Audrey's Children

Anymore in Hollywood, films based on true stories seems to be the staple of films made in lieu of fictional movies. Even though I can understand considering how many true and intriguing stories there are out there, it would be nice to experience something of pure fiction. Until that time, we are offered an interesting film based on a true story that will pull ones' heartstrings.

Philadelphia. 1969. Based on the incredible true story, British physician, Dr. Audrey Evans (Natalie Dormer), is newly recruited to a world-renowned children's hospital and ends up battling sexism, medical conventions, and the subterfuge of her peers to develop revolutionary treatments, purchase of the first Ronald McDonald House for families of patients and ultimately impact the lives of millions of children around the world.With her help from Dr. Dan D'Angio (Jimmi Simpson), Dr. Brian Faust (Brandon Micheal Hall) and the reluctant help from Dr. C. Everett Koop (Clancy Brown), she was able to convince skeptics in her field of her unorthodox methods. 

Others to round out the cast are Ben Chase as Dr. Jeremy Lewis, Evelyn Giovine as Kate Watson, Julianna Layne as Mia McAlister, Stephen Burgi as Boardroom Doctor, Joe Pistone as Distraught Dad of Mia, Maggie Toomey as Young Audrey and Tony Robine as Tech A. 

This was poignantly and compassionately directed by Ami Canaan Mann ("Morning" '01, "Texas Killing Fields" '11, "Jackie & Ryan" '14) plus TV and a video. The way this director was able to encourage Dormer to truly dig deep so as to bring out the compassion, the passion and the amazing concern for these kids of this doctor was captivating. This is a true ability of fine directing. She doesn't have a plethora of feature film experience, but with her TV work, this has served her well. It was well written by virtual newcomer to feature films, Julia Fisher Farbman (TV). This film was handled well in that the scenes were well thought out and the medical techniques were explained with clarity. There were a couple of scenes that were slightly disjointed, but considering the limited experience, this writer excelled. Her TV experience certainly was pivotal in her screenwriting. More work is what this writer needs to hone her talents. 

Since this is about the different cancers these children are experiencing, there are some scenes that will pull the heartstrings, especially considering some of these kids are babies. Natalie Dormer as Dr Evans was the perfect casting in that her performance was riveting and compelling.This is a must see, not just to see a gripping story, but to experience a little of what the families go through having their children so vulnerable.

Out of 4 Stars: 3,5                                   Rated: PG                                         116mins.

A Working Man

While most action-packed films are typically fraught with a plethora of similarities and can be predictable, they are still entertaining and are constant in righting wrongs, which most people can appreciate. Schwarzenegger, Stallone, Statham and the like have made a fortune in these types of films. Surely, if you saw Jason Statham in "The Beekeeper", you will feel right at home with him in "A Working Man". 

Levon Cade (Jason Statham) left his "profession" behind to live a simple life working construction and spending time with his daughter. But when his boss, Joe Garcia's (Michael Pena) teenager daughter, Jenny (Arianna Rivas) vanishes, he's called upon to re-employ the skills that made him a legendary figure in the shadowy world of black ops, Levon's hunt for the missing college student takes him to the heart of a sinister criminal conspiracy creating a chain reaction that will threaten his new way of life. 

Others to round out the cast are Jason Flemyng as Wolo Kolisnyk, Merae Ninioze  as Yuri, Maximilian Osinski as Dimi Kolisnyk, Cokey Falkow as Dougie, David Harbour as Gunny Lefferty, Noemi Gonzalez as Carla Garcia, wife of Joe, Isle Gie as Merry Cade, Levon's daughter, Emmett J Scanlan as Viper and Eve Mauro as Artemis. 

This was directed by the action king David Ayer ("Harsh Rimes" '05, "Street Kings" '08, "End of Watch" '12, "Sabotage"'14, "Fury" '14, "Suicide Squad" '16, "Bright" '17, "The Tax Collector" '20, "The Beekeeper" '24) plus TV, music videos and a video. By his very resume, one can see that this filmmaker is right in his comfort zone. His heroes/anti-heroes are always cold and austere--almost steely, and truly not into being chatty. But this is why we like them so much--a kind of 'make my day' kind of character just there to beat the bad guys and save the day, and Ayer is simply king at this. It is written with intensity, grit and laced with explosive energy by Sylvester Stallone ("Rocky" '76, "F.I.S.T." '78, "Rocky II" '79, "Rocky III" '82, "First Blood" '82, "Rocky IV" '85, "Cobra" '86, "Rocky V" '90, "Cliffhanger" '93, "Driven" '01, "Rocky Balboa" '06, "Rambo" '08, "The Extendables" '10, "The Expendables 2" '12, "Homefront" '13, "The Expendables 3" '14, "Creed II" '18, "Rambo: Last Blood" '19) plus other films, TV, videos and video games, and David Ayer ("U-571" 2000, "The Fast and the Furious" '01, "Training Day" '01, "Dark Blue" '02, "S.W.A.T." '03, "Harsh Times" '05, "End of Warch" '12, "Sabotage" '14, "Fury" '14, "Suicide Squad" '16, "The Tax Collector" '20) plus TV and a short, based on the book, "Levon's Trade" by Chuck Dixon. Even though Kurt Wimmer wrote "The Beekeeper", this film has some fairly similar traits to the formats involved. As aforementioned, these films can be similar, but they are a great form of escapism at its finest. Considering these two writers are consummate in their being able to write an amazing action yarn is incredible--but it helps considering their plethora of writing experience. 

Certainly if you liked "The Beekeeper", you'll love this. A similar format as 'Beekeeper', but the the script was cohesive, tight, and sure-footed. I'm not sure, but, assuming this film makes a ton of money, there could be a sequel out of this. We'll see. Lots of money--sequel, not enough money--no sequel. This is true escapism replete with explosions, adrenaline and even some humor.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: R                                         117mins.

The Penguin Lessons

As time goes by, we are offered more and more films based on true stories, hence the expression, "truth is stranger than fiction". So, since that seems truthful, why not, since there is much truth to that expression? This time we are offered a very endearing, funny, dramatic and heartfelt story called "The Penguin Lessons".

This poignant dramedy is the inspired true story of a disillusioned Englishman, Tom Michell (Steve Coogan) who went to work as an English teacher in a school in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation on the brink of a coup and a class of unteachable students. However, after Tom rescues a penguin from an oil spill and left on the beach, his life is turned upside down. 

Others to round out the cast are Bjorn Gustafsson as Tapio, David Herrero as Diego, Jonathan Pryce as Timothy, Aimar Miranda as Ernesto, Vivian El Jaber as Maria, Alfonsina Carrocio as Sofia, Hugo Fuertes as Ramiro, Nicanor Fernandez as Igor, Joaquin Lopez as Victor and Miguel Alejandro as Walter. 

This was poignantly directed by Peter Cattaneo ("Loved Up" (TV movie) '95, "The Full Monty" '97, "Lucky Break" '01, "Opal Dream" '06, "The Rooker" '08, "Diana and I" (TV movie) '17, "Military Wives" '19) plus TV, shorts and a video. This filmmaker certainly knows how to transition his actors, specifically Coogan, from this cold, very cautious and calculating individual to this caring and thoughtful man in the most subtle of ways. Even though Coogan is a consummate actor, it still takes fine directing for this transition to occur without the audience catching on. It was effectively written by Jeff Pope ("Fool's Gold: The Story of the Brink's--Mat Robbery" (TV movie) '93, "The Magician" (TV movie) '95, "Christmas Lights" (TV movie) '04, "Pierrepoint: The Last Hangman" '05, "The Security Men" (TV movie) '13, "Philomena" '13, "Stan & Ollie" '18, "The Lost King" '22) plus other TV movies and TV. based on the book by Tom Michell. This was similar to last year's "My Penguin Friend" in that it was also based on a true story, however the stories were different showing how their respective penguins were able to get them through their difficult moments. This story, although heartwarming and captivating of how a penguin's presence can change many people, took about 20 minutes to find the film, but once it did, it simply took off. Once the film took off, it was captivating and engrossing absolutely holding my attention. 

Certainly, if you liked "My Penguin Friend", you'll feel right at home with this. It is humorous, captivating, dramatic, and heartfelt all rolled up in the crowd-pleasing story. It has some really interesting shots and video at the end of the actual people and penguin to cap off the film.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                        111mins.

Locked

When a film is produced with a minimal cast, it typically is a well crafted film, i.e. "Alien", "Slingshot", "Arcadian", Brightburn", "Locke", "Flight Risk"  and the like. So, when I saw my first trailer of "Locked", I felt this was yet another film with a minimal cast, which caused me to think that this too could be an interesting film. As I was watching the film, it, like the rest of the aforementioned films was truly well written and directed.  

This is a relentless horror, psychological-thriller where luxury becomes deadly. When Eddie (Bill Skarsgard) breaks into a luxury SUV, he steps into a deadly trap set by William (Anthony Hopkins), a self-proclaimed vigilante delivering his own brand of twisted justice. With no means of escape, Eddie must fight to survive in a ride, where escape is an illusion, survival is a nightmare, and justice shifts into high gear. 

Others to round out the cast are Ashley Cartwright as Sarah Barrish, Eddie's daughter, Navid Charkhi as Butter, Michael Eklund as Karl, Emma Kombe as Little Girl and Sofia Tesema as Lipstick Woman. 

This film was directed with amazing grit, intensity, and adrenaline by David Yarovesky ("The Hive" '14, "Brightburn" '19, "Nightbooks" '21) plus TV, shorts, music videos, a video and a video game. Practically, the fast-paced aspect kicked in early on--talking about cutting to the chase--pun intended. At the beginning,the audience certainly gets a look at how Eddie is the way he is, however, we don't find out about why and how William turns out the way he is, but as the film, unfolds, we ultimately see the issues in which William has right along with Eddie's issues that he brings to this story. The way that this director was able to take us on this roller coaster ride so we see how this verbal cat-and-mouse game plays out is exhausting, but exhilarating. It was equally well penned by writer Michael Arlen Ross ("Turistas" '06, "The Throwaways" '15, "Fallen" '16, "Oracle" '23), based on the film, "4 x 4" by Mariano Cohn and Gaston Duprat. This film was written with about the same velocity of that of the film "Speed", where every frame was utilized to achieve the maximum effect. Will this film be nominated for an Oscar come that time? Probably not, but I believe this wasn't written for that reason as much as it was written for the suspense and the adrenaline aspect of it, and these filmmakers succeeded in spades. 

If you like action-packed, adrenaline-filled films, this is the film for you. It metaphorically drags one through that keyhole. It's only 95 minutes long, but I feel this is all one can handle given the intensity and sheer thrilling factor. Hold on to your seats, this is quite the ride!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                  Rated: R                                           95mins.

The Last Supper

Well, it's the season of Easter, and with that, the religious, inspirational and thought-provoking films are to be released. As with the many aspects of Jesus Christ's life and ministry on Earth, "The Last Supper" chronicles the time Jesus spends with His disciples before He is then betrayed by Judas Iscariot. This is part of "The Chosen" TV presentation as with others that have been theatrically released. 

In the days leading to betrayal, a gathering of disciples including Peter (James Oliver Wheatley), John (Charlie MacGechan), Judas (Robert Knepper) and others, unravels into a web of secrets and hidden motives. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, trust is tested, and loyalty is questioned. "The Last Supper" it seems, at every glance, hides a deeper truth. With the politics against that of Jesus Christ (Jamie Ward) and His disciples increases, the more impossible it seems for the disciples to grasp what's really going on, even though Jesus is fully in control and knows exactly what's happening. This becomes a true test of the disciples' faith.

Others to round out the cast are James Faulkner as Caiaphas, Henry Garrett as Nicodemis, Nathalie Rapti Gomez as Mary Magdalene, Daniel Fathers as Joseph of Arimathea, Marie-Batoul Prenant as Rachel, Mayssae El Halla as Mother Mary and Harry Anton as The Zealot. 

This was directed with such pathos, compassion yet passion by Mauro Borrelli ("Goodbye Casanova" 2000, "Branches" '04, "Haunted Forest" '07, "The Ghostmaker" '12, "The Recall" '17, "WarHunt" '22, "Mindcage" '22) plus shorts. This filmmaker was the perfect director for this considering the rapidity of the emotions that were used since this is about the savior of the world. And Borrelli's innate ability to have his actors to 'dig deep' when emitting the different emotions that simply needed to take place was genius. I was captivated! It was also equally well written by Mauro Borrelli ("Goodbye, Casanova" 2000, "Branches" '04, "Haunted Forest" '07, "The Ghostmaker" '12, "The Recall" '17, "WarHunt" '22, "Mindcage" '22) plus shorts, and John Collins ("Under the Stadium Lights" '21). Obviously Borrelli has the lion's share of the experience, but surely Collins' input was pivotal. The timeline chronicling of this script was certainly down to the biblical one, which tells me that these writers definitely did their homework. The characters, especially that of Ward as Jesus and Wheatley as Peter were believable in their performances as well as their ability to convince the audience with the conviction used here. 

If you are into inspirational and religious type films, you'll revel with this. Other than "The Passion of the Christ" back in 2004, this has got to be one of the closet depictions of the last supper historically. This is one all needs to see especially with Easter right around the corner. It depicts Jesus to be the humble, peaceful servant many believers have come to know. Be prepared to be moved emotionally. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG-13                                  114mins.

Mickey 17

When Hollywood produces comedies, they don't have a tendency to delve into dark or satirical comedies which I believe are far funnier. Films like "Thank You for Smoking", "State and Main" "Parasite"and others often don't make it to the silver screen. I personally love the darker more satirical comedies since they are more original. So now, we have "Mickey 17" so we can enjoy that dark side of the genre.

Adapted from the novel "Mickey 7" by Edward Ashton, this stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes who signs up as an 'expendable'--a disposable member on a space mission along side of crew Nasha Barrage (Naomi Ackie), Timo (Steven Yeun), Kai Katz (Anamaria Vartolomei) and others, selected for dangerous tasks because he can be renewed if his body dies, with his memories and personality largely intact. With one regeneration, though, things go very wrong, whereas the new regeneration, called Mickey 18 has a totally different personality which ensues many problems. 

Others to round out the cast are Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall, Toni Collette as Ylfa, his wife, Patsy Ferran as Dorothy, Stephen Park as Zeke, Ian Hanmore as Darius Blank and Daniel Henshall as Preston. 

This was brilliantly directed with incredible wit and originality by Boon Joon Ho ("Barking Dogs Never Bite" 2000, "Memories of Murder" '03, "The Host" '06, "Tokyo!" (segment--"Shaking Tokyo") '08, "Mother" '09, "Snowpiercer" '13, "Okja" '17, "Parasite" '19) plus shorts. This filmmaker has the innate ability to encourage his actors to 'dig deep' when it comes to convincing the audience of their respective characters, especially in the case of Pattinson. He had to play two entirely different roles looking identical, but with personalities that were as different as night and day, and this is talented directing. Of course, Pattinson gets better with every film he does, this was equally exemplary for him. It was also equally well written by Boon Joon Ho ("Motel Cactus"'97, "Phantom: The Submarine" '99, "Barking Dogs Never Bite" 2000, "Memories of Murder" '03, "Antarctic Journal" '05, "The Host" '07, "Tokyo!" (segment--"Shaking Tokyo") '08, "Mother" '09, "Snowpiercer" '13, "Sea Fog" '14, "Okja" '14, "Parasite" '19) plus shorts, based on the novel "Mickey 7" by Edward Ashton. As with the filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, this filmmaker is similar in that both are quirky and odd and with that, produce work that is definitely original. Boon Joon Ho doesn't produce mundane, trite, remakes, reboots, franchises, etc. This story definitively puts the 'W' in weird, however was a well crafted film. In fact, if I was pushed to notice any flaws in this, they were that there were a couple of scenes that were slightly disjointed where it became a little blurred when fading from one scene to another, otherwise the script rocked. 

If you are a fan of this director, you will revel with this film, however, I believe that he didn't write the movie for the mass audience appeal. This isn't for everyone in that not all like a dark, satirical, and odd film. But if these adjectives turn your crank, grab the popcorn, because it is a very funny, but dark humored film. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                           Rated: R                                             137mins.

Rule Breakers

Hollywood has produced many 'underdog' type films--hey, everyone loves the underdog--and we've seen many movies that showcase this, i.e. "Stand and Deliver", "Spare Parts", "Radical", "American Underdog", "Invincible" and many others. These films are always projects that are stand up and cheer films, and it is no different with "Rule Breakers".

In a nation where educating girls is seen as rebellion, as with the case of Afghanistan, a visionary woman, Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri) dares to teach young teenage minds to dream, when their innovation in computer robotics draws global attention, their success sparks hope and opposition, as threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world. With Roya's support, her brother, Ali (Noorin Gulamgaus), her sponsor, Jesus (Christian Contreras), Samir (Ali Fazal), and her team, how could she fail?

Others to round out the cast are Sara Rowe as Haadiya, Nada El Belkasmi as Sima, Nasser Memarzia as Abdul, Waj Ali as Ahmed, Anita Major as Sabine, Nina Hosseinzadeh as Taara, Mariam Saraj as Arezo and Christopher Goh as David.

This was directed with grit and passion by Bill Guttentag ("Death on the Job" '91, "The Cocaine War: Lost in Bolivia" (TV movie) '92, "5 American Kids--5 American Handguns" (TV movie, documentary) '95, "Memphis PD: War on the Streets" (TV movie) '96, "Life's Greatest Holiday Stories" (TV movie, documentary) '97, "The Last Days of Kennedy and King" (documentary) '98, "Images of Life" (TV movie) '98, "Hate.Com: Extremists on the Internet" (TV movie) 2000, "Nanking" '07, "Live!" '07, "Soundtrack for a Revolution" '09, "Knife Fight" '12, "Only the Dead" '15, "Sublime" '19, "Spyral" '24) plus TV and shorts. Obviously this filmmaker's resume has served him well in that he has learned how to encourage his actors to respond to this script with just the right amount of passion, pathos and compassion where needed. If you like and respect this director's brand, his "Blood Rhino" is in pre=production. It is incredibly penned well by writers, Elaha Mahboob, Jason Brown and Bill Guttentag, which is based on an incredible true story. Even though the vast amount of experience on this script is Guttentag--he took last place in the billing, this story was gripping from frame one to the ending. I suspect that Guttentag allowed Mahboob to take first place since this was based of his family. What these girls had to endure to get where they got to was a miracle in and of itself. Roya Mahboob was amazing in that she was truly willing to pay the cost to make this happen. This is a story that slowly creates a situation where the audience wants to stand up and cheer for these women. It comes from Angel Studios that brought us "Sound of Freedom", "Cabrini", "Sight" and others. 

If you like underdog films, and who doesn't?, this film will make you think, make you grateful, and will make you stand up and cheer for these heroic women. It is a must see for all to learn from in that we all can be taught something in spite of our differences, and this does in spades!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: PG                                            121mins.