Al Pacino stars as Frank Serpico, an honest cop who wanted to serve the city of New York when everyone around him was corrupt. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this film launced Pacino into superstardom, and showcased his fantastic ability to bring his characters to life. In this case, he did so despite some truly horrible…
Tag: tension
Batttlestar Galactica (2005) – Colonial Day, and Kobol’s Last Gleaming: Part 1
Colonial Day was first broadcast on 18 March, 2005. It was written by Carla Robinson. With Colonial Day approaching, Roslin (Mary McDonnell) announces a formation of a new Quorum of the Twelve. Each of the colonies of man will have a representative on this ruling board. Things are thrown for a loop, however, when Tom…
Undertone (2025) – Ian Tuason
Undertone is a smart and engaging horror film. With its slow and ominous camera movements, there’s a constant sense of tension created by the knowledge that there may be something lurking just off camera that you are about to catch a glimpse of. It’s also confined to one location, a home (right here in Toronto)….
Stargate: Universe (2010) – The Greater Good, and Malice
The Destiny comes across another ship, and Rush (Robert Carlyle) insists on going. Young (Louis Ferreira), who is intent on keeping an eye on him, goes with him. And the tension escalates nicely, in The Greater Good. First airing on 9 November, 2010, the episode was written by Carl Binder. While Young and Rush head…
Stargate: Universe (2010) – Pain, and Subversion
Pain first aired on 14 May, 2010 and was written by Carl Binder. Something is going on aboard Destiny. Hallucinations seem to be running rampant, and they either cater to desires or phobias, what is going on here? Things start with what looks like a passionate encounter between James (Julia Benson) and Scott (Brian J….
Stargate: Universe (2010) – Faith, and Human
Dennis McGrath wrote Faith, which debuted on 16 April, 2010. Young (Louis Ferreira) seems to be back in charge, but there is still a lot of animosity over the military and civilian conflict. Morale seems to be low, as repairs on the Destiny seem to be taking forever. When there’s an unexpected drop out of…
Stargate: Atlantis (2008) – Outcast, and Trio
Sheppard (Joe Flanigan) journeys home to Earth for his father’s funeral in Outcast. Written by Alan McCullough from a story created by Flanigan, the episode debuted on 1 February, 2008. On Earth, Sheppard is joined by Ronon (Jason Momoa) and they are approached by Ava Dixon (Emma Lahana), who knows all about the Stargate, the…
Unstoppable (2010) – Tony Scott
I’ve always enjoyed Tony Scott films. I like his editing, camera and visual style. Constant movement, saturated colors, and tight pacing. Even his weaker films have that great look that tells you you’re watching a Scott film. Based loosely on a true story, the film follows a runaway train, and the two men who are…
Run (2020) – Aneesh Chaganty
Run is a crisp and engaging thriller that rushes its twists and turns at a breakneck speed, driven by the performances of its two leads, Sarah Paulson and Kiera Allen. Chloe (Allen) is confined to a wheelchair, and battling a number of illnesses. But she has her mother (Paulson) by her side, tending to her…
Misery (1990) – Rob Reiner
I remember reading Stephen King’s novel for Misery, and getting caught up in the tension. The same happened the first time I watched Rob Reiner’s film version featuring an adapted script by William Goldman and featured James Caan, Kathy Bates, Richard Farnsworth, Lauren Bacall, and Frances Sternhagen. I hadn’t watched it since it first came…
The Mind Reels 