Eddington

We've all seen independent films where the premises are quirky, odd all the while fulfilling our expectations for a cutting edge story with fine acting.Well, "Eddington" definitely gives its audience that feeling, however it's a story that is reckless in its premise while obtaining little to no empathy for its characters. 

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff, Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. Considering how politically volatile 2020 was what with the pandemic and the arguments of wearing or not wearing masks, the six-foot distancing, the different riots due to the death of George Floyd to name a few incidents, it's no wonder that the country was so divided, and where there was seemingly no end of it all. There was racial tension, skepticism and with that...rage. What is a small community to do?

Others to round out the cast are Deirdre O'Connell as Dawn, Emma Stone as Louise Cross, Micheal Ward as Michael Cooke, Luke Grimes as Guy Tooley, Cameron Mann as Brian, Austin Butler as Vernon, Matt Gomez Hidaka as Eric Garcia, Ted's son, William Belleau as Ofcr, Jimenez Butterfly, Amelie Hoeferle as Sarah and Clifton Collins Jr, as Lodge. 

This was directed with conciseness and underlying intensity by Ari Aster ("Hereditary" '18, "Midsommar" '19, "Beau Is Afraid" '23) plus shorts. This filmmaker's staging and pacing is certainly second to none where these characters were in the scenes that called for them and others, if not needed, were not there. His sequencing was appropriate and these characters obtained this rock-bottom gutsiness which was credited to both actors and director. This film was also written by Ari Aster (Hereditary" '18, "Midsommar" '19, "Beau Is Afraid" '23) plus shorts. As one can see by his resume, even though he doesn't have a plethora of experience, his work is definitely quirky, odd and somewhat irreverent. I felt that, considering the length of running time, this film was obviously too long-in-the-tooth--about 10-15 minutes could've been cut from this to achieve the impact it was striving to convey. There were places that, either something different could've been used or was an absolute impossibility, but if they went another path, it probably would create a problem script wise. It definitely had some interesting scenes and the acting was first rate, but after a while, one would grow weary of this story--as aforementioned, it was severely difficult to have empathy with just about every character in this film. Usually the audience could root for someone--usually the good guy, but here, it was hard-pressed. 

If you're into this filmmaker's style of storytelling and direction, you'll revel with this, however I'm not a true fan. The acting, directing and photography by Darius Khondji were all executed with expertise and clarity.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                        Rated: R                                    148mins.

Superman

When the TV show "Superman" was released back in 1952 for six seasons, little did anyone know then that it would ultimately be as popular as it has become. Shoot to 1978, and we have the first of many incarnations of the franchise called "Superman: The Movie". It's been a beloved franchise that now we have, yet another, film by the same name simply named "Superman".

When Superman (David Corenswet) gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him bring down Luthor and his cohorts before it's too late?

Others to round out the cast are Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. and Bradley Cooper as Jor-El.

This was directed with exuberance and clarity using amazing sequencing by James Gunn ("Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, a TV short, shorts and videos. For a franchise that has gone through the 'keyhole' in the many plots and premises it has endured, this was treated in a way that brought these different characters to life. Several of these actors don't have a tremendous amount of experience, but through the amazing talent of Gunn's direction, each and every one of these characters were paced and staged perfectly. It was also penned well by writer James Gunn ("Tromeo and Juliet" '96, "The Specials" 2000, "Thir13en Ghosts" (additional writing) '01, "Scooby-Doo" '02, "Dawn of the Sead" '04, "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" '04, "Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "The Belko Experiment" '16, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, shorts, video games, music videos and a TV short, based on the creation "Superman" by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, which based on the DC comic. By his very resume, Gunn has certainly earned his ability to write clever stories. He also would be difficult to pigeon-hole since his resume is a 'who's who' of premises. This script was tight, concise and kept the audience's attention. Really, the only thing I can say negatively about the screenplay is that there were areas that if a character did something other than what they did, it would make more sense, but then again. it would probably impede on the flow of the film. And there were a couple of very small places of slowness, but otherwise the film rocked. And, as usual, the visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless as they were effective. 

Will there be a "Superman 3"? There is a small clip after all the credits roll, and it doesn't spell out sequel, but could. I think this was purposely done in case this film didn't profit as much it it needed to make, So this leaves it open-ended. But considering how this film has been raking it in, my guess would be that there will certainly be a part 3. If you like that up and close feeling, it's also presented in an IMAX, 4DX and a 3D format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       129mins.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Ever since this franchise started back in 1993 with "Jurassic Park", Hollywood and fans alike have had a fascination, if not an obsession with the films. "Jurassic World: Dominion" was supposed to end the 'World' trilogy. However, because of the fans and the fact that this franchise has made well past a billion bucks, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment decided to "do it again" with "Jurassic World: Rebirth". 

Five years after the events of "Jurassic World: Dominion", the planet's ecology has proven largely impossible to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-changing benefits to humankind. Corporate, Martin Krebs (Rupert Krebs) commissions Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), whereas she hires scientist, Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), and others to go to this island and to extract DNA from three different dinosaurs to use toward this new drug to help people, Can they succeed and leave the island before they succumb to the dinosaurs left?

Others to round out the cast are Manual Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado, Luna Blaise as Teresa Delgado, Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater, David Iacono as Xavier Dobbs, Audrina Miranda as Isabella Delgado, Bechir Sylvain as LeClerc and Adam Loxley as Williams

This was intensely directed with grit by Gareth Edwards ("End Day" (TV movie) '05, "Monsters" '10, "Godzilla" '14, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" '16, "The Creator" '23) plus TV and a short. This filmmakers doesn't have a plethora of experience behind the camera, but what he does have proves he can certainly handle a large, high-adrenaline film (check his resume). His staging and pacing are delineated well with tight timing. He was very much excited to direct this and he's proven he was definitely ready to do so. It was penned by seasoned writer David Koepp ("Apartment Zero" '88, "Toy Soldiers" '91, "Death Becomes Her" '92, "Jurassic Park" '93, "The Paper" '94, "Mission: Impossible" '96, "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" '97, "Stir of Echoes" '99, "Panic Room" '02, "Spider-Man" '02, "Secret Window" '04, "War of the Worlds" '05, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" '08, "Premium Rush" '12, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" '14, "Inferno" '17, "The Mummy" '17, "Presence" '24, "Black Bag" '25) plus other films, TV, video games, a TV short and a short, based on characters created by Michael Crichton. Koepp certainly created an interesting premise for this installment--doctors, scientists and thrill seekers being drawn back to the island where the studying for the new Jurassic Park took place. This island housed the dinosaurs they needed the DNA from. Since Koepp wrote the original script for "Jurassic Park" and subsequent "Lost World: Jurassic Park", it's no surprise that this would be smartly and deftly written. Was it flawless? No, there were a couple of very small slow places, but surely not enough to detract from the story at hand. It was presented in IMAX and 4DX for your viewing pleasure--I decided to see it in 4DX and it rocked. And the visual effects were designed predominantly by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and, as usual, were seamless. 

Certainly if you like the Jurassic franchise, this film will give you that fix and then some. It had it all: high-adrenaline, explosives, grit, intensity and even some humor to break up the tenseness. You must see this on the large screen in order to fully enjoy the grandiose of it.  When I left the theater, I was totally drained--wow, what a rush!! Grab the popcorn and enjoy this ride. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG-13                                        133mins.

F1: The Movie

Hollywood and fans have had a fascination with racing, whether it be car, horse or person, for decades of making films; the list is endless, however when seeing my first trailer of "F1: The Movie"I knew it was going to be a film to contend with--and I was right. This quintessential underdog film ultimately becomes the stand up and cheer film which we all love.

Dubbed "the greatest that never was", Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) was FORMULA 1's most promising phenom of the 1990s until an accident on the track nearly ended his career. Thirty years later, he's a nomadic racer for hire when he's approached by his former teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem), owner of a struggling FORMULA 1 team that is on the verge of collapse. Ruben convinces Sonny to come back to FORMULA 1 for one last shot at saving this team and being the best in the world. He'll drive alongside Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris), the team's hotshot rookie intent on setting his own pace. But as the engines roar, Sonny's past catches up with him and he finds that in FORMULA 1, your teammate is your fiercest competition--and then the road to redemption is not something you can travel alone. 

Others to round out the cast are Kerry Condon as Kate McKenna, a race car designer, Tobias Menzies as Peter Banning, Sarah Niles as Bernadette Pearce, Joshua's mom, Samson Kayo as Cash, Kim Bodnia as Kaspar Smolinski, Will Merrick as Nickleby, Joseph Balderrama as Fazio, Callie Cooke as Jodie, Abdul Salis as Dodge and Simon Kunz as Don Cavendish. 

This was directed with grit, excitement all at a grandiose pace by Joseph Kosinski ("Tron: Legacy" '10, "Oblivion" '13, "Only the Brave" '17, "Top Gun: Maverick" '22, "Spiderhead" '22) plus videos, music videos and a short.  After his stint on the film "Top Gun: Maverick", I clearly had no doubt of this director's ability to direct this film. His sequencing, cohesiveness and his ability to keep a large production in check is amazing. Of course, the film is part based on his story, this was still helmed in such a way that the film was incredibly fluid. It was equally well penned by seasoned writer, Ehren Kruger ("Killed in the House" (TV movie) '98, "Arlington Road" '99, "New World Disorder" '99, "Scream 3" 2000, "Reindeer Games" 2000, "Impostor" '01, "The Ring" '02, "The Ring Two" '05, "The Skeleton Key" '05, "The Brothers Grimm" '05, "Blood and Chocolate" '07, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" '09, "Transformers: Age of Extinction" '14, "Tin Man" (TV movie) '14, "Ghost in the Shell" '17, "Dumbo" '19, "Top Gun: Maverick" '22) plus TV and videos, based on a story by Joseph Kosinski and Ehren Kruger. What makes this writer so prolific is that one cannot pigeon-hole him since his resume is as diverse as it is. The sequencing in this film was amazing and the the story simply fell into place like a jigsaw puzzle. It exceeded two and a half hours, and I didn't even feel it--it absolutely moved right along. As aforementioned, this was an underdog flick, replete with characters coming to grips with their issues and finding redemption through them, trials, success and much more. The cinematography by Claudio Miranda asc ("Life of Pi" '12, "Tomorrowland" '15, "Only the Brave" '17, "Top Gun: Maverick" '22) and others, was crisp and concise--certainly one professional Kosinski has used more than once.

What also made this film rock was that I also viewed it in the 4DX process--where the seats shake and there's wind synchronized together to give one quite the ride, and it was filmed in IMAX, although you can view it on a regular screen. This film rocked. It was the reason we go to see films in the theater so as to be entertained!!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                          Rated: PG-13                                        156mins.

The Unholy Trinity

Back in the day, the western genre was very popular--many were made, but as the decades unfolded, so did the genre's popularity. Then, as certain things recycle, the genre became a 'thing' back in the late 80s to early 90s. We've seen a number of them--some good and others not so good. Of recent , westerns have waned a bit, but if something comes along, it could be profitable. "The Unholy Trinity" has been fairly panned, however after seeing it, I felt it truly worked more than others gave it credit. 

This story promises to deliver an exciting blend of action, suspense and western grit with an all-star ensemble ready to capture audiences this summer. A tale of revenge, dark secrets and buried treasures, the film is set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1888 Montana Territory. It picks up in the moments before the execution of Isaac Broadway (Tim Daly), as he gives his estranged son, Henry (Brandon Lessard), an impossible task: murder the man who framed him for a crime he didn't commit. Intent on fulfilling his promise, Henry travels to the remote town of Trinity, where an unexpected turn of events traps him in town, and leaves him caught between Gabriel Dove (Pierce Brosnan), the town's upstanding new sheriff, and a mysterious figure named St. Christopher (Samuel L. Jackson).

Others to round out the cast are Veronica Ferres as Sarah Dove, the sheriff's wife, Gianni Cabaldi as Gideon, Q'orianka Kilcher as Running Club, Katrina Bowden as Julia, Beau Knapp as Asa Benton, Ethan Peck as Sam Scarborough, David Arquette as Father Jacob and Paris Brosnan as Thomas.

This was directed with grit and realism by Richard Gray ("Fish Out of Water" (TV movie) '07, "Summer Coda" '10, "Mine Games" '12, "Blinder" '13, "The Lookalike" '14, "Sugar Mountain" '16, "Broken Ghost" '17, "Robert the Bruce" '19, "Murder at Yellowstone City" '22) plus TV and shorts. The way this filmmaker was able to put his actors in such compromising situations was brilliant and gave that feeling as though we were seeing real life instead of a film. His pacing and staging was certainly strong as was the photography by Thomas Scott Stanton. It was executed well by writer Lee Zachariah ("Election 2007: Countdown to a Letdown" (TV movie) '07) plus TV and shorts. Even though this writer has limited experience, especially this being his first feature film in the writing category, it was still a suspenseful and amazingly gritty story surely to hold the audience's attention. The way that there were a couple of different subplots involved, by films end they did ultimately connect whereas it made one wonder beforehand. Was it flawless? No, there were a couple of places of continuity issues and some cohesiveness issues as well, but certainly not enough to detract from the interest this film had. This writer has potential given he is handed more work to hone his talent. 

If you can appreciate or even love westerns, this will be the film for you. The performances by Brosnan, Jackson and Lessard were well cast and strong. Certainly Jackson must've yawned through this role since he does many of these types of characters: nice guy, but proves to be untrustworthy in the end--a sort of anti-hero. And I personally have never heard of Lessard--possibly does TV which I typically don't keep up with, but was very convincing. This is definitely worth the price of admission for sure!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: R                                               95mins.

28 Years Later

When "28 Days Later" was released back in 2002, it was one of those many apocalyptic films that was fairly popular for its day, although Danny Boyle directing, simply made the film sing. Well, it's now been 22 years later and we are offered "28 Years Later" which was equally well directed by the incomparable Danny Boyle.

It's been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When two of the group leaves the island, Jimmy (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his son, Spike (Alfie Williams), on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, they discover secrets, wonders and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well. After a point, young Spike decides to take his sick mom, Isla (Jodie Comer) to see if he can find a doctor he's heard of on the mainland, Dr Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) to see if he can heal his mom, without the knowledge of anyone, including his dad. And they end up getting more than they bargained for. 

Others to round out the cast are Rocco Haynes as young Jimmy, Jack O'Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal, Edvin Ryding as Erik, Christopher Fulford as Sam, Haley Flaherty as Jimmy's aunty and Harriet Taylor as Jimmy's cousin Delilah.

This was clearly well dissected and delineated by director Danny Boyle ("Shallow Grave" '94, "Trainspotting" '96, "A Life Less Ordinary" '97, "The Beach" 2000, "28 Days Later" '02, "Millions" '04, "Sunshine" '07, "Slumdog Millionaire" '08, "127 Hours" '10, "Trance" '13, "Steve Jobs" '15, "T2 Trainspotting" '17, "Yesterday" '19) plus TV, TV movies, a music video and a short. Considering this filmmaker's resume, it's no wonder that this was precisely directed with such intensity that crept up on the audience in such a subtle way that, after a point, it takes one by surprise. It was executed well by writer Alex Garland ("28 Days Later" '02, "Sunshine" '07, "Never Let Me Go" '10, "Dredd" '12, "Ex Machjna" '14, "Annihilation" '18, "Men" '22, "Civil War" '24, "Warfare" '25) plus TV, music videos and novels. Since this writer has been involved in other Boyle's projects, including this film, undoubtedly was the obvious choice to write this film. Certainly it was strongly written, but other than a couple of places that were slightly inconsistent and some issues of continuity, this was the film that anyone that is a fan of this franchise would expect. I really don't think that Boyle could get any other writer that could follow his way of thinking than Garland. Even though there was a good deal of gore (hey, it's a zombie film), it was still toned down a bit. In my opinion, I feel that creating this premise as being its root being a virus makes this even more 'believable', instead of it being just another horror film, kind of like "World War Z". 

Certainly if you like zombie films, or more to the point, this film's predecessor, you will revel with this next installment. It has all a fan would expect, and best of all, Danny Boyle directs. And with that, how bad could this be? Could there be a sequel? Not sure, but it does leave the audience with wondering.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: R                                         115mins.

Elio

When Pixar Animation Studios produced their first feature film completed designed by computer back in 1995, who knew that it would become the phenomena of the year. Actually, it has produced animated feature films for the past 30 years with an incredible track record. We've seen "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc.", "A Bud's Life", "Up", "Onward", "Brave", "Cars", "The Incredibles", "Inside Out" "WALL-E", "Soul" to mention a handful. So now we are offered "Elio" to revel with.

Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) is an 11-year old who doesn't feel like he fits in on Earth. He loves his Aunt Olga Solis (Zoe Saldana), and he knows she loves him too, but she doesn't really get him. Obsessed with space, Elio's favorite pastime is trying to make contact with with aliens. He desperately wants to get abducted, so he's over the moon, literally, when he's beamed up to a special place in space where planetary leaders convene. Mistaken for the leader of Earth, Elio will do anything to prove his worth, even if it means spearheading negotiations with a slightly crazed space warrior, Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). As Elio attempts to negotiate with Grigon, Elio ends up meeting Grigon's young son, Gordon (Remy Edgerly) which he and Elio become fast friends, So, at least Elio feels he has some help. 

Others to round out the cast are Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa, Brandon Moon as Ambassador Helix, Dylan Gilmer as Bryce, Jake Getman as Caleb, Matthias Schweighoffer as Ambassador Tegman and Ana de la Reguera as Ambassador Turais.

This was incredibly well paced and staged by directors Madeline Sharafian ("2021 Oscar Nominated Short Films: Animation" '21), Domee Shi ("Turning Red" '22) plus a short and Adrian Molina ("Coco" (co-directed) '17) plus a short. This is where the more people involved, the better, since then they are able to cover effectively the many aspects of this animated marvel. There is so much going on that three directors are warranted. These filmmakers don't have a plethora of feature film experience, but they actually pulled this off. It was cleverly written by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer and Mike Jones, based on a story by Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Julia Cho. As with the directors of this film, the writers also don't have extensive feature film experience, but what they lack in experience, they more than made up for quality. These writers will undoubtedly receive more work, In fact, not to give any spoilers, this movie leaves its audience with the possibility of a sequel, and we would be the victors for it. Their sequencing, cohesiveness and originality makes for great storytelling, and Pixar Studios animation is, as usual, remarkable. 

If you're a fan of Pixar, you'll love this. It has that amazing feeling one gets after seeing one of their films. It's original, fresh and just plain FUN. I've said it before and I'll say it again, how do those guys at Pixar do it?

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG                                        98mins.