Sorry, Baby

For decades, Hollywood has produced a vast array of independent films that span the spectrum of topics that hopefully stimulate the imagination and the wanting for more of these films. I've seen many indie films--both good and not so good--but "Sorry, Baby" is assuredly one of those films that will present a 'tug of war' feel to it.

Something bad happened to Agnes (Eva Victor) that shouldn't happen to anyone...ever. But life goes on in whatever way they are able to endure life. Everyone around her, specifically her best friend, Lydie (Naomi Ackie) seemingly had an OK life all the while Agnus' life is coming to an insurmountable level of attempting to deal with it. Her neighbor, Gavin (Lucas Hedges), her intolerable classmate, Natasha (Kelly McCormack) and her austere professor, Preston Decker (Louis Cancelmi) all try to be a friend, but considering their own issues, Agnus became more and more withdrawn. What is a woman to do?

Others to round out the cast are John Carroll Lynch as Pete, Hettienne Park as Eleanor Winston, an attorney, E.R. Fightmaster as Fran, Cody Reiss as Devin, Jordan Mendoza as Logan and Anabel Graetz as Professor Wilkinson. 

This was directed with careful precision and sobriety by Eva Victor (TV series). Since this is her only feature film behind the camera, it's difficult to foresee the kind of films she will endeavor--maybe she will not be able to be pigeon-holed. The emotion in which she was able to extract from her actors (her included) was amazing in that they were as realistic as one would see people today. As her direction was convincing, her writing needed work, This was written by Eva Victor (TV series) in that it, after a short while, became disjointed and choppy. It was sectioned into 'the year of' and one wasn't sure if the years mentioned were in chronological order or if they jumped around according to the script. The story wasn't at all clear until 30 minutes into the running time, and even at that point, became straining to watch. It was truly difficult to feel sorry for just about anyone in this film--even poor  Agnus. When it was all said and done, these characters don't really improve--their dysfunction is crystal clear. Was this a total loss? Of course not. This writer has true potential, and this being her first feature film as a writer, she has it, but maybe she should hone her innate talent more on TV or shorts before going in head first into feature films. The actors involved were crisp and professional, especially Ackie, Victor and Hedges. 

If the independent film is your liking, especially if it's odd and quirky, this is the film for you. As aforementioned, Eva Victor has an amazing amount of potential, and with either more TV or maybe films that she can have a mentor to consult with, she will be a contender. Her directing abilities are right on. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                         Rated: R                                        103mins.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

When 'The Fantastic Four' first started beyond its Marvel comic book days, it was 1994, then a TV series was spawned in 1967-1968, then again in 1978. Then an animated TV series which ran from 1994-1996. Then it received a restart in 2007 with "The Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer", and yet another in 2015. This is just a handful of all the other TV, videos and other films based on this franchise. Now, we are offered "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" to add to Marvel's never ending list. 

This Film is set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro futuristic world. The film follows Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal. 

Others to round out the cast are Natasha Lyonne as Rachel Rozman, Paul Walter Hauser as Harvey Elder, Sarah Niles as Lynne Nichols, Mark Gatiss as Ted Gilbert, Ada Scott as Franklin Richards and Matthew Wood as H.E.R.B.I.E.

This was directed with action, explosiveness and humor by Matt Shakman ("Cut Bank" '14) plus a plethora of TV. Considering this filmmaker has only one other feature film to his credit, this was staged and paced with extreme delineation from beginning to end. Although he does have a TV resume that seemingly goes on and on forever, this kind of film would still be difficult to direct considering all the staging, angle shots, the cameras used, set design and editing that is the responsibility of any director. Shakman will receive more work. It was written by Eric Pearson, Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer, based on a story by Kaplan, Springer Pearson and Kat Wood, which is based on the Marvel comic, based on characters created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. As with most films, it's the writing that ends up having a couple of flaws in that there were a couple of places where (I know it's sci-fi), a certain situation wouldn't have been carried out the way that it did, but then it would've either ruined the scene or could've potentially killed or screwed with the premise, so I get it. And there were at least one place of slight slowness, but otherwise this was certainly better than I ever thought possible. Eric Pearson has the lion's share of the writing, and it showed here. I really went into the theater with trepidation assuming it was going to be like another one of its predecessors and it wasn't.  And, of course, the visual effects that were predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and SPI (Sony Pictures Imageworks) were seamless as they truly enhanced the story. Also, this having a retro look, the production design by Kasra Farahani was designed incredibly well--their car was amazing.

If you are a 'Fantastic Four' fan, or even a Marvel fan, this is one you must see, and you definitely have to see it on the large screen (it's also presented in an IMAX format as well) to breathe in that grandiose feel. This is definitely one of the best films of this franchise, and don't worry, there will be a sequel, so stay for the credits. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                         Rated: PG-13                                      114mins.

 

Eddington

We've all seen independent films where the premises are quirky, odd all the while fulfilling our expectations for a cutting edge story with fine acting.Well, "Eddington" definitely gives its audience that feeling, however it's a story that is reckless in its premise while obtaining little to no empathy for its characters. 

In May of 2020, a standoff between a small-town sheriff, Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico. Considering how politically volatile 2020 was what with the pandemic and the arguments of wearing or not wearing masks, the six-foot distancing, the different riots due to the death of George Floyd to name a few incidents, it's no wonder that the country was so divided, and where there was seemingly no end of it all. There was racial tension, skepticism and with that...rage. What is a small community to do?

Others to round out the cast are Deirdre O'Connell as Dawn, Emma Stone as Louise Cross, Micheal Ward as Michael Cooke, Luke Grimes as Guy Tooley, Cameron Mann as Brian, Austin Butler as Vernon, Matt Gomez Hidaka as Eric Garcia, Ted's son, William Belleau as Ofcr, Jimenez Butterfly, Amelie Hoeferle as Sarah and Clifton Collins Jr, as Lodge. 

This was directed with conciseness and underlying intensity by Ari Aster ("Hereditary" '18, "Midsommar" '19, "Beau Is Afraid" '23) plus shorts. This filmmaker's staging and pacing is certainly second to none where these characters were in the scenes that called for them and others, if not needed, were not there. His sequencing was appropriate and these characters obtained this rock-bottom gutsiness which was credited to both actors and director. This film was also written by Ari Aster (Hereditary" '18, "Midsommar" '19, "Beau Is Afraid" '23) plus shorts. As one can see by his resume, even though he doesn't have a plethora of experience, his work is definitely quirky, odd and somewhat irreverent. I felt that, considering the length of running time, this film was obviously too long-in-the-tooth--about 10-15 minutes could've been cut from this to achieve the impact it was striving to convey. There were places that, either something different could've been used or was an absolute impossibility, but if they went another path, it probably would create a problem script wise. It definitely had some interesting scenes and the acting was first rate, but after a while, one would grow weary of this story--as aforementioned, it was severely difficult to have empathy with just about every character in this film. Usually the audience could root for someone--usually the good guy, but here, it was hard-pressed. 

If you're into this filmmaker's style of storytelling and direction, you'll revel with this, however I'm not a true fan. The acting, directing and photography by Darius Khondji were all executed with expertise and clarity.

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                        Rated: R                                    148mins.

Superman

When the TV show "Superman" was released back in 1952 for six seasons, little did anyone know then that it would ultimately be as popular as it has become. Shoot to 1978, and we have the first of many incarnations of the franchise called "Superman: The Movie". It's been a beloved franchise that now we have, yet another, film by the same name simply named "Superman".

When Superman (David Corenswet) gets drawn into conflicts at home and abroad, his actions are questioned, giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult) the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good. Will intrepid reporter Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan) and Superman's four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him bring down Luthor and his cohorts before it's too late?

Others to round out the cast are Edi Gathegi as Mr. Terrific, Anthony Carrigan as Metamorpho, Sara Sampaio as Eve Teschmacher, Nathan Fillion as Guy Gardner, Isabela Merced as Hawkgirl, Skyler Gisondo as Jimmy Olsen, Wendell Pierce as Perry White, Terence Rosemore as Otis Berg, Frank Grillo as Rick Flag Sr. and Bradley Cooper as Jor-El.

This was directed with exuberance and clarity using amazing sequencing by James Gunn ("Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, a TV short, shorts and videos. For a franchise that has gone through the 'keyhole' in the many plots and premises it has endured, this was treated in a way that brought these different characters to life. Several of these actors don't have a tremendous amount of experience, but through the amazing talent of Gunn's direction, each and every one of these characters were paced and staged perfectly. It was also penned well by writer James Gunn ("Tromeo and Juliet" '96, "The Specials" 2000, "Thir13en Ghosts" (additional writing) '01, "Scooby-Doo" '02, "Dawn of the Sead" '04, "Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed" '04, "Slither" '06, "Super" '10, "Movie 43" (segment "Beezel") '13, "Guardians of the Galaxy" '14, "The Belko Experiment" '16, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" '17, "The Suicide Squad" '21, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3" '23) plus TV, shorts, video games, music videos and a TV short, based on the creation "Superman" by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, which based on the DC comic. By his very resume, Gunn has certainly earned his ability to write clever stories. He also would be difficult to pigeon-hole since his resume is a 'who's who' of premises. This script was tight, concise and kept the audience's attention. Really, the only thing I can say negatively about the screenplay is that there were areas that if a character did something other than what they did, it would make more sense, but then again. it would probably impede on the flow of the film. And there were a couple of very small places of slowness, but otherwise the film rocked. And, as usual, the visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless as they were effective. 

Will there be a "Superman 3"? There is a small clip after all the credits roll, and it doesn't spell out sequel, but could. I think this was purposely done in case this film didn't profit as much it it needed to make, So this leaves it open-ended. But considering how this film has been raking it in, my guess would be that there will certainly be a part 3. If you like that up and close feeling, it's also presented in an IMAX, 4DX and a 3D format as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       129mins.

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Ever since this franchise started back in 1993 with "Jurassic Park", Hollywood and fans alike have had a fascination, if not an obsession with the films. "Jurassic World: Dominion" was supposed to end the 'World' trilogy. However, because of the fans and the fact that this franchise has made well past a billion bucks, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment decided to "do it again" with "Jurassic World: Rebirth". 

Five years after the events of "Jurassic World: Dominion", the planet's ecology has proven largely impossible to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures within that tropical biosphere hold the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-changing benefits to humankind. Corporate, Martin Krebs (Rupert Krebs) commissions Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), whereas she hires scientist, Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), and others to go to this island and to extract DNA from three different dinosaurs to use toward this new drug to help people, Can they succeed and leave the island before they succumb to the dinosaurs left?

Others to round out the cast are Manual Garcia-Rulfo as Reuben Delgado, Luna Blaise as Teresa Delgado, Ed Skrein as Bobby Atwater, David Iacono as Xavier Dobbs, Audrina Miranda as Isabella Delgado, Bechir Sylvain as LeClerc and Adam Loxley as Williams

This was intensely directed with grit by Gareth Edwards ("End Day" (TV movie) '05, "Monsters" '10, "Godzilla" '14, "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" '16, "The Creator" '23) plus TV and a short. This filmmakers doesn't have a plethora of experience behind the camera, but what he does have proves he can certainly handle a large, high-adrenaline film (check his resume). His staging and pacing are delineated well with tight timing. He was very much excited to direct this and he's proven he was definitely ready to do so. It was penned by seasoned writer David Koepp ("Apartment Zero" '88, "Toy Soldiers" '91, "Death Becomes Her" '92, "Jurassic Park" '93, "The Paper" '94, "Mission: Impossible" '96, "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" '97, "Stir of Echoes" '99, "Panic Room" '02, "Spider-Man" '02, "Secret Window" '04, "War of the Worlds" '05, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" '08, "Premium Rush" '12, "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit" '14, "Inferno" '17, "The Mummy" '17, "Presence" '24, "Black Bag" '25) plus other films, TV, video games, a TV short and a short, based on characters created by Michael Crichton. Koepp certainly created an interesting premise for this installment--doctors, scientists and thrill seekers being drawn back to the island where the studying for the new Jurassic Park took place. This island housed the dinosaurs they needed the DNA from. Since Koepp wrote the original script for "Jurassic Park" and subsequent "Lost World: Jurassic Park", it's no surprise that this would be smartly and deftly written. Was it flawless? No, there were a couple of very small slow places, but surely not enough to detract from the story at hand. It was presented in IMAX and 4DX for your viewing pleasure--I decided to see it in 4DX and it rocked. And the visual effects were designed predominantly by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and, as usual, were seamless. 

Certainly if you like the Jurassic franchise, this film will give you that fix and then some. It had it all: high-adrenaline, explosives, grit, intensity and even some humor to break up the tenseness. You must see this on the large screen in order to fully enjoy the grandiose of it.  When I left the theater, I was totally drained--wow, what a rush!! Grab the popcorn and enjoy this ride. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                        Rated: PG-13                                        133mins.