Monday, March 18, 2024

Knox Goes Away

 


       Once in a while a film with no fanfare, advertising or any real press means the studio that releases it has no faith in it. But sometimes a film like that can sneak up on you and you find yourself pleasantly surprised. This is one of those films.

       Michael Keaton stars and directs himself, as John Knox, a criminal diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. This is a rapidly moving form of dementia that he is told will completely take hold of his mind and body within weeks. With time running out, he tries to make amends by protect the life of his adult son, while also being pursued by the police who are investigating his involvement in a murder,

        Mr. Keaton is absolutely terrific as Knox. Whether it was because he directed himself or simply because he is such a good actor, this is one of his best performances. The film co-stars Al Pacino as his mentor, Marcia Gay Harden as his ex-wife, and James Marsden as his son, Also featured are Ray McKinnon, Joanna Kulig, Lela Loren and as the detectives in charge of the investigation, Suzy Nakamura and John Hoogenakker.

        As a director, Mr. Keaton keeps the film well paced without any theatrics and getting good work from the whole cast, including Mr. Pacino who, of late, can sometimes be rather manic. The script, by Gregory Poinier, is an original twist on the crime genre pitting Mr. Keaton's disintegrating mind in a race against his plan to protect his son, all while the police and other criminals keep getting in his way.

        This is an Indie drama worth your time.

Friday, March 15, 2024

One Life

 


       This new drama is based on the true story of Nickolas Winton, a British stockbroker who took it upon himself to organize (with a small group of others) the rescue of over six hundred child refugees (most of whom were Jewish) from Czechoslovakia on the brink of World War Two.

       Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the elder Winton, who, when cleaning out old files finds his scrapbook with details of the rescue and decides to bring it to public attention. Flashbacks take us to Prague in 1938 where the young adult Winton is played by Johnny Flynn.

       Mr. Flynn is subtlety dashing in his resolve to help as many children as he can, get safely to England. Sir Hopkins gives a superb performance as the elder Winton, who wants the story told. The film co-stars Helena Bonham Carter as Babi Winton (Nickolas's mother in the flashbacks), Lena Olin as Grete Winton, Jonathan Pryce as the elder Martin Blake, Ziggy Health as young Martin Blake, Romola Garai as Doreen Warriner, and Samantha Spiro as Ester Rantzen.

       This little known, remarkable, story is deeply moving and heartfelt. It should be seen by the largest audience possible. It will restore your faith in humanity.

   

Sunday, March 10, 2024

The Temple Wood Gang

 


     A new French film that takes a different approach to the "heist genre". Directed by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche, this story is less about the robbery and more about the aftermath.

     When five friends decide to rob a Saudi prince, it sets off repercussions that affect the gang members as well as others around them. Bebe, played by Philippe Petit is the leader of the gang, all of whom live in the Temple Wood housing project in Paris. They have all been close friends since childhood and well known to others who live in Temple Wood.

     Mr. Ameur-Zaimeche is more interested in the background and class of his characters than he is of the crime. His camera lingers far too long on scenes that have for all purposes, already ended. He also makes the bold choice to shoot without a score or music (except for a song sung at a funeral and another over the end credits). He prefers natural sounds to add realism to the events on screen. He also doesn't spoon feed the audience plot points and leaves much for the audience to figure out for themselves.

     While an interesting character study, I was disappointed.

Saturday, March 02, 2024

Toni

 


     Written and directed by Nathan Ambrosioni, this new French film is a heartfelt comedy/drama starring Camille Cottin. Ms. Cottin plays Toni, a former pop star, now raising a family of five (in different teenage stages) on her own.

       The beauty of Mr. Ambrosioni's script is how well he has defined each character, giving each each member of the family a full bodied personality and equal representation throughout the film. A rare occurrence in an ensemble piece.

        Ms. Cottin is wonderful, in a part written specifically with her in mind. She balances her hectic family life, trying to give attention to each child, even while trying to figure out a future for herself. Her children are played by Lea Lopez, as Mathilde, the oldest, followed by Thomas Gioria as Marcus, Louise Labeque, as Camille, Oscar Pauleau as Timothee, and Juliane Lepoureau as Olivia, the youngest. Cast after seeing about 500 kids, these five are just terrific and their chemistry with Ms. Cottin is so natural, you would think you were watching a real family.

        This is only Mr. Ambrosioni's second feature film. Based on this work, the young director has a long career ahead of him.

Dune Part Two

 


   Once again co-written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Part Two picks up moments after the end of Part One. While the first film was for the most part setting up the foundation, Part Two fully engages the viewer in the expanse of the story in a most spectacular way.

    Cast members who survived the first film return led by Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson. Also returning with expanded roles are Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin and Stellen Skarsgard. New cast members include Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and in an uncredited one scene cameo, Anya Taylor-Joy.

    Mr. Villeneuve clearly has a vision for the material and has created a fully realized science fiction classic. The cinematography will take your breath away. The visuals are stunning, blending live action with CGI seamlessly.  The sound is immersive and the actors couldn't be more committed to their roles. Mr. Bardem, in particular appears to be having a great time and Mr. Butler (almost unrecognizable) has shed the Elvis persona once and for all.

    While the film does comes to a conclusion, it is open ended enough that one can only hope Mr. Villeneuve will commit to a third film, based on "Dune Messiah", to complete the trilogy.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Drive-Away Dolls



    This disappointing "road trip" comedy was directed and co-written (with his wife, Tricia Cooke) by Ethan Coen. Jamie, played by Margaret Qualley and Marian, played by Geraldine Viswanathan have odd couple chemistry as friends who end up on the road together driving from Philadelphia to Tallahassee.

     The women arrange for a drive-away car but unbeknownst to them, a mysterious briefcase is hidden in the spare tire well. The car was supposed to be picked up by a trio of dangerous men, hired to retrieve the briefcase, but the owner mistakenly gives the car to the two women first.

      Along the road, the woman have many side adventures, mostly involving gay bars and sex. Jamie's ex-girlfriend, Sukie, played by Beanie Feldstein (no relation) is a cop who ends up following them to Florida. Two of the three thugs are also on the road after the briefcase while reporting back to their boss, "Chief", played by Coleman Domingo. 

       The film co-stars Bill Camp as Curlie, the owner of the drive-away business,  Joey Slotnick and C.J. Wilson as the two thugs casing the women, Pedro Pascal as Santos, which is nothing more than a quick cameo (although his head becomes a plot device), Matt Damon as Senator Channel (also in just a few but significant scenes) and in yet, another cameo, Miley Cyrus as Tiffany Plastercaster (based on a famous groupie of the sixties). Only Mr. Camp, in his deadpan delivery and Mr. Domingo, with his undeniable charisma elevate the film to something worth watching. It's too bad they play minor characters. 

         The plot, which seemed like a fun idea on paper doesn't translate well to the screen. It's fairly ridiculous and erratic. The fine cast is wasted in this "exploitation" sex comedy concept. The original title is revealed at the end, which makes more obvious sense. Save yourself time and drive right past these "dolls".

Monday, February 19, 2024

Land of Bad

 


    Co-written and directed by William Eubank, this is a pretty exciting military action film. It's a fairly simple plot that has been covered many times before but it does introduce a new element.

    When a covert group of four operatives have their asset rescue mission blown, it is up to a drone pilot based in Las Vegas to help save the remaining team members from the terrorist group they are fighting in the Philippines.  

     Russell Crowe plays the drone pilot, "Reaper" sitting at a computer station in communication with the men on the ground, trying to help them escape. At the same time, he's waiting for word on his pregnant wife, who is about to give birth. Mr. Crowe manages to make sitting at a desk, looking at a screen, exciting.

     Liam Hemsworth, Milo Ventimiglia, Luke Hemsworth, Ricky White, and Chika Ikogwe make up the unit fighting for their lives to rescue a CIA asset. Liam Hemsworth plays "Playboy", the main character on the mission, who bonds with "Reaper" back at the base.

     The action is non-stop from the start and the last part of the film is very exciting. It's violent but also fascinating when you see how the military employs drone technology, thousands of miles away to assist in missions. 

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Bob Marley: One Love

 


   Fans of Bob Marley and reggae music will enjoy this standard biography film. The story takes place primarily in the 1970's but intersperses flashbacks throughout to show Mr. Marley in various stages of his young life. 

  We follow his start as a poor child in "Trenchtown" Jamaica leading to his first break with the group,  "The Wailing Wailers", which eventually leads to Chris Blackwell and a contract with Island Records. We also see how the unrest and violence in Jamaica force him into leaving the country he loves for a five year exile.

    It's a good film, filled with great music, but what really drives it home is the terrific performance of Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley. He may be better looking than the actual Mr. Marley but he captures all the charisma and soul of the man perfectly, as well as the musical ability to pull off the role.

    The film co-stars Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, James Norton as Chris Blackwell, Tosin Cole as Tyrone Downie, Anthony Welsh as Don Taylor, Aston Barrett Jr. as Aton "Family Man" Barrett, and Michael Gandolfini as Howard Bloom.

     It's message of love and peace could not be more timely.