EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert

 

        Lord oh mighty, I feel my temperature rising...

        Along with the great editing by Jonathan Redmond, director Baz Luhrmann presents an amazing film starring the one and only Elvis Presley. It's a hybrid of documentary and concert film that will leaving breathless.

        Mr. Luhrmann found unseen footage from "Elvis: That's the Way it is" and "Elvis on Tour" along with footage from his residency in Las Vegas from 1969 into the 1970's, as well as archival footage of his early years to create a momentous musical experience.

        The majority of the concert footage is from the Vegas residency in his white jumpsuit performing at the peak of his talents. Footage also includes other performances intercut with colorful jumpsuits that edited together move like a seamless concert. Mr. Redmond also edits in archival footage from Elvis's early years, shots of his army years, the long list of "terrible" movies (in his words), and moments with Priscilla and baby Lisa Marie.

        This is a spectacle that is not to be missed. See it in IMAX if you can or the biggest screen possible.

        The King may be dead but long live The King!

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die

 

          Written by Matthew Robinson and directed by Gore Verbinski, this is a high concept action comedy with a serious message at its core. Mr. Robinson script contains a not so subtle message about our addiction to technology and the ever evolving growth of Artificial Intelligence, but wraps it around a gonzo Sci-Fi comedy.

          The film stars Sam Rockwell (at his lunatic best) as, seemingly, a man from the future who has travelled back in time to recruit a group of individuals to help him change the course of our future. The film co-stars Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Pena, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple.

          It's a very clever story, and in Mr. Verbinski's hands, it plays out in controlled chaos. It's a wild ride through one crazy night with an even more insane payoff. It has the same lunatic spirit as "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once", but for most, probably easier to follow.

           While a lot of fun, it will leave you with second thoughts about the phone in your hand.

Crime 101

 

          This is a very exciting new crime thriller starring the very charismatic Chris Hemsworth. Directed by Bart Layton (who also wrote the screenplay), the film is based on a story by celebrated crime author, Don Winslow. Mr. Layton ascribes to the Michael Mann school of atmospheric crime dramas and this film may remind you of "Heat" but if it does, let that be a compliment.

           Mr. Hemsworth plays Mike Davis, a thief only interested in high end scores who is very methodical in the planning and execution of his robberies. The film also stars Mark Ruffalo as the detective looking to identify and apprehend the thief, and Halle Berry as an insurance broker who ends up involved with both men. Co-starring are Barry Keoghan as a psychotic criminal, Nick Note as Mike's "fence", Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Tate Donovan, Paul Adelstein in various roles and in a one scene cameo, Jennifer Jason Leigh.

           It's a terrific cast that play well written characters bringing depth to the story elevating it beyond a simple "cops and robbers" plot. The clever script also includes many small surprises throughout the film that create unexpected moments. 

           The title has a dual meaning referring to a figurative playbook on how to commit a crime as well as the actual  California highway 101 that plays an important role in the story. For this reason, there are just a few too many night time visuals of the highway itself but I consider that my only complaint. Otherwise, this is a action filled, throwback crime thriller with a great cast that is not to be missed.

              And an additional note, you will really appreciate the car chases seeing the film in IMAX or Dolby cinema.

            

A Private Life

 

       Jodie Foster stars in this new French film (speaking fluent French with occasional English), co-written and directed by Rebecca Ziotowski.

       Ms. Foster plays  American psychiatrist, Lillian Steiner, living and working in Paris. She begins to suspect one of her patient's apparent suicide may have been murder when the patient's daughter gives her a mysterious note. She then enlists the help of her ex-husband to investigate.

       The film co-stars Daniel Auteuil as Gabriel, her ex-husband, Virginie Efira as Paula, the patient seen in flashbacks, Mathieu Amalric as the widower, Vincent Lascoste as Julien, Dr. Steiner's son, and Luana Bajrami as Valerie, Paula's daughter.

       Ms. Foster and Mr. Auteuil have wonderful chemistry and while the film is a drama, their relationship provides slices of light humor throughout the film. While it is initially interesting to watch Ms. Foster play the lead speaking French, to her credit (and Ms. Ziotowski's), it quickly becomes second nature to the mystery itself and the nature of memory and loss.