Spider-Man: Brand New Day

 

           Tom Holland returns in his fourth go round as Spider-Man. The twist for anyone who missed "Spider-Man: No Way Home" is that no one recognizes Peter Parker as Dr. Strange's spell wiped the memory of anyone who knew him.

            Spider-Man continues to battle old and new adversaries but his friends no longer know his alter-ego. That includes MJ, played again by Zendaya and Ned, played again by Jacob Batalon. Jon Bernthal also returns as Frank Castle aka "The Punisher" (in a slightly watered down version). Sadie Sink joins the cast as a surprise character. And, anyone who has seen the trailer knows that Mark Ruffalo aka "The Hulk" makes an appearance but there are other surprise cameos that I won't spoil here.

             The film is a blast from start to finish. Mr. Holland has matured in the role and so has his character. There are plenty of action sequences but surprising moments of genuine gravitas as well as humor. CGI works overtime here but it's done so well, you hardly notice. There is real emotional interplay among the characters in a story that is a bit darker than the previous films.

              For fans who enjoy hidden "Easter Eggs", there are plenty to spot including recreating classic Spider-Man comic covers and other references to elements in the Marvel universe. It will probably take multiple viewings to spot them all.

               As with all Marvel films, audiences wait through the credits for extra scenes and while this one does have one tiny scene at the very end, it is cryptic and on the surface doesn't reveal any plot details about future Marvel films. My personal takeaway is that while Spider-Man will return, it won't be in "Avengers: Doomsday" coming later this year but rather "Secret Wars" slated for 2027.

                 For now, we can enjoy "Brand New Day" as it is terrific entertainment and try to see it on the biggest screen possible.

Her Private Hell

 

         More like our private hell, despite a good cast, this is a disaster of a film. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn from his original story, I couldn't even begin to tell you the plot. The film plays as if Brian DePalma was imitating David Lynch directing during a stroke.

           Sophie Thatcher stars and it's a daring role as I have no idea what she's doing but she appears to be doing it well.  Her co-stars are Havana Rose Liu (who's getting more and more deserving roles, but not here) and Charles Melton. The film also features Dougray Scott, Diego Calva and Kristine Froseth.

            The production design is interesting and the cast certainly seems to be trying hard but the story goes nowhere, if there is a story at all. If you're looking to escape the heat in an air-conditioned theater, this is a great choice for a two hour nap.

The Odyssey

 

         Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, based on Homer's epic poem, the film itself is an epic work of art. Entertainment on a massive scale, Mr. Nolan continues to push the envelope of what can be accomplished on film.

           The cast is so impressive. Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, in one of his finest roles (and probably one of his hardest). He is supported by Anne Hathaway as Penelope, his patient wife waiting twenty years for his return from the Trojan War. Tom Holland is Telemachus, his son, who really should have referred to his parents as Mother and Father rather than "Mom" and "Dad" but otherwise a fine portrayal.  Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, a conniving suitor for Penelope. Lupita Nyong'o is Helen of Troy and her twin sister, Clytemnestra. Samantha Morton is Circe. John Leguizamo is Eumaeus. Zendaya is the Goddess, Athena. Charlize Theron plays Calypso. Jon Bernthal plays Menelaus. Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus. Elliot Page plays Sinon and Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon. Special consideration to Bill Irwin who portrays the Cyclops.

             There has been many critical comments about the casting which I personally think is ridiculous. No one really knew what these people looked like in ancient times and this is a film after all with Mr. Nolan's own vision. He cast the best actors for the roles and all the performances were excellent.

              Forgoing CGI for practical effects, the film is a visual marvel. Shot in multiple locations around the world, every scene is breathtaking. There is detail in every frame and since it was shot completely using IMAX cameras, it is truly an immersive experience.

               While it is recommended, you see in in IMAX 70mm, I'm sure it will still be one of the most incredible films you will ever see in any format. But I do highly recommend  you see it in a theater. The grand scale of this film won't be the same on television (unless you have a really large screen with high end surround sound).

                  This will be the film to beat in multiple categories at next year's Academy Awards. It is remarkable. 

               As a side note, there is an exclusive 22 minute "Making Of" documentary now on the Peacock streaming channel (where the film will eventually land).

Evil Dead Burn

 

        Strictly for fans of the franchise, this latest installment will not disappoint. While not particularly scary (there are one or two jump scares), it is incredibly gruesome with excellent special effects.

         Co-written and directed by Sebastien Vanicek, the film doesn't reinvent the story but certainly builds upon the visceral horror of the ongoing series. The audience can feel every painful moment and there are plenty. The realism is extremely well done with every inventive cut, stab, chop, shot, burn, buzz, or bite.

          Souhelia Yacoub star as Alice Price, Tandi Wright as Susan Price, Erroll Shand as Edgar Price, George Pullar as William Price and Luciane Buchanan as Thya.

         The cinematography by Philip Lozano is excellent with many inventive camera angles as well. The action is pretty much non-stop as the Price family tries to survive the onslaught of the dead. There are mid credit and post credit scenes that are actually important to setting up the next installment, so you may want to stay through the credits.

Supergirl

 

      Super disappointing is more like it. There was so much potential here but besides a strong performance by Milly Alcock as Supergirl, the rest of the film falls flat.

       Joining MS. Alcock is Eve Ridley as "Ruthie", an orphan who's desire for revenge against Krem (played by Mathias Schoenaerts) for killing her family, drives the plot. That, along Supergirl's mission to save her dog, "Krypto", played by CGI, after he is poisoned, also by Krem. Which is a shame because Krypto is the best thing about the film but he is sidelined, dying for most of it. (By the way, this is not a spoiler as both things occur very early in the film).

        Krem is the leader of a band of brigands who are kidnapping young girls as "brides" to rape them and bear their children. Sex trafficking is a terrible plot point for a film like this and sets a awful tone. Watching families killed on screen also doesn't endear one to the story. Neither is watching Supergirl drunk for at least the first third of the film. A film like this, certainly as an origin story (told in flashbacks), should be lighter and more fun in tone, especially for younger kids who may see Supergirl as a role model.

            The chemistry between Supergirl and Ruthie is odd and yet somewhat endearing as Ruthie helps Supergirl try to be a better person. The film also co-stars Jason Momoa as Lobo, another character from the DC universe, who is basically "Deadpool" with a nastier attitude. Mr. Momoa sems to be enjoying himself in the part and Lobo does brings some humor to the story, even as he's killing people. David Corenswet also has a cameo as Superman but even his scenes fall flat as he does nothing "super" in them.

          The action sequences are cookie cutter and actually bland. The film lacks a certain intensity and we can only hope DC Films can pull it together for its Superman sequel which will most likely feature Supergirl as well. Sorry DC, Marvel continues to put out better quality "Superhero" movies and I look forward to the next installment of Spider-Man.

The Invite

 

      Reimagine "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf" in a contemporary setting, as written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack. Basically a one act play, the film is set almost entirely in the apartment of Angela and Joe with a visit from their upstairs neighbors,  Pina and Hawk.

      What starts out as an simple invite to meet the neighbors over cheese and wine turns into something much more complicated and surprising. This is a very funny but also uncomfortable comedy that digs below the surface relationships of two couples over one evening. 

       Angela and Joe are played by Olivia Wilde (who also directed) and Seth Rogan. Pina and Hawk are played by Penelope Cruz and Edward Norton. Ms. Wilde, in particular does a terrific job directing herself (in a demanding role) as well as her castmates.

       What starts out as a comedy takes on a much more serious tone towards the end of the film but remains very entertaining due to the smart story and the excellent acting by it's four leads.

     

    

Toy Story 5

 

        For a franchise that started in 1995, director and co-writer Andrew Stanton has found a way to keep things fresh and yet familiar at the same time. For this installment, the focus is on Jessie the Cowgirl and the toys human kid, Bonnie.

         It's techs versus toys when Bonnie gets "Lilypad",  a tablet to introduce kids to tech. The message is clear. Tech is occupying every child's time and the act of imaginative play no longer holds any interest. When Bonnie has playtime with "friends", they all lay around playing on their tablets. Jessie and the other toys see their future and it looks bleak.

         A subplot involves a lost shipment of Buzz Lightyear action figures that are trying to find their way back to "Star command".

         Woody left his friends at the end of "Toy Story 4" so he doesn't show up until he thinks a call from Jessie is asking for help. Once reunited, his character is the brunt of many jokes about his age and appearance. Buzz Lightyear tries to hold things together while Jessie hopes to win back Bonnie's attention and affection.  

           All the original voice actors are back including Tom Hanks as Woody, Tim Allen as Buzz, Joan Cusack as Jessie with new voices joining the cast including Greta Lee as Lilypad, Conan O'Brien as Smarty Pants, and Scarlett Spears as Bonnie.

             The animation is excellent. The story sends a clear message about the dangers of tech and the meaning of true friendship. It is also very clever with plenty of humor for both kids and adults. And at it's core, it's quite emotional. (even I welled up during a scene when Jessie makes a surprising discovery)

              Pixar and Andrew Stanton have done it again. We may age but our nostalgic love for our favorite toys never goes away. Neither it seems will Toy Story.