Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die

 

          Written by Matthew Robinson and directed by Gore Verbinski, this is a high concept action comedy with a serious message at its core. Mr. Robinson script contains a not so subtle message about our addiction to technology and the ever evolving growth of Artificial Intelligence, but wraps it around a gonzo Sci-Fi comedy.

          The film stars Sam Rockwell (at his lunatic best) as, seemingly, a man from the future who has travelled back in time to recruit a group of individuals to help him change the course of our future. The film co-stars Haley Lu Richardson, Michael Pena, Zazie Beetz, Asim Chaudhry, Tom Taylor, and Juno Temple.

          It's a very clever story, and in Mr. Verbinski's hands, it plays out in controlled chaos. It's a wild ride through one crazy night with an even more insane payoff. It has the same lunatic spirit as "Everything, Everywhere, All at Once", but for most, probably easier to follow.

           While a lot of fun, it will leave you with second thoughts about the phone in your hand.

Crime 101

 

          This is a very exciting new crime thriller starring the very charismatic Chris Hemsworth. Directed by Bart Layton (who also wrote the screenplay), the film is based on a story by celebrated crime author, Don Winslow. Mr. Layton ascribes to the Michael Mann school of atmospheric crime dramas and this film may remind you of "Heat" but if it does, let that be a compliment.

           Mr. Hemsworth plays Mike Davis, a thief only interested in high end scores who is very methodical in the planning and execution of his robberies. The film also stars Mark Ruffalo as the detective looking to identify and apprehend the thief, and Halle Berry as an insurance broker who ends up involved with both men. Co-starring are Barry Keoghan as a psychotic criminal, Nick Note as Mike's "fence", Monica Barbaro, Corey Hawkins, Tate Donovan, Paul Adelstein in various roles and in a one scene cameo, Jennifer Jason Leigh.

           It's a terrific cast that play well written characters bringing depth to the story elevating it beyond a simple "cops and robbers" plot. The clever script also includes many small surprises throughout the film that create unexpected moments. 

           The title has a dual meaning referring to a figurative playbook on how to commit a crime as well as the actual  California highway 101 that plays an important role in the story. For this reason, there are just a few too many night time visuals of the highway itself but I consider that my only complaint. Otherwise, this is a action filled, throwback crime thriller with a great cast that is not to be missed.

              And an additional note, you will really appreciate the car chases seeing the film in IMAX or Dolby cinema.

            

A Private Life

 

       Jodie Foster stars in this new French film (speaking fluent French with occasional English), co-written and directed by Rebecca Ziotowski.

       Ms. Foster plays  American psychiatrist, Lillian Steiner, living and working in Paris. She begins to suspect one of her patient's apparent suicide may have been murder when the patient's daughter gives her a mysterious note. She then enlists the help of her ex-husband to investigate.

       The film co-stars Daniel Auteuil as Gabriel, her ex-husband, Virginie Efira as Paula, the patient seen in flashbacks, Mathieu Amalric as the widower, Vincent Lascoste as Julien, Dr. Steiner's son, and Luana Bajrami as Valerie, Paula's daughter.

       Ms. Foster and Mr. Auteuil have wonderful chemistry and while the film is a drama, their relationship provides slices of light humor throughout the film. While it is initially interesting to watch Ms. Foster play the lead speaking French, to her credit (and Ms. Ziotowski's), it quickly becomes second nature to the mystery itself and the nature of memory and loss.

Send Help

 

       Twisted fun from director Sam Raimi, this is not one of the usual horror films he is known for but he still provides a bloody good time in this tale of survival.

        Rachel McAdams and Dylan O'Brien star as a smart but meek employee with a sexist jerk of a boss, who end up stranded together on a deserted island. Ms. McAdams plays Linda Little, who lives alone except for her bird and loves the TV show "Survivor".  Mr. O'Brien is Bradley Preston, the privileged new boss who passes over Linda in favor of his golf buddy for a promotion. He does make a concession by inviting her along on a business trip to Thailand.

        Once their plane goes down in a bad storm and the two end up fighting the elements and each other for survival. While Bradley thinks he's still the boss, Linda reminds him they are "no longer in the office". The two stars embrace their characters and Mr. Raimi puts them through the ringer as the upper hand of their relationship constantly shifts between them.

       Dennis Haysbert has a cameo as an executive at Bradley's company and Edyll Ismail plays Zuri, Bradley's fiancée. 

       Mr, Raimi finds interesting ways to film the everchanging dynamic of the two survivors and even finds a way to include a signature Raimi moment. And just when you think the plot is running out of steam, the script and his direction brings things to a crazy and surprising ending.

        In the middle of this freezing winter, a trip to this tropical island for this gonzo tale of survival is the perfect getaway.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

 

   The second in a planned trilogy, this film opens just after the end of the previous film, "28 Years Later". Both are based on the original "28 Days Later" and it's sequel, "28 Weeks Later". While Alex Garland continues to write the story, this installment was directed by Nia DaCosta.

    If you are planning to see this and have not seen the original or "28 Years Later" ("28 Weeks Later" was actually a stand alone), I suggest you watch them first as this film continues the story. For that reason, most of the cast has returned and there is more emphasis on Dr. Kelson and Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal.

     Ralph Fiennes returns as Dr. Kelson and he is just terrific and seems to be really enjoying himself. Jack O'Connell returns as Jimmy Crystal, a character similar to the one he plays in "Sinners" (although not a vampire). Alfie Williams returns as Spike, a teenager reluctantly recruited by Jimmy. We are also introduced to Jimmy's disciples (his "fingers"), whom we saw briefly at the end of the previous film. They include Erin Kellyman, Emma Laird, Sam Locke, Robert Rhodes, Ghazi Al Ruffal, Maura bird, and Connor Newall. Also co-starring are Chi Lewis-Parry as "Samson", an infected that Dr. Kelson is trying to cure and Mirren Mack as a pregnant survivor.

     Mr. Garland's script explores the theme of the nature of evil as Jimmy proclaims himself the son of Satan (or as he refers to him, as "Old Nick). The film has quite a few grisly scenes and while the "infected" are zombie-like, this is not a horror film in the traditional sense.

      The film works as a perfect bridge to what will be the climatic film. The last scene even reintroduces a character from the very first film.

 

Dead Man's Wire

 

        Based on a true story, the latest film from director Gus Van Sant is a taut little thriller starring an electric Bill Skarsgard.

         The film is shot almost as a documentary as Mr. Van Sant enjoys recreating actual events. Mr. Skarsgard plays Tony Kiritsis, a man who felt swindled by a loan company, who takes the son of the owner hostage, with a shotgun wired at the back of his head. Dacre Montgomery plays Richard Hall, the nervous hostage.

            Co-starring are Cary Elwes (almost unrecognizable) as Detective Michael Grable, Myha'la as TV reporter Linda Page, Colman Domingo as DJ Fred Temple,  Al Pacino as M.L. Hall, the owner of the loan company and Kelly Lynch as his wife. Mr. Pacino's role amounts to little more than a cameo. Mr. Domingo's role is a bit bigger and more significant.

             The time and place is 1977 in Indianapolis and Mr. Van Sant goes to great lengths for authenticity in the costumes and sets.  Ironically, it was shot in Louisville Kentucky standing in for Indianapolis. It's a fast paced thriller tinged with humor and suspense that could be a distant cousin to "Dog Day Afternoon".

              Mr. Skarsgard sheds his iconic role of "Pennywise the Clown" from "IT" and makes the most of his role as Tony Kiritsis. He drives the entire film.

               It's a wild story with a surprising ending (if you don't know the actual facts). Actual footage of the real event plays during the credits.

               

Father Mother Sister Brother

 

          The latest film from writer/director Jim Jarmusch uses his favorite film structure of multiple story lines to tell three tales of family dynamics.

           "Father" tells the story of an adult brother and sister paying a visit to their widowed father. It stars Adam Driver and Mayim Bialik as the siblings and Tom Waits as their father. "Mother" also tells a story of siblings (in this case sisters) paying an annual visit of afternoon tea with their mother. It stars Cate Blanchett and Vicky Krieps as the sisters and Charlotte Rampling as their mother. "Sister Brother" is a story of adult twins who reunite to visit their former home after their parents have been killed in a plane crash. It stars Indya Moore and Luka Sabbat. Every actor is excellent.

            The entire film is a gentle look at each family's dynamic with hints of dysfunction, humor, grace, love, and in one case, surprise. The stories are not connected but do contain subtle threads of overlap in pieces of dialog and visuals.

             Fans of Mr. Jarmusch will appreciate the unhurried, "slice of life" storytelling.

              

          

Avatar: Fire and Ash

 

         The third film in James Cameron's Avatar series will not disappoint fans. If you are not familiar with the series and have some interest, I recommend you watch the first two before jumping right into the new one.

         Since the film picks up right where the story left off, the original cast all return including Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Kate Winslet, Cliff Curtis, Edie Falco, Giovanni Ribisi, and Jack Champion. The cast play humans and the CGI, aliens, The Na'vi. Using motion capture and the newest technology, Mr. Cameron and his team seamlessly integrate all the visuals into a masterwork of realism, creating, once again, the world of Pandora.

           To truly immerse yourself in the film, the best way to see it is in IMAX 3-D, but any large screen format will still not disappoint. The story continues but Mr. Cameron introduces new characters and broadens the scope of the world he has created. This includes the Mangkwan, a war mongering tribe of Na'vi led by Varang, played by Oona Chaplin.

            The film is lots of fun but clocking in at slightly over three hours, it does drag a bit in the middle.  However, the finale is absolutely spectacular and will leave you in a state of awe. While this film has a definitive end, Mr. Cameron has two more films planned for the series. He leaves you wanting more.