OLD MOVIE REVISITS: “Red Lights.” / “Henry’s Crime.” / “The Reader.”

“Red Lights” (2012, Hulu) psychological supernatural thriller. The plot focuses on a physicist and a university psychology professor, both of whom specialize in debunking supernatural phenomena, and their attempt at discrediting a renowned psychic whose greatest critic mysteriously died 30 years prior.

       Written, directed, produced and edited by Rodrigo Cortés, the leads are win-win: Cillian Murphy as physicist Tom Buckley, Sigourney Weaver as psychologist Margaret Matheson, and Robert De Niro as renowned psychic Simon Silver.

       The discourse is undoubtedly intriguing but the navigation of the subject matter seemed bombastically contrived and confectionery kitschy. I would have loved to see more docu/journalism styled exploration, especially in regards the “faith healing” area but this is presented on a tabloid-ish bit that “Red Lights” appeared like a tabloid news as reported by opinionated talking heads. 🎥💻📽

“Henry's Crime” (2010, Tubi) romantic comedy crime film directed by Malcolm Venville and starring Keanu Reeves, Vera Farmiga, and James Caan. Yes, those three names are enough reason to watch this movie while you do other things in the house (cooking, Facebook'ng, or folding laundry). Never mind that Keanu as Henry is always Keanu, a walking palm tree. Add Peter Stormare, Fisher Stevens, Bill Duke, and Judy Greer in supporting roles, we got a show?

 

       Plot: Working as a toll collector on a lonely highway in Buffalo, New York, Henry is a man seemingly without ambition, dreams or purpose; a man sleepwalking his way through life. His wife isn't happy at all. From that, we proceed. And so, Henry goes to jail for a bank robbery he did not commit. Once released, he plans to rob the same bank with his former cellmate Max (Mr Caan). Then Henry accidentally (literally) met Julie, etc etcetera.

       The movie isn't so bad (although it's bad) because the actors and the actress aren't so bad. I also evolved into liking Keanu through the years despite his “zombie shamanic” acting style. Yup. 🎥💻📽

<>“The Reader” (2008, Tubi) romantic drama, written by David Hare on the basis of the 1995 novel by Bernhard Schlink. The film tells the story of Michael Berg, a German lawyer who, as a 15-year-old in 1958, has a sexual relationship with an older woman, Hanna Schmitz. One of Kate Winslet's best performances, indeed. 🎥💻📽