danieljfarthing

Stylized character drama "Joker: Folie À Deux" covers the trial of mentally ill Joaquin Phoenix for his killings in 2019's superb "Joker". Lawyer Catherine Keener preps him in the jail / asylum that he's held in under guard Brendan Gleeson with fellow inmates like Lady Gaga. Steve Coogan & Zazie Beetz cameo, and again co-writer (with Scott Silver) / director Todd Phillips probes Phoenix's psychology & dual personality, but more superficially than in "Joker", and he veers off too much into Sinatra-esque musical numbers from Phoenix & Gaga's 'folie à deux'. If "Joker" was the rise of 'The Joker', then this sequel is his fall. It's a curiosity, but it sure ain't a PATCH on the original.

In 1996's Florida-based crime thriller "Blood And Wine", unbeknownst to wife Judy Davis or stepson Stephen Dorff, Jack Nicholson attempts a life-changing jewelry theft with gf Jennifer Lopez & psychotic ex-con Michael Caine - but when it doesn't go to plan all five become entangled in an often violent saga where trust & loyalty become particularly stretched. Writers Nick Villiers (on his debut) & Alison Cross just about pack in enough twists & double-crosses, while acclaimed director Bob Rafelson (RIP) elicits terrific performances from his A-list cast. Though lacking the sharp edge of some modern contemporaries, it still stands up well even at 29 years old.

The clever non-linear timeline of fresh, original political biopic "Putin" flashes back in bite-sized chunks over key chapters in the life of the titular Russian President (professional lookalike Slawomir Sabala) - including his childhood, the Soviet Union's collapse when he was a KGB operative in Germany, his ruthless (and murderous) political rise to the office of President Yeltsin (Tomasz Dedek) that he then took, and his tightening grip on Russia via false-flag *** attacks on his own people, etc... culminating in the war on Ukraine. Polish writer / director Patryk Vega uses plenty of artistic license to highlight Putin's evil - but it works. An engaging & enlightening film.