Eddington

 

   

      Written and directed by Ari Aster, this new film is a microcosm of the insanity of 2020 that takes place in one small New Mexico town. Taking place in May of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic is sweeping the world and masks have become the norm. Eddington residents are torn between the Mayor's mandate to wear masks and the local sheriff's refusal to do so. If that isn't enough, Mr. Aster throws in the murder of George Floyd, "Black Lives Matter", and  several conspiracy theories to add fuel to a growing volatile situation in the small town of Eddington.  

        Joaquin Phoenix stars as the sheriff, Joe Cross and he is terrific. His performance holds the whole story together, even when it starts to go off the rails in the third act. Emma Stone is Joe's wife, Louise, who is emotionally unstable and heavily influenced by her conspiracy theorist mother, Dawn, played by Deirdre O'Connell. Louise becomes involved with Vernon Jefferson Peak, a radical cult leader played by Austin Butler. Pedro Pascal is Ted Garcia, the town mayor running for re-election.

         The film also co-stars Luke Grimes and Micheal Ward as Joe's deputies. Amelie Hoeferle, William Belleau, Matt Gomez, Cameron Mann and a completely unrecognizable Clifton Collins Jr. round out the excellent cast.

         Mr. Aster injects dark humor into the tense drama at odd moments but it works as a release value for the audience, already on edge from the growing confrontation the film is leading up to (but not in the way you might think). It is easy to compare the film to a modern western (Mr. Aster's goal) with the sheriff trying to contain the townsfolk from growing violent due to outside forces.

         The third act erupts into serious violence and gets pretty crazy (which is a common theme in all of Mr. Aster's films). The story is a grim reminder of a time that brought out the worst in many of us and yet it still holds surprises when you least expect it.

Superman

 

        Writer/director James Gunn foregoes the origin story and drops us into the middle of a world that already exists with Superman. This allows him to shape the story without any preexisting notions. And for that reason, we get a Superman we have never quite seen like this before.

         Mr. Gunn refreshes the story by including elements of the comic books, the 1950's TV show and even the older animation stories. He introduces more characters from the D.C. universe in novel ways and gets terrific performances from his cast. He even tackles social issues like immigration and alienation without getting heavy-handed. And while some may not like seeing a Superman getting his butt kicked for most of the film, truth and justice do prevail.

         The film stars David Corenswet as Superman/Clark Kent. Mr. Corenswet borrows elements from Christopher Reeve's Superman as well as the Superman of the more recent comics. However, he does make the character his own with humor and just enough gravitas. Rachel Brosnahan is Lois Lane and she is perfect. Nicholas Hoult plays Lex Luthor and while I had my doubts, he is actually very good as the high-tech villain with a chip on his shoulder. The film also co-stars Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner/Green Lantern, Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, the Element Man (with even a nod to Stagg Industries), and Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl. Together this group make up the "Justice Gang" (name pending) and they deserve their own film, they are that good together. Personally I was excited to see "Metamorpho", one of my favorite DC comic characters.

         Additional co-stars are Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Sara Sampano as Eve Teschmacher, Maria Gabriela de Faria as "The Engineer"", Frank Grillo as Rick Flagg Sr., Pruitt Taylor Vince as Pa Kent and Neva Howell as Ma Kent and Wendell Pierce as Perry White. There are also a few cameos which I won't spoil. And of course I can't forget Krypto, the Super dog, who completely steals the film.

         Mr. Gunn's technical team produce some first rate special effects, the score is excellent, even borrowing the theme we all know so well, and Mr. Gunn even throws in some easter eggs for good measure. The film comes in at a trim two hours and never feels bloated. I recommend seeing it in IMAX, if possible, for an optimum experience.

           There is one quick mid credit scene and one post credit scene which are clever but don't provide any clues to the next film. And I'm sure there will be a next film and more as I suspect Mr. Gunn is just getting started.

            

             

Jurassic World: Rebirth

 

          Wow, can you believe this is the fourth installment in the Jurassic World franchise and overall seventh film in the dinosaur franchise? People just can get enough of dinosaurs. Just as the films were starting to disappoint, writer David Koepp (who co-wrote the original film) manages a story that comes closest to the Jurassic Park roots and gives it a fresh jolt in this standalone film.

            Directed by Gareth Edwards, the film does it's best to bring back the magic and excitement of the original film. He clearly is a student of the "Spielberg" school of film making and includes many "easter egg" and nods to the original.

             Scarlett Johansson stars as Zora Bennett, who is asked to lead a team back to the isolated island of dinosaurs to collect samples for a pharmaceutical company, who's corporate shill, played by Rupert Friend, is along for the ride. Also joining her as the dinosaur expert, is Jonathan Bailey and as her "number two'" in the expedition, Mahershala Ali. Co-starring are Manuel Garcia- Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono and as the requisite child in danger, Audrina Miranda. 

              The film takes a bit too long to get going, having to introduce the characters and their emotional backgrounds. Mr. Koepp wants to make sure we care what happens to these people once they start encountering the various dinosaurs. And encounter they do, as there are many exciting action sequences in the film.

                It is far from perfect however, as there are continuity gaps and plot holes (if you look closely), far too many product placements that are distracting and spotty CGI work at times (clearly a lot of "blue Screen" work was evident). However, when it really counts, the dinosaurs that need to scare do their job and make the film a fun ride. The clear definition of a summer "Popcorn" movie.

F1

 

    

            "F1" stand for Formula 1 and the title couldn't be more apropos. This is a formula film from start to finish. Filmed during the actual racing seasons, the film features many real drivers and race care personal and owners. If you are a racing fan, you will certainly enjoy the film. As for a novice audience, it's enjoyable enough but the repetitive races start to bore after three or four times around the various tracks.

             Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, the worn-out veteran driver who is talked into one more shot at the title by APXGP racing team, CEO Ruben Cervantes, played by Javier Bardem. He is paired up with a young rookie "phenom", Joshua Pearce, played by Damson Idris. Of course, the two drivers can't stand each other at first but eventually learn to respect and even like each other. The film co-stars Kerry Condon, who plays the APXGP technical director who, of course, falls for Mr. Pitt (I mean who wouldn't. He's in great shape and doesn't seem to age). Also co-starring are Kim Bodnia, Tobias Menzies and Sarah Niles.

             The racing scenes put the viewer right inside the cars, due to the intimate camera placement in and around the cars, although at times, you feel like you're playing a video game. Filmed in various Formula 1 tracks around the world, there is much local spectacle before the start of each race, which is fun to watch.

              There are the inevitable crashes and curves (on and off the track) to keep things exciting, but a true highlight is watching the various pit crews change tires and parts in under three seconds at each pit stop. If you learn anything from this film, it's that Formula 1 is a team sport because no matter how good the driver is, they can't do it without the pit crew to get them to the finish line.