Good Boys

       Remove the R-rated language and you have a very sweet film about that time in life between being a kid and hitting your teens. However tweens cursing and buying drugs puts a whole different spin on it. The cursing is funny for a while and does wear thin after a while but the situations these three 12 year old boys find themselves get more and more outrageous.

        Jacob Trembley, Keith L. Williams and Brady Noon are the three "Beanbag Boys". Friends for life that are about to go to their first "kissing party". First they have to learn how to kiss. Things get pretty crazy from that point. Even though their adventures get wilder, there remains something very sweet and nostalgic ( especially if you were ever a 12 year old boy) about their relationship.

       The three leads are terrific, basically doing what boys do, and have great chemistry. I can picture them grown up as Ben Stiller, Craig Robinson, and Danny McBride respectively. The film co-stars Molly Gordon, Lil Rel Howery, Midori Francis and Will Forte.

           Co-written and directed by Gene Stupnitsky, the spirit of male tween years is captured perfectly. The major plot point of trying to recover "Molly" for two older girls was a bit uncomfortable for me but it does manage to put the boys in some crazy situations. Most of the visuals gags are seen in the preview but some pretty funny dialog is saved for the film. There are many laugh out loud lines, most of which are unrepeatable here as the film definitely earns its "R" rating.

Brittney Runs a Marathon

             Based on a true story, writer/director Paul Downs Colaizzo has fashioned a biting new comedy that actually bites back. Brittney is an overweight, late night party girl who, after a visit to a doctor to procure Adderall, finds that her health is a lot worse than she thought and decides to do something about it.

             Played by Jillian Bell (who finally gets the lead role she deserves), Brittney is an overweight, self obsessed, nasty, selfish character who is hard to root for. Only after she decides to start running (since she can't afford a gym) does she become someone you can start to care about. Ms. Bell is in every scene and brings to life a real flesh and blood character. There is not a false note in her performance.

             The supporting cast, as written by Mr. Colaizzo, are also very honest characters. The film co-stars Alice Lee, Michaela Watkins, Lil Rel Howery, Micah Stock, and Utkarsh Ambudkar. Brittney's various relationships with each character are completely believable and the entire film never falters. Even the end, by Hollywood standards, works in the context of the story.

             The film is both funny and heartbreaking. On the surface, you may think you have it figured out but it will definitely surprise you. It's a smart script brought to life by a terrific Ms. Bell, who is not afraid to immerse herself in an unflattering role. And for all the "Brittneys" out there, it is an inspiration.

Blinded by the Light

        Based on a true story, this is a film about the trans-formative power of music. The music of Bruce Springsteen plays a major role in the film but don't be put off if you're not a fan. In fact, the film will give you insight into Mr. Springsteen's songs that you may have never realized and you may find yourself a fan by the end.

         Co-written and directed by Gurinder Chadha,  this is the story of Javed Khan, a Pakistani teen alienated in his working class British town by local bigotry, and by his father, Malik, who insists he stop trying to be "British" and stick to his roots. It's the late '80's in England and unemployment is at an all time high. The National Front are marching in the streets against immigrants and Javed's future looks bleak. He longs to be a writer but his father rules his family and has other plans for Javed. When another immigrant classmate named "Roops" gives him two Springsteen cassettes, Javed's life is changed forever.

         Springsteen's lyrics speak directly to him and Javed finds solidarity, strength and self confidence in the songs. The film follows a familar arc but is presented in such a fresh and unusual way, you can forgive the cliches. Javed is played by Viveik Kalra and he is a natural. Full of expression and honesty, you can't help but root for him. His father is played by Kulvinder Ghir and other co-stars include Hayley Atwell as Javed's English Literature teacher, Nell Williams as Eliza, and Aaron Phagura as Roops.

         Ms. Chadha highlights Springsteen's lyrics visually into the background while Javed's cassettes play in his head. Emphasizing specific lyrics makes you think about them in a new way, even as Javed makes his connection. There are joyful dance numbers that actually make sense as well as moments that will have you reaching for tissues. For Javed, it's the music of Bruce Springsteen that makes a difference but the film also makes the point, it could just as easily be another singer or songwriter. If anyone's music touches you in a very real way, it can help change your life. 

           This is a terrific film on many levels and should not be missed. And stay for the credits to see pictures of Sarfraz Manzoor, the real Javed, who's book inspired the film, with Mr. Springsteen at various times through his career.

The Nightingale

                  Writer/director Jennifer Kent, who's last film, "The Babbadook" still gives me nightmares, returns with a completely different kind of horror film. 

                    In 1825 Tasmania, we meet Claire, played by Aisling Franciosi, a married convict who works servicing the British soldiers who oversee the penal colony. The film contains multiple scenes of rape and murder (even of children) and is not an easy film to watch. While many viewers have left the theater in disgust,  Ms. Kent defends her decision to depict such violence, claiming "the film contains historically accurate depictions of the colonial violence and racism that took place against the Australian Indigenous people of that time".

                     Claire, as a convict and a woman, is treated no differently from the Aborigines, called "Blacks" by the British,  and is subjected to unbelievable violence and cruelty. The film is produced in collaboration with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Elders who feel "this is an honest and necessary depiction of their history and a story that needs to be told". Ms. Kent remains proud of the film despite much negative response and stresses "the film is about a need for love, compassion and kindness in dark times".

                      While a story of revenge, it is clear that Ms. Kent's message comes through and needs to be heard.  Gripping, powerful and never easy, Claire's growing relationship with the Aboriginal tracker, Billy, played by Baykali Ganambarr, and the surprising direction of the story is raw, honest and heartbreaking. The three lead actors have very difficult roles but they are just brilliant, including Sam Claflin as the despicable Lieutenant Hawkins (one of the all time horrendous screen villains).

                       The cinematography of the Tasmanian landscape is a rich and beautiful contrast to the transpiring story. Ms. Kent's direction is impeccable, holding back nothing to the audience and driving home her point. She is a talented filmmaker with a unique style. While certainly not for everyone, this is a remarkable film.

The Peanut Butter Falcon

                This comedic drama is a terrific comeback for actor Shia LaBeouf.  Bad behavior and the resulting bad press have kept him out of the spotlight for the past few years but this charming Indie story has Mr. LeBeouf in top form as a down on his luck drifter, traumatized by his brother's death, who befriends a young man with Down's Syndrome ( a terrific Zack Gottsagen) who dreams of being a pro wrestler.

                When "Zak", who is on the run from where he has been living, is discovered hiding under a tarp on Mr. LeBeouf's boat, they form an unlikely friendship. On the run himself, Tyler (Mr. LaBeouf), decides to help Zak get to a wrestling school to fulfill his dream. 

                  The film co-stars Dakota Johnson as Eleanor, the aide from the center where Zak had been living, tasked with finding him since she figures out where he is heading. Also featured are Bruce Dern, John Hawkes, Thomas Hayden Church, and Jon Bernthal.

                   Beautiful locations in the Outer Banks and a great score help tell this simple but unusual story.  It is a charmer that is both heartwarming and very entertaining.

Luce

      Co-written (with J.C. Lee) and directed by Julius Onah, this is a domestic drama that is smart, well acted and very unsettling. It stars Naomi Watts and Tim Roth as the adoptive parents of Luce (played by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a black teenager, they have raised since the age of seven when they rescued him from a war torn African nation.

       Luce is a star senior at his high school, excelling at track and on his way to be class valedictorian at his graduation. He is well liked by his teachers and classmates with the exception of Ms. Wilson (played by Octavia Spencer), his history teacher. When accusations begin and tension grows, the film veers into a very uncomfortable space. Credit Mr. Onah for creating an atmosphere that keeps the audience off balance and never quite sure who to believe as things escalate.

      Norbert Leo Butz co-stars as the school principal, torn between his obligations for his teacher and student alike. Andrea Bang and Brian Bradley also co-stars as significant classmates of Luce. The entire cast is excellent. Mr. Harrison Jr. in particular, as Luce, is a star in the making. 

       The film raises troubling questions and quickly escalates into a psychological war of words that teeters on the edge of potential violence. It's an intelligent drama that will have you thinking about it even after the credits roll.

Hobbs & Shaw

       Spinning off from the "Fast & Furious" franchise, Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham team up as "Hobbs & Shaw" to take on a global threat of a missing super virus. The villain, an enhanced rogue agent is played by Idris Elba and the twist is that the virus is dormant inside Shaw's sister, Hattie, played by a very capable Vanessa Kirby.

         The charisma and chemistry between Mr. Johnson and Mr. Statham carry the film as they trade insults and one-liners, pretending to hate one another, while engaging in a serious "bromance" to save the world. Ms. Kirby more than holds her own against these two action stars, as an MI-6 operative that injects herself with the virus to keep it out of the hands of Mr. Elba.

          The silly plot is secondary to the action and fans of the "Fast & Furious" franchise will not be disappointed by the chase scenes including an amazing sequence involving multiple trucks and a helicopter that needs to be seen to be believed, as well as plenty of fast cars and one incredible motorcycle. 

           This is the ideal summer "popcorn" flick. It doesn't ask you to put much thought into the film, just to sit back and enjoy the action and visual flair of it's director, David Leitch. Helen Mirren and Eddie Marsan have bit parts and there are two surprise cameos that add to the fun.  Mid and post credit scenes set up the inevitable sequel and probably the start of another franchise.