F9: The Fast Saga

The "Fast and Furious" franchise has got to be one of the largest ones out there since it all started with "The Fast and the Furious" '01. Nine films--eleven years, and counting. Interestingly, they do hold the audience's attention, even after Paul Walker's unfortunate demise. Like with the other installments, I walked into the theater with great trepidation, but walked out feeling the element of escapism was utterly fulfilled.

Vin Diesel's Dom Toretto is leading a quiet life off the grid with Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and his son, Little Brian (Isaac and Immanuel Holdane), but they know that danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. This time, that threat will force Dom to confront the sins of his past if he's going to save those he loves most. His crew, including Roman (Tyrese Gibson), Teg (Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges), Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel), Han (Sang Kang), Sean (Lucas Black) and others, joins together to stop a world-shattering plot led by Cipher (Charlize Theron) and by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they've ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom's forsaken and estranged brother Jakob (John Cena).

Others to round out the cast are Jordana Brewster as Mia, Finn Cole as young Jakob, Helen Mirren as Queenie, Thue Ersted Rassmussen as Otto, Don Omar as Santos, Vinnie Bennett as young Dom, Michael Rooker as Buddy and J.D. Pardo as Jack Toretto, Dom and Jakob's father.

This was intensely directed by the same filmmaker that directed others of this franchise: Justin Lin ("Shopping for Fangs" '97, "Better Luck Tomorrow" '02, "Annapolis" '06, "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" '06, "Finishing the Game" '07, "Fast & Furious" '09, "Fast Five" '11, "Fast & Furious 6" '13, "Star Trek Beyond" '16) plus TV and shorts. By his very resume, the action genre is definitely Lin's claim to fame and he carries it well. The way he combines the photography with the editing and stunts is incredible and he seems to be able to handle this effortlessly. He's worked with many of the actors in this since he's directed other Fast & Furious films and with that, his style and ease in which he's able to intertwine the characters is strong. It is written by Daniel Casey ("The Passage" '03, "Secrets of Fenville" (segment-- "Happily Married Vigilantes") '03, "The Death of Michael Smith" '06, "Kin" '08) plus TV and shorts and Lin (Shopping for Fangs" '97, "Better Luck Tomorrow" '02, "Finishing the Game" '07, "Hollywood Adventures" '15) plus shorts, based on a story by Lin, Alfredo Botello and Casey, which is based on characters created by Gary Scott Thompson. This was a very thrilling, intense and compelling premise going back to Dom and Jakob's past as brothers and what caused them to become estranged presented as frequent flashbacks. This worked well, but as more characters came into the story, the premise was becoming a bit compromised as the story unfolded, otherwise the screenplay was well executed. This was shy of a two and a half hour running time and it could've been reduced about 10-15 minutes. The reason why anyone would want to see this is because the stunts, explosions and amazing visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and Double Negative were seamless. You might want to stay for some of the credits at the end, since there is a bit of a surprise.

If you're into watching a film that has a taught script and fine acting, try choosing a different film, however if an exciting, action-packed film laced with pure escapism is your liking, you'll love this, two and a half hours or not. If you plan on seeing this, it has got to be on the large screen since it would be lost on a TV screen. In fact, this is also presented in an IMAX format which would probably be killer! Grab the popcorn and rev your engines!

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                              Rated: PG-13                                              143mins.

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

As we continue to roll into the summer film season, not only do we get a plethora of big-budget films, but that of sequels as well. Most sequels are usually a cheap way of Hollywood capitalizing on the success of its original, but some sequels actually work--some better than the original, however "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard" doesn't fall on the latter. 

The world's most lethal odd couple--bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds) and hitman Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson)--are back on another life-threatening mission. Still unlicensed and under scrutiny, Bryce is forced into action by Darius's even more volatile wife, the infamous international con artist Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek). As Bryce is driven over the edge by his two most dangerous protectees, the trio get in over their heads in a global plot and soon find that they are all that stand between Europe and a vengeful and powerful madman, Aristotle Papdopolous (Antonio Banderas). Joining in the fun and deadly mayhem is Morgan Freeman as--well, you'll have to see.

Others to round out the cast are Frank Grillo as Bobby O'Neill, Gary Oldman as Vladislav Dukhovic, Georgie Glen as ICC Lead judge, Tine Joustra as Renata Casoria, Barry Atsma as Moreno, Rebecca Front as Joanna, the therapist, Michael Gor as Livitin, Richard E. Grant as Seifert, Jonny James as Johan and Venice Smith as Gary. 

This was effectively directed by Patrick Hughes ("Red Hill" '10, "The Expendables 3" '14, "The Hitman's Bodyguard" '17) plus shorts. As with its predecessor, "The Hitman's Bodyguard", this definitely represented the same feel which is important when the same characters are reprising their roles. This filmmaker kept the action going at rapid speed--like its predecessor, so if you missed these two guys, you can pick up going along with them on their mission and feel like they never left. If you like this director's style, his "The Man from Toronto" is in post production for a 2022 release. It was written by Tom O'Connor ("Fire with Fire" '12, "The Hitman's Bodyguard" '17, "The Courier" '20), Brandon Murphy ("The Hitman's Bodyguard" '17) and Phillip Murphy ("The Hitman's Bodyguard" '17), based on a story by O'Connor which is also based on characters created by O'Connor. Whereas the original film's strong suit was the chemistry between Reynolds and Jackson, this, too, was the strong suit as well. The predecessor obtained a somewhat tighter script, mostly due to outlaying the character development so the audience could get to know them. Don't get me wrong, the original definitely kept the audience going even though there were a few flaws, but in this follow up, I believe the biggest culprit was that there were too many people and locales that the audience had to keep track of. This ensued some choppiness and inconsistencies. What made this was clearly the chemistry, not only of the two leads, but throw in Hayek's volatile character as well, and the chaos simply did add to the humor and adventure. The stunts and special effects pyrotechnics by seasoned Greg Powell and Neil Corbould respectively were amazing and added to the story. 

If you certainly liked this film's predecessor, you'll love this, but even if you simply just want to escape into a story that has action, humor all with a thrilling end, this is a nice way to spend 100 minutes, because this definitely would look better on the big screen. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                        Rated: R                                                  100mins.

Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

As the summer film season is cranking up toward the big-budget movies, we have a smaller, family film, "Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway", a sequel to the 2018 film. As with the original, this follows the misadventures of Peter and his friends to help with a family crisis. Like its predecessor, this was charming, humorous and heartwarming--perfect for the family.

The sequel to the 2018 film, "Peter Rabbit", we find, after Bea (Rose Byrne) and Thomas McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) marry along with the release of Bea's acclaimed novel based on the adventures of Peter and his friends, including cousin, Benjamin Rabbit (voice of Colin Moody), Flopsy Rabbit (voice of Margot Robbie), Mopsy Rabbit (voice of Elizabeth Debicki) and Cottontail (voice of Aimee Horne), Peter (voice of James Corden) is feeling like everyone only sees him as rebellious. So, when Bea and Thomas decide to take a trip for the book deal with Nigel Jones (David Oyelowo), Peter sees this as an opportunity to go on the run. Venturing out of the garden, Peter finds himself in a world where his mischief is appreciated. However, when his family risks everything to come looking for him, Peter must figure out what kind of bunny he wants to be. 

Others to round out the cast are Lennie James as voice of Barnabas, Rupert Degas as Voice of Samuel Whiskers, Damon Herriman as voice of Tom Kitten and Ewen Leslie as boice of Pigling Bland.

This was whimsically directed by Will Gluck ("Fired Up!" '09, "Easy A" '10, "Friends with Benefits" '11, "Iceland" (TV movie) '11, "Annie" '14, "Peter Rabbit" '18, "How May We Hate You?" (TV movie) '18) plus TV and a video short. Being the same director as its predecessor, this film has the same whimsical, heartwarming feel which makes for a seamless transition. Gluck's resume certainly involves a lighter fare, but he does it with such effortlessness, that it makes it more forgiving. It was cleverly written by Gluck ("Fired Up!" '09, "Friends with Benefits" '11, "Annie" '14, "Angry Angel" (story, TV movie) '17, "Peter Rabbit" '18) plus a plethora of TV experience, and Patrick Burleigh ("Ant-Man and the Wasp" (additional writing) '18, "It Was a Pug Day" (TV movie) '15) plus a short, based on characters and tales of "Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter. Even though only Gluck was involved with the writing here as he was on the original, he still was able to create the same or similar feel as its predecessor. I'm sure Burleigh's writing was pivotal in conveying his part of the story, but its clearly Gluck's project. The writing was humorous and heartwarming which is something for the whole family. I not sure if there will be a Part 3, but suffice it to say, either way, there is an open door. This wasn't perfect, there were some places that were a bit choppy, but all in all, it was fun for all. James Corden's Peter was, like the original, uproarious and heartfelt.

Certainly if you liked the original, you'll love this. It being based on the cherished characters by Beatrix Potter, it is entertainment obviously geared toward the family which we don't see much of unless it's an animated film. Entertainment, humor, adventure all with a great message for all to learn. 

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

 

In the Heights

As we continue our movie trek into the summer season, the first musical genre film offered is that of "In the Heights". It's one of those films that was supposed to be released last year, however with the pandemic, well...you know. This is based on Lin-Manuel Miranda's concept and his music and lyrics which simply becomes electrified on the silver screen.

This film centers on a variety of characters living in the neighborhood of Washington Heights, on on the northern tip of Manhattan. At the center of the show is Usnavi (Anthony Ramos), a humble bodega owner who looks after the aging Cuban lady next door,  Abuela Claudia (Olga Merediz), pines for the gorgeous girl working in the neighboring beauty salon, Vanessa (Melissa Barrera), attempting to be the role model for his young cousin, Sonny (Gregory Diaz IV) and dreams of winning the lottery and escaping to the shores of his native Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Nina Rosario (Leslie Grace), a childhood friend of Usnavi's, has returned to the neighborhood from her first year at Stanford University with surprising news for her father, Kevin (Jimmy Smits), who has spent his life savings on building a better life for his daughter. Ultimately, Usnavi and the residents of the close-knit neighborhood get a dose of what it means to be home. 

Others to round out the cast are Corey Hawkins as Benny, Daphne Rubin-Vega as Daniela, Marc Anthony as Gapo, Lin-Manuel Miranda as Piraguero, Stephanie Beatriz as Carla, Mateo Gomez as Alejandro, Noah Catala as Graffiti Pete, Dascha Polanco as Cuca, Olivia Perez as Iris and Patrick Page as Pike Phillips. 

This was electrifyingly directed by Jon M. Chu ("Step Up 2: The Streets" '08, "The LXD: The Uprising Begins" '10, "Step Up 3D" '10, "The LXD: The Secrets of the Ra" '11, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" (documentary) '11, "The LXD: Rise of the Drifts" '11, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" '13, "Justin Bieber's Believe" (documentary) '13, "We the Economy: 20 Short Films You Can't Afford to Miss" (documentary) '14, "Jem and the Holograms" '15, "Now You See Me 2" '16, "Crazy Rich Asians" '18) plus TV, shorts and video shorts. One aspect I can respect about this filmmaker is the fact he can't be pigeon-holed into basically one genre--he's been involved with many of them. While this would be quite the feat for another director, Chu pulls it off in spades! His "Crazy Rich Asians" was well executed with him behind the camera. Even though he was able to obtain a very talented 2nd Unit Director (Mark Russell), at the end of the day, it all fell on Chu's shoulders. The way he combined the choreography with the editing process was incredibly slick and actually enhanced the final cut of this film. Considering it was her first feature film, this was well delineated by writer Quiara Alegria Hudes, which was based on the book and musical play by Hudes, and was also based on the concept and musical play by Miranda. The way this was written made me think of "Les Miserables" and the feeling it had falling somewhere between that film and a standard musical. This certainly had more music than a typical musical, whereas "Les Miserables" was 100% music. And like "Les Miserables", this told its story just as much within the music as it did using dialogue. The musical sequences were well choreographed by Christopher Scott and coupled with Miranda's music and lyrics, this film sang (pun intended). 

I'll tell you, this film was almost a two and a half hour movie and it felt like it was only two hours. It keeps one moving as the singing and dancing unfold--I thoroughly enjoyed this film, but since it comes from Miranda of "Hamilton" and "Moana" fame, it should be no surprise. It also comes in an IMAX format which I'm sure would've showcased this nicely. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this one!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                             Rated: PG-13                                             143mins.

Spirit Untamed

As of the Memorial Day weekend the summer movie season has landed with the crowd pleaser, "A Quiet Place Part II", and with that release, Hollywood will continue to roll out its summer fare. "Spirit Untamed" is the first animated film to kick off this season, and it is as heartwarming as it is entertaining.

After moving to a sleepy town called Maridera, Lucy Prescott (Isabela Merced) befriends locals, Pru Granger (Marsai Martin) and Abigail Stone (Mckenna Grace) and ultimately befriends a wild mustang named Spirit, who shares her rebellious spirit. When a heartless wrangler, Hendricks (Walter Goggins) and his henchman plans to capture Spirit and his herd, Lucy, her new friends and her father, Jim (Jake Gyllenhaal) embark on the adventure of a lifetime to rescue the horse that forever changed her life. 

Others to round out the cast are Julianne Moore as Aunt Cora, Eiza Gonzalez as Milagro Navarro, Lucy's mother, Andre Braugher as Al Granger, Pru's father, Lucian Perez as Snips Stone, Abigail's brother, Gary A. Hecker as Horse vocals and Ralph DeSeve as Spirit. 

This was directed by a virtual newcomer to feature films, Elaine Bogan (TV and a video short) and co-directed by Ennio Torresan ("Until Sbornia Takes Us Apart" (co-dir.) '13) plus TV and shorts. Considering that neither director has little to no experience in the feature film realm is impressive since this was directed with such fluidity. The well developed characters simply came to life as the story unfolded before the audience's eyes. It was well delineated by writer Aury Wallington ("Christmas Cupid" (TV movie) '10, "Nearlyweds" (TV movie) '13, "Jinxed" (TV movie) '13, "Royally Ever After" (TV movie) '18, "Spirit Riding Free: Riding Along Adventure" (TV movie) '20), and Kristin Hahn ("Anthem" (documentary) '97, "Dumplin'" '18, "Stargirl" '20), based on the series developed by Aury Wallington. This was a very heartwarming film about legacies, bonding, love, and friendship where, through many characters, but especially between Lucy and Spirit, the true bonds of friendship shines through. Even though this was a bit predictable, the story between family, friends and this horse is something we can all learn from. Other than a few places of inconsistencies in script, this story was amazing. The animation by Dreamworks Animation was articulated with warmth and expertise, and are every bit as talented as Disney. 

With a year plus that all has gone through, this heartwarming story is just what the doctor ordered, fraught with all the elements that endear us, not only toward one another, but should bring families that much closer. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                            Rated: PG                                                     87mins.