Flag Day

                

                Based on a true story, director and star Sean Penn tackles a complicated father/daughter relationship, helped by the superb casting of his own daughter, Dylan Penn. In her first starring role, Ms. Penn does an outstanding job as Jennifer Vogel, a woman coming to terms with her con man father's past. 

               Mr. Penn plays her father, John Vogel, who drifts in and out of her life as she's growing up. It's evident that he loves her but he's totally unreliable. The film takes place over multiple decades leading to a dramatic and emotional ending. Both Mr. and Ms. Penn are terrific. The emotional scenes (and there are many) are made that much more authentic by their obviously true connection.  The film is a star vehicle for Ms. Penn. She is really exceptional in a part that carries the film. And as a director, Mr. Penn showcases her talent with many scenes in close-up, highlighting her expressive features. Amounting to little more than cameos, the supporting cast feature Josh Brolin, Eddie Marsan, and Regina King.

              The film tends to get lost in melodrama and there are many "artistic" shots of nature and background that slow things down but the strong performances are worth overlooking these flaws.

Black Widow

            

         Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha Romanoff in this Marvel stand-alone spinoff. The film takes place before the events in "Avengers: Endgame" and centers on Natasha reuniting with her Russian "family" to bring down General Dreykov (played by Ray Winstone), the man behind the mind controlling Black Widow program.

          Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova, another Black Widow and raised as a sister to Natasha. Their "parents" are played by David Harbour as Alexi Shostakov, The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff. The four core actors all have great chemistry and all blend well into the Marvel universe.

          The film is an entertaining adventure with lots of action and a dose of humor. It is available on DIsney + for a premium price (no premium after October) or in theaters. Of course, films like this are made for the big screen, if you are comfortable going to the theater, it's the best place to see it, and stay for the post credit scene.

The Green Knight

      

     Based on a 14th century poem and Arthurian legend, writer/director David Lowery brings his own vision to the screen in this medieval fantasy adventure. Rather than an action-packed story of a Knight's honor, Mr. Lowery instead chooses to present the film as an artistic, almost hallucinatory quest with little dialog but strong visual storytelling.

       

    Dev Patel stars as Gawain, King Arthur's nephew who accepts the challenge of the mysterious Green Knight during a Christmas celebration at court. He beheads the knight but not before knowing that in a year's time, he must seek out the Green Knight again and receive the same blow. The King holds him to his promise and a year later he sets out in search of the Knight's castle to test his honor and loyalty.

    We follow Gawain on his journey encountering friend and foe alike until his inevitable showdown with the Green Knight. Mr. Patel continues to show his strength as a leading man in a physically demanding, yet spiritual role. The film also features Sean Harris as King Arthur,  Alicia Vikander in a dual role, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Kate Dickie and Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight. There is also a very cute CGI fox who befriends Gawain on his journey.

    The cinematography is outstanding and the film score carries the visuals to propel the story forward in lieu of much dialog. It's a bold artistic vision that will appeal to a particular audience. Those seeking a standard sword and sorcery film will be disappointed. 

Jungle Cruise

   Successful with "Pirates of the Caribbean" , leave it to Disney to fashion another film around a theme park attraction.  The film expands elements of the ride into a complete  "Raiders of the Lost Ark" type adventure. It is a lighthearted action film with mild thrills and chills and perfect family fare (although some scenes may be too intense for younger kids).

    What really holds it all together is the dream cast of Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Both actors are so likeable and engaging, it's hard not to root for them. The major villains are played by Jesse Plemmons (having fun with a German accent), and Edgar Ramirez as a ghost conquistador. Paul Giamatti also is "on board" as a comedic minor villain. Ms. Blunt makes an excellent adventurer and Jack Whitehall is fun as her prissy brother tagging along on the adventure.

     The film is set in the Amazon river during the first World War and filled with excellent CGI scenery, dangers and a very important cheetah. The film is streaming on Disney + for an additional $30 if you don't have premium but also in theaters which I hardily recommend (if you are comfortable going back to the movies) and it looks and sounds great on a big screen and sound system.

The Suicide Squad

      Unlike the previous "Squad" film, this new sequel of sorts succeeds on all levels of self-awareness, snarky attitude, and ultra-violence. That said, it's a lot more fun than its predecessor, mostly due to the writing and direction of James Gunn. It's clear he has a love of this genre and of these characters.

      Featuring some of the characters from the first "Suicide Squad" , but also introducing new characters, the squad this time is edgier and more prone this time,  to some characters actually dying.  Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn and she totally owns the bonkers character. Idris Elba is new to the team and he plays Bloodsport,  excellent  at combining his darker, angrier persona with just a right amount of a comedic tone. John Cena, also new, plays Peacemaker and has a great time being goofy at his own expense but busting heads when he has to. Viola Davis is back as Amanda Waller and I wish we saw more of her, as she is more or less on the sidelines this time out. Joel Kinnaman is also back as Rick Flag, heroic as always. A fun new member of the team is the CGI King Shark, voiced by Sylvester Stallone.

      The action takes place in a mythical Latin American country so it's easy to politically correct battle nameless soldiers along with an alien monster that Mr. Gunn brings to life from the pages of DC comics. The monster is one of the sillier villains from that comic world but that makes it even more fun for the story. The film is fast paced and things get more gonzo crazy as it goes along but Mr. Gunn actually manages to sneak in some social commentary as well. Mr. Gunn also has a knack for finding great songs for his soundtracks and once again, doesn't disappoint.

       There are two post credit scenes worth waiting for. The film is in theaters and available on HBOMAX.
 

Pig

      

       Do not be turned off by the title or mistaken by the poster for this film. It defies anything you might expect of any recent Nicolas Cage film. Nothing can prepare you for the quiet beauty and contemplative nature of this new drama.

      Mr. Cage does his finest acting in years and gives his best performance since "Leaving Las Vegas". He stars as a recluse living in the woods with only a truffle pig for a companion. When his pig is stolen, he leaves the world he has made for himself and goes on a quest to find his pig.

      He is aided by Amir (played by Alex Wolff, who also does some of his best work) a supplier of high-end ingredients to restaurants. The film also co-stars Adam Arkin. I hesitate to reveal anything else about the film except to say, it is a meditation on loss and love and a remarkable debut from writer/director Michael Sarnoski.