Slingshot

 

    This new sci-fi drama is about three astronauts on a long space voyage to Titan, Jupiter's largest moon. Casey Affleck stars as John, Laurence Fishburne is Captain Franks, and Tomer Capone is Nash. Deep in hibernation for months at a time, the drugs needed to sleep and then wakeup provide side effects that over time begin to take their toll on the crew.

      The film take place entirely on the spacecraft but includes flashbacks to time on Earth before the mission starts. This includes a growing romance between John and Zoe (played by Emily Beecham), a member of the design team for the spacecraft. Also back on Earth is David Morrissey who co-stars as Napier, Head of Mission Control.

       Tension mounts after John discovers damage to the hull from an unexplained impact and dissention grows between the crew whether or not to continue the mission. Nash is convinced their lives are in jeopardy and wants to abort. Captain Franks want to continue as the ship's computer system doesn't show any irregularities. John's decision is complicated by growing hallucinations affecting his judgement.

        Little backstory is provided for the crew with the exception of John and Mr. Affleck is well cast as a loner who starts to question his sanity the deeper they go into space. The film itself takes it's time to get to a certain point where the writers really start to mess with the audience. What is real and what is not reaches a wild crescendo in the last act. 

        Whether or not it's worth the 110 minute ride is up to your tolerance level.

Blink Twice

 

       Co-written and directed by Zoe Kravitz, this new "thriller" is easily forgotten (a pun if you see the film). What starts out as a fun filled, hedonistic trip soon turns into a nightmare for friends Frida (played by Naomi Ackie) and Jess (played by Alia Shawkat).

        A group of people are invited to Slater King's (played by Channing Tatum) private island where it becomes a daily ritual of drinking, drugs, and non-stop party time. Ominous clues start appearing and Frida begins to realize all is not right.

         The film turns ugly once Frida remembers the women have been drugged, tied up and raped every night with no memory of what's transpired. Once she remembers, Frida turns the tables and the film dissolves into bloody carnage.

         The film co-stars Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Geena Davis, and Kyle MacLachlan.

         While I try my best to not reveal plot points, I did in this case to forewarn anyone thinking of seeing this film. While it has a notable cast, it's premise is really nasty, and you should know what to expect going in. There is even a disclaimer at the start of the film.

Alien Romulus

 

      Co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez, this is seventh installment in the franchise. The film takes place in time somewhere between "Alien" and "Aliens" and is a very welcome addition to the franchise.

       Mr. Alvarez provides many of Alien's familiar elements but also injects lots of originality into the script. He creates a very claustrophobic environment filled with suspense and dread around every corner.  Once again, the film has a female hero but in this case, she is much younger (as is the whole crew) than past films in the franchise. Adding a youthful cast is just one advantage that provides a fresh take. Mr. Alvarez also finds new and very exciting ways to put the crew in danger, even though we are familiar with the Xenomorphs from the earlier films. The last act, in particular, is very exciting and filled with some very inventive terrors.

       The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Rain, David Jonsson as Andy, Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay, Spike Fearn as Bjorn, and Aileen Wu as Navarro. When the film begins, Ms. Spaeny's Rain doesn't show much range but she quickly grows the character into a very reluctant hero. Mr. Jonsson is terrific as Andy, showing quite the range in a very unexpected way. Daniel Betts in also featured ,in an unusual role, as Rook.

        The film is great fun and if possible, see it in IMAX, which really enhances the sound and visuals.

         

Cuckoo

 

     Written and directed by Tillman Singer, this new horror film is less horror and more simply deranged. It is one of the strangest films I've seen in a while and it's certainly not for everyone.

     The film stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, a teenage girl who has recently lost her mother and is now living with her father and his new family. They take up residence at a Bavarian Alps resort run by Herr Konig, played by Dan Stevens. The film co-stars Marton Csokas as Gretchen's father, Jessica Henwick as her stepmother, Mia Lieu as her half sister, Alma and Jan Bluthardt as Henry.

      Sinister things slowly reveal themselves at the resort as the film begins to go off the gonzo deep end. Some might find it scary at times but it is more unhinged than scary and it's Gretchen's predicament that drives the story. Ms. Schafer is fantastic as Gretchen and you really care for her as everything around her begins to go off the rails.  Mr. Stevens is extremely convincing as the creepy owner of the resort hiding wild secrets.

      The title says it all.

The Instigators

 

      Produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck (who also co-wrote the film), "The Instigators" is a very Boston-centric "heist" comedy that garners only a few laughs.

     The film is directed by Doug Liman (who directed Mr. Damon in the highly successful, "The Bourne Identity"). Combining all this talent, it's disappointing that this is a very lazy effort from all involved. There is little character development in the leads and the story is claustrophobic in it's Boston setting. It's as if a bunch of high profile friends said, "let's take Apple's money and spend a few week having some fun in our beloved Boston".

      The film co-stars Hong Chau (the best thing about the film), Paul Walter Hauser as a stereotypic "dumb" criminal, Ving Rhames, who seems to be unable to actually move unless he's behind the wheel of a supersized police vehicle, Ron Perlman, chewing scenery as a crooked mayor, and  Alfred Molina, Toby Jones and Andre De Shields, three highly respectable actors in very underwritten roles.

      Mr. Liman's direction is nothing special. Even the requisite car chase he stages is fairly pedestrian, having been done better in numerous films from "The French Connection to the "Mission Impossible" franchise. 

       The film is available only through streaming and if you don't have the particular service, don't worry you haven't missed anything. 

       

      

Borderlands

 

    I have never played the video game this film is based on so I can't make a honest comparison but as a stand alone film, it's a bit of a mess. It's a mash-up of "Guardians of the Galaxy", "Star Wars", and "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" but not in a good way.

    The cast was intriguing to me, especially Cate Blanchett as Lilith. Maybe Ms. Blanchett thought it would be fun do to a sci-fi fantasy film or maybe she didn't read the script beforehand, but either way, she's too fine an actor to be slumming in this film. Kevin Hart, while a terrific comedian, plays a more serious role as Roland, and is totally miscast. Jack Black voices "Claptrap" the robot with his voice an octave higher than usual and almost unrecognizable. His jokes fall flat. Jamie Lee Curtis is Tannis with not much to do except fill in plot holes.

    The film also features Edgar Ramirez as the villain "Atlas", Arianna Greenblatt as "Tiny Tina",  Florian Munteanu as "Krieg", a mountain of a man with little dialog but many muscles, and Gina Gershon as "Moxxi", chewing the scenery as a bar owner.

    Seems like a solid cast but director Eli Roth (also one of the writers) underutilizes all their talent and only shows a flair for the action sequences (of which there are plenty). Known for his "R" rated violent horror films, he tones things down quite a bit with almost no blood to be seen amidst all the fighting. 

     Even in IMAX, the film is a letdown (just loud and chaotic) and only the gamers might find it appealing if it's at all accurate to the game.

Trap

 

      M. Night Shyamalan's latest  thriller is a lot like most of his films, silly and yet clever at the same time with, of course, always including a signature twist.

      The premise is interesting if not entirely believable. A serial killer takes his daughter to a "Lady Raven" concert (A Taylor Swift type of performer) but the the police have been tipped off that the killer will be at the concert and surround the building. They only have a vague notion of what he might look like and intend to stop every adult male concert attendee on the way out.

       Obviously surrounded, the killer must find a way out without his teen daughter even realizing there is something wrong. A far fetched scenario filled with unintentionally funny dialogue, Mr. Shyamalan still manages to create a tension filled film helped by an excellent performance by Josh Harnett.

       The film co-stars Ariel Donoghue as Riley, Saleka Shyamalan as Lady Raven (Mr. Shyamalan's daughter who also wrote and performed her own music), Allison Pill as Rachel and Haley Mills as Dr. Josephine Grant. Seeing Haley Mills again in a film is a real treat.

       Don't expect a great thriller but it is silly fun.

     

Deadpool & Wolverine

 

     If you are familiar with the mythology having read the comics, seen the previous films and have  watched the Marvel TV show "Loki", you will absolutely love this. If not, this film is not for you. It may be enjoyable enough but most of the references, flashbacks, cameos, and inside jokes won't make a lot of sense.

     Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman star in this violent, hysterically funny, mad romp of a team up and if you are indeed a fan, you will love all the cameos, references and inside jokes...and they come fast and furious. 

      I'll just stop here as not to give anything away. See it in IMAX, Dolby, or just the biggest screen you can. And for once, a cat doesn't steal the movie...a dog does.

Thelma

 

       June Squibb (93 years young) takes center stage as Thelma, a grandmother swindled out of $10,000, determined to get her money back. Ms. Squibb is a absolute wonder and a delight to watch. 

       The film co-stars Fred Hechinger as Thelma's grandson Daniel, Parker Posey as her daughter Gail, Clark Gregg as Alan, her son-in-law, Malcolm McDowell as Harvey, and in his final film performance, Richard Roundtree as Ben, who reluctantly helps Thelma on her "mission impossible". Ms. Squibb and Mr. Roundtree make a great pair and their adventure is filled with insightful dialog about getting older.

       Mr. Hechinger and Ms. Squibb have a genuine love and affection for each other which easily is expressed by their characters. Ms. Posey and Mr. Gregg are portrayed as the comic relief "helicopter parents".

       Writer and director Josh Margolin envisions a lively adventure for seniors that doesn't shy away from senior issues, but manages to tread lightly. During the credits, it is suggested that Mr. Margolin based the character on his own grandmother.

        

Fly Me To The Moon

 

      Billed as a romantic comedy,  this new film starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum is neither romantic nor comedic. The forced "screwball" chemistry between the stars falls flat and the comedy is sabotaged from the very beginning when the film opens recounting the tragic loss of the Apollo One astronauts, killed in a capsule fire, before they even launched. That terrible accident starts the film and any lighter moments are quickly forgotten when the accident repeatedly comes up (Mr. Tatum's character was the control director on that mission).

      Greg Berlanti directs the film like a bad sit-com with no laugh track and the pace of a snail. He does nothing to make the chemistry of the two stars credible and the subplot of a faked moon landing (that theory has existed for years), played better in "Capricorn One".

      The film co-stars Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, Jim Rash, Anna Garcia, Noah Robbins, and Donald Elise Watkins. Mr. Romano's natural comedic ability is underused, Mr. Rash is an offensive stereotype but Mr. Harrelson is well cast as a mysterious government agent.

       Fact and fiction don't blend well in the script and don't even get me started on Mr. Tatum's terrible hair piece. There are a few funny lines and one comedic scene that works but they don't make up for this film's "failure to launch". 

       And for the second time this year, a cat steals the film.

    

         

Twisters

 

       Building on the success of the original film "Twister",  this update is an all new story with a new cast.

       The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glenn Powell as storm chasers with very different styles who end up working together to try to stop tornadoes before they can do any damage. The film co-stars Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Harry Hadden-Paton and Sasha Lane.

       The special effects are first rate, especially seeing it in IMAX, but what sets it apart from watching the effects of real tornados on the internet, is the suspense of watching the cast in fictious harm's way. I imagine people who live in the "Tornado Alley" states will have no interest in the film as they live through the dangers and tragedies of real tornadoes all the time.

        For the rest of us, it's a pretty exciting summer "popcorn" movie but watching the devastation left behind the various tornadoes, even in a movie, is a very somber reminder of the real thing 

Longlegs

 

        I'm just going to say it, this is the creepiest and most disturbing serial killer film since "Silence of the Lambs". Writer and director Osgood Perkins has created a minor masterpiece of claustrophobic dread in almost every frame. He succeeds in blending psychological horror, crime procedural, and the occult into a film that is the stuff of nightmares. 

       There are no sudden jump cut scares but every scene is unnerving just the same. The score by Zilgi, is terrific. It is original, atmospheric and sets the perfect audio vision for the film.

       The cast is amazing. It's been a while since I can say how committed the fours lead actors are to their respective roles The film stars Maika Monroe (a terrific new talent), Blair Underwood (as good as I've ever seen him), Alicia Witt (simply amazing), and Nicolas Cage (unrecognizable but as his most gonzo).  Kiernan Shipka (you might remember her from the TV show "Madmen") has a small but significant role as well.

         If you are a fan of this genre, this is a must see film. You will leave the theater with goosebumps. Movies like this come and go all the time but "Longlegs" is the real deal.

             

MaXXXine

 

       Written, directed, produced and edited by Ti West, this is the third film in his "X" trilogy with Mia Goth reprising her role as Maxxine Minx. If it was Mr. West's intention to make an homage to '80's Slasher B-movies, direct to VHS and found in the bottom shelf of a video store, he has succeeded beautifully. If not, then "MaXXXine" is quite possibly the worst movie of the year so far.

      Ms. Goth is Mr. West's muse, starring in at least three of his films. What he see in her is a mystery in itself. She is not a very good actress and this film does nothing to change my opinion. What I really find puzzling is why good actors including, Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Giancarlo Esposito, Lily Collins and Kevin Bacon (ok, he'll take almost any part) would agree to participate in this film. I realize actors have to work but surely, there are better scripts out there for actors of this caliber.

      I'm not wasting any more words on this one. Just remember, I see these films so you don't have to.

         

A Quiet Place: Day One

 

        Written and directed by Eric Samoski (based on a story by John Krasinski and Mr. Samoski), this is a prequel to the two earlier successful films in the growing franchise.

         The film stars Lupita Nyong'o as Sam, a terminally ill patient, who is on an outing into Manhattan from her Hospice center. While watching a puppet show with other patients, the alien invasion begins and Sam and her cat, Frodo are separated from the group.

         While the city starts to collapse around her, since she knows her time is running out anyway, she decides to stay alive as long as she can to reach Harlem and memories of her childhood. Along the way she meets Eric (played by Joseph Quinn) and the two try to survive together. The film also co-stars Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou.

          The original concept is still in place (the aliens respond the the slightest sounds),  but this story has a different kind of emotional core and Ms. Nyong'o's  character is someone you easily can root for, even though you know her fate is inevitable. She has great chemistry with Mr. Quinn. And while they are both very good, Frodo the cat steals the film.

          This is a welcome addition to the franchise. It is exciting and even harrowing at times with plenty of suspense and some good scares.

            

          

Beverley Hills Cop- Axel F

 

     Back for the fourth installment in the franchise, Eddie Murphy returns as Detroit detective, Axel Foley. Needing a plot device to send him back to Beverely Hills,  he learns that his estranged, adult daughter may be in danger from crooked cops.

      Besides the usual action and comedy, the film provides an awkward family dynamic to act as the centerpiece of the story. In addition to Mr. Murphy, original cast member joining the film include Judge Reinhold, John Aston, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot. New to the franchise are Taylor Paige as Jane, Mr. Foley's daughter,  Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott, and Kevin Bacon as Captain Cade Grant.

      Of course, the film fills a nostalgic need for fans of the franchise, including using music from the original film and similar action sequences but there is enough original plot points and stunts to enjoy the film on it's own merits. 

        Currently streaming on Netflix     

The Bikeriders

 

        From writer/director Jeff Nichols, comes this great new drama based on the book, "The Bikeriders" by Danny Lyon.

        The film starts out in 1965 with Danny Lyon interviewing Kathy Cross about her time with "The Vandals", a local Chicago motorcycle club. We then flashback to how the club started and the various interactions of it's members. We learn that Mr. Lyon has been given full access to take pictures and interview club members for his subsequent book.

         While it is based on real characters and events, there are the usual fictious elements added for dramatic effect. Mr. Nichols clearly loves his subject matter and he has assembled a terrific cast.

         The three main leads are Tom Hardy as Johnny, the leader and creator of the club, Jodie Comer as Kathy (with a terrific Chicago accent),  and Austin Butler as Benny, club member and Kathy's love interest. The co-stars include Michael Shannon, Mike Faist, Boyd Holbrook, Damon Herriman, Beau Knapp, Emory Cohen, Karl Glusman, Toby Wallace, Norman Reedus, Paul Sparks, Happy Anderson, and Will Oldham.

        Mr. Hardy (a brute who's smarter than he looks) and Ms. Comer (the heart and soul of the film) are just terrific. Mr. Butler is a seething, magnetic presence and the rest of the cast does a great job bringing an air of authenticity to the film.

        This is an original and exciting film that I can't recommend enough.

Kinds of Kindness

 

       The latest film from director and co-writer (along with Efthimis Filippou) Yogos Lanthimos reunites him with Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, all from his previous film, "Poor Things"

        Love it or hate it, "Poor Things" was a linear film with a beginning, middle and end that was a total delight to those who loved it. This new film is actually three separate stories connected only by a very loose thread. Besides Ms. Stone, Mr. Dafoe, and Ms. Qualley, the film also stars Jesse Plemons, Hong Chau, and Joe Alwyn. All play different characters in each of the three stories. Mr. Plemons, in particular is terrific in the sum of his three parts.

        The stories are strange, disturbing in part, darkly humorous at times, but always surprising. A big clue to the narrative can be found in the lyrics of the opening song, "Sweet Dreams (are made of this)", by Eurthmics.

         I must admit, I'm still trying to decide how I felt about the film and what it all meant. There are a lot of peculiar things going on that require some deep thought if you feel inclined to break it down.

         It's a bold follow-up for Mr. Lanthimos after his most commercially successful film. 

         

Inside Out 2

 

      This is a sequel that does an excellent job expanding on a terrific premise that can be enjoyed by any audience, although pre-teens may not grasp some of the concepts explored by the film.

       The film is directed by Kelsey Mann. The screenplay is by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein from a story by Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve. The writing is excellent. It's an intelligent script about Riley, a 13 year old girl dealing with the new emotions that come with new experiences and puberty. The high end concepts work beautifully, filled with puns and great metaphors. "Bottled up emotions" is just one great example.

        The animation is wonderful and even a pre-teen audience can have fun with the bright colors and plentiful action.

         The voice cast is spot on with Amy Poehler reprising her role as Joy. She is joined by Liza Lapira and Tony Hale as the new voices of Fear & Disgust. Lewis Black is back as Anger as well as Phyllis Smith as Sadness. Kensington Tallman is the new voice of Riley, as a new teenager.  Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan are back as the voice of her parents. The vocal roles of the new emotions include Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Paul Walter Hauser as embarrassment, Adele Exarchopoulos as Ennui, and Maya Hawke as the scene stealing, Anxiety.

         Another success story for Pixar.

          

      

In a Violent Nature

 

         Yes, this is very much a slasher film and there are indeed, gory kills, however it is very original in it's "execution". Writer and director Chris Nash approaches the genre as if he had studied under director Terrence Malick.

         The story is set deep in the Canadian woods. When a locket necklace serving as a talisman is taken off a grave, a silent killer crawls out of the earth, going on a killing spree to retrieve the locket. A group of seven friends camping in the woods have the locket and they are the targets of the killer known only as Johnny.

          There is no score or music of any kind (except for some background music coming through headphones). Rather Mr. Nash uses ambient sounds of the forest, including the killer's heavy steps, along with natural lighting to create a most unusual environment for a slasher film. The visual effects, prosthetics, and makeup are excellent.

          For most of the film, the POV is from behind the killer as we watch him lumber through the woods. Time moves slowly as he makes his way through a visually stunning forest to dispatch each victim in, at times, very creative and frankly disgusting ways.

           The film stars Ry Barrett as Johnny (who wears an unusual mask but unlike iconic killer Jason Voorhees, we do get to see his face). Co-starring are Andrea Pavlovic, Cameron Love, Reece Presley, Liam Leone, Charlotte Creaghan, Lea Rose Sebastianis, Sam Roulston, Alexander Oliver, Timothy Paul McCarthy and Lauren Taylor.

             While the film contains many standard slasher tropes, Mr. Nash goes out of his way to deconstruct what we expect and and turn the genre into something new and different. 

            

 o explore 

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

 

         Don't mess with a winning formula. The fourth entry in this franchise, once again stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives, Mike and Marcus. The film gives it's audience just what it expects, lots of laughs and plenty of violent (but not particularly bloody) action and great Miami scenery. It's the type of story that defies logic much of the time but who cares, right?

        The two stars have great chemistry and riff seamlessly off each other. May of the prior film's co-stars return including Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nunez, Jacob Scipio, DJ Khaled, and Joe Pantoliano. New to the franchise are Tiffany Haddish, Ioan Gruffudd, Rea Seehorn, Tasha Smith and Eric Dane (who makes a fine villain).

         It's a shame that the trailer reveals too many significant scenes, which lessen the impact when you watch (happening with too many films lately) but the script has found a way to keep this "popcorn" movie fresh, even when you know what's coming. And thankfully there are scenes to enjoy that are not in the trailer.