Cruella

 

  

     What a pleasant surprise. I was not expecting much from this fabricated "origin" story of one of Disney's most despicable villains but the film far exceeds expectations.  

      The film stars Emma Stone as the adult title character who we meet as a five-year-old named Estrella (played by Billie Gadsdon). Jump ahead to the 12-year-old Estrella (played by Tipper Seifert-Cleveland, she is now orphaned and living off the streets of London. She meets two other orphan boys, Jasper and Horace and the three form a bond stealing what they can to survive. Along the way, Estrella befriends a stray dog she names "Buddy", who gets along with Horace's one-eyed dog, "Blink". The dogs are adorable.

      Jumping ahead 10 years, we now find the three as adults with Estrella an aspiring fashion designer still living with Jasper( now played by Joel Fry) and Horace (now played by Paul Walter Hauser). From that point on, it's comic misadventures and a revenge plot that fuels the story as Estrella morphs into Cruella. Co-starring in a pivotal role is Emma Thompson as Baroness Von Hellman. The film also features Mark Strong and John McCrea.

      The story is actually a lot of fun with many sight gags and funny lines. It is also suspenseful and surprising. What really elevates it though, is a wonderful soundtrack with every song perfectly placed and absolutely fabulous costumes. And of course, what would the film be without Dalmatians? In this case, three who also play important roles.

      The film is in theaters and also available on Disney + as a premium add-on.  It's fine family fare (although there is one death scene that may be too intense for small kids) and even satisfying just for adults. Stay for a surprise extra scene, mid-credits.

In The Heights

          

      A joyous celebration of family, community and Latino heritage that can still appeal to a broad audience and is the perfect film to celebrate the return to the movies as we emerge from a post pandemic world.  Filled with colorful visuals, big dance production numbers and the energy of New York's Washington Heights neighborhood, the film is an upbeat breath of fresh air for the summer. 

      Based on the Broadway show written by Quiara Alegria Hudes with music (and co-written) by Lin Manuel Miranda, the film version is directed by Jon M. Chu with minor changes to the story. Anthony Ramos stars as Usnavi, a bodega owner in the "Heights" who dreams of one day returning to the Dominican Republic. He acts as the story's narrator as the film opens with him relating his history to a gathering of small children at a beachside bar. Mr. Ramos is magnetic with true star quality. He runs the bodega with his younger cousin Sonny, played by Gregory Diaz IV who is also an appealing young actor who should have a great career ahead of him.

      The film also stars Melissa Barreraas as Vanessa, Usnavi's love interest, Corey Hawkins as Benny, his best friend, Leslie Grace as Nina, Benny's love interest, Jimmy Smits as Kevin Rosario, Nina's father, Olga Merediz as "Abuela" Claudia, the neighborhood matriarch, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela, the owner of the neighbor beauty salon and in a small role, Mr. Miranda as the Piragua (Shaved Ice) vendor. 

     While there are some wonderful production numbers and an appealing story, the film is not perfect. There are some flat scenes that slow things down. The film could definitely have been shorter ( it runs almost two and a half hours). There are some loose ends that don't quite get tied up. And of course, we see only the "fairytale" side of Washington Heights. The closest thing we get to crime is a graffiti artist.  But the over-all obvious labor of love and joy throughout makes up for any minor flaws.

      For anyone who has seen "Hamilton" or heard its soundtrack, you can definitely hear the origins of those songs here as Hamilton's seeds of brilliant music and rap were organically planted here by Mr. Miranda. There are even one or two surprise Hamilton moments scattered through the film "In The Heights" is available on HBO MAX but if possible and if you comfortable with the idea, it should be seen on a big screen with theater quality sound to really appreciate it.

A Quiet Place: Part II

  

        After a brief prologue taking us back to Day 1, this sequel picks up moments after the original ended. Written and directed by John Krasinski, it lacks the emotional depth of the first film but still provides plenty of suspense and is a great thrill ride.

        Emily Blunt returns as Evelyn Abbott, on the road with her three children looking for safe harbor from the terrifying blind creatures attracted by sound. Millicent Simmonds is Regan, her oldest and Noah Jupe is her son, Marcus. And of course, the baby Evelyn delivered in a terrific sequence in the original film. Ms. Simmonds, who is hearing impaired shares most of the weight of this film with Mr. Jupe. In this world, these kids must grow up fast.

        In the clever script, brother and sister are separated and the story rotates between them. Marcus is injured and stays behind with his mother and the baby while Regan goes off in search of help. She is aided by Emmett, an old neighborhood friend, who is now distrustful of people but reluctantly agrees to help her. Emmett is played by Cillian Murphy and he is a welcome addition to the cast.

        The split storyline provides lots of opportunity for exciting sequences and Mr. Krasinski goes old school with some "jump out of your seat" moments. The plot isn't perfect with some contrived scenes to "juice" the story but you can forgive the minor issues as the film does its job to scare and entertain its built-in audience. While there is a satisfying ending, the story seems far from over and I assume it's just a matter of time before we start to see trailers for "Part III".

Dream Horse

         

       Based on a true story, Toni Collette and Damian Lewis star in this uplifting story of a remarkable thoroughbred race horse and the people that own him.

       Ms. Collette stars as Jan Vokes, a grocery clerk by day and a bartender by night in a small town in Wales.  After overhearing a story about a racehorse told by bar patron, Howard Davies (played by Mr. Lewis), Jan gets an idea how to change her "treadmill" life. She convinces her husband, Brian, played by Owen Teale, to buy a mare and breed her to raise a potential thoroughbred. Not having all the money needed, she creates a syndicate of owners formed by a group of other townsfolk.

        The syndicate is made up of a group of colorful characters in their own right and with Howard's knowledge of horses and his job as a tax adviser along with Jan's determination, we watch as "Dream Syndicate" begins his life on the racing circuit.

       Ms. Collette is wonderful as an ordinary woman with an extraordinary dream. Mr. Lewis blends into his role of an average man in a dull job whose life takes on new meaning as the horse begins to improve with each race. The other members of the syndicate are an odd mix each played by actors that bring them all to life. The entire ensemble will make you forget you are watching actors. And the various horses that play the part of "Dream Syndicate" are remarkable animals that you will most certainly fall in love with.

       The racing sequences are exhilarating and will have you on the edge of your seat. There have been plenty of films like this before but "Dream Horse" will still win your heart. So far, it's the one to beat for "feel good movie" of the year.

Those That Wish Me Dead

         

       Angelina Jolie stars in this action thriller about a smoker jumper in the Montana wilderness, protecting a young boy from a pair of assassins. The film is directed by Taylor Sheridan with a screenplay by Michael Koryta, Charles Levitt, and Sheridan, based on Koryta's novel of the same name.

       Adian Gillen and Nicholas Hoult play the very nasty assassins who are hunting down anyone connected with an unnamed criminal activity discovered by a District Attorney. Jon Bernthal and Medina Senghore also co-star as a local deputy sheriff and his wife. Also co-starring are Finn Little as Connor, the young boy and Jake Webber as his father. Ms. Senghore just about steals the movie out from Ms. Jolie.

        Mr. Sheridan knows how to keep the action moving and the audience invested. The film strains credibility but is a fun watch with some exciting moments and a fair share of excessive violence.

Without Remorse

            

       Michael B. Jordan stars as action hero, John Kelly in this adaptation of the Tom Clancy novel and set of "Rainbow Six" video games. There is plenty of action but a paper-thin plot and the film serves primarily as an introduction to the character and a set up for the inevitable sequels.

       The film co-stars Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell, Guy Pierce and Coleman Domingo. There are double crosses, red herrings and lots of gunfire and explosions. Mr. Jordan is more than up to the task of carrying the film. But it all adds up to nothing more than awaiting the next chapter in the adventures of John Kelly (now known as John Clark).

       Watching the film is like playing the video game without having any controls. It is available on Amazon Prime.

The Woman in the Window

   

   A waste of fine actors, this new "thriller" is poor imitation Alfred Hitchcock.

   The film stars Amy Adams as an agoraphobic , unable to leave her brownstone. One night she believes she witnesses a murder in the house directly across the street. From there it becomes a physiological mess. Did she, or didn't she? Is her tenant in the basement unstable? What are the neighbors hiding, if anything? How many pills and red wine can Ms. Adams consume without throwing up or passing out. What is the cat hiding?

   The dialogue and acting are strangely stunted and the film moves like a stage play, rather than a film. Director Joe Wright can only do so much with the material and borrows multiple ideas from much better films. The set up in the first 30 minutes is ridiculous and while there is some suspense in the final act, it's not enough to improve upon the plot.

   Besides Ms. Adams, who tries her best, the film co-stars Julianne Moore, Wyatt Russell, Jenifer Jason Leigh, Fred Heckinger, Brian Tyree Henry, Anthony Mackie and Gary Oldman. It's a quality cast stuck in clunker of a film. The screenplay is by Tracy Letts, who also has a small part as Ms. Adam's physiologist. It's far from his best work. 

   The film is available on Netflix but my advice is don't bother opening this window.

Ladies of Steel

 

        From Finland, this unexpected comedy tells the story of Inkeri, a 75-year-old woman who kills her husband with a frying pan to the head. Expecting to be inevitably arrested, she first embarks upon a road trip with her two older sisters.

      While on the road, Inkeri deals with her unique sisters and looks back on her life.  At the same time, her birthday approaches and her very intense daughter, busy trying to plan a surprise party has no idea what has transpired or where her mother has gone.

        As the three women make their way across Finland, there are encounters with hitchhikers, long lost loves, younger men, and lots of drinking and bickering. The three sisters played by Leena Uoltila (Inkeri, Saara Pakkasvirta (Sylvi, and Seela Sella (Raili) are wonderful fully realized characters and it is refreshing to see older characters portrayed in this way. It is a celebration of life, love and family.

East of the Mountains

 

             Tom Skerritt stars as Ben Givens, a terminally ill, retired heart surgeon who embarks on one last hunting trip with his dog Rex, intending to end his life. They venture into the mountains of Eastern Washington State but things do not turn out as planned.

             Mr. Skerritt who is 87 years old but still remarkably spry is just terrific. He is in just about every scene and gives a very emotional and at times physically demanding performance as he looks back on his past and assesses his future. 

              The film contains some surprising moments of suspense and yet is filled with warmth and grace. The camera captures the beautiful landscapes of Eastern Washington and has very engaging co-stars, Annie Gonzales, Wally Dalton and as Ben's concerned daughter, Mira Sorvino. 

Too Late

           

          An American Indie comedy from director D. W. Thomas and writer Tom Becker, tells the story of comedy club booking agent, Violet Fields. Violet, played by Alyssa Limperis, works at the comedy club "Too Late" owned by "legendary" comic Bob DeVore. What most people don't know is that on the dark of the moon, Bob turns into a creature with an insatiable appetite for people. 

          The film mixes humor with horror in a silly way, occasionally funny but not at all scary. Co-starring at Ron Lynch and Will Weldon. Fred Armisen and Mary Lynn Rajskub have cameos and the cast features many lesser-known standup comics so there are a few solid laughs. 

           Credit Ms. Thomas for going with prosthetics rather than CGI on the special effects giving the film an old school look. The film never takes itself too seriously. It has a low budget feel but genuine heart.

Father

    

     From Serbia comes this new drama about one man's determination to reunite his family. Nikola, a day worker with no full-time job learns that his wife is in the hospital and social services has taken away his teenage son and young daughter.

     The corrupt official at his small town's Center for Social Services make it almost impossible for Nikola to see his children, let alone get them back. With no funds at his disposal, he leaves the town on foot to walk 300 kilometers to Belgrade to appeal to the central government ministry.

      For the majority of the film, we watch as Nikola struggles to cross the county. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles. Random other people, both good and bad, political corruption, physical pain and exhaustion, as well as, acts of kindness.

      Nikola is played by Bosnian actor Goran Bogdan, and with little dialog, his pain, hope and determination is written all over his face. The film is quite emotional, especially in the last act and while the ending may surprise some, it is authentic for its time and place.

The Unknown Saint

           There is an old saying "we make plans and God laughs". This couldn't be truer than this film from Morocco. When a thief, who is being chased by the police after a robbery, has his car breakdown in the middle of the desert, he decides to hide the money at the top of a one tree hill. He buries the money in a makeshift grave so no one will disturb it. The police catch up to him and arrest him. Sometime later when he released from prison, he goes back to retrieve the money only to find a shrine has been built around the "grave".

           The small village behind the hill had discovered the "grave" and built a shrine around it with a small fountain to make offerings to God. The thief, who is never mentioned by name, gets a room in the tiny hotel the town had built to accommodate visitors to the shrine, and waits for night to break in. From there, all his efforts to get to the money are thwarted one way or another.

            Younes Bouab plays the frustrated thief. He has no desire to interfere with the townspeople yet he is determined to get his money. There are only a few key characters beside the thief. A new doctor in town is also frustrated by the lack of real patients. The town barber also doubles as the town dentist and the shrine has a night guard and his dog that play an important role. There is also a farmer and his son who, in a twist of sorts, also play a key part. 

            The film is not billed as a comedy and yet, in a quiet, gentle way, it is very amusing and its fable like quality stayed with me for days.

This Town

           

         Fans of Christopher Guest's films will certainly enjoy this quirky and oddly charming, New Zealand comedy from writer, director, and star, David White. It is a credit to Mr. White that he can pull off a comedy based on a murder of a family in a small town.

         It's been a few years since Sean (played by Mr. White) has been found innocent of murdering his family but the residents of the small town of Thiston remain certain of his guilt. Sean tries to go about his life, even getting a girlfriend he meets through a dating app but ex-police officer, Pam (played by the wonderful Robyn Malcolm) doggedly pursues every lead, however absurd they may be, to finally get the evidence she needs to prove he is guilty

          

         Sean's girlfriend Casey is played by Alice May Connolly and the two have a wonderful chemistry as two oddballs made for each other. The other standout co-star is Rima Te Wiata, who plays the local tabloid reporter Janice, looking to cash in on the story..

         While the thought of the murder itself is horrendous, the film downplays the crime instead focusing on the extremely weird and funny thoughts and actions of the lead characters and all the townspeople. All the characters often speak directly to the camera with their thoughts and opinions about Sean and the crime and Mr. White strikes a delicate balance between the absurdist humor and "true crime" aspect that ignites the plot. 

The Spy

          

       Based on a true story (well at least rumors of a true story), this new Swedish drama recounts the story of Norwegian-Swedish actress, Sonja Wigert, who became an undercover operative for the Swedish government during World War Two. Not interested at first, but when her father is arrested by the Nazis, in order to free him, Sonja reluctantly agrees to become a pawn for the Nazi's ReichsKomissar, Josef Terboven. She secretly spies on Terboven for the Swedes but her loyalty is tested when he asks her to spy on Sweden for him. 

        The film stars Ingrid Bolso Berdal, who bears quite the resemblance to the real Wigert. Ms. Berdal is a vision in 1940's glamour and she pulls off the intricate role beautifully. The tension mounts as Sonja must act as a double agent while also carrying on an affair with a Hungarian Diplomat who is also a Nazi sympathizer.

        The excellent cinematography as well as the sets and exquisite costumes all combine to bring the stylish and suspenseful story to vivid life.

The Heist of The Century

          

      Based on a true story, this new film from Argentina recounts one of the largest bank robberies in Argentina's history. A bored artist and self-proclaimed stoner, Fernado (played by Diego Perreti) decides to rob the Banco Rio believing it will give his life meaning. He puts together a ragtag team of six middle-aged accomplices to help him pull it off.

       The film co-stars Guillermo Francella, as Mario (who steals the film), Pablo Rago as Sebastian, Mariano Argento as Debauza, Juan Alari as Paisa and Rafael Ferro as Alberto. Six men you would never suspect to pull off an intricate heist as the one Fernado puts together. With diverse personalities and lots of charm, the five actors have great chemistry and it is a sheer delight to watch them pull together, despite different motives, to rob the bank.

        Fun and yet suspenseful, fans of this genre (who doesn't like a good heist flick?) will absolutely enjoy the novel way they carry out the robbery.

Slalom

   

        From France, comes this timely look at sexual abuse in sports. The story is set in the world of competitive skiing, specifically the women's downhill Slalom. The film stars Noee Albita as a 15-year-old ski prodigy and Jeremie Renier as her coach. When we first meet the characters, Lyza is starting her training with a group of other kids.  Her coach recognizes her talent and pushes her to compete as hard as she can, while at the same time, an infatuation with his star begins to show in obvious ways.

     The setup is perfect for Lyza's situation as "prey". Her parents are divorced and dad is not in her life. Mom works in a different city and Lyza is basically on her own at her school. Seeking a father figure, she becomes far too attached to her coach, who seizes on the opportunity to take advantage of her. Subtle at first, things escalate and Lyza becomes emotionally damaged with growing feelings of helplessness, guilt and misplaced longing. It begins to affect her school work which in turn threatens her skiing. With bad grades, she can longer continue to train. Her saving grace comes when she is on the slopes but as she loses herself in her conflicting relationship with her coach, even her talent becomes threatened.

       It can be a difficult film to watch as the brilliance of the acting makes it all too real. Ms. Albita is heartbreaking wearing her conflicting emotions on her sleeve and as her "predator", Mr. Renier is far too believable. The two stars have a remarkable chemistry of trust to portray these characters in this heinous situation. 

       The tension becomes almost unbearable as you wonder if Lyza will succumb to the physical and emotional pressure. Directed by Charlene Favier, who also wrote the screenplay, "Slalom" pulls no punches in an honest look at what has been brought to light in the world of women's sports. 

Riders of Justice

      

       Written and directed by Anders Thomas Jensen, this Danish black comedy-drama is familiar, yet very unique in its own way. The film stars Mads Mikkelsen (a frequent collaborator with Mr. Jensen) as Markus, a soldier stationed in Afghanistan who flies home in the aftermath of a family tragedy.

       What he believes to have been an accident, is soon put into question when Markus meets Otto, a statistician, who survives the tragic event.  He convinces Markus that the incident wasn't an accident but an assassination and that Markus must help him take revenge on those responsible.

        Otto has two oddball, yet genius friends to help gather evidence against the people they believe caused the incident. If not for the eventual violence, the film could stand alone as weird buddy comedy between the four men.  The film co-stars Nikoaj Lie Kaas, Lars Brygmann, Nicolas Bro, and Andrea Heick Gadeberg, well known Danish actors who are all terrific this unusual story.

        Unusual, because it's not just another revenge story. It also asks bigger questions, such as how the role of statistics and coincidence can steer one's direction in life. Also, the impact of the "butterfly effect". How one small thing can escalate and have an even bigger impact on total strangers.

       While filled with some truly funny and crazy moments, the story packs an unexpected emotional punch and an ending that you won't forget.

Love Type D

            

           This new British "romantic comedy" is actually more of an "anti-romantic comedy" that deconstructs the genre.  Maeve Dermody plays an unlucky in love woman who is endlessly dumped by the men in her life. When Wilbur, the 11-year-old brother of her latest boyfriend gives her the bad news, she ends up befriending the smarter than his age, Wilbur, and together they discover the type D gene. Their relationship reminded me of the film" About A Boy".

            The Type D gene is a genetic marker than makes certain people the "dumpees" in relationships. Tovah Feldshuh plays the scientist that discovers the gene and runs an institute to help people with the condition.  Maeve must go back and reunite with all her past boyfriends who dumped her, only to dump them in order to become the "dumper" and "fix" her condition. Witten and directed by Sasha Collington, it's a quirky little comedy with an original concept that plays the genre against type.

Deadly Cuts

         This independent comedy from Ireland comes with a bit of a bite. In the classic structure of "The Full Monty" and "Made in Dagenham", this new film tells the story of the "underdog" women of the "Deadly Cuts" hair salon trying to survive poverty and a menacing gang in their small Irish town.

         The women want to enter a National Hair competition that will bring fame and business to their shop and town. Dirty politicians, jealous rivals and a little bit of murder are just few of the roadblocks facing them along the way.

         The four leads are well written characters, each with their own quirks and issues. The townsfolk are quite a bunch of characters in their own right, especially some of the faithful customers of the salon. It's a lighthearted romp with just a shade of dark thrown in to give it an edge.

Nobody

       

     A new action thriller that is incredibly violent and stars against type, the always excellent Bob Odenkirk. We've seen this before, one hero takes on, in this case, the Russian mob but not quite in this context.

      There are many surprising moments right from the opening scene as well as subtle sight gags and dialog. Mr. Odenkirk is perfectly cast as Hutch Mansell, a "nobody" family man but of course, harboring a secret past. While unusual to see him as an action hero, he is up to the task. Credit the writer, Derek Kolstad and director, Ilya Naishuller, to pull no punches showing off his skills but yet also showing his vulnerability. As they say, he "takes a licking but keeps on ticking".

       The film co-stars Connie Nielsen as Hutch's wife, Christopher Lloyd as his dad, and RZA as his half-brother. Aleksei Serebryakov plays a very scary Russian crime boss. Bullet's fly, things blow up, and there are multiple fight scenes that don't hold back on the bloodshed, but many of these scenes are shot in new and novel ways. It's very over the top yet offers, what passes for, a reasonable explanation for Mr. Odenkirk's call to action.

         The ending sets up the possibility of a sequel and there is a clever mid-credit extra scene. If you are a fan of this genre, you will probably enjoy this film quite a bit. If not, skip it and you've missed nothing. Or should I say, Nobody.