The Kolonel's Freight Crew Rides Again (2018): Third installment (1hr 12min) of the James Stobie train-hopping films. This one has considerable footage of James' friend, Wingman, a few shots of other train riders, as well as James' mother and others who appear to be family members. Toward the end, there are some pictures of his funeral.
There is almost constant piano accompaniment throughout, and I think it gets a bit too much. Also, at about the middle third of the film, many of the video clips are a bit shakey and nausea-inducing, so I wouldn't rate the cinematography as highly as in the Canadian adventure that I watched yesterday. I'll rate this mediocre, and just barely.
Mediocre (4-6)

I Robot (2004)

Genre: Cyberpunk, Science ficton, Action

Comment: I, Robot is truly an amazing movie. I was very impressed with this movie. When it first came out I was very young (3 years old), but it received a lot of good reviews and praise even back in these years where humanoid robot were not a big thing yet. However, when I saw it, I was blown away. I thought it was amazing! I still think so today because it's ahead of it's time.

Rate: 9/10

Ringu (1998, Japan, subtitled): When her niece is found dead along with three friends after viewing a supposedly cursed videotape, reporter Reiko sets out to investigate. She finds the tape, watches it and receives a phone call informing her that she'll die in a week.
Mediocre (4-6)

Here is a list of films I watched this year that I rated Good (6-8), or Very Good (8-10). None of these are new films, but were new to me, mostly, as well as a couple that I had seen previously. I rated only three of them as Very Good (8-10), with two of those being documentaries and the third an oldie from the 1950s.
I watched most of these on TubiTV, others at ok.ru, and the occasional one on YouTube.
My comments on these films start at page 38 of this thread.

North by Northwest (1959): Very Good (8-10)
The Overlooked Suspect (2007): Very Good (8-10)
Two Mules For Sister Sara (1970): Good (6-8)
Caligula (1979, uncut version): Good (6-8)
Frank Lloyd Wright: Murder, Myth & Modernism (2005): Good (6-8)
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996): Good (6-8)
Cruising (1980): Good (6-8)
Hardcore (1979): Good (6-8)
The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000): Good (6-8)
Polytechnique (2009): Good (6-8)
Microhabitat (2017, Korea, subtitled): Good (6-8)
Felicia's Journey (1999): Good (6-8)
Night Train (1998): Good (6-8)
Manson (1973): Good (6-8)
The Wrecking Crew (2008): Very Good (8-10)
Murder by Contract (1958): Good (6-8)
More (1969): Good (6-8)
Canada by Cargo Train (2018): Good (6-8)

Intruder (2020, Korea, subtitled): Seo-Jin is a popular architect. He suffers from a trauma when his younger sister Yoo-Jin went missing. 25 years after her disappearance, Yoo-Jin comes back to her family. Seo-Jin feels something is not right with Yoo-Jin.
Mediocre (4-6)
Watched on tubitv.com

@ScaryRob Time for you to watch Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Dune, Twin Peaks (yes, and Fire Walk With Me), Elephant Man etc and give us some reviews!

I'm going to miss David Lynch.

I've been thinking the last couple of years that we'd probably not see another Lynch film.
I don't have anything to add that hasn't already been said about Eraserhead and Blue Velvet. I think I did post a blurp about the former, some pages back. Blue Velvet is his best film, imo.
Twin Peaks I will probably never watch, since I'm vaguely familiar with how it goes, which takes away all the mystery.
As for Fire Walk with Me, we discussed that a few pages back.
I dunno, maybe I'll change my mind on those.
Elephant Man I actually haven't seen, so I will make it a point to do that.
My favorites are Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive. I have a signed and numbered "artist's proof" poster of the latter, which might be worth a couple, or a few hundred:

I didn't expect you to like Mulholland Drive, as I think that's quite similar in feel to Twin Peaks/ Fire Walk. Very cool print!

You know what the story is behind Mulholland Drive, right?
Many people try to make sense of the different scenes and how they fit together, but according to Lynch himself he just shot some film for a pilot to a TV series, along the lines of Twin Peaks, although set in L.A., which ended up not being pursued by TV executives. It seems the various scenes are just the beginnings of plot lines that presumably would've come together as the series progressed.
I think the cancellation of that series before it even got off the ground was a huge loss for everyone.

Watch 'till the end. Yes, you, who has seen this, watch 'till the end:

;-)

Safe (1995): An affluent and unexceptional homemaker in the suburbs develops multiple chemical sensitivity.
My Comment: Fell asleep sereval times.
Bad (0-4)
Watched on tubitv.com

Edit: I changed my rating from (barely) Mediocre to Bad. This film is Hollywood propaganda that promotes the notion that anything and everything can and eventually will make a person ill. It is fear propaganda.
Propaganda of one sort or another seems to be the only thing Hollywood is capable of producing anymore. Not that this has never been the case, at least to some degree, it always has. Everything has an agenda, either somewhat hidden or in your face. It's why I prefer foreign films.

Heat (1995) 8/10 because its solid story writing, acting and filming even if Val Kilmer's hair is stupid

The Appointments of Dennis Jennings (1988): Dennis Jennings is an introverted daydreamer, sleepwalking through life. He is a professional waiter and has an equally-dull girlfriend, Emma. In an attempt to release his pent-up feelings of isolation, he begins seeing a psychiatrist, only to discover that the doctor is somewhat less than interested in what he has to say. After finding his doctor sharing his intimate secrets with a group of fellow psychiatrists at a bar, he then learns the doctor has another more unprofessional involvement in his life.
My Comment: That's a long description of a short, 29-minute film, featuring the comedian Steven Wright and Rowan Atkinson, who I've always found obnoxious. Click on the title to watch it on YT, it's moderately funny.
Mediocre (4-6)
Watched on youtube

The Elephant Man (1980): A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man who is mistreated while scraping a living as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of kindness, intelligence and sophistication.
My Comment: I watched this mainly because it was a David Lynch film I hadn't seen but I can't think of anything about the Victorian era that interests me.
Mediocre (4-6)
Watched on ok.ru

The Stone Killer (1973): The film involves a plot by a present-day (1973) Mafia don (Martin Balsam) to avenge the killings of a group of Mafia dons back in 1931 ("The Night of Sicilian Vespers") with a bold nationwide counter-strike against most of the current Italian and Jewish syndicate heads, by using teams of Vietnam vets instead of Mafia hit men. ("Stone killer" means a Mafia hit man who is not himself a member of the Mafia.)
Charles Bronson plays a gritty, independent detective who stumbles across the plot when a washed-up former hit man is killed under circumstances that make it clear that it was an inside job and that Mafia were involved. He then slowly uncovers the clues that point to a seemingly impossible plot.
My Comment: Typical of the post-Dirty Harry films that followed the formula of the bad cop who doesn't play by the rules. While the plot, summarized above, seems simple, the interaction of the large cast of characters is sometimes confusing and complicated, including a dialog full of street slang expressions that always take me a moment to understand the meanings of. One has to pay attention and listen carefully. There are some unrealistic scenes, like a street riot where people are wrestling cops over their shotguns and a bad guy that escapes on a motorcycle, making sure to first grab his helmet, presumably because he doesn't want to get ticketed for riding without one. The scenes of 1970's New York and Los Angeles, along with the cars, is always interesting.
I did immediately notice a blooper during the very first scene, where the Bronson character arrives at a crime scene and wherein the location of vehicles on the street do not match from the various camera angles that were shot.
Besides Bronson and Balsam, the cast includes Norman Fell and John Ritter, not too long before they starred in the sitcom Three's Company, and Stuart Margolin, who would shortly play a recurring guest character on The Rockford files.
I'll rate this as a weak "Good".
Good (6-8)
Watched on tubitv.com

Another Round (Denmark et al, 2020, subtitled): Four high-school teachers consume alcohol on a daily basis to see how it affects their social and professional lives.
My Comment: Largely pointless with a stupid ending.
Mediocre (4-6)
Watched on tubitv

Heart Eyes (US, 2025) is a recent horror-comedy that blends romantic tropes with slasher elements. Directed by Josh Ruben and co-written by Christopher Landon, the film stars Olivia Holt as Ally, a marketing executive with commitment issues, and Mason Gooding as Jay, her charming love interest. Their relationship becomes complicated when a serial killer, known as the Heart Eyes Killer, targets couples in Seattle.
My Comment: Heart Eyes delivers a unique mix of horror and romantic comedy, offering some gory thrills and laughs, but it struggles to fully balance the two genres. While the chemistry between the leads is entertaining, the movie’s attempt to poke fun at romantic clichés doesn’t always hit the mark. Still, it’s an enjoyable watch for fans of quirky horror comedies.
Rating: 7/10

A Quiet Place (US, 2018) is a tense and captivating thriller directed by John Krasinski. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where sound can mean death, the film follows a family as they try to survive against terrifying alien creatures that hunt by sound. The minimalist dialogue and the reliance on sound design create an immersive atmosphere that keeps you on edge throughout. The emotional depth, especially within the family dynamic, elevates it beyond a typical horror movie.
My comment: A brilliantly executed film that mixes horror, suspense, and heart with a unique premise. It’s a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
Rating: 9/10

Inception (US, 2010) is a mind-bending thriller directed by Christopher Nolan that explores the world of dreams within dreams. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a thief who specializes in extracting secrets from people's subconscious. The film’s complex narrative, stunning visual effects, and intricate action sequences make it an unforgettable cinematic experience. Nolan’s exploration of memory, guilt, and the boundaries of reality keeps viewers questioning what’s real long after the credits roll.
My comment: A masterpiece of storytelling and visual effects, Inception remains one of the most intellectually stimulating and visually striking films of the decade.
Rating: 10/10

The Lives of Others (Germany, 2006)
A haunting, intimate exploration of surveillance and human connection in Cold War-era East Germany. The film masterfully blends suspense with deep emotional weight, delivering a powerful commentary on privacy, loyalty, and the power of art. The performances are exceptional, especially Ulrich Mühe, whose portrayal of a Stasi officer's transformation is both subtle and profound.

My comment: An unforgettable drama that tugs at the heart while keeping you on edge throughout. Its realism and emotional depth make it one of the most compelling films about surveillance and personal freedom.

Rating: 9/10

Amélie (France, 2001)
A whimsical, visually stunning tale of a shy Parisian woman who decides to change the lives of those around her while grappling with her own isolation. The film’s vibrant color palette, enchanting score, and quirky storytelling style make it an absolute delight. Audrey Tautou's portrayal of Amélie is pure magic, bringing charm and warmth to the screen.

My comment: A feel-good masterpiece that mixes romance, humor, and surrealism. It's a love letter to the small joys of life, and its infectious optimism is impossible to resist.

Rating: 8/10

The Secret in Their Eyes (Argentina, 2009)
A compelling blend of crime thriller and emotional drama, this Argentine film focuses on a retired legal counselor revisiting an unsolved case from his past. The storyline is tightly woven, full of twists and poignant moments. The complex characters, especially the lead played by Ricardo Darín, create a haunting atmosphere that sticks with you long after the credits.

My comment: This film balances suspense with deep emotional stakes, making for a haunting and unforgettable experience. The ending is gut-wrenching in the best possible way.

Rating: 9/10

The Beach Boys: An American Band (1985): A biography of the American rock band The Beach Boys, with interviews, concert footage and clips from movies and television shows they appeared in.
My Comment: A bit too much of the music, with many of their early live performances shown in their entirety, and not enough narrative. It gets better during the last hour, with lesser known vids from the 1970s and 1980s, especially one humorous segment with John Belushi and Dan Akroyd dressed as police, giving a citation to Brian and making him go to the beach and surf in his bathrobe. Not a word about the "Wrecking Crew" studio musicians that actually played on many of their top records, but that's not surprising for a documentray made in 1985.
Mediocre (4-6)
Watched on YT

The Sentinel (1977): A fashion model moves into a house. She begins having strange physical problems, has trouble sleeping at night, and has some nasty flashbacks. She complains to the real estate agent about the noise caused by her strange neighbors, but soon finds out that the house has secrets. Ultimately, she discovers that she has been put in the house for a reason.
My Comment: I saw this horror film back in the day, and perhaps once again during the past almost 50 years, before watching it again tonight. It's along the lines of The Omen, from a couple of years earlier, with a religious theme. It's got a couple of good jump scares.
Supporting actors include Ava Gardner, in one of her last films, Jerry Orbach, Beverly D'angelo, Christopher Walken, with two small speaking parts, and others. The star of the film, imo, is Jezebel the cat.
The main reason I like this film is because the location is Brooklyn Heights, an iconic neighborhood with rows of beautiful antebellum brownstone apartment buildings, including the one used in the film. The real-life address is given in the film, 10 Montague Terrace, and contrary to the house being torn down at the end of the film, it is still there today and can be seen on Google Maps street views. It hasn't changed much.
Good (6-8)

The Hunt (Denmark, 2012):
This powerful drama, directed by Thomas Vinterberg, follows a schoolteacher whose life unravels when he is falsely accused of child abuse. The movie explores the themes of mob mentality, paranoia, and the destructive power of rumors. Mads Mikkelsen's performance is exceptional, making the emotional impact of the film all the more profound.

My comment: A tense, emotional rollercoaster. It’s a tough watch, but it forces you to reflect on the fragility of trust and reputation in a community. Mikkelsen’s performance is haunting.

Rating: 9/10