Mission Impossible: Fallout

      Number six in the series and Tom Cruise continues to do the impossible. Mr. Cruise makes it a point to do his own stunts and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie makes sure you know it's him, whether he's free falling from an airplane, hanging from a helicopter, scaling a mountain, speeding through cities in cars and motorcycles or jumping across rooftops.

      Mr. Cruise returns with many of the same characters from the series including Ving Rhames,  Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin, Sean Harris, Rebecca Fergurson and Michelle Monaghan. New to the series is Angela Bassett, Vanessa Kirby and Henry Cavill.

       The action is fast and furious and the stunt work by Mr. Cruise and others is very impressive. There is also welcome humor (much at Mr. Cruise's own expense) and plenty of suspense. The final act of the film, in particular, is designed to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. My only real criticism is, striving to give you every bang for your buck, it runs too long with probably one chase scene too many. Otherwise, this mission is a perfect summer "popcorn" movie. Escapist fun at it's best.

Sorry To Bother You

          The most original and outrageous film you will see this year. Written and directed by Boots Riley, this is a scathing satire of race, class, and capitalism.

           Lakeith Stanfield stars as Cassius "Cash" Green, a man living in a garage and struggling to find work. Cash ends up at a telemarketing company, where, on the advice of another African American sales rep (played by Danny Glover), he adopts a "white voice" on the phone and becomes an instant success.

          The film also stars Tessa Thompson as Cash's girlfriend, Detroit, Arnie Hammer as Steve Lift, a crazed CEO, Steven Yeun as Squeeze, another telemarketer looking to organize the workers, and Jermaine Fowler as Salvador, Cash's friend. David Cross and Patton Oswalt provide the "white" voices.

           This is a very funny comedy filled with social commentary that, more often than not, hits the mark. It does venture frequently into the surreal and may not be a film for everyone. Mr. Riley is an original voice and if you do pay attention, you'll realize the film speaks volumes.

Ant-Man and The Wasp

             It is rare when the sequel surpasses the original but returning director Peyton Reed, unencumbered by an origin story, makes the most out of the light hearted, fun script and gives us a great summer "popcorn" movie.

             It is refreshing to watch a superhero film without the threat of an alien invasion or having to save the world from some unseen danger. The stakes are still high but of a more personal nature and the film has plenty of action, warmth and humor with a great cast. Paul Rudd returns as Scott Lang, "Ant-Man" and his laid back charm and humor serve the story well. Evangeline Lilly also returns but now shares the spotlight as The Wasp and she is terrific. They make a great pair.

              Much of the the original cast also returns including a very funny Michael Pena, Michael Douglas, having a blast as Hank Pym, the original "Ant-Man", Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, Tip "TI" Harris and Randall Park. Joining for this go around is Michelle Pfeiffer, Walton Goggins, Laurence FIshburne and Hannah John-Kamen.

               The special effects are terrific, the comic timing impeccable, and the heart at the center of the story makes it truly endearing. The tone is lighter than most Marvel films with their grandiose gravitas and it reminded me of "Thor: Ragnarok" with its self aware playfulness. It's a lot of fun and if you have been paying attention to all the Marvel films (in particular "Avengers: Infinity War"), the ending will definitely produce a loud gasp.

Woman Walks Ahead

              The fact based story of Caroline Weldon, a portrait painter, who in 1890 traveled from New York to The Dakotas to paint a portrait of Chief Sitting Bull as well as become an advocate for Native American rights. While a small Indie film, in limited release, the cast is first rate. Ms. Weldon is played by Jessica Chastain and Sitting Bull is played by Michael Greyeyes. Other key co-stars include Sam Rockwell, Ciaran Hinds, and Bill Camp.

             Ms. Chastain, playing a naive Eastern woman of some wealth, still brings a fierceness to her role as she grows to know Sitting Bull and the true plight of the Lakota Indians. Mr. Greyeyes brings a realism and humanity to his portrayal of a still proud Chief who knows resistance to the White man's government has become futile.

              It is a timely subject as it deals with the period in our history when Native Americans were broken down and forced to relocate to smaller tribal lands. While they were allowed to vote on the ratification of the treaties, and even though they voted against it, the U.S. government enforced it anyway.

              The focus of the film is the relationship between Ms. Weldon and Sitting Bull and there is great chemistry between Ms. Chastain and Mr. Greyeyes. While a western, it is foremost a human drama that serves to remind us of an ugly period in our history that remains today in many parts of the world. 

Leave No Trace

          From the writer/director of "Winter's Bone" comes another powerful film about the disenfranchised people who live on the edge of society. Debra Granik introduced the world to Jennifer Lawrence in that excellent film. Now, in this story of a father and his daughter living off the grid in the forests of Oregon, she introduces another fine young talented actress, Thomasin McKenzie. 

           Playing  the daughter of a war veteran suffering from PTSD, played by the amazing Ben Foster, is no easy task but Ms. McKenzie shines as Tom. Wise for her teenage years, she is torn between the love for her father and her longing to experience the world he has shielded her from for so long.  As the film begins, the two live quietly in the woods, venturing into town occasionally for supplies. Accidently discovered, they are forced to reenter society and adapt uneasily into new lives.

           The brilliant chemistry between Mr. Foster and Ms. McKenzie is remarkable. They carry the entire film and convey so much even with little dialogue. The cinematography too, is brilliant bringing us deep into the Oregon forest and the intimacy of their world. In smaller but meaningful roles are Jeff Korber and Dale Dickey.

                While we learn little of what drove Will and Tom into their situation in the first place, it is easy to think of this reality for many war veterans who have trouble assimilating into society once they return home.  Love, compassion and pain share every scene. For us, the audience, the film is a quiet but jarring shock to the system.

The Catcher Was a Spy

            This "based on a true story" Indie drama tells the little known story of Morris "Moe" Berg, a 15 year major league baseball catcher, who became a spy for the U.S. in the early days of World War Two.

            In an unusual dramatic turn, Mr. Berg is played by Paul Rudd. Mr. Rudd's quirky style serves him well as Moe was an odd and enigmatic character. A Jewish baseball player who spoke seven languages fluently and at least three more adequately, he earned extra money appearing on TV game shows putting his high intelligence to the test.  He was single his whole life and while there were rumors of homosexuality, Moe never publicly acknowledged it.

            There are a minimal amount of baseball scenes once Moe is recruited by the OSS (the organization that later became the CIA). The majority of the film focuses on his first mission, to learn if Germany was close to making an atomic bomb. Directed by Ben Lewin, the film races along, barely stopping to catch its breath. Clocking in at a bit more than 90 minutes, this is a rare case where less editing and more story would have really made a difference. Whether it's the script, direction or combination of both, we learn very little of this American hero. The story teases us with so many plot points that are never really explored.

             A terrific cast is wasted in barely more than cameos. Besides Mr. Rudd, the film also stars Jeff Daniels, Sienna Miller, Mark Strong, Guy Pearce, Paul Giamatti, Tom Wilkinson, and in a rare appearance, Giancarlo Giannini.  

             Moe Berg was a fascinating character but unfortunately, the film doesn't do him justice and only leaves you wanting to learn more about the man.