The Nightmare Before Christmas

 

As the pandemic surges on, we have been offered a plethora of films being re-released to fill the multiplexes since many of the film studios have opted to push some pf their films to next year so as to profit in order to continue to be solvent. So, out of the ones that are back in theaters, we have the delightful "The Nightmare Before Christmas".

This film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon and Danny Elman-singing), Halloweentown's beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the 'real world'. When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown with all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life--he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus (Ed Ivory) and taking over the role. But Jack soon discovers even the best-laid plans of mice and skeleton men can go seriously awry. His friend Sally (Catherine O'Hara) has a premonition and subsequently attempts to warn Jack of impending doom, however to no avail. So between Halloweentown's mayor (Glenn Shadix) and others, can this escapade really happen?

Others to round out the cast are William Hickey as Dr. Finklestein, Paul Reubens as Lock, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie, Susan McBride as Big Witch and Glenn Walters as Wolfman.

This was wonderfully and whimsically directed by Henry Selick ("James and the Giant Peach" '96, "Monkeybone" '01, "Coraline" '09) plus TV and shorts. This film being presented in a claymation format, Selick has certainly proven himself considering this was his first claymation film. His "Coraline" was beautifully and whimsically directed. It would be interesting to see what he could do with more films other than claymation ones. In fact it's been a while since he's directed a film, so it will be interesting to see what he will do with "Wendell and Wild" which is being filmed at this time. It was brilliantly written by Caroline Thompson ("Edward Scissorhands" '90, "The Addams Family" '91, "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" '93, "The Secret Garden" '93, "Black Beauty" '94, "Buddy" '97, "Corpse Bride" '05, "City of Ember" '08, "Welcome to Marwen" '18) plus a video and video short, adapted by Michael McDowell, which is based on a story and characters created by Tim Burton. Certainly Thompson has got to be one of the most talented screenwriters in Hollywood. Her "Edward Scissorhands" and "The Addams Family" are incredibly well thought out and well structured scripts and this film is no exception. As with this film, her other films are cohesive, tight and paced amazingly well. Before this film, no one could've connected Christmas and Halloween like Thomas did. Any other script would've ended up convoluted and confusing. 

Why can't there be more films as well written and directed today as this was then back in 1993? Watching this film gave me a sense of awe that it was the age it was. It is as fresh today as it was back then--talk about a timeless film. If you've never seen this film on the large screen before, I'm sure it's playing in a multiplex somewhere near you-- please see it.  It is a 77 minute gem where one can escape and enjoy a well crafted film and the great music and lyrics by the incomparable Danny Elman. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG                                                77mins.

Synchronic

 

Usually the sci-fi genre isn't one of my favorite ones, unless it has an unusual and interesting premise to offer, and as I was driving to the multiplex, I wasn't expecting anything intriguing. However, as "Synchronic" started to unfold, at first was a bit slow, turned out to be a film I clearly wasn't expecting.

When New Orleans paramedics and longtime best friends, Steve (Anthony Mackie) and Dennis (Jamie Dornan) are called to a series of bizarre and gruesome accidents, they chalk it up to a mysterious new drug found at each scene. But after Dennis' oldest daughter Brianna (Ally Ioannides) disappears, Steve stumbles upon a terrifying truth about the supposed psychedelic called Synchronic that will challenge everything he knows about reality--and the flow of time itself, especially after inadvertently meeting the creator of the drug, Dr. Kermani (Ramiz Monsef).

Others to round out the cast are Katie Aselton as Tara, Dennis' wife, Natasha Tina Liu as Christina, Martin Bats Bradford as Bob, Devyn A. Tyler as Danika, Lawrence Turner as Joe, Shane Brady as Travis, Kate Adair as crack girlfriend of Travis' and Bill Oberst Jr. as the looter.

This was calculated and delineated well by directors Justin Benson ("Resolution" '12, "V/H/S Viral" (segment- "Bonestorm") '14, "Spring" '14, "The Endless" '17) plus TV and shorts, and Aaron Moorhead ("A Glaring Emission" '10 plus the films listed above) plus TV, shorts and a video short. Certainly with the experience these filmmakers bring to the table, they have proven themselves time and again and this is no exception. The pathos and grit the actors exuded in their performances shows these two are talented. It was creatively written by Benson ("Resolution" '12, "V/H/S Viral" (segment- "Bonestorm") '14, "Spring" '14, "The Endless" '17). The writing in this has a 'Christopher Nolan' type of feel to it in that it is a bit cerebral, but definitely captures the audience's attention. I could go into some of the plot in this, however in doing this, it could possibly spoil the effect. As I mentioned prior, it starts off a bit slow, but takes no time in picking up the pace and then keeps one riveted. Suffice it to say, it involves past time travel after taking Synchronic. This is truly a Moorhead/Benson film considering they also were involved in the cinematography and editing and I feel that only contributed to its effectiveness.

If sci-fi, or more to the point, sci-fi that is intriguing and keeps you wondering is to your liking,  this is the film for you. It ends somewhat bittersweetly, not to blow it for anyone, but the ride there is worth the 100 minute running time. This also looks killer on the large screen as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                              Rated: R                                                101mins.

2 Hearts

 

Even though Hollywood releases the vast majority of their inspirational films in the spring, for some reason--maybe because of covid or possibly because of the holidays coming up soon, they opted to release "2 Hearts" now to stir our heartstrings. 

For two couples, Chris (Jacob Elordi) and Samantha (Tiera Skovbye), and Jorge (Adan Canto) and Leslie (Radha Mitchell), the future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. Based on an inspirational true story, this tale is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love and generosity of spirit, and challenges audiences to believe miracles can possibly happen. 

Others to round out the cast are Steve Bacic as Jose Bolivar, Jorge's father, Kari Matchett as Grace, Chris' mother, Tahmoh Penikett as Eric, Chris' father, Jordan Burtchett as Colin, a brother of Chris', Anthony Konechny as John, another brother of Chris', Mariessa Portelance as Dr. Porter and Neil Webb as surfer dude. 

This was effectively directed by Lance Hool ("Missing in Action 2: The Beginning" '85, "Steel Dawn" '87, "One Man's Hero" '99). Considering that the majority of Hool's experience is in the action genre, he was able to show us that he can pull our heartstrings with extracting the perfect emotions to bring the audience's empathy to the forefront. It was written by Robin U. Russin ("On Deadly Ground" '94) plus TV and a short, and Veronica Hool. This being based on a true story, it already obtained a very interesting premise, but as the storyline continued to unfold, it simply became choppy and convoluded in its continuity. This film having a 100 minute running time, it could've been a bit longer in order to explain how these two stories being from two decades could be connected. It truly had a difficult time in implementing this. The characters were well scripted in a way which created believability, and the music used was moving, but the script just needed more polish. These writers need to hone their talents more in TV.

Hollywood once again need to pony up the dough and hire writers that could've nailed this story. The best thing about this film is the message: love, connection, life and the cost it is to go through life and not realizing how much a person can help others. As mentioned prior, this has a great message, and this is what helped me through this.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                         Rated: PG-13                                                     100mins.

Honest Thief

 

When it comes to action-packed films, there are not very many actors that can pull them off as well as Liam Neeson, except for maybe Mark Wahlberg. With films such as "Taken", "The Commuter", "The Grey", "Cold Pursuit", "Run All Night" and the like, it was certainly not difficult to realize that he would be effective in "Honest Thief".

They call him the In and Out Bandit because meticulous thief Tom Carter (Liam Neeson) has stolen $9 million from small-town banks while managing to keep his identity a secret. But after he falls in love with the bubbly Annie (Kate Walsh), Tom decides to make a fresh start by coming clean about his criminal past to Chief FBI Agent Sam Baker (Robert Patrick), only to be double-crossed by two ruthless FBI agents, Nivens (Jai Courtney) and Hall (Anthony Ramos). Now, Tom must go on the lam to clear his name and bring them to justice.

Others to round out the cast are Jeffrey Donovan as Agent Meyers, Jose Guns Alves as bomb squad specialist, Lewis D. Wheeler as ER doctor, Osmani Rodriguez as short detective, Michael Malvesti as wired agent and Tazzie as Tazzie, Agent Meyers' dog. 

This was intensely directed by Mark Williams ("A Family Man" '16). Even though this filmmaker has no other directing experience to his resume--not even TV, his ability to create a gritty, tight story by extracting the most effective emotions to convey to his audience was amazingly well done. Most of his experience has been in the producing realm, so he certainly has hung around enough directors for some of that expertise to rub off. It was interestingly written by Steve Allrich ("The Canyon" '09, "Bad Karma" '12, "The Timber" '15) plus a short and Williams (TV), based on a story by Allrich and Williams. Even though there were a few twists in this, it was still a bit predictable in how it unfolded. It was a very similar premise which has been a common staple in Neeson's films: Neeson is a loner, meets or has a girlfriend. He has a past which leads him into danger and fears for the girlfriend's safety. He ends up conquering the bad guys, but first has to go through fights and explosions to save the day. What makes this palatable is that when you know this before entering the theater, it makes the premise more forgiving. Will this be nominated for any Oscars? No, but that's not why the audience is watching this. It's pure escapism at its finest. 

I feel that the main reason why we see films is to escape to a different place with different people so we can put our problems aside for a couple of hours. Well, I have to say, this film did that for me, and that speaks volumes. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: PG-13                                            109mins.

Yellow Rose

 

We've seen so many biopics in the past when going to the theater, that when a film comes along about the rise of a new performer, we tend to assume that it's a biopic. Even though "Yellow Rose" seemingly comes across as a biopic, it isn't. Does this detract from this 'rites of passage' film? Not in the least. In fact, it's fresh to see a fictional story that carries us effortlessly from scene to scene.

A Filipina teen, Rose Garcia (Eva Noblezada) from a small town outside of Austin, Texas fights to pursue her dreams as a country music writer/performer, while having to decide between staying with her Aunt Gail (Lea Salonga) since her mom, Priscilla (Princess Punzalan) was deported back to the Philippines by ICE, or leaving the only home she has known. If it wasn't for a good friend, Elliot Blatnik (Liam Booth), a bar owner, Jolene (Libby Villari) and a country singer, Dale Watson playing himself, Rose's journey would've been next to impossible to obtain. With this 'roller coaster' ride of a life of hers, she sticks to her guns even though all looks grim. 

Others to round out the cast are Susan Myburgh as Aleta Peacock, an immigration attorney, Beau Smith as Alan and Gustavo Gomez as Jose, a co-worker of Rose.

This was directed with such pathos by Diane Paragas ("Brooklyn Boheme" (documentary) '11) plus TV documentaries and shorts. Certainly the experience this filmmaker had delved into with documentaries and TV has served her well. I have felt that 'cutting ones' teeth' in TV can only assist when projecting oneself into the feature film business and this director proved this. She was able to make these characters come alive, especially with Noblezada playing Rose. It will be interesting to see how she does with "The Three Lives of David Wong", a documentary which is in pre-production. It was written with depth and sincerity by Annie J. Howell ("Small, Beautifully Moving Parts" '11, "Claire in Motion" '16, "Little Boxes" '16) plus TV, a TV documentary and a short, and Celena Cipriaso (TV and a short), based on a story by Andy Bienen and Paragas. Even though this, as it unfolded, was a bit predictable, it still had passion, compassion among all the crisis in which this 17-year-old and her family were forced to endure. One scene that I thought wasn't fully explained was when this teen's mom was caught by ICE, unless someone blew her cover as an undocumented person, how would they even know that she was there? But then there wouldn't be a way that Rose would be forced to 'find her way'. Otherwise, considering the limited experience of these two writers. this was a compelling script. Assuming they will receive more work, I would be excited to see what they can do next.

If 'rites of passage' films are to your liking, this will certainly fit the bill. It has an extremely talented and believable cast, especially Noblezada as Rose. She could easily receive an Oscar nomination for her work. Possibly Villari as Jolene could receive a supporting nomination as well. A small film that packs a wallop in spades!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: PG-13                                           94mins.

The War with Grandpa

 

During this pandemic, with all the fear, stress, and losses we have endured, we certainly need a number of comedies to lighten our load. Will comedies, or movies for that matter eliminate our problems and issues? No, but they can take us to another place and/or time and allow us to escape for an hour and a half or two hours. Such as the case with "The War with Grandpa", it pits a kid against his grandpa in, who is going to keep the kids' room after the kid is forced to leave to make room for grandpa? 

Peter (Oakes Fegley) and his grandpa, Ed (Robert De Niro) used to be very close, but when Ed moves in with the family, his daughter, Sally (Uma Thurman) and son-in-law, Arthur (Rob Riggle), Peter is forced to give up his most prized possession: his bedroom. Peter will stop at nothing to get his room back, scheming with friends including Billy (Juliocesar Chavez) and Steve (Isaac Kragten) to devise a series of pranks to drive him out. However, grandpa doesn't give up easily, and, with his friends including Danny (Cheech Marin) and Jerry (Christopher Walken), it turns into an all-out war between the two. Which one will win: old school or new school?

Others to round out the cast are Laura Marano as Mia, Jane Seymour as Diane, Poppy Gagnon as Jennifer, T.J. McGibbon as Emma and Colin Ford as Russell.

This was effectively directed by a filmmaker that has certainly directed light-hearted fare as a common staple, Tim Hill ("Muppets from Space" '99, "Max Keeble's Big Move" '01, "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties" '06, "Alvin and the Chipmunks" '07, "Hop" '11, "Grumpy Cat's Worst Christmas Ever" (TV movie) '14, "The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run" '20) plus TV and a short. With his light-hearted fare, this filmmaker has used quite the variety of formats to convey his films: live action, animated and live action with animation combined. He is certainly no stranger to this kind of fare, and with that he stays with what he knows best. The chemistry between De Niro and Fegley showed us their tenacity, but, at the same time, they loved one another since they were family. Sure, this wasn't an acting stretch for De Niro, but Fegley certainly wasn't upstaged and this is effective directing. It was written by writing team, Tom J. Astle ("Bejewelled" (TV movie) '91, "Elmopalooza" (TV movie) '98, "Failure to Launch" '06, "Get Smart" '08, "Epic" '13, "Home" '15) plus TV and videos, and Matt Ember ("The Dan Show" (TV movie) '03, "Failure to Launch" '06, "Get Smart" '08, "Epic" '13, "Home" '15) plus TV. While these writers have had questionable screenplays, this film is certainly an improved script with a more coherent storyline. Their "Get Smart" and "Failure to Launch" were dismal at best, especially "Get Smart". The premises of their films certainly have interesting ideas, however as they unfold, they typically become choppy and incoherent grappling to find a story. I believe their turn around film was "Epic". While it wasn't great, it was a vast improvement to its predecessors. This film has proven that with practice becomes perfect. Is this film great? No, but it flowed much better than I have seen them perform. And hey, how bad could this be with the likes of veteran actors, De Niro, Walken, Seymour and Marin? 

In this day and age, comedies and other entertaining film fare are more important now than ever. With all that's going on, I was able to go to the theater and escape into a very family-oriented film for an hour and a half and simply laugh, which is something we all need more of. Also, I beseech all who love films to go see a film or two in the actual theater (as opposed to Netflix or U-tube). I have been to many films in theaters, and they are safe as safe can be. The only difference I've experienced is that I must wear a mask. That's it! And the theaters need the business so they can continue to provide that movie-going experience for us all. 

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