WOLFS

 

       Shame on Apple using George Clooney and Brad Pitt as poster boys to sell subscriptions. This new action, crime, drama is light as air and as thin as finely sliced ham. The plot is a total cliche and makes very little sense, even when the two stars quickly explain it late in the film, when they both realize what they've been doing for nearly the past two hours.

         It begins with an interesting premise, when Amy Ryan calls for the services of a "cleaner", a professional fixer of sorts who "cleans" up illegal scenarios to protect certain types of people. Two competing "cleaners, Mr. Clooney and Mr. Pitt, show up to dispose of a body and things take off from there.

          Besides Ms. Ryan (who disappears after the initial scene), the film co-stars Austin Abrams, Zlatko Buric, and in a surreal cameo, Richard Kind as a Frank Sinatra fanatic.

          If you are satisfied watching two movie stars going through the paces, without much thought of character or plot development, this is the perfect film for you. Enjoy it as the two make fun of themselves with aging jokes such as needing glasses, complaining about back pain, and needing aspirin.

          There is far better content (with stars) to watch on Apple, then this fluff. These wolfs don't bite. They don't even have teeth.

Lee

 

  Kate Winslet is terrific in this pretty straight forward "bio pic" of the celebrated World War Two photojournalist, Lee Miller.

   Framed by an interview session in 1977, we are transported back to 1938 when Ms. Miller was working as a photographer for the British edition of Vogue magazine. We then follow her  as a wartime photojournalist during the war in France. The framing device is clever especially as the film returns to 1977.

   Ms. Winslet is fearless in a strong performance that rises above the dark and dour backdrop of the later days of the war. She is joined by Andy Samberg (in his first serious role) as Look Magazine, photojournalist, David Scherman. The two had a great friendship that lasted well after the war and through the chemistry of the two actors, that friendship and bond is very apparent.

    The film co-stars Andrea Riseborough as Audrey Withers, the editor at Vogue, Alexander Skarsgard as Lee's husband, Roland and Josh O'Conner as Antony. It also features Marion Cotillard, Noemie Merlant, and Vincent Colombe.

     Lee Miller's actual photographs are showcased in the film and many scenes are hard to watch as she brilliantly captures the horror of war as well as moments of meditation and even surprise.

      During the credits, we learn the fate (and see the actual photos) of the  people featured in the film. It's a tribute to Lee Miller, David Scherman and others like them that brought all the aspects of war home through their work. A grim reminder that no one really wins.

The Wild Robot

 

    With a screenplay and direction by Chris Sanders, this new film is a joy on every level. It is based on the book by Peter Brown and Mr. Sanders and his terrific team bring it to animated life.

      The animation is wonderful combining familiar animation techniques for the action and foreground but with a vibrant hand painted feel for the background creating a completely new look. The simple story is filled with humor, suspense, action and a surprising emotional core. It's a treat for the eyes and touches your heart as well.

       The film features the vocal talents of Lupita Nyong'o as "the Robot", Pedro Pascal as Fink, the fox,  Kit Connor as Brightbill the goose, Catherine O'Hara as Pinktail the opossum, Bill Nighy as Longneck the goose, Mark Hamill as Thorn the grizzly bear, Matt Berry as Paddler the beaver, and Ving Rhames as Thunderbolt the falcon.

        I would recommend it for children and adults as well, although there are a few scenes that younger viewers may find frightening. It's a perfect family film, filled with life lessons and a strong moral center. Try to see it in a theater where the big screen and sound really make the film "pop".

The Substance

 

    Written and directed by Coralie Fargeat, this satirical body horror film has a lot to say about a woman's self image, vanity, celebrity, and ageism. And Ms. Fargeat is not subtle about delivering those themes literally into the face of the audience.  Her use of extreme closeups drive home her points.

     The film itself, is as if David Cronenberg directed Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. As it builds to a crescendo of an all out gonzo gross out, we watch as stars Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley battle it out for sole possession of the same person.

     Ms. Moore is fantastic in one of her best roles, fearlessly making fun of her own self image. Ms. Qualley is equally as good as she seeks to control her own destiny. The film co-stars Dennis Quaid as a sleezy TV executive and he plays it well as a walking parody.

     At the onset, the story is simple enough. An aging celebrity fearful of becoming obsolete, discovers "The Substance", a drug that promises a return to youth and beauty. But as we all know, there are always consequences when wishes come true and, in this case, things get crazier and crazier as Ms. Moore and her younger self compete for control.

     Be warned that the last third of the film is so off the wall, it may make some viewers physically sick and can be hard to watch but in it's own way, it's also kind of brilliant. Nothing will prepare you for this controversial new film.

      

Speak No Evil

 

       With a screenplay written and directed by James Watkins, this is an American remake of a 2022 Danish thriller.

        An American couple and their young daughter meet a British couple and their son while on holiday in Tuscany. They all hit it off and the "Brits", Paddy and his wife Ciara invite Louise, Ben and their daughter, Agnes to visit them at their farm in the English countryside. Once they arrive, all is not what it seems.

        Paddy is played by James McAvoy and he is incredible. Friendly and inviting one second, he turns sinister with just a simple raised eyebrow, slight twist of a lip or simply a sneering smile. His wife is played by Aisling Franciosi and their son is played by Dan Hough. The American couple are well played by Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy (who were both terrific in the great AMC show "Halt & Catch Fire"). Alix West Lefler plays Agnes, wise beyond her years. The film also co-stars Kris Hichen as Mike and Motaz Mulhees as Muhjid.

        Mr. Watkins builds the suspense  slowly as little cracks start to appear in Paddy and Ciara's behavior. His screenplay alternates between suspense, touches of humor and eventually horror, as the truth is revealed.  At that point, the tension becomes palatable as things escalate into a life and death situation. 

         It's a rollercoaster of a film, touching all the right buttons of it's audience.  If you are looking for a much darker and even more sinister version of the story, check out the original Danish film, now streaming.

          

Caveat

 

        Directed and written by Damian McCarthy, "Caveat" is Mr. McCarthy's directorial debut and the predecessor to "Oddity", a terrific horror film, I recently reviewed.

        While I didn't find this film quite as scary as "Oddity", it certainly has it's moments. The story itself, is strange to begin with and only gets stranger as it goes on. Mr. McCarthy is an original voice in horror and creates stories and situations that can totally give you nightmares.

         Amnesiac drifter Isaac is hired by one Moe Barrett to watch over his niece, Olga, who lives alone and is prone to sudden fits of catatonic states. What Moe doesn't reveal to Isaac is the job's caveat and thus sets off  Isaac's descent into near madness.

         The film stars Johnny French as Isaac, Leila Sykes as Olga, and Ben Caplan as Moe Barrett. The film also stars the scariest toy rabbit I've ever seen. 

          Currently streaming, it's a film that may haunt you for days.

Reagan

 

         What a great love story between Ron and Nancy Reagan and what a great love story for all Republicans. And released close to Election Day, coincidence? Although in fairness, it does instill a bit of patriotic pride, the way President Reagan stood up to the Soviet Union.

          Dennis Quaid does a fairly good impression of President Reagan but it's Penelope Ann Miller who steals the film as Nancy Reagan. She is spot on and the chemistry between the two is wonderful. They do a great job conveying the love "Ronnie" and Nancy Pants"  had for each other.

           The film is framed by a Russian "spy" narrator, played by Jon Voight explaining to an unnamed Russian official how Ronald Reagan came to power. He claims to have studied everything about Reagan going back to when he was a boy, which we then see as the story unfold in flashbacks.

            Co-starring are C. Thomas Howell, Kevin Dillion, Mena Suvari, Lesley -Anne Down, Alesksander Krupa, Robert Davi, Xander Berkeley, and Dan Lauria among others.

            The film covers a lot of ground but many significant events are glossed over as the writer, Howard Klausner's main focus is on communism and how President Reagan was instrumental in the fall of the Soviet Union. His screenplay is based on the book, "The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism" by Paul Kengor so it makes sense that the screenplay is heavy on the subject. Of course little mention of the Iran-Contra scandal, the invasion of Grenada, the bombing of Libya, his lack of response to the AIDS epidemic, and “Reaganomics” while focusing on primary standing up to the Russians paints an unequal weight on his legacy. 

             No president has ever been perfect but Ronald Reagan's legacy will stand the test of time. The film is entertaining and provides some insight into the man. But if you are more interested in a complete picture (and not just all this flag waving), hit the history books.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

 

    Director Tim Burton, with his singular visual style, reunites Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O'Hara to create a funhouse sequel to the original "Beetlejuice".

     Despite a few visual marvels, the film takes a minute to really take off, especially when a plot point you may think unnecessary takes an important turn.

      In addition to the three returning leads, the film also co-stars Jenna Ortega, Justin Theroux, Monica Bellucci, Willem Dafoe, Arthur Conti, Burn Gorman, and in a cameo, Danny DeVito.

      The art direction and visual effects are fantastic, as you would expect from a Tim Burton Film, and as in most of Mr. Burton's films, Danny Elfman composed the score.

       Mr. Keaton is at his madcap best and is a shot of adrenaline every time he is on screen. Ms. O'Hara and Mr. Dafoe, chew the scenery (in a good way) in their respective roles. Ms. Bellucci is the very sexy ex-wife of Beetlejuice who's shapely figure is put together very well...literally. Ms. Ortega is an actress that continues to impress and Ms. Ryder slips back comfortably into her character, Lydia Deetz, albeit with an adult sensibility now.

       The film doesn't break any new ground since the original (although Beetlejuice's shrunken head employees are a hoot) but is lots of nostalgic fun throughout. 

    

      

Strange Darling

 

       A one night stand becomes a twisted game of cat and mouse in this dark thriller from writer/director JT Mollner.

       The film is broken into six "chapters" and an epilogue but told in a non-linear fashion which is only one of the more interesting things that sets it apart from films of this ilk. 

       It stars Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. Both leads play well against each other and Ms. Fitzgerald, in particular, is absolutely terrific as "The Lady". Barbara Hershey and Ed Begley Jr. have small but significant roles.

       The actor Giovanni Ribisi makes his behind the camera debut as the cinematographer, as well as one of the producers and the actor Jason Patric does a voice over narration. 

       Violent and clever, "Strange Darling" will definitely hold your attention. 

Oddity

 

      Finally, a horror movie that lives up to its genre. This new film written and directed by Damian McCarthy is creepy, unsettling, and actually dare I say it, scary. 

       Mr. McCarthy has written a very weird but accessible story line and directs with an assured hand that knows exactly where and when to jolt you out of your seat. It's the first horror film I've seen in a long time that actually gave me goosebumps.

       The film stars Gwilym Lee, Carolyn Bracken, Tadhg Murphy, Caroline Menton, Steve Wall, and Jonathan French. It was filmed in Ireland and despite accents, you can easily watch without subtitles. I recommend watching it in the dark and not alone.

       The less said about the plot the better but from the moment it starts until the very last frame, it will have you on edge. Streaming now, as video on demand, on multiple outlets.

Horizon: An American Saga-Part One

 

      Co-written and directed by Kevin Costner, "Part One" is a 3 hour set up for just the beginning of Mr. Costner's passion project. He introduces lots of characters and situations that will continue to play out in future installments leaving this chapter unfulfilling.

      "Part One" stars Mr. Costner, Sienna Miller, Sam Worthington, Danny Houston, Jamie Campbell Bower, Luke Wilson, Jena Malone, Tatanka Means, Owen Crow Shoe, Abby Lee, Tom Payne, Will Patton, Georgia MacPhail, and Michael Rooker.

       You can clearly see that Mr. Costner has an affinity for the American west but his script meanders like many western rivers. The dialog tries to be authentic but loses credibility at times (would a Calvary soldier really say "indigenous" in the 1800's) and the authentic costumes are just a bit too clean at times. The film's cinematography, however, is excellent with scenes of beautiful mountains and sweeping vistas.

        Besides opening and closing massacres, not much happens in the way of character development or story. It's all set up or as they say in the west, "all hat and no cattle". I still don't think it's fair to judge the film on it's own as it's only the beginning of a "saga" but three hours easily could have been two.

      

         

Slingshot

 

    This new sci-fi drama is about three astronauts on a long space voyage to Titan, Jupiter's largest moon. Casey Affleck stars as John, Laurence Fishburne is Captain Franks, and Tomer Capone is Nash. Deep in hibernation for months at a time, the drugs needed to sleep and then wakeup provide side effects that over time begin to take their toll on the crew.

      The film take place entirely on the spacecraft but includes flashbacks to time on Earth before the mission starts. This includes a growing romance between John and Zoe (played by Emily Beecham), a member of the design team for the spacecraft. Also back on Earth is David Morrissey who co-stars as Napier, Head of Mission Control.

       Tension mounts after John discovers damage to the hull from an unexplained impact and dissention grows between the crew whether or not to continue the mission. Nash is convinced their lives are in jeopardy and wants to abort. Captain Franks want to continue as the ship's computer system doesn't show any irregularities. John's decision is complicated by growing hallucinations affecting his judgement.

        Little backstory is provided for the crew with the exception of John and Mr. Affleck is well cast as a loner who starts to question his sanity the deeper they go into space. The film itself takes it's time to get to a certain point where the writers really start to mess with the audience. What is real and what is not reaches a wild crescendo in the last act. 

        Whether or not it's worth the 110 minute ride is up to your tolerance level.

Blink Twice

 

       Co-written and directed by Zoe Kravitz, this new "thriller" is easily forgotten (a pun if you see the film). What starts out as a fun filled, hedonistic trip soon turns into a nightmare for friends Frida (played by Naomi Ackie) and Jess (played by Alia Shawkat).

        A group of people are invited to Slater King's (played by Channing Tatum) private island where it becomes a daily ritual of drinking, drugs, and non-stop party time. Ominous clues start appearing and Frida begins to realize all is not right.

         The film turns ugly once Frida remembers the women have been drugged, tied up and raped every night with no memory of what's transpired. Once she remembers, Frida turns the tables and the film dissolves into bloody carnage.

         The film co-stars Christian Slater, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Haley Joel Osment, Liz Caribel, Levon Hawke, Trew Mullen, Geena Davis, and Kyle MacLachlan.

         While I try my best to not reveal plot points, I did in this case to forewarn anyone thinking of seeing this film. While it has a notable cast, it's premise is really nasty, and you should know what to expect going in. There is even a disclaimer at the start of the film.

Alien Romulus

 

      Co-written and directed by Fede Alvarez, this is seventh installment in the franchise. The film takes place in time somewhere between "Alien" and "Aliens" and is a very welcome addition to the franchise.

       Mr. Alvarez provides many of Alien's familiar elements but also injects lots of originality into the script. He creates a very claustrophobic environment filled with suspense and dread around every corner.  Once again, the film has a female hero but in this case, she is much younger (as is the whole crew) than past films in the franchise. Adding a youthful cast is just one advantage that provides a fresh take. Mr. Alvarez also finds new and very exciting ways to put the crew in danger, even though we are familiar with the Xenomorphs from the earlier films. The last act, in particular, is very exciting and filled with some very inventive terrors.

       The film stars Cailee Spaeny as Rain, David Jonsson as Andy, Archie Renaux as Tyler, Isabela Merced as Kay, Spike Fearn as Bjorn, and Aileen Wu as Navarro. When the film begins, Ms. Spaeny's Rain doesn't show much range but she quickly grows the character into a very reluctant hero. Mr. Jonsson is terrific as Andy, showing quite the range in a very unexpected way. Daniel Betts in also featured ,in an unusual role, as Rook.

        The film is great fun and if possible, see it in IMAX, which really enhances the sound and visuals.

         

Cuckoo

 

     Written and directed by Tillman Singer, this new horror film is less horror and more simply deranged. It is one of the strangest films I've seen in a while and it's certainly not for everyone.

     The film stars Hunter Schafer as Gretchen, a teenage girl who has recently lost her mother and is now living with her father and his new family. They take up residence at a Bavarian Alps resort run by Herr Konig, played by Dan Stevens. The film co-stars Marton Csokas as Gretchen's father, Jessica Henwick as her stepmother, Mia Lieu as her half sister, Alma and Jan Bluthardt as Henry.

      Sinister things slowly reveal themselves at the resort as the film begins to go off the gonzo deep end. Some might find it scary at times but it is more unhinged than scary and it's Gretchen's predicament that drives the story. Ms. Schafer is fantastic as Gretchen and you really care for her as everything around her begins to go off the rails.  Mr. Stevens is extremely convincing as the creepy owner of the resort hiding wild secrets.

      The title says it all.

The Instigators

 

      Produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon and starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck (who also co-wrote the film), "The Instigators" is a very Boston-centric "heist" comedy that garners only a few laughs.

     The film is directed by Doug Liman (who directed Mr. Damon in the highly successful, "The Bourne Identity"). Combining all this talent, it's disappointing that this is a very lazy effort from all involved. There is little character development in the leads and the story is claustrophobic in it's Boston setting. It's as if a bunch of high profile friends said, "let's take Apple's money and spend a few week having some fun in our beloved Boston".

      The film co-stars Hong Chau (the best thing about the film), Paul Walter Hauser as a stereotypic "dumb" criminal, Ving Rhames, who seems to be unable to actually move unless he's behind the wheel of a supersized police vehicle, Ron Perlman, chewing scenery as a crooked mayor, and  Alfred Molina, Toby Jones and Andre De Shields, three highly respectable actors in very underwritten roles.

      Mr. Liman's direction is nothing special. Even the requisite car chase he stages is fairly pedestrian, having been done better in numerous films from "The French Connection to the "Mission Impossible" franchise. 

       The film is available only through streaming and if you don't have the particular service, don't worry you haven't missed anything. 

       

      

Borderlands

 

    I have never played the video game this film is based on so I can't make a honest comparison but as a stand alone film, it's a bit of a mess. It's a mash-up of "Guardians of the Galaxy", "Star Wars", and "X-Men: Dark Phoenix" but not in a good way.

    The cast was intriguing to me, especially Cate Blanchett as Lilith. Maybe Ms. Blanchett thought it would be fun do to a sci-fi fantasy film or maybe she didn't read the script beforehand, but either way, she's too fine an actor to be slumming in this film. Kevin Hart, while a terrific comedian, plays a more serious role as Roland, and is totally miscast. Jack Black voices "Claptrap" the robot with his voice an octave higher than usual and almost unrecognizable. His jokes fall flat. Jamie Lee Curtis is Tannis with not much to do except fill in plot holes.

    The film also features Edgar Ramirez as the villain "Atlas", Arianna Greenblatt as "Tiny Tina",  Florian Munteanu as "Krieg", a mountain of a man with little dialog but many muscles, and Gina Gershon as "Moxxi", chewing the scenery as a bar owner.

    Seems like a solid cast but director Eli Roth (also one of the writers) underutilizes all their talent and only shows a flair for the action sequences (of which there are plenty). Known for his "R" rated violent horror films, he tones things down quite a bit with almost no blood to be seen amidst all the fighting. 

     Even in IMAX, the film is a letdown (just loud and chaotic) and only the gamers might find it appealing if it's at all accurate to the game.

Trap

 

      M. Night Shyamalan's latest  thriller is a lot like most of his films, silly and yet clever at the same time with, of course, always including a signature twist.

      The premise is interesting if not entirely believable. A serial killer takes his daughter to a "Lady Raven" concert (A Taylor Swift type of performer) but the the police have been tipped off that the killer will be at the concert and surround the building. They only have a vague notion of what he might look like and intend to stop every adult male concert attendee on the way out.

       Obviously surrounded, the killer must find a way out without his teen daughter even realizing there is something wrong. A far fetched scenario filled with unintentionally funny dialogue, Mr. Shyamalan still manages to create a tension filled film helped by an excellent performance by Josh Harnett.

       The film co-stars Ariel Donoghue as Riley, Saleka Shyamalan as Lady Raven (Mr. Shyamalan's daughter who also wrote and performed her own music), Allison Pill as Rachel and Haley Mills as Dr. Josephine Grant. Seeing Haley Mills again in a film is a real treat.

       Don't expect a great thriller but it is silly fun.

     

Deadpool & Wolverine

 

     If you are familiar with the mythology having read the comics, seen the previous films and have  watched the Marvel TV show "Loki", you will absolutely love this. If not, this film is not for you. It may be enjoyable enough but most of the references, flashbacks, cameos, and inside jokes won't make a lot of sense.

     Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman star in this violent, hysterically funny, mad romp of a team up and if you are indeed a fan, you will love all the cameos, references and inside jokes...and they come fast and furious. 

      I'll just stop here as not to give anything away. See it in IMAX, Dolby, or just the biggest screen you can. And for once, a cat doesn't steal the movie...a dog does.

Thelma

 

       June Squibb (93 years young) takes center stage as Thelma, a grandmother swindled out of $10,000, determined to get her money back. Ms. Squibb is a absolute wonder and a delight to watch. 

       The film co-stars Fred Hechinger as Thelma's grandson Daniel, Parker Posey as her daughter Gail, Clark Gregg as Alan, her son-in-law, Malcolm McDowell as Harvey, and in his final film performance, Richard Roundtree as Ben, who reluctantly helps Thelma on her "mission impossible". Ms. Squibb and Mr. Roundtree make a great pair and their adventure is filled with insightful dialog about getting older.

       Mr. Hechinger and Ms. Squibb have a genuine love and affection for each other which easily is expressed by their characters. Ms. Posey and Mr. Gregg are portrayed as the comic relief "helicopter parents".

       Writer and director Josh Margolin envisions a lively adventure for seniors that doesn't shy away from senior issues, but manages to tread lightly. During the credits, it is suggested that Mr. Margolin based the character on his own grandmother.