Nerdy Squirrel Reviews: Movies

“Highest 2 Lowest” (2025, Apple TV) c rime thriller directed by Spike Lee , an English-language remake of Akira Kurosawa 's 1963 Japanese film “ High and Low ,” itself based on the 1959 novel “ King's Ransom ” by Ed McBain . The film stars Denzel Washington  and Jeffrey Wright .        I haven’t seen Mr Kurosawa’s movie or read Mr McBain’s book so I don’t know if this “joint” did those justice, confused them, or I should treat Spike’s 2025 work as an original work, which I did. Was it expected? Praise from critics? Rotten Tomatoes , 87 percent of 197 critics' reviews are positive. These superlatives: “A swaggering thriller that lovingly showcases New York City” and “Spike is wielding a plethora of inspirations—musical, cinematic, and historical—to reunite with an old friend. He is making a Spike Lee joint. And it's exceptional.”        I beg to disagree though. I didn’t really think the movie deserved those fine ...

“The Amateur” (1981, Hulu), directed by Charles Jarrott , and  “The Amateur” (2025, Hulu), directed by James Hawes , spy thriller based on the 1981 novel by Robert Littell . A CIA cryptographer seeks revenge after his wife is killed in a terrorist attack in London. When the CIA doesn't pursue the case to his satisfaction, he blackmails them into training him as an operative to take matters into his own hands. He embarks on a dangerous journey to track down and kill those responsible for his wife's death.  Clearly, the 2025 version is a lot more exciting than the 1981 version. Rami Malek’s Charlie Heller is more engaging and concentrated than John Savage’s version. Plus we have engaging performers such as Rachel Brosnahan , Caitríona Balfe , Michael Stuhlbarg , Julianne Nicholson, and Laurence Fishburne as star-quality support to Mr Malek. Though Christopher Plummer was fine in the former. 🎥💻📽 <>“Official Secrets” (2019, Plex) British drama , based on the case...