28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

 

   The second in a planned trilogy, this film opens just after the end of the previous film, "28 Years Later". Both are based on the original "28 Days Later" and it's sequel, "28 Weeks Later". While Alex Garland continues to write the story, this installment was directed by Nia DaCosta.

    If you are planning to see this and have not seen the original or "28 Years Later" ("28 Weeks Later" was actually a stand alone), I suggest you watch them first as this film continues the story. For that reason, most of the cast has returned and there is more emphasis on Dr. Kelson and Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal.

     Ralph Fiennes returns as Dr. Kelson and he is just terrific and seems to be really enjoying himself. Jack O'Connell returns as Jimmy Crystal, a character similar to the one he plays in "Sinners" (although not a vampire). Alfie Williams returns as Spike, a teenager reluctantly recruited by Jimmy. We are also introduced to Jimmy's disciples (his "fingers"), whom we saw briefly at the end of the previous film. They include Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Sam Locke, Robert Rhodes, Ghazi Al Ruffal, Maura bird, and Connor Newall. Also co-starring are Chi Lewis-Parry as "Samson", an infected that Dr. Kelson is trying to cure and Mirren Mack as a pregnant survivor.

     Mr. Garland's script explores the theme of the nature of evil as Jimmy proclaims himself the son of Satan (or as he refers to him, as "Old Nick). The film has quite a few grisly scenes and while the "infected" are zombie-like, this is not a horror film in the traditional sense.

      The film works as a perfect bridge to what will be the climatic film. The last scene even reintroduces a character from the very first film.

 

Dead Man's Wire

 

        Based on a true story, the latest film from director Gus Van Sant is a taut little thriller starring an electric Bill Skarsgard.

         The film is shot almost as a documentary as Mr. Van Sant enjoys recreating actual events. Mr. Skarsgard plays Tony Kiritsis, a man who felt swindled by a loan company, who takes the son of the owner hostage, with a shotgun wired at the back of his head. Dacre Montgomery plays Richard Hall, the nervous hostage.

            Co-starring are Cary Elwes (almost unrecognizable) as Detective Michael Grable, Myha'la as TV reporter Linda Page, Colman Domingo as DJ Fred Temple,  Al Pacino as M.L. Hall, the owner of the loan company and Kelly Lynch as his wife. Mr. Pacino's role amounts to little more than a cameo. Mr. Domingo's role is a bit bigger and more significant.

             The time and place is 1977 in Indianapolis and Mr. Van Sant goes to great lengths for authenticity in the costumes and sets.  Ironically, it was shot in Louisville Kentucky standing in for Indianapolis. It's a fast paced thriller tinged with humor and suspense that could be a distant cousin to "Dog Day Afternoon".

              Mr. Skarsgard sheds his iconic role of "Pennywise the Clown" from "IT" and makes the most of his role as Tony Kiritsis. He drives the entire film.

               It's a wild story with a surprising ending (if you don't know the actual facts). Actual footage of the real event plays during the credits.

               

Father Mother Sister Brother

 

          The latest film from writer/director Jim Jarmusch uses his favorite film structure of multiple story lines to tell three tales of family dynamics.

           "Father" tells the story of an adult brother and sister paying a visit to their widowed father. It stars Adam Driver and Mayim Bialik as the siblings and Tom Waits as their father. "Mother" also tells a story of siblings (in this case sisters) paying an annual visit of afternoon tea with their mother. It stars Cate Blanchett and Vicky Krieps as the sisters and Charlotte Rampling as their mother. "Sister Brother" is a story of adult twins who reunite to visit their former home after their parents have been killed in a plane crash. It stars Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. Every actor is excellent.

            The entire film is a gentle look at each family's dynamic with hints of dysfunction, humor, grace, love, and in one case, surprise. The stories are not connected but do contain subtle threads of overlap in pieces of dialog and visuals.

             Fans of Mr. Jarmusch will appreciate the unhurried, "slice of life" storytelling.

              

          

Avatar: Fire and Ash

 

         The third film in James Cameron's Avatar series will not disappoint fans. If you are not familiar with the series and have some interest, I recommend you watch the first two before jumping right into the new one.

         Since the film picks up right where the story left off, the original cast all return including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jack Champion. The cast play humans and the CGI, aliens, The Na'vi. Using motion capture and the newest technology, Mr. Cameron and his team seamlessly integrate all the visuals into a masterwork of realism, creating, once again, the world of Pandora.

           To truly immerse yourself in the film, the best way to see it is in IMAX 3-D, but any large screen format will still not disappoint. The story continues but Mr. Cameron introduces new characters and broadens the scope of the world he has created. This includes the Mangkwan, a war mongering tribe of Na'vi led by Varang, played by Oona Chaplin.

            The film is lots of fun but clocking in at slightly over three hours, it does drag a bit in the middle.  However, the finale is absolutely spectacular and will leave you in a state of awe. While this film has a definitive end, Mr. Cameron has two more films planned for the series. He leaves you wanting more.

The Testament of Ann Lee

 

          Director Mona Fastvold, who also co-wrote the story with her long time partner, Brady Corbet (the team behind The Brutalist) has made a remarkable, historical drama. It is the story of Ann Lee, the leader of the religious sect known as The Shakers. The film takes place in the 18th century and includes many musical and dance sequences that were part of The Shakers religious practice.

           Amanda Seyfried  stars as Ann Lee in an electrifying and thrilling performance. She has set herself a new bar in acting and is simply remarkable.  The film co-stars Lewis Pullman as her brother William, Thomasin McKenzie as Sister Mary (also the narrator), Stacy Martin as Jane Wardley, Christopher Abbott as Abraham, Tim Blake Nelson as Pastor Wright, , Scott Handy as James Wardley, Matthew Beard as James Whittaker and Viola Prettejohn as Nancy, Ann's niece. All daring roles in a daring movie, the entire cast is exceptional.

           Ms. Fastvold creates a true work of cinematic art. Along with her team, the direction is bold, the cinematography is gorgeous, the choreography is amazing, the music is truly original and the set and costume designs are authentic and beautifully detailed.

             I knew little of The Shakers going into this film and was intrigued by the trailer. Known for their furniture making skills, the sect was at the height of its popularity in the 1800's (somewhere between 4000-6000 members) and still exists today in considerably smaller numbers. It is a fascinating story. 

            Far from a mainstream movie, it is not for everyone but if you are open to exciting and enriching cinema, this film will reward you in it's breathless and majestic scope. Released at the end of last month, qualifying multiple Oscar nominations this year, are a lock.

Anaconda

 

    

       Starting the year off with a silly comedy sounded like a good idea but writer/director Tom Gormican surprises us with not just a comedy but an action adventure story with more depth than expected.

        The film stars Paul Rudd and Jack Black as Doug and "Griff", two life long friends, who along with their other two long time buddies, Kenny (Steve Zahn) and Claire (Thandiwe Newton) decide to remake the 1997 horror film, "Anaconda". You expect laughs from Mr. Rudd, Mr. Black, and Mr. Zahn but the real surprise is Ms. Newton (not normally known for comedy) holding her own with her co-stars. The film also co-stars Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, Ione Skye and John Billingsley.

        Mr. Gormican's script puts adventure first and fills it in with laughs along the way. Are parts silly? Sure, but it's also pretty exciting with twists and surprises you don't expect. The CGI snake is not perfect but appropriately just the right amount for this film.

         If you are looking for counterprogramming from all the dramas and foreign films out now, this is the perfect ticket to see on a big screen. And props to Sony, the studio behind the film, for being a good sport and poking fun at itself.

Song Sung Blue

 

   Based on the documentary of the same name, director/writer Craig Brewer takes what could have easily been a sappy, light story of a Neil Diamond cover band and turns it into a heartfelt, emotional drama that cuts deep with joy, sorrow, humor and lots of Neil Diamond covers.

    Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson have wonderful chemistry as "Lightning & Thunder"", a Neil Diamond Experience. Ms. Hudson, in particular, as Clair Sardina aka "Thunder", is outstanding as the housewife and part time performer with big dreams. Of course, that's not to take anything away from Mr. Jackman who pours his heart and soul into the persona of Mike Sardina aka "Lightning". He does a great job with the Neil Diamond songs as well as the drama surrounding the story.

     The supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli in a surprising role, Fisher Stevens as Mike's dentist/manager, Ella Anderson as Claire's daughter, Rachel, King Princess as Angelina, Mike's daughter, Hudson Hensley as Dana, Claire's son, Mustafa Shakir, and Jim Belushi.

    What could have easily been a Lifetime drama, in Mr. Brewer's hands brings real emotional depth to this story. If you're a Neil Diamond fan and/or a fan of the two leads, you will have a better than expected time watching this film.  As the story reminds us, there is a lot more to Neil Diamond than "Sweet Caroline" and that goes for the film as well.