I am on hiatus

To my followers or those who are first time readers:
This letter is to let all of you know that, at least, until the middle of April, I will be on hiatus from writing any reviews due to the coronavirus outbreak. Since the movie theaters' closures and the different production and releasing companies pushing their release dates back, I will basically have nothing to post. Be rest assured, I will be back with a vengeance to start up again as soon as the theaters are open and the film companies will start releasing their films. Please come back to continue reading my new reviews as soon as the the brunt of all this starts to wane. I will miss you all. Stay safe; wash your hands, self quarantine, work at home (if you can), and just be careful and smart and we will get through this. Take care of yourselves and if you pray, continue to do so--I know I have. Also, if you are stuck at home, I have over a 1,000 films in which to peruse so you can rent, Netflix, etc. Just type in the name of the film at the search bar at the top left of the site. I don't have all films that were released, but I do have many. Until later, take care. All the best, Gary Payne

Bloodshot

Through several decades, we have seen many superhero movies through companies such as Marvel, DC Comics and certain films based on graphic novels. Now there's a new company to add to that ever growing list which is Valiant Comics that "Bloodshot" is based on. Like with the other companies, will Valiant spawn even more films than just "Bloodshot"?

Based on the bestselling Valiant comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation headed up by Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce). With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he is an unstoppable force--stronger than ever and able to heal instantly. But in controlling his body, the company, including KT (Eiza Gonzalez), Jimmy Dalton (Sam Heughan) and Barris Merc (Alex Anlos) has swayed his mind and memories, too. Now, Ray doesn't know what's real and what's not--but he's on a mission to find out. Will he find the truth or be continually misguided in a myriad of lies and confusion?

Others to round out the cast are Toby Kebbell as Martin Axe, Talulah Riley as Gina Garrison, Ray's wife, Lamorne Morris as Wilfred Wigans, Siddarth Dhananjay as Eric and Johannes Haukur Johannesson as Nick Barris.

This was rivetingly directed by a newbie to feature films David S.F. Wilson (TV series short). Considering this filmmaker's limited experience in directing, this definitely kept its audience on the edge of their seats. Wilson has a ton of experience in visual effects and shorts, so his ability to helm a film simply made it easier for him to implement. It was interestingly written by Jeff Wadlow ("Cry Wolf" '05, "Prey" '07, "Kick Ass 2" '13, "True Memoirs of an International Assassin" '16, "Blumhouse's Truth or Dare" '18, "Fantasy Island" '20) plus shorts and TV, and Eric Heisserer ("A Nightmare on Elm Street" '16, "Final Destination 5" '11, "The Thing" '11, "Hours" '13, "Lights Out" '16, "Arrival" '16, "Extinction" '18, "Bird Box" '18) plus TV, based on a story by Wadlow which is based on the Valiant comic book by Kevin VanHook, Bob Layton and Don Perkin. One would think that with the combined experience of these two writers that this screenplay would've been more cohesive and not as confusing. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't a total wash, but it became difficult what was really happening as opposed to what was going on in Ray's mind. When it comes to melding these two aspects, a story can become convoluted, however considering the experience here, it could've been a more polished script. It did obtain some awesome stunts predominantly by J.J. Perry and the visual effects predominantly designed by Method Sudios were amazing, but even these were not enough to save this script which actually had a very interesting premise. Bad day at the laptop? Not sure, but it needed more cohesiveness.

If you're into comic book movies about superheros, no matter how the writing is, you'll love this. It definitely gave us some very believable characters and actors in this with amazing effects, but it simply needed more to grip us. If you want to see it up close and personal, it's presented in a nifty IMAX and 4DX format as well.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                     Rated: PG-13                                           107mins.

I Still Believe

As Easter approaches, Hollywood starts releasing certain religious and inspirational films to get us in the mood. Some are OK, and some are actually very thought-provoking and emotionally heart-wrenching. As with the case of "I Still Believe", this is incredibly heartwarming and speaks to the heart in ways that will surprise.

This is the powerful true life story of Christian music mega star Jeremy Camp (K.J. Apa). Jeremy's remarkable journey of love and loss proves there is always hope in the midst of tragedy and that faith tested is the only faith worth sharing. 
This starts in Sept. 1999 with Jeremy leaving home for college and saying his goodbyes to his parents, Tom and Terry Camp (Gary Sinise and Shania Twain) respectively, and as he lands in college, he meets and subsequently falls in love with fellow student, Melissa Henning (Britt Robertson). As they grow to know each other better, Melissa contracts stomach cancer and comes close to dying, however only, through prayer, pulls through. Through their friend Jean-Luc (Nathan Dean) and their respective families, their faith was tested once again when the cancer comes back. This is a true test, if not a trial, of their faith to rely on the Lord and each other. 

Others to round out the cast are Melissa Roxburgh as Melissa's sister, Cameron Arnett as Dr. Furst, Reuben Dodd as Josh Camp, Jeremy's brother, Tanya Christiansen as Janette Henning, Melissa's sister and Abigail Cowen as Adrienne.

This was directed in a sobering way by Andrew Erwin ("The Cross and the Towers" (documentary) '06, "Alumni" (TV movie) '09, "October Baby" '11, "Moms' Night Out" '14, "Woodlawn" '15, "I Can Only Imagine" '18) plus TV and videos and Jon Erwin (Same as above plus "Fully Alive" '12 and "Steve McQueen: American Icon" (documentary) '17. As one can observe, these filmmakers are avid inspirational artists. They have the innate ability to bring us a heart-wrenching and realistic account of different famous Christian leaders and/or singers to the screen. We end up knowing so much more about them and their lives. It will be interesting what they will do with their "American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story" which is in pre-production for a 2020 release. It was compassionately written by Jon Erwin ("Alumni" (TV movie) '09, "October Baby" '11, "Moms' Night Out" '14, "Coffee Shop" '14, "Woodlawn" '15, "I Can Only Imagine" '18) plus videos and Jon Gunn ("Mercy Streets" 2000, "The Week" '15), based on the book by Jeremy Camp. As this story unfolds, it is conveyed to its audience of the harrowing progression that not only Melissa had to endure, but Jeremy as well. The chemistry between Apa and Robertson was incredibly well thought out in their connection. It was obviously apparent how much these two loved one another by the approach these writers took, which made it gut-wrenching in how these two young people had to endure this. Their faith had everything to do with how they were going to get through this situation. One of the lines in this really stuck with me: "Suffering doesn't destroy faith, it refines it". Their writing showed cohesiveness and clarity, with an abundance of compassion and hope, all which is need in this crazy world. Apa, who plays Archie on CW's "Riverdale" gives a riveting performance as Camp and actually learned to sing for this. He already knew how to play the guitar, but proved himself as an actor with this. 

In a world where we have violence, divorce, micro organisms, incredible weather conditions, and the like, we need films like this more than ever, whether it's nearing Easter or not. If one would like to see this up, close and personal, you can see it in an IMAX format as well.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                              Rated: PG                                            116mins.

The Way Back

There are films that are based on true stories and there are films that come across as practically semi-autobiographical, so it can appear as those are based on a true story. Such as the case with "The Way Back" whereas it contains a different plot, however it comes across as 'life imitates art' or maybe 'art imitates life' as with the case of Ben Affleck.



Back in high school, Jack Cunningham (Ben Affleck) had everything going for him. A basketball phenom, he could have punched his ticket to college or even the pros, but, instead, through alcohol due to a traumatic event in his life, he chose to walk away from the game, forfeiting his future. Jack's glory days are long gone...but, as it turns out, not forgotten. Years later, he gets the chance to take back his life when he is asked to coach the struggling basketball team at his alma mater. Jack reluctantly accepts, surprising no one more than himself, and as the boys, including Brandon Durrett (Brandon Wilson), Kenny Dawes (Will Ropp), Sam Garcia (Fernando Luis Vega), Chubbs Hendricks (Charles Lott Jr.), Marcus Parrish (Melvin Gregg) and Bobby Freeze (Ben Irving), start to come together as a team and win, he may get his last shot at redemption. 

Others to round out the cast are Al Madrigal as Dan, the assistant coach, Janina Gavankar as Angela Cunninham, Jack's separated wife, Michaela Watkins as Beth, Jack's sister, Jeremy Radin as Father Mark Whelan, John Aylward as Father Edward Devine, Da'Vinchi as Devon Childress, Matthew Glave as Coach Lombardo and Nico David as Ryan.

This was effectively directed by Gavin O'Connor ("Comfortably Dumb" '95, "Tumbleweeds" '99, "Murphy's Dozen" (TV movie) '01, "Miracle" '04, "Pride and Glory" '08, "Warrior" '11, "Cinnamon Girl" (TV movie) '13, "Only Human" (TV movie) '14, "The Prince" (TV movie) '15, "Jane Got a Gun" '15, "The Accountant" '16) plus TV and a short. By his very resume, O'Connor is certainly in his comfort zone with this film. He is able to bring out the pathos and raw feelings from his actors in his films, this one being of no exception. He seems to have a great rapport with Affleck since he has worked with him before in "The Accountant", an incredibly a well directed film. If you like his brand of directing, his "Fast" and "Atlantic Wall" are both in pre-production. It was also written by O'Connor (see list of directed films) plus shorts and TV, and Brad Ingelsby ("The Dynamiter" '11, "Out of the Furnace" '13, "Run All Night" '15, "American Woman" '18, "The Friend" '19) plus TV and a short. Between these two writers' experience, it is easy to see how effective this screenplay was implemented to give its audience that one, two punch. The story came across so realistically in that Jack had so many trials in his life, it would be easy to believe how an individual could end up as he did. I could definitely respect the ending as it went toward the bittersweet side--life isn't always tied up with a nice bow. And this has to be one of Affleck's better performances--I could feel his pain. Not sure, but maybe because what he has been going through in his own personal life probably helped him. Other than a couple of very small areas of lack of conciseness, this story was spot on. 

This is a film that any avid moviegoer should see just for the performance by Affleck. As I've mentioned prior, you'll be able to feel his pain of all he went through is his past and what he must endure in the present. This all comes cascading down around him, and he must pick up the pieces if he is going to survive. 

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

Onward

Pixar Animation Studios, the company that brought us "Toy Story", "Monsters Inc.", "Brave", "The Incredibles", "Inside Out", and "Up" has now brought us "Onward", a modern day fantasy world involving two teens to find magic again. If there's any magic, it's what Pixar brings to the screen each and every time. 

Set in a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot (Tom Holland and Chris Pratt) respectively, go on a journey to discover if there is still a little magic left out there in order to spend one last day with their father, Wilden (Kyle Bornheimer), who died when they were too young to remember him. 
It turns out that the teen's father, back in the day, was a wizard and bequeathed the younger teen, Ian his staff in which he cast spells with. So with this, he was able to bring his father back, however only half of him. So, he and Barley set out to find a stone to assist them to bring their father's top half of the body back. So, ultimately with the assistance of their mother, Laurel (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) and The Manticore (Octavia Spencer), the search is on!

Others to round out the cast are Mel Rodriquez as Officer Colt Bronco, Lena Waithe as Officer Spector, Ali Wong as Officer Gore, Grey Griffen as Dewdrop, Pixies Dusters leader, Tracey Ullman as Grecklin, pawn shop owner, John Ratzenberger as a construction worker.

This was wonderfully directed by Dan Scanlon ("Tracy" '09, "Monsters University" '13) plus a video short. Even though this filmmaker has a limited amount of experience, his ability to showcase these characters in getting his actors to extract the emotions that were needed was amazing. Of course, with actors like Pratt, Holland, Louis-Dreyfus and Spencer, how could this director go wrong? It was equally well written by Scanlon, Jason Headley and Keith Bunin, based on an original story by Scanlon, Bunin and Headley. Usually Pixar uses the same writers consistently keeping that same originality and freshness in check, however these writers are relatively new, not just to Pixar, but also in general, and the result was equally with quality. How do those guys at Pixar do it? The story was original, fresh, concise and cohesive in its storyline and its development. I can't wait to see what they do with their next film, "Soul" due out next year. 

If you like Pixar or even any animated film, this will take you on quite the ride. Even if you don't like animated films, the story and the message about family bonds should cause one to make tracks to the multiplex. It's in a nifty IMAX and 3D format to also choose from. Another home run folks!

Out of 4 Stars: 4            Rated: PG             102mins. (including a 4min. Simpson's cartoon) 

Emma

English period films have graced the movie screens for a plethora of years, and with their popularity, Hollywood has jumped on the bandwagon and produced a number of them. The author, Jane Austen has fueled the source of many of these period films--"Emma" being one of them, and this being a comedy definitely makes it a plus. 

Jane Austen's beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending, is reimagined in this adaptation. Handsome, clever, and rich, Emma Woodhouse (Anya Taylor-Joy) is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. In this glittering satire of social class and the pain of growing up, Emma must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along. 
Emma has her very good friend, Harriet Smith (Mia Goth) whom she constantly plays matchmaker for her finding Mr. Right, however it becomes spoiled when her other friend, George Knightley (Johnny Flynn) realizes that Emma keeps manipulating Harriet so she won't lose her friendship to a future husband. So as George continues being Emma's conscience, Emma simply denies it and it seemingly causes more strife between the two. There are many others attempting to find their way in this world, including a boorish gossiping spinster, Mrs. Bates (Myra McFadyen) to keep the story rolling along, all while Mr. Woodhouse (Bill Nighy), Emma's father, has a very lackadaisical and obliviousness toward all those he's around. 

Others to round out the cast are Josh O'Connor as Mr. Elton, Callum Turner as Frank Churchhill, Rupert Graves as Mr. Weston, Amber Anderson as Jane Fairfax, Miranda Hart as Miss Bates, Tanya Reynolds as Mrs. Elton, Connor Swindells as Mr. Martin and Suzy Bloom as Miss Gilbert. 

This was whimsically and satirically directed by Autumn de Wilde ("Six by Sondheim" (TV movie documentary)-- segment-- ("Send in the Clowns") '13), plus video shorts, shorts and videos. This filmmaker is totally new to the feature film arena, and by viewing this film, it comes across as a film that was helmed by a seasoned director. The character development was as such that even when the characters came across is a toned down approach, they were satirically cutting. The TV movie documentary mentioned I'm sure was good considering the approach he had with this film. It was written in a biting, dry powder way by Eleanor Catton ("The Luminaries" (TV mini-series), based on the novel by Jane Austen. As with the director, this writer has virtually zero experience in feature films, but has an incredible flair for creating this satirical world replete with confused characters that are bent on trampling over anyone that gets in their way to find true love, especially Emma. Considering all the different characters involved in this film, this could've been easily convoluted in its writing, but Catton pulled this of in spades. The only issue with this would be that, at times, it was a bit difficult to understand some of the dialogue, but certainly not enough to defray from this witty story. If you like this writing, Catton's "The Luminaries" (TV mini-series) is in post-production. Two aspects that were stunning in this were that of the costume design by Alexandra Byrne and the makeup/hair design by Marese Langan. These production values simply jumped off the screen and amazingly enhanced the production as a whole. They could be looking at a nomination come Oscar time. There is also an American version of this, "Emma" (1996).

If you're a Jane Austen fan, you'll undoubtedly love this production, but even if not, this has an eclectic ensemble of amazing actors that have incredible chemistry, and Taylor-Joy is simply brilliant in her portrayal on Emma, while Nighy was simply a hoot! Enjoy. I know I did.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                        Rated: PG                                               124mins.

Seberg

There have been many actresses that have graced the silver screen in Hollywood's past that we have grown to love and remember, and there are some that while they were famous, certainly notorious, after a number of decades, have gone into obscurity. One such actress is that of Jean Seberg (""Saint Joan" '57, "Breathless" '60, "Lillith" '64, "Paint Your Wagon" '69, "Airport" '70, "The Wild Duck" '76) plus others. "Seberg" chronicles more her involvement with the civil rights Black Panther Party and the FBI's surveillance thereof.

"Seberg" is inspired by true events about the French New Wave darling and "Breathless" star, Jean Seberg (Kristen Stewart), who in the late 1960's was targeted by Hoover's FBI because of her support of the civil rights movement and romantic involvement with Black Panther's leader, activist Hakim Jamal (Anthony Mackie), among others. In this noir-ish thriller, Seberg's life and career are destroyed by Hoover's overreaching surveillance and harassment by the bureau's director Frank Ellroy (Colm Meaney) and his agents, Jack Solomon (Jack O'Connell) and Carl Kowalski (Vince Vaughn) in an effort to suppress and discredit Seberg's activism. This covers the years from approximately 1967 to 1971, so it does look at her activism more than her acting career during this time.

Others to round out the cast are Margaret Qualley as Linette Solomon, Jack's wife, Stephen Root as her agent, Walt Breakman, Yvan Attal as Romain Gary, Jean's husband, Laura Cambell as Mary Kowalski, Carl's wife, Zazie Beetz as Dorothy Jamal, Hakim's wife, Grantham Coleman as Bobby Seale and Gabriel Sky as Diego Gary, Jean's son. 

This had a noir-ish style by director Benedict Andrews ("A Streetcar Named Desire" '14, "Una" '16, "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" '18). I wouldn't say this was helmed by a newbie to feature films, however I also wouldn't call him seasoned either. But regardless, this filmmaker certainly has a flair for incredible staging and pacing of his actors. There is a plethora of different personalities in this story, and this director was able to delineate each character with finesse and precision. It was effectively written by Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse ("Frankie & Alice" '10, "Race" '16, "The Aftermath" '19) plus TV and shorts. I'm not sure why the writers opted to focus more on Seberg's activism more than her career--possibly because we now live in a society where constant stimulation is an absolute need or maybe an addiction. The surveillance of this actress certainly makes for great fodder, however they hardly touched on her career which is a shame. They could've melded both aspects of her life in a more delineated way. The screenplay certainly played out well--concise and cohesive, however there were a few places that were not fully explained. 
This actress was raised in Iowa and lived in Paris a good deal of her life, and I believe her problem was that she was clinically depressed (they didn't have a diagnosis in that era), and attempted to work in an industry that is so bias and intolerant most of time--even today--that she couldn't survive the Hollywood machine being as passionate and outspoken as she was. She apparently died of an overdose in 1979, however her body wasn't found for ten days after her death. She attempted suicide earlier in her career, but just couldn't overcome her demons. If you like this style of writing, their "Rebecca" is in post production for a 2020 release. 

Biopics are typically interesting as they unfold to us, the audience, however this would've played out better by intertwining the two aspects of Seberg's life more. Stewart's performance as Seberg was stunning in her look and her free-spirited way about her. This capsulizes the essence of Seberg. 

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