first impression is that Cornwell is a female version of a transmigrated Tom Clancey. No detail seems too small to include. If you like technical discussions you will love Cornwell.

As hinted in the critic’s paragraph above, she seems “interested” in Scarpetta. My general impression is that she ruminates constantly about Scarpetta’s inner worries. Scarpetta seems to spend her time fretting over her relationship with her husband, with her colleagues, with her subordinates, etc. In fact there is more navel contemplation than action. One oddity is that we never meet one of the most important personalities in the story although I will not offer a spoiler.

Her introduction to the book claims that every technical detail in the book is already true or is currently under government or industry development. If this is true, then the future looks rather bleak.

Although the plot is inventive and offers surprises, you might do better to start with another Scarpetta novel by Patricia Cornwell.