Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood

           Quentin Tarantino is a genius. A self indulgent egotistical genius but a genius none the less. His ninth film runs two hours and forty minutes and he crams every cinematic trick in the book into every frame. He practically screams look how cool I am and the neat things I can do behind the camera. But despite what you may think of his style, he makes it all work and it is incredibly entertaining.

           The film is written as well as directed by Mr. Tarantino and while it's basically the story of a friendship, it is also a story of a specific time and he captures the period of 1969 Los Angeles perfectly with attention to every conceivable detail. He mixes reality and fiction into the film, much the way he has done in the past. He blends suspense, comedy, and outrageous violence together but it all makes sense if you remember the title. 

       His stars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt are simply terrific leads tearing up the screen as a fading TV star and his long time stuntman respectively. Their scenes together as well as independently are pure magic. The detail Mr. Tarantino puts into Rick Dalton's (Mr. DiCaprio) backstory is incredible. The research into TV commercials, billboards, radio spots and other advertising of the time is meticulous.

       Margot Robbie co-stars as real life actress, Sharon Tate. Her role may be small but her intended fate casts a large shadow over the entire film. Also in small but significant roles are Al Pacino, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Olyphant, Margaret Qualley, Damian Lewis (as a dead on Steve McQueen), Bruce Dern (the perfect crotchety old man), Kurt Russell, Mike Moh (As Bruce Lee), Dakota Fanning as "Squeaky" Fromme and Lena Dunham as "Gypsy". Tarantino regulars Michael Madsen and Zoe Bell also have cameos. It's a great cast but most of the screen time belongs to Mr. DiCaprio and Mr. Pitt and they don't waste a second of it.

         You also can't discuss a Tarantino film without mentioning the soundtrack. It is a cavalcade of late '60's songs crossing different genres but all woven perfectly into the film. One could argue the film needs editing and could have been shorter but Mr. Tarantino doesn't want you to miss a thing and you are better off for it.

Midsommar

      Written and directed by Ari Aster, this is his follow up to last year's terrific horror film, "Hereditary". This film too is being billed as a horror film but don't be fooled, it's not. Yes, there are some horrific elements and graphic scenes but the film is just a silly mess.

       The film stars Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, and Will Poulter as students who follow their Swedish friend Pelle (played by Vilhelm Blomgren) back to Sweden to experience a once every ninety year summer festival. Ms. Pugh's character Dani is getting over a horrible personal tragedy and her boyfriend Christian (Mr. Reynor) ends up reluctantly inviting her on the trip. Once they arrive at the remote makeshift village, you just know things are not going to end well.

       Mr. Aster builds his suspense very slowly and as the film progresses, graphic violent moments inter-cut the idyllic setting. The film runs almost two and a half hours and is in serious need of editing. It is a tedious slow build to a ridiculous payoff. The population of the village appear to be ad libbing the silly songs, dances and rituals built around their "festival". It's pretty clear from the start, these people are part of a crazed cult who's intentions are far from friendly.

         Save your money and your time by watching  "The Wicker Man" instead. This is an obvious variation on the same theme and "Wicker" is a far superior film. Mr. Aster is definitely a filmmaker to watch but this is a step backwards.

The Art of Self Defense

         Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, and Imogen Poots star in this very black comedy. Black to the point it stops being funny and descends into very dark territory.

        Mr. Eisenberg is Casey, a meek account who lives alone with his dachshund. One night while going out for dog food, he is brutally mugged. While recovering, he passes a Karate Dojo and  decides to sign up for classes. Mr. Nivola plays the Sensei who attempts to "make a man" out of Casey through Karate and his own warped life lessons. Ms. Poots plays another student, already advanced to Brown Belt and teaching a children's class.

         The film is written and directed by Riley Steams, who certainly has an original vision. It's deliberately set in an unnamed city during an unnamed time period (probably the '80s)  and contains only three principle locations. The focus is completely on Casey and his "transformation". The viewing experience is like watching a bad accident. You know you should turn away but you can't help yourself. To his credit, Mr. Steams finds a way to keep you engaged even while the story makes you squirm and keeps you off kilter.

         What comedy exists in the film is uncomfortable and cringe worthy. The film gets darker as it goes and offers  little in the way of redemption, except for a glimmer of hope at the end.

Stuber

       There have been many great mismatched partner comedies. "Stuber" is not one of them. It's got a good premise with truly opposite stars in Kumail Nanjiani and Dave Bautista but it fails to live up to it's potential. It's an uneven action-comedy that is at once too cute or too violent. The genre mix here is awkward despite a few funny moments.

       Most of the humor is supplied by Mr. Nanjiani's very funny one liners or physical responses to the mayhem happening around him. He plays an Uber driver, named Stu, forced to help Mr. Bautista's rogue cop, Vic, catch a murderous drug dealer. Unable to see due to Laser eye surgery, Vic needs Stu to drive him seemingly through every neighborhood in the Los Angels area to find the dealer. Along the way, there are fights, shootouts, explosions and a cute dog wasted in just two scenes. The poster for the film gives the false impression the dog has a bigger role.

         The film co-stars Natalie Morales as Vic's daughter, Betty Gilpin as Stu's friend and romantic crush, and Mira Sorvino as Vic's police Captain. Iko Uwais plays the drug dealer and Jimmy Tatro plays Stu's boss at his daytime job.Karen Gillan, who co-starred with Mr. Bautista in the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avengers" movies, has an early cameo.

         It's a new setting for a very old concept and while the two leads have good chemistry, the story around them unfortunately, doesn't. 

Toy Story 4

 









   A perfectly happy ending to “Toy Story 3” closed the book but if there is money to be made, Hollywood will keep going. The latest installment in the beloved franchise could be subtitled “Woody finds his Mojo”.

          The latest version finds our favorite group of toys now the property of little Bonnie who is about to start kindergarten. Woody has been basically ignored and is feeling lost. He stows away in Bonnie’s backpack when she goes to school and basically is responsible for creating the newest character, “Forky” voiced perfectly by Tony Hale.

            Woody, voiced beautifully by Tom Hanks, feels responsible for Forky and the story concentrates on their relationship reducing Buzz Lightyear, voiced again by Tim Allen, to a lesser role. All the other familiar toys are back but basically background with the exception of Bo Peep, voiced by Annie Potts, who is Woody’s love interest.

             It’s a sentimental story with a strange interlude in an antiques store where our heroes encounter a sad and a bit crazy doll named “Gabby Gabby”, voiced by Christina Hendricks. The magic of the first film has been lost through the sequels but it’s still a treat to reconnect with the beloved characters. The animation is terrific and there are some other guest toy voices that work perfectly. Keanu Reeves is a perfect surprise.

              Kids will definitely enjoy the story (although there are some scary moments for the little ones) but adults may not be as charmed as they once were.

Spider-man: Far From Home

            The latest Spider-Man adventure continues with characters from the last film "Homecoming"  in an atmosphere of teenage playfulness and angst. Tom Holland returns as the best actor to capture  Spider-Man's comic book roots. He embodies the teenage Peter Parker/Spider-Man perfectly.

             Joining Mr. Holland once again is Marisa Tomei as Aunt May, Jon Favreau as Happy Hogan, Zendaya as MJ, and Jacob Batalon as Ned Leeds.  And in keeping within the continuity of the Marvel Universe, of course Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury and Cobie Smulders as Maria Hill. Playing the comic relief as the teacher/chaperones are Martin Starr and J.B. Smoove. Robert Downey Jr. is there in spirit as well, since he was Peter's mentor ever since "Captain America: Civil War" and is a significant part of the story that you will understand if you have seen "Avengers:Endgame". 

              Writers Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers move the story to Europe and a class trip for Peter and his friends. They do a terrific job of changing things up and yet keep the Marvel continuity intact, frequently referencing other films and plot points in the series. The first half of the film has plenty of action, which includes adding Jake Gyllenhaal to the cast as "Mysterio" but the mood is still playful and rather light. True gravitas kicks in during the second half, on the turn of a plot point, and the stakes get more serious. The action ramps up culminating in a terrific battle sequence in London. 

              As with almost all the Marvel films, there are extra scenes during the end credits. In this instance, rather than throwaways, the two scenes are very significant, paving the way for the next stage of the Marvel universe.

Maiden

       Remember these names...Tracy Edwards, Sally Creaser, Angela Farrell, Jo Gooding, Nancy Hill, Jeni Mundy, Michelle Paret, Claire Russell, Dawn Riley, Tanja Visser, Mikaela von Koskull, Mandi Swan, Marie-Claude Heys. They are the all female crew of the sailboat "Maiden" and this is their story.

       A documentary of the first all female racing crew to enter the fabled Whitbread "Round the World" sailboat race, this film is an inspiration to all and to young women in particular. Tracy Edwards is the skipper and driving force behind the voyage. The film traces her start as a happy child, troubled teen and eventually 24 year old skipper of "Maiden". As a young woman she talks her way onto one of the racing boats as the cook and this taste of the high seas makes her determined to enter the race herself. Turned away by the male dominated sport, she puts together her all girl crew and through archival footage, we watch spellbound as they race around the world.

       Directed by Alex Holmes, the film is well structured and well paced. While I'm sure there are missing elements to the entire story, the film does it's best to provide background and then get to the race itself. Luckily, the crew shot plenty of video to provide great footage for the documentary. Mr. Holmes mixes the old footage in with contemporary interviews and it's wonderful to hear and see many of the crew tell their story.

        It took almost 30 years to get this film made and you don't have to be a sailing enthusiast to appreciate the story and  what these women accomplished.

Yesterday

             A new romantic comedy framed in an unusual fantasy. Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Danny Boyle, this is the story of Jack Malik, a failing musician who, after a mysterious worldwide blackout wakes up to be the only one who remembers The Beatles. Claiming all their songs as his own, he soon becomes the worlds most popular singer/songwriter but loses his soul in the process.

              Himesh Patel plays Jack. Mr. Patel is a very engaging young actor, who is terrific in the role. Even after he achieves fame, you can see the guilty struggle behind his eyes as he wrestles with his conscience. Lily James plays his friend and early manager who hides her love for him since he is too self absorbed to see it. Of course being a romantic comedy, love will find a way but it is a long and winding road to get there.

              Jack's rise to the top is helped along the way by Ed Sheeran, who plays himself and Kate McKinnon, who plays an overzealous shark of a record executive, openly out to capitalize on Jack's new fame. Of all the cast members, Ms. McKinnon seems to be acting in a completely different movie. Her character is so harsh and annoying, she disrupts the flow of the film every time she's on screen which I suppose is the point, but it's too over the top. Joel Fry plays the comic relief as Jack's friend and roadie. There is also a clever cameo by James Corden.

               It is great fun to hear so much wonderful Beatles music in one place and used in many clever ways. Besides the disappearance of The Beatles, there are a few other surprise things missing which adds to the fun of the concept. There is also a very strange turn late in the film which comes as even more of a magical moment. 

                Don't try to hard to analyze the repercussions of the concept. Just go with it and enjoy the cast and the music. It's a very enjoyable film. 

The Dead Don’t Die

     Famed “Indie” writer/director Jim Jarmusch has made many classic films over the years...this is not one of them.

      The very definition of deadpan humor, the film lumbers along at a snails pace never changing its tone. The film stars Bill Murray (no one does deadpan better), Adam Driver, and Chloe Sevigny as local cops in a small town, dealing with a zombie outbreak. Between the three of them, the energy level of the acting never rises above that of a sloth.

       Mr. Jarmusch blames the rise of the undead on polar fracking that shifts the earth off its axis. His zombies rise and appear to seek out whatever they enjoyed prior to their death. His point appears to be, we are all zombies lumbering through life obsessed with commercialism. Iggy Pop and Carol Kane have cameos as  flesh eating zombies seeking out coffee and Chardonnay, respectively. That’s the level of humor you can expect.
  
        Also co-starring are Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Tom Waits, RZA and Tilda Swilton. Ms. Swilton’s character is the most bizarre and her story line wanders off in a completely different direction with no explanation. Selena Gomez also shows up in a nod to the original Zombiemaster, George Romero, but has nothing to do except become another victim. It’s a fun visual gag but it just reminds you that Mr. Romero did a better job with the same idea in “Dawn of the Dead”.

         The cast seem to be having a great time among themselves. The audience, with the exception of a very few solid laughs, not so much.

Late Night

                                                              


    Mindy Kaling is a triple threat, writing, producing, and starring in this smart new dramady. Also starring Emma Thompson, the two women have wonderful chemistry and are just terrific together.

     Ms. Thompson stars as an aging late night TV host, Katherine Newbury, who’s ratings are falling and is on the verge of being replaced. Mindy Kaling is a new writer hired as a diversity employee. Her first job in TV, she is thrilled to be involved in any capacity but ruffles the feathers of the all male, all white, writing staff led by Reid Scott.

       Costarring are John Lithgow as Katherine’s Husband, Walter, Denis O’Hare as Brad, Katherine’s put upon producer, Amy Ryan as the head of the Network and Hugh Dancy and Max Casella as two of the show’s writers.

     The film is whip smart, topical, funny and yet has its serious and poignant side as well. Ms. Thompson is acting royalty and has a blast with her role as the over the top Katherine. Ms. Kaling, as the writer, saves the best bits for Ms. Thompson but leaves plenty of good scenes for herself.

       There is plenty of appeal to both an older and younger audience as the story wisely balances generational plot points and covers common ground as well. There is a passing resemblance to “The Devil Wears Prada” but “Late Night” holds its own as an original winner.

American Woman

         

      This excellent new drama from director Jake Scott, stars Sienna Miller in an amazing performance. Ms. Miller stars as Deb, a single mom raising her teen daughter and baby grandson. Unforeseen circumstances force her to make difficult decisions as her life takes an unexpected turn.

       Ms. Miller’s performance makes the ordinary rather extraordinary and it’s easily the best acting of her career. She is joined by Christina Hendricks as her sister, Aaron Paul as a love interest, Amy Madigan as her mother and Will Sasso as her brother-in-law, Terry. Ms. Hendricks and Mr. Sasso are just wonderful and the family dynamic is so authentic, you feel like you’re watching a documentary, rather than a scripted drama.

        Mr. Scott uses interesting transitions, fades and edits to show the passage of time as the film plays out over eleven years. The emotional work he brings out from his cast is easily felt by the audience.

          This is a strong domestic drama that would probably play better in the fall rather the start of the summer movie season. If you are a fan of superb acting and a smart script, seek out the film before it gets lost in all the gunfire, explosions and spandex of the summer “popcorn” films.

John Wick- Chapter Three: Parabellum

   

 If the name John Wick means nothing to you, skip this review. Otherwise, know that Keanu Reeves is back in the third chapter of what will surely continue for some time. If a ballet of ultra violence featuring guns, knives, swords and incredible martial arts is your thing, you will be right in your wheelhouse for two hours of mayhem.

     Wick is becoming a defining role for Mr. Reeves. A man of few words, he lets his fighting skills speak for him. The film picks up right from the end of “chapter two” and the action barely stops. John Wick has a $14 million bounty on his head for breaking the rules of the mysterious organization he works for and every criminal world wide is after him.

      There are incredible set pieces of action that are just amazing. I can’t even begin to describe the knife fight, the motorcycle chase with Wick on horseback, the library fight...the second motorcycle chase, the gun battle in Morocco...the list just goes on and on until a terrific climatic fight sequence.

       Along for the ride as friends and foes are Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Halle Berry, Asia Kate Dillon, Anjelica Houston and Marc Dacascos. Add a long list of stunt people that deserve to be acknowledged in the credits.

       And for those who worry about the three dogs in the film, I must include this spoiler alert, they all survive unlike most of the humans.

Rocketman

           Elton John's life story comes to the screen billed as a rock and roll fantasy. What sets it apart from other musical biographies is the fantasy element that adds another layer to what is otherwise a straight forward narrative. Credit goes to Mr. Lee Hall for a very creative script.

            Most of Mr. John's hit songs are represented in wonderful musical numbers throughout the drama, elevating (literally at one point) the story to another level. Directing the story with  great flair is Dexter Fletcher who also handles the emotional core with a deft touch.

              Portraying a musical icon like Elton John is not an easy task but actor Taron Egerton is more than up to the task. He is simply brilliant, doing his own singing and dancing as well. It is truly a great performance that I hope will be remembered during award season. The film also stars Jamie Bell as Mr. John's lifelong friend and writing partner, Bernie Taupin. Mr. Taupin has written all the words to Mr. John's music and the lyrics are never more honest and true than the way the songs are used in the film.

             Co-starring are Richard Madden as John Reid, Elton's long time manager, Bryce Dallas Howard as his mother, Sheila, Stephen Graham as Dick James, his first manager, and Tate Donovan as Doug Weston, owner of "The Troubadour", the famous L.A. rock club where Elton John first performed in America. Kit Conner and Matthew Illesley play younger versions of Elton in his early years.

              The acting is wonderful, the music is fantastic, the story is emotional and, at times, outrageous, and it all makes for a thoroughly enjoyable film. "Rocketman" soars...

Booksmart

         Twelve years after "Superbad" comes the female equivalent with a fresh perspective. Rather than the nerdy boys of "Superbad", looking to party and have sex, we now have the super smart best friends, Amy and Molly, played respectively by Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein.  Both girls have always played by the rules preparing for college throughout high school and on the night before graduation, they decide it's time to break all their rules and just have one crazy night before everything changes.

          First time director, actress Olivia Wilde handles her cast and story with a confident hand and eye. The film is a fast paced, fresh take on the high school coming of age story that still has plenty of raunchy comedy and yet is very heartfelt and genuine. Ms. Dever and Ms. Feldstein are terrific together with great chemistry and while the rest of the cast may come off as stereotypical characters, they too, will surprise you. One wonderfully original character is Gigi, played by a terrific Billie Lourd.

          The film has a great soundtrack that compliments the story and helps keep the pace frenetic. Of course nothing goes as planned and the girls have some very original adventures before reaching the ultimate pre-graduation night party. Humorous situations and dialog run throughout, including some very funny cameo bits by Jason Sudeikis, Lisa Kudrow and Will Forte.

            "Booksmart" will win you over with its humor and heart.

Long Shot

             Charlize Theron and Seth Rogan star in this Rom-Com that gives hope to geek boys everywhere. Mr. Rogan plays Fred Flarsky, a journalist hired by his ex-babysitter, Ms. Theron, now the Secretary of State. When she decides to run for president, Fred becomes her speech writer. And while the pairing is odd, an unlikely romance develops between the two.

                You can't imagine the plot working but the chemistry of the two stars is so good, it actually becomes believable.  Very crass dialog runs throughout but it is also a smart comedy with lots of great laugh out loud moments. There is also a key scene that I just can't describe but you will know it when you see it and probably not forget it for some time.

                 The film costars Bob Odenkirk, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Andy Serkis (unrecognizable but always good), June Diane Raphael, and Alexander Skarsgard. Mr. Odenkirk plays the clueless President, Mr. Jackson Jr. is Fred's best friend and Mr. Serkis is a wealthy, despicable media mogul who has the President in his pocket. Ms. Raphael is the Secretary's assistant who can't stand Fred and tries to undermine him at every turn.

                  Mr. Rogan and Ms. Theron are an unlikely duo to star in a Rom-Com but the script turns the genre on it's head and elevates it beyond what you might typically expect.

Her Smell

       Written and directed by Alex Ross Perry, the film stars Elizabeth Moss as Becky Something, the leader of a female punk rock band,  "Something She". Becky is a wild, out of control rock star on a serious downward spiral. Ms. Moss is brilliant in a role unlike anything she has ever done.

         Her bass player, Marielle, played by Agyness Deyn, and drummer Ali, played by Gayle Rankin, love and support her but both are reaching their breaking points, dealing with her attitude and outrageous behavior. The three women have terrific chemistry but the film clearly belongs to Ms. Moss. Also featured are Eric Stoltz, as Howard, the long suffering manager, Dan Stevens as her husband, Danny, trying to raise their daughter amidst Becky's madness, Virginia Madsen as Becky's mother and Amber Heard as Zelda, a rival singer. 

           The film is presented in five segments representing different point in Becky's life with the band. A pivotal moment is when Howard signs a new girl band played by Cara Delevingne, Ashley Benson, and Dylan Gelula. Feeling threatened at first, Becky lashes out but then tries acceptance using them to back her up on new songs that never really materialize. 

           The plot is fairly simple, following Becky's descent until she hits rock bottom and then possibly redemption.  Ms. Moss gives such a powerful  and brave performance, I hope she is remembered at award season.

Avengers:Endgame

                  If you've been following the Marvel film universe since the first Iron Man film, jumped aboard after the first Avengers film, or started with "Infinity War", then you've been waiting for "Endgame" for some time now and your wait is gloriously rewarded. 

                  "Endgame" features all your Marvel favorites (well at least half of them, wink wink) returning for a final gambit against Thanos in order to restore order to the universe. Robert Downey Jr. brings a new level of emotion and spark to Tony Stark in a terrific performance. Chris Hemsworth is quite funny as a Thor who has lost his way. Everyone, in fact, ups their game for the final showdown.

                   As far as I'm concerned, the real heroes of this saga are the screenwriters, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who have created a story filled with laughs, tears, suspense, plenty of action and unexpected surprises.  They manage to juggle so many characters and complex story lines into a film that gives everyone their "moment" and due to the fantastic direction of Anthony and Joe Russo, make it believable and easy to follow.

                   Unlike "Infinity War", which was just about all action sequences with little time to breathe, "Endgame" (at three hours) takes it's time to set the plot in motion with wonderful moments that I will not reveal but still brings the action when necessary.

                    I could quibble about the fate of one character that bothered me (and not who you might think) but in all, if these kinds of films are your thing, "Endgame" is nearly perfect, closing out this incredible saga in a deeply moving way.

Hotel Mumbai

        Based on the true story of the 12 terrorist attacks in Mumbai India on November 26th, 2008, this harrowing drama centers on the attack at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel. Directed with incredible realism by Anthony Maras, the audience is thrust directly into the bedlam of what amounts to a massacre at the hotel. 

         The handful of terrorists make their way into the hotel in a mob of scared people seeking safety from the other attacks around the city. Once inside, they methodically go through the hotel killing everyone they see without a second thought. It is brutally realistic and almost unwatchable.

          Head chef, Hemant Oberoi, played by Anupam Kher, staff member Arjun, played by Dev Patel along with other hotel staff try their best to hide many of the hotel's guests, including real characters played by Jason Isaacs, Armie Hammer, Nazanin Boniadi and Tilda Cobham-Hervey. 

                The fear is palatable and the suspense is non-stop as everyone is a target. The violence is chilling but the story is real and the survivors and the people that helped them need to be acknowledged. In the middle of this madness, heroes do emerge, not in a Hollywood way but rather as real human beings trapped in a life and death nightmare.

                 Just as the events of 9/11 in the United States reverberated throughout the world, this coordinated attack in Mumbai is considered by many to be the Indian equivalent. Of course, while the death toll could not compare, it was still a tragedy of grand proportions carried out by just 10 men that brought a city and a country to its knees.

                  While it is almost unbearable to watch, it's an important story to tell and it pays tribute to  both the fallen and those who survived.

US

             Is Jordan Peele the new M. Night Shyamalan?  After a terrific debut with "Get Out", Mr. Peele's sophomore effort, "Us", despite much promise at the beginning, falls apart in the last act much like many of Mr. Shyamalan's films.

              With a creepy prologue that sets up an interesting premise, the film settles into a standard horror story setup. The initial moments of terror are genuinely unsettling, if not downright scary but it doesn't take long for the unnerved feeling you've gotten turns to disbelief at the ridiculous explanation for what's happening. There are some twists and turns, one in particular, that try to keep things interesting but  the film really loses any credibility as it moves into the final act.

                Mr. Peele wrote, produced and directed the film. As a director, he does a masterful job. The film is well paced, his actors are terrific (more on that in a moment), his camera work is interesting and both lighting and music blend together for great effect. Mr. Peele does an admirable job balancing the suspense with comic relief.  His downfall is the script. His lofty idea turns ridiculous as the film goes on.

                 The film stars Lupita Nyong'o and Winston Duke as a married couple on vacation with their kids played by Shahadi Wright Joseph and Evan Alex. Their friends are played by Elisabeth Moss and Tim Heidecker. Ms. Nyong'o is brilliant in a double role as is Ms. Wright Joseph as her daughter and Mr. Alex as her son, also in double roles. Mr. Duke provides some comic relief even as he is trying to protect his family.

                  Every aspect of the film works so well except the failure of the script to finish the job it so beautifully sets up in the first place. Mr. Peele continues to show great promise as a director. Let's just hope he doesn't fall into the Shyamalan trap as a writer.

Captain Marvel

                     The latest entry in the Marvel film universe can be fun for the casual viewer but essential viewing for fans of all the Marvel films and in particular, "Avengers: Infinity War" which left a Captain Marvel clue at the end.

                      There is an inherent problem with origin films and this one falls into the same trap making it fun but flawed. By twisting the origin into memory loss for our heroine, played by Brie Larson, the plot can be confusing. Fans of the comic will appreciate the use of the Skrull-Kree Wars as a story line but the casual viewer may still find themselves lost in the story.

                       What does work is Ms. Larson's performance (which may be unfairly compared to Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, who is a very different kind of character).  In a world of male superheroes, Captain Marvel will make a great role model for young girls looking for their own superhero to emulate.  Another big positive is the chemistry between Ms. Larson and Samuel L. Jackson, reprising his role as Nick Fury. 

                        Since the film takes place in the '90's, Mr. Jackson, along with Clark Gregg (as Phil Coulson) are both made younger by post production CGI. The effect works better for Mr. Jackson. Mr. Gregg looks downright creepy. The rest of the CGI effects are typical for this kind of film, so no surprise there. There are plenty of action sequences but also too many dead moments.

                         Ben Mendelsohn plays the leader of the Skulls and while he is a terrific actor, his dialogue for an alien is pretty ridiculous. Lashanna Lynch plays Maria, an air force pilot and Marvel's best friend. She gets to shine in her own action sequence. Two strange casting choices are Annette Bening as both an earth scientist and the Kree Supreme Intelligence and Jude Law as Marvel's Kree mentor. Both are out of their element in this live action comic book fantasy.

                           Using the film to set up "Avengers: Endgame" forces the writers to inject many elements for Marvel universe continuity. I won't give them away but if you are familar with these films, you'll know them when you see them.  Fans should also stay past the credits for, what has become the norm, the extra scenes. One used for comedic effect and the other important for "endgame".