Top Gun: Maverick

 

             Tom Cruise flies again. Fans of the original have waited two CoVid postponed years for this sequel to the beloved first film. They won't be disappointed as the new film adds all the elements from the first, mixes in some contemporary twists and makes it fit as comfortable as a favorite T-shirt.

            For audiences who may not have seen or don't remember the original, if they can get past the melodramatic, predictable plot and dialog, they will be treated to thrilling flying sequences and a very exciting last act. Mr. Cruise, still in remarkable shape is no longer the cocky young hotshot pilot but rather a weathered pilot still grieving over the loss of his best friend. His first priority now is getting his new Tom Gun pilots combat ready and keeping them alive. A dangerous mission against an unnamed enemy sets up the dramatic action but takes it's time getting to the actual mission. In between, we are treated to many  familiar plot points updated from the original.

           The film co-stars Jennifer Connelly returning as Penny, Maverick's love interest from the first film, now conveniently divorced and owner of the bar where they first met. Also co-starring are John Hamm as a by the book Admiral, Miles Teller as "Rooster", the son of Maverick's best friend "Goose", Charles Parnell as another admiral on Maverick's side,  and Glenn Powell, Lewis Pullman,  Monica Barbaro,  Greg Tarzan Davis, Danny Ramirez as the new Top Gun Pilots. Val Kilmer has a poignant cameo as "Iceman".

           The flying sequences are remarkable putting the audience directly in the cockpit, feeling every twist, turn and G force. The film is designed as a nostalgic crowd pleaser with  contemporary elements that won't disappoint if you can bear the predictable melodrama (although the script does have more depth than the original). I highly recommend seeing it in IMAX or at least Dolby Cinema to really appreciate the action.

"Downton Abbey: A New Era"

 

        I must confess, I have never seen an episode of the Downton Abbey TV show, nor the first film. However, after enjoying "The Gilded Age" on HBO,  created and written by Julien Fellowes who also created "Downton", I was intrigued by the trailer.

        After a quick primer by my wife, on the characters, I went into the film with an open mind.  And I have to say, it was quite enjoyable. Mr. Fellowes plays it safe with two subplots that split the family and servants between a film being shot at "Downton" and an inherited villa in the south of France.

         Everything is prim and proper, as is the English way, especially in the upper-class life of the early 1930's. Most, if not all of the familiar characters are back and a few new ones are introduced. Hugh Dancy is the movie director of the silent film, "The Gambler" being shot at "Downton". Dominic West and Laura Haddock are his stars. Problems arise when "The Jazz Singer" premieres and studios suddenly want "talkies".

         At the villa, Lord Grantham, played again by Hugh Bonneville, is faced with a potential scandal. But Mr. Fellowes is not interested in causing waves in a sea of familiarity. For the most part, there is a happy ending for almost everyone.  And how can you not love the fabulous costumes and scenic locations?

         Fans will enjoy the two hour loving embrace of their favorite characters but new fans, such as myself, will also enjoy the light drama and surprising fun as the Downton Abbey legacy continues.

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once

     The magic of Dr. Strange and the Scarlett Witch may have transported audiences through Marvel's conception of the multiverse but this new film takes a more scientific, yet fun, approach to the concept and does it brilliantly.  Written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (together known as 'The Daniels"), the film is epic in scale. It throws so much absurdist fun, emotional drama, martial arts, and questions of life itself, into one story that you will leave the theater exhausted but thrilled at having your mind blown.

      Michelle Yeoh stars as Evelyn Quan Wang, who along with her husband Waymond (played by Ke Huy Quan) own a failing Laundromat, and are about to be audited by the IRS.  The legendary James Wong plays Evelyn's father and Stephanie Hsu plays their daughter, Joy. Co-starring are Jamie Lee Curtis as the IRS agent from hell, Tallie Medel as Joy's girlfriend, Harry Shum Jr. as Chad, and Jenny Slate as Debbie, the dog mom. It's a great cast but Ms. Yeoh and Mr. Quan really stand out. Their characters go through multiple transformations but they manage to keep it all grounded no matter how crazy things get and trust me, things get pretty crazy.

       The "Daniels" make it a point to try to explain the existence of a multiverse in a fun and almost believable way. Using trigger points that get more absurd as the film goes on, characters then "jump" between realities ultimately trying to stop a threat to the entire multiverse. While this all sounds completely gonzo (and it is), the plot is actually easy to follow and it all ends up making sense in a weird way.

       It's really great to see Ms. Yeoh take center stage, especially in film that show her full range, from comedy to drama with martial arts in between. She is just brilliant and Mr. Quan, a famed martial arts stunt director, is just as good in what I think may be his first starring role. The film will make your head spin (but in a good way) and is, so far, my favorite film of the year.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

    Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Doctor Strange in this trippy sequel that will appeal to Marvel fans but hold probably no interest for anyone else.

    Events from the "Wanda Vision" TV show on Disney+ set up the plot in this film but even if you missed that show, you will still be able to follow the central story.  Elizabeth Olsen returns as Wanda Maximoff aka The Scarlet Witch and she just about steals the film out from under Mr. Cumberbatch.

   While the central plot is simple to follow, it is actually a disappointing storyline that at its core is about the lengths a mother will go through to be with her kids. For a film with the title "multiverse of Madness", there really isn't a big focus on the concept or construct of an actual multiverse. There are a few set pieces that are film highlights and fan favorites that introduce more surprise Marvel characters (films to come later) but one of the best scenes where Dr. Strange and his young friend America travel through many multiverses goes by much too fast.

   Mr. Cumberbatch is terrific as Dr. Strange. He continues to capture the character perfectly and his snarky attitude makes you miss Tony Stark just a little bit less. Xochitl Gomez plays America Chavez, a young woman who can travel between the multiverse and has a power that is coveted by Wanda. Also returning are Benedict Wong as Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo and Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer, Strange's ex-fiancé. The leads are terrific especially Mr. Cumberbatch and Ms. Olsen but the characters get bogged down by the barrage of trippy CGI. And speaking of the special effects, they go from sloppy to excellent depending on where you are in the film.

    The film is directed by Sam Raimi,  who has played in the Marvel universe before and has a fun sensibility to the material. He can't resist a good zombie. He even casts an old friend in a surprise cameo.

    As usual, there are two extra scenes, one mid credits and one post credits. The mid credit scene is a short but important tease. The post credit is just silly and can be skipped without missing anything.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

      Nicolas Cage stars as a fictionalized version of himself in this new action comedy, written and directed by Tom Gormican. 

     Mr. Cage is in great form, making fun of himself and at the same time having a blast with Pedro Pascal in quite the "bromance". He stars as Nick Cage, who needs a desperately needs a hit as his bank account is dwindling quickly. Neil Patrick Harris plays his agent who brings him an offer of a million dollars just to be the guest of honor at a billionaire's birthday party. Mr. Pascal is Javi Gutierrez, the billionaire who is Mr. Cage's biggest fan and wants him to read a script he has written with Mr. Cage in mind.

    The two hit it off immediately and fuel their friendship with drugs and alcohol. Mr. Cage is very impressed with Javi's private Nicolas Cage collection, including a life-size figure of Mr. Cage. Things take a turn when Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barinholtz, playing CIA agents, "recruit" Mr. Cage into betraying Javi, who they suspect is an arms dealer and kidnapper.

    Using clips and quotes from many of his earlier films, and an imaginary visit from one of his earlier characters, the film is an absolute ode to Mr. Cage. He is obviously enjoying himself and has terrific chemistry with Mr. Pascal, who almost steals the film.  Additional co-stars include Sharon Hogan as Mr. Cage's ex-wife and Lily Sheen as his daughter. 

      While not award material , the film is a silly romp that pokes fun at Hollywood, movie stars and itself. If you are a Nicolas Cage fan, and who isn't, you will find it easy to "bear the weight".