Karate Kid: Legends

For a franchise that has lasted for 41 years starting with "The karate Kid" in 1984, "Karate Kid: Legends" is yet another film continuing with a new generation that is as entertaining as the original. There have been other sequel films and a TV series since, but this film was delineated with the kind of precision one would certainly hope for. 

This film unites the iconic martial arts masters of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen) to attend a prestigious new school. He finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate, Mia Lupani (Sadie Stanley) and her father, Victor Lupani (Joshua Jackson). But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion, Conor Day (Aramis Knight). Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate yearly competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown. 

Others to round out the cast are Wyatt Oleff as Alan Federman, Nicolas Carella as Fat Jerry, Shaunette Renee Wilson as Ms. Morgan, Tim Rozon as O'Shea and Yankei Ge as Bo Fong, Li's brother. 

This was directed with just the right amount of action and heart by Jonathan Entwistle ("Mulligatawny" '10) plus TV, shorts and music videos. This filmmaker certainly has the ability to stage and pace his actors well, and simply captured the same feel of Macchio's character from the other 'Karate Kid' films. With only one other feature film to his credit behind the camera, his TV and shorts experience served him well. Typically this is the mark of a smart director to hone their talent in TV, etc before taking the leap into the feature film biz. It was equally well written by Rob Lieber ("Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (screen story) '14, "Peter Rabbit" (screen story) '18, "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" '18) plus TV, based on characters created by Robert Mark Kamen. May I start with the trailer doesn't sell this film? When I saw my first trailer, I felt that it didn't look like a movie to waste my time, however not terrible, but certainly nothing great. After reviewing this, it was far better than the trailer led on. Was it without flaws? Definitely not. It started out as just "The Karate Kid" x 2-- the next generation coupled with a yawn. However, as the film progressed, it suddenly became the film that this writer meant it to be. It wasn't a sentimental, maudlin drama, but it carried the audience to a place where different techniques were implemented that Han and Daniel found that would work instead of us presuming that everything was going to be tied up with a nice bow--it became more real, and this spoke volumes.

As with the original, this was the quintessential underdog film replete with reexamining Li's past in order to help his present and hopefully his future. It has action, heart, redemption and enough humor to give it that sense of reality. And aren't these types of films the reason why we go to the theater so as to escape?

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: PG-13                                   104mins.

                                     

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

When I used to see the TV series of Mission: Impossible, it was considered a cutting edge show when it came to 'stinging' the bad guys by shows' end. Now that the film franchise has been in existence for 29 years, we now have been offered the eighth installment appropriately titled "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" as the follow up to the 2023, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning". 

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the IMF team including Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Grace (Hayley Atwell) and Paris (Pom Klementieff) continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity--which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe--with the world's governments and a mysterious 'ghost', Gabriel (Esai Morales) from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies including Capt. Bledsoe (Tramell Tillman) and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. 

Others to round out the cast are Henry Czerny as Kittridge, Holt McCallany as Serling, Angela Bassett as President Erika Sloane, Janet McTeer as Walters, Nick Offerman as Gen. Sidney, Hannah Waddingham as Adm. Neely, Shea Whigham as Briggs and Greg Tarzan Davis as Deeds.

This was directed with the same precision and expertise as with the many other 'Mission Impossible' films we've all seen by Christopher McQuarrie ("The Way of the Gun" 2000, "Jack Reacher" '12, "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" '15, "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" '18, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning" '23). McQuarrie actually got his start in writing screenplays and ultimately graduated to behind the camera with much success. He sequences well and his staging, pacing and ability to handle a large production simply is second to none. If you like his form of directing, his "The Gauntlet" is in pre production. It was well penned by seasoned writers Christopher McQuarrie ("Public Access" '93, "The Usual Suspects" '95, "The Underworld" (TV movie) '97, "The Way of the Gun" 2000, "Valkyrie" '08, "The Tourist" '10, "Jack Reacher" '12, "Jack the Giant Slayer" '13, "The Mummy" '17, "Top Gun: Maverick" '22, "Mission: Impossile - Dead Reckoning Part One" '23) plus other films and TV, and Erik Jendresen ("Deadlocked" (TV movie) 2000, "Crazy as Hell" '02, "Sublime" '07, "The Big Bang" '10, "Ithaca" '15, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" '23) plus other TV movies, based on the TV series created by Bruce Geller. These writers gave an incredible send up for this films' closure--replete with a graduated story that builds slowly and then all hell breaks loose. For a film that runs almost three hours, this movie certainly moved. There was a couple of very small slow places about two-thirds the way through, but otherwise was a great popcorn flick. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless and the realism was off the charts. Both Cruise and McQuarrie produced this film and they certainly knew what the audiences wanted and they produced.

If you're a Mission: Impossible fan (whether the TV series or the films), this is the film for you! It has it all: drama, explosions, adrenaline, and even humor which makes for that perfect summer flick where we all can go and escape into. Grab the popcorn--this is quite the roller coaster ride!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       170mins.

The Last Rodeo

Who doesn't like or respect a good 'underdog' film? We've seen many of them i.e. "American Underdog", "Invincible", "Rudy", "Seabuscuit", "42", plus many others. "The Last Rodeo" is certainly the quintessential underdog film if ever seen, and probably the most incredible comeback movie released in some time. 

To save his grandson, Cody Wainwright (Graham Harvey), a retired three time rodeo star, Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) decides to enter a high-stakes bull-riding competition in order to help finance a delicate brain surgery his grandson must endure. Along the way, through his friend Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson) and his daughter, Sally Wainwright (Sarah Jones), he confronts his past, discovers faith, and proves that true courage lives in family.

Others to round out the past are Christopher McDonald as Jimmy Mack, Daylon Ray Swearingen as Billy Hamilton, Irene Bedard as Agisa Williams, Matt West as Carl Thompson, Clint Adkins as commentator Bryan Buck, Gabriel Sousa as Marco Lockwood, Kamen Kasey as Cooper Duke, Ruve McDpnough as Rose Wainwright, Kaden Taylor as Dee Jones as Brook Banks as Vicky.

This was directed with compassion, passion and heart by Jon Avnet ("Between Two Women" (TV movie) '86, "Fried Green Tomatoes" '91, "The War" '94, Up Close & Personal" '96, "Red Corner" '97, "Uprising" (TV movie) '01, "Conviction" (TV movie) '05, "88 Minutes" '07, "Righteous Kill" '08, "Bunker Hill" (TV movie) '09,"Three Christs" '17) plus other TV movies, TV and a video. The way these actors came across in a way that didn't depend on sentimentality and leaned much more on realism was not only effective acting, but directing as well. It could've became maudlin and wallow in sentiment, but one felt that they had to be watching real people in real situations. It was effectively written by Jon Avnet, Neal McDonough and Derek Presley. I'm not sure why Presley was listed last in the writing billing, him having more experience, except that since Avnet directed the film and McDonough starred in it could've been a weighing factor. As with the directing, this writing didn't become bogged down with sentimentality which created realism. It was sequenced well, and paced and staged well. There were, however, a couple of places of slowness and choppiness, but not enough to detract from the intensity of the story. It was well cast, especially that of McDonough in the starring role. He came across as a character, although was obviously beyond his prime, but was still believable in convincing the audience that he could possibly pull this off. 

If you like rodeo films, you will revel with this.There are real bull riders who had roles in this. as well. Also, this being produced by Angel Studios ("Sound of Freedom", "Sight"), it simply made this viewing more real and meaningful. We need more studios like Angel that are willing to produce more wholesome, good, faith based films instead of those that are riddled with gratuitous violence, sex and 4-letter words. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                        Rated: PG                                       116mins.

Shadow Force

As many espionage films that are out there, there are, at least, as many or more of the special forces/black ops films in this particular genre. Whether these films are based in the military or are civilian run, there's something a film goer can sink their teeth into. "Shadow Force" is one of those films that pits the bad guys with ones that have branched off at total odds with each other. 

In this story, Kydah Owens (Kerry Washington) and Isaac Sarr (Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, Ky Sarr (Jahleel Kamara). they go underground. With a huge bounty on their heads by leader, Jack Cinder (Mark Strong), and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family's fight becomes an all-out war. Will they be able to keep one step ahead of Cinder in order to survive?

Others to round out the cast are Da 'Vine Joy Randolph as Marvella or 'Auntie', Cliff 'Method Man' Smith as Avery or 'Unc', Marshall Cook as Patrick, Ed Quinn as Parker, Yoson An as Varjo, Jenel Stevens as Anino, Marvin Jones III as Cysgod, Sala Baker as Scath and Natalia Reyes as Moriti.

This film was directed with grit and tenacity by seasoned Joe Carnahan ("Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane" '98, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Faceless" (TV movie) '06, "The A-Team" '10, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Boss Level" '20, "Battle Ready" (TV movie) '20, "Copshop" '21) plus TV, shorts and a video. By his very resume, Carnahan certainly has perfected the drama and intensity of those in war and the political realm and does so unapologetically. The intensity between Sy and Washington was gritty all the while that they wholeheartedly believe in family and ultimately made that their mainstay, and this represents talented directing. If you like this filmmaker's brand, both his "Not Without Hope" and "RIP" are completed and in post production respectively for a 2025 release date. It was equally well penned by writers Joe Carnahan ("Karate Raider" '95, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Pride and Glory" '08, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Death Wish" '18, "Bad Boys for Life" '20, "Copshop" '21) plus other films, TV, shorts and a video and Leon Chills (TV). This being predominantly written by a seasoned writer (Carnahan), it certainly kept the audience's attention while these two special force ops were balancing their impossible jobs while attempting to raise their child. The only issue with this was that somewhere after about a quarter the way through the film, it started to slow down and was a bit choppy in those places, otherwise it was thrilling and taught as a film of this caliber should be. The supporting cast was strong, especially Mark Strong as the baddie which he plays so well. even though Leon Chills has only TV to his credit, it must have served him well. 

If this particular genre is a favorite, this will serve you with much action, intensity and adrenaline. It has a good cast and fine filmmakers working on it. For a film that didn't receive much press like the new Jurassic World or F1: The Movie, this will certainly keep you glued to the screen while entertaining you as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: R                                           104mins.

Fight or Flight

Most films that are of the genre, thriller, are typically fraught with serious drama laced with high tension, but then we have "Fight or Flight" which is anything but.  Another film that is a thriller that has similar elements of humor is that of "Bullet Train" (2022). Otherwise most other thrillers are basically what one would expect. 

Exiled American agent Lucas Reyes (Josh Hartnett) is given one last chance to redeem himself--The assignment is to track down and identify a mysterious, international high-value asset known only as The Ghost (Charithra Chandran) on a flight from Bangkok to San Francisco. Complicating matters, the plane is filled with assassins from around the globe who are assigned to kill them both. The pair must work together in a fight for their lives. At 37,000 feet, the stakes have never been higher. 

Others to round out the cast are Katee Sackhoff as Katherine Brunt, Julian Kostov as Aaron Hunter, Marko Zaror as Cayenne, Danny Astok as Royce, JuJu Chan Szeto as Master Lian, Hughie O'Donnell as Garrett, Jyuddah Jaymes as Agent Kyle Robinson, Willem van der Vegt as Agent Paul Simmons, Sanjeev Kohli as Pilot and Declan Baxter as co-Pilot.

This was uproariously and intensely directed by a virtual newcomer to feature films James Madigan (TV). The way this filmmaker edited from one scene to another in rapid speed, which added to the frenzy of the interior plane shots, simply added to the gripping tension as the film was unfolding. Even though he only has TV as his source of experience, this plethora of TV experience has served him well, and with that, he will receive more work. It was executed well by writers Brooks McLaren ("How It Ends" '18) and D.J. Cotrona. If I were to akin this film to one other of similarity, it would be that of "Bullet Train" in 2022 with Brad Pitt. Even though each film held its own story line, the fact that it was about a mercenary or agent on a form of travel--one on a train; the other on a plane, and each were high-adrenaline while very funny plots, the similarity was evident. I loved "Bullet Train", so I definitely had fun with this. The only issue with this was that closer to the early part of the film, it jumped around a bit, but as it realized its footing, it clearly moved right along. The editing by Ben Mills and photography by Matt Flannery were amazing and assuredly added to the frenetic aspect of the film. 

As with "Bullet Train", if you like pure escapism laced with rather dark humor, this is the film for you. I'm certainly happy to see Josh Hartnett back to making films again, and where he is choosing his projects much more carefully. Not to spoil, but this does end with the possibility of a sequel? Not sure, but you be the judge. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                     Rated: R                                          103mins.

Thunderbolts*

 

Well, as the summer film season is off and running, what a better, if not expected, film to entertain us is that of Marvel's :Thunderbolts". The summer is typically reserved for big-budget, high adrenaline fare or animated flicks. After viewing this, with an already plugged in audience, it should rake in the bucks. 

"Thunderbolts*" assembles an unconventional team of antiheroes--Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), John Walker (Wyatt Russell), and others. After finding themselves ensnared in a death trap set by Valentina Allegra de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), these disillusioned castoffs must embark on a dangerous mission that will force them to confront the darkest corners of their pasts. Will this dysfunctional group tear themselves apart, or find redemption and unite as something much more before it's too late?

Others to round out the cast are Lewis Pullman as Bob Reynolds, Hannah John-Kamen as Ava Starr, Olga Kurylenko as Antonia Dreykov, Geraldine Viswanathan as Mel, Wendell Pierce as Congressman Gary, Chris Bauer as Holt, Violet McGraw as Young Yelena, Alexa Swinton as Anya and Eric Lange as Houston. 

This was directed with grit and a refreshing amount of humor by Jake Schreier ("Robot & Frank" '12, "Paper Towns" '15, Chance the Rapper's Magnificent Coloring World" '21) plus TV, music videos and shorts. His pacing and staging was spot on and it definitely kept the audience on the edge of their seats. It was similar to that of "Guardians of the Galaxy" in that the humor that was utilized was refreshing and actually worked in this--interesting that both films were about antiheroes which tells me that that can and is an effective element in allowing the humor to work in the story, It was written well by seasoned Eric Pearson ("Thor: Ragnarok" '17, "Godzilla vs. Kong" '21, "Black Widow" '21, "Transformers One" '24) plus TV and videos, and Joanna Calo ((TV), based on a story from Eric Pearson, which is based on the Marvel comics. I found that the issue with this script is that it had a difficult time getting started in that it was exciting in one scene, then it seemed a bit boring thereafter, and then that pattern would happen again. But then, after a short while, the story started to pick up and it became the film it was meant to be. The different aspects of the story started to congeal and I then really enjoyed it. And, of course, the visual effects by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and Digital Domain predominantly, were stunning, but one must realize this before entering the theater. Pearson certainly knows his way around a big-budget film and this proves it, and even though Calo only had TV to her credit, it definitely served her well. 

I really don't think it's going to be a spoiler, but this film will continue (I know, what a shock!), but considering the meaty character development, it should do well also. If you do like that up, close and personal feel, this is presented in an IMAX format as well. Grab the popcorn and enjoy the pure form of escapism. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: PG-13                                             127mins.