CONVERSATIONS WITH A KILLER: THE TED BUNDY TAPES
Hearing the infamous serial killer talk in his own words is chilling, even if most of what he says may very well be complete bullshit. Ted Bundy was a master manipulator who had the looks and intellect to fool anyone into thinking he was upstanding and the best society had to offer. It’s no surprise his family and friends thought what he was convicted of was unimaginable. But, as this four part series tells us, he was the physical appearance of pure evil.
Director Joe Berlinger presents an uneven yet charismatic miniseries that traces the steps of Bundy as he went from Washington and Utah all the way down to Florida, brutally murdering at least 30 women. It’s shocking for so many reasons and not just for the lost lives. But, his escape from prison twice and the games he played and got away with. Almost every time he opened his mouth, his narcissism came spewing out.
There’s a lot that is interesting, yet an ample amount is less than engaging. For anyone who has followed Bundy or watched other specials spotlighting him, Berlinger isn’t telling you anything you don’t already know. And the tapes themselves are just as illusive as Bundy himself and obviously can’t be trusted. Digging deeper in to the women he killed along with Bundy’s own family, especially his wife and daughter, would add a depth that this cruel, horrific story is sorely in need of.
IO
An intimate sci-fi drama that’s unable to find anything new to say. Even so, the performances from Margaret Qualley and Anthony Mackie elevate the material. While the survival aspect of the story is recycled from all other post-apocalyptic tellings, director Jonathan Helpert favorably recognizes the importance of relationships of all kinds in a dying world.
BIG MOUTH: MY FURRY VALENTINE
The rude, crude, and raunchy series couldn’t skip out on Valentine’s Day. The musical special, which is really just an extra long episode, picks up right where season 2 ends. Nick (Nick Kroll) is dealing with having a female hormone monster as his nipples are in constant pain. Andrew (John Mulaney) decides to play it cool with Missy (Jenny Slate). But, it backfires in the most humiliating way imaginable. Jessi (Jessi Klein) and Matthew (Andrew Rannells) spark up a newfound friendship as they both reject the ridiculousness of this lovers holiday. And lets not forget about the dilemma Jay (Jason Mantzoukas) is having with humping his pillow and couch cushion. Jealousy is running rampant in his house.
For fans of this show, it’s exactly what you expect and want from it. It hilariously builds on all of these characters’ lives and the awkwardness that makes up most of their days. The pressures of Valentine’s Day seen through middle schoolers is frightening and funny. So Big Mouth takes that and does what it does best – taking a topic and making it honest yet cringe-worthy as humanly possible.
AND BREATHE NORMALLY
In the face of adversity, two mothers forge an unlikely friendship as they exert to prevail for their kids in this empathetic yet typical drama. The two female leads give solid performances, and while the narrative is undeniably heart-wrenching – it’s evident how all of their problems will be solved. On top of that, being a little unrealistic by having quite a bit of luck on your side takes away a part of the soul of everyday life that director Isold Uggadottir is wanting to capture.
FYRE
Director Chris Smith’s utterly fascinating doc about an epic music festival that quickly becomes an epic fail should say more about individuals desperately needing to feel opulent at any cost. But, we do get to see douchebag con-man Billy McFarland fake it til he makes it and take full advantage of those who thought his word had value. He cashes in on other’s delusions and gullibility. It’s funny to a certain extent because of the incredible insanity and overall stupidity that unfolds; though turns tragic when you see the damage this spectacular shitshow has caused for those left to clean it up.
“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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