Haunting of the Mary Celeste

 

Of all the genres that Hollywood has produced is that of horror/ghost stories. Going way back to "Frankenstein" '31 and "Dracula" '31, a plethora of films along with sequels and remakes have graced the screen. Now we have "Haunting of the Mary Celeste" in the offing to sink our teeth into. 

Rachel Simmons (Emily Swallow), and her team, Grant (Dominic Devore) and Cassandra (Alice Hunter) hire a reluctant captain, Tulls (Richard Roundtree) to set out to sea to prove that the disappearance of a family and crew from a merchant ship was for reasons having to do with the supernatural. Her theory that those on the Mary Celeste vanished into a 'rift' between dimensions proves true as the boat breaks down and the crew begins to vanish one by one.

Others to complete the cast are Pierre Adele as Aldo and Ava Acres as Jennifer/Sophia.

This was eerily directed by Shana Betz ("Girls! Girls! Girls!" '11, "Free Ride" '13) plus a short. Certainly the emotions these actors exuded were effective and kept its audience on the edge of their seats, and this definitely calls for talented directing. She doesn't have a plethora of experience, but was effective in her execution of pacing and staging her actors well. Where this film falls short is with the writing by David Ross ("The Woods" '06, "The Babysitters" '07), based on a story by Jerome Olivier and Ross. I like a good ghost story, and the premise of this certainly was intriguing, however it simply got bogged down with inconsistencies and jumped around too much. Then the film just dropped at the end like the writer wasn't sure how to wrap up the movie. One of the best 'ghost story' films I've ever seen was "The Others" '01 with Nicole Kidman. What made that so fresh and original was that the ones that thought they were being haunted were actually the ghosts themselves--one just didn't see it coming. Possibly, if Ross had a bit more experience under his belt, this might have been more intriguing. It simply needed more polish. 

This film being made for VOD (Video On Demand) might have been part of the reason why the movie wasn't as captivating as it could've been, but it needed more closure. Directing and acting was effective, so it wasn't a total loss. This was released on 10-23-20, but apparently was sold to VOD. Maybe you'll like it. You be the judge.

Out of 4 Stars: 1.5                                             Rated: Not Rated                                           74mins.

Jungleland

 

Boxing films have been produced aplenty by Hollywood, and while they encumber interesting storylines, they do have a tendency to be rather violent, especially those that have a dramatic effect. Many have been made: "The Champ", "Rocky", "South Paw", "Ali", "Raging Bull", "The Fighter", and while they may be graphic in nature, they certainly carry a quality about them. "Jungleland" definitely holds that similar feeling whereas quality supersedes any possible flaws.

Stanley Kaminski (Charlie Hunnam) and Lion Kaminski (Jack O'Connell) are two brothers struggling to stay relevant in the underground world of bare-knuckle boxing. When Stanley fails to pay back a dangerous crime boss, Pepper (Jonathan Majors), they're forced to deliver an unexpected traveler, Sky (Jessica Barden) as they journey across the country for a high-stakes fighting tournament. While Stanley trains Lion for the fight of his life, a series of events threaten to tear the brothers apart, but their love for one another and belief in a better life keep them going in this gripping drama that proves family pulls no punches.

Others to round out the cast are Fran Kranz as Buck, John Cullum as Yates, Owen Burke as Meadows, Jere Shea as Stepfather McGinty, Margaret Devine as Mother McGinty, Naheem Garcia as Clem, Patrick Walsh as Lefty Denunzio and Johnno Wilson as Reggie.

This was quirkily directed by Max Winkler ("Ceremony" '10, "Flower" '17) plus TV and a short. I say quirky because of the different angles he chose to film this and also with the darkness of filming, it gave it that much grittier feel to the story. He hasn't directed a lot of films, but what he's done, he's excelled. If his style is intriguing to you, his "Our Thing" has been completed. It was written with passion and grit by Theodore B. Bressman (TV and a short), David Branson Smith ("Ingrid Goes West" '17, "Adrift" '18) plus TV, and Winkler ("Ceremony" '10, "Flower" '17, "Magic Camp" '20) plus TV and a short. Certainly between the different writers and their body of work which is eclectic, this storyline, although can seem a bit contrived, was actually a powerful script. As the story starts to unfold, these two brothers obviously have come from some hard knocks, and as the story continues, it doesn't seem to be improving for themselves, but when you accept being a part of an underground 'anything', you have to take what you get. These writers were definitely able to showcase this aspect well. Suffice it to say that these guys are dumped on and even though the ending is basically bittersweet, the writers knew that this story couldn't have been tied up with a nice bow by films' end. The acting by both Hunnam and McConnell were their usual well effective performances one would come to expect from these seasoned pros. 

If boxing or films that involve it intrigue you, you'll love this, however even if it doesn't thrill you, the performances by both Hunnam and McConnell are worth viewing this. This was actually supposed to be released on 11-6-20, but because of the pandemic, it went to DVD, and so I purchased it so as to critique it for you.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                        Rated: R                                              89mins.

Love and Monsters

 

How many films have been produced that have been an all-action-packed movie, especially since CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) has been in full swing? I would say a plethora, and with that idea, it should not be surprising that something like "Love and Monsters" would be on that ever growing list of films. This is an action filled adventure with a comedic bent that is as fresh as it is original.

Sometime in the future an asteroid hits Earth and the radiation fallout causes astronomical mutations of most creatures on the planet, especially reptiles and insects whereas they grow huge. 95% of the world's population has been eaten by these creatures. Now, seven years after the Monsterpocalypse, Joel Dawson (Dylan O'Brien), along with the rest of humanity, has been living underground ever since these giant creatures took control of the land. After reconnecting over radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who is now 85 miles away at a coastal colony, Joel begins to fall for her again. As Joel realizes that there's nothing left for him underground, he decides, against all logic, to venture out to get to Aimee, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way. Along the way, he comes across a dog named Boy and two above ground survivors, Clyde (Michael Rooker) and Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt) who help him along the way.

Others to round out the cast are Dan Ewing as Cap, Ellen Hollman as Dana, Tre Hale as Rocko, Pachard Mzembe as Ray, Senie Priti as Karen, Amali Golden as Ava, Te Kohe Tuhaka as Tim, Joel Pierce as Connor and Hero and Dodge as Boy, the dog.

This was cleverly directed by Michael Matthews ("Five Fingers for Marseilles" '17) plus two shorts. Considering this filmmaker has only one theatrical feature to his credit, he is quite the natural. The way he was able to pivot is actors to go from drama and peril to comedy in practically the same breath is amazing. He will assuredly receive more work. It was refreshingly written by Brian Duffield ("The Divergent Series: Insurgent" '15, "Jane Got a Gun" '15, "The Babysitter" '17, "Underwater" '20, "Spontaneous" '20) plus TV and a short, and Matthew Robinson ("The Invention of Lying" '09, "Jerked" '14, "Monster Trucks" (story) '16, "Dora and the Lost City of Gold" '19) plus TV, based on a story by Duffield. This was written deftly by two seasoned professionals that were able to insert freshness and originality all with a dry comedic flavor to it. It's probably been since "Zombieland" that I have seen such freshness in this type of film. As the story unfolded, I sat back and simply enjoyed the ride this film was taking me on. It was dryly narrated by Joel (O'Brien) which makes this not only interesting, but comedic as well. This being as honed as well as it has, it will be interesting to see Duffield's next film, "Vivian Hasn't Been Herself" which has been announced, and Matthew's nexr film, "Live Die Repeat and Repeat" which has also been announced. 

As with "Zombieland", this film has it all: action, adventure, drama and comedy all rolled into a well honed and well thought-out film. I'm not usually agreeable to sequels, however this could definitely be made into a very interesting sequel. O'Brien was very believable in in his role as Joel and the dog, Boy practically stole the show! This was originally supposed to be released in the theaters on 10-16-20, but because of the pandemic, it went to DVD which I purchased to view, so I could critique it for you. 

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

The 24th

 

Racism and bigotry have been a common storyline for Hollywood practically since there has been racism itself. With all the films that have been written exposing racism, one would think that it would've been expunged by now. We've seen many films about this subject: "Do the Right Thing", "To Kill a Mockingbird", "12 Years a Slave", "Selma", "The Butler" to list a few. Now we have "The 24th" for the offing so hopefully, we can learn yet another lesson from.

Houston, 1917. William Boston (Trai Byers) has just joined the all-black 24th Infantry of the United States Army. As a natural leader, Col. Charles Norton (Thomas Haden Church) quickly promoted Boston within his troop, comprised of his Sergeant, Hayes (Mykelti Williamson), Walker (Mo McRae), Davids (Joseph Lee Anderson), Franklin (Tosin Morohunfola) and others, and is looked up to by the others. When the men are sent to the south, where racism runs rampant in a merciless community, the troop is pushed to their limit. After endless brutal acts of violence, Boston and the men turn their fear and rage against the city, inciting one of the deadliest riots in history. 

Others to round out the cast are Aja Naomi King as Marie, Boston's girlfriend, Lorenzo Yearby as Lucky, Cuyle Carvin as Cross, Jim Klock as Capt. Lockhart, Cranston Johnson as Sgt. Clinton, Tony Demil as Tommy Lee, Derek Russo as Evans and Tyshon Freeman as McGhee. 

This was intensely directed by Kevin Willmott ("Ninth Street" '99, "C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America" '04, "The Battle for Bunker Hill" '08, "The Only Good Indian" '09, "Destination Planet Negro" '13, "Jayhawkers" '14, "Gordon Parks Elementary" (documentary) '16, "The Profit" '17) plus TV and shorts. Willmott certainly stays within the confines of his comfort zone, however, considering how important his films are and what they have to say, this is a good thing. Considering the subject matter of his films, the audience is not seeing them for entertainment, as much as to learn something so when we leave the theater, we can hopefully take his approach and become better people for them, and this film is no exception. He hits the audience between the eyes from every one of his characters. It was written with that wallop effect by Willmott ("Ninth Street" '99, "C.S.A.: The Confederate States of America" '04, "The Battle for Bunker Hill" '08, "Destination Planet Negro" '13, "Jayhawkers" '14, "Chi-Raq" '15, "Gordon Parks Elementary" (documentary) '16, "The Profit" '17, "BlacKkKlansman" '18, "Da 5 Bloods" '20) and Trai Byers, all based on true events. With the fact that Willmott is a polished director, he's as talented if not more talented as a writer. His ability to connect the scenes within this film is amazing, although his passion with the subject matter certainly doesn't hurt. I realize that a substantial amount of this film was shot in the dark, however at times, it did come across a bit too dark which made it difficult to see at times. If this is the only thing I can find that's somewhat troubling, this speaks volumes for this movie. I really liked his film, "BlacKkKlansman", because it gave its audience a fresh and original approach on the whole KKK subject matter. Although Byers, has no other writing experience, I'm sure his input was pivotal.

If the films listed above are films that one can sink their teeth into, this will definitely be the film for you. It is a tough sit, but considering what the movie is about, it should be. We have racism still today, and as long as it still exists, there will continually be a place for films like this. Today, with the hostility toward one another, we don't need to be as concerned about foreign enemies since we are fighting each other as Americas. So along with raciest issues, we have conservative and liberal issues as well. Nuff said, you get the picture. This was supposed to be released on 8-21-20, but since the pandemic, it went to video, So, I purchased it and critiqued it for you. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: Not Rated                                             112mins.

Ava

 

Much of the time, espionage and mercenary films can and do overlap for reasons that there are deaths in both and become questionable in the motives of those characters in both films. "Ava" is one of those films that transcend from spying to killing, but this is the point with the characters in this. One small difference is the film does dwell on the mercenary's family and the complexities within.

Ava (Jessica Chastain) is a deadly mercenary who works for a black ops organization, traveling the globe and specializing in high profile hits. Ava's career takes a bad turn when a high profile job goes wrong due to faulty information provided to her. With a botched hit (as well as a track record for questioning the validity of her targets), Ava is told by her boss and mentor, Duke (John Malkovich) to take a hiatus until the heat blows over, but secretly the head of the organization, Simon (Colin Farrell), has ordered a hit on her to ensure nothing traces back to the company. With the recent death of her father, Ava decides to go back home to Boston and attempt to mend her relationship with her mother, Bobbi (Geena Davis) and and her sister, Judy (Jess Weixler), though the homecoming proves to be far from happy as the years of estrangement have created resentment. To complicate things further, Ava's ex-fiance, Michael (Common) is now in a relationship with Judy, and involved with an underground gambling ring that Ava knows all too well from her younger days. 

Others to round out the cast are Joan Chen as Toni, head of the gambling ring, Ioan Gruffudd as Peter and Diana Silvers as Camille.

This was grittily directed by Tate Taylor ("Pretty Ugly People" '08, "The Help" '11, "Get on Up" '14, "The Girl on the Train" '16, "Ma" '19) plus TV and a short. What I can appreciate with this director is that the projects he helms are all very different films in that they may be dramas, however there is a bite to the films is which he allows his actors to go where they need to go in order to enrich the character they are portraying. Such as the different characters in "The Help" was so delineated in order to convey to the audience what these characters were all about. This film is similar with Ava having so many layers to her character. This is effective directing. It was effectively written by Matthew Newton ("Right Here Right Now" '04, "Three Blind Mice" '08, "From Nowhere" '16, "Who We Are Now" '17). Whereas I realize that character development has to take place, this definitely took a while for the audience to really get into this story. Slow I understand, but when one starts looking at their watch, one must ask the question: where is this taking me? First of all, why the organization does not tell their cooperatives why they are assassinating their targets is all wrong. After a point, they have to start asking questions. Secondly, it was difficult to connect the hits that Ava was committing with the issues with her family. I thought this was going to be a total wash until about the second half of the film. Then, it started to pick up and actually kept you on the edge of your seat; the very thing that Newton was obviously attempting to convey. The stunts by Jeff Imada were intense and helped carry the pace of the film as well.

This film was obviously created for those 18-24 single males out there, and with that, they will love it. Stunts, deaths, double-crossing--all the elements for a younger audience to sink their teeth into. This was originally released on 9-25-20, so it never made to the screen due to the pandemic. So I purchased it so I could view it and critique it for you.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                        Rated: R                                               96mins.