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.