By Any Means

We've all seen FBI and CIA films many times, and we've all seen films that center around the mafia and hitmen, but it's not very often when we are privvy to the combination of both. Well, with "By Any Means", we are offered that combo and it hums along like a well oiled machine. 

Based on a true story, a young black FBI agent, Wayne Strider (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is sent into 1960s Mississippi to investigate a wave of brutal killings targeting civil rights leaders by FBI Special Agent Roy K. Moore (David Strathairn). Forced to work alongside notorious mafia hitman Greg Scarpa (Mark Wahlberg). he finds himself pulled into a deadly hunt where justice and vengeance begin to blur. When the system is broken, two men divided by everything agree on one thing: the law has limits. They don't. While investigating the killing of Civil Rights leader, Vernon F. Dahmer (Giancarlo Esposito), Strider and Scarpa get a little more than they bargained for. 

Others to round out the cast are Nicole Beharie as Allison Strider, Wayne's wife, Josh Lucas as Special Agent Everett Rhodes, LisaGay Hamilton as Ms. Rebecca Brewer, Ethan Embry as Sam Bowers, LaChanze as Hattie Dahmer, Vernon's wife, Will Brittain as Billy Roy Pitts, Biko Eisen-Martin as Special Agent Archie Crawford, DeVere Jehl as Edgar Ray Killen and Zach Lane as Clive Styles.

This was directed with stylish grit and intensity by Elegance Bratton ("Pier Kids" '19, "The Inspection" '22, "Hell Fighter" '24, "Move Ya Body: The Birth of House" '25) plus TV and shorts. Even though this was a violent and bloody film, this filmmaker was able to bring a certain slickness to its format. He was able to send us a 'stylish' feeling to an otherwise rough and tumble male flick oozing with an over abundance of testosterone. His staging and pacing was also slickly executed as well. It was executed well by writer Sascha Penn (" Creed II" '18, "Main Justice" '18, "1992" '22) plus TV. Even though he is not a seasoned writer, what he has written along with his TV projects has served him well. Other than a couple of very small places of choppiness, this story was riveting as well as informative. Really, this guy simply needs more work since he has potential of being a great writer. The cinematography by Ante Cheng was very interesting in that it gave a subtle 'grainy' look as though one is peering into a film dating back to the 60s. And this newer actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II definitely has a future in feature films. He's strong, quiet and can certainly hold his own. And Wahlberg is always a perennial favorite. These roles are the roles we typically think of when it comes to him. 

Certainly if your favorite genre is that of drama, FBI with crime, you'll be in film heaven. It has it all: drama, intensity, racial tension, even some humor to help with the violent moments in the film. This isn't one for the kids--too many F-bombs and violence, but does have an interesting premise. After all, it isn't titled "By Any Means" for nothing.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: R                                         106mins.

The Dog Stars

Apocalyptic, dystopian films are becoming a fascination with filmmakers and audiences alike. With films like "The Omega Man", and its follow up, "I Am Legend", "The Book of Eli", "District 9", "Elysium", "28 Days Later", "Fahrenheit 451", and others, we've become, for probably differing reasons, fascinated with such a dark topic. So, to add to that ever growing and popular list, we have been offered "The Dog Stars".

Set in a post-apocalyptic world in which a virus (a flu) has wiped out most of humanity. Survivors are being terrorized by roaming scavengers called 'Reapers'. The protagonist is Hig (Jacob Elordi), a pilot who survived the flu that killed everyone he knew, his wife included. He lives in the hangar of a small abandoned airport with his dog, Jasper and his only neighbor--a gun-toting ex-Marine, Bangley (Josh Brolin). Hig sometimes heads off in his 1956 Cessna, where he can fish and pretend things are how they used to be. When he attempts to find a better life, he comes across two other people, Pops (Guy Pearce) and his daughter, Cima (Margaret Qualley). Soon, when Hig receives a random transmission that somehow beams through his radio, the voice ignites a hope deep inside him that a better life might exist if he flies a bit further. He risks it all to chase a possible haven in Grand Junction. 

Others to round out the cast are Allison Janney as Darlene, Benedict Wong as Aaron, Ewen Bremner as Crossbow Hunter, James Craze as Logan, Sam Spruell as John, Sai Bennett as Melissa, Sebastian Rokison-Woodall as Ben and Alara-Star Khan as Matilda.

This was directed with cutting-edge precision by veteran Ridley Scott ("The Duelists" '77, "Alien" '79, "Blade Runner" '82, "Legend" '85, "Thelma & Louise" '91, "White Squall" '96, "Gladiator" 2000, "Hannibal" '01, "Black Hawk Down" '01, "Matchstick Men" '03, "American Gangster" '07, "Body of Lies" '08, "The Counselor" '13, "The Martian" '15, "Alien: Covenant" '17, "The Last Duel" '21"House of Gucci" '21, "Napoleon" '23, "Gladiator II" '24) plus many other films, TV, shorts, videos and music videos. This filmmaker has certainly proved himself as a fine, talented director. He simply knows how to work with his actors so as to have them dig deep into their respective characters in order to convey that the characters they are portraying are convincing. If you like his brand of directing, he has several films in pre=production, namely his "It's What I Do" and "The Color of Lightning". It was penned well by seasoned writer Mark L. Smith ("Seance" '06, "Vacancy" '07, "Vacancy 2: The First Cut" '08, "The Hole" '09, "Martyers" '15, "The Revenant" '15, "Overlord" '18, "The Midnight Sky" '20, "The Marsh King's Daughter" '23, "The Boys in the Boat' '23, "Twisters" '24) plus TV, based on the novel by Peter Heller. This, as with other apocalyptic films are typically with a grim premise, although with Hig's unrealistic form of optimism, it does bring in some lighter moments. There are well defined characters and all with a distinct personality, but other than a couple of small places of continuity issues, this story was fascinating. There were a couple of places where you saw Hig with his wife, Melissa, however, later it was learned that she had passed away from the virus, so there was some rethinking involved. The cinematography by Erik Messerschmidt, asc was incredible and definitely enhanced the production. 

Certainly if you like the films of Ridley Scott, you will have hit a home run. He knows his craft well. And all the different stars in this were believable and played off each other effectively. The direction, acting and cinematography surely shined in this and we are the victors of it.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: R                                         118mins.

Coyote vs. Acme

For a season of animated  and big-budget films, there hasn't been the usual number of animated movies. So, when I saw my first trailer of "Coyote vs. Acme", I was sold, especially since I was raised on the Looney Tunes cartoons Warner Bros. would dole out. This film is exactly what one would expect--pure fun!

After all of the products made by ACME Corporation backfire on Wile E. Coyote, in his pursuit of the Road Runner, he hires an equally unlucky human attorney, Kevin Avery (Will Forte) to sue the company. When Wile E.'s lawyer finds out that his former law firm's intimidating boss is ACME's lead council, Buddy Crane (John Cena), he teams up with Wile E, and his new, energetic intern, Paige (Lana Condor) to win the court case against him. 

Others to round out the cast are Tone Bell as Sal Maltese, Martha Kelly as Dottie Jones, Luis Guzman as Judge Troppogrosso, P.J. Byrne as Bill Pelicanos, John Early as Henry Heslop, Nancy Linehan Charles as Cherry, Kenneth Choi as Oscar Jeon and Eric Bauza as the voices of Bugs Bunny, Charlie Dog, Daffy Duck, Dr. Lorre, Elmer Fudd, Foghorn Leghorn, Gossamer, Porky Pig, Road Runner and Tweety. 

This was directed with Looney Tunes humor and adventure by Dave Green ("Earth to Echo" '14) plus TV, shorts and music videos. Even though this filmmaker only has one other feature film to his credit, he certainty was able to combine the live action and animation in a truly seamless way. Surely his TV and shorts work has served him well and he proved it in spades. And the animation of Warner Bros. was captivating yet entertaining. It was equally penned well by writer Samy Burch ("May December" '23, "Late Fame" '25) plus shorts, based on a screen story by James Gunn, Jeremy Slater and Samy Burch, which is based on the 'New Yorker' article by Ian Frazier. The premise is so today with corporate greed and profit, yet also conveyed in a whacky, Looney Tunes way. So, it basically has something for all. It did hold a couple of very small slow aspects around the middle of the screenplay, but when it picked up the pace once again, it simply soared. And, of course, the animation combined with live action was stunning as well as entertaining.

Mel Blanc originally created the voices for the Looney Tunes animated characters, but since he passed away long ago, Eric Bauza has taken over the reins and sounds just like them. Certainly, if you like the Looney Tunes characters, you'll be in Warner Bros. Animation heaven. This is a great film for the whole family, so grab the popcorn and have a good laugh!

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

 

Mutiny

If one has seen a Jason Statham film, the only real difference in them is his character name in the film and the title of the film, otherwise they are fairly similar. Even though these films aren't literary pieces, they ring true in that his characters always right wrongs of those that don't deserve to be in the predicament they're in. Good guys vs bad guys--isn't this why we go to the movies?

Cole Reed (Jason Statham) works as a bodyguard and head of security for a wealthy billionaire industrialist, Tibu Campallo (Ramon Tikaram).  After his boss is murdered right in front of him and is framed for the crime, Reed goes on the run. He stows away on a cargo ship to track down those responsible with a woman he meets on the ship to assist him, Agent Angie Ellis (Annabelle Wallis), where they uncover a vast international conspiracy involving human trafficking. they then fight their way through the crew to reach the captain, Marko Madsen (Roland Moller).

Others to round out the cast are Chaneil Kular as Kameron Campallo, Tibu's son, Jason Wong as Taran, Marvin Campbell as Simon, Arnas Fedaravicius as Mateo Pineda, Adrian Lester as Captain Adam Spencer and Simon Kluth as Jaran Daniles.

This was directed with amazing intensity and grit by seasoned Jean-Francois Richet ("Etat des lieux" '95, "Ma 6-T va crack-er" '97, "De l'amour" '01, "Assault on Precinct 13" '05, "Mesrine: Public Enemy No. 1" '08, "One Wild Moment" '15, "Blood Father" '16, "The Empire of Paris" '18, "Plane" '23).This filmmaker certainly knows how to encourage his actors to dig deep when developing their respective characters and that is the trademark of a talented director. If you like his style, his "Quasimoto" is in post -production at this present time. It was written by Lindsay Michel and J.P. Davis ("Plane" '23). The script in this was a bit disjointed in parts and actually was a flashback, but you didn't know it until the end; whether or not that was purposed, not sure. But considering the very limited experience, this was amazing. These guys simply need more work, specifically feature films, since this story had that frenetic feel to it that kept its audience glued. And of course, Statham is so good at vengeance--making wrongs right--he's the king. 

If you like films like "Beekeeper",  "A Working Man", "Shelter", "Wrath of Man", "The Mechanic", plus scads of others, you'll love this. It falls within the similar format as the other films. Does it make this a bad film? Certainly not, Statham sticks to what he does best, and because they are typically slickly produced, it makes for a film that you can sit back with the popcorn and enjoy, and isn't this why we go see the movies anyway? 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                      Rated: R                                        96mins.

 

The Brink of War

War films, or films about war or the potentiality thereof have been a common staple genre of Hollywood's for decades, so the list is endless. The moving going audiences have had a fascination about the subject, so, for added profit, Hollywood keeps the ball rolling. This time around we have in the offing a film about negotiations between the USA and Russia back in 1986, lest a war could be started. 

President Reagan (Jeff Daniels) races against time to salvage a deal with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev (Jared Harris) that could dismantle nuclear arsenals--or ignite disaster. With pressure mounting from advisors, including Secretary of State George Schultz (J. K. Simmons), Ken Adelman (John Ross Bowie), KGB Colonel (Joi Johannsson) and others, intelligence agencies, and history itself, every word spoken brings the world closer to peace...or destruction. The summit, or as Reagan liked to call it, the meeting, was held, in all places in Reykjavik, Iceland for security reasons.

Others to round out the cast are Hope Davis as Nancy Reagan, Branka Katic as Raisa Gorbachev, Aya Cash as Cleo, Guy Burnet as Alexander, Adrian Rawlins as Max Kampelman, Tim Dutton as Eduard Shevardnadze, Stephen Brennan as Paul Nitze and Catherine Burdon as Margaret Clancy. 

This was directed with nail-biting intensity by Michael Russell Gunn ("Workshop" '10) plus a short. Production companies obviously save money when hiring filmmakers with little to no feature film experience--sometimes they hit a home run and sometimes they strike out. However, in this situation, they were able to pull it off. Was it Oscar worthy? Probably not, but I believe they gave the audience what they were seeking out with this. The staging and pacing was amazing as was the grit it provided. It was also well executed by writer Michel Russell Gunn ("Workshop" '10) plus TV. Surely this writer took some liberties in the script, but then again, other writers do the same. It was taken as a flashback from a discussion Reagan and Schultz were having after the meeting and the film went back to tell the story so as to lead up to where they left off and beyond. This format has been used in other films, but can certainly be powerful. This writer only needs more work which he has been given with his film, "Alone at Dawn" now in post production. The one that truly shined here was Jeff Daniels as Reagan. He pulled off the voice patterns, the movements and Reagan's character with such aplomb style, however he is a fine actor. It wouldn't surprise me if he could be looking at an Oscar nod come that time. 

If you are a history aficionado or more to the point, a war buff that is into that what if..., this is the film for you. Daniels performance , and Jared Harris as Gorbachev was magical. The film was cohesive, tight and loaded with clarity in what could've happened if it went the wrong way. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: PG                                        119mins.

The Rivals of Amziah King

Contemporary westerns have been an offshoot form from traditional westerns that have usually been well-crafted, i.e. "No Country for Old Men", "Hell or High Water", "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" to mention a few. These films were crafted well, as is our new offing, "The Rivals of Amziah King", showcasing Matthew McConaughey's continued amazing acting.

Deep within the backwoods of rural Oklahoma, charismatic, musically gifted and an anchor of the community, Amziah King (Matthew McConaughey) herds a bluegrass playing band of misfits while overseeing the premier honey-making operation in town. When Amziah's former foster daughter, Kateri (Angelina LookingGlass) unexpectedly returns, Amziah leaps at the possibility to renew connection and create a family business. But the honey game is ruthless, and Amziah's rivals threaten to destroy everything he has built. 

Others to round out the cast are Jake Horowitz as Remick, Scott Shepherd as Chimmy, Rob Morgan as Riffi, Kurt Russell as Dob McCoy, Tony Revolori as Comar, Owen Teague as Pirate, Bruce Davis as Ossi Sunderland, Catherine Dyer as Mrs. McCurdy and Jason Davis as Winton.

This was directed incredibly well with pathos and grit by Andrew Patterson ("The Vast of Night" '19). Even though this filmmaker writes and produces under a pseudonym--James Montague, he still knows how to write a tight, cohesive script which is articulate while entertaining. It was written by James Montague or Andrew Patterson as aforementioned. His only other film credit is "The Vast of Night" '19. This was brilliantly and beautifully written as it was directed. His articulation in story was delineated with precise clarity. This filmmaker is definitely going to be a contender. Look out Oscars. The reason why I even gave this film a viewing at all was for that it starred McConaughey who is totally underrated. This actor finally reinvented himself when he starred in "Mud" and subsequent "Dallas Buyer's Club". I'd seen him in good films prior, however his more recent movies have been chosen so carefully--understandable. However, after viewing this, I'm encouraged to see what Patterson will do next. 

If you're a McConaughey fan, you'll love this. It simply showcases the craft that he is truly in love with, and it shows. Even though the story was based in Oklahoma, it was shot entirely in Alabama.. Not sure why, but was believable. 

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

The End of Oak Street

When "Jurassic Park" was released back in 1993, little did anyone know that it would spawn multiple sequels and inspire the film "The End of Oak Street" which was just released. This film is like Jurassic Park gone suburbia. It evolves into a survival situation and finds itself bringing the inhabitants together even more than a BBQ.

This film stars Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor as parents, Denise and Greg Platt respectively, in a 1982 suburban neighborhood that is mysteriously transported by a cosmic event into the prehistoric age, forcing the community including their kids Audrey and Brian (Maisy Stella and Christian Convery), respectively, to survive roaming, vicious dinosaurs. It comes down to there is no where to go, since there is an end to their neighborhood and there's no electricity, no running water--even radios can't work. Where is one to go in a situation as this? 

Others to round out the cast are Jordan Alexa Davis as Jeannette Christiansen, P.J. Byrne as Mel Jacobs, Hudson Meek as Kaden Tucker, Anne Gee Byrd as Mrs, Huddleston, Emily Kuroda as Mrs. Valcourt and Simms May as Zachary. 

This film was directed with amazing intensity all the while entertaining his audience by David Robert Mitchell ("The Myth of the American Sleepover" '10, "It Follows" '14, "Under the Silver Lake" '18) plus a short. This particular filmmaker caught my attention when his film, "It Follows" was released. I typically went to see that film with great trepidation, however after seeing it, I was won over. It wasn't the typical 'horror'. flick with dialogue one could recite and blood everywhere. It was original and the writing was far more subtle with little or no blood, but was definitely a horror film nonetheless. If you like this director's brand, his "They Follow" is being filmed at present time. It was also written well by David Robert Mitchell (See resume above). Again, this being basically a horror film, it doesn't fall into the same, formulaic, banal format that so many films of this genre fall into which makes this fresh and original. Was this flawless? No, not at all, however I believe that the few parts of this that went unexplained were purposed for reasons I'm not sure of. But it was a rollicking fun ride with a horror gloss over. It does start off relatively slow, but be patient--I believe this is also purposed to get the audience into the plot. But once it gets going, it lets loose big time. I would tell you what the unexplained events are, however that would dictate a spoiler alert, and I want my audience to be surprised. The score by Michael Giacchino was amazing, and the visual effects by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless and enhanced the film. 

This film had it all: suspense, excitement, adventure, humor and redemption all rolled up in a film less than two hours. Assuming this makes a ton of money, I can see a sequel in the making. If you like that up, close and personal feeling, it is presented in an IMAX format as well. This is a film that is quite the roller coaster ride, so break out the popcorn and enjoy this gem! I know I did!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                   Rated: PG-13                                     99mins.