Author: jbg

UNPREGNANT (2020)

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Directed by: Rachel Lee Goldenberg 
Written by: Rachel Lee Goldenberg, Jenni Hendricks, Ted Caplan, Jennifer Kaytin Robinson & Bill Parker
Based On The Book By: Jenni Hendricks & Ted Caplan 
Cinematography: Doug Emmett
Editor: Julia Wong

Cast: Haley Lu Richardson, Barbie Ferreira, Giancarlo Esposito, Breckin Meyer, Alex Macnicoll, Sugar Lyn Beard, Denny Love, Betty Who, Mary McCormack, Jeryl Prescott 

A 17-year old Missouri teen named Veronica discovers she has gotten pregnant, a development that threatens to end her dreams of matriculating at an Ivy League college, and the career that will follow.

This film doesn’t really offer anything new. Except for teens who are savvier. even when it comes to birth control and sex but still find themselves making the same mistakes.

While I can give the film some points for being witty. It is mroe episodic and comedic in nature than the situation would have you believe. Like the similar film from. The same year NEVER,  SOMETIMES, RARELY, ALWAYS 

It deals with teen pregnancy and abortion but here. While it has its dramatic moments. The film ends up being a kiddy comedy and road trip movie a live all Else.

A coming of age tale about two best friends reuniting and eventually finally communicating and learning g about themselves and each other finally being truthful in the minefield of teenage life and high school.

One of the most appealing aspects of the movie is that while it is made for all audience members and some adults might actually enjoy the film. The film is obviously made for teenagers. Characters they can identify with and the filmmakers are smart enough to make it a film not full of preaching nor talking down-to the audience but offering characters who aren’t perfect and make mistakes but also are likable and loyal.

Of course most of the characters they meet along the way move the story forward but feel more like stick characters or comedic relief. Who only help to confuse the situations and characters.

The boyfriend character I am happy the film dismantles and exposes. Where he still has toxic masculinity even though he believes himself to be right because he is nice and sensitive. Yet still seeks to control his girlfriend and kind. Even though when the condom broke but neglected to tell her. Even tho consensual could easily also be seen as sexual assault. The film doesn’t go there but seems a little implied 

Also though the movie is entertaining again Haley Lu Richardson walks away with the movie and it shows that she has graduated from this type of material. She has been in So many of these films at this point. That while she is good. She deserves better.

Barbie Ferrera is the only other movie I have seen her in other than EUPHORIA the television series and while this character is less sexual. She is still kind of the outsider and she excels at the character. 

Grade: C+

TIGER GIRL (2017)

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Directed By: Jakob Lass
Written By: Jakob Lass, Eva-Maria Reimer, Ines Schiller, Hannah Schops & Nicolas Woche
Cinematography: Timon Schappi
Editor: Adrienne Hudson & Gesa Jager

Cast: Ella Rumpf, Maria-Victoria Dragus, Enno Trebs, Orce Fehschau, Franz Rogowski, Lana Cooper 

Having failed to get into the police force, Margarete takes up training as a security guard. One night she runs into a sexually aggressive ex-colleague who insists on hailing a taxi to take her home to his place. Enter Tiger: short brown hair, a tough girl and a fighter, the cab driver. Realizing that the situation is far from consensual, Tiger speeds off with Margarete, leaving her companion standing in the street. It won’t be the last time she rushes to Margarete’s aid. Tiger lives in an attic flat with two men. She knows how to wield a baseball bat. Stealing a uniform from security and renaming Margarete ‘Vanilla’, she begins to steer her life in a completely different direction.

Not quite sure what the point of the film. Then again with five different credited screenwriters. That could explain why the film goes off in so many directions. Even though supposedly most of the films dialogue was improvised. 

Is, as the poster makes it almost look like a vigilante film and the way it plays out is an adult coming of age film. Where the two main characters don’t exactly switch personalities but it seems the influence of one in trying to make the other confident creates a kind of monster that has been lying underneath.

So that the film becomes slightly psychological but never quite reaches a dramatic depth. Most of the characters are unlikeable throughout 

The film does come alive in random Fight scenes. 

The film plays like a character study where one character is quiet yet wants to be in power as a security guard. She is read randomly by a random person yet never does anything with it though explains her behavior to the audience to a certain degree.

The film starts on many levels thinking it will be a female-empowering vigilante movie, then a revenge or even a bad influence movie, but it seems the characters mentality changes and switch personalities to a degree. Where one becomes more aggressive and crazy with power. Whereas the other injured and dealing with several degrees of loss becomes more quiet. As her friend also seems to go crazy.

Where the audience might be hoping for a kind of superheroic third act. Where friend becomes nemesis and we realize we watched the origin story of each side. It never goes there.

It does show the title character has bad taste when to comes to those she chooses to trust. 

It even sets the stage for a villainous male but does nothing but set up more of a reason for one characters rage.

The film seems to have a bunch of elements running around that influence one another but never come together cohesively to make an engaging film in whatever genre it so chooses. As it seems the film realizes it doesn’t have much to run on and decides to make things up late to add Some action to the film

As vanilla becomes a sociopath due to repression, failure and always being told what to do as well as

The film might have been stronger focusing on one or the other strongly and then letting the other be seen more obscured to see how they affect each other and at least give more of a full range to at least one character. 

GRADE: D

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS (2009)

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Directed By: Terry Gilliam 
Written By: Terry Gilliam & Charles McKeon 
Cinematography By: Nicole Pecorini 
Editor: Mick Audsley 
 

Cast: Christopher Plummer, Heath Ledger, Lilly Cole, Andrew Garfield, Verne Troyer, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, Jude Law, Colin Farell

In London, the sideshow troupe of Doctor Parnassus promises the audience a journey to the “Imaginarium”, an imaginary world commanded by the mind of Doctor Parnassus, where dreams come true. In the stories that Doctor Parnassus tells to his daughter Valentina, the midget Percy, and his assistant Anton, he claims to have lived for more than one thousand years; However, when he fell in love with a mortal woman, he made a deal with the devil (Mr. Nick), trading his immortality for youth. As part of the bargain, he promised his son or daughter to Mr. Nick on their sixteenth birthday. Valentina is now almost to the doomed age and Doctor Parnassus makes a new bet with Mr. Nick, whoever seduces five souls in the Imaginarium will have Valentina as a prize. Meanwhile the troupe rescues Tony, a young man that was hanged on a bridge by the Russians. Tony was chased until he finds and joins the group. Tony and Valentina fall in love with each other and the jealous Anton discovers that his competition may be a liar.

The thing when it comes to Terry Gilliam’s films is that his films are so far off the beaten path that it takes a while to get used to while watching his films. But once you get used to his world and get onto the rhythm of his films you are usually in for a treat. The man’s imagination is so vivid that you are guaranteed to see things you have never seen before.

This film I wanted to love but ended up liking the ingredients were there Gilliam writing with Charles McKeon who he co-wrote THE ADVENTURES OF BARON MUNCHAUSEN with. They create a vivid original world and characters but in many ways, it feels like it falls short. 

The story is Doctor Parnisuss made a deal with the devil that for immortality and the hand of the woman he loved the devil could have his daughter when she turned 18. They have an ongoing game. That involves a magical mirror. A mirror where people go into a fantasy world and can choose either light or the darkness if they go to the darkness the devil gets their soul if they go into the light they are given a euphoric joy that gives them delight and their fantasy come to life. He tries to find a way out of it but when the devil comes to collect he makes another deal the first who can get 5 souls wins. This would be a tragedy if not for saving Tony a mysterious rogue they find hanging off a bridge they save his life and tony repays them by coming up with a way to save their business which is a traveling circus, Side show with the magical mirror.  

This is Heath Ledger’s last film. He, unfortunately, died before the film was finished and his role is played in different scenes by Colin Farell, Johnny Depp, and Jude law which in its own way works as they all play fantasy versions of his character and it feels seamless. 
One always felt Heath ledger had the talent for bigger and better things and luckily he never had mainstream tastes when it came to roles he was always attracted to the more abstract roles which I felt would lead him to be the next Johnny Depp as early in his career he also was more in artistic films then later in his career finally choose more mainstream roles.  

The casting of this film is good Verne Troyer plays a good role not as comedic as usual. Christopher Plummer is a hoot as Doctor Parnisuss he is clearly having fun. Tom Waits as the devil is always a joy to watch with his original looks and charisma. 

While one might prefer old school special effects and would like them to be used more, but though this film has tons of CGI it works for the story as it enhances the film and is useful more than anything else to help tell the tale in vivid detail. 
 

Now while I liked the film I never became invested in the film and felt like I was always kept at a distance from the characters and story. But I must give Gilliam credit as to how good the film is considering the tragedy that happened halfway through filming. 

One only wishes he could get the budgets and more luck when it comes to the making of his films it seems he always has to struggle to get his dream projects made then has to compromise or settle on films that while they have his creative genius. They just aren’t the films he should be making. They seem a little too streamlined and commercial for his artistic tastes. 


He is one of the last auteurs we have. He is a director who in the ’70s would have had people lining up around the corner to see his latest works because they would be guaranteed to see something original. Now he has a hard time Making films because his material is too original. 

The film has its own beauty and is interesting to watch, unfortunately it doesn’t last on the mind s much as past works of his have.  A Satisfying Rental  
GRADE: B-

NOMADLAND (2021)

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Edited, Directed & Written by: Chloe Zhao
Based on the book by: Jessica Bruder
Cinematography: Joshua James Richards

Cast: Frances McDormand, David Strathairn, Linda May

After losing everything in the Great Recession, a woman embarks on a journey through the American West, living as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad.

This film shows a subculture of people that is growing. Due to these hard economic times. 

The film uses few professional actors Star Frances McDormand to command the screen and give us a protagonist to sympathize with and relate to. As well as hold certain narrative storylines make it more a docudrama than it being a plain old documentary

Most of the cast are non-professionals seemingly playing themselves. We get interludes woven into the story where they talk about what they went through and how they came to be in this way of life. 

We get to know McDormand’s character so that the film ends up being a character study of sorts. As we get to know more and more about her slowly. 

The Power of Frances McDormand’s performance is that she fits right in seamlessly and feels like a natural ember of the non professional cast. As she is our guide throughout.  She seems to be the conduit for others to tell their tales. 

The character is Less stabilized and more like the title nomadic. As the characters have limited opportunities but always find work or ways to barter. They have room to control their own destinies. 

The film sets up her and David Strathairn’s story mroe as a side story to the narrative that introduces drama and relationships. 

The film reminds one that David Strathairn has always been underrated. As he always plays the character memorably and to the extent with nothing extra or Unnecessary. Never calling attention to himself or his performance. Just as with McDormand this plays perfectly into his talents.

As much as it is mentioned and shown. Surprised this movie wasn’t put out by Amazon Studios. 

She can’t settle even when she knows it’s better. Not to mention it seems that she has always been I plus I’ve thought maybe as she had a life that was stable until it all came crashing down. She is afraid that if she ever puts her trust instability it would all come crashing down again. Showcasing a lifestyle that is full of freedom and no dependent on anyone or anything. 

Consistently expressing themselves that one could easily identify. As it feels so relatable. As we are immersed in this lifestyle it comes off as if we are having an experience. Not knowing where fact and fiction exactly differentiate. 

The film ends up being life-affirming with beautiful tracking shots of the Midwest Americana landscapes 

Even though with the third act the film explores more of a domestic city temptation 

Grade: A-

KAJILLIONAIRE (2020)

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Written & Directed By: Miranda July
Cinematography: Sebastian Wintero
Editor: Jennifer Vecchiarello

Cast: Evan Rachel Wood, Richard Jenkins, Debra Winger, Gina Rodriguez, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Kim Estes, Patricia Belcher 

A woman’s life is turned upside down when her criminal parents invite an outsider to join them on a major heist they’re planning.

This film is another winner for writer/director Miranda July that is unique and artistic. Where the details are both grand yet universal and direct. Her best film since her debut ME YOU AND EVERYONE WE KNOW. The first one she doesn’t star in also.

This is a Coming of age movie of sorts. As the lead character is clearly a victim of arrested development. This film is about Teaching and learning lessons. Not so much through traditional means. As truly there is nothing traditional about this movie. 

For the lead character, there is so much to learn even though she is an expert at conning. Just as once they gain a new member to their crew. The parents are kind of updated a little to the ways of the world and technology.

We can see early on that she lacks feeling and nurturing when even when getting a massage and the person not really touching her it makes her emotional and feels like too much pressure 

Her parents raised her in their own values and her striving to be independent and her own person. Though doesn’t know she needs it until she is put out or more put to the back of her parent’s concerns once a new person joins the gang.

Once a new person is introduced it becomes like siblings at first. she is jealous of the new addition who is used to in her own way getting whatever she wants as men always coming onto her. She sees joining this crew as a new adventure and getting back at the world. Though she more meets the criteria of a femme fatale. She brings in more victims who are more trusting of her looks and nature.

The movie despite all of this strangeness and con games Still has a love story buried within it. Family love and romantic love.

The parents no matter what always offer a surprise and twist on whatever commThey are going for but everything must be done as a group exercise. Even when it comes to seduction and maybe having an affair 

Evan Rachel wood gives an outstanding performance here and she is all in. Fully immersed and injected. As she plays a character who is always awkward, even in her own skin, and has had to play so many roles. She never really knows who she is. 

Gina Rodriguez gives a vulnerable performance that is sexy Fatale and innocent who catches on quick so that once she realizes she is In Over her head she worries if she is getting conned herself.

The scene at the gas station is a new awakening for her to be free amongst people not in a role and on her own. She doesn’t have to worry about messing up and failing. Though it also shows that she has a lot to learn about the real world and its rules and boundaries.

That scene also is infectious as it leads her to see things in a new light and enjoy freedoms that so many of us take for granted. So seeing that joy also reminds the audience of how precious, unpredictable, and fun life can be.

Even the ending is kind of bittersweet. As one last act front he parents seem like a graduation gift of sorts. Leaving her to be free but still trust little 

Grade: B+

THE ASSISTANT (2019)

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Written & Directed by: Kitty Green
Cinematography: Michael Latham
Editor: Kitty Green & Blair Mclendon

Cast: Julia Garner, Jon Orsini, Roy Kulz, Dagmara Dominczyk, Alexander Chaplin, Clara Wong, Patrick Breen, Juliana Canfield, Matthew Macfadyen, Jay O. Sanders, Kristine Froseth 

A searing look at a day in the life of an assistant to a powerful executive. As Jane follows her daily routine, she grows increasingly aware of the insidious abuse that threatens every aspect of her position.

This film makes you feel the tension throughout the film. Even though you pretty much are going through the young lady’s Day to day workday.

Though she is never directly a victim more notices that there is a problem and encountering the victims. She is a victim of not only his bullying and controlling nature. As he is a ticket to her success in what she wants to pursue. But also from the ambivalent attitude of those around her. Who enables his behavior and almost normalizes it. As some kind of Faustian deal. As he is allowed to take what he wants In Exchange he fulfills promises sometimes.

It’s Obvious who this film is based on and the situations and cases. Luckily we never actually see any of the action or him the boss. 

We are introduced to some of the victims before and after. We never see this monster of a boss because it would be hard enough to personify but also makes it much scarier seeing the aftermath and destruction biz so knowing what he is capable of and leaving our imagination to fester with these images in our imagination.

Instead, we are around from the aftermath of the victims and the investigations if any. As well as the cleaning up of crime scenes.

Though even not shown. We can feel for the victims and knowing this is based on true stories makes it all the more terrifying.

Especially horrific are her fellow employees who seem ambivalent to it all. As they just want to go about their day-to-day and are so used to his behavior that it is second nature and more or less anyone liked her asking questions or wanting to make reports interrupts the flow causing problems. So she is punished for even thinking about reporting his behavior. When she seems to be the only one caring.

We don’t learn too much about her character before or during. As the film offers a sharp and crisp setting but presents everything more as banal. Before subtly bringing up more the horrible aspects of the story. 

So that by the end the film is really a moral question. Is she willing to sell her soul for her dreams to come true or will she choose to do the right thing but maybe never be successful In The business she wants to be In.

The film shows the biases In The workplace as every male character seems to be in a position of power. Even when on equal footing they behave like they are in charge and most of them are nameless throughout the film as they are more Interchangeable but with similar attitudes just different positions 

The film allows itself to be built off of a famous true crown case of sorts to build an identifiable story of injustice that many women face. As well as letting the film be a character piece while also showcasing other issues and mindsets through lead to these sort of things happening and probably are still happening at other offices 

Grade: B+

21 JUMP STREET (2012)

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Directed By: Phil Lord & Chris Miller 
Written By: Michael Bacall 
Story By: Jonah Hill & Michael Bacall 
Cinematography By: Barry Peterson 
Editor: Joel Negron 

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Alison Brie, Ice Cube, Dave Franco, Chris Parnell, Rob Riggle, Deray Davis, Dakota Johnson, Rye Rye, Caroline Aaron, Ellie Kemper, Jake M. Johnson 


In high school, Schmidt (Jonah Hil) was a dork and Jenko (Channing Tatum) was the popular jock. After graduation, both of them joined the police force and ended up as partners riding bicycles in the city park. Since they are young and look like high school students, they are assigned to an undercover unit to infiltrate a drug ring that is supplying high school students with synthetic drugs 

First and foremost this is one of the few films that I actually ventured to go see on opening day. Which I haven’t done in years. That is how badly I wanted to see the film. Like SCREAM it not only makes fun and spoofs the conventions of the genre of tv show remakes and buddy films, While soon falling into them and being good at it. Just like SUPERBAD not only does this spoof teens and teenage films. It has moments of emotional truth and kind of being a bromance. It’s not artistic, but it is a really entertaining popcorn film. with quick cuts that don’t make it seem like you have A.D.D. 

Channing Tatum is the real surprise in this film. He comes across with charisma and expert comic timing. It’s hard to believe he Turned the film down numerous times until Jonah hill personally reached out and convinced him to take the role. He hasn’t been this interesting as an actor since A GUIDE TO RECOGNIZING YOUR SAINTS. They both executive produce the film. 

I have to admit when Channing Tatum was first announced to star I thought the film was doomed. But he is one of the elements that make the film a winner. 

Jonah Hill plays his usual type of character but brings the laughs and makes it feel new and different each time. He has a way of making moments awkward and true yet bring it around to being funny and always make it feel improvised. 

 Even if you never watched the show. It’s enjoyable, but if you remember and/or like the show. The film is just incredible. The action scenes are simple yet exciting that make them seem realistic until they get a bit ridiculous and abused. The cameos are great and bring the movie full circle. The film shows the generation gap even though it has only been 7 years and manages of course to include pop-culture references. It truly is a different landscape. The film does still rely on the old television cliché of mixed up identities leading up to half the hilarity. How now what was uncool. Now is cool which a character even comments on. 

Dave Franco, James’ Brother finally steps out of his shadow to create a memorable character and handles the role well. Brie Larson who I am a huge fan of from SCOTT PILGRIM Vs. THE WORLD among other films. Which I will admit at times I have watched only because she was in them. Is here as charming as ever in a role originally offered to Emma Stone who couldn’t take the role due to scheduling with another film. It would have been a nice reunion for her and jonah, but the role doesn’t leave her with much to do. It’s nice an experienced newcomer got the chance to play it. 

Some things feel like pure comedic inspiration like the characters having to live with his parents makes no sense. Ice Cube as the angry black captain even comments on his own situation. The Rapper who called himself the N*gga you love to hate and used to be anti-cop. Now playing one here is ironic and in a good way. 

 Jonah hill originally offered the directing gig to Rob Zombie.  The film makes fun of all the aspects that the original series held so dear or dealt with as special issues. When the show first premiered I hated it thinking it was a beefcake show of hunks that wasn’t worth my time. My mom liked the show and would always watch it. Then in its second season, there was nothing else on and I decided to watch it and thought it was actually quite decent and stayed a life-long fan. I even watched and enjoyed the spinoff BOOKER.

I even watched it until it’s end in syndication long after Johnny Depp left the show. When only the Captain was the really long-lasting cast member. The show also introduced me to Johnny Depp. 

 SPOILER 

 The film unfortunately not only has a cameo by Johnny Depp and Peter Deluise as their characters from the original, But also the death of there characters which really hurt and for the rest of my life I will always see DeRay Davis as the man who killed my favorite TV Cop characters. 

I can see that as the main reason why Johnny Depp took the role. As he acknowledges it helped start his career but during his last seasons he hated being on the show. But respected Steven J. Cannell to finish off his contract. Holly Robinson Peete also cameos her character gets to live. At least the characters die giving more meaning to the theme of the film, But still a sad way to go. I would have rather them just go on in my imagination. I could honestly recognize Johnny Depp as his character immediately though he isn’t really revealed until the end. It’s the cadence of his voice. 
 END SPOILER 

 GRADE: B+

PAPER TOWNS (2015)

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Directed By: Jake Schreier
Written By: Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber
Based on the Book by: John Green
Cinematography By: David Lanzenberg
Editor: Jacob Craycroft & Jennifer Lame

Cast: Nat Wolff, Cara Delevingne, Austin Abrams, Justice Smith, Halston Sage, Jaz Sinclair, Cara Buono 

*Please note that some trivia and facts have been republished from imdb among other sources In this review

Adapted from the bestselling novel by author John Green, PAPER TOWNS is a coming-of-age story centering on Quentin and his enigmatic neighbor Margo, who loved mysteries so much she became one. After taking him on an all-night adventure through their hometown, Margo suddenly disappears – leaving behind cryptic clues for Quentin to decipher. The search leads Quentin and his quick-witted friends on an exhilarating adventure that is equal parts hilarious and moving. Ultimately, to track down Margo, Quentin must find a deeper understanding of true friendship – and true love.

This reminds me of a John Hughes movie at least the closest modern equivalent. The next generations model. That doesn’t speak in stereotypes and generalities. It also doesn’t feel disposable and plastic. Made purely for entertainment value. Rather than a film that will stick with you.

This film feels like the kind more can identify with for the good and the bad things that the characters do.

How there is a natural mystery to life and in life, but also how we look for things or put various things together that might not even go together or are just various mistakes that happen to fit together and can create their own narrative.

A movie of the generation after mine that feels familiar while having it’s own quirks and points of view. While also playing by it’s own rules.

It stays inventive and charming yet cute. 

What I lie a it the film is that I like about John Hughes films that they are smart, reserved and fun. They educate while telling a entertaining story. It tackles serious subjects lite but responsibly.

Luckily it never passes itself off as deeper than it can handle as it isn’t.

Cara Delevingne’s character is largely absent as she is at the center of the mystery and while her character is mystical there is also a sense of irresponsibility and pretentiousness about her that makes her come off as more manic pixie dream girl. As she has little qualities a young man might wish for in a girl who acts too cool for school. Yet also always seems to try things out to discover. As she has yet to define herself it wants to. Which you can see coming. So when that comes into play you are not that surprised and understand why it must be done. Though seems rather dramatic.

Cara Delevingne wasn’t the only person considered for the role of Margo. Shailene Woodley was originally cast, but had to drop out due to clash of filming schedules with Insurgent. John Green said he would have chosen Emma Blackery, a fellow YouTuber, for the role, but he admitted the casting wasn’t up to him.

I like that the ending shows that it necessarily isn’t meant to be more about learning and bonding with those who care and truly love you.

So that the journey was more important than the goal and have a true adventure. For those who can’t see the obvious. As it is the same lesson told to a new generation in their own language.

Though the film doesn’t hold into account her characters selfishness. Though it does shed light on something women have to go through. Instead of being looked at for themselves, personality and talents. Instead they represent what others choose to put on their shoulders jewel, fantasy, sex object, miracle, and that hey are nothing more the. A guns being a person who has flaws and doesn’t have everything figured out. Falling in love with their without really knowing them.

A teen, free spirit who while admitting guilt at least apologizes and proved to be a convenient to freedom at least from a mind state or sense of being. Also away from your parents.

While I am not necessarily a big fan of John Green’s books. Of which I have only read one and really enjoyed it. As i find his writing somewhat truthful, well researched, quirky and touching as he doesn’t paint his characters as saints and actually has sexuality and language. That most books of that type seem to avoid to be more universal and safe.

In the book, Angela does not (and is never asked to) go on the road trip. Does not have the same ending as book

If you like coming if she movies or teen films. This will be a nice film to check out. Time nothing special but it is a good time.

Grade: C+

SHADOW IN THE CLOUD (2021)

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Directed By: Roseanne Liang
Written By: Max Landis & Roseanne Liang 
Cinematography: Kit Fraser
Editor: Tom Eagles 

Cast: Chloe Grace Moretz, Nick Robinson, Beulah Koale, Taylor John Smith, Callum Mulvey, Benedict Wall

On a stormy night during World War II, a female pilot with top-secret cargo talks her way on board a bomber plane about to take-off. The crass all-male crew reluctantly agrees, but their suspicions about her identity and the mysterious cargo quickly grow. Just then a shadow appears in the clouds – was it the incoming Japanese fleet? Or caused by some other sinister stowaway?

This film had a very notorious beginning as one of disgraced Screenwriter Max Landis’s big-budget scripts being turned into a production. 

Though after much rewriting supposedly the film was eventually made. Though one wonders if the script was so pro-female before it was rewritten or maybe if he did write it that way as a kind of public apology against the charges he has been accused of. 

It also might also be an homage to the TWILIGHT ZONE movie which his father was infamously sort of even though he didn’t direct that segment of the film and also kind of a remake of the AMAZING STORIES episode THE MISSION directed by Steven Spielberg.

Either way, the film takes the premise of the classic Twilight zone episode terror at 20,000 feet and changes the situation to that of a fighter plane running a mission with an extra female passenger In the gunner galley who sees the gremlin at first. While the others think she has gone crazy, but also during this, they are being attacked by enemy planes and she is trying to keep a top-secret cargo mission from others.

So the film Is loaded and at first, it seems like this going to be a claustrophobic thriller mainly taking place with her in the gunner pit but then eventually it opens up to the whole plane. So that while it is still contained there is more to work with. 

The film stays entertaining though some of the twists are totally unbelievable and reminds you how much a production this is. Which also helps you to accept the more far fetched elements.

Especially one action Sequence where Chloe Grace Moretz is hanging out of the plane trying to retrieve her package and fight off the gremlin. This then adds the intrigue of a fighter place attacking At the same time and an explosion that has to be seen to be believed. As it is an impressive action sequence but totally laughable thinking about the physics of it and how it is played. 

The film offers a little bit of everything there is intrigue, action, war sequences, thriller a little bit of drama, and even a showcase of sexism from most of the males involved in this mission with her and how in the end she more than proves herself capable and above them. Being the bravest, strongest and most resourceful.

In the end, though they help at times as resources this is really Moretz’s action film to take hold of. As she is the hero and they are more the damsels in distress who help out a little.

It isn’t as pumped up as a similar world war II film OVERLORD but It’s a fun action film that uses history and injects something supernatural. So that they have to deal with these otherworldly elements with whatever resources they have that aren’t that advanced.

If anything this movie is an entertaining b-movie and a perfectly fun time waster. 

Grade: C

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE (2019)

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Directed By: Tim Miller
Written By: David S. Goyer, Justin Rhodes & Billy Ray
Story By: James Cameron, Charles Eglee, Josh Friedman, David S. Goyer & Justin Rhodes
Based on characters Created by: James Cameron & Gale Anne Hurd
Cinematography: Ken Seng
Editor: Julian Clarke

Cast: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Tom Hopper, Fraser Jones 

A young female Mexican worker, Dani Ramos, is hunted down by a virtually indestructible terminator from the future called a REV-9. However, she is protected by an enhanced human named Grace who is also from the future. They flee from the unstoppable terminator and, out of the blue, Sarah Connor helps them on the road. All three head to Laredo, Texas, where Grace has the coordinates of possible support and where they meet a T-800 who is living in an isolated location with his family. The group teams up to try to destroy the REV-9.

When it comes to this franchise. We are back at the well. Which once again feels I needed but does provide impressive action sequences and special effects throughout.

This film doesn’t have as much star power as the recent additions. It seems that is what the filmmakers choose to emphasize. 

Though this sequel does add some diversity. You can’t help but wonder if it more of a marketing decision. Rather than a natural addition of more people of color.

While this is a welcome return for Linda Hamilton’s character to the franchise and being more female-oriented in the middle of the action, Then in films past.

For a film that is over two hours, the film starts off the action pretty quickly. 

As this is a franchise they keep trying to continue. It reminds one of the line from MEAN GIRLS “Stop Trying to make fetch happen” especially if no one is requesting more of these movies. Instead of creating its own mythology of different timelines that makes the series feel like a choose your own adventure story. Depending on when you came into the franchise. Though the first film and T2 seem to be holy scripture for the franchise.

At least this time as usual they try a new film only after it seems special effects technology has been updated. Unlike a few of the sequels especially the last 2 and the third film. It feels like after the third film it’s the same book or tale rewritten by a different author.

This story Could easily be seen as a metaphor for an attack on women’s reproduction. Though not the government. As the main character is targeted for bringing up/birthing a child though the sides are changed with the villains wanting the child aborted.

Maybe it lasts as though it is an action film with some scientific elements. It works as a slasher film of sorts with a recurring final girl. Always on the run against an impossible assailant who will kill anything in its path. Just to terminate one person. We watch just to see how it will happen and the kills involved. Though usually see them coming. There is usually the element of surprise which also brings in an element of horror.

Especially with this fin as the body count rises with efficiency. It feels more violent as gorier as most of the deaths are by impalement.

Though at least this sequel feels less monotonous and more entertaining. Even with a lot less humor until Arnold Schwarzenegger shows up. As he always does. These films usually somehow also involving Arnold Schwartzenegger’s terminator in some form. Only one of the sequels didn’t have his total involvement.

So his appearance here is not shocking. This also relies a lot less on John Connor. As he is iconic in the role of the terminator. These films will always rise and fall with his involvement not giving credit to the lesser sequels weakens the better ones. This is the one that should have come after the second or third film.

This is where all of the budgets went as scenes outside of it come off small scale. Simple but also feels the most relatable.

The film also seems like the simplest out of all the films in the franchise. All the films feel epic in scope. Though This one seems to focus more on the action sequences. So that there already less questions about the plot and the story.

It still seems to have all the central roles. Only here they are all mostly switched to female characters. Who seem to serve the same purpose as when it was male characters.

This film Still feels like a bit much. Though at least while trying to impress you. It makes its Mark. It gives you a lot for your investment. That is its own reboot though as we are all familiar it doesn’t feel as fresh or advanced.

Grade: B-