Mulholland Falls (1996)

★★★1/2

Set in 1950’s Los Angeles, this neo noir crime drama follows Max Hoover and his special squad of LADP investigators that use “special” interrogational strategies. The team is sent to investigate the murder of a young woman who Max had an affair with on the side. As bad memories resurface, the investigation leads Max and his right hand man Elleroy to a world renowned General and scientist who helped with the A-bomb project. Max soon finds himself right in the middle of a conspiracy and secret cover-up of possible mistreatment of U.S. soldiers. This was a great film with a great yet raspy performance by Nick Nolte and Chazz Palminteri does a great job as well. Ultimately, it’s great but I wished they really expanded more on the rest of Nolte’s group since they all seem to show charisma that isn’t fully developed.

Die Another Day (2002)

★★1/2

James Bond is at it again, only this time he seems more lumbering and has a knack for saying horrible one-liners. Bond is sent to stop an evil North Korean terrorist from making a deal with a rich diamond guru to take over all of Korea. Little does Bond know that the two may not be who they really are, and that the mysterious diamond tycoon is secretly building a massive weapon in space. There are plenty of long drawn-out dull action sequences, uninteresting villains and tacky dialogue to keep you laughing but the rest of the movie is very forgettable. I found myself wanting to watch the Connery or Craig Bond movies.