Wildwood

 

      Directed by Travis Knight with a screenplay by Chris Butler, "Wildwood" is a towering achievement in stop motion animation. It is an absolutely visual feast for the eyes and an emotional burst for the heart. It is based on the novel of the same name by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis.

      The film begins in Portland Oregon and incorporates shots of famous points of interest in the city, which is a nice touch since the studio behind the film is based in Portland. The action quickly moves to a magical forest just outside the city where a young teenager named Prue sets out to rescue her baby brother, Mac, who has been kidnapped by dangerous and unstable governess.

        Parents should be warned that this is absolutely not a film for small children. It is rated PG-13 and just barely falls short of an R rating. It can be very dark and violent at times and features multiple deaths. The story concerns the kidnapping of a baby, who is then put in harms way and has many scenes that one would consider scary. Having said all that, it is also beautiful and hopeful, humorous at times and very exciting. It is a wonderful film for older kids and adults.

         The film stars the vocal talents of Carey Mulligan, Jacob Tremblay, Mahershala Ali, Awkwafinia,  Tom Waits, Charlie Day, Angela Bassett, Richard E. Grant, Jake Johnson, Blythe Danner, Tantoo Cardinal, Maya Eskine, Rob Delaney, Jermaine Clement, Len Cariou, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee as Prue.

           Guillermo del Toro's "Pinocchio" raised the bar in stop motion animation and "Wildwood" completely smashes the bar. The climatic battle towards the end of the film is just incredible. It is a cinematic masterpiece that should definitely be seen in a theater to really appreciate the quality of  craftmanship that went into creating this brilliant film.

          

The Only Living Pickpocket in New York

 

      Written and directed by Noah Segan, this new Indie film, while contemporary, is a throwback to the New York of the 1970's with it's authentic look and feel of the city.. It's a gritty little crime story with a terrific score by John Lionelli.

        John Turturro stars and is absolutely terrific in one of best roles as Harry Lehman, a career pickpocket carving out a meager living, in a small apartment in the Bronx, with his invalid wife, Rosie (Karina Arroyave). Mr. Turturro is in almost every scene and absolutely nails it every time.

        Co-stars include Giancarlo Esposito as Detective Warren, Will Price as Dylan, Steve Buscemi as Ben, Tatiana Maslany as Kelly (just great in only one scene), John Gallagher Jr.in the opening scene that sets up the film, Lori Tan Chinn as Gena, and a surprise cameo from another terrific actress.

        The screenplay is excellent and the actors support it with wonderful performances. It's filled with surprising twists and turns when Harry steals from the wrong guy and is desperate to set things right. Every scene feels real, filled with interesting and well written characters. I can't say enough good things about this film. It's easily one of my favorite films of the year.

          

Clayface

 

       If you're into grotesque body horror revenge thrillers, it doesn't get much better than this. From a story by Mike Flanagan and directed by James Watkins, "Clayface" is based on the DC Comics character featured in the pages of Batman. 

       The film stars Tom Rhys Harries as Matt Hagen, an up and coming actor, recently nominated for an Academy Award. When he sleeps with the wrong woman, the girlfriend of a notorious gangster,  he pays the price of having his face horribly disfigured. Naomi Ackie co-stars as Dr. Caitlyn Corr, a scientist experimenting with nanobots that can restore skin and other tissue.  Hagen reaches out to her to use his experimental treatment on him and the story gets pretty crazy from that point on.

        Also co-starring are David Dencik as the mobster Markos, Max Minghella as Detective (and Dr. Corr's boyfriend) John Borrelli, Joshua James as Corey Bowery (Hagen's best friend and fellow actor) and Eddie Marsan as sleazy lawyer, Frank Fitzpatrick. Ms. Ackie and Mr. Watkins develop good on screen chemistry (pun intended) and add depth and emotion to the story.

        Once Hagen becomes "Clayface" (now he can actually mold his face and body to look like anyone), he sets out to get revenge on Markos and everyone who has betrayed him. The film takes it's time to get going but after Hagen's treatment, his body horror begins as the nanobots react with his physical and even mental state.  The murders get grislier with each revengeful kill. 

        Mr. Watkins and his team do a terrific job on the special effects, which at times, can be pretty repulsive. It's a insane concept but if you are a fan of this genre or the comic it's based on, you'll have bloody good time. 

You Can See Everything

 

       This is a documentary on steroids. Co-directors Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder (who also acts as the film's interviewer) have created a film that goes beyond the limits of a standard documentary.

        Elizabeth Holmes was the CEO and brainchild behind Theranos, a company that claimed to be making a small machine that, with one drop of blood could diagnosis multiple diseases. She raised over half a billion dollars on false promises as the machine didn't work. Investors eventually lost millions and she was found guilty of fraud in 2023 and sentenced to eleven years in jail. Her story was dramatized in 2022 as a HULU episodic show called "The Dropout", starring Amanda Seyfried as Ms. Holmes. It's a good point of context before seeing the documentary, but not mandatory. The film makes many references to the show and features Mr. Fielder showing actual scenes to Ms. Holmes which are very impactful.

         After sentencing, Mr. Oppenheim and Mr. Fielder were granted 24/7 access to Ms. Holmes shortly before she went to prison. It was her intention to give her side of the story and hopefully be seen in a sympathetic light.  Mr. Fielder is not a professional interviewer and many of his reaction shots to his questions are priceless. What does come to light over the course of the film is remarkable and probably not what Ms. Holmes intended. It is an intimate portrait of a woman and her partner, Billy Evans, that almost defies logic.

          Besides Ms. Holmes, Mr. Evans and Mr. Fielder, the film also features Amanda Seyfried as herself and reprising her role as Ms. Holmes in recreated scenes that could not be filmed. Also featured for the same reason is Christopher Abbott as Mr. Evans in certain recreations. We also meet Ms. Holmes parents in a few very raw and emotional scenes.

           The subject of this documentary is a woman who cannot be easily defined and still proclaims to have done nothing wrong. See the film and judge her for yourself.

Whalefall

 

             A survival thriller unlike anything you've ever seen. 

             The film was directed and co-written (with the Daniel Kraus, author of the novel) by Brian Duffield. Along with his cinematographer, Aaron Morton, Mr. Duffield takes us directly inside the claustrophobic, multiple stomachs of a giant sperm whale. The set design is remarkable.

              Austin Abrams (coming off a star turn in "Resident Evil") stars as Jay Gardiner. Josh Brolin co-stars (in flashbacks) as Jay's dad, Mitt, an accomplished diver, who, in the very first scene, has committed suicide by drowning. The film also features Elisabeth Shue as Jay's mom, John Ortiz as a family friend, and Jane Levy and Emily Rudd as Jay's sisters.

              When Jay decides to search for his father's remains, he dives alone and in a terrifying sequence is accidently swallowed (along with a squid) by a sperm whale. For the rest of the film, he must figure out a way to survive, juxtaposed with intermittent flashbacks of his difficult relationship with his father. 

               It takes a degree of suspending belief and going with the outlandish concept but once you do, you'll be rewarded with quite a ride.

             

                

Other Mommy

 

        I suppose an actor needs to pay the bills and maybe challenge themselves in a new genre but for the wonderful Jessica Chastain, this was a big miss.

        Reliably great in almost all of her films, even Ms. Chastain can't rise above the material here.  She does try her best tackling both roles as Mommy and "Other Mommy". The film starts out with great promise (unfortunately you see the best part in the trailer) but soon falls apart in a messy story that doesn't make sense (even for a horror film). The jump scares are predictable. The confrontational scenes with "other mommy" are noisy and confusing and the ending is a weak letdown.

         The film co-stars Jay Duplass as "Daddo", Karen Allen as Grandma, Dichen Lachman as Lois, Arian Moayed as Frank, and as "Bella" the child threatened by "Other Mommy", Arabella Olivia Clark. This is Ms. Clark's film debut and the horror sequences really run her through a gauntlet. Hopefully, she clearly understood her role and that it was all make believe, otherwise she will be traumatized for years. 

          Rather than "Other Mommy", see another film.

Primetime

 

            Based on real events, this is a dramatization of  TV journalist Chris Hansen's "To Catch a Predator". Robert Pattinson plays Hansen and he is just terrific, capturing both Hansen's vocal and physical mannerisms.

             The film co-stars Merritt Weaver as Andie Bender, Hansen's producer. Ms. Bender is a fictional character comprised of various producers from the show. Ms. Weaver is excellent as always. Also co-starring is Skyler Gisondo, as Dan Plum, in his best screen performance to date. Matthew Maher, Anna Faris, Bokeem Woodbine, and Alex Winter also co-star.

              Director Lance Oppenheim shoots the film at times coming across as a mock documentary, with dark lighting and minimal music (added only in crucial scenes). It is fascinating to watch (especially having never seen the TV show) and considering the subject matter, comes off deliberately just a bit lurid and sleazy. 

               The film really turns on Mr. Pattinson's performance and he does not disappoint. He is in almost every scene and just electric to watch, fully immersed in the character. This is a peek behind the curtain of reality TV, exposed in it's truth and total weirdness.  

               

The Social Reckoning

 

         Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, the film could be considered this generation's "All The President's Men".  It dramatizes the story of "The Facebook Files", the expose of Facebook by the Wall Street Journal in 2021.

         The film stars Mikey Madison as Frances Haugen, the Facebook manager who becomes a whistleblower, exposing negative algorithms in the company's system. Reluctantly at first, she partners with Jeremy Allen White, as Jeff Horowitz, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal and eventually leaks thousands of files. The stars have good chemistry and handle Mr. Sorkin's rapid fire dialog with ease.

          Co-starring are Jeremy Strong as Mark Zuckerberg ( evil personified), Bill Burr as Charlie Garrigan, Wunmi Mosaku as Raya, Billy Magnussen as Teddy Marks, Betty Gilpin as Kris, and Gbenga Akinnagbe as Andy.

           Since everything in the film represents information in the public record since 2021, the outcome is not a surprise but it is interesting and somewhat exciting to watch as it all comes together through Mr. Sorkin's terrific screenplay. The film's timeline incorporates the start of the pandemic and through multiple edits, the January 6th attack on the Capitol which implies Facebook's complicity

           While not necessarily an entertaining film, it's an important one and you may find yourself deleting your Facebook account as you leave the theater.

Digger

 

           Well, I might be in the minority on this one but I thought this new film from co-writer/director Alejandro G. Iñárritu was terrific with a very good performance from it's lead, Tom Cruise.

            Using a similar concept from his film "Birdman", Mr. Iñárritu gives us a serious warning about climate change and corporate greed wrapped in a satirical farce that, at times, is very funny. There is a jarring shift in the story that takes a minute to absorb but completely makes sense in the film's structure by the end.  

             Mr. Cruise performance reminds me of the character he played in "Tropic Thunder" but he builds upon it in the persona of Digger and even more as the film goes on. His co-stars include Riz Ahmed, John Goodman, Sandra Huller, Michael Stuhlbarg, Jesse Plemons, Robert John Burke, Emma D'Arcy, Sophie Wilde, and Pip Torrens. Of all the cast, only Ms. Huller (a wonderful actress) is wasted in a thin role as Digger's sister.

             Credit is due to Mr. Cruise for taking on a challenging role (under quite the makeup) and to Mr. Iñárritu and his fellow writers for tackling a serious subject in such a unique and interesting way. The film's deliberate structure may feel disjointed to some but not only does it work but also leaves us with a chilling ending.

                 

Heart of The Beast

 

        While I usually avoid films with dogs, I made an exception here because...the dog doesn't die. That's not a spoiler. The director has been on social media saying it and even if you missed that, the dog is seen at the very start of the film which then becomes a flashback story.

        Brad Pitt stars as James Belmont, an ex-special forces soldier traveling with his beloved dog Odin (played by four different dogs actually) in the Alaskan wilderness (actually New Zealand). When a medical emergency causes their seaplane to crash, the two must hike over 50 miles through rough and dangerous terrain to reach the closest road.

        Director David Ayer and his cinematographer, Mauro Fiore exploit the natural beauty of the land in breathtaking visuals but never forget that the heart and soul of this film is the bond between James and Odin. Closeups of Odin's expressive face will melt your heart. 

         The film co-stars J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe in minor roles but the film belongs to Mr. Pitt and Odin.

          Some scenes required a touch of CGI and even some puppetry but everything is blended beautifully and every shot is convincingly realistic. Even the stunt work appears to be Mr. Pitt every time. 

          There are some dangerous and heartbreaking sequences that some may find hard to watch. Ultimately though, you will find yourself lost in the adventure and bond that James and Odin share.

Resident Evil

 

           Co-written ( with Shay Hatten) and directed by Zach Cregger ("Weapons"), this new film is loosely based on the video game franchise. Having never played the game, I'm not sure how close it fits into that "world" but as a stand alone horror film, it's pretty good.

            The film stars Austin Abrams as Bryan, a medical courier delivering an unknown specimen to a hospital in Raccoon City. Driving along a deserted snow and ice covered road, he accidently hits a woman and this sets off a chain of events that Bryan is completely unprepared for.

            Mr. Abrams is excellent in the role of the reluctant hero. As the film progresses he encounters more and more bizarre creatures and his reactions and mutterings to himself are, at times, very funny.

             Co-starring as humans he encounters along the way are Zach Cherry, Kali Reis, and Paul Walter Hauser. It is Mr. Abrams, however, who carries the film and keeps it exciting.

              It's a fast paced ninety minutes as Mr. Cregger pours on the rising body count with plenty of blood and gore. Personally I'm still on the fence about the ending but that will be for the audience to debate.

The Weight

 

         Period drama set during the depression stars Ethan Hawk and Russell Crowe (although to be fair,  while an important part, Mr. Crowe only appears in the beginning and towards the end).

          Mr. Hawke plays Samuel Murphy, recently incarcerated into a brutal work camp building roads. Mr. Crowe is the warden who offers him early release if he will, along with three other prisoners, transport gold bars through the Oregon forest. Anxious to reunite with his young daughter, he accepts the mission.

            Carrying the gold on foot, the men encounter multiple hazards which increases the already suspenseful mission. Along the way, the pick up a native American woman who has run away from the work camp.

              The film co-stars  Julia Jones, Austin Amelio, Avi Nash, Lucas Lynggaard Tannesen, and Avy Berry.

             There is an an old school feel in the film's direction and cinematography. Even the credits at the end have an vintage look about them.  It's a very well done, exciting and suspenseful story.

Mutiny

 

      Sometimes all you want is a Jason Statham movie. You check your brain at the door and sit back watch him wreck havoc on the bad guys. This time aboard a freighter secretly carrying human cargo.

       The film stars Mr. Statham as Cole Reed a former solider and British policeman, now a private security man for a powerful shipping magnate. When the magnate is murdered, Reed is framed for the murder and must find the real killer and clear his name. Along the way, he discovers the human cargo on the freighter.

        The plot is convoluted and filled with holes but that's not what you come for anyway. It's about watching him dispatch every bad guy on board in various ways and saving the day.

        Co-starring are Annabelle Wallis, as Angie Ellis, a last minute crew member who ends up helping Reed. Also co-starring in various roles are Jason Wong, Roland Moller, Arnas Fedaravicius, Ramon Tikaram, Chaneil Kular and Adrian Lester (a good actor who has been away too long).

         I have to admire Mr. Statham. He's 59 years old and running around a freighter, hanging off ladders and ropes and fighting with any possible weapon he can find, including hand to hand. His director and editor work overtime to help him look so good.

        Add this one to the long list of films following the Jason Statham formula, which, at times, is all you need.

The Dog Stars

 

           Directed by Ridley Scott and based on the best selling novel by Peter Heller,  this is a bit of a fresh take on a post apocalyptic story. 

            It's 2035 (too close for comfort) and a strain of flu has wiped out most of mankind. Some survivors roam the countryside as "ravengers", feral armies taking supplies and killing at random. Other people, apparently immune to the virus try to survive where they can. Thankfully there are no zombies. The ravengers are bad enough.

             The film stars Jacob Elordi as Hig, a mechanic and pilot who lives with Bangley, an ex-marine, played by Josh Brolin (always cast as a tough guy lately), The two have great chemistry having lived together for years in a small deserted airfield. Co-starring are Margaret Qualley as Cima and Guy Pearce as her father "Pops".

             Hig meets Cima and Pops when he has plane trouble and is forced to land in a remote area. Other co-stars include Benedict Wong as the leader of a small Mennonite community and Alison Janney as the leader of another "community". Ms. Qualley has played her share of interesting characters of late and it's refreshing to see her in a more down to earth role.

            The cinematography by Eric Messerschmitt, is wonderful, especially when Hig is flying through the Italian skies (standing in for Colorado). Mr. Scott is no stranger to action driven scenes and while the film is more character driven and almost low key, there are a few exciting action sequences film. Late in the film, things get very weird for a short time, that seems out of place (more of a "Walking Dead" scenario minus the zombies) but it's forgivable as the story gets back on track pretty quickly.

             While it is marketed for IMAX, it's not really necessary to see it that way but the flying scenes and action scenes do look great on a big screen.

             

Coyote Vs. Acme

 

           If you grew up watching Looney Tunes cartoons, this new film will be nostalgic nirvana. It is the best example of live action combined with animation since "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

           Of course if you have never seen a Roadrunner/Coyote cartoon, this is not the film for you. But for those of us familiar with the characters, it's a blast (literally and figuratively).

            Based originally on a New York satire article, the film imagines a world where cartoon characters co-exist with people. After seeing a commercial for a lawyer who represents cartoons, Coyote, tired of using defective Acme products to catch the Roadrunner, decides to sue Acme and hires Kevin Avery to represent him. The name Avery being a nod to animator, Tex Avery.

             The film stars Will Forte as Avery (perfect casting), Lana Condor as Paige, his niece and assistant, and John Cena, as Buddy Crane, the head attorney for the Acme corporation. Other humans in the film include Tone Bell as Sal Maltese (a nod to Michael Maltese, co-creator of Roadrunner), Luis Guzman, Martha Kelly as Dottie Jones ( a nod to Chuck Jones, co-creator of Roadrunner), P.J. Bryne, and Kenneth Choi.

             Eric Bauza does the voices for about 13 different Looney Tunes characters, Candi Milo voices four characters and Jim Cummings does the voice of The Tasmanian Devil. The minor characters and cameos of other famous Looney Tunes characters are just terrific. Mr. Bauza does great voice work and honors the original work of the legendary Mel Blanc. 

             There are sight gags galore as well as some very funny dialog. Interwoven into the craziness is a heart warming story that integrates the live action with the cartoon aspects seamlessly. 

              It's a lot of fun for young and old alike. "That's all Folks"

              

The Rivals of Amziah King

 

           Wow...how refreshing to discover a totally original film that succeeds on so many levels. And welcome back Matthew McConaughey after a five year hiatus.

            Writer and director Andrew Patterson wisely cast Mr. McConaughey as beekeeper and blue grass musician, Amziah King, living in rural Oklahoma. His easy going charm welcomes you in from the first scene and lingers throughout, even after a surprising turn of events.

             Co-starring a wonderful Angelina LookingGlass (in her major film debut), even she is not immune to Amaziah's charms as his former foster charge. Her character, Kateri, is a force of nature herself and owns the second half of the film. In addition, the film co-stars Owen Teague, Scott Shepard, Rob Morgan, Tony Revolori, Cole Sprouse, Jake Horowitz, and Kurt Russell. Members of the cast play a terrific part time Bluegrass band and provide much of the film's soundtrack and songs.

            We learn quite a bit about the raising and caring of honeybees (shot incredibly without CGI) but the story is also filled with music, murder, revenge,  an unusual heist and ultimately a love of community. It's entirely original in plot and enjoyable throughout. I highly recommend it as a refreshing summer blast.

              

The End of Oak Street

 

  

        Written and directed by David Robert Mitchell (who made the excellent film "It Follows"), this big budget follow up is a strange mix of storytelling, at once suspenseful and yet also ridiculous at times. 

          The plot is "Jurassic Park"  meets suburban America, circa 1982. Mr. Mitchell's costumes, visuals, and choice of music all represent the time period perfectly. Things start to go off the rails once a cosmic wormhole (at least that seems to be the explanation) sends the entire neighborhood back to the age of dinosaurs,

            Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star along with Maisy Stella and Christian Convery as the Platt family, the core family trying to survive their horrific situation. Their struggles, along with a subplot of underlining issues within the family dynamic, form the drama that is the emotional center of the film. All four actors do a great job of expressing fear and anxiety. 

            At times, the film is exciting and suspenseful, especially in tight quarters but there are moments that truly make no sense and others that are really laughable. While most of the film stays within the range of its PG-13 rating, there are moments of visceral violence that could have easily given it an R rating instead. These moments are fairly shocking and seem out of place with the overall tone of the film. 

              While ultimately disappointing due to the confusing story construction, it's still a reasonably fun "popcorn" movie due to it's hard working stars and decent visuals. 

Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma

 

      Imagine walking through a contemporary art exhibit, taking in all the exhibits and liking some, while at the same time, hating some and being confused by the rest. That's how I felt watching writer/director Jane Schoenbrun's latest film. 

      One part slasher film parody, one part psychosexual love story, and one part film within a film, there is a lot to digest after seeing "Camp Miasma. The film is certainly bizarre, yet oddly touching as it explores self-awareness and queer themes in a satirical setting of a slasher film. It is also very funny.

       Hannah Einbinder stars as Kris, a queer filmmaker looking to make a reboot of an old slasher franchise. Her co-star is Gillian Anderson as Billy Presley, the original "survivor" actress from the first film, who is now a recluse living on the abandoned set of the film.

       Co-stars include  Patrick Fischler, Arthur Conti, Zach Cherry, Sarah Sherman and a cameo from Dylan Baker. The film really belongs to Ms. Einbinder and Ms. Anderson though, as the majority of screentime features just the two women as their initial relationship grows more intimate and certainly more intense as the story goes on.

       You can easily see flourishes of "Sunset Boulevard", "Psycho", and of course "Friday the 13th" throughout the film. Ms. Anderson plays it straight even as she channels Gloria Swanson. As for the slasher film backdrop, the killer in the film is named "Little Death", no coincidence that the French refer to an orgasm as "Little Death". In addition, the character lives in a hole at the bottom of a lake, born with a confusing sexual identity. Again, a lot to digest. 

         Not necessarily done for a mainstream audience, fans of both Jane Schoenborn and Hannah Einbinder will definitely enjoy the film and have a lot to discuss after the credits roll (by the way, there is a short post credit scene as well).

        

I Want Your Sex

 

       Yes, it's a provocative title but in the hands of director and co-writer (with Karley Sciortino) of Gregg Araki, I would consider this new comedy/drama a parody of contemporary art and sexual politics. This is Mr. Araki's first film in twelve years after a string of independent films (including "The Doom Generation") and he has a lot to say about the world today.

        The film opens with a clever nod to "Sunset Boulevard" and "9 1/2 Weeks" setting the stage for an unusual relationship between an artist with an open mind towards kinky sex and her new art gallery  assistant, who becomes her latest "boytoy".

         Cooper Hoffman stars as Elliot, the naive gallery assistant looking for a connection he is not getting from his current girlfriend (played by Charli XCX) or his life in general. Olivia Wilde is Erika, the gallery owner and artist hoping to make a splash with her latest outragous exhibit. Erika sees something in Elliot and he soon becomes entangled in a serious BDSM sexual relationship with the domineering Erika. The film also co-stars Mason Gooding, Daveed Diggs, Chase Sui Wonders, Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville.

         While erotic up to a point, Mr. Araki's exploration of sexual dynamics becomes more comedic than sexy, but he blends his genres so well the film becomes a smart commentary while, at the same time, poking fun at Generation Z's expense. His stylish and colorful direction is visually appealing and Mr. Hoffman and Ms. Wilde don't hold back in their onscreen chemistry. Their sex scenes are wild without being overly explicit.  These are daring roles for both actors and they pull it off. Mr. Hoffman, in particular, is exceptional as the conflicted Elliot.

          A mainstream audience may be put off by the title and apparent subject matter but the film sneaks up on you and certainly has more to offer than what one might think going in. 

            

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.

Disclosure Day

 

       Director Steven Spielberg's return to science fiction finds him in very familiar territory. Too familiar as it turns out. With a story by Mr. Spielberg and a screenplay by David Koepp, the film plays like the director's greatest hits. Bits and pieces from many of his earlier (and better) films make up this story of alien cover up and reveal that could almost serve as a sequel to "Close Encounters of The Third Kind".

       Starring Josh O'Conner as a whistle blower for Wardex, a shadowy corporation, the film drops us in the middle of the story as he is on the run with secret files that he wants to disclose to the whole world. Joining him are his girlfriend, Jane, played by Eve Hewson and later by Margaret, played by Emily Blunt, a TV weather personality, who is more than she even realizes herself.

         Joining the three leads are Colin Firth, as the head of Wardex, Colman Domingo, as Hugo, another defector from Wardex and a miscast Wyatt Russell as Margaret's boyfriend. Ms. Blunt is terrific in a role that becomes more complicated as the film goes on. Mr. O'Conner plays the reluctant hero well and Mr. Firth is a well cast villain. Ms. Hewson is also good as the girlfriend, in what seems to be constant peril. 

         The film is basically one long chase (shades of "The Sugarland Express" with some "Duel" thrown in for good measure). His aliens, when revealed look just like the ones from "Close Encounters" and much of the Wardex tech resembles the tech of "Minority Report". Sprinkle in some "E.T." elements and stunts worth of "Indiana Jones" and there you have it. And, of course you have to include a few cute kids.

         There are a few memorable action sequences and clever effects (although the CGI animals aren't very realistic) but overall, the film is a disappointment in the canon of Mr. Spielberg's works. Even the score by John Williams fails to inspire us. The film's message of empathy for each other is also familiar territory for Mr. Spielberg. The only thing missing was Richard Dreyfuss emerging from a spaceship at the end.

Pressure

 

    Who would want to watch a 140 minute film about the weather? 

   Well, not just any weather but rather the forecast for the D-Day invasion of France. This fact based film puts the spotlight on meteorologist, James Stagg who is pressed into service by Dwight D. Eisenhower to accurately predict the weather for the day of the invasion, June 5th, 1944.

    Recommended by Winston Churchill, Scott completely disagrees with Eisenhower's American meteorologist, Irving P. Krick forcing "Ike" into one of his most critical decisions of the war. Bad weather can have potentially disastrous results for the invasion.

    The film stars Andrew Scott as Stagg and he is just sensational. Also starring is Brendan Fraiser as General Eisenhower. Co-starring are Kerry Condon as Kay Summersby, Chris Messina as Irving P. Krick, Damian Lewis as Bernard Montgomery, and Con O'Neill as Air Chief Marshall Trafford Leigh-Mallory.

     Director and co-writer Anthony Maras does a good job building the tension as the clock ticks down to the faithful date with a final decision yet to be made. While we all know the actual outcome of the D-Day, this little known fact about the days leading up to the invasion tells a story that very easily could of had a very different and horrible outcome.

Power Ballad

 

        Writer/director John Carney (Once, Swing Street, Begin Again, Flora & Son) continues his win streak with another comedy/drama with music. He has an amazing knack for writing at least one song per film that sticks in your head and stays with you long after you leave the theater. 

         The film stars Paul Rudd as Rick, a musician who's rock stardom dreams were sidelined when he got married and had a daughter. Now he makes a living as a wedding singer in Ireland. It also stars Nick Jonas as a former "Boyband" member, Danny Wilson (what a stretch) who's solo career has faltered as he tries to come up with his next big hit.

          The two meet at a wedding and late into the night, get wasted while playing and writing songs together. Some time later, while tinkering at the piano, Danny remembers parts of a song Rick had played for him. He finishes the song and what happens next becomes the central plot of the film.

          The two stars have great chemistry and Mr. Rudd is at his most charming best without his usual smug comedy (and who knew he could sing?). Mr. Jonas's part comes fairly naturally to him but he shows a new maturity in his acting that serves him well. The film co-stars Marcella Plunkett as Nick's wife, Rachel and Beth Fallon as Aja, their daughter. Peter McDonald is a standout as Nick's best friend and guitar player. Also co-starring are Jack Reynor as Mac, Danny's manager and Havana Rose Liu as Marcia. Ms. Liu is having a moment as she is also a standout in "Tuner".

       Mr. Carney's ability to create an "earwig" is uncanny. "How To Write A Song Without You" is a great power ballad. His music choices for the rest of the film are perfect as always. As with his other films (whether writer, director or both), Mr. Carney knows how to play the emotions of his audience (in a good way) and always satisfies.

         

Passenger

 

   The road trip to hell. After a strong opening sequence, we turn to a young couple starting out on a cross country road trip. After the witness a terrible car crash, they don't realize they have picked up a demonic force that has now latched on to them, hitching a ride on their trip.

    Jacob Scipio stars as Tyler and Lou Llobell as Maddie as the young couple. Joseph Lopez is "The Passenger" and Melissa Leo, in what amounts to an extended cameo, plays Diana Marsh. Mr. Scipio and Ms. Llobell play a very effective couple as the danger grows.

    Things get progressively weirder until a climatic confrontation brings the trip to an abrupt halt. The film itself, stretches the story as long as the open road we find ourselves on, but there are some good bumps and jolts along the way.

      As one character says "You don't take a trip. The trip takes you".

Backrooms

 

         Based on a series of YouTube shorts by director Kane Parsons, and now turned into a full length film, this is less of a conventional horror film and more of an unsettling, surreal experience. It can also be terrifying at times, unlocking a primal fear deep in our consciousness.

          When Clark, a furniture store owner, finds a doorway (in the basement of the store) to what appears to be another dimension and or reality, he steps into a seemingly endless maze of rooms. From that point on, we are watching Clark and others navigate this maze of rooms while they appear to being watched by others. It's an endless loop of a movie, even more surreal than the recent "Exit 8".

           The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor as Clark, Renate Reinsve as Dr. Mary Kline, Clark's therapist, and Lukita Maxwell ( of Apple TV's Shrinking) as Kat and Finn Bennett as Bobby, Clark's employees. Mark Duplass also co-stars as Phil.

           Mr. Ejiofor and Ms. Reinsve really sell the concept when they both become lost in the "backrooms".  It's an existential film with more questions than answers and while it can become frustrating, it is mesmerizing to watch with exceptional art and set design. 

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu

 

       Jon Favreau is the go-to director in the Marvel/Stars Wars universe. Here, he continues his work from the TV version of "The Mandalorian" and rather than a fourth season, releases further adventures as a feature film.

        While the film appears to be episodic, it's still an exciting story filled with the kind of action you would expect from a Star Wars franchise story. The son of Jabba The Hutt plays an important role and some minor characters cross over from earlier Star Wars films.

          Pedro Pascal reprise his role as The Mandalorian but while you hear his voice throughout, with his helmet on, it's his stunt actors (Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder) doing most of the heavy lifting. Of course, there is a sequence with his helmet off, so we know it's "him".

          The film co-stars Sigourney Weaver as Ward, a leader in the New Republic. It's fun to watch her still piloting an X-Wing fighter. Jonny Coyne plays villain Janu Coin and there is voice work by Jeremy Allen White as Rotta the Hutt, and surprisingly, Martin Scorsese as an alien shopkeeper. (Mr. Scorsese must of had a great time doing his scenes) Other actors providing character voices include Shirly Henderson and Stephen McKinley Henderson.

            Of course Grogu is as adorable as ever, brought to life through animatronics and puppetry, augmented with visual effects.

            Filmed with plenty of action sequences, there is a lot to take in and at times, the film is bloated and almost overkill. Further editing would have tightened things up a bit. Still, its a lot of fun, especially in IMAX where the visuals are amazing.

Tuner

 

          A pleasant surprise, this new drama has an original and clever story and features a charming performance from Leo Woodall. Mr. Woodall plays Niki, a piano tuner with perfect pitch but also a hearing disability. For the right reason, he gets involved with the wrong people who become much more of a threat than he anticipated.

         The film co-stars Dustin Hoffman (in a welcome return to film) as Harry Horowitz, Niki's friend and mentor. Also co-starring are Tovah Feldshuh as Harry's wife, Havana Rose Liu as Ruthie, a young pianist that Niki falls for and Lior Raz, as Uri, a charming but unsavory character. And in a significant cameo, the great French actor, Jean Reno. Mr. Woodall and Ms. Liu have great chemistry as their relationship grows and while Mr. Hoffman's role is small, he makes an impact.

           Written and directed by Daniel Roher, the film balances its light moments along with a darker side later in the film that make the original story very enjoyable despite a growing tension put upon by Niki's involvement with Uri.

            Don't tune this one out.

 

Obsession

 

                Writer/director Curry Baker puts a new spin on the tale of "The Monkey's Paw" and "be careful what you wish for". 

                  Michael Johnston stars as "Bear" who is hopelessly in love with Nikki (played by Inde Navarrette). Unfortunately, Nikki only thinks of Bear as a good friend. The two leads are absolutely terrific. Ms. Navarrette, in particular, is outstanding as her obsession grows.

                  The film co-stars Cooper Tomlinson as Ian and Megan Lawless as Sarah. Andy Richter also has a small role as Sarah's dad. Mr. Baker does a lot with a little counting on his young cast to carry the load as the film gets progressively creepier and deadlier.  Rock Burwell's music perfectly compliments the growing horror and Mr. Baker has a great knack for using it to build the tension and then cutting it completely to drive home the scene.

                   Early on,  Mr. Baker uses Nikki's obsession to comedic effect but things get progressively nastier and the climax of the film goes completely off the rails. While no animals were harmed making the film, cat lovers in particular, will not be happy with the fate of Bear's pet cat, Sandy.

                    

Deep Water

 

       Action director Renny Harlin returns with a new disaster/survival thriller.  He manages to keep the tension and excitement level high with not just an intense plane crash into the middle of the Pacific Ocean but also with the addtion of hungry sharks surrounding the survivors among the wreckage.

        The shark behavior is amplified to enhance the story and there are enough emotional subplots to tug at your heart strings. There is, of course, a completely obnoxious passenger who is the villain of the film and it's only a matter of time until he gets what he deserves.

         Aaron Eckhart and Ben Kingsley star as the pilots of the doomed plane. Co-starring are Molly Belle Wright as Cora and Elijah Tamati as Finn, the requisite kids in danger.  Also co-starring are Angus Sampson as Dan, the obnoxious passenger, as well as Lucy Barrett, Rose Zhao, Lakota Johnson, Ramian Newton,Madeleine West, Mark Hadlow, and Kelly Gale.

          Mr. Harlin's direction keeps the action level high, first with the crash and then, with the surviving passengers and crew having to contend with the sinking wreckage, blood thirsty sharks and infighting among themselves.

           You get what you expect with this "popcorn" thriller. No more, no less.

          

The Devil Wears Prada 2

 

       Twenty years later, we get more fashion, more glamour, pretty much more of everything people loved about the first film. Directed again with much flair by David Frankel, the film will certainly not disappoint fans of the original.

      This time however, the red hot devil represented by Miranda Priestly has cooled off as the film seeks to find her humanity. Meryl Streep, like putting on a favorite dress, easily slips back into the character. As her counterpoint, Anne Hathaway returns as Andy Sachs, now a veteran journalist who finds herself out of work until "Runway" magazine comes calling needing a new features editor. She is as cheerful as ever.

      Also returning is Emily Blunt as Emily, Andy's nemesis, now working at Dior but still finding ways to sling a good barb in Andy's direction. And as Miranda's stalwart right hand man, Stanley Tucci returns as Nigel Kipling, who just about steals the film with his perfect style and grace. 

      Joining this time are Justin Theroux as tech billionaire, Benji Barnes who is smitten with Emily, Kenneth Branagh as Miranda's new husband, and Lucy Lui as  Benji's ex-wife. Rounding out the cast are B.J. Novack, Tracie Thoms, Simone Ashley, Tibor Feldman, and Patrick Brammell. While Mr. Brammell is a fine actor, he's merely there to include a completely unnecessary romance for Andy. Of course there are also too many fashion icon cameos to mention as well as other celebrities including a particular female superstar (a fashion icon herself) who even gets a musical number.

      Underneath all the glitz and glamour, the script tries to make some points about the threat of digital and AI on the media as well as corporate acquisitions displacing the workforce and tearing at the soul of beloved companies.

      It's a light and breezy sequel that is enjoyable but like a glass of sparkling champagne that's been sitting on a tray too long, it does start to lose it's bubbles after a while.

Hokum

 

          Writer/director Damian McCarthy's ("Caveat" and "Oddity") most ambitious horror film yet doesn't disappoint. With a style all his own, Mr. McCarthy creates an atmospheric sense of dread and a creepiness that grabs you early and doesn't let up.

           The film stars Adam Scott (perfect for this role) as a writer who returns to the Irish hotel where his parents spent their honeymoon years ago. This is a classic haunted house story with McCarthy's signature twists and turns. Simple visuals alone may give you nightmares.

            Co-starring are Peter Coonan, David Wilmot, Florence Ordesh, Will O'Connell, Michael Patric, Brendan Conroy and Austin Amelio.

            The music by Joseph Bishara compliments the spooky visuals and horror elements and Brian Phillip Davis's editing provides many a jump scare.

            Mr. McCarthy is three for three and I can't wait to see what he does next.

MIchael

 

           A sanitized screenplay by John Logan gives us a heartwarming version of Michael Jackson's life. Directed with flair by Antoine Fuqua, the musical numbers are very entertaining recreating some of Mr. Jackson's best moments but the story is just too clean portraying him just short of sainthood.

            Michael is played by his actual nephew, Jaafar Jackson and he's got all the moves and nuances of his uncle perfectly. He doesn't do his own singing however, rather lip-synching the songs to Michael's actual voice.

             The film also stars Nia Long as Michael's mother, Miles Teller as his eventual manager John Branca, and Coleman Domingo, chewing the scenery, as Michael's domineering father, Joseph Jackson. Mr. Domingo is over the top as a scary bully but falls short of the suspicions of abuse around the real Mr. Jackson. The most we see is a belt lashing. Also co-starring are Larenz Tate as Berry Gordy,  Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones,  KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Bill Bray, Michael's long time head of security, and Mike Myers (in a one scene cameo) as Walter Yetnikoff, the head of Columbia Records. And of course, a CGI (or AI) Bubbles the chimp.

             There is little to no interaction with his brothers. We see little of La Toya and Janet Jackson is not even mentioned in the film. Apparently, she "declined" to take part.  The drug addiction that ultimately took his life is briefly mentioned after his incident with his hair catching fire (which got him hooked on pain meds in the first place). And any hint of sexual abuse doesn't even exist here.

             While the story plays like a lifetime bio with little substance, the musical moments are magical. Even the scenes in his home studio watching him put together the songs we know so well was fun to watch. It's an entertaining film that casts no shade on Michael's legacy and ends on a high note during the "Bad" tour in 1988. 

              It's actually sad to think what a waste of incredible talent was lost much too soon, like so many other talented artists.