• GOOD TOUGH KID
  • ARCHIVES
  • M. James McDonald
Menu

True Myth Media

  • GOOD TOUGH KID
  • ARCHIVES
  • M. James McDonald

Search the Archives…

Contact Us/ Request a REview
MV5BNzFlMGJiYjgtY2ZiZi00YmQzLWJiY2QtZDAyOTBlYzc2MGQ0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjc1NTYyMjg@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,648,1000_AL_.jpg

Macbeth (1971)

Directed by: Roman Polanski

Starring: Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, Martin Shaw, Terence Bayler, Nicholas Selby, Stephan Chase

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h 20 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Direction, Cinematography, Production Design

WEAKNESSES: Some Pacing

Macbeth (1971)

July 10, 2019

With the help of his wife, a Scottish lord murders his king and ascends to the throne, only to be driven mad by his guilt.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Art House, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller Tags Jon Finch, Francesca Annis, Martin Shaw, Terence Bayler, Nicholas Selby, Stephan Chase, Roman Polanski, 4.5 Stars, R
Comment
ogf+1.jpg

Only God Forgives (2013)

Directed By: Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 30m

TMM Score: 3 Stars

Strengths: Visuals, Score

Weakness: Acting, Shallow Substance

Only God Forgives (2013)

July 10, 2019

When an ex-pat Gangster’s brother is killed by a cop, revenge is the only thing on the mind of his mother. He, however, hopes for another way.

Read More
In Art House, Crime, Drama Tags Michael McDonald, Nicolas Winding Refn, Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya Pansringarm, R Rated, 3 Stars, Only God Forgives, 2013
Comment
MV5BMTY0MzUwODc4N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMjMyMjY0NzM@._V1_.jpg

Rocketman (2019)

Directed by: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard

Rated: R for Language Throughout, Some Drug Use and Sexual Content

Running Time: 2 h 1 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Music, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Ending

Rocketman (2019)

July 9, 2019

A musical that looks at the breakthrough years of Elton John. 

Read More
In Biographical, Art House, Coming of Age, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Musical, Romance Tags Taron Egerton, Jamie Bell, Richard Madden, Bryce Dallas Howard Rating:, Dexter Fletcher, 2019, R
Comment
MV5BMDNlY2RmMzktZTcwYS00MDRmLWExNWEtZmZiMzFkMDQxY2M2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNDkzNTM2ODg@._V1_.jpg

Multiple Maniacs (1970)

Directed by: John Waters

Starring: Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole, Cookie Mueller, Edith Massey, George Figgs

Rated: NR (Suggested R for Strong Sexual and Violent Content, Comic Disturbing Behavior and Language)

Running Time: 1 h 37 m

TMM Score: 4 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Some Acting, Themes

WEAKNESSES: Overall Technical Aspects

Multiple Maniacs (1970)

July 9, 2019

The Lady Divine becomes enraged after her boyfriend cheats on her, and descends into a life of murder and deviousness.

Read More
In Adventure, Comedy, Coming of Age, Crime, Drama, Romance, Thriller Tags Divine, David Lochary, Mary Vivian Pearce, Mink Stole, Cookie Mueller, Edith Massey, George Figgs, John Waters, NR, 4 Stars, 1970, R
Comment
MV5BMmMxMTk0MmMtY2I0YS00NjcwLTk2NjYtOWFlOTA0M2EzNjgxL2ltYWdlL2ltYWdlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTQxNzMzNDI@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,666,1000_AL_.jpg

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

Directed by: Robert Altman

Starring: Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Rene Auberjonois, Hugh Millais, Shelley Duvall, Corey Fischer

Rated: R

Running Time: 2 h

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Story, Acting, Pacing, Production Design

WEAKNESSES: -

McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)

July 8, 2019

A gambler and a prostitute form a partnership and make a fortune in a remote Old West mining town, until a large corporation makes an offer to buy them out.

Read More
In Adventure, Crime, Drama, Epic, Romance, Western Tags Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Rene Auberjonois, Hugh Millais, Shelley Duvall, Corey Fischer, Robert Altman, 1971, R, 5 Stars
Comment
MV5BODdkMDQzMzItZDc4YS00OGM4LTkxNTQtNjUzNzU0ZmJkMWY2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMjMxOTE0ODA@._V1_SY1000_SX675_AL_.jpg

Hellboy (2019)

Directed by: Neil Marshall

Starring: David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim

Rated: R for Strong Bloody Violence and Gore Throughout, and Language

Running Time: 2 h

TMM Score: 2 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Some Acting, Creature Design, Some Action

WEAKNESSES: Jumbled Storyline, Needless Characters, Ridiculous Climax

Hellboy (2019)

July 8, 2019

Hellboy battles an ancient sorceress bent on destroying the human race.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Sci Fi, Spy Film, Thriller Tags Neil Marshall, David Harbour, Milla Jovovich, Ian McShane, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim, R, 2 Stars
Comment
MV5BNzQxNTIyODAxMV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzQyMDA3OTE@._V1_.jpg

Moonlight (2016)

Directed by: Barry Jenkins

Starring: Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, Alex Hibbert, Janelle Monae, Ashton Sanders

Rated: R for Some Sexuality, Drug Use, Brief Violence, and Language Throughout

Running Time: 1 h 51 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, Writing, Cinematography, Acting, Themes and Message

WEAKNESSES: -

Moonlight (2016)

July 5, 2019

A closeted gay black man in a rough neighborhood in Miami struggles to define who he is and what that means over the course of his life. 

Read More
In Art House, Coming of Age, Drama, Romance Tags Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Trevante Rhodes, Alex Hibbert, Janelle Monae, Ashton Sanders, 2016, Barry Jenkins, 5 Stars
Comment
MV5BMzQxNzQzOTQwM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDQ2NTcwODM@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_.jpg

Midsommar (2019)

Directed by: Ari Aster

Starring: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter, Anders Back, Ellora Torchia

Rated: R for Disturbing Ritualistic Violence and Grisly Images, Strong Sexual Content, Graphic Nudity, Drug Use and Language

Running Time: 2 h 27 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Directing, World Building, Themes, Cinematography, Acting

WEAKNESSES: Some Pacing

Midsommar (2019)

July 4, 2019

A couple whose relationship is on the fritz travels to Sweden for a midsummer festival which, they soon learn, finds its roots in pagan ritual.

Read More
In Adventure, Art House, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Romance, Mystery, Thriller Tags Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Will Poulter, Anders Back, Ellora Torchia, Ari Aster, 2019, 4 Stars
Comment
if 1.jpg

It Follows (2014)

Directed By: David Robert Mitchell

Starring: Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 40m

TMM Score: 4 Stars

Strengths: Music, Concept, Theme

Weakness: The Ending

It Follows (2014)

July 4, 2019

When J, a young college student, is passed the curse of a stalker from a date, she must find a way to kill the stalker whom only she can see.

Read More
In Horror Tags Michael McDonald, David Robert Mitchell, Maika Monroe, Keir Gilchrist, Olivia Luccardi, 2014, It Follows, R Rated, 4 Stars
Comment
MV5BMGZlNTY1ZWUtYTMzNC00ZjUyLWE0MjQtMTMxN2E3ODYxMWVmXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDM2NDM2MQ@@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_.jpg

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Directed by: Jon Watts

Starring: Tom Holland, Samuel L Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Martin Starr, J.B. Smoove, Cobie Smulders

Rated: PG-13 for Sci-Fi Action Violence, Some Language and Brief Suggestive Comments

Running Time: 2 h 9 m

TMM Score: 3.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Fun, Characters, Themes, Pacing, Peter Parker Stuff

WEAKNESSES: Villain, Spider-Man Stuff

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

July 3, 2019

After the events of “Avengers: Endgame”, Spider-Man must rise to face a new world of challengers.

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Coming of Age, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Mystery, Sci Fi, Superhero Tags Jon Watts, Tom Holland, Samuel L Jackson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Tony Revolori, Martin Starr, J.B. Smoove, Cobie Smulders, 2019, 3.5 Stars
Comment
bs 1.jpg

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

Directed By: Barry Jenkins

Starring: Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Tayonna Parris, Coleman Domingo, Diego Luna, Dave Franco

Rated: R

Run Time: 1h 59m

TMM Score: 5

Strengths: Story, Acting, Cinematography

Weakness: None

If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

July 3, 2019

In 1970’s Harlem, Tish and Fonny, a young couple, bind their souls to each other with love, though the world seems hell-bent on breaking that bond.

Read More
In Art House, Coming of Age, Drama, Romance Tags Michael McDonald, Kiki Layne, Stephan James, Regina King, Tayonna Parris, Coleman Domingo, Diego Luna, Dave Franco, Barry Jenkins, 2018, If Beale Street Could Talk, R Rated, 5 Stars
Comment
TheyShallNotGrowOldPoster.jpg

They Shall Not Grow Old (2019)

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Starring: -

Rated: R for Graphic War Images

Running Time: 1h 39m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

STRENGTHS: Everything

WEAKNESSES: -

They Shall Not Grow Old (2019)

July 2, 2019

A bold and innovative new look at the British side of World War 1.

Read More
In Documentary, War Tags Karl Nagurski, They Shall Not Grow Old, Peter Jackson, War, War Film, Documentary
Comment
be1.jpg

Best of Enemies (2019)

Directed By: Robin Bissell

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell, Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 2h 13m

TMM Score: 2 Stars

Strengths: Sam Rockwell, True Story

Weakness: The Film is Very Paint by Numbers

Best of Enemies (2019)

July 2, 2019

In 1971, an all black elementary school in Durham, NC burned down forcing the community to come to the negotiation table over segregation of schools. The meetings over this issue were the unlikely first steps of friendship between C.P. Ellis, head of the local KKK, and Ann Atwater, a civil rights activist.

Read More
In Drama Tags Michael McDonald, 2019, Robin Bissell, Taraji P. Henson, Sam Rockwell, Babou Ceesay, Anne Heche, Wes Bentley, PG-13, 2 Stars
Comment
Anne-Benjamin-Annie-Hall-e1422513902226.jpg

Annie Hall (1977)

Directed by: Woody Allen

Starring: Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Shelley Duvall, Christopher Walken

Rated: PG

Running Time: 1 h 33 m

TMM Score: 4.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Influence

WEAKNESSES: Some Outdated Sexual Ideas, Some Gags Go On A Little Too Long

Annie Hall (1977)

July 1, 2019

A neurotic New York comedian falls in love with a ditzy girl.

Read More
In Art House, Comedy, Drama, Romance Tags Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Shelley Duvall, Christopher Walken, 1977, PG, 4.5 Stars
Comment
MV5BMTk2Mzg4NzI3NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzE5NDk1NzM@._V1_SY1000_CR0,0,674,1000_AL_.jpg

Her Smell (2018)

Directed by: Alex Ross Perry

Starring: Elisabeth Moss, Angel Christian Roman, Cara Delevinge, Dan Stevens, Ashley Benson, Amber Heard, Virginia Madsen

Rated: R for Language Throughout and Some Drug Use

Running Time: 2 h 14 m

TMM Score: 3 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Elisabeth Moss, Directing, Writing

WEAKNESSES: Pacing, Length, Cheesy Ending

Her Smell (2018)

July 1, 2019

A punk rocker falls victim to her self-destructive lifestyle and must fight for her sobriety.

Read More
In Art House, Drama, Musical Tags Elisabeth Moss, Angel Christian Roman, Cara Delevinge, Dan Stevens, Ashley Benson, Amber Heard, Virginia Madsen, Alex Ross Perry, R, 3 Stars
Comment
The Lives of Others.jpg

The Lives of Others (2006)

Directed by: Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

Starring: Ulrich Muhe, Sebastian Koch, Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Tukur

Rated: R for Some Sexuality/Nudity

Running Time: 2 h 17 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Writing, Directing, Acting, Message

WEAKNESSES: -

The Lives of Others (2006)

June 28, 2019

In 1984 East Berlin, an agent of the secret police conducting surveillance on a writer and his lover finds himself becoming absorbed into their lives. 

Read More
In Crime, Drama, Foreign Film, Romance, Mystery, Thriller Tags Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, Ulrich Muhe, Sebastian Koch, Martina Gedeck, Ulrich Tukur, R, 5 Stars
Comment
81d+sHqXu8L._SL1500_.jpg

The Cable Guy (1996)

Directed by: Ben Stiller

Starring: Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Leslie Mann, Jack Black, Eric Roberts, David Cross, Owen Wilson, Andy Dick, Ben Stiller

Rated: PG-13 for Dark Thematic Elements and Crude Humor

Running Time: 1 h 36 m

TMM Score: 2.5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Unique Story, Some Humor

WEAKNESSES: Some Humor

The Cable Guy (1996)

June 28, 2019

A lonely cable guy desperately seeks a new friend. 

Read More
In Comedy, Crime, Buddy Movies, Romance, Thriller Tags Jim Carrey, Matthew Broderick, Leslie Mann, Jack Black, Eric Roberts, David Cross, Owen Wilson, Andy Dick, Ben Stiller
Comment

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

Directed By: Werner Herzog

Starring: Klaus Kinski, Ruy Guerra, Helena Rojo

Rated: NR

Run Time: 1h 35m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

Strengths: Acting, Production

Weakness: None

Aguirre, the Wrath of God (1972)

June 27, 2019

A group of Spanish conquistadors follow rumors of a golden city down river. Soon it becomes apparent that they do not follow the river to their fortunes but rather, to their demise.

Read More
In Art House, Cinema World Tour, Drama, Epic, Foreign Film Tags Michael McDonald, Werner Herzog, Klaus Kinski, Ruy Guerra, Helena Rojo, NR, 5 Stars
Comment

Paris, Texas (1984)

Directed By:Wim Wenders

Starring: Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell

Rated: R

Run Time: 2h 25m

TMM Score: 5 Stars

Strengths: Acting, Creation of Emotional Space

Weakness: Length, Pacing

Paris, Texas (1984)

June 26, 2019

Travis Henderson has been a driftor for years but now he has returned and wants to try and reconnect with his family, including his son who is being raised by his brother.

Read More
In Art House, Drama Tags Michael McDonald, Paris Texas, 1984, Wim Wenders, Harry Dean Stanton, Nastassja Kinski, Dean Stockwell, R Rated, 5 Stars
Comment
MV5BNTBhZTQzZGEtZmRiOS00MzAwLWI5MzQtYTc1YTRhMzU3NzQ5XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzkwMjQ5NzM@._V1_.jpg

Das Boot- Director’s Cut (1981)

Directed by: Wolfgang Petersen

Starring: Jurgen Prochnow, Herbert Gronemeyer, Klaus Wennemann

Rated: R for Some War Violence and Brief Language

Running Time: 3 h 28 m

TMM Score: 5 stars out of 5

STRENGTHS: Direction, Story, Cinematography, Atmosphere

WEAKNESSES: -

Das Boot- Director's Cut (1981)

June 26, 2019

A German U-boat is tasked to destroy British naval and supply ships during WWII. 

Read More
In Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller, War, Foreign Film Tags Jurgen Prochnow, Herbert Gronemeyer, Klaus Wennemann, 1981, Wolfgang Petersen, 5 Stars, Germany
Comment
← Newer Posts Older Posts →

Powered by Squarespace