July 5, 2020 “The Outpost” (*** out of four) was a trenchant war melodrama about a group of American soldiers (Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom, Caleb Landry Jones, and others) who are stationed in Afghanistan on what initially seems like a routine mission but escalates into warfare in which the soldiers must put their differences aside as they face sudden death at every turn and try to stay alive. Opening scenes don’t quite gel, as you begin to think film is another conventional war drama, but film soon detonates (literally and figuratively) as its scenes of explosions and gunfire and random brutality are nerve-wrackingly well-captured and put you right there in the midst of action! Eastwood is rock-solid as usual and Bloom is almost unrecognizable in a change-of-pace role. Continue reading →
July 5, 2020 “Amityville Island” (* out of four) was a numbingly awful horror show about the survivor of killings at the legendary Amityville house (Jamie Morgan) who brings evil to a small and isolated island where a series of experiments are being conducted on both humans and animals in a women’s prison. No relation to the “Amityville Horror” movies but title relates to the Amity Island which was the setpiece for the original “Jaws” but that’s about as clever as this dispiriting trash gets. Film mauls you with so much bad acting and visual effects you may feel more assaulted and shellshocked than some of the victims. Shark scenes in particular are so cheap and amateurish they really have to be seen to be believed but by no means is that anything of a recommendation. Continue reading →
July 5, 2020 “Hamilton” (*** out of four) was a stirring live version of the Broadway smash about the life of Alexander Hamilton (Lin Manuel-Maranda) and how he came to prominence and was influenced by historical characters George Washington, James Madison, and Thomas Jefferson amongst many others. Not quite as extraordinary as worldwide critical acclaim has said but well-acted, well-staged, and features some smashing musical numbers (Chris Jackson’s “One Last Time” in particular is a real wow). Film obviously loses some punch from not seeing it live in theaters like most photographed plays but is still nicely captured and entertaining. Continue reading →
July 4, 2020 “The King Of Staten Island” (**1/2 out of four) was a sporadically amusing comedy about a young man (Pete Davidson) still living at home with his mom (Marisa Tomei) who spends his days smoking weed and hanging out but when his mom develops a relationship with a dedicated fireman (Bill Burr) it forces him to re-examine his life and the direction and path he is going on. Likeable enough and engagingly performed but there simply isn’t enough of a story here to justify film’s bloated running time of nearly two-and-a-half hours and as a result it’s patchy and wears thin. Typically uneven Judd Apatow production; fans of his may like this more. Both him and Davidson co-wrote the script. Continue reading →
July 4, 2020 “Nowhere, Alaska” (*1/2 out of four) was an ungainly mystery melodrama about the sole survivor (Aaron Phifer) of a camping trip in Alaska who is interrogated and questioned by a hard-nosed cop (Jonez Cain) as to what happened with him and his buddies (Danny Royce and Conner Floyd) and whether he knows more than he is letting on. “Rashomon”-style story is told in flashbacks and recollections but the thin story and characters are for the birds and as a result the film itself goes “nowhere.” Film’s ending is also a major letdown for anyone who had the patience to follow this. Beautiful Alaskan scenery provides film’s only worthwhile moments. Continue reading →
July 4, 2020 “Money Plane” (*1/2 out of four) was an inept dud about a professional thief (Adam Copeland) who is deeply indebted to an underworld mob enforcer (Kelsey Grammar just a tad miscast) and has his family and freedom on the line and is forced to rob a futuristic airborne casino in which the world’s most dangerous criminals (Thomas Jane, Al Sapienza, and others) are involved. Incendiary and fun premise is almost completely botched, with little action and some terrible dialogue. Watch “Money Train” instead as a fun reminder on the right way to do this kind of movie. Continue reading →
July 4, 2020 “Street Survivors: The True Story Of The Lynyrd Skynyrd Plane Crash” (**1/2 out of four) was a reverent, adequately done biography of the legendary Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd (Lelia Syminton, Taylor Clift, and others) told from the vantage point of their drummer Artemis Pyle (Ian Shultis) as it leads up to the fatal plane crash that took several band members lives and derailed the band for years. ’70’s detail is superb and there’s great music for sure but story doesn’t tell you much that you don’t already know or that you couldn’t obtain from their “Behind The Music.” Intentionally or not, the film also depicts original Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zandt as a loutish bully. The real Artemis Pyle appears in interviews and narrates some parts of the movie. Continue reading →
July 3, 2020 “Cut Off” (*1/2 out of four) was an incoherent horror thriller about a forensic pathologist (Moritz Bleibtreu) who finds a bullet in the head of a heavily mutilated corpse and also finds a phone number and the name of his daughter (Barbara Prakopenka) and they both have to race to simultaneously discover the killer and stay one step ahead of him and stay alive. Exceptionally good-looking, with stylish cinematography from Jakub Bejnarowicz on stunning wintry locations, but this film wallows in excess and unpleasantness and confusing plotting for an interminable two hours and wears you out. Film’s title is ironic since it could have greatly benefited from being “cut off” and trimmed down. Continue reading →
July 3, 2020 “Alone Wolf” (*1/2 out of four) was a lackluster melodrama character study about a recluse (Richard de Klerk) who is forced to venture outside of his home and his controlled environment for the first time in two years when he becomes involved with a neighbor (Cara Gee) after witnessing her psychotic boyfriend (James Aaron Oliver) commit murder outside his home. Interesting story of one man’s journey back into the world from his life of security and seclusion is undone by molasses pacing and de Klerk’s aloof character and performance. Story is full of good intentions but writer/director Charles Ehrlinger lacks the grit and grandeur that the material needs. James Griffith’s eloquent score is film’s sole asset. Continue reading →
July 3, 2020 “Captured” (*1/2 out of four) was a wretched horror thriller about a rock ‘n’ roll band who travel to the wilderness for a weekend getaway and to shoot a music video when their lead singer (Brittany Curran) becomes targeted by an escaped lunatic who is on the prowl for a slaughter. Relentlessly shaky and dizzying hand-held camerawork may cause to reach for dramamine and vertigo medication but film is so frenetic and unpleasant that it’s hardly worth the bother. Even the music is pretty limp and forgettable Continue reading →
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