The French Dispatch

    Just what you would expect from writer/director Wes Anderson, a film filled with whimsy, wit, intelligence, and an excellent ensemble cast. The story revolves around a fictional magazine based in France, which is the foreign arm of the Liberty, Kansas Evening Sun. 

     The plot presents three central unconnected articles you would find from various parts of the magazine, such as arts, food and politics with a forward and an epilogue and bookended with scenes at the magazine.

      The colorful cast of characters includes Bill Murray as the editor of the "Dispatch", Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, Jeffrey Wright, and Owen Wilson as writers as well as Adrian Brody, Benicio del Toro, Lea Seydoux, Timothee Chalamet, Mathieu Amalric, Elizabeth Moss, and Jason Schwartzman (one of the co-writers of the story). There are also too many other recognizable stars to mention in other minor roles.  

    The featured articles are "The Concrete Masterpiece" which features Ms. Swinton (who is simply marvelous), Mr. Brody, Mr. del Toro and Ms. Seydoux. "Revisions to a Manifesto" featuring Ms. McDormand, Mr. Chalamet and Lyna Khoudri and "The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner" which features Jeffrey Wright (in a terrific ode to James Baldwin), Mr. Amalric and many fun cameos. 

    Mr. Anderson shoots scenes in color, black & white, and animation mixing them all throughout the film creating a constant visual treat. Delightful in so many ways, from the acting, the wonderful musical score, and the incredibly colorful visual palate, the film is a feast for Wes Anderson fans. The casual viewer may find the film a bit too smart for its own good but still enjoy it for the visuals, music and plethora of actors found within its charms.

No Time To Die

 

        Daniel Craig concludes his five-film arc as superspy, James Bond and goes out with a bang in this final installment. Directed with great authority by Cary Joji Fukunaga, the film has the stunts and action you would expect from a James Bond film but is also filled with more emotion than its predecessors.

        Co-starring with Mr. Craig are Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Wishaw, Naomie Harris, Jeffrey Wright, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Fiennes, Ana de Armas, Billy Magnssen, David Dencik, and Rory Kinnear. Mr. Malek is the main villain of the film but doesn't really appear until the third act and when he does, he is underwhelming in the cannon of Bond villains. Ana de Armas (wearing a killer dress) plays a fun and capable CIA agent but unfortunately only appears in one sequence. Lashana Lynch is a new double 0 agent who holds her own with Mr. Craig.

        At almost a three-hour running time, the plot can be overwhelming at times and even a bit confusing (it may help to watch "Spectre" first for a refresher course on reappearing characters). The screenplay (credited to four writers) pays homage to past Bond films with many references that are fun to spot (some easier than others). As with all Bond films, especially of late, the exotic locales can almost be considered characters themselves and in this film, the locations don't disappoint. The cinematography brings out the best in the exquisite scenery.

       Of note is the lack of blood for all the characters killed, and a very chaste Bond who at one point, rather than sleep with a woman, actually shakes her hand. While these points keep things PG-13, the film does have a darker side and is quite vicious at times. Mr. Craig plays Bond as a wounded animal, cornered and more dangerous than ever. Fans won't be disappointed.

The Last Duel

                Based on a true story, this new film is the story of the last duel fought in 1386 France. The duel is fought to decide the fate of a squire accused of rape. Directed by Ridley Scott, it is a fascinating drama told from three points of view, a device most famously used in the classic Japanese film, "Rashomon". Mr. Scott films the battle scenes and of course, the title duel with great aplomb, violent, vicious, and very realistic.  His dramatic scenes are just as powerful, due to the chemistry of its terrific cast.

              The film stars Adam Driver, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Jody Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges. Mr. Damon and Mr. Affleck co-wrote the script with Nicole Holofcener.  At the start of the film, Mr. Damon's Jean de Carrouges and Mr. Driver's Jacques Le Gris are friends fighting side by side. When Count Pierre d'Alencon, played by Mr. Affleck, names Le Grius his Overlord, the friendship of the two men sours as their fates move in opposite directions. de Carrouges marries Ms. Comer to improve his station and it is then that the relationship of the three intersect told from three "chapters", each telling a different "truth".

               While all the acting is excellent (you'd expect nothing less from this cast), Mr. Driver and Ms. Comer both stand out. Both play complicated roles due to the different perspectives of the "chapters" and while Mr. Damon also handles the subtle differences in his character in each chapter well, it is Mr. Driver and Ms. Comer that really carry the emotional and difficult story. Mr. Affleck, on the other hand, plays the Count as a privileged, rich boy and is just annoying but I imagine that's how the part was written.

                For a story that takes place in 1386, it resonates well even today and unfortunately,  that's a scary realization. The film is an excellent historical drama, filled with intense moments both on and off the battlefield that is thought provoking long after it ends.

The Many Saints of Newark

 

               Those expecting the story of a young Tony Soprano are bound to be disappointed. While Tony and most of all the other major characters beloved by Soprano fans are certainly in the film, the focus is on Dickie Moltisanti, Christopher's father who was always referenced but never seen on the TV series. The film's title actually makes that very clear.

                  Alessandro Nivola plays Dickie who is very good as a conflicted mobster with a very hot temper. Of course, he is worshipped by his nephew, Tony, played by Michael Gandolfini ( James Gandolfini's real life son).  It's a bit of stunt casting but it works, mostly because he is not asked to do much except portray a teenager growing up in a very complicated family. His mother, Olivia Soprano, is played brilliantly by Vera Farmiga, who nails the role made famous by Nancy Marchand. His father, Johnny Boy Soprano is played by Jon Bernthal, and lest we forget, Uncle Junior, played by a convincing Corey Stoll.

                    Co-starring as a young Silvio is John Magaro and as Paulie, Billy Magnussen. It's fun to see characters fan love as their younger selves with their trademark looks and attitude already evident. We even meet the young Pussy Bonpensiero, Artie Bucco, Janice Soprano, and in one scene, a young Carmela De Angelis. The problem for fans, is we don't see enough of them. The thin plot centers on the growing war between Dickie and Harold McBryaer, played against type by Leslie Odum Jr. Characters important to this story include Ray Liotta as Dickie's father and his twin brother, Sally and Michela De Rossi as his young Italian bride, Giuseppina.

                      David Chase, who created "The Sopranos" co-wrote the script with Lawrence Konner but does not direct. Alan Taylor directs the film but somehow misses the gravitas of the script by stringing scenes together and cutting too quickly from one to the next. Scenes jump around, teasing us with favorite characters but never really giving them much to do. Mr. Chase's script explores the race riots in Newark that took place in the 1960's and Mr. Taylor does capture the look and feel of the turbulent times and even locations fans have come to love.

                      The film is far from perfect but does a good job filling in a backstory fans have always asked for. Billed as "a Sopranos story" and teasing us with glimpses of these characters make you wonder if there is more to come in Tony's formative years. We can only hope.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

 

           Based on the true story of the rise and fall of televangelists, Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, this is a must see just to watch Jessica Chastain's performance. She captures Tammy Faye perfectly both physically and vocally. It is just an incredible performance in an otherwise mediocre film.

          Co-starring as Jim Baker, I also can't say enough about Andrew Garfield's performance either. He captures the man perfectly and together with Ms. Chastain, they are the best thing about the film. Also co-starring are Cherry Jones as Tammy Faye's mother, and Vincent D'Onofrio as Jerry Falwell. Both also perfectly cast.

         The story itself is interesting enough if the subject matter appeals to you. Ms. Chastain does her own singing in the film which is fun and the excess to which these people lived is just unbelievable to see. Their personal empire was built on money skimmed from their organization, "PTL" (Praise The Lord). The film depicts the rise and eventual fall from grace due to both the financial scandal as well as sex scandals involving both the Bakers.

Dear Evan Hansen

                

                  I'm generally not a fan of Broadway musicals that are made into films. Somehow bursting into song works great on stage but hardly ever works on film ( "Chicago" was an exception for me). This particular show was great on stage. The staging, special effects, use of video all enhanced the story. On film, we lose all of the stage magic and are left with another angst filled teenage weeper that at its heart is rather cruel but masked in celebration of dealing with mental health issues, loss and acceptance.

                 Much has been said of Ben Platt being too old now to play the teenage Evan Hansen. Having seen the show with Mr. Platt, I can't imagine anyone else in the role. He IS Evan Hansen. I can forgive he appears older than everyone else in school. He is amazing in a complicated role. The film also stars Julianne Moore as his mom and she does a terrific job in a secondary role. Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Colton Ryan, Danny Pino, and Nik Dodani all co-star as other parents and students. Ms. Dever is very well cast and even has a decent singing voice. Ms. Adams, while a fine actress is fairly pedestrian here as a grieving mom.  Ms. Stenberg, an attractive young actress is excellent and has a bright career ahead of her.

                 Director Stephen Chbosky does a fine job staging the musical numbers but again, they work much better in a theater than on film.  He stretches out the story longer than necessary and definitely could have spent more time in the editing room but it is a faithful recreation of the play. Minus the theatrical magic, the film does give the masses that can't make it to Broadway, a chance to experience the story but I think anyone who has seen the show will agree, the emotional impact is lost on film.

The Card Counter

        

     This new Independent drama, written and directed by Paul Schrader, stars Oscar Isaac as Mr. Schrader's quintessential loner and anti-hero. Providing the voice over narration (a Schrader trademark), Mr. Isaac's character, William Tell, spends his days drifting from town to town and casino to casino, playing Blackjack and Poker. In prison for eight years, he has learned how to count cards and perfect his playing skills.

     Mr. Isaac's performance is riveting. His character is mysterious and magnetic. The plot is a bit strange as what starts out as a gambling drama turns into something far more and if it wasn't for Mr. Isaac, the film probably would lose its emotional impact. 

     The film co-stars Tiffany Haddish, in what I believe is her first serious role. She is very good and has great chemistry with Mr. Isaac. Also co-starring is Tye Sheridan, as a young man William takes under his wing and Willem Dafoe in a small but important role.

     Mr. Schrader uses the backdrop of casino gambling to once again explore man's morality and his deliberate pacing and slow reveal of plot points may be maddening for some, but it does come together and leaves the viewer with a punch to the gut.

Shang-Chi : The Legend of the Ten Rings

 

           

          More Marvel magic in a new setting...the first Asian superhero to emerge from the Marvel universe. Based on a secondary comic book hero, Shang-Chi, Marvel brings this origin story to life with the big screen treatment usually reserved for its "A-List" heroes.  Director Destin Daniel Cretton, who also co-wrote the story and screenplay pays homage to great martial arts films past , including " Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Enter the Dragon", Kung Fu Hustle" and others but also injects a freshness and modern sensibility into the film as well.

          The film stars Simu Liu, who is more than up to the task of superhero, with the looks, charm and ability to own the role. Awkwafina plays his longtime friend, Katy who is caught up in the adventure when she discovers "Shaun's" secret past. Adding royal acting credibility to the film is Tony Leung as Xu Wenwu, Shang-Chi's father and leader of the mysterious Ten Rings syndicate, as well as owner of the powerful ten rings themselves and Michele Yeoh as Ying Nan, guardian of the magical dimension of Ta Lo and Shang-Chi's aunt. Also co-starring are Meng'er Zhang as Xu Xialing, Shang-Chi's sister, Fala Chen as Ying Li, Shang-Chi's mother, and Florian Munteanu as Razorfist, a major villain. There are some surprise cameos from other characters in the Marvel universe as well.

           Mr. Cretton does an excellent job of creating a stand-alone action adventure and yet still manages to link it to the rest of the Marvel universe in fun ways. The film is humorous, mostly due to Awkwafina's performance but serious enough when it comes to family and tradition. The action sequences are terrific, especially early on but do dissolve into CGI overload in the finale, which plays like "The Never-Ending Story" meets "Ghidorah, the Three Headed Monster".

           This is a welcome addition to the Marvel cannon. And as with all Marvel films, stay through the credits for two additional scenes, which in this case, are surprising and important.

Flag Day

                

                Based on a true story, director and star Sean Penn tackles a complicated father/daughter relationship, helped by the superb casting of his own daughter, Dylan Penn. In her first starring role, Ms. Penn does an outstanding job as Jennifer Vogel, a woman coming to terms with her con man father's past. 

               Mr. Penn plays her father, John Vogel, who drifts in and out of her life as she's growing up. It's evident that he loves her but he's totally unreliable. The film takes place over multiple decades leading to a dramatic and emotional ending. Both Mr. and Ms. Penn are terrific. The emotional scenes (and there are many) are made that much more authentic by their obviously true connection.  The film is a star vehicle for Ms. Penn. She is really exceptional in a part that carries the film. And as a director, Mr. Penn showcases her talent with many scenes in close-up, highlighting her expressive features. Amounting to little more than cameos, the supporting cast feature Josh Brolin, Eddie Marsan, and Regina King.

              The film tends to get lost in melodrama and there are many "artistic" shots of nature and background that slow things down but the strong performances are worth overlooking these flaws.

Black Widow

            

         Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha Romanoff in this Marvel stand-alone spinoff. The film takes place before the events in "Avengers: Endgame" and centers on Natasha reuniting with her Russian "family" to bring down General Dreykov (played by Ray Winstone), the man behind the mind controlling Black Widow program.

          Florence Pugh plays Yelena Belova, another Black Widow and raised as a sister to Natasha. Their "parents" are played by David Harbour as Alexi Shostakov, The Red Guardian, and Rachel Weisz as Melina Vostokoff. The four core actors all have great chemistry and all blend well into the Marvel universe.

          The film is an entertaining adventure with lots of action and a dose of humor. It is available on DIsney + for a premium price (no premium after October) or in theaters. Of course, films like this are made for the big screen, if you are comfortable going to the theater, it's the best place to see it, and stay for the post credit scene.

The Green Knight

      

     Based on a 14th century poem and Arthurian legend, writer/director David Lowery brings his own vision to the screen in this medieval fantasy adventure. Rather than an action-packed story of a Knight's honor, Mr. Lowery instead chooses to present the film as an artistic, almost hallucinatory quest with little dialog but strong visual storytelling.

       

    Dev Patel stars as Gawain, King Arthur's nephew who accepts the challenge of the mysterious Green Knight during a Christmas celebration at court. He beheads the knight but not before knowing that in a year's time, he must seek out the Green Knight again and receive the same blow. The King holds him to his promise and a year later he sets out in search of the Knight's castle to test his honor and loyalty.

    We follow Gawain on his journey encountering friend and foe alike until his inevitable showdown with the Green Knight. Mr. Patel continues to show his strength as a leading man in a physically demanding, yet spiritual role. The film also features Sean Harris as King Arthur,  Alicia Vikander in a dual role, Joel Edgerton, Sarita Choudhury, Kate Dickie and Ralph Ineson as the Green Knight. There is also a very cute CGI fox who befriends Gawain on his journey.

    The cinematography is outstanding and the film score carries the visuals to propel the story forward in lieu of much dialog. It's a bold artistic vision that will appeal to a particular audience. Those seeking a standard sword and sorcery film will be disappointed. 

Jungle Cruise

   Successful with "Pirates of the Caribbean" , leave it to Disney to fashion another film around a theme park attraction.  The film expands elements of the ride into a complete  "Raiders of the Lost Ark" type adventure. It is a lighthearted action film with mild thrills and chills and perfect family fare (although some scenes may be too intense for younger kids).

    What really holds it all together is the dream cast of Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson. Both actors are so likeable and engaging, it's hard not to root for them. The major villains are played by Jesse Plemmons (having fun with a German accent), and Edgar Ramirez as a ghost conquistador. Paul Giamatti also is "on board" as a comedic minor villain. Ms. Blunt makes an excellent adventurer and Jack Whitehall is fun as her prissy brother tagging along on the adventure.

     The film is set in the Amazon river during the first World War and filled with excellent CGI scenery, dangers and a very important cheetah. The film is streaming on Disney + for an additional $30 if you don't have premium but also in theaters which I hardily recommend (if you are comfortable going back to the movies) and it looks and sounds great on a big screen and sound system.

The Suicide Squad

      Unlike the previous "Squad" film, this new sequel of sorts succeeds on all levels of self-awareness, snarky attitude, and ultra-violence. That said, it's a lot more fun than its predecessor, mostly due to the writing and direction of James Gunn. It's clear he has a love of this genre and of these characters.

      Featuring some of the characters from the first "Suicide Squad" , but also introducing new characters, the squad this time is edgier and more prone this time,  to some characters actually dying.  Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn and she totally owns the bonkers character. Idris Elba is new to the team and he plays Bloodsport,  excellent  at combining his darker, angrier persona with just a right amount of a comedic tone. John Cena, also new, plays Peacemaker and has a great time being goofy at his own expense but busting heads when he has to. Viola Davis is back as Amanda Waller and I wish we saw more of her, as she is more or less on the sidelines this time out. Joel Kinnaman is also back as Rick Flag, heroic as always. A fun new member of the team is the CGI King Shark, voiced by Sylvester Stallone.

      The action takes place in a mythical Latin American country so it's easy to politically correct battle nameless soldiers along with an alien monster that Mr. Gunn brings to life from the pages of DC comics. The monster is one of the sillier villains from that comic world but that makes it even more fun for the story. The film is fast paced and things get more gonzo crazy as it goes along but Mr. Gunn actually manages to sneak in some social commentary as well. Mr. Gunn also has a knack for finding great songs for his soundtracks and once again, doesn't disappoint.

       There are two post credit scenes worth waiting for. The film is in theaters and available on HBOMAX.
 

Pig

      

       Do not be turned off by the title or mistaken by the poster for this film. It defies anything you might expect of any recent Nicolas Cage film. Nothing can prepare you for the quiet beauty and contemplative nature of this new drama.

      Mr. Cage does his finest acting in years and gives his best performance since "Leaving Las Vegas". He stars as a recluse living in the woods with only a truffle pig for a companion. When his pig is stolen, he leaves the world he has made for himself and goes on a quest to find his pig.

      He is aided by Amir (played by Alex Wolff, who also does some of his best work) a supplier of high-end ingredients to restaurants. The film also co-stars Adam Arkin. I hesitate to reveal anything else about the film except to say, it is a meditation on loss and love and a remarkable debut from writer/director Michael Sarnoski.

Stillwater

        Matt Damon disappears into his role as an unemployed oil rigger from Oklahoma, who travels to Marseille, France to help his imprisoned daughter, convicted of murder. The film co-stars Abigail Breslin as his daughter, and Camilie Cottin as a French woman who ends up helping him try to prove her innocence. 

        Ms. Cottin, is terrific on the Netflix show "Call Your Agent" and it's great to see her in a more dramatic role as a single mother who befriends Mr. Damon's character, Bill Baker.  Lilou Saiuvaud plays her nine-year-old daughter Maya, who is simply adorable and has great chemistry with Mr. Damon.

         The film may be loosely based on Amanda Knox's story but writer/director Tom McCarthy throws curve balls into the story that don't reflect anything about Ms. Knox's case. Some of these "curveballs" work to serve the story but there are a few plot holes that can't be overlooked and may nag at an audience despite Mr. Damon's best efforts to act right through them. The story turns on a surprising plot point after morphing from legal thriller, fish out of water story, and domestic family affair. It's that point that reinvigorates the film until it's dramatic conclusion. 

The Courier

 

        Based on the true story of an English businessman who helped MI6 and the CIA penetrate the Soviet Missile program by becoming the go-between with a Russian defector during the "Cold War" years. By couriering secret information from Oleg Penkovsky back to England during "routine" business trips to Russia, Greville Wynne helped prevent the Cuban missile Crisis in the early '60's.

         Benedict Cumberbatch is Wynne and of course, perfectly cast. He is joined by Merab Ninidze as Penkovsky and their chemistry is terrific. As an ordinary business man pressed into service as a spy, Mr. Cumberbatch is a perfect "everyman" who endured much more than he expected when he agreed to help the U.S. and England.

         This thriller is much more of a cerebral spy story, rather than an action-packed adventure.  It is quietly suspenseful and very entertaining, especially knowing it's based on a true story.

The Tomorrow War

 

       Chris Pratt in full hero mode as an ex-marine recruited by people from 30 years in the future. They have come back in time to find volunteers to go into the future to fight aliens that are wiping out the human race. Combining elements of "Alien", "Edge of Tomorrow" and even "Back to the Future", it's an exciting and very loud sci-fi action adventure.

        The film co-stars Yvonne Strahovski as a scientist/soldier with a pretty obvious identity, J.K. Simmons (in typical tough guy mode), Betty Gilpin as Mr. Pratt's wife, Sam Richardson (providing verbal comic relief) and Edwin Hodge. And of course, thousands of CGI Aliens.

        Moving at a quick pace,  the film stays on point with very little distraction from the central story. There are some interesting concepts and writer Zack Dean tries hard to make the story about family over aliens but let's face it, you watch films like this for the action, not the emotion. Plot holes can be ignored or quickly forgotten as the action is pretty much non-stop.

         Released by Amazon for streaming only, the film would have probably been a summer blockbuster in theaters but it's only available on Prime video. If this genre appeals to you, try to find the biggest TV screen and sound system you can to watch.

No Sudden Move

        The latest from director Steven Soderbergh is a period crime drama with a plot drawn from an unlikely source. It stars Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro as two low life criminals who get in over their heads trying to retrieve mysterious documents from an accountant.

        Mr. Soderbergh's stamp is all over the film. His style is so recognizable. Actors love to work with him and it's evident by Mr. Cheadle and Mr. del Toro's performances. Their chemistry is terrific and together with the excellent supporting cast of Jon Hamm, David Harbour, Amy Seimetz, Brendan Fraiser, Kieran Culkin, Julia Fox, Noah Jupe, Frankie Shaw, Bill Duke and Ray Liotta, they move effortlessly through the film.

         It's a fun crime noir with some clever surprises. Available on HBO Max

F9

     

      The latest entry in the Fast & Furious franchise has veered so far off course that it hardly resembles the original film. In an attempt to bridge that gap, we get flashbacks to the original Toretto family. The original cast returns led by Vin Diesel as Dom Toretto, who never seems to age. Even characters presumed dead are resurrected for this 9th entry in the series.

     What was once a story of illegal street racing, has turned into larger-than-life global missions. Missions that get bigger and more outrageous with each film. This time out John Cena plays Jake Toretto, Dom's long-lost younger brother who is working for the "bad guys". The flashbacks explain the bad blood between the brothers. Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and Tyrese Gibson are part of the returning cast and as usual play the comic relief.  However, their particular storyline this time, really leads the film into "jump the shark" territory. 

      The film is at once exciting and yet ridiculous. No one is ever really in jeopardy and that fact is even recognized by one of the characters himself. The CGI stunts are pretty incredible though and certainly keep things action packed. Check your brain at the door and enjoy the ride.

Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)

 

     

     Woodstock grabbed the headlines in the summer of 1969 as the culture changing monster concert of its time. However, occurring the same summer in Harlem, New York was another concert that in many ways, was even more impactful on culture, and certainly race relations in America. Unfortunately, while filmed, the footage sat in a basement for 50 years untouched and forgotten.

      Known as the Harlem Cultural Festival, it took place in Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) over a six-week period that attracted over 300,000 people. Producer Robert Fyvolent and director Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson have finally brought that lost footage to the screen and the result is amazing. Mr. Thompson weaves together the musical performances with news footage of the era, along with social commentary and contemporary interviews to make a statement of those times that is still relevant today.

       The film features performance by Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, B.B. King, Sly & The Family Stone, Mahalia Jackson, The Fifth Dimension, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Staples Singers, Hugh Masakela, David Ruffin and many others.

        The performances are terrific and many of the interviews very revealing. It was an important cultural and social event that has finally gotten it's due and should not be missed. It's available now on Hulu and in theaters (where you can really appreciate the big screen and sound).