Three Monkeys is a kind of thriller that never seeks to thrill, but rather, it just does. Starting with an intriguing premise, it never deviates into something of a guide who holds your hand. Instead, much of it is lensed in gorgeous long takes for the spectator to muse as (s)he pleases. What this film could essentially be seen as is a thriller for those who typically don't enjoy conventional thrillers.

This is a clean and sleek entry from a director who's made his name making several great crime films. Belmondo stars as the informant with friends on both sides of the law and things aren't always what they seem. Truly fashioning the French gangster, Le Doulos serves as yet another example of Melville's inimitable class and craft.

Going in, I really thought I'd like this and had anticipated watching it ever since catching Werckmeister Harmonies. But whereas the long takes and unnatural dialogue only seemed to enhance the intense experience of that film, here, it kept disconnecting me from the characters' plights. The only plus for me here is the haunting and beautiful cinematography which seems to be a hallmark of Tarr's.

I imagine this is the kind of romance some people dream of and the Archers have the perfect charming style for this kind of story. This was right before their renown masterpieces but the mastery of writing and direction are already there by this point. If you're already an admirer of P & P, you know what to expect; if you're not, this may most likely make you one.

This movie is just a whole lotta fun and hearkens back to Technicolor favorites like The Adventures of Robin Hood. Most of the special effects are dated by today's standards but they don't take away from the classic story. In terms of pure wholesome entertainment for the entire family, you really can't go wrong with this one.

The Naked Prey is like a cross between the structure of Friedkin's The Hunted and the feel of Gibson's Apocalypto on a much smaller scale. The various shots and scenes of African wildlife seems to have inspired exploitation films like Cannibal Holocaust too. This is essentially one entire cat-and-mouse chase from beginning to end.