Some Less Talked About Films: Ladder 49, Social Animals, Doomsday Mom, Blame it on Rio, Mary Reviews

Today I thought I would bring together several films I have watched this year that are less known and review them all so as to bring some much needed or in some cases unwarranted attention to them. Lets begin.

Ladder 49 (2004)

This is a powerful film with an amazing ensemble cast spearheaded by two legendary actors in John Travolta and the great Joaquin Phoenix who always gives a powerfully honest performance. Creative cinematography, a moving celtic score, and an all around great script made for an excellent viewing experience.

This movie is never talked about when discussing firefighter or disaster films which I think is a shame, but I can also understand the cynicism surrounding it. When I ran across this movie at the pawn shop I initially passed it by, it was not until my dad, who loves John Travolta recommended it to me that I decided to pick it up, and I thank him for doing it as otherwise I may never have gotten the opportunity to watch this great film. Do not look past this one, it is a great watch and one that should be remembered not forgotten.

Social Animals (2018)

Just a fun and enjoyable light hearted romantic comedy eerily reminiscent of late 90’s grunge nihilism such as in the movies Reality Bites, Empire Records, Singles, etc.

Really enjoyed this one, it was an easy watch with a fun cast highlighted by Carly Chaikin who many will know from her starring role in Mr. Robot where she was incredible at portraying Elliot's dark and brooding sister Darla.

I have nothing bad to say about this one. Is it a masterpiece, no, but solid films like this are becoming too rare and thus deserve to be highlighted.

Doomsday Mom (2021)

First and foremost it should be noted that the fact that this movie even exists is troubling given the grotesque events it is profiting off. Furthermore, the fact that this movie was rushed into production and released before the trials of the main players were even finished again points to the shameless corporate motivations that led to the creation of this film.

As for the film itself, it is surprisingly decent but it was hard to not feel repulsed watching this knowing that these events really transpired and knowing that the makers of the film most likely did not have the best of intentions when making the movie. Still, as a film in isolation of those factors it is okay, but it is up to the viewer if they want to partake in watching such a film.

Blame it on Rio (1984)

If I am discussing troubling subject matter I might as well discuss this one.

This is a humorous and enjoyable film if you can get past it’s troubling content where an older man lusts after a young girl.

Michael Caine is great comedically here while Demi Moore delivered more dramatically.

The plot felt uneven as if it was struggling to decide whether or not to be an over the top comedy or some strange drama film.

Fun fact, this was the last major release of Singin in the Rain director Stanley Donen.

Mary (2019)

Using a boat as the setting for a horror picture intrigued me as I have enjoyed other movies with similar starting points including Dead Calm and Virus. But this is just an awful film from top to bottom.

Great actors given nothing to do while playing foolish characters that seem hell bent on doing everything wrong.

Scenes do not follow one another.

Laughable special effects that are not scary.

Not bad in an over the top way, just bland.

This should be avoided at all costs, unless you want to see how bad a movie can be.