Tag: ACTION

PREDATOR: BADLANDS (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Dan Trachtenberg 

Written By: Dan Aison 

Story by: Dan Trachtenberg and Dan Aison 

Based on characters created by: Jim Thomas & John Thomas 

Cinematography: Jeff Cutter

Editor: Stefan Grube and David Trachtenberg 

Cast: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi, Ravi Narayen, Chris Terhune, Stefan Grube, Cameron Brown, Alison Wright, Michael Homik 

In the future, on a distant planet, a young predator, recently exiled from his native clan, finds an unlikely ally. Together, they soon embark on an extremely dangerous and thorny journey to ultimately find their most fierce and cruel enemy.

Watching this film it feels almost like a video game. As throughout there seems to be levels as it gets tougher and the enemies bigger.

The film is supposed to be live action, but there seems to be so much CGI and green screen. It might as well be animated like the last predator movie that was straight to streaming and took place at a different time periods.

While it’s nice that the film takes place on a planet and in other worlds where we get to see new species, aliens, challenges, and atmosphere is making it truly feel like a science fiction film it does seem to play the familiar beats where the predator is now the protagonist, whereas in the past, it has usually been the villain or an ally and now it has fully it has come full circle to be the character we are supposed to be rooting for

There are some human characters thrown in, even though they’re robots as it continues to be partially crossed over from the aliens universe with the Weyland-Yutani corporation causing all the problems.

As the android who the predator reluctantly bonds with her clan is seeking to destroy him and most of the planets, Denison and will stop at nothing to also retrieve her. Well, the predator is there to hunt big game to prove his worth as a warrior and earn his right of passage.

This is a film that is perfectly entertaining and good enough while you watch it though once you’re done, you will probably forget most of it so that it is disposable not completely. As it serves as another good sequel in the franchise that seems to promise more sequels in the future.. this is one of the better sequels as under the footage of Dan Trachtenberg the franchise well not entirely fresh is allowed to continue and be creative along the way

As I will be the first to admit when I saw the trailer for this film, I thought it was gonna be horrible just based on the young predators look though luckily as the film goes along, you pay less attention in it just feels more natural.

Elle Fanning playing two roles in the film is entertaining and really becomes the heart of the film both as the villain and as her good better half who is trying to aid the predator and become its friend.

If you’re a fan of the franchise, you’ll really like this film if not, it’s a good time waster filled with action even though strangely the first 20 minutes of what it’s supposed to be a sci-fi action film has a lot of dialogue and sometimes so that we get a backstory to go with the motivations of the story.

One could complain about the PG-13 rating, but it seems like it’s been like that since it’s alien versus predator days for the most part that it has become a little more lightened up I wouldn’t say exactly family friendly, but opened up more for teenage fans of the franchise or for those looking for more action and sci-fi elements that aren’t as gruesome, but just violent enough sort of like the VENOM franchise films.

maybe because of the dreadlocks, I’ve also always thought of the predators as kind of African-American with that toughness, but being able to show a little more nuance character and compassion than originally thought not to mention it always seems to be them versus the world literally or Sometimes they’re on the human side, but other times they’re just for themselves in their own not to mention it always seems like the humans who are usually Caucasian are either trying to control them take and use their inventions or just kill them as they are afraid of them taking over.

Even though they usually go against a diverse race of characters and in predator two or battling Danny Glover, mostly. Though they seem to come to an understanding with him just as they did with Shania Lathan, an alien versus predator the first film. at least that is my minority report for this film.

Grade: C+

ARGYLLE (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn 

Written By: Jason Fuchs 

Cinematography: George Richmond 

Editor: Lee Smith, Tom Harrison-Read and Col Goudie 

Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Henry Cavill, Catherine O’Hara, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Boutella, Rob Delaney, Ariana Debose, Richard E. Grant, Dua Lipa 

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes that the plot of the new book she’s writing starts to mirror real-world events in real time.

Watching this movie, one constantly is wondering is this supposed to be a parody, spoof or do they honestly expect us to think of it as an action-comedy. Unfortunately, by the end that question is never answered. It is obviously supposed to be based on spy novels and espionage stories. More the fanciful ones that take place in movies and fantasy. Rather than the Tom Clancy para-military and political type stories.

As The scary part is that if this film came out in the early 2000’s. it might have to be considered  of as stylish and be thought of as smart. This plays like more like THE AVENGERS (the classic British show) as there is a lot of spectacle. But not much sense to follow. Which is why one wonders what exactly is it trying to be or aiming for. Maybe as it comes across more comic book like and goofy than anything else. 

I would say this is a perfect Netflix movie, but it looks way better and doesn’t rely on so much green screen or a muted look. It’s actually colorful and you can see the budget onscreen. 

With all the dancing involved I believe this role was specifically written for Sam Rockwell. As that is something that he is known to with his characters on screen. Though the role he plays here feels familiar. As he played a similar role in the movie MR. RIGHT. As he can do action and seem like a more deranged comedic character.

The joke here is that he doesn’t seem like an action hero type. Just as lead Bryce Dallas Howard doesn’t usually come across that way. Not quite as the sexy seductress. Though by the end you beleive or at least are forced to. Though the film doesn’t embarrass them. 

as that seems to be one of the films aim, whereas in the fantasy, we see more of the type of actors we would expect to play these types of roles effortlessly, but in the reality we get more stunt, casting or miss casted actors who are the real life counterparts and the leads of this film so it seems a little bit more often comedic watching them do action sequences, and thriller situations

The film unfortunately gets more ridiculous as it goes along and more confusing. As it keeps building where the film doesn’t even necessarily know if it all makes sense. As the film is trying to keep topping itself with surprise, after surprise after surprise and then many twits, double and triple crosses. Although it seems to want to have a. ROMANCING THE STONE vibe. Done better in films such as THE LOST CITY 

it seems practically to be a reunion for director Matthew Vaughn and some cast members, like Samuel L. Jackson and Sophia Boutiella, but it still didn’t need to be this long. 

It’s also hard to take the film too seriously. When there are comedic actresses like Catherine O’Hara playing someone dangerous.

By the end Dua Lipa’s cameo is the only thing interesting, entertaining or dazzling in this film overall. Other than some nicely choreographed and lit action sequences. That deserve to be in a better movie. 

Even The ending makes no sense. As it is shocking this was not only supposed to be the first in a trilogy, but also supposed to be interconnected with the Kingsman franchise also directed by Matthew Vaughn. 

So while throughout the film looks gorgeous. It just feels kind of misdirected like someone who doesn’t know how to do comedy trying to make one but knows how to do. The action sequence is really well and it’s a shame I was really rooting for this film.

Grade: D+

KILLING MARY SUE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written, Directed & Edited By: James Sunshine 

Cinematography: John Sawyer 

Cast: Sierra McCormick, Dermont Mulroney, Jake Busey, Sean Patrick Flannery, French Stewart, Martin Kove, Kym Whitley, Jason Mewes

A corrupt senator arranges for the murder of his biggest liability, his erratic burnout step-daughter, only for her to unwittingly discover her natural talent as an untouchable killer.

Thia film is based on the term Mary Sue, coined by infamous canceled Screenwriter Max Landis the definition of the term is a type of female character who is depicted as Unrealistically  lacking in flaws or weaknesses 

So someone decided to write a whole film around this character that is supposed to be a dark and dirty action comedy that is rather vulgar and really has no characters to like or really root for that takes ridiculous big plot swings, even though using very limited locations 

this film ends up feeling more like a comedic riff on the Becky movies, which is Becky and wrath of Becky, which are about a teenage girl who is pretty much a psychotic sociopath and gets put in situations where she has to be the hero, taking down a gang of villains which she does quite easily as there is no real threat.

It’s the same here as she seeks her stepfather‘s love throughout, even though he’s the one who has set her up to be assassinated so that he can be reelected with the sympathy vote.

The character here obviously has daddy issues and it seems to be an addict of many things drugs, rough, sex, violence, sensationalism, and luckily, only part of this is shown throughout the film 

wow, this film should be fun and it’s ridiculous scenarios. It almost seems like a tax write off for character actors to make guest appearances or cameos and there’s not really that much meat to it and as much fun as the film wants us to have and as much as it wants us to laugh, it just feels grating.

like a comedian telling you a joke that they insist is funny and that they laugh at themselves, but you as an audience member you get the joke, but it’s just not that funny as much as I think it is and that’s what it’s like watching this film, this should be somewhat of a low budget guilty pleasure 

but watching it, you just can’t wait for it to end as it seems pretty predictable even when it thinks it’s offering surprises and even when it tries to be more outlandish, it sounds ridiculous and stupid that you are already not taking this from seriously but it just makes the film seem all the more not worth it

Which is a shame as they do have material here that could’ve been used to make something at least a little more entertaining and creative in the end. This just comes off as a waste of time even as the back movies aren’t that great at least the first one is somewhat entertaining. This feels like an unofficial, comedic, spoof or sequel

feels like one should have known as it’s rare that when French Stewart is NFL that it will actually be good or enjoyable as even in Bob Trevino likes it he comes across as the weak link. Though LOVE STINKS was somewhat enjoyable but for all the wrong reasons.

This is a film that tries to be hip, cool and in on the joke and it just ends up being corny and tired.

It’s also a female oriented movie that you can tell was written by men with no subtlety. 

Grade: F 

THE RIP (2026)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Joe Carnahan 

Story By: Michael McGrale 

Cinematography: Juan Miguel Azpiroz 

Editor: Kevin Hale

Cast: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Steven Yuen, Kyle Chandler, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Teyana Taylor, Sasha Calle, Scott Adkins, Nestor Carbonell, Lina Esco 

A group of Miami cops discovers a stash of millions in cash, leading to distrust as outsiders learn about the huge seizure, making them question who to rely on.

This Is a film one wouldn’t have mind seeing in a theater as to me. It’s that exciting visual and good, too good to just be relegated to streaming.

As it has Matt Damon and Ben Affleck back together again, though for once more in a action thriller than necessarily drama or comedy in which you usually see them costarring together in now while they didn’t write or direct this, they’re strictly in this and acting capacity their natural chemistry is still there

The film takes place in Miami of all places which I have never seen filmed darker as usually it’s filmed a lot more colorful and vibrant here. It just seems so cold that it might as well have been set in Boston.

While playing like a thriller in somewhat of a mystery, it’s pretty easy to figure out but appreciate that the film still try to make you question every character and their motives and giving reasons why there is plenty of gun play and Mano Y Mano type attitudes and energy throughout.

Which they really show in the third act by having most of the female character, sit out the action while all the men or the big names on the poster, do it out and share the reveals as well as a few chase scenes.

The film is entertaining in directed and written by Joe Carnahan. I’m not surprised as he has always been a solid Director, who specializes in gritty action films here he does what he does best. As the film stays exciting and entertaining throughout, even though it has very few locations in the film. Makes the best of it and still makes it feel like it in its own world, but identifiable in dark

They don’t make films like this much anymore and it’s nice to see something a little more hard hitting a film that can be itself and doesn’t necessarily care too much about being politically correct. As well as a cast that can do these roles in their sleep, but while it might be casting for some of the cast, it’s about face for others and it allows them to show their range and it’s quite a good look. Is a film made for an adult audience in the action crime junkies will love.

No, of course, Matt, Damon, and Ben Affleck are the leads and get the best scenes dialogue in action, but the supporting cast does as well as as they can with what they are handed and truly do stand out.

The only problem I could foresee with this film is, if there was ever a sequel that mystery element that worked here won’t work out so well in the next film, but you could see ongoing films with this crew and their adventures and what they have to go through, but it’s fine also as just a standalone film

Grade: B- 

THE ROUNDUP: PUNISHMENT (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Heo Myeong-Haeng

Written By: Oh Sang-ho

Cinematography: Sung-Jeo Lee

Cast: Ma Dong-Seok, Kim Mu-Yeol, Park Ji-Huan, Lee Dong-Hwi, Lee Beom-Soo, Hyun Bong-Sik, Kim Do-geon, Lee Ji-Houn, Lee ju-bin 

Detective Ma Seok-do joins the Cyber Investigation Team to nab Baek Chang-ki, a former mercenary and the head of an online gambling organization.

This is like a modern day Korean version of Clint Eastwood‘s DIRTY HARRY films only more action oriented. 

As the films in this franchise play like typical procedurals on a much grander scale. As most of the films follow the same formula with the same main police detective character Detective Ma Seok-Do, only now in a different department, but has the same captain, same partner, the same informant that he uses and tricks with promises that he never really delivers on that will help him throughout. Played by Lee Dong-Hwi 

The only thing that really changes is the villains who always come off as damn near impossible to defeat, but yet by the end of the film and hand on hand combat are defeated within 10 minutes by the main main character

Instead of a noted, Smith & Wesson or Magnum gun here the weapon of choice is the detectives fist which are lethal weapons in themselves and he uses quite freely. They don’t necessarily kill, but they do enough damage.

These films are violent as usually the villains have no humanity so that these films do feel kind of like 80s or 90s action films only on foreign soil, not quite as violent, but they have an upbeat attitude and don’t dwell too long on things they keep the story moving and keep leading from one action sequence to another, even though it does play up the thriller elements quite a bit

They are never slow and keep up the pace and quite entertaining even though the movies are usually typically two hours they feel like they could be a television episode yet one keeps finding themselves drawn to this franchise as long as they keep making them they are of good quality and never quite let you down nor are ever  boring. Nor are they really that deep.

So if looking for just an entertaining action film, that’s a bit glossy, but engaging. I would say you can’t go wrong with this film nor any in the franchise as they don’t disappoint and they keep it moving

Grade: B-

TRON: ARES (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joachim Ronning 

Written By: Jesse Wigutow

Story By: Jesse Wigutow and David Diglio

Based on characters created By: Steven Lisberger and Bonnie Macbird 

Cinematography: Jeff Cronenweth 

Editor: Tyler Nelson 

Cast: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith, Gillian Anderson, Jeff Bridges, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Hasan Minhaj, 

A highly sophisticated program, Ares, is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission.

Now I was prepared to really dislike the movie.  As I have seen the previous two TRON’S and liked them, but I wouldn’t say I’m a fan of the franchise so when another one was announced to come out, I was shocked and I really didn’t understand why because I know that the last film had gone way over budget and was not seen as a hit, even if the soundtrack by Daft Punk was

Though I have to say watching this film, it feels a little simplistic, but I surprisingly found myself entertained. I’m not going to say that the film is great, but it is entertaining enough to keep your interest as majorly. It is more style over substance and it’s a film that looks great and the special effects look seamless. The action scene is the ones that they are are pretty clean. Get well shot.

Even though I’m not the biggest fan of Jared Leto as many times though method, he seems like how I describe this movie style over substance. He does what is needed as the lead of the film. Greta Lee, as the co-lead of the film deserves better material than this, especially as a best actress nominee, though I am a fan and understand hey, this might be the best that she got out of the scripts offered and she does what she needs to do in her role.

This is the type of film that would’ve came out in the late 90s and early 2000 and seemed kind of basic but watching it here this is truly a film that is more spectacle than storytelling as instead of dealing with the Tron world inside of the computer like the last two films it explores Tron coming into the real world which helps keep the budget down, but also explores new territory, even if not as wondrous.

The fountain definitely feels more in debt to the 1980s of the evil corporation head, wanting to control all instead of using the technology to help or just to open up the world. 

Now the history of this film was that originally there was supposed to be a sequel to the 2010 movie Tron Legacy in 2012 called Tron Ascension, which was more of a direct sequel but due to the budget and the Tron legacy not doing as well as expected the film was shelved while Jared Lido was attached to play a role. What ended up happening is that the writer strike happened in Disney needed a tent pole film for 2025 just in case depending on how long the rider strike went on so they dusted off the old Tron ascension script, and once the writer strike ended quickly rewrote that script to be more of a kind of continuation, but also standalone not really needing to repeat any characters from the previous film and Jared Leto got a career high payment of 15 million to star in the film.

I don’t know how the die hard of the franchise will feel about this film, and truthfully, it is quite disposable, but the two things that stand out from the film or the soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails, so continuing in the tradition of memorable soundtracks of the Tron films, and also the look while it doesn’t break new ground and special effects the style of the film is just so beautiful and delicious to look at that even if you don’t like the film, you can’t deny it’s looks. As it is as sleek, slender and, conditioned as the leads.

Two of the reasons for the Sharp look is cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth known for dark beautiful visuals and director Joachim Ronning is a director of range but constantly sharp visuals. 

This comes off as a guilty pleasure and the technology shown off seems advanced, but yet behind as far as on-screen tech innovation goes. 

The film isn’t as smart as it likes to think it which isn’t very, but works as a kind of mindless popcorn science fiction movie. So if looking for check your brain at the door entertainment this is perfect for you. 

Grade: C+ 

NOBODY 2 (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto 

Written By: Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin

Cinematography: Callan Green 

Editor: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir

Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Rza, Colin Hanks, Sharon Stone, John Ortiz, Colin Salmon, Daniel Bernhardt, 

Workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville. However, he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator, a shady sheriff, and a bloodthirsty crime boss.

this sequel is pretty much more of the same only not as deep or caring. It seems to go through the motions, but instead of a sequel it almost feels like a side pack of action sequences they didn’t use in the first one only set in a new location. 

It tries to further the main character a bit but again it just seems like the same thing. Nothing seems to truly get deep end except to explain why he’s still doing the same kind of business from the first film. It doesn’t help build a world just offering us an excuse for more action sequences 

While trying to stay comedic to an extent.

Even the things that should be exciting end up playing rather bland for instance, having Sharon Stone is the big villain what should have been a comeback ends on a whimper sort of like when Jean-Claude Van Damme was the villain in the expendables part 2

The film seems oddly rushed too so if you like the first film, you you’ll probably enjoy this film or at least be entertained by it, but it doesn’t offer much which is disappointing considering it’s directed by Timo Tjahjango 

A noted action director making his English language, American film debut after such classics as THE NIGHT COMES FOR US. 

Though to be fair, he was a replacement director only brought on eight weeks before production started. 

As the film has it’s fair share of action, which is what the film is mostly about as the plot just seems very thin and just there to connect everything for there to be this violence. The problem is going in the first films Violence was noteworthy, here It just feels like it’s more of the same and not as impressive.

It’s pretty cut and dry. You can see why they put this film out in the summer. As it plays like a typical summer action film with less imagination and more the continuing adventures of and it being barely 90 minutes can’t say that there’s much substance but it will please. It’s fans well enough as long as they’re not looking to dig too deep Honestly, it just feels like filler or the film equivalent of filler to a continuing franchise which considering it kind of bombed, I don’t know if there will be another one, though I hope if there is another one, they put more time heart thought into it so that it can truly be What it seems designed to be a B movie version of JOHN WICK

Though I will admit when it’s in its element, it is fun and entertaining. Even if it’s an obvious cash grab.

Grade: C

NOVOCAINE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

Written By: Lars Jacobson 

Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret 

Editor: Christian Wagner 

Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Matt Walsh, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, Lou Betty Jr., Conrad Kemp 

When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her.

————————————————————————

It Might be my age, but I didn’t expect this film to be so gruesomely violent. Which is just one of the surprises of this film. Though it also made it a bit hard to watch at times.

As it involved, broken protruding bones, and fingernails being taken out. Which are usually two of the things I can’t stand seeing on screen as far as violence luckily teeth being knocked out or removed is not shown on screen.

No, this is a surprisingly enjoyable action film with comedic elements at times obviously dark comedy that reminds me of the mid budget action films that studios used to release and that you would get excited for to watch that weekend as this film does have a high concept, but is worth it as it has layers that to help enforce the concept, but also serve the film and its characters as well as a story

It’s not a genius film, but it certainly is entertaining and gives the audience what it wants and offers maybe a little more than what they expected.

The cast is great throughout Jack Quaid, who is in many films. These days proves he does have that leading man, charming charisma as an every man Amanda Midthunder is perfectly cast as a love interest that he goes through all these hardships for sweet enough yet enticing enough to be believable as a woman that you risk it all for

The rest of the cast fulfill, their roles and characters excellently that they come off as believable, and that you actually care even if some of them are a little bit more disposable than you expected, Within the rhythms of the film. 

You never find yourself bored you might even think that this film was made by the filmmaker of the crank movies with its intensity, though this is definitely a softer core version of those films not to mention the humor isn’t quite as offensive, nor is the plotting as over the top.

The film is a fun ride. It’s memorable but doubt it will be anyone’s favorite though it might be one that you would tell your friends about. Definitely one that is a premier example of its kind that are rarely made by a studio anymore.

As the premise and cast would make you believe that this film would be more suited for streaming, but its quality is definitely made more for movie theaters.

Grade: C+

THE AMATEUR (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: James Hawes 

Written By: Ken Nolan and Gary Spinelli 

Based on the Novel By: Robert Littell

Cinematography: Martin Rhue

Editor: Jonathan Amos

Cast: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne, Holt McCallany, Danny Sapani, Julianne Nicholson, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, Rachel Brosnahan, Adrian Martinez, 

When his supervisors at the CIA refuse to take action after his wife is killed in a London terrorist attack, a decoder takes matters into his own hands.

————————————————————————

You probably seen this film before it’s a pretty much a revenge tail where a character seeks revenge for the death or murder of a loved one and at first seems too weak or too meek 

Who somehow against all odds starts achieving in getting their revenge, but not always in the way in which they seek or expected .

This could’ve been a random episode of any kind of government series, or even then a full season of a limited series about the same subject in story, which would’ve at least given the film a chance to flash more of the characters out other than the lead and those who are working against him .

The film is pretty average. It stays entertaining and tries to offer some surprises that you might see coming though it’s not quite as action packed as maybe the trailer or storyline might have the audience believe there are action sequences, but they’re nothing phenomenal or breathtaking. They’re fairly average and actually pretty quick so that this plays off more as a dramatic thriller than anything else.

The twist and turns truly do show how smart that the main character is for what he might lack and physical prose, though it doesn’t help that some of the bigger supporting cast names are barely in the film for long periods of time and are severely underused 

One can understand why Rami Malek produce this and starting it as most likely there aren’t that many who would see him in this role naturally or as he plays the nerdy parts well the more physical aspects of the role would leave most in question. Which is actually one of the reasons why we might not see Rami Malik in so many films is that he’s hard to cast as he’s wiry physically and has quite a strange look and at times feels tilted and gives meek line readings.

That make him come across as a bit odd or more seeming like a character, actor, pro more eyeball rules, rather than leads or even villains. The film does pack a punch, but it’s not a lethal one. It’s more of a jab that will keep you entertained while watching though probably instantly forget once you’re done. It’s a great popcorn entertainment with a great cast that you wish had more to do.

as he just constantly sit through the film, waiting for all this to build up into something bigger and better or at least more and unfortunately, it doesn’t. It kinda goes out on a whimper rather than an extravaganza.

No, it’s not a lost cause, But  it’s nothing to write home about it. Does what it seeks out to do it entertains it makes you think you get caught up with the story and the characters but it’s just not that memorable and considering the cast that is on screen should be better.

Grade: C 

NIGHT CALL (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Michiel Blanchart 

Written By: Michiel Blanchart, Gilles Marchand and Laurent Brandenbourger

Cinematography: Sylvestre Vannoorenberghe

Editor: Matthieu Jamet 

Cast: Joanthan Feltre, Natacha Krief, Jonas Bloquet, Romain Duris, Thomas Mustin, Sam Louwyck, Nabil Mahat 

This night is like all the others for Mady, student by day, locksmith by night. But Claire, the enigmatic young girl he helps out that night, is not who she claims to be. Mady has only one night to prove his innocence in a city in turmoil.

————————————————————————

This is a film I pretty much went in blind and so happy I did. As this film stays lively throughout.

This is one of those films and thrillers where it takes place all In One evening that seems endless. As a character had until dawn to get themselves out of trouble or else they are doomed. It is an International release from Belgium. Where you can recognize some of it’s Influences. 

The film offers the usual double crosses. Not truly being able to trust anybody. The cops are vicious as the criminals. So where do you turn.

The film also has the chaos of a Black Lives Matter protest with people and police filling the streets, as a background that they are operating in. Which are some of the elements that keep it from playing basic or typical. Truly the only innocent character is the lead who is desperately trying to get out of trouble. Though even he gets some blood on his hands. It also helps that the pace is rushed but doesn’t feel that way. it’s heart is always beating fast, but perfectly timed.

It also helps that the lead is African American who is being hunted and preyed upon by all these Caucasian characters throughout, which works as symbolism. As they are hunting and exploiting him, while he is the true innocent.

It’s so exciting and well put together. Offering very little fat. So that it stays quite lean and keeps moving. No time for side stories or any romance that might be hinted at in the beginning. it’s shocking that it was the directorial debut of Michiel Blanchart 

One thing I appreciated about this film is that it isn’t sentimental at all. It is rough and tough, dog eat dog. No last minute acts of mercy. 

It also stays gritty And believable. As the cast is newcomers and unrecognizable from any previous roles except for Romain Duris as the big bad. Not to mention a henchmen who looks like a scarily tough version of Jesse Eisenberg

if anything by the end you are left with some questions. As you know for the most part what happened, but you care so much you want to know what is next for the characters. Which shows that the film has grabbed you. Though to keep up it’s tough skin it stays a bit ambiguous.

Grade: B-