Tag: 2017

SHIMMER LAKE (2017)

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Written & Directed By: Oren Uziel
Cinematography: Jarin Blaschke
Editor: Blake Maniquis 

Cast: Benjamin Walker, Rainn Wilson, Stephanie Sigman, John Michael Higgins, Wyatt Russell, Adam Pally, Rob Corddry, Ron Livingston, Mark Randall

An inventive crime thriller told backward, reversing day by day through a week following a local sheriff’s quest to unlock the mystery of three small-town criminals and a bank heist gone wrong.

This could have easily been a story for a season-long show BIG SKY.  Even though it takes place over and not a few days.

Written and directed by noted screenwriter Oren Uziel. The film has the originality of his usual screenplays. Only here in a little more serious thriller vein. You can see why it was on the black list of 2009 (The Blacklist is a yearly list of the best-unproduced screenplays voted on by script development executives) 

The story is told backward over a week. As we start with Friday and go back to Monday to see how a bank robbery affects a small town and its citizens.

The film is better than expected especially as a Netflix original film. Before they got distracted by having big stars and budgets and seemed to still care about storytelling.

As the film is an ensemble film. It’s also a thriller with double-crosses, twists, and backstabbings that once you think you have it figured out. It surprises you again but at least as it goes along it gives you more information to see why certain characters act the way they do or why they make the decisions they do. 

It allows for plenty of quirky characters and situations. Though it does rein it in for the seriousness of everything at hand. As well as the overall dramatic implications all over.

We even get to know most of the characters involved in some way. As each day or part of the film that focuses on that day also tends to focus on the character we begin the day with and brings us into the grander puzzle of it all. Half the joy is discovering and witnessing how it all fits together. As well as the reasoning of various characters. 

The cast all rise to the occasion to keep the audience riveted and invested. If you pay attention what happens or will happen is spoken of and told in a certain way before it happens. Even though the ending is a little hard to believe. It still works as long as you believe how cold-hearted the characters can be. Even if they show warmth, humanity, and humor before. 

Stephanie Sigman as a run-down wife in mourning who can be plain one minute, aggressive the next, and sexy out of nowhere and not really having to really try. She is a versatile actress who needs to work more, especially after her dynamic debut in the movie MISS BALA.

While the film has a lived-in quality. It still lacks a certain depth it needs a little more grit.

Can admit to watching it a second time just to make sure I understood everything. It’s not a long movie but it does pack a jab and enough intrigue to keep you guessing.

Grade: C+

LOVE AND OTHER CULTS (2017)

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Written & Directed By: Eiji Uchida

Cinematography: Maki Ito

Cast: Sairi Ito, Kenta Suga, Kaito Yoshimura, Antony, Matthew Chozick, Denden, Leora Hirota, Tomoko Hayakowa, Hidenbu Abera

Born in a regional city, a young girl named Ai is sent to a cult commune by her religious maniac mother and lives there for seven long years. After the cult is exposed by the police, Ai starts a new, normal life going to a regular middle school, but can’t find a place to fit in normal society. Ai drops out to continue finding her path in life, first living with a rock-bottom delinquent family, then moving on to be part of a middle-class family, all along trying to find her place in this world. The only person who understands Ai is Ryota, another drop-out and cast-off from society. Ryota finds his path in a shady world of delinquents while Ai ends up working in the sex industry. Two teens’ purity gets swallowed up by the urban jungle of a big regional city. A black comedy depicting the lives of modern youth and their struggles in a place where there is no way out.

This is a film best to go into blind though even if you know the plot it still isn’t the easiest to explain. 

The cast is mostly newcomers to the screen who come off expertly, but also excel in raw talent on screen and seem untrained. Even though Lead Actress Sairi Ito goes through it all on screen and deserves special Acclaim. 

This is the third film by the writer/ director Eiji Uchida and I can definitely say that his films are original and you never know quite what to expect and that mystery makes the films exciting. Not to mention showing a bravery that has been missing from cinema In a while definitely not the most mainstream but so Indie and aiming more for a cult audience that it makes his films admirable no matter how controversial for some they might be.

As they focus on Characters more  on the fringe of society and so far In Their own way has been films they are coming of age stories no matter what the ages of the characters 

A film Mainly about the loneliness of youth so that they find camaraderie and family wherever they Can.Though as they try to support one another the film shows that the only way for them to grow and find their own paths is truly as individuals. They might meet someone who helps them align and who ultimately they end up with but first must go through many things alone 

Throughout though many adults seem to mean well. As major influences they either screw up the kids more through actions, abandonment, or both. As we see even their peers sabotage them through jealousy 

Some have compared this film to the epic film LOVE EXPOSURE by Director Sion Sono and it has that same kind of off-kilter feel that feels a bit fetishistic at times. That film had more than enough time to fulfill its story being 5 hours long (but truly never felt that long) not to mention that film was fully devoted to exploring fetishes and the characters who live that lifestyle. Here we get snippets of it. 

Here though the stories stop for certain characters at times that feel like fragments you get the general idea,  Throughout. In that other film, there is an innocence there the entire film tries to be a romance. Ultimately  this one feels a bit more tawdry though with a love story 

They are both coming-of-age stories though this one has its own rhythm that if you can get along with the best this film will be  worthwhile if not it will just stay strange to you 

The film is very composed, especially in its shots and bright colors. That almost makes the film feel illustrated at times.

It has a slightly diverse cast and nothing is ever said of their origins, though is clearly noticeable and a bit mysterious.  

The film shows that Love can be like a cult as it is mainly two of you at the center but you must get to know and hang around each other’s friends and families even if you have nothing in common with them and become sort of the crew, a kind of second or third family. You take on Each other’s characteristics slowly and interests. How they Make sacrifices and little donations of time and money.

Grade: B

DEIDRA & LANEY ROB A TRAIN (2017)

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Directed By: Sydney Freeland 
Written By: Shelby Farell 
Cinematography By: Quyen Tran 
Editor: Michael Taylor 

Cast: Ashleigh Murray, Rachel Crow, David Sullivan, Arturo Castro, Sasheer Zamata, Danielle Niccolet, Tim Blake Nelson, Sharon Lawrence, Missi Pyle 

After their mother ends up in jail, two sisters turn to train robbery in order to support their family.

This is a film that feels special. It is perfect for a younger audience whereas it might not be the most exciting it is a majorly offensive free film. Full of charm and energy that starts off low-key and slowly pulls you in.

The film is so heartwarming, it’s almost like a Disney film with more sinister material. As it tries to be more realistic rather than too fairy tale

The leads are full of charm and even though they have their flaws are impressive and identifiable. So much so that they have a certain Sweetness where you keep rooting for them.

It is also nice to see a racially diverse film that has women of color in most of the leading roles. Not to mention presenting them as smart and talented.

The film is also one of the rare films that are directed by a woman of color. The film has a light touch that feels like a world that you recognize while building it as its own.

It has a more mustache-twirling villain who comes across as more of a twerp than a menace but leaves just enough of an impression to build tension.

Though the film is predictable one of its strengths is presenting us with characters who at first seem more over the top comedic and strictly one-note then later give us a whole new impression of them by letting us see life through their eyes.

The film feels independent and tries to have more of a hangdog look at life and the rough prospects that the family faces. Though the stakes are very low and seem more projected by what if consequences more than anything.

The film just stays pure of heart and luckily stays away from being a tragedy or plain old unbelievable wish fulfillment. Though stays sweet all the way through.

Which might be it’s one problem is that the main characters and circumstances are so sweet they don’t feel real and for some. It may come off as annoying as their is no cynicism in this movie, So if looking for something lite and sweet for the family or just you. This is the film.

Grade: B-

SONG TO SONG (2017)

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Written & Directed By: Terrence Malick 
Cinematography: Emmanuel Lubezki
Editor: Hank Corwin, Keith Frase & Rehman Nizarali 

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michael Fassbender, Rooney Mara, Natalie Portman, Cate Blanchett, Val Kilmer, Berniece Marlohe 

Two intersecting love triangles. Obsession and betrayal set against the music scene in Austin, Texas.

The film offers cameos from bands and musicians. Like Robert Altman’s THE PLAYER only less about the life and business just what kind of culture it takes place in 

The film is filled more with moments of the day-to-day. That is broken into fragments and left for us to witness and examine. As really the film takes place and shows us the lives of those attending a music festival. 

As it becomes a travelogue of the surroundings with a love of narration, that is supposed to help explain but becomes more oddly poetic. Meaning that what we see while visually stunning is a surface. While we learn what is underneath from the narration. Which offers up an explanation of sorts. 

The films of Writer/Director Terrence Malick usually revolve around the individual and their relationships with the world. Romantic and intimate ones are at the heart of the films. 

This could have easily been a modern NASHVILLE type ensemble, but the music festival is a backdrop for the intentions of music. With emotions and thoughts expressed through the melody with words. just like an album has a bunch of songs. Some are in the same Mold and some are distinct. Others offer a different slice of life and a continuation of themes,  but still a different moment and rules.

Going in you don’t know what to expect. But when it comes to director Terrence Malik’s later films. You kind of do, wide-angle lenses, narration, beautiful cinematography, poetic license almost abstract to the non-existent story. Left for you to meditate on, believing that this new film will be the one they have wanted from him and waited for. That will be his next BADLANDS or DAYS OF HEAVEN 

He tries to stick with the story more and each time while considered good. Not the classic fans hoped for. Though that seems better and is taken more seriously later,  then When they come out originally slow them to be seen more as pieces of art. Then just movies. Even if more and more end up as passable yet disappointing to a certain degree rather than good or even memorable 

The camera never really stops. We see private moments more glossy and pretty people doing normal things. Only with more shine and attention on these moments. Offering Communication through images. Never let lies during full conversations do it.

Though you might know what to expect. Though he offers you shards and then Leaves you to interpret and figure out what just happened. Sometimes with Narrations that sound like excerpts from books 

Usually, Actors clamor to work with Mr. Malik and his films usually are star-studded. Only then did he cut out half of them from the film. As they are not needed in what he wants to present. Which he finds during the editing process. 

So his films always seem like a cut he came to that was releasable after cutting down in the editing room from what might be the first draft filmed. If there was even a script. That it ends up feeling like A book with missing chapters and characters whose fate we never learn.

It ends up feeling more Like a music video with a score but missing the main song as there is a score but no singing necessarily. 

As characters who are almost like newborns come in and take out the narrative partially after an initial connection. Twisting things around a bit. 

Then the actors are filmed like fashion shoots. Like a footnote or introduction to a side story that affects the overall narrative.

Usually one can get excited when he sets his films in the present. Not so much historical epics,  but his strongest films are those usually based on books and true stories that have actual plots. Allowing them each a few chapters they tend to overlap through each other. To be the one In control of their own POV and their marriage and romantic missteps with guest stars.

The film seems to want to be ambitious but leaves itself hard to grade as it comes across more as an art installation rather than a film. 

TO THE WONDER was his last most consistent film.  As it seems the most focused 

This ends up as A long movie that feels longer than it is and monotonous 

It seems like Michael Fassbender’s character is a music manager who is in love with Rooney mara’s character, who works for him and is mildly in the know but once she falls in love with Ryan gosling’s character. At first, she still cheats with Fassbender. Then once she stops, Fassbender meets and marries shortly afterward a waitress he picks up quickly. Where it is all love at first then they start to sleep around. Until she has a romantic liaison and he gets her into drugs and groupies 

Then His wife dies and Mara’s character is with gosling. But he seems to still have feelings for his ex and they break up. Once he finds out Rooney had an affair. She signs with Fassbender and then has a same-sex relationship. Gosling moves home to be around family and falls for Cate Blanchett who no one seems to think is good for him. So it continuously plays with this melodrama. 

This is one of these Films where you find yourself constantly checking the time where it’s headed and shocked it’s not over yet. 

A film that might be smarter than the audience. It is also a film that wants the audience To Interpret it all rather than explain. which can equal big filmmaking wishes handled by a true artist or someone who knows what they are doing.

He sets himself apart as Brave. Most filmmakers choose to have the audience interpret relationships or endings or characters. 

Whereas by the end explaining the plot/story is simple as there is so little of it. It whereas it is started out with visuals montages narration poetry, but barely any music which the title suggests there should be more of some 

It all feels Pretentious where One might wonder if the director had a script as it feels like there is none and they are making it up as they go along at the location and trying to fit it all In

In the end, the film doesn’t offer as much music as expected 

Grade: C

120 BPM (BEATS PER MINUTE) (2017)

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Directed By: Robin Campillo

Written By: Robin Canpillo & Philippe Mangeot Cinematography: Jeanne Lapoirie

Editor: Robin Campillo, Stephanie Lager & Anita Roth

Cast: Nahuel Perez Biscayart, Arnaud Valois, Felix Maritaud, Adele Haenel, Ariel Borebstein, Antoine Reinartz, Aloise Sauvage 

The early 1990s. With AIDS having already claimed countless lives for nearly ten years, Act up-Paris activists multiply actions to fight general indifference. Nathan, a newcomer to the group, has his world shaken up by Sean, a radical militant, who throws his last bits of strength into the struggle.

This film presents a Strong subject and story based on historical facts. As we learn about the early efforts of ACT-UP and what they were facing off against. At least the french chapter. That was similar to the US chapters efforts 

This film feels like a miniseries done in two hours. It is a very trying and powerful movie. That is as much a drama, as a history lesson in itself told more from the radicals Point of view. Rather than a white-washed film where they make the owners that be the heroes.

The film shows that if not for the efforts of the LGBTQ community at the time. The progress for national attention and treatment would have been slower if ever even developed.

This is more than just a movie about the subject or a disease Movie. The narrative here is more of an ensemble but it is also strong.

The film is designed more as a docudrama without so much handheld camera work, but still, you feel like a Participant and witness. As we see the movement from the inside out. As well as slowly get to know abs see the personal lives of the characters. Which allows the film to be more intimate.

The film focuses on a relationship more or less and its development. That is connected to the modern era of the group in various ways. While also showing us the evolution of the group. That helps us in the audience connect to the characters. Through this process, the film reveals events and situations dramatically and still manages to be shocking at times with its revelations.

So much material and information to cover here that it feels like a dramatized documentary that gets more personal. As some of the characters, we get to know each other deeper and stand out. Even as each character is important in their own way as part of the coalition.

This is just one of those films you can lose yourself in and by the end or realize how much time has passed but definitely feel like you have been through a journey. As this is a film mroe of experience where you feel like a fly in the wall. As the film takes over.

You just watch as it tells it’s take abd unfolds a large story like a book.

As all around the filmmmaking and cast are great not a weak link . No one drops the ball. As the film and tale are emotionally penetrating and the characters are portrayed as callable and not saints.

It’s one of these perfect movies into a culture and history one was not formed upon. Like the French film THE CLASS by Laurent Cantet only that was like this film a look into a social issue and the characters involved that offers no answers. Only this tale is based more on fact and events that actually happens

This is a film that has to be seen. As it dreams you in and offers you education and an experience. 

Grade: A

TRIPLE 9 (2017)

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Directed By: John Hillcoat 
Written By: Matt Cook 
Cinematography By: Nicolas Karakatsanis 
Editor: Dylan Tichenor 

Cast: Chiwetel Ejofer, Casey Affleck, Norman Reedus, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson, Clifton Collins Jr., Kate Winslet, Gal Gadot, Teresa Palmer, Michael K. Williams, Michelle Ang, E. Roger Mitchell 

A crew of dirty cops are blackmailed by the Russian mob to execute a virtually impossible heist. The only way to pull it off is to manufacture a 999, police code for “officer down”. Their plan is turned upside down when the unsuspecting rookie they set up to die foils the attack, triggering a breakneck, action-packed finale filled with double-crosses, greed and revenge.

The film feels like the story should have added up to something bigger and more meaningful. Like how each character was a puzzle piece as we wait to see how eventually they will all fit together. This is clearly a manly man film that drips of machismo though for all of it’s toughness it does take time to actually show the complexities of the situations they have found themselves in. As this is a heist film beautifully filmed but feels like a typical caper film only done more slowly and supposedly intricately. As the crew seems more forced and involves working for the Russian mob.

The film Doesn’t really highlight or fetishize the heists as much as other films. Here it is more done matter of fact. This film seems to care more about the characters involved.

The film doesn’t even seem too involved in what was the initial hook of the film. Where the cops in order to pull off a robbery plan on killing a fellow cop to distract all other police from them Pulling off a heist. Though with so many things going on in the film that all Lead to one another eventually and come to a head. Seems more realistic but also makes everything on the same level and never really that high up.

Even though most of the time it seems Chiwetel Ejofer as well as a few other characters seem to constantly be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Where it also seems the people who put them up for these robberies want them To fail as their actions seem to more sabotage them.

While the film comes off as more of an ensemble film. It also leaves a bunch of premonitions in certain characters words and actions and also while taking place in Atlanta’s it is unfortunate that while the film gives the most of characters a certain humanity. It also has most of the minority characters be criminals not necessarily evil but they seem more subordinate and characterized as the bad guys. Where as the more heroic characters of which there are only really 2 are both Caucasian though Woody Harrelson’s character isn’t the most moral he is seen as one of the good guys.

The film never truly explains the relationship between Chiwetel Ejofer and Gal Gadot’s Characters since they have a child but are they still together. Is she being dangled in front of him by her sister. Are they seperated?

Kate Winslet seems to let her outfits and make up do most of the work as she is given less to do and more exists as a presence, but clearly is having fun vamping it up more or less. She seems to be slumming here or more like a case of stunt casting. Replacing Cate Blanchett

The film stays within the films of director John Hillcoat’s usual films with pitch black stories and violent ends with characters who lore or less feel loved in. As next to LAWLESS, this is probably his most commercial film. He tends to make films that are more filled with agressions and machismo real manly men type films.

This film feels longer than it should and could easily have been shortened. As it feels like a film full of character and characters who get short changed more due to plot mechanics that while introduced in a different way feel way too familiar. The double crosses are expected but the triple crosses feel unexpected.

Woody Harrelson has fun with his role as a detective who while is no stranger to bending the rules he still manages to be a strong moral character. As he seems to have let the job get to him. Though as a veteran he also treats it more trivially. Replacing Jeff Bridges.

Casey Affleck as the new guy comes off on bit is handed a kind of bland good cop character. He was actually cast after both Shia Lebouf, Chris Pine and Charlie Hunnam dropped out of the film.

The film tries to be more about mood and atmosphere but never comes off that strong nor does it ever seem to find that right tone. As it almost tries to come off as a modern-day western but not one where you are expecting the gunfights. One that is more about bravery and strength of moral and character not to mention loyalty

Grade: C

AMERICAN ASSASSIN (2017)

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Director: Michael Cuesta 
Written By: Stephen Schiff, Michael Finch, Edward Zwick & Marshall Herskovitz 
Based On The Novel By: Vince Flynn 
Cinematography: Enrique Chediak 
Editor: Conrad Buff IV 

Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanna Lathan, Taylor Kitsch, Scott Adkins, Charlotte Vega, David Suchet, Shiva Negar 

Twenty three-year-old Mitch lost his parents to a tragic car accident at the age of fourteen, and his girlfriend to a terrorist attack just as they were engaged. Seeking revenge, he is enlisted by CIA Deputy Director Irene Kennedy as a black ops recruit. Kennedy then assigns Cold War veteran Stan Hurley to train Mitch. Together they will later on investigate a wave of apparently random attacks on military and civilian targets. The discovery of a pattern in the violence leads them to a joint mission with a lethal Turkish agent to stop a mysterious operative intent on starting a world war in the Middle East.

Director Michael Cuesta has come along way since his debut films L.I.E. And 12 & HOLDING. He has proved himself to be a journeyman director. As he has come from coming of age independent films to studio dramas and nor a full fledged action film. His first which seems to try to become a franchise but works as a one off also.

The film was being planned for a while as quite a few directors were attached such as Ed Zwick, Antoine Fuqua and Jeffrey Nachmanoff. Just as many actors were either offered or considered for the leading role such as Chris Hemsworth, Colin Ferrell, Matthew Fox and Gerard Butler.

The films action sequences are serviceable. They just seem to be violent more in one on one encounters. As the scenes try to be more intimate in the violence but feel broad. As the film truly wants to show blood and guts. So that it plays more like an 1980’a type action film starring an actor you wouldn’t think of or consider for this type of film. Played by Dylan O’Brien Which is what might make his character easy to underestimate or even suspect.

Equally impressive is knowing what the star Dylan O’Brien went through in real life to make a come back the screen in an action film. With plenty of stunts. After suffering a war fatal accident on another movie that left him hospitalized for quite a while.

The film is a mix of espionage and revenge thriller. No one nor any of the story truly makes too much of an impact as the movie pretty much plays by the numbers.

The film has female characters who are all attractive but really have nothing to besides that. They give one character an action sequence where she loses the battle and Saana Lathan’s character while one of the authority figures is only there to authorize and put plans together.

This film is pure action with little to no sex and seduction. Though the film does involve a gory torture scene that was too much for me.

Taylor Kitsch as the villain unfortunately has no presence his character is vague and never quite makes an impression and feels very non descriptive. Though he does take his shirt off a lot. Which weakens the film as then it feels like a battle of the heartthrobs. The tough sensitive one and the bad boy. Which then makes it seem more intended for teenage girls. 

Scott Adkins in a supporting role only seem to be late for scenes meant to show us how tough our lead is going toe to toe, skill to skill with him. Where as if that was what is supposed to be meant. Why not just make him the villain? Then again it seems best to have the heartthrobs against each other in the ends for a more violent tiger beat magazine stand off where only one can survive. 

Michael Keaton seem here for star power more than anything. Also to maybe create an iconic mentor for the main character. As he is believable but deserves better. He replaced Bruce Willis who dropped out.

The main character has nothing and no one to tie him down or wonder what happened to him. Which seems more convenient while trying to infuse his characters loneliness and why having someone taken away from him matters so deeply. Though he does live off a inheritance which also seems to be a huge convenience. That seems to give him a Batman type scenario only with taking down terrorist for the government.

Grade: C

SLEEPLESS (2017)

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Directed By: Baran Bo Odar
Written By: Andrea Berloff 
Based in the film “NUIT BLANCHE” Written by: Frederic Jardin, Nicolas Saada & Olivier Douyere 
Cinematography: Mirai Malaimaire Jr.
Editor: Robert Rzesacz

Cast: Jamie Foxx, Michelle Monaghan, Dermot Mulroney Jr., Scoot Mcnairy, Tip T.I. Harris, David Harbour, Gabrielle Union 

Undercover Las Vegas police officer Vincent Downs finds himself trapped in a web of corrupt cops, internal affairs and violent gangsters. When a failed heist leads to the kidnapping of his son, Downs must race against time during an intense and restless night to save him and bring the criminals to justice.

I can admit this film already seemed D.O.A. When the trailers for the film hit. As nothing in the trailer came across as new or even exciting and watching the film it pretty much felt the same. While plenty of things happen on screen and in the story. It still all feels basic and familiar and the film, not performances add any excitement to it.

I will admit I liked the French original version of this film SLEEPLESS NIGHTS very much, but in the American translation, a lot of fresh and maybe foreign cultural elements are dropped. Making the film come across as more of a big-budgeted longer episode of a police procedural. 

As the original film Offered complications that felt essential and consequential. Here the film just seems to throw complications that seem more here to be filler than anything. Else 

Scoot McNairy’s villain is the only memorable thing in the whole film. Who would have been great in a better movie? 

The film feels like for a recognizable cast who do try there is really Little effort put into the film at all to feel special or set itself apart. So that by the end it feels basic yet disappointing. Which is a shame as Jamie Foxx has proven to be a versatile and charismatic actor who can be funny, dramatic and tough when he needs to be and this film offers only the later but like most of the roles. Never feels specific enough to their talents so that virtually anyone could have played these roles.

The only Element that felt somewhat exciting was the ending that leaves room for a sequel or alludes to an even bigger conspiracy. 

This just feels like a lost opportunity. Where all this film seems to offer is more a stylish music video technique to the story without really adding anything worthy dramatically or even character-wise. 

It just simply he’s out all the originality out of the original. Truly making this a Hollywood byproduct. If anything it feels like an audition for the director to show what he can do with so little. 

Grade: F

THE HOUSE (2017)

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Directed By: Andrew Jay Cohen
Written By: Andrew Jay Cohen & Brendan O’Brien
Cinematography By: Jas Shelton
Editor: Evan Henke & Michael L. Sale

Cast: Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzounkas, Nick Kroll, Lennon Parham, Randall Park, Rob Huebel, Andrea Savage, Steve Zissis, Ryan Simpkins, Allison Tolman, Rory Scovel, Cedric Yarbrough, Kyle Kinane, Michela Watkins, Jeremy Renner, Sam Richardson, Wayne Federman, Andy Buckley, Jessica St. Clair 

After the town scholarship program no longer has funding, two parents are left without money to send their daughter to university. Left without any other options, they along with a friend, start an illegal casino in his home to make cash before the summer ends.

This seems like a more packaged film where the studio hoped all the comedic stars would help illuminate the script with improv

The problem is that the film is filled with notable comedic stars who really are given little to do. So they are mainly just doing what is required

It also feels more like the stars are wacky to be wacky, they seem more on autopilot. Acting crazy and wacky but for no real reason except the script tells them too. It would help if the characters started off on a normal playing Field and started going crazy due to pressure, but they are pretty much the same beginning to the end.

Maybe as the film doesn’t offer anything challenging or new for the lead actors. Who we have gotten used to at this point. It doesn’t seem a stretch. It also doesn’t feel up to the quality of the heights that we have seen them do before. So it’s disappointing in both ways.

There aren’t many strong visual choices either. So the style of the film feels slapdash instead of composed.

Understandably this is a studio comedy but seems so outlandish and far-fetched. even if that seems to be the point. While trying to make the characters somewhat identifiable.

Not distinct enough to be memorable characters. They just seem borderline off the assembly like and given not only comedic personas but also just weird afflictions instead of quirks. This idea seems like it would be better on paper or as an idea. Rather than a barely 90-minute movie.

The film doesn’t wait to really begin with it’s premise. So we are off to the races immediately. So that we don’t really notice too. If a change when it comes to the characters. There are some chuckles and inspired bits of comedy and scenes.

Though really the film’s humor is in watching adults act like teenagers at a keg party with gambling. Borrowing heavily from shows like BREAKING BAD, as far as older characters who do illegal activities to help pay for their kid’s education and helps the other character loosen up. While also having allusions to many gangster movies and television shows

This is a film Where all the comedic actors even to be trying to go over the top and outdo one another not so much out of the competition but just to be noticed. Especially when they are given so little to do.

While the stars don’t seem to be trying hard enough as they aren’t really characters as they keep making such rash decisions and jumping around in emotions and behavior that it seems more put on the. Believable I know this isn’t the film you go into for rational thought, but it still seems haphazard

The film lacks a proper villain. So it tries to come up with a few. Who are just as easily eliminated as they are Introduced. In fact, the one who lasts the longest is the most wearily but easily to see conquer by and never comes off as a real threat.

Jason Mantzounkas is entertaining and one of the only enjoyable elements of this film, but also he is playing the type of role he has done before. If anything this character is more honorable there the ones he usually plays.

The film feels like fast food as it is digestible and offers a quick fix as far as entertainment but not necessarily healthy. Usually, fast food tastes great, but this is more fast food that is ok. So that once it is over your fix is satiated but you will have indigestion as you are pretty much paying for it.

Which the film wouldn’t feel as disappointing if one didn’t have to pay for it, but it feels like for the money you pay they might try, but it feels fairly standard and like a rip off of sorts. As there seems to be little effort put into it. You know what you are going to get but you still expect more and better.

Grade: C-

BABY DRIVER (2017)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Edgar Wright 
Cinematography By: Bill Pope 
Editor: Jonathan Amos & Paul Machliss 

Cast: Ansel Egort, Lilly James, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Spacey, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez, Jon Bernthal, Sky Ferreira, Paul Williams, Flea, CJ Jones


After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.

I Can’t say enough good things about this movie. Apparently, I drank it’s kool-aid and found it quite refreshing.

The film surprises, Every time Edgar Wright makes a movie it feels like a gift. Usually, it seems as it takes too long to get to us. Though it is always worth it. It gives us a glimpse of his creative imagination and skill. Even with high hopes always seem to underestimate him. The movie is quite a ride. Like a roller coaster that you never want to leave. Perfect for the summer or anytime. The movie has style for days and most of all just plain fun and never in a stupid way.

The film keeps up energy that is Infectious for the audiences. It’s a film that has a fun personality and doesn’t have to do too much to charm.

The film maintains an excitement throughout which the audience feeds off of and feels a similar excitement throughout. Which are a difficult thing to do these days as in blockbusters and films things seem so routine and planned out. That the filmmakers seem to be all over the place. Here it feels like the filmmakers and cast are constantly energized by one another and even if not necessarily personal the film feels like there was a lot of passion going into it.  

It also is nice to see the film allows for homages and references to other films and pop culture. That won’t date the film necessarily but gives it more of a modern in the moment flavor.

Like how he obscures the violence while you feel the impact. Through clever framing and blocking. There are three-way chase sequences. Where the criminals are running from the cops then not trusting one another start running away from one another and trying to catch each other realizing the other has what they need

The film includes bad guys choosing to be humane, Good guys choosing to be bad. Action sequences that don’t rely so much on fighting hand to hand combat or toughness but agility and having peace of mind to figure your way out.

The film includes a love story that keeps it’s purity because the romance is never really consummated. So that it keeps an innocence but feels kind of melodramatic like a teen film from the 1950s with dreams of hitting the open road together. Maybe as the romance is so simple, sweet, and easy. Really built off of. Itching but attraction and politeness. That it feels like first love and making a connection. Something that at first is never complicated or at least it doesn’t seem that way. Though through the actions of the films proves that each of them truly rides or die for one another.

Like a comic book come to life. It knows what type of film it is and as long as you keep that in mind you should enjoy it. As it incorporates many little left turns of genre specifics into it’s crime and love story. It feels like a candy-sweet and filled with sugar that energizes you. As well as being that colorful. It Manages to keep an innocence and wonder, That keeps you caring.

The film manages to be thrilling and menacing in the right moments. So that you are on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen. So much effortless style that you can feel it but don’t realize how remarkable it is until later on thinking back about it and, you will trust me.

The movie lacks a certain depth and sustenance, but that is truly one of it’s few weaknesses overall. Which aren’t necessarily needed in this equation.

The lead played by Ansel Egort is kind of bland, but he needs to be as usually the main characters in these types of films are the strong silent type where you can easily read whatever you want into them. Here we are given more of his backstory, but the role seems to more take advantage of Ansel Egort physically as he is skinny and limber with a bay face. That is easy to mold him into whatever you need out of a leading man.

One of the reasons for the enjoyment of the film is the supporting characters who liven up the film and add flavor where the lead does not and really can’t as his character is pretty plain and simple. He is mostly driven towards newfound goals. Though there is a reason why Jon Hamm, Kevin Spacey, and Jamie Foxx are in the movie. Whereas at first they just seem to be there to be named on the posters and big names who do nothing, but as the film goes along we see why they are in the film and are more than the unassuming roles we bought at first. They each get to reveal more about them than we originally thought. Not necessarily surprises but they liven up the film. To be more than just cops and robbers.

The big-name supporting stars are a revelation as at first they seem just there to be part of the background then they come out and show what they are truly all about. I mean this is a film where you have two Best Actor Oscar winners playing supporting roles. So there must be something about the script and film that got them to sign on in a diminished capacity (Yes I know they both were in the disappointing HORRIBLE BOSSES too. though I will think of that as more paycheck roles. Not so much here)

Jamie Foxx is memorable as an over the edge criminal who is antagonistic as he trusts no one. It seems with each crew baby works with there is one. Who more or less helps with the exposition.

Jon Hamm, seems a simple happy go, lucky thug, who comes out late in the film letting his inner psychopath out in search of revenge and retribution. He also has a certain bad boy handsome here. That makes him more a dangerous lady killer than just the usual leading man

Eiza Gonzalez is more the sexy wildfire who is both sexy and deadly but carries a kind of a mystery to her and proves to be more than what she looks like or what you would expect. though not featured too much she is a. Ice price of eye candy to go with the visuals.

Even Kevin Spacey is off the charts as the mastermind. Here he is more. Noteworthy for his middle-class menace where he can compliment and threaten in one sentence but you know he is never lying. We are used to him being the smartest person in the room and acting like he is above everyone else, but the last act moment truly shines his character in a different light. His upper-crust was doesn’t seem out of place. Nor does it distract or obstruct the flow of his character or the movie. If anything it helps feed it.

What is fun is that the villains or at least the threats to our young protagonist keep changing hands. As to who he has to be afraid of or see as a major threat and maybe overcome.

Now know this film is candy-colored and visceral with it’s excitement and shots. In the texture of course it never becomes as serious or as accomplished as films like DRIVE, THE DRIVER, and BULLIT. Though it does align itself as more of a lighter-toned chase film. It does have it’s own personality and identity. Though you would also check out those films to see where Edgar Wright might have gotten his inspiration. He even gives DRIVER director Walter Hill a cameo in the film. (Among other blink and you miss them cameos from Rappers Big Boi and Killer Mike)

Edgar Wright timed the character’s movements to the beat of the film’s songs. Even in the film’s credit sequence which is done all in one continuous tracking shot and take.

The film comes off as a nice movie that offers more of a lite touch. Though with humor and adrenaline-filled action scenes. That hardcore movie fans can enjoy for it’s more technical aspects and general audience members can enjoy as a fun action film. That is many things at once. As it pays homage to many films and genres which will seem familiar for many but new for some. One of them is a Teenage 1950’s film with diners and car racing and a love story in the middle with plans of running away together.

The soundtrack is the heartbeat for the film and the characters bot only the lead using it to fuel himself up. But also keeps the film moving. Along and on best and keeping the audience energized and going with it. Filling us with excitement and energy as well as adding some songs to our repertoire or recalling ones we think we know. As the cuts here are mostly deep ones

The film is wall to wall with music on it’s soundtrack that partially powers or motivates the protagonist due to a disability but also livens up the scenes making it feel like most of us have always wanted a soundtrack to go with our lives and actions. Sometimes with a popular song but mostly with something a little less unknown and obscure but fits the mood.

The film shows us this early in an inventive credit sequence and also in introducing us to the characters and situation in the opening scene. That allows for action but also alerts us to the character’s youth and sense of play in a tight situation. Which gives us a remembrance of the possibilities of youth? When you might never have known better about the dangers and situations you were facing. Even if you knew they were serious.

The film is lighter in touch than some more harder action movies which is part of the charm and broader appeal. 

For some they might find it too lighthearted or not enough substance and a general lack of action or even gunplay which might take them out of the film or find the film feeling like it is trying to hard to be cool. 

While it is a great film. It is also a film I can see younger people loving as it moves fast and really barely has anything offensive. Anything that does is on the edges and more due to language. So this is one of those movies I believe most ages can enjoy for the most part.

Another thing to admire about the film is that in these days of films filled with special effects for the smallest things. The director revealed that there was no CGI or green screen used to film the car chase sequences. The driving is all practically done.

It’s nice to see a film that is smaller budgeted and put out by a studio that is as exciting and fulfilling as the bigger budget blockbusters

Grade: A-