IF

It's interesting how Hollywood hasn't really utilized the whole concept of imaginary or invisible friends since there is so much great fodder in which to write about. One film that was actually used in this film, "IF" was a clip from "Harvey" with James Stewart about him obtaining a best friend who is an invisible, six-foot white rabbit named Harvey--a brilliant film. Well, "IF" is about rescuing imaginary friends from obscurity since their kids have grown up. 

After a difficult time in her life, a girl, Bea (Cailey Fleming) discovers that she can see everyone's imaginary friends after they've grown up. So, what does she do with that superpower? Through the meeting of Cal (Ryan Reynolds), an adult that also can see them, they embark on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IF's with their kids. Since Bea is attempting to be strong since her dad (John Krasinski) is going into the hospital for a heart procedure, her demeanor is that she's hiding her 'strength' behind her fear of potentially losing her dad. 

Others to round out the cast are Fiona Shaw as Grandmother, Steve Carell as voice of Blue, Phoebe Waller-Bridge as voice of Blossom, Louis Gossett Jr. as voice of Lewis, Alan Kim as Benjamin, Bobby Moynihan as Jeremy, Liza Colon-Zayas as Janet, Emily Blunt as voice of Unicorn, Awkwafina as voice of Bubble and Bradley Cooper as voice of Ice. 

This was whimsically directed with heart by John Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "The Hollars" '16, "A Quiet Place" '18, "A Quiet Place Part II" '20) plus TV. This filmmaker is definitively a chameleon--"A Quiet Place" and "IF"? These couldn't be more diametrically opposed film genres on the planet, yet Krasinski was able to pull off both films with finesse and expertise. He was definitely able to showcase this young girl's transition of having to be strong and yet allowing herself to get involved in helping these IF's, and the total frustration of Cal trying to rid of these IF's in order to get his life back. Krasinski is again one of those actors to transition from acting to directing with relative ease similar to those actors, such as Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Ron Howard and the like. It was also written in a heartwarming way by John Krasinski ("Brief Interviews with Hideous Men" '09, "Promised Land" '12, "A Quiet Place" '18, "A Quiet Place Place Part II" '20) plus TV. Although there might have been small places of sentimentality to this story, it was still able to pull ones' heartstrings in a way that caused the audience to cheer for these IF's to find, again, their forever home. Otherwise, the script was concise, cohesive and well thought out. Not sure what the lackluster reviews were about--what were these other critics looking for? I felt this story gave us exactly what it was striving to emulate, and was able to do it in spades. And the visual effects predominantly designed by Framestore were incredible and thoroughly enhanced the story, whereas in so many films, the opposite occurs. 

This being the quintessential family film, it is a film for all to see--young and old alike. It's a film that is fantastical, humorous, loving and redemptive all rolled up into one film. Sure, it gets a bit sentimental, but if this doesn't pull anyone's heartstrings, then that person is simply not human. Enjoy this small gem, I know I did.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                      Rated: PG                                         104mins.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

We've all experienced a plethora of film franchises through the years, but I have to say that 'The Planet of the Apes' franchise is probably the longest running one--55 years and counting! It all started with "The Planet of the Apes" back in 1969 and was an instant success. Now, many films later, we have "Kingdom of the "Planet of the Apes" to continue with.

Set several generations in the future following Caesar's reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to jiving in the shadows, as a new tyrannical leader, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand) builds his empire, one young ape, Noa (Owen Teague) undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past which he learned from a wise older ape, Raka (Peter Macon) and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

Others to round out the cast are Freya Allan as Mae, William H. Macy as Trevathan, Dichen Lachman as Korina, Karin Konoval as Maurice, Sara Wiseman as Dar, Lydia Peckham as Soona, Eka Darville as Sylva, Travis Jeffrey as Anaya and Zay Domo Artist as Milo.

This was intensely directed with plenty of grit by Wes Ball ("The MazeRunner" '14, "Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials" '15, "Maze Runner: The Death Cure" '18) plus shorts. Certainly working on the 'Maze Runner' franchise has served this filmmaker tremendously considering the intensity in both films is definitely similar. His ability to encourage his actors to dig deep to bring out the different characteristics of the different apes was interesting in that, we, as people are also very different when interacting. It was executed well by writer Josh Friedman ("Chain Reaction" (story) '96, "War of the Worlds" '05, "The Black Dahlia" '06, "Locke & Key" )TV movie) '11, "The Asset" (TV movie) '12, "Terminator: Dark Fate" (story) '19, "Avatar: The Way of Water" (story) '22) plus TV, based on characters created by Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, which is based on the novel by Pierre Boulle. Even though this writer has a fair amount of experience under his belt, this screenplay was a bit long-in-the-tooth where approximately 15 minutes of the running time could've been cut and still wouldn't have lost any impact of the story. Other than a couple of places of implausibility, the story definitely kept me moving, especially about the last half hour of the film. If this writer is intriguing to you, his "Avatar 4" is in production for a 2029 release. The visual effects by Weta FX were stunning and certainly enhanced the story. 

Certainly if you're a 'Planet of the Apes' aficionado, you will revel with this. It was certainly better than I ever thought it would be. And, even though most of the cast are relative newcomers, it was a solid ensemble cast. Oh, and assuming this makes a ton of money, it's all set up to continue. Can you say--S E Q U E L?

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: PG-13                                          144mins.

The Fall Guy

It's the first Friday in May which is the starting of the summer film season, and what a perfect movie to kick it off with in the form of "The Fall Guy". There have been several films in the past that center around the movie stunt business, but the one that comes to mind is "The Stunt Man" with Peter O'Toole and Steve Railsback, about an intense story between the director (O'Toole) and the stunt man (Railsback), whereas this film is also comprised of a director (Blunt) and a stunt man (Gosling)--totally different stories, but has an interesting relationship.

Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) is a stunt man, and like everyone else in the stunt community,he gets blown up, shot, crashed, thrown through windows, and dropped from the highest of heights, all for our entertainment. And now, 18 months later, fresh off an almost career-ending accident, this working-class hero has to track down a missing movie star, Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), solve a conspiracy, and attempt to win back the love of his life, his director, Jody Moreno (Emily Blunt) while still doing his day job. What could possibly go right? 

Others to round out the cast are Hannah Waddingham as Gail Meyer, Teresa Palmer as Iggy Starr, Stephanie Hsu as Alma Milan, Winston Duke as Dan Tucker, Ben Knight as Dressler, Matuse as Doone, Adam Dunn as Nigel and Zara Michales as Venti Kushner.

This was directed with action-packed frenzy by David Leitch ("Atomic Blonde" '17, "Deadpool 2" '18, "Once Upon a Deadpool" '18, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" '19, "Bullet Train" '22) plus shorts and a music video. Considering Leitch was behind the camera, I was confident that this film would be crafted well with a director that knows his way around an action-packed movie, hence his resume.The staging and pacing was consummate as was his ability to work well with his actors. This is the quintessential action director. It was creatively written by Drew Pearce )"No Heroics" (TV movie) '09, "Iron Man 3" '13, "Mission: Impossible--Rogue Nation" '15, "Hotel Artemis" '18, "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw" (story) '19) plus TV and videos, based on the TV series created by Glen A. Larson. It was a well thought out, cohesive and concise script, and other than a couple of very small places of slowness, this screenplay was solid. It was also a bit long-in-the-tooth. It was a two plus hour running time and could've been shaved down to a two hour running time, and not destroy any impact from the story. I felt the chemistry between Gosling and Blunt was effective and captivating, and it's one of the films of this genre that carries as much action as it does comedy and that's refreshing. "Bullet Train" was also able to pull off this concept as well--of course it was directed by Leitch. 

If you are a fan of Gosling and/or Blunt, you'll revel with this. But certainly if you like humor right along with a great action film, this is certainly another reason to go to the multiplex. Also, if you want to see this film up, close and personal, it is presented in an IMAX format as well. If you saw the trailer, you then know what the film is like, since the trailer practically matches the film.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       127mins.

Unsung Hero

Of late, the based-on-a-true-story type of film has seemingly exceeded those films that are fictional--kind of real life is stranger than fiction type of thing. And with this type of thinking, it's no wonder that Hollywood has produced so many of them, especially when many of them have been profitable. We've seen many films based on true stories that run the genre gambit, but now we are offered "Unsung Hero", a film that chronicles the Smallbones' musical family and their difficulty surviving the early 1990's.

Based on a remarkable true story, This film follows David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their six children, switches, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, especially their daughter, Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger), who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational music history: five time Grammy Award-winning artists for King + Country and Rebecca St. James.

Others to round out the cast are Jonathan Jackson as Eddie Degarmo, Lucas Black as Jed Albright, Candace Cameron Bure as Kay Albright, Terry O'Quinn as James Smallbone, David's father, Paul Luke Bonenfant as Daniel Smallbone, JJ Pantano as Luke Smallbone, Diesel La Torraca as Joel Smallbone, Tenz McCall as Ben Smallbone and Angus K. Caldwell as Josh Smallbone.

This was directed with such pathos and sincerity by Richard Ramsey (The Oath of Desormeau" '06, "The Song" '14, "Plus One at an Amish Wedding" (TV movie) '22) plus TV and shorts and Joel Smallbone. Obviously Ramsey has the lion's share of the experience here, but considering Smallbone comes from the family that this films chronicles, his input had to be astronomical. In fact, without his collaboration, it probably wouldn't be the film it turned out to be. Some of the staging was a bit stiff, but not nearly to a degree that impeded with the film. It was also effectively written by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone ("Priceless" (TV movie) '16). It was presented as a flashback in that as they are on the airplane on their way to the U.S., Helen is thinking about what it took for her and her family to get to that place on the plane which was an interesting approach. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness and a couple of places of some sentimental and hokey situations, this script was spot on. In fact, the sentimental side of this was probably needed to ensure that the audience truly understands the plight that this family was going through. The cast was very believable, especially that of Daisy Betts as Helen, who shined in this film. 

If you're into the inspirational and films based on a true story, this film will aim to please. As with other films based on true stories, this story has much to offer: grit, love, fear, uncertainty and redemption all rolled up in a story about a family that, even when there is adversity, they still connect because they're a family and for there strong belief in God. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: PG                                        112mins.

The Mummy

Once in a while we are offered a film that has been re-released after an original release date of 20,30,40 years since its first listing: "2001: A Space Odyssey", "The Wizard of Oz", "Jurassic Park", and "Alien"which is now in re-release after its 45th anniversary. Well, now we are offered the 25th anniversary release of "The Mummy" 1999 to sit back and enjoy once again. 

This film is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic reboot of the classic 1932 version, about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers, including Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser), Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), Jonathan Carnahan (John Hannah), in the Sahara Desert in 1925. Stumbling upon an ancient tomb,the hunters unwittingly set loose a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror, which is embodied in the vengeful reincarnation of an Egyptian priest, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) who had been sentence to an eternity as one of the living dead.

Others to round out the cast are Kevin J. O'Connor as Beni Gabor, Jonathan Hyde as Dr. Allen Chamberlain, Erik Avari as Dr. Terrence Bey, Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay, Stephen Dunham as Mr. Henderson, Corey Johnson as Mr. Daniels, Tuc Watkins as Mr. Burns and Bernard Fox as Captain Winston Havelock. 

This was humorously directed with a plethora of grit by Stephen Sommers ("Catch Me If You Can" '89, "Terror Eyes" '89, "The Adventures of Huck Finn" '93, "The Jungle Book" '94, "Deep Rising" '98, "The Mummy Returns" '01, "Van Helsing" '04, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" '09, "Odd Thomas" '13) plus a video game. This filmmaker knows how to direct these types of films since his resume proves this before this film was released and after. He certainly was able to stage and pace his actors where they even looked better and performed so well, one would think they're the characters they are playing. If you like this director's brand, his "When Worlds Collide" is in development. It was also written equally by Stephen Sommers ("Deep Rising" '98, "The Mummy Returns" '01, "The Scorpion King" '02, "Van Helsing" '04, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" '08, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" '09 (story), "Odd Thomas" '13), based on a screen story by Stephen Sommers, Lloyd Fonvielle and Kevin Jarre. I feel this was created as a homage to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" '81 being similar in the feel of the film, just as "Sahara" '05 with Matthew McConaughey also was. This film as the others are films that the movie theater was created to show--entertaining, action, swashbuckling types of films. We need more of these films considering all that's so difficult out there in the world. This film was sequenced well where each scene was effortlessly created that came across amazingly realistic. And the photography by Adrian Biddle bsc was breathtaking in every scene. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) was seamless and actually enhanced the story. 

I you like the 'Indiana Jones' type of movies, you will like this. I saw this when it was released in ;99, but, since this looks so good on the large screen, I just had to go and see it again...on the large scree. But, if one has never seen this film, this is a must see--it has it all, action, humor, great storytelling and  wonderful visuals all the while being entertaining and being a great vehicle for amazing escapism. Enjoy this ride! I know I did!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG-13                                   125mins.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

There are a handful of directors in the biz that when they work on a film, they create a cohesive, well thought out and a classic in the making."The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is one of those films which is directed by Guy Ritchie. What other directors are on the elusive list? Steven Spielberg, Paul Greengrass, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher to mention a handful.

Based upon declassified files of The British War Department back in 2016, and inspired by true events, this is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) and a small group of military officials including Marjorie Stewart (Eiza Gonzalez), Richard Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) and author Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox). The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks including Gus March Phillips (Henry Cavill),Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.

Others to round out the cast are Cary Elwes as Brigadier Gubbins, Til Schweiger as Heinrich Luhr, James Wilby as Viscount Algernon, Henrique Zaga as Captain Bines, Danny Sapani as Billy and Matthew Hawksley as Sir Percy.

This was brilliantly directed by the incomparable Guy Ritcie ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" '98, "Snatch" 2000, "Swept Away" '02, "Revolver" '05, "Suspect" (TV movie) '07, "RocknRolla" '08, "Sherlock Holmes" '09, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" '11, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." '15, "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" '17, "Aladdin" '19, "The Gentlemen" '19, "Wrath of Man" '21, "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre" '23, "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" '23) plus music videos, TV, videos and shorts. As with Ritchie's other projects, this film was created in his usual slick, quick edited, stylized format that has truly become his trademark. Three minutes into a film, I can tell whether it is directed by Ritchie or not--he is that distinct. This filmmaker simply knows how to tell a story by the way the film is shot and cut--it definitively gives that feeling that the audience is waiting for more. If you like this director's distinct style, his "In the Grey" is in post-production. It was equally well written by Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel and Guy Ritchie, based on the book by Damien Lewis. I can surely understand why this film was powerfully written considering the extensive experience all of these writers obtain. Usually my belief is that if there is more than two writers involved on any one film, the script has a tendency to become bogged down and confusing--too many cooks in the kitchen perhaps, but since these writers are as exemplary as they are, the added assistance only enhanced the story. The editing by James Herbert and the photography by Ed Wild bsc was also incredible and simply added to this story. 

I'm sure glad there was a 'based on a true story'disclaimer at the beginning of this, because the story and these men were so unorthodox in their methods of fighting, it was difficult to grasp that it was true. If you're a Ritchie fan as I am, you'll love this--it is quintessential Ritchie. It was thrilling and humorous from beginning to end. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                            Rated: R                                              120mins.

The Long Game

When it comes to films based on true stories, there are so many films and not enough time. We've all seen, what I call, true story films, before, and most of them are ones we typically can learn from, whether it be metaphorical or physically--something for everyone, but when I saw "The Long Game", I expected good, but instead I received amazing.

In 1956, JB Pena (Jay Hernandez) and his wife Lucy (Jaina Lee Ortiz) moved to the small town of Del Rio, Texas, partly for a job as a school superintendent, but mostly to fulfill JB's dream of joining the prestigious, all-white Del Rio Country Club, So when JB is rejected on the basis of his skin color, he is devastated. But his world soon collides with a group of young Latino golf caddies who work at the country club, and JB is inspired by the handmade course the boys built in the country to teach themselves golf. With little experience and even fewer resources, JB convinces the boys consisting of Joe Trevino (Julian Works), Felipe Romero (Miguel Angel Garcia), Gene Vasquez (Gregory Diaz IV), Mario Lomas (Christian Gallegos) and Lupe Felan (Jose Julian), to start their own high school golf team with his WWII buddy and golfer himself, Frank Mitchell (Denis Quaid) to assist him with the team. This all starts them all on a journey where they learn that it takes more than just golf skills to make history. 

Others to round out the cast are Paulina Chavez as Daniella Torres, Jimmy Gonzales as Joe's father, Gillian Vigman as Gayle Baker, Cheech Marin as Pollo, Oscar Nunez as Principal Guerra, Richard Robichaux as Don Glenn, Heather Kafka as Alice Glenn, Michael Southworth as Tim Cox and Brett Cullen as Judge Milton. 

This was brilliantly and honestly directed by Julio Quintana ("The Vessel" '16, "Blue Miracle" '21) plus shorts. The way this filmmaker was able to encourage his actors to exude the emotions of these different characters was stunning, not to mention the pacing and staging which was also exemplary. The writing was also executed with thoroughness and thoughtfulness by Julio Quintana ("The Vessel" '16, "Blue Miracle" '21) plus shorts, Jennifer Stetson ("Christmas with You" '22) plus a short and Paco Farias ("Christmas with You" '22) plus shorts, which is based on the novel "Mustang Miracle" by Humberto G. Garcia. The sequencing of the script was concise, and the cohesiveness was amazing. In fact, the only error that I noticed was a short 3 second scene that obtained a 1958 Chevy, which, this being set in 1956, this car wasn't designed yet. I happened to be a vintage car enthusiast so I know this is accurate. Chevy only designed this Chevy in 1958. But was this enough to 'ding' the film on? Absolutely not--just a bit of trivia. The cast of Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid and Julian Works was solid as was the rest of the cast as well. Even though these filmmakers don't have a plethora of experience, given more work, they will only get better with time. 

If you like biopics or films about golf or sports in general, this will be the film for you. I must say, I'm not really a golf fan, and this truly held my attention given the writing, directing and even acting, not to mention that it was interesting going back in time in a different cultural element. It was a couple of hours well spent. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                              Rated: PG                                         113mins.