Rental Family

We've all seen many films in our lives whether foreign or domestic in every genre across the board, and with that, some films are easy to fully understand, whereas other movies take some understanding to absorb because of cultural aspects, obscurity or the feeling of them being too cerebral. "Rental Family" is interesting even though there are several times where the cultural aspects of it can cloud certain rationale depending which culture is watching it.

Set in modern-day Tokyo, "Rental Family" follows an American actor, Phillip Vandarpleog (Brendan Fraser) who struggles to find purpose until he lands an unusual gig: working for a Japanese "rental family" agency headed up by Shinji Tada (Takehiro Hira) playing stand-in roles for strangers. As he immerses himself in his clients' worlds such as Mia Kawasaki (Shannon Mahina Gorman) and Kikuo Hasegawa (Akira Emoto), he begins to form genuine bonds that blur the lines between performance and reality. Confronting the moral complexities of his work, he rediscovers purpose, belonging and the quiet beauty of human connection. 

Others to round out the cast are Sei Matobu as Masami Hasegawa, Kikuo's daughter, Shino Shinozaki as Hitomi Kawasaki, Mia's mother, Daikichi Sugawara as Jideo Ikeda and Hideko Hara as Keiko Ikeda.

This was directed with heart, poignancy and insightfulness by Hikari ("37 Seconds" '19) plus TV,  shorts and a music video. Even though this filmmaker has only one feature film under her belt, the many shorts she has to her credit has certainly served her well. Her ability to define the crossover between moral and legal issues was not only subtle but definitely caught one's eye. It was equally well penned by Hikari ("37 Seconds" '19) plus shorts and Stephen Blahut (cinematography). Again, considering these writers' limited experience in this field, this was a very captivating story. It is difficult to relay a story that straddles moral and legal and emotional issues with such subtlety, however with bold reality as the film unfolds. This shows how we, as a society, whether here or abroad can be so disconnected with our emotions in the guise of this rental family being called a business. Certainly, there was lying going on, but then again, acting is technically a form of lying--representing yourself as someone you're not. The difference here is that the 'rep' was lying to people who thought they were on the up and up. It's an interesting story about confronting our lack of ability or willingness to truly connect with people. Other than a small place of choppiness, this script soared. More work their way please.

If you're a Brendan Fraser fan, you will like this. His performance in "The Whale" was probably the best film (acting wise) he's ever done, but this film brought out the compassion and passion in him for sure. It's a film about how we should be more of a society of connecting and not hide behind masks. The more genuine and honest we are toward one another, the happier we will be.

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       110mins.

Wicked: For Good

Who ever thought that when L. Frank Baum first wrote the story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" back in 1899 and was published in 1900, and subsequently became a motion picture in 1939 would become the phenomena today. Many incarnations of "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939 have been produced. And then a Tony Award winning musical play was created, and then its subsequent film "Wicked" in 2024. Now we have the continuation of "Wicked" appropriately titled "Wicked: For Good". 

After challenging the Wizard's (Jeff Goldblum) totalitarian regime in Oz, Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) must grapple with her identity as the 'Wicked Witch of the West'. Meanwhile, the Wizard has given Glinda (Ariana Grande) the title 'Glinda the Good' and a public status as the nation's defender against Elphaba. The two witches must make decisions that seal their fates implementing Captain Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) and Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh) in this second, part 2 musical installment. 

Others to round out the cast are Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessa, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion, Bronwyn James as Shenshen, Aaron T. Guan Ti as Avaric, Keala Settle as Miss. Coddle, Bethany Weaver as Dorothy and Sharon D. Clarke as Dulcibear. 

As with the first part of "Wicked", this too was directed with passion, whimsy and heart by Jon M. Chu ("Step Up 2 the Streets" '08, "The LXD: The Uprising Begins" '10, "Step Up 3D" '10,,, "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" '11, "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" '13, "Justib Bieber's Believe" '13, "Jem and the Holograms" '15, "Now You See Me 2" '16, "Crazy Rich Asians" '18, "Triage" (TV movie) '20, "In the Heights" '21, "Wicked" '24) plus other films, TV, shorts, and music videos. Like with other directors, this filmmaker is like a chameleon in that he works with many genres or topics, This, like part 1, was sequenced well, cohesive and flowed well from one part to the other. This director is seasoned and I really enjoy his work. It was effectively well written by Winnie Holzman ("'Til There Was You" '97, "Wicked" '24) plus TV and a short and Dana Fox ("The Wedding Date" '05, "What Happens in Vegas" '08, "Couples Retreat" '09, "How to Be Single" '16, "Isn't It Romantic" '19, "Cruella" '21, "The Lost City" '22, "Wicked" '24) plus TV, based on the musical stage play with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, that is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, which is all based on the characters created by L. Frank Baum. The interesting part of this part of the story is that this film includes the moment of time when Dorothy lands in Oz. "Wicked" is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz", so this part led into the arrival of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Toto too. And this gives us a little background of these 'Wizard of Oz' characters to see how they are worked into the 'Wicked' story line. The only aspect of this that was a bit strained was that as the story was developing, it was a bit slow and needed to pick up the pace, but once it did pick up, it absolutely soared! The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and Framestore were amazing and enhanced the film as it progressed. And the production values--costumes, production design, editing and photography was captivating. 

If you're a "Wicked" fan--play or film, or even a "Wizard of Oz" fan, this will be the film for you. Even though this is the conclusion, will there be a part 3? Probably not--it leaves the story fairly well closed. The musical numbers, choreography and the grandiose of it all has to be seen on the large screen. In fact, it's presented on an IMAX format if that's a thrill for you. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                      Rated: PG                                           137mins'

Now You See Me: Now You Don't

When the original film, "Now You See Me" was released back in 2013, I felt that as long as it profits, there will be another, especially considering the list of actors in it. Well, there was in 2016 yet another one, "Now You See Me 2". I truly thought that would be the end, but wait, there's more. Hollywood figured that maybe one more would be warranted in the form of "Now You See Me: Now You Don't". 

The Four Horsemen return including J. Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), Jack Wilder (Dave Franco) and Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher) along with a new generation of illusionists including Charlie (Justice Smith), Bosco (Dominic Sessa) and June (Ariana Greenblatt) performing mind-melding twists, turns, surprises and magic unlike anything ever captured on film. This story involves the stealing of the most expensive diamond in the world, the Heart Diamond which in curated by Veronika Vanderberg (Rosamund Pike) of the very wealthy Vanderberg family. The problem is that Veronika wants the diamond for herself, so it ends up becoming a cat-and-mouse game between her, her goons and the Horsemen. 

Others to round out the cast are Morgan Freeman as Thaddeus Bradley, Lizzy Caplan as Lula, Thabang Molaba as Lethabo Khoza, Andrew Santino as Brett Finnigan, Ben Seidman as Max Thompson and Mark Ruffalo as Dylan Rhodes. 

This film was directed with twists, action and some humor by 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, "Uncharted" '22) plus TV, shorts, music videos and videos. Even though this installment carried a different director than its predecessors, the similar feel of the characters was sill intact--with all the mannerisms, even body language which made the sequel much more realistic instead of watching a totally different film. The staging and pacing was spot on as well. It was effectively written by Michael Lesslie, Paul Wernick, Rhett Reese and Seth Grahame-Smith, based on a story by Eric Warren Singer and Michael Lesslie, which is based on characters created by Boaz Yakin and Edward Ricourt. Seeing as there was four writers for this film astounds me since typically if a film has more than two writers it becomes convoluted, I really assumed less than impressing writing. There were some imperfections with this where, at times, it became a bit choppy and were a couple of continuity issues, but considering the number of writers, this was a screenplay that was simply amazing. Most of it was tight and well thought out, especially the latter half of the movie. It was great to see the old group of actors on the installments which made it more nostalgic. 

Will there be another installment? Not sure, but suffice it to say, this story certainly leaves the story open-ended. Odds are that as long as this film makes quite a profit, Lionsgate will keep rafting them out. And then add the same pivotal cast, and viola, "let's make another one".

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                         Rated: PG-13                                   112mins.

The Running Man

Through the decades Hollywood has rebooted, remade, franchised, sequeled, prequeled and any other form that has all begun with an original idea. Sometimes they work and sometimes not, but suffice it to say, they usually profit--probably effective marketing. "The Running Man" is actually the third film that has been a remake of a Schwarzenegger film--the other two are "Total Recall" with Colin Farrell and "Predator". Originality is a thing of the past. 

In a near-future society, "The Running Man" is the top-rated show on television--a deadly competition where contestants, known as Runners, must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins including Evan McCone (Lee Pace) with every move broadcast to a bloodthirsty public and each day bringing a greater cash reward. Desperate to save his sick daughter, working-class Ben Richards (Glen Powell) is convinced by the show's charming but ruthless producer, Dan Killian (Josh Brolin), to enter the game as a last resort for his family including his wife, Sheila (Jayme Lawson). But Ben's defiance, instincts and grit turn him into an unexpected fan favorite--and a threat to the entire system. As ratings skyrocket, so does the danger, and Ben must outwit not just the Hunters, but a nation addicted to watching him fall, and all being hosted by a sensationalistic cretin, Bobby T (Colman Domingo).

Others to round out the cast are William H. Macy as Molie, Michael Cera as Elton Perrakis, Emilia Jones as Amelia Williams, Sean Hayes as Gary Greenbacks, Martin Herlihy as Tim Jansky, Daniel Ezra as Bradley and Alex Hoeffler as Duninger.

This was directed with grit and intensity by Edgar Wright ("A Fist Full of Fingers" '95, "Shaun of the Dead" '04, "Straight 8" (TV movie) '04, "Hot Fuzz" '07, "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" '10, "Baby Driver" '17, "The Sparks Brothers" '21, "Last Night in Soho" '21) plus others films, TV, music videos and videos. This filmmaker's ability to place his actors in situations where they exude that certain look he's striving to achieve is captivating and powerful. His resume is a who's who of eclectic work and this film is no exception. It was effectively written by Michael Bacall ("Manic" '01, "Bookies" '03, "Scott Pilgrim vs, the World" '10, "Project X" '12, "21 Jump Street" '12, "22 Jump Street" '14) plus TV, a music video and a video, and Edgar Wright ("A Fistful of Fingers" '95, "Shaun of the Dead" '04, "Straight 8" (TV movie) '04, "Hot Fuzz" '07, "The Adventures of Tintin" '11, "Ant-Man" '15, "Baby Driver" '17, "Last Night in Soho" '21) plus other films, TV, shorts and videos, based on the novel by Stephen King. This was an interesting film in that especially now, as opposed to the 1987 version certainly is a film that one can see where our society is going--where everyone is pitted against one another by the big corporations in the guise of a television show--how convenient. The film started out strong, but then spiraled into a film attempting to find itself with a couple of places of disjointedness and an issue with sequencing. However, once these writers found the film, the story then soared into the film they were looking for. These are good writers--bad day at the laptops? Not sure, but it did need a little more polish. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless, and were an improvement of the 1987 version, but they should be considering there is a 38 year difference. 

If you enjoyed the 1987 version, you'll like this easily. It, like its predecessor, reminds us that its not about money, greed, shallowness, and violence in order to co-exist as human beings. It's all about love, family, peacefulness and understanding of one another. As aforementioned, this film simply reeks of the mentality we are seeing today in our society--it's practically scary. 

Out of 4 Stars: 2.5                                    Rated: R                                     133mins.

Predator: Badlands

When "Predator" with Arnold Schwarzenegger was released in 1987, who knew that it would be a franchise for 38 years? When ir was released, I assumed it would be another summer flick that would fade into obscurity. Wow, I was way off. So, after a raft of more films in the franchise, we now have "Predator: Badlands". 

This film is set in the future on a remote planet called Genna, where a young predator, Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), is outcast from his clan due to his being weak, finds an unlikely ally in Thia (Elle Fanning) and embarks on a treacherous journey in search of the ultimate adversary that others are not able to conquer but Dek believes he can so he will become part of the clan, while Thia becomes his guide to traverse this violent planet, hence the 'badlands'. 

Others to round out the cast are Rohinal Nayaran as Bud, Mike Homik as Kwei, Dek's brother, Reuben de Jong as Father, Stefan Grube as Kwei's voice, Cameron Brown as Drone Synth, Alison Wright as MU/TH/UR's voice, Matt Duffer as Kwei's ship computer and Ross Duffer as Kwei's ship computer. 

This was directed with grit in a totally gripping way by Dan Trachtenberg ("10 Cloverfield Lane" '16, "Prey" '22, "Predator: Killer of Killers" '25) plus TV and shorts. It's always interesting to see a film with a very limited cast to see how the director compensates how he or she stages and generally handles the cast since the audience can't just lean on the cast to get them through, and this definitely worked. Most of the cast consisted of only two characters--Thia and Dek, and the direction was so tight and well paced that these two practically alone kept your attention, and that's extremely fine directing. It was equally well written by Patrick Aison ("Prey" '22) plus TV, based on a story by Patrick Aison and Dan Trachtenberg, which is based on characters created by Jim Thomas and John Thomas. Considering this writer has only one other feature film to his credit, this script was well thought out, cohesive and tight. Other than a couple of very small places of slowness where it appeared that the writer was looking to find an end to a certain scene and finally found it, it was truly an amazing story. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM )Industrial, Light & Magic) and Weta FX were seamless and definitely added to the story. 

Certainly if you're a 'Predator' aficionado, you'll love this installment--it's probably one of their best. The chemistry between Fanning and Schuster-Koloamatangi was effortless and simply added to the intensity of the story. The script is well thought out and if you like that up close and personal feeling, it's presented in an IMAX format and in 3D. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: PG=13                                     107mins.

Nuremberg

War crimes are a hideous aspect of what humans can and have done to each other. We've seen many films based on atrocities from insane leaders, i.e. "Judgment at Nuremberg", "Schindler's List", "The Pianist", "Sophie's Choice" and others. Ever so often we, as humans, need to see films such as these in order to remind us that these acts are horrific and should never be repeated. So, even though "Nuremberg" is a tough watch, it is imperative that we are yet humbled once again. 

"Nuremberg" chronicles the eponymous trials held by Allied Forces against the defeated Nazi regime. The film centers on American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who is tasked with determining whether Nazi prisoners are fit to stand trial for their war crimes and finds himself in a complex battle of wits with Reich Marshal, second in command to Hitler--who was already dead, Hermann Goring (Russell Crowe). Robert H. Jaxkson (Michael Shannon) was the prosecutor in charge of winning a battle of wits with him a well, but must strive to win if he hopes to receive his position as a Justice on the Supreme Court . Between breaking down Goring and politics involved, will this happen?

Others to round out the cast are Richard E. Grant as Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe, Leo Woodall as Howie Triest, Colin Hanks as Dr. Gustav Gilbert, John Slattery as Colonel Burton C. Andrus, Wrenn Schmidt as Elsie, Goring's wife, Lotte Verbeek as Emmy, Mark O'Brien as Colonel John Amen, Andreas Pietschmann as Rudolf Hess and Lydia Peckham as Lila.

This was directed with gut-wrenching grit, and sheer intensity by James Vanderbilt ("Truth" '15). Actually, this filmmaker is a writer, including this film, and as of the last ten years, he has made a transition also into the directing realm, and definitely was a wise choice. With only one other feature film to his credit, this director is a natural, however with the movies he's written and working with a plethora of directors, assuredly their knowledge rubbed off on him. His ability to encourage his actors to search for the most effective personas and characterizations is brilliant. It was also written amazingly effectively by Vanderbilt ("Darkness Falls" '03, "Basic" '03 "The Rundown" '03, "Zodiac" '07, "The Losers" '10, "The Amazing Spider-Man" '12, "White House Down" '13, "The Amazing Spider-Man 2" (screen story) '14, "Truth" '15, "Independence Day: Resurgence" '16, "Murder Mystery" '19, "Scream" '22, "Scream V1" '23, "Murder Mystery 2" '23, "Fountain of Youth" '25), based on the book "The Nazi and the Psychiatrist" by Jack El-Hai. Certainly all the films based on WWII true stories are intriguing, however one that is centered around a cat-and-mouse game between a psychiatrist and a Reich Marshal makes it fresher and original. This writer was able to harness drama, redemption, fear and even some humor in the same script and make it work. His sequencing and continuity was second to none.  This film has Academy Award nominations written all over it including Russell Crowe, Rami Malek and the cinematographer Dariusz Wolski asc. 

This is a film that all must see, but many will probably not be able to see since it is one of the most sobering, tough to watch films I've seen in years. Its stark footage of concentration camps along with its bleak surroundings make for a film that is truly difficult to watch, but one that if we, as a society, can endure the bleakness, we will be blatantly reminded about the atrocities of humankind so maybe, just maybe we won't repeat this kind of history ever again. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG-13                                   148mins.

Sarah's Oil

Just in the last 20 years, there have been seemingly more films based or inspired by true stories than that of pure fiction. Maybe it's because the old adage, "truth is stranger than fiction". The popularity of them has only increased hence we have yet another film inspired by a true story appropriately titled "Sarah's Oil". 

"Sarah's Oil" is inspired by the remarkable true story of Sarah Rector (Naya Desir-Johnson), an African-American girl born in Oklahoma Indian Territoryin the early 1900s, who believes there is oil beneath the barren land she's allotted and whose faith in God is proven right. As greedy oil sharks, such as Earl (Stelio Savante) and Devnan (Garret Dillahunt) close in, Sarah turns to her family, her mom Rose (Sonequa Martin-Green), her dad, Joe (Kenric Green), friends, Mace (Mel Rodriguez) and some Texas wildcatters such as Bert (Zachary Levi) to maintain control of her oil-rich land, eventually becoming among the nation's first female African-American millionaires-- at eleven years old.

Others to round out the cast are Bridget Regan as Kate, Adyan Copes as Junior, Selase Botchway as Mr. Pharr, Vic Trevino as Horace, Marco Fuller as Jimsye, Tom Ohmer as Judge Leahy, Fracaswell Hyman as Mr. Shep, Malea Mitchell as Gabby, Ryan O'Quinn as Eddie Caron, Robert Goodman as Wilcox and Jonathan Lipnicki as Chemist.

This was directed with soul yet grit about this young entrepreneur by Cyrus Nowrasteh ("Veiled Threat" '89, "The Island" '98, "The Day Reagan Was Shot" (TV movie) '01, "The Stoning of Soraya M." '08, "The Young Messiah" '16, "Infidel" '19) plus TV. By his very resume, this filmmaker has cornered the market on message type films and these films are important since they can teach us lessons that can potentially stay with us for some time. The pathos and incredible concern these characters have for their family and friends speaks volumes, especially in a society today where commitment toward other people is rare. His pacing, staging, conciseness and sequencing was spot on. It was written with passion and compassion by Betsy Giffen Nowrasteh ("Bad Day on the Block" '97, "The Stoning of Soraya M." '08, "The Young Messiah" '16) and Cyrus Nowrasteh ("Veiled Threat" '89, "The Interview" '95, "The Advocate's Devil" (TV movie) '97, "The Island" '98, "The Day Reagan Was Shot" (TV movie) '01, "10,000 Black Men Named George" (TV movie) '02, "The Stoning of Soraya M." '08, "The Young Messiah" '16, "Infidel" '19) plus TV, inspired by the book "Searching for Sarah Rector" by Tonya Bolden. Considering both these writers are passionate in their careers, we are the victors for it since the passion along with compassion is paramount in this particular film. The story was captivating as it was entertaining. I've never heard of the young actor who played Sarah, but she definitely has a future in acting, and Zachary Levi was amazing--one of the best roles he's played in a while. 

If you like films based or inspired on a true story, this will certainly be one not to miss. I like films based on 'famous' people, but I especially enjoy films based on people most of us have never heard of. Their stories can be as remarkable or more so than those based on more famous people. This is a must see. It shows us about entrepreneurship, family, business and corruption in the early years of our nation. 

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                         Rated: PG                                         103mins.

                                          

Back to the Future

Of late, the different film companies have been re-releasing some of their more popular and iconic films of the past so audiences can have fun with them all over again. Of course, the fact that they also have been making good profit certainly doesn't hurt. So I went to see the 40th anniversary of the film "Back to the Future", and it was a hoot all over again, especially on the large screen which it should be shone. 

Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox), a typical American teenager of the 80s, is accidentally sent back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean "time machine" invented by a slightly mad scientist, Dr. Emmett "Doc" Brown (Christopher Lloyd. During his often hysterical, always amazing trip back in time, Marty must make sure his teenage parents-to-be, George (Crispin Glover) and Lorraine (Lea Thompson) meet and fall in love because of an incident that Marty erred, so this task will allow him to be able to get back to the future. 

Others to round out the cast are Thomas F. Wilson as Biff Tannen, Claudia Wells as Jennifer Parker, Marc McClure as Dave McFly, Marty's brother, Wendie Jo Sperber as Linda McFly, Marty's sister, George DiCenzo as Sam Baines, Frances Lee McCain as Stella Baines, James Tolkan as Mr. Strickland, Billy Zane as Match, Harry Waters Jr. as Marvin Berry and Donald Fullilove as Goldie Wilson. 

This was brilliantly and effortlessly directed by the consummate Robert Zemeckis (""I Wanna Hold Your Hand" '78, "Used Cars" '80, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" '88, "Death Becomes Her" '92, "Forrest Gump" '94, "Contact" '97, "Cast Away" 2000, "The Polar Express" '04, "Flight" '12, "The Walk" '15, "Allied" '16, "Pinocchio" '22, "Here" '24) plus many other films, TV movies, TV, shorts, videos and a music video. The connection between these actors playing these characters were effortless in how they depended on each other to covey to their audience that these people have known each other forever, and this is talented direction, and Zemeckis' direction has only improved through the subsequent years. Any film with his name on it, I will make a point in seeing. It was also written amazingly well by Zemeckis ( "1941" '79, "Trespass" '92, "A Christmas Carol" '09, "The Walk" '15, "Welcome to Marwen" '18, "Pinocchio" '22, "Here" '24) plus other films, TV movies, TV, shorts, videos and video games, and also written by Bob Gale ("I Wanna Hold Your Hand" '78, "1941" '79, "Used Cars" '80, "Trespass" '92, "Interstate 60" '02) plus other films, TV movies, TV, shorts, video games and videos. By their very resumes, these two writers are basically a team and that is definitely a plus since the connection is already there which makes for a more cohesive, concise and tight script which this film certainly exemplified. The visual effects by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless and surely added to the story at hand. And the different angle shots by cinematographer Dean Cundey were amazing. 

If you've never seen this film on the big screen, you have to see this before it leaves the theater since seeing it on your TV wouldn't and doesn't do it justice at all. The iconic characters along with Huey Lewis' "The Power of Love" title song is a joy. I loved this film all over again! Grab the popcorn and enjoy this gem!

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