Top Gun: Maverick

When I saw the original "Top Gun" back in 1986, I thought it would be a silly summer flick surrounding around a bunch of adrenaline junkie top gun pilots. After seeing it, although a lot of what I suspected came to pass, it was also clearly not the film I thought I was going to see. The flight scenes (for the day) were incredible and it showed us what being on a team is all about. Now, 36 years later with even more amazing aerial flight scenes, we have "Top Gun: Maverick", as a homage to the '86 film. 

After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete "Maverick" Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself ordered by Adm. Beau "Cyclone" Simpson (Jon Hamm) to train a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the like of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: "Rooster", the son of Maverick's late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka "Goose". Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. 

Others to round out the cast are Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin, Val Kilmer as Adm. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, Bashir Salahuddin as WO-1 Bernie "Hondo" Coleman, Charles Parnell as Adm. Solomon "Warlock" Bates, Monica Barbaro as Lt. Natasha "Phoenix" Trace, Lewis Pullman as Lt. Robert "Bob" Floyd, Jay Ellis as Lt. Reuben "Payback" Fitch, Danny Ramirez as Lt. Mickey "Fanboy" Garcia, Glen Powell as Lt. Jake "Hungman" Seresin, Jack Schumacher as Lt. Neil "Omaha" Vikander and Manny Jacinto as Lt. Billy "Fritz" Avalone. 

This was very effectively directed by Joseph Kosinski ("TRON: Legacy" '10, "Oblivion" '13, "Only the Brave" '17) plus video shorts, a short and a music video. If Tony Scott (the director of "Top Gun") hadn't of passed away quite a number of years ago, he surely would've directed this, however Kosinski literally picked up where Scott had left off at. This filmmaker was able to direct these actors using the same nuances--as with Cruise-- as with the original. It was uncanny. All these characters came across as realistic as any characters could be. If you like this director's style, his "Spiderhead" has been completed for a 2022 release. It was written with amazing intensity by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie, based on a story by Peter Craig and Justin Marks, which is based on characters created by Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. Certainly two of the three of these writers have extensive experience: Kruger and McQuarrie, even Singer has a few films to his credit. And considering McQuarrie has written many of Cruise's films, I can surely understand why he was chosen yet again to collaborate with this film. This was a great homage to its predecessor and certainly if anything was improved on, it was the aerial sequences with aerial consulting by Kevin Larosa II. Along with the amazing photography by Claudio Miranda asc, and editing by Eddie Hamilton ace and Chris Lebenzon ace, this film couldn't go wrong. The writing was paced and staged well where there just wasn't a hiccup to be seen. Will this film be nominated for any Oscars other than technical? Probably not, but this film wasn't created for any other reason than for pure escape along with a great message about unity through teamwork. 

If you liked "Top Gun", you'll love this. With even better visual effects predominantly created by Method Studios and MPC (Moving Picture Company), a good story with an amazing message of unity through the teamwork as Maverick was training them, this throws a one two punch that makes you stand up and cheer! This is presented in an IMAX format as well for that real up, close and personal feel. Enjoy this gem--I sure did!

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

Downtown Abbey: A New Era

British TV and feature films usually come across as stoic, staid, yet polished art as compared to their US counterparts. When I saw and reviewed "Downtown Abbey" back in 2019, although the film was well acted and directed, the writing was just a bit unpolished. However, after seeing "Downtown Abbey: A New Era", although it wasn't a great film, it was certainly a better film than I was expecting.

This story, which reunites the cast from the 2019 film, has the Crawley family going on a grand journey to the South of France to uncover the mystery of the dowager Countess' newly inherited villa. The family, including Robert Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) to represent Violet Grantham (Maggie Smith) and to aid them, there is Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) ends up going to this villa while others including Maud Bagshaw (Imelda Staunton), Cora Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) and Lord Merton (Douglas Reith) stay behind to oversee a film that the family agreed to be made in their home. Amongst many of the film crew that were there, the director, Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy), actor Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and actress Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock) ended up considering their task as difficult as dealing with the family and their staff. All in all, hopefully the film can be finished as well as those in France can wrap up their reason for being there.

Others to round out the cast are Penelope Wilton as Isobel Merton, Laura Carmichael as Lady Edith, Michael Fox as Andy Parker, Robert James-Collier as Thomas Barrow, Zac Parker as George, Fifi Hart as Sybbie and Nathalie Baye as Mme de Montmirail.

This was superbly directed by Simon Curtis ("Man and Boy" (TV movie) '02, "Born in the USA" (TV movie) '07, "My Week with Marilyn" '11, "Woman in Gold" '15, "Goodbye Christopher Robbin" '17, "The Art of Racing in the Rain" '19) plus other TV movies, TV and TV mini series. While the 2019 film was directed by Michael Engler, this filmmaker was able to match all the nuances of these characters of that that Engler already did. This takes a talented director that can match nuances of another filmmaker all the while conveying to the audience a certain freshness of the sequel. It was executed well by writer Julian Fellowes ("Gosford Park" '01, "Two Brothers" '04, "Vanity Fair" '04, "Piccadilly Jim" '04, "Separate Lies" '05, "The Young Victoria" '09, "From Time to Time" (adaptation) '09, "The Tourist" '10, "Romeo and Juliet" '13, "Crooked House" '17, "The Chaperone" '18, "School of Rock" '18, "Downtown Abbey" '19, "Kipps: the New Half a Sixpence Musical" (TV movie, book) '21) plus TV, based on characters created by Julian Fellowes. Obviously by his very resume, this writer is seasoned and talented, and where I truly believe that the 2019 film of the same name was adequate, it simply didn't have the polish of the series. However, with this film, Fellowes has been redeemed. Other than a couple of very small places of inconsistencies, this film was much better than I ever dreamed--I went to see this with great trepidation. Going between the abbey and France could've been convoluted, but Fellowes conveyed the connection with such finesse. If you like this writer's style, his "The Wind in the Willows"is in pre-production at this point. 

Certainly if you are a Downtown Abbey fan, you will revel and may have already gone to see this, but even if you're not, the writing and directing, not to mention the acting by Maggie Smith should be enough to woo you to the theater. Lots going on down at the abbey.

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

Firestarter

When Stephen King wrote the novel "Carrie" in 1976, I can't help but think that when he wrote the novel "Firestarter" in 1984, he decided to use a similar premise and concoct a different story in each book. And since that time, both films "Carrie" and "Firestarter" have been remade--"Carrie in 2013 and now this remake of "Firestarter". 

For more than a decade, parents Andy McGee (Zac Efron) and Vicky (Sydney Lemmon) have been on the run, desperate to hide their daughter Charlie (Ryan-Kiera Armstrong) from a shadowy federal agency, DSI, or otherwise known as 'The Shop' that wants to harness her unprecedented gift for creating fire into a weapon of mass destruction. Andy, having his own powers, has taught Charlie how to defuse her power, which is triggered by anger or pain. But as Charlie turns 11, the fire becomes harder and harder to control. After an incident reveals the family's location, a mysyerious operative from 'The Shop' named Rainbird (Michael Greyeyes) is deployed by Captain Hollister (Gloria Reuben) to hunt down the family and seize Charlie once and for all, however Charlie has other plans. 

Others to round out the cast are Kurtwood Smith as Dr. Joseph Wanless, John Beasley as Irv Manders, Tina Jung as Ms, Gardner, Hannan Younis as Darla Gurney, Gavin Maciver-Wright as Gavin, Jamillah Ross as Officer Pierce, Danny Waugh as Sheriff Perry and Lanette Ware as Principal Lewis.

This was directed amazing well by Keith Thomas ("The Vigil" '19) plus a short and a music video, especially considering he has very limited experience behind the camera. Efron's staid yet concerned character was paced and staged well. It would've been easy to develop his character as over-the-top, but this approach is not only fresher, but much more effective, and this is decisive directing. It was interestingly written by Scott Teems ("That Evening Sun" '09, "Holbrook/Twain: An American Odyssey" (documentary) '14, "The Quarry" '20, "Halloween Kills" '21) plus TV and a short, based on the novel by Stephen King. This was surprisingly written effectively given it is a remake, and considering Teems is a somewhat experienced writer, it helped in how the film was sequenced. Like many of King's work, the ending was a bit abrupt--a bit like Hitchcock when he ended his films, and he was 'the master of suspense'. The cast was effective especially that of Efron and Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Charlie. She held her own with finesse and professionalism all the while never being upstaged by her adult counterparts. She will undoubtedly receive more work. It was certainly as effective as the original if not better, but when one has the basis which is a King novel, how bad could it be?

If you're a King aficionado, you will revel with this--it is quintessential King clear through. It's short, concise, sequenced well, all with an ending that you can conclude which makes it a different film that's not all tied up with a nice bow by end credits. 

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

Family Camp

There are many genres that Hollywood produces not only of the types of films, but also the different subject matter. The subject of camps, whether in summer or not, have been produced in genres including drama, comedy, even horror in many films. Some can be handled in creative ways adding fresh ideas, however "Family Camp", albeit a fair attempt, took all the pratfalls from the playbook and ended up not overly original. 

When their pastor, Dave (Mark Christopher Lawrence) encourages the congregation to sign up for a week at family camp, Grace Ackerman (Leigh-Allyn Baker) believes that she's found the perfect cure for her imperfect clan, including husband Tommy (Tommy Woodward), daughter Hannah (Cece Kelly) and son Henry (Jacob M. Wade), even if they'd all rather be anywhere else than at rustic Camp Katokwah. There, they end up competing for the elusive yearly trophy from reining family champs comprised of Eddie Sanders (Eddie James), wife Victoria (Gigi Orsillo) and their kids. This is a laugh-out-loud comedy that is sure to touch the hearts and tickle the funny bones of every family member from eight to eighty. 

Others to round out the cast are Elias Kemuel as Ed Jr. Sanders, Keslee Blalock as Barb Sanders, Robert Amaya as Joel, Heather Land as Cookie, Myke Holmes as Slim, Weston Vrooman as Beef and Brandon Potter as Bramberger. 

This was adequately directed by a virtual new comer to feature films, Brian Cates (TV mini series and shorts). Although this filmmaker is totally new to feature films, he certainly has a strong ability to extract the emotions needed from his actors to give us that feeling of empathizing with the pitfalls of each character. His shorts work has served him well. However, where the directing was effective, the writing from Cates and Rene Gutteridge ("Skid" '15, "Love's Complicated"(novel: "My Life As A Dormat") '16)plus a TV mini series and shorts was not overly original. Considering that there have been many other 'camp' films produced i.e. "Meatballs" '79, "Summer Camp" '79,"Camp" '03, "Couples Retreat" '09 and the like, it becomes progressively difficult to write a screenplay that's fresh and original. Sure, for the movie it was, it allowed the audience to escape into humor, some great pratfalls all while climaxing to an ultimate message as the film reaches a closing, which makes it a worthwhile family film. Again, considering the minimal experience, this was an admiral attempt at screenwriting. Given more experience, these writers could tackle films with more expertise with each and every film they create. They were certainly able to create a stable sequence of how the film flowed; it just needed a bit more polish. 

If you like family/inspirational films, this will certainly hit home. It has humor, some light drama, all with a very family oriented message in which to allow the audience to realize that we can definitely connect which is and can be a problem, especially in this troubled world in which we live. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2,5                                                Rated: PG                                              112mins.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

You know the summer film season is upon us when one of Marvel's 'comic book films' have been released. Of all the companies created to produce films based on their comics, Marvel certainly has the lion's share of the market. As a follow up of 2016's "Dr. Strange", we now have "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse Madness" to delve into.

Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) casts a forbidden spell that opens up a portal which unlocks the Multiverse and pushes its boundaries further than ever before. Journey into the unknown with Dr. Strange, who, with the help of mystical allies both old and new, including Wong (Benedict Wong), America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) and others, traverses the mind-bending and dangerous alternate realities of the Multiverse to confront a mysterious new adversary, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen). This adversary subsequently threatens where it may be too big for his team to handle. 

Others to round out the cast are Michael Stuhlbarg as Dr. Nic West, Sheila Atim as Sarah, Adam Hugill as Rintrah, Ako Mitchell as Charlie, Momo Yeung as Hong Kong Master and Daniel Swain as London Master. 

This was incredibly well directed by veteran Sam Raimi ("It's Murder!" '77, "The Evil Dead" '81, "Crimewave" '85, "Evil Dead II" '87, "Darkman" '90, "The Quick and the Dead" '95, "For the Love of the Game" '99, "Spider-Man" '02, "Oz the Great and Powerful" '13) plus others, TV, shorts and videos. By his very resume, Raimi was born to direct this, or films like this one. His ability to control his actors and their emotions considering how many different film units this film includes is astounding. Sure, there are 2nd unit directors, 1st and 2nd assistant directors along with cinematographers, and the like, but to assist in the making of this, but, at the end of the day, it is the director who ultimately calls the shots and the final decisions. This veteran proved, as he has in the past, that he can handle the responsibility with relative ease.  With so much going on in this story, Raimi simply showed us how fluid his directing was in spades. It was interestingly written by a virtual newcomer to feature films, Michael Waldron (TV and a short). Whereas Disney and Marvel were able to commission a talented, veteran director, why did they cheapen the film by hiring a writer whose never written a screenplay (that's been produced) for a feature film at all? Surely, natural writers do come along, however in the case of this film, it needed a lot more polish. The story meandered along too much and the more the film was attempting to find the story, the more it couldn't do so. Don't get me wrong, there were moments that succeeded, and kudos for the writer with those places, but this premise originally housed a somewhat more complex plot, and with that, Marvel et.al. really needed to hire a more experienced writer with more under their belt. This writer either needs to hone his talent on more TV or maybe tackle feature films with less complex premises. Although the story went from universe to universe, I believe that the visual effects were still over done a bit. With the brunt of the visual effects predominantly being designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic), Luma Pictures and Digital Domain, which were stunning, the amount used seemed a bit over done. 

I know this going to be shock, but Dr. Strange will return. This is no spoiler, since all 'comic book films' continue as long as they keep raking in the bucks. Cha-Ching! It certainly is a visual feast for the eyes, and for this reason is why one might want to see it on the big screen, but if you're looking for a taut script, it loses steam. It is presented in an IMAX format for that up, close and personal feeling. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                              Rated: PG-13                                             126mins.

 

Memory

Liam Neeson has performed in many dramatic films about revenge or assassination premises, i.e. "The Grey", "The Commuter", "Taken", and the like, so when I went to review this film, I was certainly expecting the same plotline as in his other films, however, although there were similarities with "Memory" and his other films, the fact that he not only was scrambling to unravel an assassin that went awry, he also had to contend with a memory loss issue simultaneously.

This story follows Alex Lewis (Liam Neeson), an expert assassin with a reputation for discreet precision. Caught in a moral quagmire, Alex refuses to complete a job that violates his code and must quickly hunt down and kill the people who hired him before they and FBI agents Vincent Serra (Guy Pearce), Linda Amistead (Taj Atwal) and Hugo Marquez (Harold Torres) find him first. Alex is built for revenge but, with a memory that is beginning to falter, he is forced to question his every action, blurring the line between right and wrong. 

Others to round out the cast are Monica Bellucci as Davana Sealman, Ray Stevenson as Detective Danny Mora, Stella Stocker as Maya, Ray Fearon as Gerald Nussbaum, Antonio Jaramillo as Papa Leon, Lee Boardman as Mauricio, Natalie Anderson as Maryanne Borden and Rebecca Calder as Wendy Van Camp.

This was intensely delineated by director Martin Campbell ("Sex Thief" '73, "Three for All" '75, "Criminal Law" '88, Defenseless" '91, "Golden Eye" '95, "The Mask of Zorro" '98, "Vertical Limit" 2000, "The Legend of Zorro" '05, "Casino Royale" '06, "Edge of Darkness" '10, "Green Lantern" '11, "The Foreigner" '17, "The Protege" '21) plus others, TV and a short. Obviously, this filmmaker has, not only a seasoned amount of experience, but, more to the point, he has a plethora of experience with action suspensful thrillers, this film falling into that genre. The staging and pacing in this was certainly effective,and Neeson exuded that right amount of the emotion of someone caught between his job and sickness so well that the intensity he showcased was realistic and gritty, and this is talented directing. But, considering the amazing body of work by Campbell, it should be no surprise. It was interestingly written by Dario Scardapane ("Posse" '93, "The Darkling" (TV movie) 2000, "Faceless" (TV movie) '06) plus TV and a short, based on a film "De zaak Alzheimer" by Carl Joos and Erik Van Looy, which is based on the book by Jef Geeraerts. What actually makes this interesting is that it's a film about a man who is loosing his memory, and considering that Guy Pearce who starred in Christopher Nolan's "Memento" 2000, a film about a man who has a terrible memory, so bad that he has to take Poloroid pictures in order to remember, and in this film, Neeson's Alex writes things on his arm to remember, the analogies are striking. Now,  each characters' loss of memory is for a different reason, so there is a definite differenece, however with underlying similarities. The only issue I have with this is the way it had a tendency to meander a bit in certain spots which added some confusion, however, not enough to detract from the story. 

Certainly, if you like this type of film that Neeson turns out as well as he does, this is the film for you. Was this an Oscar contender? No, undoubtedly it was not made for that reason. But, suffice it to say, it was compelling and certainly a riveting roller coaster ride we've come to expect from Neeson.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                           Rated: R                                                    114mins.