Monkey Man

 

    Actor Dev Patel has been busy. He has written the story, co-written the screenplay, produced, directed and is starring in this new action adventure.

    Integrating Indian culture and mythology into a "John Wick" type revenge story, Mr. Patel shines as the protagonist in this violent, bloody film but the story does have it's problems. Flashbacks in this case should be used sparingly but Mr. Patel finds it necessary to return much to often to memories of his mother and what led to his choices in the present. It does work as a stopgap between all the violence in the present but it also tends to slow things down too much. The motives for the people that rescue him at one point are not that clear and why they don amazing costumes to help him fight the villains is also unclear.

    Mr. Patel's co-stars include Sharito Copley as Tiger, a sleezy fight promoter,  Pitobash as Alphonso, Vipin Sharma as Alpha, Sikandar Kher as Rana, Sobhita Dhulipala as Sita, and Ashwini Kalsekar as Queenie Kapoor.

    The action scenes are well choreographed with some original moves (a scene in an elevator is remarkable in it's sadistic violence). The climatic fight scene between Mr. Patel and Mr. Kher starts out as the brawl we've been anticipating but ends much too quickly and what follows is a bit of a surprise.

     Credit Mr. Patel for creating a familiar story in a fresh new setting. As an accomplished actor, he shows promise in his new roles as a writer and director.

  

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

 

     Co-written and directed by Guy Ritchie, this untold story of World War Two is based on a true story. Apparently Winston Churchill recruited a small team of mercenaries for an unsanctioned mission to destroy German U-Boat supplies in the North Atlantic.

     The team consists of Henry Cavill,  Alan Ritchson, Henry Golding, Alex Pettyfer and Hero Fiennes Tiffin. Also working undercover with them on the island where the supply ship is docked, are Eiza Gonzalez and Babs Olusanmokun. Co-starring back in England are Cary Elwes, Freddie Fox and Rory Kinnear. The main villain is played convincingly by Til Schweiger.

     The dialog can be silly at times and also repetitive (the mission is repeated multiple times in case we didn't understand it the first time). It's a lighthearted script (a bit odd for a war film involving Nazis) and although there is not much suspense (the Nazis all die very easily), there is plenty of action and entertaining enough without straining your attention. 

     Mr. Ritchie has a knack for these kinds of films and I wouldn't be surprised it there is a sequel.

Civil War

 

        The title of this new film, by writer/director Alex Garland, is completely misleading. The trailer, as well, leads you to believe this will be exciting modern day war between the states. While it is true there is a civil war going on, the film is much less about the war than it is about the journalists and photojournalists covering the conflict.

         As the film opens, the war is already going on. California and Texas have succeeded from the rest of the country and have formed the Western Forces (highly unlikely in a real scenario). The film follows a small group of war correspondents as they drive from New York to Washington D.C. through a hostile America.

          Kirsten Dunst plays Lee Smith, a renowned  war photojournalist traveling with Joel, a reporter for Reuters, played by Wagner Moura. Their companions are Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) a veteran reporter for the NY Times, and Jessie, a young aspiring photographer (Cailee Spaeny),  Lee reluctantly takes under her wing. Nick Offerman co-stars as the President and Jesse Plemons has an uncredited and chilling one scene cameo.

        Ms. Dunst is excellent as Lee, stoic and numb from all the horrors she has witnessed. At first, I thought Ms. Spaeny was miscast but she successfully grows into the role. The rest of the cast is solid.

        As they travel the country, they bear witness to atrocities on both sides, navigating dangerous situations to get their photos and stories. Jessie matures quickly as she is thrown into the horrors of war. Mr. Garland doesn't take sides. Nor does he explain how the conflict started. The film is their story. It's all about the press and how they put their lives on the line to report what they see. 

        Based on the title, the film is a missed opportunity as it tells a very different story from what you would expect but once you realize the direction it takes, it does become riveting in its own way. 

            

Arcadian

 

     Nicholas Cage stars as Paul, a father of two teenage boys living in an isolated rural area, in a post apocalyptic world.  During the day the they look for food and salvage materials. The older boy, Thomas, played by Maxwell Jenkins,  when he can, visits a farm of other survivors a few miles away. It is there that he enjoys the company of Charlotte, played by Sadie Soverall, a girl his own age. The younger son, Joseph, played by Jaeden Martell, tinkers with projects and builds useful things for the family's survival.

     At night, the three board up their house, securing all the locks to protect themselves from strange creatures that started appearing after the apocalypse. The creatures only appear after dark so it's always a race to return home at sunset to protect themselves.

     The three leads are very good with Mr. Cage giving a stoic performance, stepping back and letting the boys handle most of the plot's heavy lifting. The film is well paced, suspenseful and builds to a strong third act. The creatures are original and quite menacing, a combination of CGI and puppetry.

      It's a better than average take on a well worn plot.

Wicked Little Letters

 

      Based on a 1920's true scandal, this black comedy is a period piece that follows the investigation of crude and insulting letters sent anonymously to various residents of a small English town. 

      At first a number of letters are only sent to Edith Swan (played by Olivia Coleman), embarrassing Edith and enraging her domineering, controlling and religious zealot father, Edward Swann (played by Timothy Spall) but soon other residents of the town start to receive letters as well.

      Edith and her father are convinced the author of the letters is their next door neighbor, Rose Gooding (played by Jesse Buckley), a single mom who smokes, drinks and swears openly and is living "in sin" with her boyfriend, Bill (played by Malachi Kirby). With just the accusations and little hard evidence, Rose is arrested for libel. PC Gladys Moss (played by Anjana Vasan) is the only one who thinks Rose may be innocent but being the only woman on the town police force in 1920, her suspicions are ignored.

     The film also co-stars Gemma Jones as Edith's mother, Victoria, Joanna Scanlan as Ann, Lolly Adefope as Kate, Eileen Atkins as Mabel, Alisha Weir as Nancy Gooding, Hugh Skinner as Constable Papperwick and Paul Chahidi as Chief Constable Spedding. 

     It's a wonderful cast anchored by the marvelous Olivia Coleman, Jessie Buckley and Timothy Spall. It's a comedy of very bad manners (with a serious undertone) that is very enjoyable. Be warned though, the language is deliberately most foul.

The First Omen

 

     The original "The Omen" scared me so much in 1976, I needed a stiff drink after seeing it. Now 48 years later, we finally have the prequel, explaining Damian's birth.

      Pregnant novitiate nuns seem to be the rage right now and this film, while not great, is far superior to the recent "Immaculate". That was so bad, I didn't even bother to review it but rather I'm trying to forget I even saw it.

      This story introduces Novitiate, Margaret (played by Nell Tiger Free) in Rome to perform her vows while working at an Orphanage. Of course things turn sinister in time and people start to die. There are a few deaths that attempt to copy the novel deaths of the original but the shock value just isn't the same.

       Sinister nuns abound and there is lots of chanting and blood flows freely but I can't say I was actually scared. The film builds its suspense slowly but ramps it up in the third act. Ms. Free is convincing as Margaret, becoming more and more unhinged as she unravels the mystery and her involvement. 

       The film co-stars Sonia Braga as Sister Silvia, Ralph Ineson as Father Brennan, Billy Nighy as Cardinal Lawrence, Tawfeek Barhom as Father Gabriel, Maria Caballero as Luz, and Nicole Sorace as Carlita. Charles Dance has a quick cameo as well.

        There have been many films in this franchise. I would recommend watching the original after seeing this one. It still holds up.

In the Land of Saints & Sinners

 

          The year is 1974. Liam Neeson stars as  Finbar Murphy, a hitman for hire at the end of his career, living out his life in a quaint, but remote Irish village. When four IRA terrorists end up hiding out nearby, a confrontation becomes inevitable. 

          Kerry Condon plays Doireann McCann, the leader of the terrorists, in quite a change from her usual roles. The film also co-stars Ciaran Hinds, Colm Meaney, Jack Gleeson, Sarah Greene, and Desmond Eastwood.

          The film reflects a true Irish nature in it's visual beauty and authentic cast. The setting and pace are different from most of Mr. Neeson's action films. The suspense only builds after a murder leads to more violence as the peaceful village comes under the ire of McCann and her men.

          While we've all seen films similar to this, there are enough unexpected moments to keep the story fresh. It would make a good double feature with "The Banshees of Inisherin". 

           

           

    

Asphalt City

 

        This is a hard hitting new drama taking us very realistically inside the world of EMT's. While "Bring Out The Dead was similar in structure, this film plays almost like a documentary with unrelenting closeups and non-stop action driving call to call.

         Sean Penn stars as the veteran EMT, Gene Rutkovsky (Rut, for short) and Tye Sheridan plays Ollie Cross, Rut's new rookie partner. The film also co-stars Michael Pitt, Katherine Waterston (in a one scene cameo), Raquel Nave, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Mike Tyson (in a credible role), and Kali Reis. Ms. Reis (so good recently in "True Detective: Night Country") is almost unrecognizable as a addict who has just given birth by herself in a shelter.

          Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire's "in your face" hand held camera works puts you riding along inside the ambulance and right in the middle of the emergency calls. It is breathtaking but at the same time, very difficult to watch. The territory is East New York and the majority of the people they try to help are not easy going or friendly. No one looks like actors. It's all seems very real and at times, scary to see what these people go through on a daily basis. It is a harrowing film.

           There is little dialog for the first half of the film but slowly we begin to learn more about Rut and Cross. Cross meets a woman at a Rave and finds a sexual outlet for his pressure. Rut visits with his ex-wife to see his little girl. These short interludes give way to the job and it's not long before they are back making life and death decisions, doing their best to keep people alive, whether they think they deserve it or not.

           The film is dedicated to all the EMT's and first responders who work tirelessly trying to save lives and in the balance, many times lose their own.

Sting

         AMC Theaters  has found a way to fill seats on a Monday night (slowest night for theaters) by offering a five dollar ticket to "Unseen Cinema", a surprise new film. This past week I took a chance on what I only knew would be a horror film.

          "Sting" is written and directed by Kiah Roache-Turner. It is a horror film made in Australia but taking place in a small apartment building in Brooklyn New York, during a terrible snowstorm. An extended family lives in the building along with a few other tenants. The main character is Charlotte, a precocious preteen who discovers a small black spider while exploring the building though the air ducts. Unbeknownst to Charlotte, the spider has arrived from outer space and is not a normal arachnid.  She names it Sting and keeps it in a jar but it grows bigger each time she feeds it. Of course that becomes a problem very quickly.

           Alyla Browne plays Charlotte, Penelope Mitchell plays her mother, Heather. Ryan Corr is her stepdad, and Noni Hazlehurst is her grandmother, Helga. The film also co-stars Jermaine Fowler as Frank, the exterminator. Other tenants are played by Silvia Colloca, Robyn Nevin, and Danny Kim. Ms. Hazlehurst steals the film as the hard of hearing and memory challenged, Helga.

           The film is well paced and mildly suspenseful but never really scary (unless you have a fear of spiders). It has horror film required gore but also a few amusing moments as well.

            It was worth the five dollars but otherwise, if you're interested in this sort of thing, wait for streaming it at home.

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire

 

   Based on the success of the sequel, "Ghostbusters: Afterlife", it was inevitable that the franchise would continue. Building upon that story, the cast from "Afterlife" has been transported to New York and taken up residence in the firehouse from the original film.

    Returning are Carrie Coon as Callie Spengler and as her kids, Finn Wolfhard and McKenna Grace. Paul Rudd is also back as Gary, Callie's boyfriend and surrogate dad. Celeste O'Connor and Logan Kim also return (with a poor excuse for their move from Oklahoma). 

     The additional casting of Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Annie Potts and even William Atherton (all from the original film) add a jolt of welcome nostalgia to the story. In addition to the returning cast members, we also get many references from the original film and even a snippet of Ray Parker Jr. singing the original song. 

      Joining the cast this time are Kumail Nanjiani (in a significant role), Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, and Emily Alyn Lind. Ms. Lind plays a ghost in scenes with McKenna Grace that almost seem romantic and out of place for this story. Of course the story itself is overstuffed with the odd mix of ghosts, an undead God and the coming of a second ice age (which has nothing to do with ghosts except here to fatten the plot).

       Individually, Ms. Grace has the largest part. Mr. Rudd is there to basically wisecrack (which he does so well), Mr. Wolfhard's scenes involve "Slimer" from the original film but everyone does team up for the big finale. And of course, lets not forget the cute army of "Staypuff" marshmallow men who even have a cute mid-credit scene.

        It's harmless family fun for preteens and up and definitely nostalgic fun for adult fans of the original.

Knox Goes Away

 

       Once in a while a film with no fanfare, advertising or any real press means the studio that releases it has no faith in it. But sometimes a film like that can sneak up on you and you find yourself pleasantly surprised. This is one of those films.

       Michael Keaton stars and directs himself, as John Knox, a criminal diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease. This is a rapidly moving form of dementia that he is told will completely take hold of his mind and body within weeks. With time running out, he tries to make amends by protect the life of his adult son, while also being pursued by the police who are investigating his involvement in a murder,

        Mr. Keaton is absolutely terrific as Knox. Whether it was because he directed himself or simply because he is such a good actor, this is one of his best performances. The film co-stars Al Pacino as his mentor, Marcia Gay Harden as his ex-wife, and James Marsden as his son, Also featured are Ray McKinnon, Joanna Kulig, Lela Loren and as the detectives in charge of the investigation, Suzy Nakamura and John Hoogenakker.

        As a director, Mr. Keaton keeps the film well paced without any theatrics and getting good work from the whole cast, including Mr. Pacino who, of late, can sometimes be rather manic. The script, by Gregory Poinier, is an original twist on the crime genre pitting Mr. Keaton's disintegrating mind in a race against his plan to protect his son, all while the police and other criminals keep getting in his way.

        This is an Indie drama worth your time.

One Life

 

       This new drama is based on the true story of Nickolas Winton, a British stockbroker who took it upon himself to organize (with a small group of others) the rescue of over six hundred child refugees (most of whom were Jewish) from Czechoslovakia on the brink of World War Two.

       Sir Anthony Hopkins plays the elder Winton, who, when cleaning out old files finds his scrapbook with details of the rescue and decides to bring it to public attention. Flashbacks take us to Prague in 1938 where the young adult Winton is played by Johnny Flynn.

       Mr. Flynn is subtlety dashing in his resolve to help as many children as he can, get safely to England. Sir Hopkins gives a superb performance as the elder Winton, who wants the story told. The film co-stars Helena Bonham Carter as Babi Winton (Nickolas's mother in the flashbacks), Lena Olin as Grete Winton, Jonathan Pryce as the elder Martin Blake, Ziggy Health as young Martin Blake, Romola Garai as Doreen Warriner, and Samantha Spiro as Ester Rantzen.

       This little known, remarkable, story is deeply moving and heartfelt. It should be seen by the largest audience possible. It will restore your faith in humanity.

   

The Temple Wood Gang

 

     A new French film that takes a different approach to the "heist genre". Directed by Rabah Ameur-Zaimeche, this story is less about the robbery and more about the aftermath.

     When five friends decide to rob a Saudi prince, it sets off repercussions that affect the gang members as well as others around them. Bebe, played by Philippe Petit is the leader of the gang, all of whom live in the Temple Wood housing project in Paris. They have all been close friends since childhood and well known to others who live in Temple Wood.

     Mr. Ameur-Zaimeche is more interested in the background and class of his characters than he is of the crime. His camera lingers far too long on scenes that have for all purposes, already ended. He also makes the bold choice to shoot without a score or music (except for a song sung at a funeral and another over the end credits). He prefers natural sounds to add realism to the events on screen. He also doesn't spoon feed the audience plot points and leaves much for the audience to figure out for themselves.

     While an interesting character study, I was disappointed.

Toni

 

     Written and directed by Nathan Ambrosioni, this new French film is a heartfelt comedy/drama starring Camille Cottin. Ms. Cottin plays Toni, a former pop star, now raising a family of five (in different teenage stages) on her own.

       The beauty of Mr. Ambrosioni's script is how well he has defined each character, giving each each member of the family a full bodied personality and equal representation throughout the film. A rare occurrence in an ensemble piece.

        Ms. Cottin is wonderful, in a part written specifically with her in mind. She balances her hectic family life, trying to give attention to each child, even while trying to figure out a future for herself. Her children are played by Lea Lopez, as Mathilde, the oldest, followed by Thomas Gioria as Marcus, Louise Labeque, as Camille, Oscar Pauleau as Timothee, and Juliane Lepoureau as Olivia, the youngest. Cast after seeing about 500 kids, these five are just terrific and their chemistry with Ms. Cottin is so natural, you would think you were watching a real family.

        This is only Mr. Ambrosioni's second feature film. Based on this work, the young director has a long career ahead of him.

Dune Part Two

 

   Once again co-written and directed by Denis Villeneuve, Part Two picks up moments after the end of Part One. While the first film was for the most part setting up the foundation, Part Two fully engages the viewer in the expanse of the story in a most spectacular way.

    Cast members who survived the first film return led by Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson. Also returning with expanded roles are Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Dave Bautista, Josh Brolin and Stellen Skarsgard. New cast members include Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, Lea Seydoux, and in an uncredited one scene cameo, Anya Taylor-Joy.

    Mr. Villeneuve clearly has a vision for the material and has created a fully realized science fiction classic. The cinematography will take your breath away. The visuals are stunning, blending live action with CGI seamlessly.  The sound is immersive and the actors couldn't be more committed to their roles. Mr. Bardem, in particular appears to be having a great time and Mr. Butler (almost unrecognizable) has shed the Elvis persona once and for all.

    While the film does comes to a conclusion, it is open ended enough that one can only hope Mr. Villeneuve will commit to a third film, based on "Dune Messiah", to complete the trilogy.

Drive-Away Dolls

    This disappointing "road trip" comedy was directed and co-written (with his wife, Tricia Cooke) by Ethan Coen. Jamie, played by Margaret Qualley and Marian, played by Geraldine Viswanathan have odd couple chemistry as friends who end up on the road together driving from Philadelphia to Tallahassee.

     The women arrange for a drive-away car but unbeknownst to them, a mysterious briefcase is hidden in the spare tire well. The car was supposed to be picked up by a trio of dangerous men, hired to retrieve the briefcase, but the owner mistakenly gives the car to the two women first.

      Along the road, the woman have many side adventures, mostly involving gay bars and sex. Jamie's ex-girlfriend, Sukie, played by Beanie Feldstein (no relation) is a cop who ends up following them to Florida. Two of the three thugs are also on the road after the briefcase while reporting back to their boss, "Chief", played by Coleman Domingo. 

       The film co-stars Bill Camp as Curlie, the owner of the drive-away business,  Joey Slotnick and C.J. Wilson as the two thugs casing the women, Pedro Pascal as Santos, which is nothing more than a quick cameo (although his head becomes a plot device), Matt Damon as Senator Channel (also in just a few but significant scenes) and in yet, another cameo, Miley Cyrus as Tiffany Plastercaster (based on a famous groupie of the sixties). Only Mr. Camp, in his deadpan delivery and Mr. Domingo, with his undeniable charisma elevate the film to something worth watching. It's too bad they play minor characters. 

         The plot, which seemed like a fun idea on paper doesn't translate well to the screen. It's fairly ridiculous and erratic. The fine cast is wasted in this "exploitation" sex comedy concept. The original title is revealed at the end, which makes more obvious sense. Save yourself time and drive right past these "dolls".

Land of Bad

 

    Co-written and directed by William Eubank, this is a pretty exciting military action film. It's a fairly simple plot that has been covered many times before but it does introduce a new element.

    When a covert group of four operatives have their asset rescue mission blown, it is up to a drone pilot based in Las Vegas to help save the remaining team members from the terrorist group they are fighting in the Philippines.  

     Russell Crowe plays the drone pilot, "Reaper" sitting at a computer station in communication with the men on the ground, trying to help them escape. At the same time, he's waiting for word on his pregnant wife, who is about to give birth. Mr. Crowe manages to make sitting at a desk, looking at a screen, exciting.

     Liam Hemsworth, Milo Ventimiglia, Luke Hemsworth, Ricky White, and Chika Ikogwe make up the unit fighting for their lives to rescue a CIA asset. Liam Hemsworth plays "Playboy", the main character on the mission, who bonds with "Reaper" back at the base.

     The action is non-stop from the start and the last part of the film is very exciting. It's violent but also fascinating when you see how the military employs drone technology, thousands of miles away to assist in missions. 

Bob Marley: One Love

 

   Fans of Bob Marley and reggae music will enjoy this standard biography film. The story takes place primarily in the 1970's but intersperses flashbacks throughout to show Mr. Marley in various stages of his young life. 

  We follow his start as a poor child in "Trenchtown" Jamaica leading to his first break with the group,  "The Wailing Wailers", which eventually leads to Chris Blackwell and a contract with Island Records. We also see how the unrest and violence in Jamaica force him into leaving the country he loves for a five year exile.

    It's a good film, filled with great music, but what really drives it home is the terrific performance of Kingsley Ben-Adir as Bob Marley. He may be better looking than the actual Mr. Marley but he captures all the charisma and soul of the man perfectly, as well as the musical ability to pull off the role.

    The film co-stars Lashana Lynch as Rita Marley, James Norton as Chris Blackwell, Tosin Cole as Tyrone Downie, Anthony Welsh as Don Taylor, Aston Barrett Jr. as Aton "Family Man" Barrett, and Michael Gandolfini as Howard Bloom.

     It's message of love and peace could not be more timely.

Out of Darkness

 

        Set 45,000 years ago in a barren landscape, this is a minimalistic survival thriller. Screenwriter Ruth Greenburg obviously did a great deal of research to get all the details correct. The look and feel of the film is very authentic. I did my own homework out of curiosity after the film ended.

         A small group of six prehistoric people cross an inland sea hoping to find abundant food and shelter having broken off from their starving tribe. The group consist of Adem, the leader, Ave, his pregnant mate, Heron, his preteen son, Odal, an elder, Geirr, a single male, and Beyah, a stray female.

         Chuku Modu plays Ade, Iola Evans is Ave, Luna Mwezi is Heron, Arno Luening is Odal, Kit Young is Geirr and Safia Oakley-Green is Beyah. They are a hardy cast working in harsh conditions and speaking entirely in an artificial language created for the film (English Sub-titles are provided).

         The film begins as the group makes landfall and sets out for food and shelter. The landscape is uninviting and difficult to transverse but left with no choice, the group continues inland towards a mountain range they hope will provide shelter. Their will to survive is strong but fear and superstition of the unknown eats away at their resolve.

         With a minimal cast and location, director Andrew Cumming creates a well paced thriller that holds your attention to the very end. The sound design and music are a great combination to build suspense and a deepening sense of dread. An unseen threat only adds to the anxiety for both the group and the audience. 

           

The Taste of Things

 

       Director Tran Anh Hung won Best Director at last year's Cannes Film Festival for this dramatic period drama. It is a story of passion...for food... and for the two people who have had a simmering love each other for 20 years all while preparing the most incredible dishes.

       It is the end of the nineteenth century in rural France. Eugenie, played by the marvelous Juliette Binoche, has been cooking 20 years for Dodin Bouffant, played by the outstanding Benoit Magimel. Bouffant is a legendary French chef who's wonderful recipes are brought to life by Eugenie's impeccable preparation.

      They live in the same house but have their own rooms. While she obviously cares for and loves Bouffant, she is an independent woman who refuses his advances of marriage. But when it comes to cooking, they are an incredible team.

      Mr. Tran directs the film as he would be preparing a meal. It is a simple story told over a low heat with ingredients continuously added for flavor. Watching the meticulous food preparation is the essence of the film but the love between the chef and the cook remains the core ingredient.

     Besides Ms. Binoche and Mr. Magimel, the film co-stars Emmanuel Salinger as Dr. Rabaz, Galatea Bellugi as Violette, and Bonnie Chagneau -Ravoire as Pauline. The young Ms. Chagneau-Ravoire is wonderful as Pauline.

     French chef Pierre Gagnaire served a culinary advisor and also has a small role as another chef.

    If you have a love of food and cooking, this is a must see. You will leave the theater hungry.