Bennett's War

Hollywood has produced many films based on true stories and has been doing so for years, but then a film, here and there, comes along that is actually written as an original story and If I didn't know better, I would've thought "Bennett's War" was also based on a true story. However, it is not which makes it more intriguing since it is out of the imagination of a writer. Who would have thought?

 

After surviving an IED explosion while attempting to save his comrade, Riley (Michael King) in combat overseas, Marshall Bennett (Michael Roark), a young soldier in the Army Ranger Motorcycle Unit is medically discharged and told by the doctors that one more accident could mean he may never walk again. When he gets home to his family farm, he discovers that his father, Cal (Trace Adkins), is behind in the mortgage and may lose the farm. Marshall's wife, Sophie (Allison Paige) constantly dotes over Marshall because of her fear that what the docs said may come true. Marshall works for a friend, Cyrus (Ali Afshar) who owns a motocross shop. As his leg, which was broken in the explosion, heals and gets stronger, Marshall believes, against all odds, that to help his family by the only means he knows...is to get back on his bike and do what he does best--to motocross, which is what he was famous for before entering the Army.

 

Others to round out the cast are Hunter Clowdus as Chris Walker, Brando Eaton as Kurt Walker, Tony Panterro as Tony Panterro, Taylor Kalupa as Amber, Anton Fair as Private Myers, David Villada as Mechanic and Josh Trovato as Mechanic.

 

This was grittily and rigorously directed by Alex Kanarivelo ("Central Booking" (TV movie) '05, "Alpha Males Experiment" '09, "American Wrestler: The Wizard" '16, "The Dog Lover" '16, "Running Wild" '17, "Pray for Rain" '17, "Dirt" '18, "The Ride" '18) plus shorts and videos. This is certainly familiar territory to this filmmaker, and normally, I feel that a filmmaker going outside the box would be healthy, however, considering the subject matter of the film--motocross, it truly does take someone that has familiar experience in order to convey to his audience the authenticity involved here. This director knows how to bring his actors to emit to the audience that grit and adrenaline this sport provides. If you like the grit this director provides, his "Mickey Kelley" which he also writes is in post-production. It was also written by Ranarivelo ("The Ride" '18) plus shorts and videos. The characters here were certainly developed in a way that came across as real as possible without them being reduced to maudlin, depressed people and not allowing them to stay stuck without any change in their lives. The emotions these characters exuded were extreme, at times, but life can be this way in and of itself. Considering this story is right out of the mind of this writer, I find that refreshing and original as opposed to those writers who adapt a novel, play, article, musical, etc. Considering Ranarivelo is a virtual newcomer writer in the theatrical arena, this was better than ever could be expected. Other than a few places of jumping around and a couple of very small slow places in script, this film was a nice surprise.

 

This was a film where a character is pushed to the limits and, after some serious soul searching, comes out fighting to not only help himself, but also his wife, his father and his friend, Cyrus. Roark was perfect for the role of Bennett. In fact, he looks a lot like Paul Walker, who is, unfortunately, no longer with us. Walker could've pulled this off, but considering, Roark pulled this role off in spades.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                     Rated: PG-13                                 94mins.

 

 

 

Overcomer

As we near the end of the summer film season, we start seeing a number of films that, financially wouldn't profit a great degree during a more profitable season. I'm speaking of the inspirational genre. Sad as it is, because most audiences want films where they need or want to think, so the industry is fearful to release these films at any other times, so a good number of people miss out tremendously. Even though many faith-based or inspirational films have profited, the fear still exists. So, now we have "Overcomer" in our midst to inspire.

 

Life changes overnight for Coach John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) when his high school basketball team and state championship dreams are crushed under the weight of unexpected news. When the largest manufacturing plant shuts down and hundreds of families leave their town, John questions how he and his family will face an uncertain future. After reluctantly agreeing to coach cross-country, John and his wife, Amy (Shari Rigby), meet an aspiring athlete, Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson), who's pushing her limits on a journey toward discovery. Inspired by the words and prayers of a new-found friend--a patient in a hospital, Thomas Hill (Cameron Arnett), John becomes the least likely coach helping the least likely runner attempt the impossible in the biggest race in her life and of the year.

 

Others to round out the cast are Priscilla C. Shirer as Olivia Brooks, the principal, Ben Davies as Coach Myers, Jack Sterner as Ethan Harrison, John's son, Kendrick Cross as Ken Jones, Denise Armstrong as Barbara Scott, Hannah's grandmother and Holly A. Morris as Cindy Hatcher.

 

This was effectively directed by the faith-based king of the industry, Alex Kendrick ("Flywheel" '03, "Facing the Giants" '06, "Fireproof" '08, "Courageous" '11, "War Room" '15). Truly, of all the inspirational, faith-based writer/director's out there today, both Kendrick Brothers, Alex and Stephen probably have the most impact of moving people right where they sit. Alex Kendrick's direction is spot on by how he is able to get his actors to exude just the most effective emotions without stooping to maudlin begging the audience to believe in their work without thinking about what they are watching. As his films profit, which "War Room" '15 did immensely, it will allow him to keep producing films that will touch the heart, calm his audience all the while teaching them something without being preachy. And with this, the writing implemented by Alex and Stephen Kendrick was not only written in a way that tugs on the heart, but is also well thought out, is cohesive and concise. Is this without flaws? No, if you're speaking of it logistically. There was a small amount of choppiness, but otherwise this story soared both spiritually and logistically. I always look forward these filmmakers' films because they are always so heartfelt and compassionate laced in reality. I will be looking for their nest film, and there will be a next.

 

If you are a believer in Christ or Christian as is typically the title, this will not only be a lesson of how to live better, but also be a real shot in the arm, However if one isn't a Christian, this is a heartfelt and compassionate way to be introduced to the meaning of Christ, especially living in a distraught world and maybe, just maybe learn something for your own life all put in way that is not preachy at all, and we all can certainly learn more in our lives about the meaning of life which this screams.

 

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

 

Angel Has Fallen

For a season of big-budget, explosive, high-adrenaline films, we just gotta have one more of them to end the summer film season. So, since students are starting to report back to school--you know, the major demographic of these films, Hollywood has given us "Angel Has Fallen". This is the third installment of the 'Has Fallen' franchise, the others being "Olympus Has Fallen" '13 and "London Has Fallen" '16.

 

When there is an assassination attempt on U.S. President Allan Trumbull (Morgan Freeman), his trusted confidant, Secret Service Agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler), is wrongly accused and taken into custody. After escaping from capture, he becomes a man on the run and must evade his own agency headed up by Director Gentry (Lance Reddick), and outsmart the FBI headed up by Agent Thompson (Jada Pinkett-Smith) in order to find the real threat to the president. Desperate to uncover the truth, Banning turns to unlikely allies, namely his estranged father, Clay (Nick Nolte) to help clear his name, keep his family from harm and save the country from imminent danger.

 

Others to round out the cast are Tim Blake Nelson as VP Kirby, Danny Huston as Wade Jennings, Piper Perabo as Leah Banning, Mike's wife, Rocci-Boy Williams as Bruno, Nathan Cooper as CAT Agent, Joseph Milson as Agent Ramirez and Sapir Azulay as Agent Peterson.

 

This was effectively and intensely directed by Ric Roman Waugh ("In the Shadows" '01, "Felon" '08, "Snitch" '13, "That Which I Love Destroys Me" (Documentary) '15, "Shot Caller" '17) plus a video. This filmmaker certainly knows his way around an action, suspense thriller hence his resume. By the way he was able to get his actors, specifically Butler to emit the emotions they did to convey believability to his audience is amazing. As the film builds momentum, this truly becomes a real nail-biter. If this is the brand of directing that pulls you, his "Greenland" is in post-production at this point. It was written by Robert Mark Kamen, Matt Cook and Waugh based on a story by Creighton Rothenberger and Katrin Benedikt which is based on characters created by Rothenberger and Benedikt as well. Even though this wasn't written by Rothenberger and Benedikt--they being the originators, it was still written by a consummate pro, Kamen. Robert Mark Kamen was the one who wrote the 'Transporter' and 'Taken" franchises, so it wasn't that much of a stretch for him to effectively write a film as such. It was also written by Cook and Waugh, but the lion's share of the work experience definitely falls on Kamen. What actually has helped Waugh with being effective with these types of films is the fact that he was a stunt coordinator on many films which has given him that edge on implementing an effective storyline. Cook has worked extensively with Waugh, so he basically came along for the ride. It did take a little work in getting this film going as far as the build up in the storyline, however as soon as it found its place and started cutting to the chase, this story actually soared. If you take this film, and the other two films--'London' and 'Olympus', you pretty much have similar stories which doesn't make this an original concept. The stunts by Greg Powell is the actual star here since his stunt coordination was amazing.

 

If you don't mind this film--being part of a franchise, being basically formulaic and predictable, then this will be the film for you. There's nothing expressly fresh here, except there are a couple of surprises in this, but are they enough to want this franchise to continue? Trust me, I'm not throwing the baby out with the bath water--this was exciting and obviously a gripper, just know this, so when you enter the theater, sit back, eat your popcorn and escape.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                          Rated: R                                    121mins.

 

The Peanut Butter Falcon

Between commercial and independent films Hollywood produces, the 'indie' film is typically the better acted, written and directed film head and shoulders above the commercial films. Where commercial films usually depend on making money and as much as they can, indie films center more on the art; the quality of the film. So after seeing :The Peanut Butter Falcon", this concept still holds true.

 

This is an adventure story set in the world of a modern Mark Twain in the Outer Banks of North Carolina that begins when Zak (Zack Gottsagen), a 22 year-old young man with Down Syndrome runs away from a nursing home where he lives to chase his dream of becoming a professional wrestler and attending the wrestling school of The Salt Water Redneck, headed up by Clint (Thomas Haden Church). Through circumstances beyond their control Tyler (Shia LaBeouf), a 32 year-old man who is a small time outlaw on the run, becomes Zak's unlikely and reluctant coach and ally. Together, they wind through deltas, elude capture, drink whisky, find God, catch fish and convince Eleanor (Dakota Johnson), a 28 year-old woman who is a kind nursing home employee, with a story of her own ,to join them on their journey.

 

Others to round out the cast are John Hawkes as Duncan, Bruce Dern as Carl, Jon Bernthal as Mark, Yelawolf as Ratboy, Jake Roberts as Sam and Mick Foley as Jacob.

 

This was brilliantly written and directed by Tyler Nilson and Mike Schwartz (shorts and documentary shorts). It is truly difficult to believe that this is these filmmakers' first feature film considering the incredible quality of both the writing and directing. Obviously producing the amount of shorts they've created has served them well. The pacing and staging in this was delineated well as was the emotions these actors exuded in their performances. LaBeouf certainly has been attempting to reinvent himself and with this, he has proven that he is the actor that I've always known him to be. Even Gottsagen as Zak, being introduced to films simply shined as this character with Down Syndrome and his ability to interact with LaBeouf's Tyler which is pure genius directing. The story was a tight, concise, cohesive script that flowed effortlessly. It is so rare that one can find a story that is as fresh and original as this is all with amazing acting while being incredibly entertaining as well. Surely, when these filmmakers write and direct another project, and they will, I will be there in the front row relishing in a fine story. These guys are absolute naturals and they need more work so we, the audience, can be better for it. Considering the quality of a handful of films so far this year, this has got to be one of the best films of the year.

 

What is so unfortunate is that this being an indie film, the advertising of it is minimal as compared to its commercial counterparts. These are the films that should be rewarded with accolades and profits. Although they may receive praise, the profits never seem to match. I beseech you to go see this film--it's funny, dramatic, well crafted and entertaining that will give you a great feeling and will stay with you once you exit the theater.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                       Rated: PG-13                                    97mins.

 

Blinded by the Light

Out of all the films out there to offer, I much prefer a 'feel good' film. Think about it--they're entertaining, inspiring, usually well written and there is typically a great lesson to be learned, not only by certain characters in the film, but to us so we can learn something we either know we need to learn or are surprised by. Such as the case of "Blinded by the Light", this film encumbers those very attributes which makes it worthy of a viewing.

 

Javed (Viveik Kalra) is a Pakistani teenager who experiences racial and economic turmoil while living in Luton, England in 1987. He writes poetry as a way to escape the intolerance of his hometown and the stubborn views of his traditional father, Malik (Kulvinder Ghir). When a classmate, Roops (Aaron Phagura) introduces him to the music of Bruce 'The Boss' Springsteen, Javed sees parallels between the singer's powerful lyrics and his own working-class environment. Through encouragement of his buddy, Matt (Dean-Charles Chapman), his girlfriend, Eliza (Nell Williams) and his teacher, Ms. Clay (Hayley Atwell), Javed, through Springsteen's melodies, soon inspire him to find his own voice and follow his dreams.

 

Others to round out the cast are Meera Ganatra as Noor, Javed's mother, Nikita Mehta as Shazia, Rob Brydon as Matt's father, Tara Divina as Yasmeen, Frankie Fox as Colin Hand, a D.J. and Sally Phillips as Mrs. Anderson.

 

This was directed with inspiration and heart by Gurinder Chadha ("Bhaji on the Beach" '93, "Rich Deceiver" (TV movie) '95, "What's Cooking?" 2000, "Bend It Like Beckham" '02, "Paris, je t'aime" (segment "Quais de Seine") '06, "Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging" '08, It's a Wonderful Afterlife" '10, "Viceroy's House" '17) plus TV, short documentaries and shorts. This film, like "Bend It Like Beckham" is directed in that down-trodden individual which makes good on their perseverance way. She knows how to take these working class people in this film and others and, through their support, community, patience and perseverance makes their dreams come true. And this, like Beckham are stories that are based on true stories which make them even more intriguing. It has that "Slumdog Millionaire" flavor to it where the audience simply wants to stand up and cheer for these characters and this all about the directing. I can't wait to see what she does with her "Pashmina" which is in pre-production. It was wittily written with heart by Paul Mayeda Berges, Chadha and Sarfraz Manzoor, inspired by the words and music of Bruce Springsteen. Again, as with Beckham, this was written with heart and is entertaining at the same time. Even though the premise is a bit predictable, the heart and the element of home and community brings this film to a place where, through tears and humor, it brings the audience to their feet cheering. This was all obvious in the writing. It was tight, concise and cohesive. Since Berges and Chadha have shared a plethora of experience in the same films, this only helps with the continuity.

 

Why can't we see more films like this at the multiplex, instead of the typical banal sequels, reboots, franchises and toilet humor films out there which are aplenty? Was this film perfect? No, however none of the banal films are either. But this film is certainly one that offers so much for all: humor, tears, redemption, all along with a great message of patience and determination, and we all could use more of these attributes especially in this day and age.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                   Rated: PG-13                                   118mins.

 

 

Where'd You Go, Bernadette

Have I said that comedy is my favorite genre? I believe I've covered that sufficiently, so when I went to view "Where'd You Go, Bernadette?", I found that this is not the typical mainstream comedy out there like so many are and this made me very happy. So many comedies are riddled with four-letter words, sex and drug activity and banal, toilet humor, whereas this was much drier humor with at times one would wonder, 'am I supposed to laugh?' We should see more comedies such as this.

 

Bernadette Fox (Cate Blanchett) seems to have it all--a beautiful home, a loving husband, Elgie (Billy Crudup) and a brilliant teenage daughter, Bee Branch (Emma Nelson). When Bernadette suddenly disappears, her concerned family sets off on an exciting adventure to solve the mystery of where she might have gone.

Based on the runaway best seller, this is an inspiring comedy about Bernadette, a loving mom who becomes compelled to connect with her creative passions (she's a known architect), after years of sacrificing herself for her family. Out of desperation, she feels she must leave without their knowledge even though she still loves her family. Bernadette's leap of faith takes her on an epic adventure that hopefully jump-starts her life and leads to her triumphant rediscovery.

 

Others to round out the cast are Kristen Wiig as Audrey, Judy Greer as Dr. Kurtz, James Urbaniak as Marcus Strong, Troian Bellisario as Becky, Zoe Chao as Soo-Lin, Laurence Fishburne as Paul Jellinek, Steve Zahn as David Walker and Megan Mullally as Judy Toll.

 

This was directed with wit and sophistication by veteran Richard Linklater ("Slacker" '90, "Dazed and Confused" '93, "SubUrbia" '96, "Waking Life" '01, "School of Rock" '03, "Bad News Bears" '05, "A Scanner Darkly" '06, "Bernie" '11, "Boyhood" '14, "Last Flag Flying" '17) plus others, TV, shorts and a documentary. This is certainly a filmmaker which cannot be pigeon-holed, which makes him creative, assured and willing to think and live outside the box which frightens the majority of people. His resume runs the gambit: comedy, drama, biopics, etc. This, as with his other films, showcases his abilities to be able to extract the emotions he needed to do, in order to convey a certain realness of characters to his audience. It was wittily written by Linklater, Holly Gent and Vince Palmo, based on the novel by Maria Semple. The character development for this was interesting in that it was delineated concisely in not only a humorous way but one that showcases a dramatic side to the characters as well. With this, one can see a real person that is more 3-dimensional as compared to other comedies where the characters are so over-the-top which can create absurdity. It has a great ensemble cast which holds your attention: Wiig's obsessive, noisy neighbor, Blanchett's depressed, acerbic, sarcastic architect/mom, Crudup's way too understanding husband and Nelson's common-sensed, passionate teenage daughter. Certainly Linklater has the lion's share of the writing experience here, but considering Gent and Palmo have both worked with Linklater, they will definitely go far.

 

If a powder-dry comedy laced with a certain amount of drama is your thing, this will be the film for you, however if you are into a more banal, formulaic, clichéd screenplay, order something off Netflix and call it a day. This is definitely a much better comedy than the other so-called comedies out there. It was funny, maybe not quite as funny as I was hoping, but funny nonetheless.

 

 

Out of 4 Stars:                              Rated: PG-13                                   109mins.

 

                                                                         

Dora and the Lost City of Gold

Ever since 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark", Hollywood has jumped on the band wagon and had produced many films that are similar to Raiders due to the massive profits of the Raiders franchise. Films such as "Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold" '86, "The Mummy" '99, "Sahara" '05 and the like have certainly received their popularity due to Raiders. So with "Dora and the Lost City of Gold", I'm sure the producers are counting on a success since there seems to be a pattern here.

 

Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle with her parents, nothing could prepare Dora (Isabela Moner) for her most dangerous adventure ever--High School. Always the explorer, Dora quickly finds herself leading Boots (her best friend, a monkey), her cousin Diego (Jeffrey Wahlberg), a mysterious jungle inhabitant, Alejandro (Eugenio Derbez), and a rag tag group of teens including Sammy (Madeleine Madden) and Randy (Nicholas Coombe) on a live-action adventure to save her parents, Cole (Michael Pena) and Elena (Eva Longoria) and solve the impossible mystery of an Incan lost city of gold.

 

Others to round out the cast are Adriana Barraza as Abuelita Valerie, Danny Trejo as the voice of Boots, Benicio Del Toro as the voice of Swiper, Christopher Kirby as Viper, Temuera Morrison as Powell and Joey Vieira as Nico.

 

This was whimsically directed by James Bobin ("Thumb Candy: The History of Computer Games" (documentary) 2000, "The Muppets" '11, "Muppets Most Wanted" '14, "Lupin the 3rd" '14, "Alice Through the Looking Glass" '16) plus TV, videos and a short. This being a family film, this filmmaker certainly was gifted with the ability of impressing on his actors to emit characterizations of an almost animated presence even though this was live-action. At times, the characters, especially Dora, came across as a bit over-the-top with a sappy, too optimistic presence, but I had to keep telling myself that this is geared toward families with kids. Certainly this fare is familiar to Bobin which makes him credible. It was written far better than I thought it was by Matthew Robinson ("Jerked" '14, "Monster Trucks" (story) '16) plus TV, and Nicholas Stoller ("Fun with Dick and Jane" '05, "Yes Man" '08, "Get Him to the Greek" '10, "Gulliver's Travels" '10, "The Muppets" '11, "The Five-Year Engagement" '12, "Sex Tape" '14, "Zoolander 2" '16, "Storks" '16, "Night School" '18) plus others, TV and a video short, based on a story by Tom Wheeler, which was then based on the series created by Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh and Eric Weiner. I'm not sure why Robinson received top writing credit to this since Stoller is clearly a veteran writer. Maybe Stoller was attempting to give a leg up to a writer that's not as experienced. Not sure. I'm sure Robinson had a certain amount of pivotal ideas in this, and he does display talent hence his "Monster Problems" is in post production at this point, but he's still learning. Stoller is a veteran and has proven himself time and again hence his vast resume. Other than a few things in this that just couldn't happen and a couple of places that were a bit confusing, this script was surely meatier than I ever thought it would be. It was tight, well thought out and slickly edited by Mark Everson. This does borrow some things from Raiders, with the swashbuckling, humor and over-the-top situations, but this is what makes this fun.

 

If you like these types of films and have a family of young children, this is the film for you. Young single adults might find this a bit sappy and corny, but it all depends on ones' perspective. It is a nice escape and I'm always glad to see films that are made to cater to families out there since there doesn't seem to be enough of them.

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                         Rated: PG                                        102mins.

 

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Movies centering around animals go back a number of decades. "Francis the Mule", "Benji", "Beethoven", "A Dog's Purpose", "Cats & Dogs" and the like are films many of us have grown up with. We are fascinated with animals, especially dogs, so when "The Art of Racing in the Rain" was released, I felt it would be a perennial favorite.

 

Based on the best-selling novel by Garth Stein, this story is a heartfelt tale narrated by a witty and philosophical dog named Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner). Through his bond with his owner, Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia), an aspiring Formula One race car driver, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition and understands that the techniques needed on the racetrack can also be used to successfully navigate the journey of life. The film, as told as a flashback through the eyes of Enzo, follows Denny and loves of his life--his wife, Eve (Amanda Seyfried), their young daughter Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), and ultimately, his true best friend, Enzo.

 

Others to round out the cast are Gary Cole as Don Kitch, Martin Donovan as Maxwell, Eve's father, Kathy Baker as Trish, Eve's mother, Andres Joseph as Tony, Ian Lake as Mike, McKinley Belcher III as Mark Finn, Denny's lawyer and Lily Dodsworth-Evans as teenage Zoe.

 

This was powerfully directed by Simon Curtis ("Prince of Hearts" (TV movie) '97, "My Summer with Des" (TV movie) '98, "Man and Boy" (TV movie) '02, "Born in the USA" (TV movie) '07, "A Short Stay in Switzerland" (TV movie) '09, "My Week with Marilyn" '11, "Woman in Gold" '15, "Goodbye Christopher Robin" '17) plus TV. I say powerful for the reason that the characters come across incredibly realistic. Being the film it is, the characters would be easy to be presented in such a schmaltzy way, but not these characters. As his resume dictates, this is the TV movie king, however this will only serve Curtis that much more. I haven't seen seasoned directing as this is from veteran directors. It was written by veteran Mark Bomback ("The Night Caller" '98, "Godsend" '04, "Live Free or Die Hard" '07, "Deception" '08, "Race to Witch Mountain" '09, "Unstoppable" '10, "Total Recall" '12, "The Wolverine" '13, "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" '14, "Insurgent" '15, "War for the Planet of the Apes" '17) plus TV, based on the novel by Gareth Stein. What makes this writer a prolific one is the fact that he is willing to write using any genre on various topics covering a multitude of subject matter--one cannot pigeon-hole this guy. As with his past work, Bomback is willing to write outside the box which makes him a writer that will always be in demand. The character development in this was effective without going over-the-top with the script. And although this was a compelling story, it wasn't without issues. There were places that progressed a bit too quickly and other areas that seemed as though they dragged a bit. Don't get me wrong, the staging in this was effective, but it could've been spaced in a way that flowed a little easier.

 

If you're a dog lover, you'll be in film heaven, but even if you're not, this film has a great message in that we are all connected in some form or fashion and if we lose track of that aspect, our strength, our commitment and our love for one another will suffer. It's amazing that we end up learning this from a dog--but hey, whatever works.

 

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

 

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

One of the oldest genres in Hollywood today is that of the ghost or scary story one. Sometimes it can bleed into the horror genre, however it is its own genre. Whereas horror is simply a blood bath in living Technicolor, a ghost or scary story typically allows its audience to reach into their imaginations in order to scare themselves. This is what I felt was intriguing about "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark".

 

It's 1968 in America. Change is blowing in the wind...but seemingly far removed from the unrest in the cities is the small town of Mill Valley, PA where, for generations, the shadow of the Bellows family has loomed large. It is in their mansion on the edge of town that Sarah (Kathleen Pollard), a young girl with horrible secrets, turned her tortured life into a series of scary stories, written in a book that has transcended time--stories that have a way of becoming all too real for a group of teenagers including Stella (Zoe Margaret Colletti), Ramon (Michael Garza), Auggie (Gabriel Rush), Chuck (Austin Zajur) and Ruth (Natalie Ganzhorn) who discover Sarah's terrifying home. These teens must solve the mystery surrounding sudden and macabre deaths before the book of scary stories becomes their undoing.

 

Others to round out the cast are Dean Norris as Roy, Stella's father, Gil Bellows as Chief Turner, Lorraine Toussaint as Lou Lou and Austin Abrams as Tommy.

 

This was grittily and intensely directed by Andre Ovredal ("Future Murder" 2000, "Trollhunter" '10, "The Autopsy of Jane Doe" '16) plus shorts. The intensity of this filmmaker certainly coincides with Guillermo del Toro--the producer and one of the writers in which the screen story is based. I can't help but think that Ovredal was influenced by the style of del Toro which, in my book, is a compliment. The work of del Toro ("Hellboy" '04, "Pan's Labyrinth" '06, "Pacific Rim" '13, "The Shape of Water" '17) plus others, is definitely a body of work that could, and should, be an influence to anyone in the filmmaking arena. Ovredal has a definite ability to play his characters in a way where it's horror...or is it a scary story? It keeps his audience consistently guessing all the while biting their nails wondering what's going to happen next. If you like his brand of directing, his "Mortal" is in post-production for a 2020 release. It was wonderfully written by Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman (animated TV and work where the story was based on them), based on a screen story by Guillermo del Toro, Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, which is based on the novel by Alvin Schwartz. What actually amazes me is that considering these two writers' experience lies mostly in the animated realm, I am perplexed in how this screenplay could be as well thought out, cohesive and tight as it was. Ghost stories, horror and the like are not my favorite film fare, however as I viewed this, I was totally pulled into its story--it was riveting. Many of the stars in this are not A-list actors, but when seeing this, it is not for anything other than pure storytelling at its finest of which it's why it was made. Everything else including visual effects, photography or editing pales in comparison to the way this story was being told.

 

This film gives a one two punch where, like in other films, it doesn't depend on the visuals or special effects makeup to keep you on the edge of your seat. The pure storytelling, intense direction and awesome sound design gives this film a huge stamp of approval.

 

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

 

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

As we are in the dog days of the summer film season, we have seen a number of the usual suspects: several big-budget and animated flicks to woo that demographic into those elusive theater seats--cha-ching! When I saw the first trailer of  "Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw", I felt this was going to be the quintessential summer popcorn flick replete with wild stunts, explosions and high-adrenaline, and I would say I nailed that one!

 

Ever since hulking lawman Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson), a loyal agent of America's Diplomatic Security Service, and lawless outcast Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), a former British military elite operative, first faced off in 2015's "Furious 7", the duo have swapped smack talk and body blows as they've tried to take each other down. But when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever--and bests a brilliant and fearless rogue MI6 agent Hattie (Vanessa Kirby), who just happens to be Shaw's sister--these two sworn enemies must partner up to bring down the only guy who might be badder than themselves.

 

Others to round out the cast are Helen Mirren as Queenie, Deckard and Hattie's mother, Eiza Gonzalez as Madame M, Eddie Marsan as Professor Andreiko, Eliana Su'a as Sam, Cliff Curtis as Jonah, Hobbs' brother, Lori Pelenise Tuisano as Sefina, Hobbs' mother, John Tui as Kal and Joshua Mauga as Timo.

 

This was grittily directed by David Leitch ("Atomic Blonde" '17, "Deadpool 2" '18) plus a ton of stunt work. As with other stunt coordinators, this filmmaker has made the transition to the director's chair--and has done so with gusto. Not only did he capture the clever banter between the two lead stars in this, his eye for wild stunts--along with the consummates, Chris O'Hara and Simon Crane is simply unsurpassed. As long as he stays within his comfort zone, he will likely excel with directing. He is a busy guy with both "Undying Love" and "The Division" in pre-production. Talk about staying within your comfort zone, this was written in a rapid fire way by Chris Morgan ("Cellular" '04, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" '06, "Wanted" '08, "Fast & Furious" '09, "Fast Five" '11, "Fast & Furious 6" '13, "47 Ronin" '13, "Furious 7" '15, "The Fate of the Furious" '17) plus TV, and Drew Pearce ("No Heroics" (TV movie) '09, "Iron Man 3" '13, "Hotel Artemis" '18) plus TV and shorts, based on a story by Morgan, which is based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson. Since Morgan is the "Fast & Furious" king, it's no surprise that he penned a good deal of this script. In fact, Morgan has written the next installment, "Fast & Furious 9" which is being filmed now. There are many interesting characters in which to shoot off with there own film that this is certainly the main reason that this worked. The other (and maybe the more important) reason why this worked was that both Morgan and Pearce decided to write this storyline with an abundance of humor--not belly laugh comedy, but humor that allowed us to see that these guys were not without issues, which makes them come across as more human. If this was written as a straight out drama, it would've come off as cheesy. Of course, this wasn't without issues--it was definitely too long-in-the-tooth. This could've had approximately 15 minutes shaved off the running time and still gotten their point across. Elba played a great baddie and even both Ryan Reynolds and Kevin Hart had non-credited small, however pivotal roles in this this which gave it that much more humor.

 

As mentioned prior, the stunt coordinators were the real stars here. This encumbered an amazing array of stunts that left the audience wondering how they did those amazing stunts? This is the type of film that one can totally escape into. An Academy Award possibility? Heck no, but you have to know this before you enter the multiplex. Enjoy this, it's quite the roller coaster ride!

 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                   Rated: PG-13                                         137mins.