Butter

Rites of passage films have been produced for decades so we can either understand, or even relate to its character(s) in a film as they are attempting to understand life and its trials. They are typically presented as comedy or a light drama. Sometimes, they are heavy-laden dramas which can make for a tough sit. When it comes to "Butter", it is a light drama with some comic relief thrown in to hopefully create an understanding between characters. 

Butter Elkans (Alex Kersting) is a smart, funny, but lonely high school junior who happens to be obese. He secretly befriends the prettiest girl in school, Anna McGinn (McKaley Miller) via school social media by pretending to be a jock from another school. As Butter struggles with bullying and self-esteem at school, he plans on making history by going on-line and eat himself to death and invites everyone to watch. When he first makes the announcement online to his classmates, including Parker (Jack Griffo) and Trent (Adain Bradley), Butter expects pity, insults, and possibly sheer indiference. What he gets are morbid cheerleaders rallying around his deadly plan. Yet as their dark encouragement grows, it begins to feel a lot like popularity, and that feels good. But what happens when Butter reaches his suicide deadline? Can he live with the fallout if he doesn't go through with his plans?

Others to round out the cast are Mira Sorvino as Marian, Butter's mother, Mykelti Williamson as Professor Dunn, Brian Van Holt as Frank, Butter's father, Ravi Patel as Doc Bean, Annabeth Gish as Dr. Jennice, Natalie Valerin as Jeannie, Jake Austin Walker as Jeremy, Matthew Gold as Tucker, Monte Markham as Dr. Kaufman and Jessie Rabideau as Penelope. 

This was delineated well by director Paul A. Kaufman ("Run the Wild Fields" (TV movie) 2000, Honeymoon with Mom" '06, "My Name is Sarah" (TV movie) '07, "One Angry Juror" (TV movie) '10, "Twist of Fate" (TV movie) '13, "The Memory Book" (TV movie) '14, "Christmas List" (TV movie) '16, "Christmas Homecoming" (TV movie) '17) plus other TV movies and TV. By his very resume, this filmmaker doesn't have a tremendous amount of feature film experience, however, where he is deficient there, he more than makes up with his TV movie expertise. Being behind the camera is being behind the camera. It truly doesn't make a lot of difference as long as you are directing and that makes Kaufman is a seasoned pro. This being a film in which Alex Kersting was introduced showed me that he was amazingly effective in the title role. An Academy Award performance? Of course not, but considering, he gave a believable performance, and this is the talent of the directing. It was effectively written by Kaufman ("Emma's Wish" (TV movie, story) '98, "Thirst" (TV movie, story) '98, based on the book by Erin Jade Lange. As with other films that are the 'rites of passage' films, this was a voice over narrative of Butter's life spoken by Butter intertwined throughout the film. I personally have an affinity toward this kind of format, because it allows the audience to gain more knowledge about the character, and, a lot of times, it's written in a tongue-and-cheek way, which can give it that comic relief when needed. However, there were a few areas of inconsistencies and some places of being disjointed. I believe if given more work, Kaufman could be a very honed writer, but considering his limited writing experience, he actually pulled this off amazingly well. It had a very believable supporting cast that had you rooting for Butter. And also given more work, Alex Kersting will definitely become a very honed actor.

If you like 'rites of passage' films, this should interest you. It has such an important message about bullying and suicide that it alone should be enough to cause one to think: those going through the agony and those who are causing the agony. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                         Rated: PG-13                                                111mins.

Uncharted

When Steven Spielberg released "Raiders of the Lost Ark" back in 1981, his intent was to bring back the 'matinee idol' of the 30's and 40's so the audiences could once again escape into another world. Obviously that succeeded, so many other filmmakers jumped on the swashbuckling bandwagon. Others were made subsequent to 'Raiders', including "Allan Quartermain and the Lost City of Gold" '86, "The Mummy" '99, "Sahara" '05, "The Mummy" '17 and others. Now we have "Uncharted" to add to that growing list.

Street-smart thief Nathan 'Nate' Drake (Tom Holland) is recruited by seasoned, but unscrupulous treasure hunter Victor 'Sully' Sullivan (Mark Wahlberg) to recover a fortune lost by Ferdinand Magellan 500 years ago. What starts as a heist job for the duo becomes a globe-trotting, white-knuckle race to reach the prize before the ruthless Moncada (Antonio Banderas), who believes his family are the rightful heirs. If Nate and Sully can decipher the clues and solve one of the world's oldest mysteries, they stand to find $5 billion in treasure and perhaps even Nate's long-lost brother...but only if they can learn to work together. It all comes down to bad guys one-upping other bad guys. 

Others to round out the cast are Sophia Ali as Chloe Frazer, Tati Gabrielle as Jo Braddock, Rudy Pankow as young Sam, Steven Waddington as the Scotsman, Tiernan Jones as young Nate, Manuel de Blas as Armando Moncada and Georgia Goodman as Sister Bernadette.

This was creatively directed by veteran Ruben Fleischer ("Zombieland" '09, "30 Minutes or Less" '11, "Gangster Squad" '13, "The List" (TV movie) '13, "Spaced Out" (TV movie) '17, "Venom" '18, "Zombieland: Double Tap" '19) plus TV, shorts and a video documentary. Certainly by Fleischer's experience, this film was definitely within the confines of his comfort zone. His ability to place his actors in situations where they are forced to emphasize their characters even more simply made this pure escape yarn so much fun to watch. It was well thought out by writers Rafe Lee Judkins, Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, based on a screen story by Judkins, Jon Hanley Rosenberg and Mark D. Walker, which is based the Playstation video game. Although both Marcum and Holloway have the lion's share of the experience over Judkins, the film is based on Judkins' screen story. Also while both Marcum and Holloway are a writing team of many films, certainly Judkins, being his story, was pivotal in what he brought to the table. This swashbuckling, matinee idol type of film is a rollicking homage to Indiana Jones replete with narrow escapes, close to death escapades in a global chase to find the treasure. I love these types of films, especially in a day when all hell is breaking lose and it is so important to see something that will take us to different lands while the good and bad guys are 'duking it out'. And really, other than a couple of inconsistencies in storyline, this script was quite the roller coaster.

If you like films appreciate "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "The Mummy", "Sahara" and the like, you will revel with this one. Sure, being based on a video game doesn't give us any sort of a deep premise, but com'on, it's a great ride that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's the quintessential escape film that will have you reaching for the popcorn constantly! And if you want to see this up, close and personal, it's presented in an IMAX format as well.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                                 Rated: PG-13                                               116mins.

                               

Dog

We have all seen buddy road trip films many times, whether it being between two humans or a human and an animal. The road trip films with human and animals are typically with animals (usually dogs) that are congenial representing 'man's best friend'. Well, "Dog" is not exactly a buddy film with a congenial dog, rather a dog taught to attack the enemy in wartime. It makes for a bit of a different buddy road film.

This is a buddy comedy that follows the misadventures of two former Army Rangers paired against their will on the road trip of a lifetime. Army Ranger Jackson Briggs (Channing Tatum) and Lulu (a Belgian Malinois dog) buckle into a 1984 Ford Bronco and race down the Pacific Coast in hopes of making it to a fellow soldier's, Riley Rodriguez (Eric Urbiztondo) funeral on time. Rodriguez was the soldier who had Lulu at his side in the war, so the family wanted her there. Along the way, they'll drive each other completely crazy, break a small handful of laws, narrowly escape death, meet a myriad of odd and different characters including Gus (Kevin Nash), Callan (Aqueela Zoll) and Keith (Ronnie Gene Blevins) to name a few, and learn to let down their guards in order to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. 

Others to round out the cast are Jane Adams as Tamara, Q'orianka Kilcher as Niki, Ethan Suplee as Nuke's owner, Emmy Raver-Lampman as Bella, Nicole LaLiberte as Zoe, Luke Forbes as Capt. Jones, Patricia Isaac as Tara, Cayden Boyd as Corporal Levitz and Skyler Joy as Natalie.

This was surprisingly well delineated by directors Reid Carolin and Channing Tatum. Considering that neither of these filmmakers have ever done time behind the camera, I was absolutely amazed by their ability to guide these actors to be as realistic as they were. Certainly Tatum has injected input into other films he has starred in i.e. "Magic Mike", but since that was basically a biopic about his past life as a dancer, it's certainly makes sense that Steven Soderbergh (the director of "Magic Mike") would use his input. I'm not sure if these two directors could direct a film solo, but I would love to see them team up again to helm another film. It was equally well written by Reid Carolin ("Earth Made of Glass" (documentary) '10, "Magic Mike" '12, "Magic Mike XXL" '15), based on a story by Carolin and Brett Rodriguez. Surely, Carolin and Tatum have long established a professional relationship that is as strong as it is prolific. I'm sure this is why the teaming of the directing responsibilities was amazing as it was for this film. Although, from what I saw in the films' trailer of how comedic this was, it really turned out to be deeper than the trailer let on. The way that Carolin slowly developed the tenuous relationship between man and beast from difficult to having more of a connection was wonderfully written and didn't seem rushed at all. In fact, there were a couple of scenes where it was difficult to ascertain that this film could end well at all--and this is talented writing. If you like this writer's brand of writing, his "Magic Mike's Last Dance" with Tatum is in pre production at this time. 

The films of Tatum have perennially been crowd pleasers and this film will be no surprise. The fact that he not only co-directed this film, he did so with amazing artistry. Kudos to him and Carolin. The dog, Lulu was certainly as much the star as Tatum, trained by Animal Coordinator Andrew Simpson. This will leave the audience laughing and with a tear in their eyes depending on the scene at hand, and certainly backs up the expression 'man's best friend'.

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                             Rated: PG-13                                          101mins.

Blacklight

When I think of a vigilante film, one actor that comes to mind is that of Liam Neeson. If you're questioning this, check out his resume: "Taken" '08, "The Grey" '11, "The Commuter" '18, "Honest Thief" '20, to name a handful. After viewing the trailer of "Blacklight", I realized that this was going to be, yet another one of the typical Neeson vehicles we've all grown to expect. But after I left the theater, I was actually amazed that it surpassed my expectations.

Trust, identity, and the danger of unchecked power push a covert operative to the edge in director Mark Williams' intense action thriller "Blacklight". Travis Block (Liam Neeson) lives and fights in the shadow. A freelance government "fixer", Block is a dangerous man whose assignments have included extracting agents out of deep-cover situations. When Block discovers a shadowy program called Operation Unity is striking down ordinary citizens for reasons known only to Block's boss, FBI chief Gabriel Robinson (Aiden Quinn), he enlists the help of Journalist Mira Jones (Emmy Raver-Lampman), but his past and present collide when his daughter, Amanda (Claire von der Boom) and granddaughter, Natalie (Gabriella Sengos) are threatened. Now Block needs to rescue the people he loves and expose the truth for a shot at redemption. Nothing and no one is safe when secrets are hidden in "Blacklight".

Others to round out the cast are Taylor John Smith as Dusty Crane, Yael Stone as Helen Davidson, Tim Draxl as Drew Hawthorne, Andrew Shaw as Jordan Lockhart and Zac Lemons as Wallace. 

This was rivetingly directed by Mark Williams ("A Definite Maybe" '16, "Honest Thief" '20). The major source of this filmmakers' experience is that of producing, but as for others in the biz, he crossed the line to attempt to do something different. So, in 2016, he decides to go out of his comfort zone and try his hand behind the camera. Surprisingly, with the limited experience, he has succeeded well giving his audience that thrill ride in each film he's directed, this film being of no exception, and will undoubtedly receive more work. It was surprisingly well written by virtual newcomer Nick May, and relative newcomer Mark Williams ("Honest Thief" '20, "Copshop" (story) '21, based on a story by Nick May and Brandon Reavis. While, if you've seen many films that Neeson has acted in, you've probably seen this, it doesn't negate the absolute thrill ride a moviegoer will get with this. Yes, there are some twists in this that isn't surprising, but the way Neeson carries out the methodical plan he devises to catch the'bad guy' is always intriguing. He's a man with issues: he's obsessed--has OCD, definitely has commitment issues, but he is an upright man whose in a world that he didn't realize until people came up missing. Nick May will truly receive more work, especially if he can stick with Williams. They definitely make an effective writing team. Was this a script that was flawless? Absolutely not, but considering that both are definite newcomers, especially May, the outcome was impressive. Really other than a couple of places of continuity issues and some inconsistencies, this story simply soared.

This is the quintessential flick to keep you on the edge of your proverbial seat. The intensity, stunts (car and physical) was thrilling and something that will allow one to be able to escape into. Grab the popcorn and enjoy this yarn. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                                Rated: PG-13                                              104mins.

Death on the Nile

One of the most intriguing genres produced in Hollywood is that of the murder mystery, or commonly known as the whodunit. The queen of the murder mystery is that of the famed Agatha Christie, whose written many novels in which films have been based. "Death on the Nile" is actually a second attempt at Christie's novel, and it is fraught with many twists that will keep the audience perpetually guessing the question...whodunit?

Belgian sleuth Hercule Poirot's (Kenneth Branagh) Egyptian vacation aboard a glamorous river steamer turns into a terrifying search for a murderer when a picture-perfect couple's, Linnet Ridgeway (Gal Gadot) and Simon Doyle (Armie Hammer), idyllic honeymoon is tragically cut short. Set against an epic landscape of sweeping desert vistas and the majestic Giza pyramids. This tale of unbridled passion and incapacitating jealousy feature a cosmopolitan group of impeccably dressed travelers, including Euphemia Bouc (Annette Bening), Bouc (Tom Bateman), Windlesham (Russell Brand), Marie Van Schuyler (Jennifer Saunders), Rosalie Otterbourne (Leticia Wright), Jackie de Bellefort (Emma Mackey), and others, and enough wicked twists and turns to leave audiences guessing until the final, shocking denouement. 

Others to round out the cast are Ali Fazal as Katchadourian, Dawn French as Bowers, Sophie Okonedo as Salome Otterbourne, Rose Leslie as Louise Bourget and Michael Rouse as Private Laurin. 

This was cleverly delineated by director Kenneth Branagh ("Henry V" '89, "Much Ado About Nothing" '93, "Hamlet" '96, "As You Like It" '06, "Sleuth" '07, "Thor" '11, "Cinderella" '15, "Murder on the Orient Express" '17, "Artemis Fowl" '20, "Belfast" '21) plus others, shorts and two live theatre productions. Obviously being a consummate actor has allowed Branagh to become the filmmaker he has turned into...the quintessential actor's director. The tenseness within each character development was astounding, where it simply kept the audience on the edge of their seat. I always marvel how directors can direct themselves, but suffice it to say, it's a true talent, and not many actors can achieve this. It was equally well written by Michael Green ("Green Lantern" '11, "Logan" '17, "Blade Runner 2049" '17, "Murder on the Orient Express" '17, "The Call of the Wild" '20, "Jungle Cruise" '21) plus TV, shorts and a video, based on the novel by Agatha Christie. Certainly, Green is a newer screenwriter, however in the last decade plus, he has written some creative, well honed screenplays. Other than a couple of very small places of continuity issues, this script soared. Whodunits can be tricky to write and keep the fluidity intact as the film unfolds, but this writer pulled it off and we, the audience, are only the victors of it. Lastly, the cinematography by Haris Zambarloukos bsc/gsc ("Camera Obscure" 2000, "Sleuth" '07, "Thor" '11, "Locke", '12"Murder on the Orient Express" '17, "Belfast" '21) was crisp, and simply, through its warm tones complimenting the Egyptian terrain, enhanced the story that much more. 

If you like Agatha Christie or whodunits, you will revel with this production. It's lavish production values and sweeping Egyptian locales makes this a pleasure to watch. In a time where we need escapism so much, this would be the time. This fulfills all our needs to be able to escape: beautiful locales, interesting characters, fine directing and writing. Enjoy. I know I did. It's also in an IMAX format if you prefer. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                             Rated: PG-13                                                127mins.

                                                

Moonfall

When it comes to being the 'master of disaster', nobody does it better than Roland Emmerich. With films like "Independence Day" and "2012", it's no surprise that we would see another one of his films titled "Moonfall". Unlike his other films, the explanation of this film will undoubtedly surprise and make the audience scratch their heads as they leave the theater. 

This story focuses on a mysterious force that knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth sending it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact, and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler (Halle Berry) is convinced she has the key to saving us all--but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper (Patrick Wilson) and a conspiracy theorist Dr. K.C. Houseman (John Bradley) believe her. These unlikely heroes will mount an impossible last-ditch mission into space, leaving behind everyone they love, only to find out that our Moon is not what we think it is. 

Others to round out the cast are Michael Pena as Tom Lopez, Donald Sutherland as Holdenfield, Charlie Plummer as Sonny Harper, Brian's son, Kelly Yu as Michelle, Stephen Bogaert as Albert Hutchings, NASA director, Eme Ikwuakor as Gen. Doug Davidson, Chris Sandiford as Mosley and Jonathan Maxwell Silver as Johansen. 

As with his other 'disaster' films, this was directed with grit and suspense by Roland Emmerich ("Franzmann" '79, "The Noah's Ark Principle" '84, "Making Contact" '85, "Universal Soldier" '92, "Independence Day" '96, "The Patriot" 2000, "The Day After Tomorrow" '04, "2012" '09, "White House Down" '13, "Independence Day: Resurgence" '16, "Midway" '19) plus others, a TV movie and two shorts. By his very resume, Emmerich is on very familiar ground with this film, considering all the mayhem as with prior films. Since this is something he knows a tremendous amount about, the ability to enable his actors to emit that certain degree of emotion wasn't really that difficult for him. He already had worked with Patrick Wilson when directing "Midway", and his character in this was fairly similar to that in "Midway". Still, he knows how to arouse his audiences in every film. This was written with an odd premise by Emmerich, Harald Kloser and Spenser Cohen. If you look at the trailer of this, it looks like the story centers around something in outer space that caused some natural phenomenon to occur so as to throw our Moon off its orbit. However, as one watches this, one will see that its something more that is happening to cause the occurrence.  As the plot indicates, there is a mysterious force that is a phenomenon, however, where did this force come from--what is its origins? This scripts attempts to explain this, but if the audience didn't get that explanation, then there's a scene with a bright light where an entity comes to one of the astronauts to simply tell him what's going on. Even after that explanation, it still makes one question that explanation even more. This story reminds me of the '08 film, "The Happening" directed  by M. Night Shyamalan, in that the thing that was causing havoc in that film was so bizarre, that it was difficult to even understand the reasoning behind it. Instead of creating a totally bizarre premise to this, I believe it would be more palatable if the writers stuck with something a bit more believable. Going into the premise any more than I have would cause a spoiler alert, so if you are to see this, you'll see what I'm talking about. Emmerich has the lion's share of the writing experience here, but I'm not sure what happened. Bad day at the laptop? 

If you are thinking about seeing this, I do recommend that you see it on the big screen for obvious reasons. It's even presented in an IMAX format as well. The visual effects predominantly created by Double Negative and Framestore were certainly mesmerizing and are deserving of the price of admission, but the writing simply needed more polish.

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                             Rated; PG-13                                               130mins.