The Accountant 2

 

      Capitalizing on the success of the first film, director Gavin O'Conner and writer Bill Dubuque have returned along with star Ben Affleck to double down on the comedy and action.

      Mr. Affleck returns as Christian Wolff and is joined once again by Jon Bernthal as his brother Braxton. Mr. Bernthal's role increases the chemistry between Mr. Affleck and himself. The two create more comedic moments as well as more mayhem than in the original film.

      Also returning in increased roles are Cynthia Addai-Robinson as Federal agent Marybeth Medina. and as Justine, Christian's hacker, Allison Robertson takes over the role but with the voice of the original Justine, Allison Wright. Daniella Pineda is new to the cast in a mysterious role and J.K. Simmons has a cameo reprising his role as Raymond King.

      The plot is a bit convoluted but it doesn't matter. It's just a device to enjoy watching Mr. Affleck and Mr. Bernthal save the day, which they do after many bullets fly and time out for line dancing (don't ask).

        

Sinners

 

     The latest film from writer/director Ryan Coogler is an interesting mix of genres. What starts out as a period piece drama descends midway through into a visceral horror story. This jarring switch midstream may put off some viewers and while it makes no sense, still makes for an exciting film.

     Mr. Coogler's frequent collaborator, Michael B. Jordon stars as twin brothers, nicknamed "Smoke" and "Stack". Their scenes together are flawlessly integrated. He is terrific as both characters, who come home to the Mississippi Delta in 1932,  flush with stolen cash from gangsters in Chicago, in order to open a "juke joint".

      The film co-stars Hailee Steinfeld (in a role she really sinks her teeth into), Jack O'Connell ( a terrific actor in a truly bizarre role), Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Miller, a terrific Delroy Lindo and Miles Caton as Sammie, the younger cousin of the twins, who is an excellent blues singer and guitar player.

      Production design on the film is excellent and along with the period costumes and terrific original music, there is an air of perfect authenticity, at least until things go off the rails.

      There are lots of great musical styles represented in the film, highlighted by a wonderfully magical musical number during the party at the "juke joint".

       One criticism I have regards a racially motivated incident towards the very end, that while exciting, didn't ring true to me in it's execution. True to the times, I think it would have taken place differently. Aside from that, the film, while eventually gonzo, is fun and exciting.

       I would love to see a prequel with the twins in Chicago and just how they came about their stolen cash. I think that story has lots of potential. And as a final note, stay during the credits for a mid credit scene featuring a great cameo and also a quick scene at the very end.

Warfare

 

      A very different kind of war film, "Warfare" takes you into a reenactment of an actual confrontation during the Iraq War. It is about as close as you can get in a firefight without tasting the blood, sweat and smell of the ammunition..

      Written and directed by Alex Garland and former Navy Seal, Ray Mendoza, the film is scripted entirely on the memories of the men who lived through the battle of Ramadi. It is shot in real time and is about as intense as it gets in ninety five minutes. 

       The film stars D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai (of Hulu's Reservation Dogs) as Ray Mendoza, Cosmo Jarvis (of Hulu's Shogun) as Elliott Miller. Also starring are Will Poulter, Charles Melton, Joseph Quinn, Kit Conner, Finn Bennett, Taylor John Smith, and Michael Gandolfini. The entire cast honor the men they are portraying.

      Watching the film unfold, you experience the primal terror of the battle from the boredom before it starts until the very last shot is fired. You won't even realize you've been holding your breath the entire time.

        

The Amateur

 

            Suspend your belief and you'll enjoy this perfectly serviceable espionage/revenge thriller. It follows a standard formula but Rami Malek, who stars as Charlie Heller brings the conviction of an amateur field agent and is fun to watch as he tracks down the men responsible for killing his wife.

            The film co-stars Rachel Brosnahan, Laurence Fishburne, Holt McCallary, Caitriona Balfe,  Julianne Nicholson, Danny Sapani, Jon Bernthal, and Michael Stuhlbarg as various friends and foes.

             Since Charlie must go global to track down the killers, we are treated to a world tour of countries and cities, including England, Spain, Turkey, Romania, and France. There is also quite a bit of technobabble since Charlie is first and foremost an analyst so a good part of the film is played out on computer and video screens. There are, however, enough action sequences to satisfy the viewer.

              The door is left open for a sequel, but of course, by the end of the film, Charlie is certainly no longer an amateur.

              

Drop

 

       A modern take on a very common premise. The hero/heroine is forced to do something terrible by the villain, who is holding a loved one hostage. We've seen this story many times before but never using cell phone drops to communicate with the hero/heroine.

        Meghann Fahy is the heroine, Violet, faced with an impossible situation. She aptly proves herself leading lady material as she continues to find clever ways to stall and distract her opponent. 

         Violet is on a first date at a upscale  restaurant high above a Chicago skyscraper. Her date, Henry, is played by Brandon Sklenar (of the streamer, 1923). Most of the action plays out in the restaurant with occasional scenes of Violet's home, where her young son Toby (played by Jacob Robinson) and his sitter, Jen (played by Violett Beane) are being threatened by the main villain's accomplice. Jen is also Violet's sister adding to her anxiety over the situation.

         What makes the film fun is the villain could be anyone in the restaurant and poor Henry doesn't understand Violet's increasingly erratic behavior with each phone drop she receives.

          Both Ms. Fahy and Mr. Sklenar take everything very seriously and make a handsome couple to watch. While the dialog may be silly and contrived, the situation does continuously rachet up the tension. Alfred Hitchcock would be proud.

Black Bag

 

       This new film from director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp is an ice cold, old fashioned spy vs. spy story. Relying more on a byzantine script rather than car chases, shoot outs and explosions, this smart story telling wants you to pay close attention to the machinations going on inside a British intelligence agency, where whispers of a traitor to the wrong person set the wheels in motion.

      Michael Fassbender stars as George Woodhouse, a fastidious spy who "can't stand liars". Cate Blanchett is Kathryn, his wife, and a spy at the same agency. The film co-stars Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, Rege-Jean Page and Pierce Brosnan. Mr. Fassbender is perfectly cast as George playing mind games with his fellow spies to find the traitor in the organization. 

      Mr. Soderbergh keeps a quick pace moving the story along at a crisp ninety three minutes. The sets and wardrobe are impeccable. The whole film is sleek in design. The story is a war of words, full of dry wit and some terrific one-liners, played out over an ever increasing tense week's time.

       For those that may find it confusing, the plot comes together in the third act and has a very satisfying ending. It's a smart, even sexy, throwback that fans of John le Carre or Len Deighton will appreciate.