Unsung Hero

Of late, the based-on-a-true-story type of film has seemingly exceeded those films that are fictional--kind of real life is stranger than fiction type of thing. And with this type of thinking, it's no wonder that Hollywood has produced so many of them, especially when many of them have been profitable. We've seen many films based on true stories that run the genre gambit, but now we are offered "Unsung Hero", a film that chronicles the Smallbones' musical family and their difficulty surviving the early 1990's.

Based on a remarkable true story, This film follows David Smallbone (Joel Smallbone) as he moves his family from Down Under to the States, searching for a brighter future after his successful music company collapses. With nothing more than their six children, switches, and their love of music, David and his pregnant wife Helen (Daisy Betts) set out to rebuild their lives. Helen's faith stands against all odds and inspires her husband and children to hold onto theirs. With their own dreams on hold, David and Helen begin to realize the musical prowess in their children, especially their daughter, Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger), who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in Inspirational music history: five time Grammy Award-winning artists for King + Country and Rebecca St. James.

Others to round out the cast are Jonathan Jackson as Eddie Degarmo, Lucas Black as Jed Albright, Candace Cameron Bure as Kay Albright, Terry O'Quinn as James Smallbone, David's father, Paul Luke Bonenfant as Daniel Smallbone, JJ Pantano as Luke Smallbone, Diesel La Torraca as Joel Smallbone, Tenz McCall as Ben Smallbone and Angus K. Caldwell as Josh Smallbone.

This was directed with such pathos and sincerity by Richard Ramsey (The Oath of Desormeau" '06, "The Song" '14, "Plus One at an Amish Wedding" (TV movie) '22) plus TV and shorts and Joel Smallbone. Obviously Ramsey has the lion's share of the experience here, but considering Smallbone comes from the family that this films chronicles, his input had to be astronomical. In fact, without his collaboration, it probably wouldn't be the film it turned out to be. Some of the staging was a bit stiff, but not nearly to a degree that impeded with the film. It was also effectively written by Richard Ramsey and Joel Smallbone ("Priceless" (TV movie) '16). It was presented as a flashback in that as they are on the airplane on their way to the U.S., Helen is thinking about what it took for her and her family to get to that place on the plane which was an interesting approach. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness and a couple of places of some sentimental and hokey situations, this script was spot on. In fact, the sentimental side of this was probably needed to ensure that the audience truly understands the plight that this family was going through. The cast was very believable, especially that of Daisy Betts as Helen, who shined in this film. 

If you're into the inspirational and films based on a true story, this film will aim to please. As with other films based on true stories, this story has much to offer: grit, love, fear, uncertainty and redemption all rolled up in a story about a family that, even when there is adversity, they still connect because they're a family and for there strong belief in God. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: PG                                        112mins.

The Mummy

Once in a while we are offered a film that has been re-released after an original release date of 20,30,40 years since its first listing: "2001: A Space Odyssey", "The Wizard of Oz", "Jurassic Park", and "Alien"which is now in re-release after its 45th anniversary. Well, now we are offered the 25th anniversary release of "The Mummy" 1999 to sit back and enjoy once again. 

This film is a rousing, suspenseful and horrifying epic reboot of the classic 1932 version, about an expedition of treasure-seeking explorers, including Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser), Evelyn (Rachel Weisz), Jonathan Carnahan (John Hannah), in the Sahara Desert in 1925. Stumbling upon an ancient tomb,the hunters unwittingly set loose a 3,000-year-old legacy of terror, which is embodied in the vengeful reincarnation of an Egyptian priest, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) who had been sentence to an eternity as one of the living dead.

Others to round out the cast are Kevin J. O'Connor as Beni Gabor, Jonathan Hyde as Dr. Allen Chamberlain, Erik Avari as Dr. Terrence Bey, Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay, Stephen Dunham as Mr. Henderson, Corey Johnson as Mr. Daniels, Tuc Watkins as Mr. Burns and Bernard Fox as Captain Winston Havelock. 

This was humorously directed with a plethora of grit by Stephen Sommers ("Catch Me If You Can" '89, "Terror Eyes" '89, "The Adventures of Huck Finn" '93, "The Jungle Book" '94, "Deep Rising" '98, "The Mummy Returns" '01, "Van Helsing" '04, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" '09, "Odd Thomas" '13) plus a video game. This filmmaker knows how to direct these types of films since his resume proves this before this film was released and after. He certainly was able to stage and pace his actors where they even looked better and performed so well, one would think they're the characters they are playing. If you like this director's brand, his "When Worlds Collide" is in development. It was also written equally by Stephen Sommers ("Deep Rising" '98, "The Mummy Returns" '01, "The Scorpion King" '02, "Van Helsing" '04, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" '08, "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" '09 (story), "Odd Thomas" '13), based on a screen story by Stephen Sommers, Lloyd Fonvielle and Kevin Jarre. I feel this was created as a homage to "Raiders of the Lost Ark" '81 being similar in the feel of the film, just as "Sahara" '05 with Matthew McConaughey also was. This film as the others are films that the movie theater was created to show--entertaining, action, swashbuckling types of films. We need more of these films considering all that's so difficult out there in the world. This film was sequenced well where each scene was effortlessly created that came across amazingly realistic. And the photography by Adrian Biddle bsc was breathtaking in every scene. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) was seamless and actually enhanced the story. 

I you like the 'Indiana Jones' type of movies, you will like this. I saw this when it was released in ;99, but, since this looks so good on the large screen, I just had to go and see it again...on the large scree. But, if one has never seen this film, this is a must see--it has it all, action, humor, great storytelling and  wonderful visuals all the while being entertaining and being a great vehicle for amazing escapism. Enjoy this ride! I know I did!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG-13                                   125mins.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare

There are a handful of directors in the biz that when they work on a film, they create a cohesive, well thought out and a classic in the making."The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" is one of those films which is directed by Guy Ritchie. What other directors are on the elusive list? Steven Spielberg, Paul Greengrass, Christopher Nolan, Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, David Fincher to mention a handful.

Based upon declassified files of The British War Department back in 2016, and inspired by true events, this is an action-comedy that tells the story of the first-ever special forces organization formed during WWII by UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear) and a small group of military officials including Marjorie Stewart (Eiza Gonzalez), Richard Heron (Babs Olusanmokun) and author Ian Fleming (Freddie Fox). The top-secret combat unit, composed of a motley crew of rogues and mavericks including Gus March Phillips (Henry Cavill),Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding) and Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), goes on a daring mission against the Nazis using entirely unconventional and utterly "ungentlemanly" fighting techniques. Ultimately their audacious approach changed the course of the war and laid the foundation for the British SAS and modern Black Ops warfare.

Others to round out the cast are Cary Elwes as Brigadier Gubbins, Til Schweiger as Heinrich Luhr, James Wilby as Viscount Algernon, Henrique Zaga as Captain Bines, Danny Sapani as Billy and Matthew Hawksley as Sir Percy.

This was brilliantly directed by the incomparable Guy Ritcie ("Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" '98, "Snatch" 2000, "Swept Away" '02, "Revolver" '05, "Suspect" (TV movie) '07, "RocknRolla" '08, "Sherlock Holmes" '09, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" '11, "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." '15, "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" '17, "Aladdin" '19, "The Gentlemen" '19, "Wrath of Man" '21, "Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre" '23, "Guy Ritchie's The Covenant" '23) plus music videos, TV, videos and shorts. As with Ritchie's other projects, this film was created in his usual slick, quick edited, stylized format that has truly become his trademark. Three minutes into a film, I can tell whether it is directed by Ritchie or not--he is that distinct. This filmmaker simply knows how to tell a story by the way the film is shot and cut--it definitively gives that feeling that the audience is waiting for more. If you like this director's distinct style, his "In the Grey" is in post-production. It was equally well written by Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel and Guy Ritchie, based on the book by Damien Lewis. I can surely understand why this film was powerfully written considering the extensive experience all of these writers obtain. Usually my belief is that if there is more than two writers involved on any one film, the script has a tendency to become bogged down and confusing--too many cooks in the kitchen perhaps, but since these writers are as exemplary as they are, the added assistance only enhanced the story. The editing by James Herbert and the photography by Ed Wild bsc was also incredible and simply added to this story. 

I'm sure glad there was a 'based on a true story'disclaimer at the beginning of this, because the story and these men were so unorthodox in their methods of fighting, it was difficult to grasp that it was true. If you're a Ritchie fan as I am, you'll love this--it is quintessential Ritchie. It was thrilling and humorous from beginning to end. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                            Rated: R                                              120mins.

The Long Game

When it comes to films based on true stories, there are so many films and not enough time. We've all seen, what I call, true story films, before, and most of them are ones we typically can learn from, whether it be metaphorical or physically--something for everyone, but when I saw "The Long Game", I expected good, but instead I received amazing.

In 1956, JB Pena (Jay Hernandez) and his wife Lucy (Jaina Lee Ortiz) moved to the small town of Del Rio, Texas, partly for a job as a school superintendent, but mostly to fulfill JB's dream of joining the prestigious, all-white Del Rio Country Club, So when JB is rejected on the basis of his skin color, he is devastated. But his world soon collides with a group of young Latino golf caddies who work at the country club, and JB is inspired by the handmade course the boys built in the country to teach themselves golf. With little experience and even fewer resources, JB convinces the boys consisting of Joe Trevino (Julian Works), Felipe Romero (Miguel Angel Garcia), Gene Vasquez (Gregory Diaz IV), Mario Lomas (Christian Gallegos) and Lupe Felan (Jose Julian), to start their own high school golf team with his WWII buddy and golfer himself, Frank Mitchell (Denis Quaid) to assist him with the team. This all starts them all on a journey where they learn that it takes more than just golf skills to make history. 

Others to round out the cast are Paulina Chavez as Daniella Torres, Jimmy Gonzales as Joe's father, Gillian Vigman as Gayle Baker, Cheech Marin as Pollo, Oscar Nunez as Principal Guerra, Richard Robichaux as Don Glenn, Heather Kafka as Alice Glenn, Michael Southworth as Tim Cox and Brett Cullen as Judge Milton. 

This was brilliantly and honestly directed by Julio Quintana ("The Vessel" '16, "Blue Miracle" '21) plus shorts. The way this filmmaker was able to encourage his actors to exude the emotions of these different characters was stunning, not to mention the pacing and staging which was also exemplary. The writing was also executed with thoroughness and thoughtfulness by Julio Quintana ("The Vessel" '16, "Blue Miracle" '21) plus shorts, Jennifer Stetson ("Christmas with You" '22) plus a short and Paco Farias ("Christmas with You" '22) plus shorts, which is based on the novel "Mustang Miracle" by Humberto G. Garcia. The sequencing of the script was concise, and the cohesiveness was amazing. In fact, the only error that I noticed was a short 3 second scene that obtained a 1958 Chevy, which, this being set in 1956, this car wasn't designed yet. I happened to be a vintage car enthusiast so I know this is accurate. Chevy only designed this Chevy in 1958. But was this enough to 'ding' the film on? Absolutely not--just a bit of trivia. The cast of Jay Hernandez, Dennis Quaid and Julian Works was solid as was the rest of the cast as well. Even though these filmmakers don't have a plethora of experience, given more work, they will only get better with time. 

If you like biopics or films about golf or sports in general, this will be the film for you. I must say, I'm not really a golf fan, and this truly held my attention given the writing, directing and even acting, not to mention that it was interesting going back in time in a different cultural element. It was a couple of hours well spent. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                              Rated: PG                                         113mins.

Civil War

Usually when we are faced with an apocalyptic film, it is far enough into the future that we can't even relate to it. "Civil War" isn't necessarily an apocalyptic film, but considering it focuses on the dpwnfall of this country from within, it smacks of the 'end of the world', and something this country can see coming if we, as a people, don't do something to turn things around. 

From filmmaker Alex Garland, comes a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists including Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny) and Sammy (Stephen McKinley-Henderson) as they race against time to reach Washington D.C. before rebel factions descend upon the White House. This film starts with the states, Texas and California already succeeding from the nation, and by now we are polarized as a people where killing each other is seemingly permissed if 'the system' doesn't know. These journalists' trek is fraught with numerous volatile situations before reaching D.C., and, of course, when reaching D.C., it is a proverbial war zone. 

This was directed with such grit all with a realistic view by Alex Garland ("Ex Machina" '14, "Annihilation" '18, "Men" '22) plus TV. This film, like Paul Greengrasses' "United 93" '06, is super-realistic where, after the film starts unfolding, it ends up with that documentary aspect, so the film becomes chilling.  This was also well written by Alex Garland ("The Beach" (story) 2000, "28 Days Later" '02, "The Tesseract" (novel) '03, "Sunshine" '07, "Never Let Me Go" '10, "Dredd" '12, "Ex Machina" '14, "Annihilation" '18, "Men" '22) plus video games and TV. This film is or could be prophetic if our country keeps going down the rabbit hole that it's going down. Right now, words and bullying are the order of the day, however, given time with zero change societally, this country will certainly become this film, and Garland really nailed it.The script was concise, cohesive and paced painstakingly well. This writer certainly knows how to write films about end times--simply look at his resume, and with this, produced a powerhouse story. Couple all this with the fine photography by Rob Hardy asc/bsc, and you have a gripping white-knuckle film that one can only wonder if this is our country's future. There were a couple of very small places of slowness with this, but truly not enough to take away from the impact of this.

If you're into 'end of time' type films, you'll revel with this. I believe that, through word of mouth, people will go to see this out of morbid curiosity to see if there is any potential connection to what's going on out there in our country and world that could be connected to what's happening in this film. Hopefully after seeing this film, one will walk out of the theater very thoughtful and come to a conclusion that if we don't change our ways of thinking, this film could very well be our future.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                          Rated: R                                       107mins.

Arcadian

There are genres that I like, and those that I find difficult to watch, and even though "Arcadian" is considered a horror film, I feel, because it's not the typical 'slasher' film, I would find it a bit more palatable. I couldn't help but think of the film, "The Omega Man" '71, or its reboot, "I Am Legend" '07 when viewing this since they, too, are apocalyptic films including hideous, vicious creatures that come out at night, but this film might have been a homage to those films.

In the near future, life on Earth has been decimated. Paul (Nicolas Cage) and his twin teenage sons, Thomas (Maxwell Jenkins) and Joseph (Jaeden Martell), have been living a half life--tranquility by day and torment by night. When the sun sets, ferocious creatures of the night awaken and consume all living souls in their path. One day, when Thomas doesn't return home before sundown, leaving Joseph home, Paul chooses to leave the safety of their fortified farm to find him before the creatures arrive. Just as he finds his boy, a nightmarish battle ensues and Paul is gravely wounded. Now the twins must devise a desperate plan for surviving the coming night and use everything their father has taught them to keep alive. 

Others to round out the cast are Sadie Soverall as Charlotte, Samantha Coughlan as Mrs. Rose, Joe Dixon as Mr. Rose, Joel Gillman as Hobson and Darie McMahon as militant farmer. 

This was intensely directed with grit by Benjamin Brewer ("Beneath Contempt" '11, "The Trust" '16) plus shorts and music videos. As this film builds the frenetic feel it holds, the audience is truly bracing themselves in what is going to happen around each and every corner. Even though he only has two feature films under his belt, his shorts and videos has certainly also served him well, because the pacing and staging in each scene simply drags one through that proverbial keyhole wondering what's waiting for these characters. This filmmaker will receive more work for sure. It was interestingly written by Michael Nilon ("Braven" (story) '18). As stated in the preface, the two aforementioned films came to mind after seeing this film because of them being apocalyptic with deadly creatures appearing only at night. Certainly the stories were different albeit, but the other aspects were showcased. This script was tight, cohesive and fast-paced. It was interesting that there was nothing mentioned about where these creatures came from or any other origin, but, who knows, maybe there's a sequel? But, even though the origin wasn't present, the keeping its audience on the edge of their seats aspect made up for the lack of origin in spades. And considering the lack of experience this writer has at all, this story was honed well from first frame to last. What will make this writer even better will be to receive more work, but, unfortunately Hollywood being the business that it is,if this doesn't profit, he probably won't have that chance. 

If the horror genre is your favorite, this will certainly win you over, but even if you're not, like me, it will pull you in due to the intensity and clever writing one doesn't see in the typical 'slasher' film. Cage and the supporting cast were believable as was the directing with his ability to hold your attention with the grit he showcased. What a roller coaster ride!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: R                                            92mins.

Monkey Man

Through the years we have all be offered films about enacting vengeance, revenge in a vigilantism format. The stories may be diverse and varied in many aspects, however, films to appease our wanting wrongs righted. Well, "Monkey Man", an action-packed film that is offered, is a film to bring us to that place of feeling like that ever present wrong is turned around.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, "Monkey Man" stars Dev Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club owned by Tiger (Sharlto Copley) where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash. After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city's sinister and perverted elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him. 

Others to round out the cast are Pitobash as Alphonso, Vipin Sharma as Alpha, Sikandar Kher as Rana, Adithi Kalkunte as Neela, Sobhita Dhulipala as Sita, Ashwini Kalsekar as Queenie Kapoor, Makrand Deshpande as Baba Shakti, Zakir Hussain as Tabla Maestro and Jatin Malik as young 'Kid'.

This was directed with such grit, pathos and intensity by Dev Patel (two shorts). This filmmaker obviously put his heart and soul into this project, but considering this project is based on a story idea from Patel, it should be no surprise that the passion would be apparent. His vision of this story rang true and I believe the audiences will see this in spades. If he ever wanted to expel his acting talent, he could work behind the camera any day and we would only be the victors for it. After the film actually got going it was interestingly well penned by writers, Dev Patel (a short), Paul Angunawela (Keith Lemon: The Film" '12) and John Collee ("Paper Mask" '90, "The Heart Surgeon" (TV movie) '97, "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World" '03, "Happy Feet" '06, "Creation" '09, "Walking with the Dinosaurs 3D" '13, "Son of a Gun" (additional material) '14, "Wolf Totem" '15, "Frackman" '15, "Tanna" '15, "The Patriarch" '16, "Hotel Mumbai" '18, "Black Site" (additional writing) '22, "Lee" '23, "Three" (additional material) '24) plus TV and shorts. Unfortunately, the first half of this film took some time to really find its footing, what with being disjointed and meandering to find the film it was meant to be. Once the film found its foundation, the story started coming together and became the film it was attempting to be. As I watched the last half of the film, I started piecing together the different elements of the film and could then understand the first half more, but it should not have been confusing at the beginning in order for one to 'get it' later on in the story. All in all, once the script got going, I really did enjoy how the film was unfolding and it was almost a 'John Wick' type of film.

Certainly if you liked the 'John Wick' franchise, you'll love this, especially the last half of the film. As I said in the preface, it is quite the vigilante film replete with action, explosions, passion, hurt, and eventually redemption. It definitely is more that a 'shoot 'em up' film. It's a guy that is truly hurt by a very tragic past where his passion simply cannot be held back any longer. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                          Rated: R                                         122mins.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Hollywood, through the decades, have truly become the business of franchises--what with every season sometimes being saturated with films that have multiple installments. "Jaws", "Airport", "Star Wars" "Thor", "Indiana Jones", "Jurassic Park" to mention a drop in the bucket. There have been so many "Godzilla" and "Kong" films that I would be hard-pressed to give you a number. But, here we are with yet another one called "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire".

This latest entry in the Monsterverse franchise follows up the explosive showdown of "Godzilla vs. Kong"with an all-new cinematic adventure pitting the almighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence--and our own. The new film will delve further into the histories of these Titans, their origins,and the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond, while uncovering the mythic battle that helped forge these extraordinary beings. So, a team comprised of Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), Trapper (Dan Stevens), Jia (Kaylee Hottle), and Mikael (Alex Ferns), venture to the Hollow World to attempt to find out what's causing the different disturbances that the computer findings indicate. 

Others to round out the cast are Rachel House as Hampton, Fala Chen as Iwi Queen, Ron Smyck as Harris and Greg Hatton as Lewis.

This was directed with effective sequencing and staging by Adam Wingard ("Home Sick" '07, "Pop Skull" '07, "A Horrible Way to Die" '10, "Autoerotic" '11, "What Fun We Were Having" '11, "You're Next" '11, "60 Seconds of Solitude in Year Zero" '11, "V/H/S (segment 56)" '12, "The ABCs of Death (segment Q  is for Quack)" '12, "V/H/S/2 (segment Phase 1 Clinical Trials)" '13, "The Guest" '14, "Blair Witch" '17, "Death Note" '17, "Godzilla vs. Kong" '21) plus TV and shorts. For having so much within this story, this filmmaker was truly able to keep an effective pace and continuity about it. There were a couple of very small places of continuity issues, but certainly not enough to distract from the story. It was written by Terry Rossio, Simon Barrett and Jeremy Slater, based on a story by Rossio, Wingard and Barrett, which is based on the creation by Toho Co., Inc. This is where the film has issues--there was too much going on to keep track of the storyline. There were far too many Titans--not just Godzilla and Kong to keep track of, all the while the humans basically being stuck within the different scenes where the director and editor saw fit. I realize that explosions are a part of this genre, however they were aplenty and got tiresome after a point. These have substantial experience, so I'm not sure what happened. Bad day at the laptop? The visual effects predominantly designed by Double Negative and Scanline VFX were amazing, but you know this before you walk into the theater and there were just too many of them. The real stars here are the Supervising Sound Editors: Erik Aadahl, mpse and Ethan Van der Ryn. The way they were able to take the different foley sounds that the foley artists designed and edit them in so many different scenes, sometimes where there may be a few seconds in which to achieve these sounds was phenomenal. Kudos to these guys!

Certainly, if you like Godzilla and Kong, you'll be in that particular heaven since this involves both of them. There's even some other creatures one can salivate over with this monster eye candy. This is definitely a film for the 18-24 single male demographic--ka-ching!! If you want a fluffy, explosive, stunt-filled and action=packed film, this will most assuredly fit that bill. If you want to see it thrown at you in the face, you can see it in an IMAX format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2,5                                      Rated: PG-13                                       115mins.