Stillwater

        Matt Damon disappears into his role as an unemployed oil rigger from Oklahoma, who travels to Marseille, France to help his imprisoned daughter, convicted of murder. The film co-stars Abigail Breslin as his daughter, and Camilie Cottin as a French woman who ends up helping him try to prove her innocence. 

        Ms. Cottin, is terrific on the Netflix show "Call Your Agent" and it's great to see her in a more dramatic role as a single mother who befriends Mr. Damon's character, Bill Baker.  Lilou Saiuvaud plays her nine-year-old daughter Maya, who is simply adorable and has great chemistry with Mr. Damon.

         The film may be loosely based on Amanda Knox's story but writer/director Tom McCarthy throws curve balls into the story that don't reflect anything about Ms. Knox's case. Some of these "curveballs" work to serve the story but there are a few plot holes that can't be overlooked and may nag at an audience despite Mr. Damon's best efforts to act right through them. The story turns on a surprising plot point after morphing from legal thriller, fish out of water story, and domestic family affair. It's that point that reinvigorates the film until it's dramatic conclusion. 

The Courier

 

        Based on the true story of an English businessman who helped MI6 and the CIA penetrate the Soviet Missile program by becoming the go-between with a Russian defector during the "Cold War" years. By couriering secret information from Oleg Penkovsky back to England during "routine" business trips to Russia, Greville Wynne helped prevent the Cuban missile Crisis in the early '60's.

         Benedict Cumberbatch is Wynne and of course, perfectly cast. He is joined by Merab Ninidze as Penkovsky and their chemistry is terrific. As an ordinary business man pressed into service as a spy, Mr. Cumberbatch is a perfect "everyman" who endured much more than he expected when he agreed to help the U.S. and England.

         This thriller is much more of a cerebral spy story, rather than an action-packed adventure.  It is quietly suspenseful and very entertaining, especially knowing it's based on a true story.

The Tomorrow War

 

       Chris Pratt in full hero mode as an ex-marine recruited by people from 30 years in the future. They have come back in time to find volunteers to go into the future to fight aliens that are wiping out the human race. Combining elements of "Alien", "Edge of Tomorrow" and even "Back to the Future", it's an exciting and very loud sci-fi action adventure.

        The film co-stars Yvonne Strahovski as a scientist/soldier with a pretty obvious identity, J.K. Simmons (in typical tough guy mode), Betty Gilpin as Mr. Pratt's wife, Sam Richardson (providing verbal comic relief) and Edwin Hodge. And of course, thousands of CGI Aliens.

        Moving at a quick pace,  the film stays on point with very little distraction from the central story. There are some interesting concepts and writer Zack Dean tries hard to make the story about family over aliens but let's face it, you watch films like this for the action, not the emotion. Plot holes can be ignored or quickly forgotten as the action is pretty much non-stop.

         Released by Amazon for streaming only, the film would have probably been a summer blockbuster in theaters but it's only available on Prime video. If this genre appeals to you, try to find the biggest TV screen and sound system you can to watch.

No Sudden Move

        The latest from director Steven Soderbergh is a period crime drama with a plot drawn from an unlikely source. It stars Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro as two low life criminals who get in over their heads trying to retrieve mysterious documents from an accountant.

        Mr. Soderbergh's stamp is all over the film. His style is so recognizable. Actors love to work with him and it's evident by Mr. Cheadle and Mr. del Toro's performances. Their chemistry is terrific and together with the excellent supporting cast of Jon Hamm, David Harbour, Amy Seimetz, Brendan Fraiser, Kieran Culkin, Julia Fox, Noah Jupe, Frankie Shaw, Bill Duke and Ray Liotta, they move effortlessly through the film.

         It's a fun crime noir with some clever surprises. Available on HBO Max

F9

     

      The latest entry in the Fast & Furious franchise has veered so far off course that it hardly resembles the original film. In an attempt to bridge that gap, we get flashbacks to the original Toretto family. The original cast returns led by Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto, who never seems to age. Even characters presumed dead are resurrected for this 9th entry in the series.

     What was once a story of illegal street racing, has turned into larger-than-life global missions. Missions that get bigger and more outrageous with each film. This time out John Cena plays Jake Toretto, Dom's long-lost younger brother who is working for the "bad guys". The flashbacks explain the bad blood between the brothers. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Tyrese Gibson are part of the returning cast and as usual play the comic relief.  However, their particular storyline this time, really leads the film into "jump the shark" territory. 

      The film is at once exciting and yet ridiculous. No one is ever really in jeopardy and that fact is even recognized by one of the characters himself. The CGI stunts are pretty incredible though and certainly keep things action packed. Check your brain at the door and enjoy the ride.

Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

 

     

     Woodstock grabbed the headlines in the summer of 1969 as the culture changing monster concert of its time. However, occurring the same summer in Harlem, New York was another concert that in many ways, was even more impactful on culture, and certainly race relations in America. Unfortunately, while filmed, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years untouched and forgotten.

      Known as the Harlem Cultural Festival, it took place in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) over a six-week period that attracted over 300,000 people. Producer Robert Fyvolent and director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson have finally brought that lost footage to the screen and the result is amazing. Mr. Thompson weaves together the musical performances with news footage of the era, along with social commentary and contemporary interviews to make a statement of those times that is still relevant today.

       The film features performance by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, B.B. King, Sly & The Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, The Fifth Dimension, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Staples Singers, Hugh Masakela, David Ruffin and many others.

        The performances are terrific and many of the interviews very revealing. It was an important cultural and social event that has finally gotten it's due and should not be missed. It's available now on Hulu and in theaters (where you can really appreciate the big screen and sound). 

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.