Relay

Through the decades Hollywood has made quite a number of surveillance or espionage or closer films to get the fill of most audiences out there. Films such as "Wolfs", "Amateur", "Body of Lies", "Three Days of the Condor", "The Day of the Jackal", to mention a handful, are films that can leave the audience either wanting more or have gotten a bit too much, "Relay" carries a nice in between whereas it is quite the cat-and-mouse game.

In this story, Ash (Riz Ahmed) plays a world class "fixer" who specializes in brokering lucrative payoffs between corrupt corporations and the individuals who threaten their ruin, He keeps his identity a secret through meticulous planning through a "relay" service and always follows an exacting set of rules. But when a message arrives one day from a potential client, Sarah Grant (Lilly James), needing his protection just to stay alive, because of her employer, Optima Pharmaceuticals made a supplement that could potentially kill many customers through side effects, headed up by Steve Dawson (Sam Worthington), Ash's rules quickly start to change. 

Others to round out the cast are Willa Fitzgerald as Rosetti, Jared Abrahamson as Ryan, Pun Bandhu as Lee, Eisa Davis as Wash, Matthew Mayer as Hoffman, Seth Barrish as Morel, Victor Garber as McVie and Jamil Haque as Tariq. 

This was intensely directed with a ton of suspense and grit by David Mackenzie ("The Last Great Wilderness" '02, "Young Adam" '03, "Asylum" '05, "Hallam Foe" '07, "Spread" '09, "Perfect Sense" '11, "Tonight You're Mine" '11, "Starred Up" '13, "Hell or High Water" '16, "Outlaw King" '18) plus TV and shorts. This filmmaker certainly knew how to sequence, stage and pace this film with extreme expertise and precision. Every scene led the audience right to where he wanted them to be, in order for them to feel the full impact nearing the end. It was written by a newcomer to feature films, Justin Piasecki ("TV and a short). Even with his limited experience in the TV and short biz, he must've been mentored by others in the field, unless he is a true natural. This story had one gripped to their proverbial seat wondering what was coming next. This fixer, Ash was seemingly always one step ahead of the corporate baddies. This guy mostly spoke to his client via through a relay service where the client spoke, the service would send the fixer a message and visa versa. This way, there would be less leaks released. So, his actual spoken word was minimal. And by the writer doing it this way, not only does it give him a 'moody feel', but keeps the cat-and-mouse game even more suspenseful. This writer will receive more work, especially if this movie profits. Riz Ahmed as Ash.the fixer was riveting as he was captivating. 

If you're into these types of films, this is the movie for you. It has a certain amount of painstaking suspense that will keep its audience biting their nails til the film's end. Could there be a sequel> Probably not, unless it makes a ton of money. In any rate, enjoy this gem, and I'm not sure why it's rated R, since there was next to no bad language or any sex. Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed this and I believe others will as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: R                                       102mins.

Eden

When it comes to survival films, Hollywood doesn't hold a plethora of them as opposed to other genres, but when these types of films are released, they certainly can pack a wallop. One is the case of "Eden", whereas, it starts as an idyllic situation, but as in most of these films, all hell finally breaks loose.

1929. Fascism was coming into vogue. By 1932, this unravels the shocking true story of a group of disillusioned outsiders, namely Friedrich Ritter (Jude Law), Baroness Eloise-Bosquet (Ana de Armas), Dore Strauch (Vanessa Kirby), Heinz Wittmer (Daniel Bruhl), Margeret Wittmer (Sydney Sweeney) and others who abandon modern society in search of a new beginning. Settling on a remote island--Galapagos, which was then uninhabitable, their utopian dream quickly unravels as they discover that the greatest threat isn't the brutal climate or deadly wildlife, but each other. What follows is a chilling descent into chaos where tensions spiral, desperation takes hold, and a twisted power struggle leads to betrayal, violence, and the deaths of half the colony.

Others to round out the cast are Jonathan Tittel as Harry Wittmer, Friedrich's son, Felix Kammerer as Rudolph Lorenz, Toby Wallace as Robert Phillipson, Ignacio Gasparini as Manuel Borja, Richard Roxburgh as G. Allan Hancock, Paul Gleeson as Stampa and Thiago Moraes as Captain.

This was directed by the comparable, seasoned Ron Howard ("Grand Theft Auto" '77, "Night Shift" '82, "Splash" '84, "Cocoon" '85, "Gung Ho" '86, "Willow" '88, "Parenthood" '89, "Backdraft" '91, "Far and Away" '92, "Apollo 13" '95, "Edtv" '99, "A Beautiful Mind" '01, "Cinderella Man" '05, "Frost/Nixon" '08, "Rush" '13, "In the Heart of the Sea" '15, "Solo: A Star Wars Story" '18, "Hillbilly Elegy" '20, "Thirteen Lives"'22, "Jim Henson: Idea Man" '24) plus other films, TV movies, TV and shorts. Howard has certainly come a long way from "Grand Theft Auto", and with every film he has helmed, he has only become more polished, more concise, and with more delineating expertise. He has that innate ability to learn as he starts another project more than a number of other directors which is smart and we are the victors for it. It was effectively written well by Noah Pink ("The Show" '17, "Tetris" '23) plus TV, shorts and a video, based on a story by Noah Pink and Ron Howard. For the lack of writing experience Pink has, he certainly was able to write quite an effective yarn. Of course, with Howard's assistance, it surely helped. After seeing this, I can't help but think about the 1963 film "Lord of the Flies" which is based on the novel of the same name. That film involved adolescent boys, whereas this film involved grown adults. In both films, we were able to see, once these individuals were taken out of a civilized culture, they become wild and unmanageable no matter how proper and dignified they were. That film as this one was and are societal films to teach us a lesson. There were certainly other aspects to "Eden" that "Lord of the Flies didn't have, but the overall premise seemed similar which possibly could've been a homage--not sure. Really, other than it was a bit long-in-the-tooth--could've been about 5 minutes shorter, it certainly found itself as the movie unfolded. This was based on a true store as aforementioned, but obviously by the individuals that were were left who could tell the tale. 

If survival films are your thing--and they can be exciting and gripping, this is a must see. Ron Howard's direction was spot on down to the last frame as the writing by Noah Pink showed expertise and a ton of promise. It's a bit darker of a film for Howard, but this makes it even more gripping. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: R                                    130mins.

East of Wall

While we've seen many films based on a true story, "East of Wall" not only is based on a true story, but is considered a 'docu-fiction' film, meaning it blends real events and people with fictionalized elements, such as Tabatha Zimiga stars as herself, whereas Scoot Mcnairy and Jennifer Ehle are used as professional actors. 

This film explores Tabatha's life managing her horse ranch after the death of her husband John, her financial struggles, her unresolved grief and her role in providing refuge for a group of wayward teenagers. As she and her daughter Porshia, as herself, are somewhat estranged and the different traits of these teens make it even more difficult to make ends meet, their mom/grandma, Tracey (Jennifer Ehle) and a rich horse manager, Roy Walker (Scoot McNairy) who come into their lives, attempt to help in their different ways to help them financially, emotional--really anyway they can.

Others to round out the cast are Jesse Thorson as Jesse, Chancey Ryder Witt as Ryder, Clay Pateneaude as Clay, Leanna Shumpert as Leanna, Brynn Darling as Brynn and Wyatt Mansfield as Skylar.

This was directed by virtual newcomer Kate Beecroft (shorts and a music video), who spent three years living with Tabatha's family and community, which inspired the script and shaped the film's authentic portrayal of rural life in the Badlands, South Dakota. Certainly this trek helped her shape the direction of the film, but I certainly would like to see what she could do next, which this film was handled which such pathos and poignancy. It was equally well written by Kate Beecroft (shorts). As aforementioned, because of her residing with the Zimiga family for three years, this helped shape the script as well. It carried the personal touch because it was a very personal film.There were a small place of choppiness, but clearly not enough to detract from the overall film, and it was just a bit slow in a couple of places also.  All in all, this filmmaker will receive more work, because she is basically a natural and with that should be rewarded with more work. The performances by both Scoot McNairy as Roy Walker and Jennifer Ehle as Tracey were riveting and definitely were captivating in their respective roles. The cinematography by Austin Shelton showed the expanse of the Badlands with sweeping photography. 

If you're into films based on true stories, or better yet, films that give one the feeling as though you're peeking into their lives since many of the characters are playing themselves, this is certainly the film for you. The acting, writing, directing and sweeping cinematography are simply amazing and this is definitely worthy of the price of admission.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: R                                         97mins.

Nobody 2

When "Nobody" was released in 2021, I must've been besieged with several films to review, so I just didn't around to viewing it. But, after seeing the trailer of "Nobody 2", I actually felt it was a definite possibility. And now, viewing this film, I was correct--this film was action-packed, funny and simply slickly done.

Workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) takes his family including his wife, Becca (Connie Nielsen) and kids, son, Brady (Gage Munroe) and daughter, Sammy (Paisley Cadorath) on a much needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville, however, he soon finds himself in the cross hairs of a corrupt operator, Wyatt (John Ortiz), a shady sheriff, Abel (Colin Hanks) and a bloodthirsty crime boss, Lendina (Sharon Stone). These events soon unravel secrets about Hutch and Becca's past. 

Others to round out the cast are Christopher Lloyd as David Mansell, Hutch's dad, Michael Ironside as Eddie Williams, RZA as Harry, Colin Salmon as The Barber and David MacInnis as Tobey. 

This was cleverly directed with humor and action by Timo Tjahjanto ("Macabre" '09, "V/H/S/2" (segment: 'Safe Haven') '13, "Killers" '14, "Headshot" '16, "May the Devil Take You" '18, "The Night Comes for Us" '18, "Portals" '19, "The Big 4" '22, "The Shadow Strays" '24) plus others. I'm not sure if the original film carried a similar feel as with this film--hopefully did, but this filmmaker's ability to stage, pace and create his actors in a humorous, yet fluid way was amazing. The pace of this simply kept the audience glued. It was penned, again in a slick way by Derek Kolstad ("One in the Chamber" '12, "The Package" '12, "John Wick" '14, "Nobody" '21, "Die Hart" '23) plus others, TV, shorts and a video game, and Aaron Rabin (TV and a short), based on a story by Derek Kolstad, which is based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. Considering this is the same writer (Kolstad), that brought us the mind of John Wick, this was devised in the same vein. It too, was processed in that slick, action-packed, not holding back any punches kind of a film which makes it that much more entertaining. Really, other than a couple of very small places of continuity issues, this script was captivating as it was funny which added to the entertainment factor. Bob Odenkirk pulls off this assassin who's like this 'nobody' kind of guy, hence the mane, and does so with convincing fervor.

Seemingly, if you liked the predecessor of this, this will please. This film was like, 'can't a guy go on vacation with his family and not feel like he doesn't has to work?' These types of films are made with the sole purpose of escaping into a story that will take you away from ones' own problems even if it's just for an hour and a half.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                  Rated: R                                          89mins.

My Mother's Wedding

During the summer film season where we are besieged with big-budget films, once in a while, we are offered an independent film or two. It certainly gives a relief of all the CGI, explosiveness, big stars and sound effects--so it's nice to see an indie film such as "My Mother's Wedding" come along.

Heartfelt and funny, this film follows three sisters who return to their childhood home for a momentous weekend: the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother, Diana Frost (Kristen Scott Thomas). The three daughters are from vastly different walks of life: Katherine (Scarlett Johansson) is a Captain in the Royal Navy; Victoria (Sienna Miller) is a Hollywood star; and Georgina (Emily Beecham) is a hospice nurse. Over the weekend, the family gathers to celebrate the new marriage, but mother and daughters alike are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, all with the help from a colorful group of unexpected wedding guests. 

Others to round out the cast are Freida Pinto as Jack, James Fleet as Geoff Loveglove, Samson Kayo as Steve, Mark Stanley as Charlie, Joshua McGuire as Jeremy, Ziggy Gardner as Skylar, Fflyn Edwards as Marcus, Lydia Jones as Clara, Michael Spicer as Ted Schenlker and Elliot Warren as Second in Command. 

This was poignantly directed by virtual newcomer behind the camera Kristen Scott Thomas. Being a veteran actor (she also starred in this) obviously allowed her to be able to connect with other actors in order to encourage them to dig deep to reach into themselves to convince the audience that they are these characters they are portraying. She will receive more work if she decides to go down that road. It was executed effectively by writers Kristin Scott Thomas and John Micklethwait. Again, these writers have no experience penning a screenplay, and with that, their attempt at producing an effective script was certainly better than I had expected. Not that I believe that the more one does, the better the work, but like the old adage goes, "practice makes perfect".There was a certain amount of continuity issues and at times, the different subplots had a difficult time in connecting with each other, but otherwise, it was a valiant attempt at an interesting story. There are scenes when it comes to Katherine's character where she reflects back to her past which is indicative by being presented in animated form which is interesting. These characters definitely were dysfunctional where it made one wonder what their problem is--Charlie was probably the most grounded character in the flick. These writers simply need more work since potentiality is certainly present. 

Certainly if you are into films surrounding a wedding, like many films are, you'll be comfortable with this.  This did have some issues, however not so much that one couldn't enjoy the story along with the acting. It's worthy of the price of admission, but since this is a 'small' film, it wouldn't lose any impact if seen on your home screen. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                         Rated: R                                             95mins.

Sketch

There have been many films that have been produced that have utilized the plight or concern of kids (whether it be dramatic or comedic), and with that, has created a fascination with people to enable them to be pulling for the little tykes. The list can be endless: "Home Alone", "The Goonies", "School of Rock", "Stand and Deliver", "Spare Parts", "Coach Carter", "Stand by Me", "Hardball", "Rudy" to mention a few. So now we have as an offing, "Sketch". 

When a young girl, Amber's (Bianca Belle) sketchbook accidentally falls into a nearby strange pond, her drawings come to life--unpredictable, chaotic and dangerously real. As the town unravels, she, her brother, Jack (Rue Lawrence) and their classmate, Bowman Lynch (Kalon Cox) must track down the creatures before they leave permanent damage to the town. Their father, Taylor Wyatt (Tony Hale)and his sister, Liz Wyatt (D'Arcy Carden), racing to find them through the fallout, must navigate a town in crisis to reunite their family and stop the disaster they never meant to unleash. 

Others to round out the cast are Jaxen Kenner as Demarcus Davidson, Genesis Rose Brown as Carson Quinn, Randa Newman as Miss Thompson, Allie McCulloch as Ally Wyatt, Nadia Benavides as Dr. Land, Dajanae Cole as Maggie and Josh Inocalla as Rick.

This was whimsically directed by Seth Worley (TV, shorts and a video). Even though this filmmaker has no feature films under his belt, he certainly was able to stage, pace and have the innate ability to get his actors to show the worry, concern and fear they needed to exude in order to pull off the representation of this fantastical film. It was equally well written also by Seth Worley (TV, shorts and a video). Really, other than an area  that didn't show enough continuity, this film rocked. And it wasn't even enough to deter away from the impact of this film. As one sees this film unfolding, they end up realizing that this film is much more than creatures coming to life out of a child's sketchbook, but to clue you in would constitute a spoiler alert. Suffice it to say that. even though, again this writer has no feature film experience for writing, he goes much deeper that what is seen on the surface. The creatures simply cause these two siblings to have to grasp what's really going on in their respective lives, and Worley pins it down royally. This is done by Angel Studios; you know, the same company that brought us "Sound of Freedom", "The Last Rodeo", "Sight"."Cabrini", "His Only Son", "The Shift" and others. They seem to have tapped into the audience's taste in what they want to see and that's smart!

Certainly if you're a fan of Angel Studios, like the other aforementioned films, you'll love this one. It has fantasy, humor, originality and redemption all rolled up in a captivating movie. And the visuals predominantly created by Fin Design + Effects and OD Studios were stunning as they truly appeared as though a young child drew them. It's a fun flick for all to see! 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                      Rated: PG                                      92mins.

The Bad Guys 2

Dreamworks Animation has produced many well known animated films, i.e. "Shrek", "Kung Fu Panda", "The Boss Baby", "Dog Man", "The Wild Robot", "How to Train Your Dragon", "Madagascar", "Home", to mention a handful, so when "The Bad Guys" showed up in 2022, I was not surprised to see a sequel on the horizon, simply titled "The Bad Guys 2".

Everyone's favorite felons are back including Mr. Wolf (Sam Rockwell), Mr. Snake (Marc Maron), Ms. Tarantula (Awkwafina), Mr. Shark (Craig Robinson) and Mr. Piranha (Anthony Ramos), and this time they've got company. In the new action-packed chapter from Dreamworks Animation's acclaimed comedy smash about a crackerjack crew of animal outlaws, our now-reformed Bad Guys are trying (very, very hard) to be good, but instead find themselves hijacked into a high-stakes, global-trotting heist, masterminded by a new team of criminals, including Kitty Kat (Danielle Brooks), Doom, aka Susan (Natasha Lyonne) and Pigtail Petroya (Maria Bakalova), they never saw coming: The Bad Girls. 

Others to round out the cast are Zazie Beetz as Governor Diane Foxington, Richard Ayoade as Professor Marmalade, Lilly Singh as Tiffany Fluffit, Colin Jost as Mr. Moon and Alex Borstein as Commissioner Misty Luggins. 

This was directed with crisp staging and pacing by Pierre Perifel ("The Bad Guys" '22) plus shorts. Even though he has only one feature film to his credit, all the shorts he was involved with certainly served him well, and this film's predecessor was simply brilliant--well sequenced and paced. His expertise in the animation world definitely has a clear future. It was co-directed by JP Sans (a short). Even though the directing was predominantly on Perifel's shoulders, this filmmaker still had input. It was executed well by writers Yoni Brenner ("Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" '09, "Rio 2" '14, "Ice Age: Collision Course" '16) plus shorts and a video and Etan Cohen ("Idiocracy" '06, "Tropic Thunder" '08, "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" '08, "Men in Black" '12, "Get Hard" '15, "Holmes & Watson" '18, "The Bad Guys" '22, "Brothers" '24) plus TV and a short, based on books by Aaron Blabey. I believe what made this premise works was that of predominantly Etan Cohen, being the seasoned writer he is. Certainly Yoni Brenner was pivotal with the script, but typically with a filmmaker having the resume that Cohen has, the conclusion is that quality can reign. And in this case, other than a couple of very slow places in script, this story rocked. The cohesiveness, conciseness and tightness of the story was remarkable. The returning Bad Guys cast was amazing--the chemistry was spot on. Dreamworks Animation has turned out to be the premiere studio they started out to be and continue to do so. 

If you liked this film's original, you'll love this. Like with other films, wait until the credits roll--there could be a surprise. Will there be another sequel? Certainly if it makes a truckload of money, assuredly it will. But so far it's looking good for Dreamworks. It's also presented in a 3-D format as well. This, like its predecessor, is a fun flick!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: PG                                         103mins.