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.

        

Fly Me To The Moon

 

      Billed as a romantic comedy,  this new film starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum is neither romantic nor comedic. The forced "screwball" chemistry between the stars falls flat and the comedy is sabotaged from the very beginning when the film opens recounting the tragic loss of the Apollo One astronauts, killed in a capsule fire, before they even launched. That terrible accident starts the film and any lighter moments are quickly forgotten when the accident repeatedly comes up (Mr. Tatum's character was the control director on that mission).

      Greg Berlanti directs the film like a bad sit-com with no laugh track and the pace of a snail. He does nothing to make the chemistry of the two stars credible and the subplot of a faked moon landing (that theory has existed for years), played better in "Capricorn One".

      The film co-stars Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson, Jim Rash, Anna Garcia, Noah Robbins, and Donald Elise Watkins. Mr. Romano's natural comedic ability is underused, Mr. Rash is an offensive stereotype but Mr. Harrelson is well cast as a mysterious government agent.

       Fact and fiction don't blend well in the script and don't even get me started on Mr. Tatum's terrible hair piece. There are a few funny lines and one comedic scene that works but they don't make up for this film's "failure to launch". 

       And for the second time this year, a cat steals the film.

    

         

Twisters

 

       Building on the success of the original film "Twister",  this update is an all new story with a new cast.

       The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glenn Powell as storm chasers with very different styles who end up working together to try to stop tornadoes before they can do any damage. The film co-stars Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Harry Hadden-Paton and Sasha Lane.

       The special effects are first rate, especially seeing it in IMAX, but what sets it apart from watching the effects of real tornados on the internet, is the suspense of watching the cast in fictious harm's way. I imagine people who live in the "Tornado Alley" states will have no interest in the film as they live through the dangers and tragedies of real tornadoes all the time.

        For the rest of us, it's a pretty exciting summer "popcorn" movie but watching the devastation left behind the various tornadoes, even in a movie, is a very somber reminder of the real thing 

Longlegs

 

        I'm just going to say it, this is the creepiest and most disturbing serial killer film since "Silence of the Lambs". Writer and director Osgood Perkins has created a minor masterpiece of claustrophobic dread in almost every frame. He succeeds in blending psychological horror, crime procedural, and the occult into a film that is the stuff of nightmares. 

       There are no sudden jump cut scares but every scene is unnerving just the same. The score by Zilgi, is terrific. It is original, atmospheric and sets the perfect audio vision for the film.

       The cast is amazing. It's been a while since I can say how committed the fours lead actors are to their respective roles The film stars Maika Monroe (a terrific new talent), Blair Underwood (as good as I've ever seen him), Alicia Witt (simply amazing), and Nicolas Cage (unrecognizable but as his most gonzo).  Kiernan Shipka (you might remember her from the TV show "Madmen") has a small but significant role as well.

         If you are a fan of this genre, this is a must see film. You will leave the theater with goosebumps. Movies like this come and go all the time but "Longlegs" is the real deal.

             

MaXXXine

 

       Written, directed, produced and edited by Ti West, this is the third film in his "X" trilogy with Mia Goth reprising her role as Maxxine Minx. If it was Mr. West's intention to make an homage to '80's Slasher B-movies, direct to VHS and found in the bottom shelf of a video store, he has succeeded beautifully. If not, then "MaXXXine" is quite possibly the worst movie of the year so far.

      Ms. Goth is Mr. West's muse, starring in at least three of his films. What he see in her is a mystery in itself. She is not a very good actress and this film does nothing to change my opinion. What I really find puzzling is why good actors including, Bobby Cannavale, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Giancarlo Esposito, Lily Collins and Kevin Bacon (ok, he'll take almost any part) would agree to participate in this film. I realize actors have to work but surely, there are better scripts out there for actors of this caliber.

      I'm not wasting any more words on this one. Just remember, I see these films so you don't have to.

         

A Quiet Place: Day One

 

        Written and directed by Eric Samoski (based on a story by John Krasinski and Mr. Samoski), this is a prequel to the two earlier successful films in the growing franchise.

         The film stars Lupita Nyong'o as Sam, a terminally ill patient, who is on an outing into Manhattan from her Hospice center. While watching a puppet show with other patients, the alien invasion begins and Sam and her cat, Frodo are separated from the group.

         While the city starts to collapse around her, since she knows her time is running out anyway, she decides to stay alive as long as she can to reach Harlem and memories of her childhood. Along the way she meets Eric (played by Joseph Quinn) and the two try to survive together. The film also co-stars Alex Wolff and Djimon Hounsou.

          The original concept is still in place (the aliens respond the the slightest sounds),  but this story has a different kind of emotional core and Ms. Nyong'o's  character is someone you easily can root for, even though you know her fate is inevitable. She has great chemistry with Mr. Quinn. And while they are both very good, Frodo the cat steals the film.

          This is a welcome addition to the franchise. It is exciting and even harrowing at times with plenty of suspense and some good scares.

            

          

Beverley Hills Cop- Axel F

 

     Back for the fourth installment in the franchise, Eddie Murphy returns as Detroit detective, Axel Foley. Needing a plot device to send him back to Beverely Hills,  he learns that his estranged, adult daughter may be in danger from crooked cops.

      Besides the usual action and comedy, the film provides an awkward family dynamic to act as the centerpiece of the story. In addition to Mr. Murphy, original cast member joining the film include Judge Reinhold, John Aston, Paul Reiser, and Bronson Pinchot. New to the franchise are Taylor Paige as Jane, Mr. Foley's daughter,  Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott, and Kevin Bacon as Captain Cade Grant.

      Of course, the film fills a nostalgic need for fans of the franchise, including using music from the original film and similar action sequences but there is enough original plot points and stunts to enjoy the film on it's own merits. 

        Currently streaming on Netflix     

The Bikeriders

 

        From writer/director Jeff Nichols, comes this great new drama based on the book, "The Bikeriders" by Danny Lyon.

        The film starts out in 1965 with Danny Lyon interviewing Kathy Cross about her time with "The Vandals", a local Chicago motorcycle club. We then flashback to how the club started and the various interactions of it's members. We learn that Mr. Lyon has been given full access to take pictures and interview club members for his subsequent book.

         While it is based on real characters and events, there are the usual fictious elements added for dramatic effect. Mr. Nichols clearly loves his subject matter and he has assembled a terrific cast.

         The three main leads are Tom Hardy as Johnny, the leader and creator of the club, Jodie Comer as Kathy (with a terrific Chicago accent),  and Austin Butler as Benny, club member and Kathy's love interest. The co-stars include Michael Shannon, Mike Faist, Boyd Holbrook, Damon Herriman, Beau Knapp, Emory Cohen, Karl Glusman, Toby Wallace, Norman Reedus, Paul Sparks, Happy Anderson, and Will Oldham.

        Mr. Hardy (a brute who's smarter than he looks) and Ms. Comer (the heart and soul of the film) are just terrific. Mr. Butler is a seething, magnetic presence and the rest of the cast does a great job bringing an air of authenticity to the film.

        This is an original and exciting film that I can't recommend enough.

Kinds of Kindness

 

       The latest film from director and co-writer (along with Efthimis Filippou) Yogos Lanthimos reunites him with Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, and Margaret Qualley, all from his previous film, "Poor Things"

        Love it or hate it, "Poor Things" was a linear film with a beginning, middle and end that was a total delight to those who loved it. This new film is actually three separate stories connected only by a very loose thread. Besides Ms. Stone, Mr. Dafoe, and Ms. Qualley, the film also stars Jesse Plemons, Hong Chau, and Joe Alwyn. All play different characters in each of the three stories. Mr. Plemons, in particular is terrific in the sum of his three parts.

        The stories are strange, disturbing in part, darkly humorous at times, but always surprising. A big clue to the narrative can be found in the lyrics of the opening song, "Sweet Dreams (are made of this)", by Eurthmics.

         I must admit, I'm still trying to decide how I felt about the film and what it all meant. There are a lot of peculiar things going on that require some deep thought if you feel inclined to break it down.

         It's a bold follow-up for Mr. Lanthimos after his most commercially successful film. 

         

Inside Out 2

 

      This is a sequel that does an excellent job expanding on a terrific premise that can be enjoyed by any audience, although pre-teens may not grasp some of the concepts explored by the film.

       The film is directed by Kelsey Mann. The screenplay is by Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein from a story by Kelsey Mann and Meg LeFauve. The writing is excellent. It's an intelligent script about Riley, a 13 year old girl dealing with the new emotions that come with new experiences and puberty. The high end concepts work beautifully, filled with puns and great metaphors. "Bottled up emotions" is just one great example.

        The animation is wonderful and even a pre-teen audience can have fun with the bright colors and plentiful action.

         The voice cast is spot on with Amy Poehler reprising her role as Joy. She is joined by Liza Lapira and Tony Hale as the new voices of Fear & Disgust. Lewis Black is back as Anger as well as Phyllis Smith as Sadness. Kensington Tallman is the new voice of Riley, as a new teenager.  Diane Lane and Kyle MacLachlan are back as the voice of her parents. The vocal roles of the new emotions include Ayo Edebiri as Envy, Paul Walter Hauser as embarrassment, Adele Exarchopoulos as Ennui, and Maya Hawke as the scene stealing, Anxiety.

         Another success story for Pixar.

          

      

In a Violent Nature

 

         Yes, this is very much a slasher film and there are indeed, gory kills, however it is very original in it's "execution". Writer and director Chris Nash approaches the genre as if he had studied under director Terrence Malick.

         The story is set deep in the Canadian woods. When a locket necklace serving as a talisman is taken off a grave, a silent killer crawls out of the earth, going on a killing spree to retrieve the locket. A group of seven friends camping in the woods have the locket and they are the targets of the killer known only as Johnny.

          There is no score or music of any kind (except for some background music coming through headphones). Rather Mr. Nash uses ambient sounds of the forest, including the killer's heavy steps, along with natural lighting to create a most unusual environment for a slasher film. The visual effects, prosthetics, and makeup are excellent.

          For most of the film, the POV is from behind the killer as we watch him lumber through the woods. Time moves slowly as he makes his way through a visually stunning forest to dispatch each victim in, at times, very creative and frankly disgusting ways.

           The film stars Ry Barrett as Johnny (who wears an unusual mask but unlike iconic killer Jason Voorhees, we do get to see his face). Co-starring are Andrea Pavlovic, Cameron Love, Reece Presley, Liam Leone, Charlotte Creaghan, Lea Rose Sebastianis, Sam Roulston, Alexander Oliver, Timothy Paul McCarthy and Lauren Taylor.

             While the film contains many standard slasher tropes, Mr. Nash goes out of his way to deconstruct what we expect and and turn the genre into something new and different. 

            

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Bad Boys: Ride or Die

 

         Don't mess with a winning formula. The fourth entry in this franchise, once again stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence as Miami detectives, Mike and Marcus. The film gives it's audience just what it expects, lots of laughs and plenty of violent (but not particularly bloody) action and great Miami scenery. It's the type of story that defies logic much of the time but who cares, right?

        The two stars have great chemistry and riff seamlessly off each other. May of the prior film's co-stars return including Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nunez, Jacob Scipio, DJ Khaled, and Joe Pantoliano. New to the franchise are Tiffany Haddish, Ioan Gruffudd, Rea Seehorn, Tasha Smith and Eric Dane (who makes a fine villain).

         It's a shame that the trailer reveals too many significant scenes, which lessen the impact when you watch (happening with too many films lately) but the script has found a way to keep this "popcorn" movie fresh, even when you know what's coming. And thankfully there are scenes to enjoy that are not in the trailer.

Hitman

 

      Directed by Richard Linklater with a screenplay by Mr. Linklater and star Glen Powell, this cute "rom-com" would be ridiculous if it wasn't for the fact it's based on a true story.

      A shy, unassuming philosophy professor name Gary played by Mr. Powell moonlights as an IT person on stakeouts for the New Orleans Police Department. When their undercover officer portraying a contract killer gets suspended,  they ask Gary to step in as the fake hitman. He becomes so good at the job, they keep him on until one case gets very complicated.

     Mr. Powell is clearing having a moment since his breakout role in "Top Gun-Maverick". Later this summer, he will be starring in "Twisters" and recently starred in "Anyone But You".  He's fun to watch and has great chemistry with his co-star Adria Arjona. Their romantic scenes, in particular, are quite steamy.

     The film also co-stars Austin Amelio, Retta, Sanjay Rao, Molly Bernard and Evan Holtzman.

     Mr. Linklater keeps things light and fun but does delve gently into some philosophical questions about Id, Ego, and Self.

     The ending plays a bit too cute for my taste. Personally, I had hoped the whole film would be a bit darker with more depth but I can see how the screenplay was eager to please a wide audience.

     This is a Netflix exclusive.

 

The Watchers

 

      Ishana Night Shyamalan's first film as a writer and director is a clear imitation of her father, M. Night Shyamalan's work, however she does pull off a satisfying ending whereas his past few films have not.

       Mr. Shyamalan produced the film, using mostly his own finances and he was an obvious influence on his daughter. The script itself, is far from perfect. It starts out as strange but silly and has it's share of dead spots but actually ends up building it's suspense in a credible way and pulls together in the final act.

       The film stars Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Oliver Finnegan, Alistair Brammer, John Lynch and the wonderful Olen Fouere. Ms. Fouere is one of my favorite Irish actors working today. Her mere presence in a film can easily heighten the tension.

       Ms. Shyamalan shows promises as a filmmaker but to break free of the family name, next next film should be something completely different.

A Brighter Tomorrow (Sun of the Future)

 

       Co-writer, director and star Nanni Moretti loves cinema. It is quite evident by his latest film. He is clearly enjoying himself as the star and director of this "film within a film" comedy.

        As director, Giovanni, Mr. Moretti is trying to make a serious drama about the Russian invasion of Hungary in 1956 and it's effect on the Italian communist party. However, everything in his personal life is creating havoc around him. His wife, Paola, played by Margherita Buy, is a producer on the film but at the same time, she is paying more attention producing a separate film. His financial backer is actually broke and his daughter's love life has caught him off guard.

          The film also co-stars Silvio Orlando, Mathieu Amalric, Barbora Bobulova, Zsolt Anger, Jerzy Stuhr and Teco Celi. All well-know European actors.

        Life gets in the way of art and Mr. Moretti makes the most of it. There are many laugh out loud moments, including a very funny meeting with Netflix. If you can find it, this enjoyable film, in Italian with English sub-titles, will delight you.

      

The Dead Don't Hurt

 

           A very deconstructed western starring Viggo Mortensen, who also directed, wrote the story, produced, and wrote the score (including playing some of the instruments).

           Rather than your typical western, this is a character study focused on the relationship between Mr. Mortensen's character "Olsen" and "Vivienne",  who is played by Vicky Krieps. It is almost devoid of violence, except for just four necessary scenes. Ms. Krieps really anchors the film, especially when Olsen joins the union army and is gone for a long stretch of time. She is wonderful as a strong willed, independent woman who navigates through a world of men both kind and conniving, and also one particularly nasty character.

           As written, the film time jumps frequently between various points in the past and the present. Mr. Mortensen leaves it up to the audience to follow the staggered time lines. The only obvious clue, the length of his beard. However, once engaged in the film, it becomes easy to follow. The relationship between Olson and Vivienne is really lovely and realistic. Both actors have great chemistry and it is easy to become absorbed in their story.

          The visuals are beautiful, The scenery is fresh and not what you see in many westerns. Mr. Mortensen choose to film primarily in British Columbia and Ontario with some scenes shot un Durango Mexico. The film is that much better for his location choices.

          While it is not your usual western plot, it is very rewarding in it's original way. 

Ezra

 

     A different kind of "coming of age" drama, Ezra is the story of an autistic young boy who splits his time between his divorcing parents,  played by Rose Bryne as Jenna and Bobby Cannavale as Max.

      Ezra is played by William Fitzgerald, an autistic young actor who is terrific as he tries to navigate life between his parents and his loving grandfather, played by Robert DeNiro.

      When Max rebels against Jenna's idea to enroll Ezra in a "special school", he kidnaps his son and takes him on a cross country adventure. Along the way, they both learn life lessons and come out better for it.

      The film co-stars Vera Famiga, Whoopi Goldberg, Rainn Wilson and Tony Goldwyn (who also directed).  Mr. Cannavale is wonderful as Max, a conflicted father who wants the best for his son but is also concerned about his career as a standup comedian. He hits every emotional note perfectly.

      The filmmakers went to great lengths to discuss every aspect of the film within the autistic community, including hiring autistic actors and crew and consultation on the script.

       

The War Machine (Comandante)

 

   Co-written and directed by Edoardo De Angelis, this new Italian drama is based on a true story that occurred during the early days of World War Two.

    Italy had 115 active submarines during World War Two. By the end of the war, only 19 were left. This is the story of "The Cappellini", it's crew and most importantly it's captain, Salvatore Todaro. Brilliantly played by Pierfrancesco Favino, Todaro sinks a neutral Belgium cargo ship after the Belgium ship fires at the sub first. 26 crew members survive in a lifeboat and Todaro must decide what to do with them. Should he leave them to their own fate or go against orders and rescue them putting his own crew in danger.

    It's a difficult moral dilemma and it makes for a riveting drama. It's a different kind of war film that illustrates perfectly the fog of war and it will keep you engaged right to the end.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga

 

      Co-written and directed by George Miller, he brings us back to the barren landscapes of the world of "Mad Max". It's been years since the success of "Mad Max: Fury Road" and now Mr. Miller brings us the prequel of that film's most memorable character, Furiosa.

      You can't miss the bold type marketing for the film "starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth".  It's interesting that while Ms. Taylor-Joy does in fact "star", she doesn't enter the film until almost halfway through the story and Mr. Hemsworth is almost unrecognizable wearing a prosthetic nose.

      Furiosa is played by Alyla Browne as a child and teen. She is terrific in the early half of the story. Once Ms.Taylor-Joy does appear, she dominates her scenes and holds our attention throughout the remainder of the film. Mr. Hemsworth is clearing having a great time chewing up the scenery as Dementus, and the decision to mask his familiar features behind the prosthetic allows him the freedom to go bonkers as the crazed villain. The film also features Tome Burke as Praetorian Jack, Lachy Hulme as Immortan Joe, and George Shevtsov as The History Man.

       While not quite on par with the mayhem in the previous film, there are exciting set pieces of volatile action, especially one excellent sequence involving the hijacking of the "War Rig". The story works as a stand alone film if you are new to the series, but also offers for the fans, a fun backstory that will have you running home to rewatch the superior "Fury Road" as soon as this one ends.

IF

 

     John Krasinski wears multiple hats in this "family-friendly" film. He wrote it, produced it, directed it, is one of the producers, and even acts in it. Wearing all these hats, he takes on too much and creates uneasy tonal shifts and a story that doesn't quite gel. 

     Aiming for a return to the innocence of childhood imaginary friends (If's), the story shifts too much between the fantasy elements and the real world, where the film is grounded. Mr. Krasinski asks a lot of his audience to suspend belief and allow a 12-year-old girl, named "B", to wander New York City alone as well as the ability to see multiple "If's", not her own, without any explanation. The logic of the film dictates everyone has their own "If" but why can "B" see all of them?

     The film starts with the death of a mother and a father with a bad heart in the hospital. This is not exactly fun stuff and then quickly turns to the discovery of odd imaginary friends that may seem too bizarre and scary to young children. There is a subplot about another child in the hospital that is never really explored (is he a victim of parental abuse?). It's hard to tell exactly what age group Mr. Krasinski is appealing to. His IF's are all voiced by celebrity friends of Mr. Krasinski (I assume) and adults in the audience can amuse themselves trying to match the celebrity to the character. Good luck trying to identity Brad Pitt.

      On a positive note, the visuals are excellent, a combination of CGI and puppetry and the human cast does an admirable job, especially Callie Fleming as "B". Ms. Fleming is an adorable twelve year old, mature for her years. (She grew up playing Judith on "The Walking Dead", which will mature a kid very quickly). Her co-star Ryan Reynolds is his usual wise-cracking, fun loving self, albeit with a hint of sadness in his character. Fiona Shaw also co-stars as B's grandmother. Liza Colon-Zayas plays Janet, a hospital nurse and Bobby Moynihan plays an adult who has forgotten his "If"

      The three major If's in the story are voiced by Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Louis Gossett Jr. There is a nice post credit tribute to Mr. Gossett Jr.

      Ultimately the film has too many detours to it's central story and loses it's way, despite Mr. Krasinski's best efforts to emotionally tug at our childhood memories.

 

Back to Black

 

        Amy Winehouse was a star that shined much too briefly. This new bio drama chronicles her rise to stardom. It's a positive portrayal that, while it does show her dependency on alcohol and later drugs, doesn't really delve deeply into the dark side of her story. Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and writer Matt Greenhalgh have too much respect for their subject.

        Marisa Abela stars as Amy and she is sensational. Not only does she capture Ms. Winehouse in a physical way but she does her own singing recreating Amy's songs beautifully. The film co-stars Jack O'Connell as her great love, Blake Fielder-Civil. Mr. O'Connell is a fine actor but the script doesn't do justice ( I assume) to the bad boy influence of the real Blake on Amy's life.

        The rest of the cast includes Eddie Marsan as Mitch Winehouse, Amy's dad, who is also portrayed as too much of a good guy. Juliet Cowan plays Janis Winehouse, Amy's mum and the great Lesley Manville as Cynthia Winehouse, Amy's grandmother, a tremendous influence in Amy's life. Sam Buchanan plays Nick Shymansky, who helped Amy get her first record deal with Island Records.

          Bio films are always tricky. It's hard to tell just how much really happened and what parts are fictionalized. It's a known fact that Amy had problems with mental illness, Bulimia, alcohol and drug abuse but Mr. Greenhalgh can only imagine her state of mind when she was alone with her thoughts. 

          It's a star turn for Ms. Abela but ultimately another sad story of a great talent gone too soon.

           

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

 

      And a new trilogy begins...set "generations" after Caesar and the last film, this story has all new characters and is the first in a reported three film story.

       It stars Owen Teague, Kevin Durand, Peter Macon, Lydia Peckham, Travis Jeffrey, Freya Allan, Dichen Lachman, and William H. Macy.

       The screenplay by Josh Friedman is surprisingly good, balancing thoughtful drama with exciting action and some interesting surprises. Director Wes Ball and his amazing effects team bring these apes, gorillas, chimpanzees, and one orangutan to incredible life. The motion capture and CGI work is stunning.

        If you are a fan of the series, you will not be disappointed. And if you have the chance, see it in IMAX. It looks and sounds tremendous.

       

The Fall Guy

 

        A rom-com wrapped up in an action heavy visual treat, this new film is very loosely based on the old TV show, "The Fall Guy" starring Lee Majors and Heather Thomas.

        The film doesn't take it self too seriously but rather begs you to be entertained. The chemistry between leads Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling is terrific and the stunt work is fantastic. The on again, off again, and on again romance does get tiresome but both attractive stars (at times, they even make fun of their own images) are fun to watch. 

        Co-starring are Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Winston Duke, Teresa Palmer, Stephanie Hsu and a scene chewing Hannah Waddingham.

        Director David Leitch used to be a stunt man himself and knows his way around an explosion or two. Here he does a great job paying tribute to all the stunt people who work so hard to entertain us. During the credits, he splits the screen to show outtakes and stunt folks at work and also runs all the names associated with the film. It's a bit of a disservice as you miss the names watching the outtakes.

        The film is lighthearted, loud, fast and has something for everyone. The definition of a popcorn movie.

Unfrosted

 

    Expanding on his comedy routine about Pop-Tarts, Jerry Seinfeld has co-written, directed and also stars in this full length feature about the unique breakfast pastry. It is quite possibly the silliest movie ever made.

    The snappy one-liners and visuals gags pop continuously and while most crackle, some fall as flat as the pop-tart itself. Mr. Seinfeld imagines a world where Kellogg's cereals completes with Post cereals for the creation of a new breakfast sensation. It's probably not far from the truth but, no doubt, was a lot more serious in the real world.

    Mr. Seinfeld stars as the head of marketing for Kellogg. Jim Gaffigan is Edsel Kellogg III, the owner of the company completing with Post's owner Marjorie Post, played by Amy Schumer. Melissa McCarthy is Donna Stankowski, a NASA scientist who joins the Kellogg team.

    The film co-stars a who's who of comedians, friends of Mr. Seinfeld's (including his wife) and serious actors taking themselves not very seriously. The list includes Max Greenfield, Hugh Grant, Peter Dinklage, Christian Slater, Bill Burr, Dany Levy, James Marsden, Jack McBrayer, Thomas Lennon, Bobby Moynihan, Adrian Martinez, Sarah Cooper, Mikey Day, Kyle Mooney, Drew Tarver, Tony Hale, Felix Solis, Dean Norris, Maria Bakalova, Kyle Dunnigan, Beck Bennett, Cedric The Entertainer, Freed Armisen, John Slattery, Jon Hamm and Sebastian Maniscalco. Many of the aforementioned co-stars are nothing more than cameos but many of them are pretty funny and Mr. Hamm and Mr. Slattery's scene steals the film.

      This lighthearted, ridiculous pastry war is best enjoyed with an actual pop-tart and a glass of milk. It's currently available only on Netflix.

        

Challengers

 

          Zendaya has great skin. I know that because of the endless close-ups in this new "sports" drama from director Luca Guadagnino. The film uses tennis as a metaphor for the love triangle between Zendaya, Josh O'Conner and Mike Faist. The relationship between the three volleys back and forth throughout the film with partners seemingly changing constantly.

          Mr. Guadagnino opens his playbook on camera angels, close-ups and various POV shots (even from the tennis ball's perspective) to the point of making one dizzy. The timeline of the script, by Justin Kuritzkes, changes constantly throughout the film as well to the point you can only tell by Zendaya's haircut, which time period you are watching.

          The sex scenes between the characters don't go beyond heavy kissing, leaving the rest to your imagination, which is certainly a tease on Mr. Guadagnino's part. His serve is out of bounds when he misses the chance to make the film sexier and more erotic than implied. The three leads are talented actors but their roles are one dimensional. Zendaya is the manipulator, Mr. Faist, the sad sack, and Mr. O'Conner, the bad boy. 

          Veterans of film music, the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is very disappointing. The pulsing electronic beat (added to build sexual tension I suppose) just becomes just more annoying as the film goes on.

          This match is pointless.

              

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.