Secret in Their Eyes is an American crime drama movie released in November 2015. Directed by Billy Ray, the starring actors are Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Dean Norris, Michael Kelley, Alfred Molina, and Zoe Graham. Once a colleague’s daughter gets murdered, an investigation team needs to stay strong.

Most people would think that being an investigator is an easy task. In fact, that clues fall right into your lap whilst having coffee and donuts. But that is not how they operate in the district of Los Angeles.

Here, investigators Ray Karsten (Ejiofor), Jessica Cobb (Roberts), and Bumpy Willis (Norris) work in a newly established unit to foresee any terroristic acts after the devastating 9/11 attacks. This, while under the lead of the assistant district attorney, Claire Sloane (Kidman).

One morning, they report to a crime scene. Upon arriving, Ray discovers the victim is Carolyn (Graham), Jess’ daughter. Immediately, he starts digging for evidence to catch the killer.

However, when presenting his results to colleagues Reg (Kelly) and district attorney Mr. Morales (Molina), he finds out that the suspect works for the FBI as an undercover. Therefore, interrogating him would jeopardize ongoing cases. So, with no new leads, the team falls apart.

Thirteen years later, Ray has come up with new findings. He will have one more shot once he convinces the newly promoted Claire to re-open the case. But is it too late?

“Secret in Their Eyes” is based on the book “La Pregunta de sus Ojos (2005),” written by Argentinian author Eduardo Sacheri. In 2009, a film followed, named “El Secreto de sus Ojos,” which won Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars (2010).

Lastly, director Billy Ray has excelled when it comes to suspenseful movies. His previous works as a screenplay writer include “The Hunger Games” (2012) and “Captain Phillips” (2013).

Revisit the teaser trailer for the “Secret In Their Eyes” and watch the movie on its 9th anniversary!

1. “Secret in Their Eyes” movie. Directed by Billy Ray (STX Ent., Universal Pictures, 2015). ↩︎

The post “Secret in Their Eyes” movie: Looking for a Killer Thirteen Years Later appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

The Girl On The Train (TGOTT) is a mystery crime drama released in 2016. It is directed by Tate Taylor and stars Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Rebecca Ferguson, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans, and Edgar Ramírez. While commuting on the train, a woman begins to envision other people’s lives.

TGOTT: Rachel

Commuting is a part of our daily routine. Whether it is going to meetings or just a regular hangout with friends or relatives. Importantly, it takes us from point A to point B.

In addition, there are different ways of voyaging. For instance, via car, bus, or train, to name a few. For Rachel (played by Blunt), the aforementioned is part of her day-to-day schedule. Every day, she commutes to her workplace via train.

During the ride, there are lots of activities to do. For instance, listening to music, reading the newspapers, or talking to the person sitting next to you.

For her, it is none of the above. She enjoys the scenery and the neighborhood through the glass window. That is how she starts to wonder about other people’s lives.

Megan

Megan (Bennett), a young woman, lives with her husband, Scott (Evans), in a beautiful neighborhood opposite the train tracks. An athletic woman who likes to jog around in the open air and hits the gym for yoga sessions.

Through the years, she has bounced around different jobs. And now she is taking the role of a nanny.

Through the eyes of Rachel, the pitch-perfect lives she desires ever since her divorce from her ex-husband, Tom (Theroux), who has moved on with his life and found himself a new wife.

TGOTT: Anna

Anna is a happily married bride. Particularly, she has everything a woman aspires to be: a mother. Of course, taking care of a baby is a 24/7 job. Thus, the reason why she has hired a nanny.

Just like Megan, Anna lives with her husband, Tom, in the neighborhood opposite the train tracks. A two-floor house and a white picket fence. Undoubtedly, she is living happily ever after.

The truth is, through the lens of the train, the lives of others can be deceiving. Similar to what social media portrays. But once you are not just glancing at the object but getting to know the person, it tells a different outcome. Indeed, a tale of two cities.

“We are tied forever now, the three of us. Bound forever by the story we share.”

-Rachel, The Girl on the Train (2016)

So, what do these three females have in common, and how are they bound forever by the story they share?

Lastly, the motion picture is based on the debut novel of the same name, written by Paula Hawkings (2015). Having read the book, I can honestly share that scrolling through each page will have you on the edge of your seat, just like the film.

Don’t believe me? Watch “The Girl on the Train” trailer and make sure to watch the movie!

1. “The Girl on the Train” movie. Directed by Tate Taylor (Dreamworks and Universal Pictures, 2016). ↩︎

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The Place Beyond the Pines is a drama movie that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2012. Directed by Derek Cianfrance, it stars Ryan Gosling, the known actor of “La La Land,” Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Ben Mendelsohn, and Rose Byrne. When a stunt bike rider tries to provide a better future for his family, how far will he go?

Luke Glanton (played by Gosling) is an amazing stunt bike rider who works at a carnival. Despite not having a lavish life, he is quite comfortable. After all, he only needs to provide for himself. Nonetheless, that changes when he re-encounters Romina (Mendes), a former girlfriend.

He is quick to learn that he is the father of a one-year-old baby. Therefore, he quits the carnival gig and begins working for Robin (Mendelsohn), who owns a repair shop.

But the money isn’t enough. As Robin shares his past as a bank robber, they team up to do burglaries. Finally, Luke is able to provide for his family.

Avery Cross (Cooper) proudly works at the police department. He is the father of a baby boy with his wife Jennifer (Byrne). One day, he is in pursuit of a robber.

After finally chasing him down, he shoots and kills him. The days to follow are tough for him as he finds out that the victim leaves a baby boy behind.

In high school, two teenage boys named Jason (DeHaan) and AJ (Cohen) befriend each other. After fifteen years, Avery Cross will learn that actions have consequences in “the place beyond the pines.”

To conclude, what makes this film unique is the fact that there are two protagonists. Once you feel empathy for Gosling’s character, those emotions suddenly are replaced by Cooper’s persona.

Moreover, Cianfrance is known for uniquely directing family-dramatic films. Surprisingly, as he was working with Ryan on “Blue Valentine” (2010), Gosling shared with him the idea of how to execute the perfect bank heist. To his surprise, the director had already written a script.

To conclude, “The Place Beyond the Pines” is such an underrated piece of movie. Even a decade after its release. Happy New Year’s Eve in advance, everyone!

Watch the “The Place Beyond the Pines” teaser trailer and if intrigued, stream the movie on your favorite platform!

1. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎
2. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎
3. “The Place Beyond the Pines” movie. Directed by Derek Cianfrance (Focus Features, 2012). ↩︎

The post “The Place Beyond the Pines” and its Consequences appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

Wind River rage is a 2017 crime mystery movie starring Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene, Kelsey Asbille, and Gil Birmingham. When a second murder occurs in the remote place of Wyoming, the town demands answers.

Cory Lambert (played by Renner) specializes as a Fish and Wildfire Service agent in Wyoming, U.S. A western state that is known for its national parks (Yellowstone), freezing temperatures, and minerals such as oil.

As one of the least populated states in the United States, Cory had hoped for it to be the perfect place to settle down, recreate a family, and enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness.

However, that peacefulness is taken from him once his daughter is murdered. Undoubtedly, the following three years have had a toll on him.

But as any grieving parent, he lives day by day in hopes of a better tomorrow. One morning while hunting, he finds the frozen corpse of a young woman, named Natalie (Asbille). A familiar scenario for him.

So, he contacts Ben (Greene), a Tribal Police officer. But since it is a possible murder, they have to contact the FBI, who assigns agent Banner (Olsen) to the case.

Upon examining the body, Agent Banner is certain that it is a homicide rather than death by natural causes. Admittedly, she realizes that Wyoming is not her territory. It belongs to Cory.

A trained hunter who knows the hábitat of Wyoming and has adapted to navigate through freezing temperatures. Therefore, they decide to join forces.

Having been down this road before, Cory knows the effects of having an unsolved case. Therefore, he vows to Martin (Birmingham), Natalie’s father, to catch the perpetrator.

The perfect opportunity to seek answers and solve this second homicide. Unlike the first homicide of his daughter, which closed as unsolved.

Although it takes some time for the action to kick in, once it does, the cinema will have you on the edge of your seat.

Lastly, Wind River Rage won the “Best Film” for director Taylor Sheridan at the American Indian Movie Award in 2017.

Watch “Wind River’s” teaser trailer in the link below.

1. “Wind River” movie. Directed by Taylor Sheridan (The Weinstein Company, 2017). ↩︎
2. “Wind River” movie. Directed by Taylor Sheridan (The Weinstein Company, 2017). ↩︎

The post “Wind River” Rage: The two homicides in Wyoming appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

Promising Young Woman (PYW) is a crime drama that premiered at 2020’s Sundance Festival. Directed and written by Emerald Fennell, it stars Carey Mulligan, Bo Burnham, Alison Brie, Christopher Lowell, Connie Britton, Alfred Molina, and Laverne Cox. Why is this feature important for society and the #MeToo movement? Read the article to find the answers and watch “Promising Young Woman.”

The typical office hours are from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm. Afterward, people tend to go to clubs to drink and forget about their daily hurdles.

As with any other cocktail night, intoxication can come into play. Thus, the lines get blurry. Particularly, Cassandra (played by Mulligan), does this every week.

And deja vu, she ends up in a new man’s residence – involuntarily. Except that she isn’t under the influence. Admittedly, she is 100 % sober. So, for what purpose?

Seven years ago, she attended med school alongside her best friend Nina. Two promising young women atop their classes with aspirations of becoming doctors. Unfortunately, on one night of partying, her classmate was raped.

“What would you have me do? Ruin a young man’s life? I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.“

–Dean of Med School, Promising Young Woman (2020)

Once the lines were not blurry anymore, Nina regained consciousness. They reported it to the University but they sided with her predator, Alexander (Lowell), giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Now, she is a 30-year-woman college dropout living with her parents and has settled as a waitress at a coffee shop, owned by Gail (Cox).

One day, she encounters an old friend named Ryan (Burnham) at the shop. Unlike her, he was able to graduate from med school and is an established pediatrician.

Inadvertent, Ryan mentions that their former classmate Alexander is wedding soon. Through social media, she pins down Madison (Brie), an old friend, in hopes of having her now as an ally – to no avail.

Consequently, Cassandra is ready to take matters into her own hands, regardless of whether the Dean of Med School (Britton) and Alexander’s past lawyer (Molina) have moved on. Now, she is ready for payback. Will she meet justice?

Besides excelling at acting, PYW assembles a cast for the audience to believe you are looking at the definition of a “nice guy.” Additionally, costume designer, Nancy Steiner, thoroughly styles multi-facades for Carrey to portray different personas.

“Promising Young Woman” re-sparked the ‘Me Too’ movement, which was prompted by activist Tarana Burke in 2006. A victim herself.

On October 15, 2017, via social media apps, activist Alyssa Milano encouraged all the silenced victims to step forward with the hashtag #MeToo.

Five years later, the movement lets survivors know they are not alone and they have the power to speak up. Slowly the topic has made its way into legislation. Thus, this is an important matter that needs to be addressed at schools, universities, and workplaces.

Look at the cast explaining PYW in the next interview and watch “Promising Young Woman” on your favorite streaming platform.

1. “Promising Young Woman” movie. Directed by Emerald Fennell (Focus Features, 2020). ↩︎
2. “Promising Young Woman” movie. Directed by Emerald Fennell (Focus Features, 2020). ↩︎
3. “Promising Young Woman” movie. Directed by Emerald Fennell (Focus Features, 2020). ↩︎

The post Why “Promising Young Woman” is important for the #MeToo movement appeared first on Music, Movies, and Me.

Out of the Furnace is a crime drama movie that premiered at the American Film Institute in 2013. Directed by Scott Cooper and produced by DiCaprio, it stars Christian Bale, Casey Affleck, Woody Harrelson, Zoë Saldana, and Willem Dafoe. After a little brother goes missing, how far is an older brother willing to go? Know more about the “Out of the Furnace” movie review below.

Growing up in Braddock, Pennsylvania, is a struggle. Especially in a Rust Belt area, where the economy only declines and deindustrialization rises. So, living day-to-day is the only way to go. And that is what Russell Baze (played by Bale) is doing.

Hence, he works at a steel mill factory. Despite a small paycheck, it is enough to provide for his ill father and his beautiful girlfriend Lena (Saldana).

However, his younger brother, Rodney Baze (Affleck), an ex-army veteran, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is a contrasting story.

Unfortunately, Russell’s life turns upside down once he goes to jail. After serving his time, he re-adapts to his old living but without his partner, who has started a new relationship with the town’s police officer, Barnes (Whitaker).

In the meantime, Rodney joins illegal fights with the help of a bar owner named John Petty (Dafoe). After all, violence is all he knows due to the war. In hopes of pursuing bigger paychecks, Petty contacts drug dealer Harlan Degroat (Harrelson). Not long after, Baze goes missing.

Even though Officer Barnes is already on the case, Russell is willing to take matters into his own hands to seek vengeance. But he needs to be conscious that as easy as he served time, as simple it is to go back.

Despite that “Out of the Furnace” has a star-studded panel movie review, the scenes are broken down in a way for all of the actors to shine. Normally, Harrelson inclines toward comedy as shown in “The Edge of Seventeen” but proves he can switch it up and play the villain.

“Out of the Furnace” won the “Best Debut Award” at the “Rome Film Fest” (2013) for director Scott Cooper.

Watch the teaser trailer in the link below.

1. “Out of the Furnace” movie. Directed by Scott Cooper (Relativity Media, 2013). ↩︎
2. “Out of the Furnace” movie. Directed by Scott Cooper (Relativity Media, 2013). ↩︎

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