See How They Run – Review

See How They Run – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 38 minutes

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John Woolf bought the film rights to Agatha Christie‘s The Mousetrap play and picked Leo Köpernick to direct with Mervyn as the screenwriter. After the play’s 100th showing, everyone gets together for a party. Mervyn irritates Leo because he uses $10 words and has disdain for flashbacks in movies. Leo tore up Mervyn’s original script and asked for a rewrite with a new killer and ending. Then, Leo walks over to Sheila and tells her she needs to get close to him to get the lead because John promised it to Grace Kelly. John may be the producer, but the director chooses the stars. When Sheila’s husband, Dicky, sees Leo getting chummy, he throws a punch at Leo. Leo lands on the cake and needs a change of clothes. Someone attacks and kills Leo while he’s in the costume room, looking for a change of clean clothes. Commissioner Harold picks Inspector Stoppard and Constable Stalker to investigate the crime and find out who killed Leo.

This movie makes fun of the Agatha Christie formula while making fun of itself. It’s charming and witty while providing a riveting mystery. Surprisingly enough, the plot gives away the action in the last 10 minutes of the movie while revealing the killer and the motive. However, the film hides nothing about the killer’s activity from the viewer. Often the story divulges side conversations viewers never saw during the wrap-up. Nevertheless, this movie has everything on display. The viewers need to pay attention. While this mystery is comical and suspenseful, you won’t want to buy it on DVD. 

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

So, I guess he’s going to stand over there and be insulted – Leo

How do you know what’s important – Inspector Stoppard

You can say he was staged – Constable Stalker

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The Woman King – Review

The Woman King – Budget of $50 million – 2 hours and 15 minutes

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In 1823 West Africa, the Agojie of the Dahomey Kingdom returned from a fierce battle with their captured people and prisoners from Migan’s tribe. King Ghezo instructs his people not to look at the Agojie. General Nanisca stands in front of the trainees and tells them the rules of joining her elite warriors. The Agojie can’t marry or have children. However, they will never starve and be revered. Among the trainees is Nawi. Nawi’s father tried to force her to marry an older man, but the man slapped her when she wouldn’t speak to him. Nawi’s father dragged her to Ghezo’s palace and gave Nawi to Ghezo.

Ghezo and one of his wives sit in front of his council and discuss the future of Dahomey. Nanisca warns the king that trading prisoners into slavery for western weapons will weaken Africa. They should sell renewable sources like gold and palm oil. Another advisor tells the king that selling their enemies into slavery will strengthen their kingdom. Ghezo gives Nanisca a month to prove this is a profitable solution.

Migan enters Dahomey for Ghezo’s tribute to the Oyo Empire. His kingdom controls the port Dahomey needs to keep the slave trade. Migan notices that the tribute is short and tells Ghezo that he wants 20 Agojie to make up for the shortfall. Instead of giving Migan 20 warriors, Nanisca declares war. Migan believes the Dahomey kingdom is getting bolder. So, he entices other tribes and western slavers to band together to bring them down. Nanisca will need to look her horrific past in the face to defeat the oncoming attack.

This movie is a warrior’s tale with bits of history thrown into the plot. Viewers should use this film as a starting point to do more research on the Dahomey kingdom and the Oyo Empire. Within the story, viewers get revenge, love, jealousy, and excellent choreography. And the story does explain the movie’s title. The astounding details on costumes, hair, and makeup are unforgettable. However, there is an audible difference between native African speakers and those from other countries. The flip in tone and dialect can be distracting.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Do not force my anger – King Ghezo

Count yourself lucky you are not on the block – Santos

Where are the prisoners? Where are my people – General Nanisca

I will not marry an old man who beats me – Nawi

The gods would not be so cruel – Amenza

I am Izogie – Izogie

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God’s Country – Review

God’s Country – Budget Unknown – 1 hour and 42 minutes

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Sandra walks out the door to attend work and sees a red pickup truck in her driveway. She leaves a note asking the owner not to park in her driveway and teaches her public speaking class. Afterward, Sandra drives home and finds her note crumbled on the ground next to a dead bird. When she sees the truck again, Sandra approaches the driver, Nathan, and asks if he can park on the other side fifteen miles away. He says it’s easier to park in her driveway, and he shouldn’t have to go out of his way. As they talk, Samuel gets out of the passenger side with a chip on his shoulder and challenges her. She tells them not to park there again and goes into the house. The next time they do, Sandra tows their truck to the other side. Then someone shoots an arrow at her front door. Sandra calls the acting Sheriff Wolf for help and prepares all the evidence into plastic Ziploc bags. Wolf notes that Sandra lives in the middle of a cannon. So Sandra will deal with hunters. It’s less hassle if she lets them park and hunt. Otherwise, this could escalate into something bigger. Sandra deduces that Wolf knows the men. He confirms her suspicions and offers to talk to them. Sandra puts on her coat to go with him. She believes this will end the fight, but it’s only begun.

This movie is a two-hour Fear Thy Neighbor episode (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Something as small as a note becomes blood and tinder between these 3. There is a subplot of diversity, Hurricane Katrina, and death to help you understand Sandra’s psyche, but those aren’t necessary for the plot. Another aspect of this movie is the contrast between Samuel and Nathan. Nathan is a quiet, unassuming follower that sits with Sandra in the church to discuss the problem. Samuel is an angry alpha male that feels the need to put Sandra in her place. Both are cowards, but Samuel controls Nathan.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Did you say something – Gertrude

You’re here – Arthur

Why do you keep calling them gentlemen – Sandra

Acting sheriff – Gus

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