January 7, 2020 “The Gentlemen” (** out of four) was an uneven and unwieldy underworld yarn about an American crime lord (Matthew McConaughey) who is looking to sell his marijuana empire but this triggers a series of shootings, backstabbings, and double-crosses from a series of other gangsters (Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, and others) who are trying to steal it from him before he can cash out. Typical Guy Ritchie affair with lots of flash and style but little sense or emotional filling. Matthew McConaughey’s effortless charisma helps keep this watchable for a little while and Hugh Grant is solid in an unusual part as a thug. Whatever; Ritchie told almost the same story to perfection decades ago with “Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” Continue reading →
January 6, 2020 “The Grudge” (*1/2 out of four) was more-of-the-same supernatural hooey about a cursed house which dooms anyone who enters it and a determined cop (Andrea Riseborough) starts to investigate and finds that there may be more-than-meets-the-eye. Or something like that. Somewhat more stylish and atmospheric than the Godawful 2004 remake but unlikely to win any new converts for anyone who isn’t a series fan. One of the film’s producers was Sam Raimi but he could make betters films than this in his sleep. Continue reading →
January 3, 2020 “Bulletproof 2” (*1/2 out of four) was a crudely done action story about the returning characters from the original Jack (Kirk Fox) and Moses (Kirk Fox) having to reunite and reteam with one another when their identities get switched (don’t ask) as they both attempt to take down a South African crime family. Top choice for one of the most unnecessary sequels of all time but in all fairness- it’s almost just as contrived and stupid as the 1996 original. Lots of action and wisecracks produces lots of headaches. Strictly for those who thought the original was robbed at Oscar time. Continue reading →
January 1, 2020 “1917” (*** out of four) was a reverently done WWI melodrama about two young British soldiers (George Mackay and Dean Charles-Chapman) who are given the near-suicidal mission of delivering a message deep behind enemy lines which will prevent 1,600 men from walking directly into a deadly trap but they face loads of opposition and exposition along the way. Director Sam Mendes shoots and edits this to appear in a single one-take and places you right there in the center of battle but film has a frustrating sense of detachment (which many of his films have had over the years) and doesn’t have an emotional center since you feel so distant from the main characters. Still worthwhile with many overall effective moments. Thomas Newman’s usual rich music score is a definite plus. Continue reading →
December 31, 2019 “Just Mercy” (*** out of four) was an absorbing true story of determined civil-rights attorney Bryan Stevenson (Michael B. Jordan) who takes up the case of a wrongly convicted inmate (Jamie Foxx) who is on death row and works to have his case overturned to the bigotry and bias that resulted in his conviction. Two powerhouse performances from Foxx and (especially) Jordan make this a must-watch even as it covers some familiar ground and territory. Well-realized and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton based on Stevenson’s memoir of the same name. Continue reading →
December 29, 2019 “Spies In Disguise” (*** out of four) was a fun animated action comedy about a warrior superspy (voiced by Will Smith) who becomes inexplicably turned into a pigeon and has to rely on his socially inept tech officer (voiced by Tom Holland) to save the world from mass destruction but this results in many unexpected incidents and interactions between the two of them in order to achieve their desired goal! Uneven script and story is more than compensated by striking and spectacular animation (especially in the final third which is a wow), the entertaining voices and repartee between the leads, and film’s hurtling pace. KIds will love this and parents will likely find it rewarding Continue reading →
December 28, 2019 “Little Women” (** out of four) was an anachronistic remake of Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel about four sisters (Saiorse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, and Eliza Scanlen) coming of age in the aftermath of the Civil War and showing the different paths and relationships they have in life. Seventh adaptation of this story is hopelessly dated and thus retains little of the original story or previous film’s impact or relevance. After a while, it’s simply boring, despite the best efforts of a talented cast. Meryl Streep adds some spice in her few scenes as Aunt March. Continue reading →
December 28, 2019 “Trauma Center” (** out of four) was a murky horror thriller about an injured young woman (Nicky Whelan) who winds up trapped in a lockdown hospital ward and pursued by two corrupt cops (Texas Battle and Tito Ortiz) who are after her for implicating evidence while a determined and honorable cop (Bruce Willis) tries to get to her in time to save her. Not bad, with some taut action and stylish touches from director Matt Eskandari, but mostly unpleasant and routine. Willis can play this role in his sleep by now and Steve Guttenberg has a throwaway cameo as a doctor at the beginning. Continue reading →
December 25, 2019 “Stay Out / Stay Alive” (*1/2 out of four) was a by-the-numbers horror show that most moviegoers would best stay away from about five young hikers (Brie Mattson, Brandon Wardle, Christina July Kim, and others) who find that there is gold in them thar hills and attempt to locate an abandoned goldmine buried underneath the earth but are attacked and mauled and find that they’re the ones who are gonna be buried instead. Enervatingly routine and predictable until the final third when it finally comes alive and delivers a scare or two. Regardless- “The Descent” told virtually the same story and scarier nearly 15 years ago. Lawson Rollins’ fine music score and some crisp cinematography by Bill Holshevnikoff are literally the only things to make you “stay” and watch this. Continue reading →
December 25, 2019 “Queen And Slim” (***1/2 out of four) was a harrowing melodrama about an African-American couple (Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner-Smith) out on their first date which takes numerous unexpected twists and turns when they are pulled over by a racist cop and kill him and then take it on the run. And that’s just the beginning of the story! Riveting character study is enhanced by crackerjack direction by Melina Matsoukas who takes the story in a multitude of different directions but yet keeps the strong focus on the two characters and two strong performances. Bokeem Woodbine, Chloe Sevigny, and Flea all turn in unexpected but strong cameos which add to film’s flashy and spontaneous style. Continue reading →
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