Verity

The whole genre of the psychological thriller has certainly been around for a couple of decades, and with the popularity, isn't slowing down anytime soon. Films like "Shutter Island", "Gone Baby Gone", "What Lies Beneath" and many others can be and are bone-chilling, so keeps the audiences coming back. So, with that popularity, we have "Verity" to sink our teeth into.

This psychological thriller follows renowned author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) and Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), a struggling writer who relocates to the remote Crawford estate to ghostwrite for Verity after a horrible accident that Verity is involved in. After Lowen uncovers what appears to be Verity's chilling autobiographical notes, she wrestles with the disturbing and twisted confessions about Verity's husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), and finds it difficult to separate fiction from reality, manipulation from attraction, and opportunity from obsession. 

Others to round out the cast are Ismael Cruz Cordova as Corey, Brady Wagner as Crew Crawford, Jeremy's son, Irina Dvorovenko as Anna, Sienna Kulovitz as Harper Crawford, Jeremy's daughter, K.K. Moggie as Amanda Thomas and Tom Galantich as Barron Stephens.

This was directed with grit and clear intensity by Michael Showalter ("The Baxter" '05, "Hello, My Name Is Doris" '15, "Giles Vanderhoot" (TV movie) '16, "The Big Sick" '17, "The Lovebirds" '2020, "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" '21, "Spoiler Alert" '22, "The Idea of You" '24, "Oh. What. Fun."'25) plus TV, videos and a music video. This filmmaker was able to get his actors to really dig deep so as to flesh out the characters they were having to convince the audience with. He knows intensity well. It was equally well written by Nick Antosca ("The Cottage" '12, "The Forest" '16, "Antlers" '21) plus TV and shorts, based on the book by Colleen Hoover. With the amount of plot twists, different forms of manipulation by the different characters and doubts they were enduring, this script was amazingly moved along well. This writer doesn't have extensive experience, but he was actually able to hold his own. There were a couple a places that weren't fully explained, and a bit of continuity issues, but considering all that was going on in this story, a seasoned writer would've been hard-pressed to write this any better. Of course, all the major actors--Hartnett, Hathaway and Johnson were all on top of their game, and it showed in spades. 

If this genre of the psychological thriller is your favorite, you'll love this. It's a real cat and mouse game involving three individuals where manipulation reigns and the stakes are high. There are several twists and turns that will keep you wondering. The old adage of "oh what tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive" only came to mind during this.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: R                                             116mins.

                                     

Primetime

Back in the 90s and 2000s, there were a number of news expose shows to either inform, expose and even entertain us. One of those programs was Dateline on NBC, where they would cover something controversial all the while informing and making us think by shows' end. Well, we have now "Primetime", which is based on the show, "Dateline".

Set in 2006, this psychological crime thriller film follows the intense production by producer Andie Bender (Merritt Wever) and cultural explosion of the reality television series "To Catch a Predator" as host and commentator Chris Hansen (Robert Pattison) pushes the show to the ultimate limit in order to make network history. It's styled with a gritty, horror-adjacent and surreal aesthetic that explores obssession, media sensationalism and moral corruption. 

Others to round out the cast are Skyler Gisondo as Dan Plum, Matthew Maher as Xavier Von Erck, Phoebe Bridgers as Del, Victor Brunette as Frag, Bokeem Woodbine as Cortland Gunn, Alex Winter as Bill Conradt, Tony Revolori as 'Married and Looking', Anna Faris as Mary Hansen,  Chris' wife and Jonathan Lipnicki as Crazyfrog 73.

This was directed with grit, intensity all with a frenectic feel to it by Lance Oppenheim ("Some Kind of Heaven" '20, "Spermworld" '24, "You Can See Everything" '26) plus TV and shorts. His technique in the build-up Oppenheim was able to create between the different characters that were developed was amazing. This filmmaker doesn't have a ton of experience, but he will receive more work. It was reasonably written well by Ajon Singh, based on an article "Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die" by Luke Dittrich. Considering this writer has no other experience, this was written fairly well. However, during its progression, the script had the tendency to jump around and wasn't as cohesive as it could've been. It didn't seem to finish one scene and then off to another. Was it a wash. Absolutely not. The build up to their catching each predator was captivating. The premise was stellar--the follow-through simply needed more polish. Singh's "Spider-Punk" which is in pre-production hopefully will allow him to more develop his style. The acting by Pattison was exemplary. He was coached by Tim Monich as dialect coach, and it was seamless. Also Skylar Gisondo as Dan Plum was riveting. 

If you like these type of television shows, You'll like this, if for no other reason, the film also goes into what it takes to produce one of these programs. As aforementioned, the acting and direction were spot on. The writer simply needs more work thrown his way. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                   Rated: R                                          109mins.

Heart of the Beast

Through the decades Hollywood has produced quite a number of survival films in which or in what scenario people are put in in order to survive, i.e. "127 Hours", "The Poseidon Adventure", "Alien", any of the apocalyptic films, etc. So, when I saw my first trailer of "Heart of the Beast", I felt this might be a bit different considering one half of those that were surviving was a dog, and I was correct. 

Surviving a horrendous plane crash, a former Special Forces officer, James Belmont (Brad Pitt) finds himself trapped in the unforgiving Alaskan wilderness with his combat scouting dog, Odin (Uber). Together, they battle the elements and other animals in a harsh landscape that would likely kill any other man or dog. This is a story that emphasizes the old adage, "dog is man's best friend". Will they be able to traverse this harrowing terrain?

Others to round out the cast are J.K. Simmons as Watkins and Anna Lambe as The Woman.

This was directed with a grueling and wincing effect by seasoned veteran David Ayer ("Harsh Times" '05, "Street Kings" '08, "End of Watch" '12, "Sabotage" '14, "Fury" '14, "Suicide Squad" '16, "Bright" '17, "The Tax Collector" '20, "The Beekeeper" '24, "A Working Man" '25) plus TV, music videos and a regular video. As one can see by his resume, this filmmaker puts the 'I' in intensity. His staging, pacing and his ability to sequence a film is consummate. Truly, I know this would be amazing after it progressed considering it is difficult to hold the audience's attention when its about 90 percent of the film is between a man and his dog, and this was incredible in its direction. It was also brilliantly written well by Cameron Alexander (music videos and shorts). I was astounded when writing this review that Alexander has no feature film experience since this was written with such pathos, warmth, depth, and cohesiveness. Certainly his music videos and shorts have served him well, however this writer is still clearly a newbie, but a natural. Was this a fluke? Not sure, but we'll see as he will receive more feature film projects. He captured the plight of this soldier and his dog incredibly. This film certainly has one of the smallest cast I've ever seen. "Alien" back in 1979 had only 7 cast members, but this had half that many--and really only one...and a dog. 

This film had so many wondrous elements in it...drama, heart, fear, adventure, a little humor and redemption. The connection between James and Odin was portrayed in such a real and effective way. The Head Dog Trainer, Esther Murphy was as much the star of this as well. This is a great acting vehicle for Pitt, who could be up for that elusive 'Best Actor' nod this year. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                             Rated: PG-13                                     101mins.

The Weight

Period films are typically intriguing and crafted well, whether one is interested in the premise or not. But when you add an exemplary cast and direction, the outcome is an incredibly well crafted American film. This being set during the great depression, the story is intense and original.

In Oregon in 1933, four years into the Great Depression, Samuel Murphy (Ethan Hawke) is unjustly torn from his daughter, Penny (Avy Berry) and sent to a brutal labor camp. Considering his honesty and being a veteran, Warden J.J. Clancy (Russell Crowe) tempts him with early release if he smuggles gold through the deadly Oregon wilderness, but betrayal festers within the crew, and Murphy questions how far he'll go to see his child again. 

Others to round out the cast are Julia Jones as Anna, Austin Amelio as Rankin, Avi Nash as Singh, Lucas Lynggaard Tonnesen as Olson, Sam Hazeldine as Amis, George Burgess as Letender, Alec Newman George Taggert and Cameron Brady as The Man.

This was directed with incredible calculating intensity and amazing grit by Padraic McKinley (TV series). Unless this film was a fluke, this filmmaker is a natural considering this is his first feature film. Sure, he does have TV under his belt which has served him well, however, the nuances that this director showed in getting his actors to dig deep so as to convince the audience of the different personas involved was next to perfection. He will definitely receive more work. It was equally well penned by writers Matthew Booi ("Trench 11" '17) plus TV, and Shelby Gaines ("Wildcat" '23). As with the directing, was this flawless? No, but other than that of a couple of very small places of choppiness where it was a bit questionable, the script was spot on, especially considering the limited feature film experience. I predominantly went to see this due to the actors, Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe whom are consummate in their profession, but Hawke truly shined here breathing life into a complex individual with a persona that ranged from a slow crawl to a gallop effortlessly. Crowe was his usual solid role, but as compared, he practically yawned through this. It was Hawke that was amazing 

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

Daniel and the Fiery Furnace

Ever since "The Passion of the Christ" (2004) graced our screens and grossed a ton of money in the box office, religious or Christian films have only grown in popularity. We've seen many, whether well received or not, but now we are offered a new film based on Old Testament teachings titled "Daniel and the Fiery Furnace", based on the teachings of the book of Daniel.

This is an epic live-action biblical drama that brings the origin story of the prophet Daniel (Mena Massoud) to life against the backdrop of exile in Babylon. As Daniel rises within a powerful and unforgiving empire, a ruthless king, Nebuchadnezzar (Elijah Alexander) issues a decree demanding absolute worship under penalty of death. When three faithful men, Shadrach (Sunjay Midda), Meshach (Adam Lahraoui) and Abednego (Zaki Ali) refuse to bow a knee, they choose to be cast into a blazing furnace rather than betray their God. In the face of impossible odds, their defiance ignites a miracle that is seen around the world along with the king seeing, what looked like and angel or the Son of Man. 

Others to round out the cast are Roberto Zenca as Jeremiah, Sophia Decaro as Susanna, Jeremiah's sister, Mahir Pandhi as Habakkuk, Chandan Roy Sanyal as Ashpenaz, Jazz Lintott as Zaid, Zachary Coffin as King Jehoiakim, Saurrabh Kushwaha as Jehoiachin and Yukta Shah as Ayana.

This was directed with pathos and grit by Matthew Kooman ("E for Everyone: The Mouse and the Elephant" '08, "She Has a Name" '16) plus TV, a short and a video and Daniel Kooman ("The Story" '12, "She Has a Name" '16) plus TV and videos. These guys certainly work well together being brothers, and should continue to do so. Some of the staging was a little stiff, but once the film proceeded, it became much more fluid. They simply need more work which they will in the form of "Dream: Find Your Significance" which has been completed. It was also well crafted by writers Matthew Kooman (video) and Daniel Kooman (TV series). Considering this is these brothers' only feature film to their credit, this was incredibly well written. First of all, it was definitely written with painstaking accuracy in that not only did they follow the bible and the scriptures from the book of Daniel, but even many smaller aspects were also within the script which was impressive. And secondly, the sequencing of the events that led up to Daniel's friends being thrown into the fiery furnace was accurate and crafted well where the audience was pulled right into this powerful story. Certainly, if this is these two writer's first feature film, I am curious to see what they write next, and there will be a next time, because of the raw talent these guys possess. They also edited the film as well which helps in that they know exactly where to cut it per their need and want. 

Certainly if one is a Christian, you will feel right at home with this, but even if you're not, there's something for everyone here. It's a story about what led up to the well known biblical story of Daniel and the fiery furnace, however it was told in a way that was informational, adventurous, entertaining, and even convicting, 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: PG-13                                    108mins.

The Uprising

One aspect about films based in medieval times is that they are typically heavy on the violence, but considering the time in which people lived, this was, unfortunately, an extremely perilous time. So, when "The Uprising" was being released and Paul Greengrass directing. who is into reality, his films have that tendency to be violent if the film warrants. 

Ploughman (Andrew Garfield) becomes the leader of a ferocious rebellion including John Ball (Jamie Bell), Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis) and Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie) against the tyranny of King Richard II (Woody Norman). Set against the true events of the Uprising in England 1381 that helped inspire the legend of Robin Hood, he forms an army of the people to face the King's might in a fight for justice. 

Others to round out the cast are Katherine Waterston as Countess, Mark Redhead as Lord Peterborough, Tom Hollander as Treasurer Hales, Stephen Dillane as Archbishop Sudbury, Stanley Townsend as Chief Justice Belknap, Sam Chapman as Tax Collector and Sky Yang as Scribe.

This was directed with intensity and super realism that he can do so well by Paul Greengrass ("Resurrected" '89, "Open Fire" (TV movie) '94, "The Theory of Flight" '98, "Bloody Sunday" '02, "The Bourne Supremacy" '04, "United 93" '06, "The Bourne Ultimatum" '07"Green Zone" '10, "Captain Phillips" '13, "Jason Bourne" '16, "22 July" '18, "News of the World" '20, "The Lost Bus" '25) plus TV and other TV movies. This filmmaker puts the 'D' in detail--just check out his "United 93" and you'll know what I mean. "United 93" was so realistic it was a tough sit, however directed with crystal clear precision. If you like his brand of directing, his "Test Drive" is in pre-production. It was also effectively written by Paul Greengrass ("Bloody Sunday" '02, "United 93" '06, "Jason Bourne" '16, "22 July" '18, "News of the World" '20, "The Lost Bus" '25) plus TV and TV movies. Surely he is a much accomplished director more than a writer, but considering he is consummate behind the camera, he is still a fine writer. Really, other than a couple of very small places of choppiness and continuity issues, this script was amazing. He had to cover a great deal of territory as far as what this uprising was about and how much it got completely out of control, but he did pull it off. The cinematography by Pal Ulvik Rokseth, fnf was simply stunning in that he was able to create a frenetic feeling when it came to the battle scenes and during one fighting scene at night, his lighting, which only had torches and a bonfire for lighting was amazing and incredibly realistic. 

Certainly if you're a Greengrass fan, you'll love this. The photography and acting by Garfield, Bell and Jarvis in particular was effective and worked well off of one another. Greengrass' realism is trademark here and with this element being as distinct as ir is, it will leave its audience breathless. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: R                                      128mins.

Runner

Buddy films are about as much a Hollywood staple as are sci-fi flicks. We've seen a number including the Lethal Weapon franchise, "Midnight Run", the Rush Hour franchise, and others. All were crowd pleasers and all profited. So, when "Runner" was released, I felt, and still do feel, that this will do well in the box office due to it being a thrill ride from first frame to last.

A former Navy SEAL, Hank Malone (Alan Ritchson) is thrown into a brutal race against time when a critical medical delivery makes him and his unlikely partner, Ben Bishop (Owen Wilson)  the targets of a ruthless cartel, headed up by leader Damian Zaldivar (Rodrigo Santoro). As the mission spirals into a deadly manhunt, every detour, delay, and bullet pushes them closer to failure. With betrayal closing in from every side, they must survive the chase and deliver their cargo to save the life of a little girl, and relieve her very worried mother, Kate Baker (Leila George). 

Others to round out the cast are Peta Sergeant as Nurse Julie,  Kate Box as Dr. Ainsley, Goran D. Kleut as Luke Robbie, Cecilia Toussaint as Donna Zaldivar, Geraldine Hakewill as Monica, Gyton Grantley as Iggy and Scarlett Crabtree as Ellie.

This was directed with amazing intensity and grit by Scott Waugh ("Act of Valor" '12, "Need for Speed" '14, "6 Below: Miracle on the Mountain" '17, "Hidden Strike" '23, "The Expendables 4" '23) plus a short. As far as the pacing and timing, this film is reminiscent of the film "Speed" '95, whereas there was non=stop action very close to frame one until the end. As soon as something was solved, something else harrowing begins to make the situation more haphazard. It definitely kept its audience on the edge of their proverbial seats. It was equally well written by Miles Hubley (Shorts) and Tommy White (Shorts). While neither of these writers have no feature film experience, their first time out as film writers is amazing. Their script was tight, concise and cohesive which is more than I can say for a number of seasoned writers. Their ability to hold its audience attention is captivating as well as it is entertaining. If you like their style of writing, their "The Shave" is being written at this time. Hopefully that film is as interesting as this movie. 

If you like high-pulsating, adrenaline ridden, 'buddy films', this is the film for you. This film pulls its audience right in and doesn't let go until the end. As with "Speed" which I liked, this was a movie that keeps one riveted from frame one until the end frame and you walk away with an exhausted feeling only because of the adrenaline it creates in the moviegoers. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                           Rated: PG-13                                           98mins.