28 Years Later

 

      Continuing the series that most likely influenced TV's "The Walking Dead",  this installment reunites writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle who were the creatives behind the original "28 Days Later".

       It may be misleading to call this a traditional horror film, as while there are horror elements, it's more of a human drama with survivors of the "Rage Virus" protecting themselves against "The Infected". Not undead zombies, the infected were once human but have now become something less with no reason and just an instinct to kill and eat the unaffected. Most of them move quickly and attack in groups.

       The opening scene is pretty horrific though, setting the stage for what is to come "28 years later". A group of survivors live on an island off the coast of Britain, accessible only at low tide. On his twelfth birthday, Spike and his father Jamie set out to the mainland for his "first kill". 

        Spike is played by Alfie Williams, and he is the heart and soul of the film. Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays his father, Jamie and Jodie Comer is Isla, his sick mother. The plot drives Spike to take Isla to the mainland in search of a mythical doctor. Co-starring are Ralph Fiennes, Edvin Ryding, Chi Lewis -Parry, Christopher Fulford, and Jack O'Connell.

        The action scenes are very exciting and a visceral thrill but the film is also very emotional and dramatic. Mr. Garland's script holds surprises for the characters and the viewer is easily caught up in their struggle to survive. Mr. Boyle hasn't lost his touch and has lots of fun speeding up and then momentarily freezing certain scenes.

       The first of three planned films, the first sequel is expected in January of 2026. One of the executive producers of this film is Cillian Murphy, who appeared in the first film and is rumored to be part of the next installment in some capacity.

         I look forward to the next chapter and hope they can make it as good as this one.

The Life of Chuck

 

        Based on a short story by Stephen King and written and directed by Mike Flanagan, this is absolutely no horror story. Rather, it is remarkable story of an average person, beautifully told by Mr. Flanagan.

        The film is told in three acts and starts in reverse. While it may take a moment to understand what is happening and where the story is going, it does all come together in an endearing way. Telling the story in reverse makes perfect sense and once it ends, you'll be thinking about it for quite a while.

         Adult Chuck is played by Tom Hiddleston, who as it turns out is a terrific dancer.  He has a wonderful dance sequence with Annalise Basso, after he begins to move to the rhythms of a young street drummer, played by Taylor Gordon. 

          The real revelation, however, is Benjamin Pajak as the eleven year old Chuck.  He's an adorable young actor, mature beyond his years and a terrific dancer himself. Chuck is also played by Cody Flanagan as a seven year old and Jacob Tremblay plays Chuck as a seventeen year old. Mr. Tremblay has grown into a fine young actor after his breakout performance in "Room" back in 2015.The film also co-stars Chiwetel Ejiofor,  Mark Hamill, Mia Sara (great to see her on screen again), Karen Gillan,  Carl  Lumbly, and Nick Offerman as the narrator.

           An unconventional film, it will sneak up on you and you will appreciate the power of it's ultimately life affirming story.

             

The Phoenician Scheme

 

        The latest film from writer/director Wes Anderson is jammed packed with famous actors in cameo roles. This is not unusual as actors love to work with Mr. Anderson and many of them have appeared in his films before.

         Benicio del Toro stars as Anatole "Zsa-Zsa" Korda, a wealthy and ruthless businessman Who plans his biggest venture yet, the "Phoenician Scheme".  The complicated scheme is presented to his daughter Liesi, played by Mia Threapleton, as a device to also explain the scheme to the audience.  During the course of the film,  Korda and his daughter (who's about to become a nun) meet the various characters who can help carry our Korda's plans.

           The film co-stars Michael Cera and Rupert Friend and in various cameos, Riz Amed, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Mathieu Amalric, Richard Ayoade, Jeffrey Wright, Scalett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Hope Davis, Bill Murray, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Dafoe, F. Murray Abraham, and Stephen Park.

            There are many funny sequences and very witty dialog, which you would come to expect from Mr. Anderson. What is also true of a Wes Anderson film is the wonderful art direction and this film is no exception. The film and it's set pieces are literal works of art. It is a beautiful film to watch, even if you're having trouble following the plot.

           While not the best film in the Anderson canon, fans will absolutely enjoy themselves.

         

Ballerina

 

        Set in the John Wick universe, this action thriller takes place around the same time as "John Wick: Chapter Three" and revolves around another assassin trained by the Ruska Roma. The "Ballerina" of the titles is Eve Macarro played by Ana de Armas.

         As a little girl, Eve watches as her father is killed by another set of assassins, led by "The Chancellor", played by Gabriel Bryne. Orphaned, Winston Scott (Ian McShane), brings her to the Ruska Roma where she is trained by "the Director", (Angelica Huston) both as a dancer and assassin. As the years pass, Eve is now an adult and seeking revenge against "The chancellor" for the death of her father.

         The action is fast and furious, once the film kicks into high gear. The fight sequences are at times, very inventive and always amazing. Ms. de Armas is up for the challenge, using whatever she can for a weapon and fighting with above par martial arts.

         The film also ca-stars Norman Reedus, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, and in his last role before his untimely death, a cameo by Lance Reddick as Charon. Fans of John Wick will be certainly pleased (and this comes as no surprise) that Keanu Reeves does make a more than just a cameo as John Wick himself.

          This is an exciting film with a violent and high body count. It lacks the gravitas that Mr. Reeves brings to his own "Wick" films but the fans of this franchise will still have a good time.