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.

 

One Night Only

When it comes to the majority of romantic comedies, or romcoms, they typically are written and presented in an extremely formulaic way, i.e. boy meets girl, girl meets boy, they attempt to become friends, and start falling in love. As a problem blossoms, and they become at odds with one another, and then they correct the issue and the story is all tied up by films' end with a nice bow. Sound familiar? Well, with "One Night Only", there is an element in which it does become different. 

Sometime in the near distant future. Three years ago pre-marital sex is considered illegal, except one night of the year. Two strangers, 'crash' into each other in an ever-so-slightly fictionalized New York on the one night when single people are allowed to have sex. Recently dumped Owen (Callum Turner) and hopeful romantic Allie (Monica Barbaro) may be the only two singles in the city looking for more than a quick encounter. They both feel a spark when they meet, but a series of mishaps and side quests will complicate their night. This romcom is about searching for love on the least romantic night of the year. But when you have one night only to attempt to make this happen, you must work quick.

Others to round out the cast are Maya Hawke, as Owen's fiance, Molly Ringwald as Linda, LeVar Burton as Rick, Charlie Gillespie as Ezra Stone, Michelle Hurd as Detective Vanessa Bryan Brown, Sydney Cole Alexander as Danica/Sophie and Frank Pando as Uncle Ed.

This was effectively directed well by Will Gluck ("Fired Up" '09, "Easy A" '10, "Friends with Benefits" '11,"Iceland" (TV movie) '11, "Annie" '14, "Peter Rabbit" '18, "How May We Hate You?" (TV movie) '18, "Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway" '21, "Anyone But You" '23) plus TV and a music video. This filmmaker hasn't cornered the market on romcoms, but certainly has a number of them to his credit. As with his last romcom, "Anyone But You", there was the attempt to change up the typical format, as with this film, but at the end of the day, it's still a romcom. Certainly the casting of Turner and Barbaro was strategic and that definitely helped, but not sure if this is great casting or simply amazing chemistry. Gluck was pivotal in making sure that these actors melded well and that can make the difference if the romcom is going to connect with its audience. It was interestingly written by Travis Braun ("Bad Boy" '25) plus TV and shorts. What made this film more interesting than the typical romcom is that the story involving a sex ban between singles, except for one night. Surely, this is definitely not a repeated format with this genre. I believe because the limited feature film experience, this film would've excelled well, but instead there were a number of inconsistencies in the script. This writer has a fair amount of TV experience, and given simply more work, he would become a writer to contend with, since his TV has served him well. As aforementioned. the chemistry between Turner and Barbaro was amazing and worthy of the price of admission. 

When we see so many films advocating sex out there, it's nice to see a film that makes it look like this one night, as people are no different than animals in their regard for one another, this projects humping each other as unnecessary. Love is love, whereas sex is sex, and never the twain shall meet. This film leads its audience, through a lot of dysfunctional people and their escapades, that love triumphs over all., whether there are parameters on sex or not. This was the best thing about this flick, other than the chemistry between the two leads.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                         Rated: R                                           103mins.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day

Ever since this Marvel Studios franchise started back in 2002 with "Spider-Man", we've seen many changes along the way including three different actors as the iconic character and a number of animated feature films. And even though I'm not particularly a Spider-Man fan, "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" is a film that has definitely improved on that franchise. What's amazing is that this franchise has lasted almost a quarter of a century. 

Four years have passed since the events of No Way Home, and Peter Parker (Tom Holland) is now an adult living entirely alone, having voluntarily erased himself from the lives and memories of those he loves, namely MJ (Zendaya) and Ned Leeds (Jacob Batalon). Crime-fighting in a New York that no longer knows his name, he's devoted himself entirely to protecting his city--a full-time Spider-Man--but as the demands on him intensify, the pressure sparks a surprising physical revolution that threatens his existence, even as a strange new pattern of crimes gives rise to one of the most powerful threats he has ever faced. 

Others to round out the cast are Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/Hulk, Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova/Black Widow, Jon Bernthal as Frank Castle/Punisher, Sadie Sink as Jean Grey, Tramell Tillman as Bill Metzger, Liza Colon-Zayas as Detective Jean DeWolff, Marisa Tomei as May Parker, Naomi Watts as voice of E.V. and Michael Mando as Mac Gargan/Scorpion. 

This was delineated with amazing precision by director Destin Daniel Cretton ("Drakmar: A Vassal's Journey" (TV documentary) '06, "I Am Not a Hipster" '12, "Short Term 12" '13, "The Glass Castle" '17, "Just Mercy" '19,"Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" '21) plus TV, shorts and  a video. Even though the last Spider-Man film four years ago, No Way Home was directed by Jon Watts, this movie was able to carry the similar feel of that film in order to connect the two films which makes a more effective transition. This is the first film this filmmaker has tacked that is a big-budget project and he definitively proved he can handle the riggers of such a production. It was equally well written by Chris McKenna ("Igor" '08, "The Lego Batman Movie" '17, "Spider-Man: Homecoming" '17, "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle" '17, "Ant-Man and the Wasp" '18, "Spider-Man: Far From Home" '19, "Ghosted" '23) plus TV and a short, and Erik Sommers (See resume of McKenna), based on the Marvel comic book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. This was a nice continuation of No Way Home with the voluntary action of Spider-Man choosing to protect the ones he loves for their own good and his continuation of the bonding brother-like camaraderie with his buddy Frank. But then, he does need another foil to battle, and the one written was surely ingenious. And really, other that a couple of very small places of continuity issues, this script was spot on. And, of course, the visual effects predominately designed by ILM (Industrial,Light & Magic) and Framestore were seamless and certainly emphasized that grandiose feeling this director was attempting to convey. 

Oh, and not to worry, there will be a sequel! I know that's tough to swallow, but it is true! Hopefully Marvel will use the same writers and director to pull this off, otherwise it most likely be questionable. If you're a Spider-Man or a comic book film type of moviegoer, this will definitely fit the bill. If you like that huge effect of a film, this is presented in an IMAX format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                            Rated: PG-13                                    145mins.

Motor City

Action films are about as commonplace in Hollywood as most other genres, and with that there isn't too much more a writer can create to impress the ardent moviegoer. As with the case of "Motor City", it's not overly original, but plays out in a captivating, slick way.

In 1970s Detroit, John Miller (Alan Ritchson) falls for a local gangster's girl, Sophia (Shailene Woodley). In retaliation, the gangster, Reynolds (Ben Foster) enacts a frame job via using a corrupt cop, Lieutenant Savick (Pablo Schreiber) to send the innocent man to prison. His life ruined, Miller plots a revenge campaign against the man who took his girl away, using allies Youngblood (Lionel Boyce) and Singh (Amar Chadha-Patel). 

Others to round out the cast are Dominic Bogart as Porthos, Mister Fitzgerald as Aramis, Rafael Cebrian as Athos, Ben McKenzie as Detective Kent, Elliott Mayer as P. Garrett and Peter Epstein as Dirty Cop. 

This was directed with high intensity and tons of grit by Potsy Ponciroli ("Super Zeroes" '12, "Colt Ford: Crank It Up, Live at Wild Adventures" '14, "Old Henry" '21, "Greedy People" '24) plus TV and music videos. The high adrenaline, explosiveness of this yarn was staged and paced incredibly well. He doesn't have a plethora of film experience, but this movie will show us that he can hold his own when putting an intense film like this together. It was cleverly written by Chad St. John ("London Has Fallen" '16, "Peppermint" '18, "Replicas" '18) plus a short. As with most action films as this, this has aplenty of double-crosses intertwinded within the script which can create a captivating story. The one flaw I felt was happening here was where a Detective Kent, who was part of an investigation, was seemingly being elusive in that was he a bad cop or an alright one? He was difficult to pinpoint. But, considering the plot was certainly something we've seen before, it was still presented in a way that was intriguing. Think--"John Wick" as far as the writing--not many lines, however the action spoke volumes, just like in "John Wick". The stunts were another star of the film--created by the incomparable Doug Coleman. 

Certainly if you like "John Wick" and that franchise, you'll love this. It was definitely made for the 18-24 single male demographic--ca-ching!! In this day of everyone and thing out there that is so serious, this is a great escape film to meld into. Nothing mind-bending here, but this is why we need to escape once in a while. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                         Rated: R                                                 104mins.

The Odyssey

One of the finest filmmakers that has come out of Hollywood in a long time has got to be Christopher Nolan. His resume is as extensive as it is impressive covering a spectrum of genres, i.e. war, crime, sci-fi, drama, etc, and delving into different eras of time. Now we have a film of the band of soldiers striving to make it home after winning the Trojan War. 

Odysseus (Matt Damon), king of Ithaca, embarks on a perilous journey to return home to his queen, Penelope (Anne Hathaway) and son, Telemachus (Tom Holland), after winning the Trojan War. Crossing the Mediterranean Sea with his fellow soldiers, they soon find them selves battling not only the elements, but an array of deadly obstacles and mythical creatures like Cyclops (Bill Irwin), Polyphemus, Sirens and Calypso (Charlize Theron) along the way. Meanwhile, there is turmoil at home with Antinous (Robert Pattinson) attempting to stir up trouble assuming, afters years, Odysseus is dead, so he should become the suitor for Penelope to gain power. 

Others to round out the cast are Niko Nicotera as Peisander, Corey Hawkins as Polybus, Jarreth Merz as Leodes, John Leguizamo as Eumaeus, Iddo Goldberg as Amphimedon, Elliot Page as Sinon, Elyes Gabel as Elatus, Zendaya as Athena, Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Lupita Nyong'o as Helen/Clytemnestra and Josh Stewart as Antiphates. 

This was brilliantly directed with a gripping and pulsating pace by the incomparable Christopher Nolan ("Following" '98, "Memento" 2000, "Insomnia" '02, "Batman Begins" '05, "The Prestige" '06, "The Dark Knight" '08, "Inception" '10, "The Dark Knight Rises" '12, "Interstellar" '14, "Dunkirk" '17, "Tenet" '20, "Oppenheimer" '23) plus shorts. Every scene in this film was created with such distinct clarity and delineation. He was certainly able to encourage his actors to dig deep in 'being' these characters they were portraying. I can't wait for his next movie. It was also crafted well by writer Christopher Nolan (See his resume above), based on "The Odyssey" by Homer. Nolan is one of those few filmmakers that not only writes what he he directs, but more to the point, he truly is as an amazing talent in the writing or directing realm equally. There are so many different scenes with so many different characters he must cater to in order to make his films make sense, this production being of no exception, that he is able to convey his story in an effortless way. Along with the editing by Jennifer Lame, ace and cinematography by Hoyte van Hoytema, asc, this film was simply a sight to behold. 

Certainly if you are a Christopher Nolan aficionado, you will be in Nolan heaven. Still, my favorite film by Nolan is "Memento" 2000 with Guy Pearce, but all his films are incredible and extremely creative. This was shot with IMAX cameras, so even if you don't happen to see this on an IMAX screen, it still gives its audience that awesome feeling to it. Trust me, this has shy of a 3 hour running time, however it flies by quick. This is a triumph!!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: R                                      172mins.