Flag Day

                

                Based on a true story, director and star Sean Penn tackles a complicated father/daughter relationship, helped by the superb casting of his own daughter, Dylan Penn. In her first starring role, Ms. Penn does an outstanding job as Jennifer Vogel, a woman coming to terms with her con man father's past. 

               Mr. Penn plays her father, John Vogel, who drifts in and out of her life as she's growing up. It's evident that he loves her but he's totally unreliable. The film takes place over multiple decades leading to a dramatic and emotional ending. Both Mr. and Ms. Penn are terrific. The emotional scenes (and there are many) are made that much more authentic by their obviously true connection.  The film is a star vehicle for Ms. Penn. She is really exceptional in a part that carries the film. And as a director, Mr. Penn showcases her talent with many scenes in close-up, highlighting her expressive features. Amounting to little more than cameos, the supporting cast feature Josh Brolin, Eddie Marsan, and Regina King.

              The film tends to get lost in melodrama and there are many "artistic" shots of nature and background that slow things down but the strong performances are worth overlooking these flaws.

Black Widow

            

         Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha Romanoff in this Marvel stand-alone spinoff. The film takes place before the events in "Avengers: Endgame" and centers on Natasha reuniting with her Russian "family" to bring down General Dreykov (played by Ray Winstone), the man behind the mind controlling Black Widow program.

          Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova, another Black Widow and raised as a sister to Natasha. Their "parents" are played by David Harbour as Alexi Shostakov, The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff. The four core actors all have great chemistry and all blend well into the Marvel universe.

          The film is an entertaining adventure with lots of action and a dose of humor. It is available on DIsney + for a premium price (no premium after October) or in theaters. Of course, films like this are made for the big screen, if you are comfortable going to the theater, it's the best place to see it, and stay for the post credit scene.

The Green Knight

      

     Based on a 14th century poem and Arthurian legend, writer/director David Lowery brings his own vision to the screen in this medieval fantasy adventure. Rather than an action-packed story of a Knight's honor, Mr. Lowery instead chooses to present the film as an artistic, almost hallucinatory quest with little dialog but strong visual storytelling.

       

    Dev Patel stars as Gawain, King Arthur's nephew who accepts the challenge of the mysterious Green Knight during a Christmas celebration at court. He beheads the knight but not before knowing that in a year's time, he must seek out the Green Knight again and receive the same blow. The King holds him to his promise and a year later he sets out in search of the Knight's castle to test his honor and loyalty.

    We follow Gawain on his journey encountering friend and foe alike until his inevitable showdown with the Green Knight. Mr. Patel continues to show his strength as a leading man in a physically demanding, yet spiritual role. The film also features Sean Harris as King Arthur,  Alicia Vikander in a dual role, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Kate Dickie and Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight. There is also a very cute CGI fox who befriends Gawain on his journey.

    The cinematography is outstanding and the film score carries the visuals to propel the story forward in lieu of much dialog. It's a bold artistic vision that will appeal to a particular audience. Those seeking a standard sword and sorcery film will be disappointed. 

Jungle Cruise

   Successful with "Pirates of the Caribbean" , leave it to Disney to fashion another film around a theme park attraction.  The film expands elements of the ride into a complete  "Raiders of the Lost Ark" type adventure. It is a lighthearted action film with mild thrills and chills and perfect family fare (although some scenes may be too intense for younger kids).

    What really holds it all together is the dream cast of Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Both actors are so likeable and engaging, it's hard not to root for them. The major villains are played by Jesse Plemmons (having fun with a German accent), and Edgar Ramirez as a ghost conquistador. Paul Giamatti also is "on board" as a comedic minor villain. Ms. Blunt makes an excellent adventurer and Jack Whitehall is fun as her prissy brother tagging along on the adventure.

     The film is set in the Amazon river during the first World War and filled with excellent CGI scenery, dangers and a very important cheetah. The film is streaming on Disney + for an additional $30 if you don't have premium but also in theaters which I hardily recommend (if you are comfortable going back to the movies) and it looks and sounds great on a big screen and sound system.

The Suicide Squad

      Unlike the previous "Squad" film, this new sequel of sorts succeeds on all levels of self-awareness, snarky attitude, and ultra-violence. That said, it's a lot more fun than its predecessor, mostly due to the writing and direction of James Gunn. It's clear he has a love of this genre and of these characters.

      Featuring some of the characters from the first "Suicide Squad" , but also introducing new characters, the squad this time is edgier and more prone this time,  to some characters actually dying.  Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn and she totally owns the bonkers character. Idris Elba is new to the team and he plays Bloodsport,  excellent  at combining his darker, angrier persona with just a right amount of a comedic tone. John Cena, also new, plays Peacemaker and has a great time being goofy at his own expense but busting heads when he has to. Viola Davis is back as Amanda Waller and I wish we saw more of her, as she is more or less on the sidelines this time out. Joel Kinnaman is also back as Rick Flag, heroic as always. A fun new member of the team is the CGI King Shark, voiced by Sylvester Stallone.

      The action takes place in a mythical Latin American country so it's easy to politically correct battle nameless soldiers along with an alien monster that Mr. Gunn brings to life from the pages of DC comics. The monster is one of the sillier villains from that comic world but that makes it even more fun for the story. The film is fast paced and things get more gonzo crazy as it goes along but Mr. Gunn actually manages to sneak in some social commentary as well. Mr. Gunn also has a knack for finding great songs for his soundtracks and once again, doesn't disappoint.

       There are two post credit scenes worth waiting for. The film is in theaters and available on HBOMAX.
 

Pig

      

       Do not be turned off by the title or mistaken by the poster for this film. It defies anything you might expect of any recent Nicolas Cage film. Nothing can prepare you for the quiet beauty and contemplative nature of this new drama.

      Mr. Cage does his finest acting in years and gives his best performance since "Leaving Las Vegas". He stars as a recluse living in the woods with only a truffle pig for a companion. When his pig is stolen, he leaves the world he has made for himself and goes on a quest to find his pig.

      He is aided by Amir (played by Alex Wolff, who also does some of his best work) a supplier of high-end ingredients to restaurants. The film also co-stars Adam Arkin. I hesitate to reveal anything else about the film except to say, it is a meditation on loss and love and a remarkable debut from writer/director Michael Sarnoski.

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.