Review – Frame 313: The JFK Assassination Theories

One thing that mystifies me about Kennedy assassination conspiracy theorists is that “the motorcade route was changed to accommodate the assassins” invalidates almost every theory out there. If that’s true, then obviously the Warren Commission were a pack of liars and fools. But then the Mafia, the pro-Castro Cubans, the anti-Castro Cubans, the KGB and several other suspects identified in this documentary couldn’t possibly have been the main perpetrators. That only leaves a plot within the federal government itself so vast that it swiftly becomes purely ridiculous. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg here. I liked the decision to present five different theories, including the Warren version. But none of them make enough sense to be persuasive. Mildly amusing

Review – JFK Revisited

This may be a new visit, but it’s an old address with a familiar cast of characters. Oliver Stone’s latest foray into Kennedy assassination conspiracy theories doesn’t amount to much more than JFK redone as a documentary, so if you’ve seen the famous version then you can skip this one. Even if this stuff is new to you, this might not be the best starting place. Stone and company serve up a disjointed presentation that jumps randomly from point to point. The construction makes this whole mess sound even crazier than it normally would. And that’s a shame, because there are some important points buried under a thick blanket of Dealey Plaza nitpicking and irrelevant speculation. See if desperate

Review – Hotel Transylvania: Transformania

More cartoon douchebags placing their loved ones in jeopardy thanks to their personal insecurities and basic dishonesty. More loved ones forgiving douchebags for placing them in jeopardy. At least it was short and Adam Sandler free. See if desperate

Review – The Eyes of Tammy Fay (2021)

Suitably enough, Jessica Chastain outshines everyone and everything else in this production. Between the voice, the mannerisms and the prosthetic makeup, she nails the title character to an uncanny degree. Honestly, it I didn’t know it was Chastain in the role, I would never have guessed. As a result, Tammy Fay Bakker comes across as entirely sympathetic, even when she shouldn’t have. The rest of the cast has varying degrees of success keeping up. Andrew Garfield makes an acceptable Jim Bakker, but Vincent D’Onofrio seems to be under the impression that Jerry Falwell and Richard Nixon are the same person. The story starts to sputter a little toward the end, but otherwise this is a solid portrait of the problematic entanglement between religion and grift. Mildly amusing

Review – Mortal Kombat (2021)

This reboot is slicker and more expensive than its predecessor, but the story remains video-game-adaptation simple. Once again Earth’s hereditary heroes do battle under confusing circumstances with invaders from another dimension. The plot doesn’t make much sense, but it provides enough glue to hold the action sequences together. Fight choreography is good, and the effects fit in nicely. Mildly amusing

Review – Peter Rabbit 2

Second verse, highly similar to the first. It’s impossible to watch this sequel without noting how often the jokes depend on the movie making fun of itself for commercially exploiting something charming, artistic and non-commercial. This left me wondering (and not for the first time) if a relentless meta-awareness of badness makes something not bad. That said, the animation is good. Some of the physical comedy is funny. And the parade of celebrity voice work is impressive. Mildly amusing