As the year comes to a close and Starz prepares for life after Netflix, I’ve taken to focusing on Starz’ streaming selections. If these choices are reflective of the remaining Starz choices, Netflix might be better off. “Stone,” on the
As the year comes to a close and Starz prepares for life after Netflix, I’ve taken to focusing on Starz’ streaming selections. If these choices are reflective of the remaining Starz choices, Netflix might be better off.
“Stone,” on the surface, has the makings of a blockbuster. Any time Robert De Niro graces the set, I’m sure the producers are salivating. I like Edward Norton, and Milla Jovovich is easy on the eyes, but I hadn’t heard of “Stone” and now I know why.
I understand the plot: Convict has wife “charm” parole officer in an effort to gain early release. But I’m afraid “Stone” does not deliver, and I was left with more questions than answers.
“Passchendaele” was much more interesting. I know very little about World War I, the history, the players or the stories. My son and I play avideo game called “Toy Soldiers” that makes use of WWI armaments, but that’s about the extent of my knowledge.
The story revolves around Canadian Corps and the Battle of Passchendaele. A wounded Canadian who falls in love with his nurse and, despite being relieved from active duty, re-enters the war to protect his love’s brother.
Wikipedia tells me that Passchendaele was one of the bloodiest battles of WWI and the Canadian Corps proved to be one of the “most effective formations on the Western Front.” I won’t spoil the love-story ending, but the Allies do win the war.
What is the nature of luck? How does one change it? How does our luck affect others? In the foreign film “Intacto” luck is used as a commodity that is traded, sold and gambled. A select handful of players gather up luck from the unaware and attempt to use it for their own gain. At the heart of the story is a concentration camp survivor who, for obvious reasons, appears to very lucky and has a supernatural ability to acquire good luck.
I’m not sure if it was because it was a foreign film, or because of the ambiguousness of luck, but I got lost quickly and had to watch it over two evenings because I fell asleep. I finished watching out of obligation, not interest. Wouldn’t want you to doubt my commitment to you, my readers. Guess I wasn’t lucky with this one.
“Stone”
Cast: Robert De Niro, Edward Norton, Milla Jovovich,
This show is: Dark, Suspenseful
Rated: R
Common Sense rating: Strong sexuality and violence, and pervasive language. Iffy for 17+
Convicted arsonist hopes to get out of prison by putting the seductive talents of his beautiful wife, Lucetta, to work. Robert De Niro plays the parole officer who, balancing his own demons, is the target of the couple’s scheme. 2 of 5 Netflix stars.
“Passchendaele”
Cast: Paul Gross, Caroline Dhavernas, Joe Dinicol,
This show is: Violent, Emotional, Romantic
Rated: UR
Common Sense rating: Adult content, brief nudity and violence
Wounded in World War I, Canadian Michael Dunne falls in love with his nurse, Sarah. When he learns that Sarah’s impetuous younger brother, David has been called to fight, the recuperated Michael sets out to protect him in the Battle of Passchendaele. 3 of 5 Netflix stars.
“Intacto”
Cast: Leonardo Sbaraglia, Eusebio Poncela, Mónica López,
This show is: Dark, Gritty, Mind-bending, Suspenseful
Rated: R
Common Sense rating: Language, some violence and brief nudity
Set in Spain, Intacto tells the story of a World War II concentration camp survivor who has a supernatural ability to acquire good luck which he can give, take, sell or gamble for others. A series of strange mind games of luck and intrigue follow. 2 of 5 Netflix stars.
