WOLFS

 

       Shame on Apple using George Clooney and Brad Pitt as poster boys to sell subscriptions. This new action, crime, drama is light as air and as thin as finely sliced ham. The plot is a total cliche and makes very little sense, even when the two stars quickly explain it late in the film, when they both realize what they've been doing for nearly the past two hours.

         It begins with an interesting premise, when Amy Ryan calls for the services of a "cleaner", a professional fixer of sorts who "cleans" up illegal scenarios to protect certain types of people. Two competing "cleaners, Mr. Clooney and Mr. Pitt, show up to dispose of a body and things take off from there.

          Besides Ms. Ryan (who disappears after the initial scene), the film co-stars Austin Abrams, Zlatko Buric, and in a surreal cameo, Richard Kind as a Frank Sinatra fanatic.

          If you are satisfied watching two movie stars going through the paces, without much thought of character or plot development, this is the perfect film for you. Enjoy it as the two make fun of themselves with aging jokes such as needing glasses, complaining about back pain, and needing aspirin.

          There is far better content (with stars) to watch on Apple, then this fluff. These wolfs don't bite. They don't even have teeth.

Lee

 

  Kate Winslet is terrific in this pretty straight forward "bio pic" of the celebrated World War Two photojournalist, Lee Miller.

   Framed by an interview session in 1977, we are transported back to 1938 when Ms. Miller was working as a photographer for the British edition of Vogue magazine. We then follow her  as a wartime photojournalist during the war in France. The framing device is clever especially as the film returns to 1977.

   Ms. Winslet is fearless in a strong performance that rises above the dark and dour backdrop of the later days of the war. She is joined by Andy Samberg (in his first serious role) as Look Magazine, photojournalist, David Scherman. The two had a great friendship that lasted well after the war and through the chemistry of the two actors, that friendship and bond is very apparent.

    The film co-stars Andrea Riseborough as Audrey Withers, the editor at Vogue, Alexander Skarsgard as Lee's husband, Roland and Josh O'Conner as Antony. It also features Marion Cotillard, Noemie Merlant, and Vincent Colombe.

     Lee Miller's actual photographs are showcased in the film and many scenes are hard to watch as she brilliantly captures the horror of war as well as moments of meditation and even surprise.

      During the credits, we learn the fate (and see the actual photos) of the  people featured in the film. It's a tribute to Lee Miller, David Scherman and others like them that brought all the aspects of war home through their work. A grim reminder that no one really wins.

The Wild Robot

 

    With a screenplay and direction by Chris Sanders, this new film is a joy on every level. It is based on the book by Peter Brown and Mr. Sanders and his terrific team bring it to animated life.

      The animation is wonderful combining familiar animation techniques for the action and foreground but with a vibrant hand painted feel for the background creating a completely new look. The simple story is filled with humor, suspense, action and a surprising emotional core. It's a treat for the eyes and touches your heart as well.

       The film features the vocal talents of Lupita Nyong'o as "the Robot", Pedro Pascal as Fink, the fox,  Kit Connor as Brightbill the goose, Catherine O'Hara as Pinktail the opossum, Bill Nighy as Longneck the goose, Mark Hamill as Thorn the grizzly bear, Matt Berry as Paddler the beaver, and Ving Rhames as Thunderbolt the falcon.

        I would recommend it for children and adults as well, although there are a few scenes that younger viewers may find frightening. It's a perfect family film, filled with life lessons and a strong moral center. Try to see it in a theater where the big screen and sound really make the film "pop".

The Substance

 

    Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, this satirical body horror film has a lot to say about a woman's self image, vanity, celebrity, and ageism. And Ms. Fargeat is not subtle about delivering those themes literally into the face of the audience.  Her use of extreme closeups drive home her points.

     The film itself, is as if David Cronenberg directed Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. As it builds to a crescendo of an all out gonzo gross out, we watch as stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley battle it out for sole possession of the same person.

     Ms. Moore is fantastic in one of her best roles, fearlessly making fun of her own self image. Ms. Qualley is equally as good as she seeks to control her own destiny. The film co-stars Dennis Quaid as a sleezy TV executive and he plays it well as a walking parody.

     At the onset, the story is simple enough. An aging celebrity fearful of becoming obsolete, discovers "The Substance", a drug that promises a return to youth and beauty. But as we all know, there are always consequences when wishes come true and, in this case, things get crazier and crazier as Ms. Moore and her younger self compete for control.

     Be warned that the last third of the film is so off the wall, it may make some viewers physically sick and can be hard to watch but in it's own way, it's also kind of brilliant. Nothing will prepare you for this controversial new film.

      

Speak No Evil

 

       With a screenplay written and directed by James Watkins, this is an American remake of a 2022 Danish thriller.

        An American couple and their young daughter meet a British couple and their son while on holiday in Tuscany. They all hit it off and the "Brits", Paddy and his wife Ciara invite Louise, Ben and their daughter, Agnes to visit them at their farm in the English countryside. Once they arrive, all is not what it seems.

        Paddy is played by James McAvoy and he is incredible. Friendly and inviting one second, he turns sinister with just a simple raised eyebrow, slight twist of a lip or simply a sneering smile. His wife is played by Aisling Franciosi and their son is played by Dan Hough. The American couple are well played by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy (who were both terrific in the great AMC show "Halt & Catch Fire"). Alix West Lefler plays Agnes, wise beyond her years. The film also co-stars Kris Hichen as Mike and Motaz Mulhees as Muhjid.

        Mr. Watkins builds the suspense  slowly as little cracks start to appear in Paddy and Ciara's behavior. His screenplay alternates between suspense, touches of humor and eventually horror, as the truth is revealed.  At that point, the tension becomes palatable as things escalate into a life and death situation. 

         It's a rollercoaster of a film, touching all the right buttons of it's audience.  If you are looking for a much darker and even more sinister version of the story, check out the original Danish film, now streaming.

          

Caveat

 

        Directed and written by Damian McCarthy, "Caveat" is Mr. McCarthy's directorial debut and the predecessor to "Oddity", a terrific horror film, I recently reviewed.

        While I didn't find this film quite as scary as "Oddity", it certainly has it's moments. The story itself, is strange to begin with and only gets stranger as it goes on. Mr. McCarthy is an original voice in horror and creates stories and situations that can totally give you nightmares.

         Amnesiac drifter Isaac is hired by one Moe Barrett to watch over his niece, Olga, who lives alone and is prone to sudden fits of catatonic states. What Moe doesn't reveal to Isaac is the job's caveat and thus sets off  Isaac's descent into near madness.

         The film stars Johnny French as Isaac, Leila Sykes as Olga, and Ben Caplan as Moe Barrett. The film also stars the scariest toy rabbit I've ever seen. 

          Currently streaming, it's a film that may haunt you for days.

Reagan

 

         What a great love story between Ron and Nancy Reagan and what a great love story for all Republicans. And released close to Election Day, coincidence? Although in fairness, it does instill a bit of patriotic pride, the way President Reagan stood up to the Soviet Union.

          Dennis Quaid does a fairly good impression of President Reagan but it's Penelope Ann Miller who steals the film as Nancy Reagan. She is spot on and the chemistry between the two is wonderful. They do a great job conveying the love "Ronnie" and Nancy Pants"  had for each other.

           The film is framed by a Russian "spy" narrator, played by Jon Voight explaining to an unnamed Russian official how Ronald Reagan came to power. He claims to have studied everything about Reagan going back to when he was a boy, which we then see as the story unfold in flashbacks.

            Co-starring are C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Dillion, Mena Suvari, Lesley -Anne Down, Alesksander Krupa, Robert Davi, Xander Berkeley, and Dan Lauria among others.

            The film covers a lot of ground but many significant events are glossed over as the writer, Howard Klausner's main focus is on communism and how President Reagan was instrumental in the fall of the Soviet Union. His screenplay is based on the book, "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism" by Paul Kengor so it makes sense that the screenplay is heavy on the subject. Of course little mention of the Iran-Contra scandal, the invasion of Grenada, the bombing of Libya, his lack of response to the AIDS epidemic, and “Reaganomics” while focusing on primary standing up to the Russians paints an unequal weight on his legacy. 

             No president has ever been perfect but Ronald Reagan's legacy will stand the test of time. The film is entertaining and provides some insight into the man. But if you are more interested in a complete picture (and not just all this flag waving), hit the history books.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

 

    Director Tim Burton, with his singular visual style, reunites Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara to create a funhouse sequel to the original "Beetlejuice".

     Despite a few visual marvels, the film takes a minute to really take off, especially when a plot point you may think unnecessary takes an important turn.

      In addition to the three returning leads, the film also co-stars Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Arthur Conti, Burn Gorman, and in a cameo, Danny DeVito.

      The art direction and visual effects are fantastic, as you would expect from a Tim Burton Film, and as in most of Mr. Burton's films, Danny Elfman composed the score.

       Mr. Keaton is at his madcap best and is a shot of adrenaline every time he is on screen. Ms. O'Hara and Mr. Dafoe, chew the scenery (in a good way) in their respective roles. Ms. Bellucci is the very sexy ex-wife of Beetlejuice who's shapely figure is put together very well...literally. Ms. Ortega is an actress that continues to impress and Ms. Ryder slips back comfortably into her character, Lydia Deetz, albeit with an adult sensibility now.

       The film doesn't break any new ground since the original (although Beetlejuice's shrunken head employees are a hoot) but is lots of nostalgic fun throughout. 

    

      

Strange Darling

 

       A one night stand becomes a twisted game of cat and mouse in this dark thriller from writer/director JT Mollner.

       The film is broken into six "chapters" and an epilogue but told in a non-linear fashion which is only one of the more interesting things that sets it apart from films of this ilk. 

       It stars Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Both leads play well against each other and Ms. Fitzgerald, in particular, is absolutely terrific as "The Lady". Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. have small but significant roles.

       The actor Giovanni Ribisi makes his behind the camera debut as the cinematographer, as well as one of the producers and the actor Jason Patric does a voice over narration. 

       Violent and clever, "Strange Darling" will definitely hold your attention. 

Oddity

 

      Finally, a horror movie that lives up to its genre. This new film written and directed by Damian McCarthy is creepy, unsettling, and actually dare I say it, scary. 

       Mr. McCarthy has written a very weird but accessible story line and directs with an assured hand that knows exactly where and when to jolt you out of your seat. It's the first horror film I've seen in a long time that actually gave me goosebumps.

       The film stars Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken, Tadhg Murphy, Caroline Menton, Steve Wall, and Jonathan French. It was filmed in Ireland and despite accents, you can easily watch without subtitles. I recommend watching it in the dark and not alone.

       The less said about the plot the better but from the moment it starts until the very last frame, it will have you on edge. Streaming now, as video on demand, on multiple outlets.