Tag: David Harbour

A WORKING MAN (2025)

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Directed By: David Ayer

Written By: David Ayer and Sylvester Stallone 

Based on the book “Levon’s Trade” by: Chuck Dixon

Cinematography: Shawn White 

Editor: Fred Raskin 

Cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Michael Pena, David Harbour, Arianna Rivas, Merab Ninidze, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falcon

Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes, he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism.

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Jason Statham and his movies are becoming almost an annual offering to audiences and cinemas 

They are usually the same type of action thriller with a similar character who has a dark past and is seeking vengeance or justice for someone close to him. He is usually trying to live a normal life, but forced to use his past skills. 

One of the reasons why these films are successful as they fulfill a niche sort of like in the past when Liam Neeson would have his older character action thrillers or even when we have had we weaknesses for certain stars like Jackie Chan and his family, action, comedy errors or imports that were usually filmed in Canada and heavily voiceover or when jet Lee had a bit of a resurgence in the United States and he starred in a bunch of disposable action thrillers that made respectable box office

what helps with Jason Statham is there even though he plays the similar roles he also showed in spy in a general that he has a sense of humor about himself and other than these movies he seems to stay away for media. It’s rare that you see him being interviewed on a show you don’t see him out and about at public events offering sound like that could get him judged or he seems to keep to himself so that he remains a mistake that no matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on you don’t mind him.

he’s the action hero that most men wanna be especially older men who just want their action, film, simple and violent and for women he provides to look of an older handsome in shape, gentleman, daddy, so to speak the strong and silent type who has a British accent, so makes him a little bit of an international Playboy also 

this is all to say that this film plays pretty basic and like the usual Jason Statham action thrillers only this is more disappointing because there doesn’t seem to be a sense of fun about it. It’s pretty straightforward and for all it’s dark elements. It never seems to show it in execution 

most of the characters that he encounters along the way, even the villains are kind of forgettable. He seems to be facing kind of the same villains that Denzel, Washington faced in the equalizer, the Russian mob only again whereas in the equalizer, they were really no threat to Denzel and he disposed of them without breaking a sweat here Jason Statham it’s a little moist, but still breaks. No sweat eliminating not the entire rushing but a fraction of it.

Due to them, kidnapping his bosses daughter, as part of a sexual trafficking ring, and then killing anybody who comes into his path, a few of whom are Russian mob family members 

The action sequences here are more gunplay than hand to hand combat that Statham is more known for. We also get a glimpse of his past and that his character suffers from PTSD so that this adventure actually helps solve it because he can get out his frustrations and feelings through the violence..

David Harbour earns his check and a supporting role that is more as a friend and advisory than him actually seeing any action sequences himself so that he fills out the role of another big name being in the cast that also usually accompany Jason Statham movies. Such as his character  having a child. Usually a daughter.

so as you can see this film is not only a by the numbers, action film, but also a buy the numbers for adjacent Statham film. It hits all the familiar beats. You know what’s gonna happen before it does and ends pretty much as expected so it really offers no surprise and as long as you’re fine with that, you shouldn’t be disappointed , but looking for more this is not the film for you

he pretty much takes on all the action other than when he finally does fine the daughter she gets to have a bit of her own revenge, but even the usual flashy henchman in this home who do you think are gonna be bad asses and being a final fight with Statham, they are dispatched so quickly and so easily. It was like they were giving a grand presentation only to be barely a warm-up at it reminds one of the assassins and Keanu and how ridiculous ridiculously over the top they were.

Another factor that leads to further disappointment with this film is there a David Ayer directed it now he didn’t write it. He is more of a noted Screenwriter and director who usually offers more gritty action in crime films. This seemed more by the book and slick then actually having anything noteworthy. 

This film actually makes their last collaboration, the beekeeper a damn near masterpiece. as at least I fell offered up what was expected, but had a hint of fun. This is more dour than it needs to be.

But that is also the magic of Jason Statham‘s longevity that usually there will be a couple of really bad films, but then he’ll shock you with one that’s genuinely decent or even good that it renews your faith in him.

What is surprising is that not only was this shot back to back? Was David Ayer and Jason Statham’s film THE BEEKEEPER but at this film was also written by his former costar Sylvester Stallone and David Ayer together. As this was supposed to be the start of a franchise based on the character from writer, Chuck Hogan’s book series based on the character, Levon Helm.

That Sylvester Stallone originally won to produce as a television series before they decided to make this film, even with state of not even being their first choice Liam Neeson was

Grade: C

BLACK WIDOW (2021)

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Directed By: Cate Shortland
Written By: Eric Pearson 
Story By: Jac Schaeffer & Ned Benson
Cinematography: Gabriel Beristain 
Editor: Leigh Folsom Boyd & Matthew Schmidt 

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour, Ray Winstone, O-T Fagbenie, William Hurt, Olga Kurylenko, Nanna Blondell

Natasha Romanoff aka Black  Widow confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

This film is a prequel of sorts that is almost a last hurrah for actress Scarlet Johansson in the role. Though it gives the character her props. It still manages to be a setup for future marvel series and movies. As we know the eventual fate of Johansson’s character in other Marvel movies.

Though in the marvel universe that keeps setting up a multiverse. They have proven the saying “Never say, Never” 

The film has top-notch action sequences. Though you might find yourself hoping for more grittiness in them and throughout the rest of the film. As it seems like it will be going down and dirty, but comes off almost too polished. The film relies heavily on hand-to-hand action scenes.

At least this movie offers more action and fighting than some other Marvel films. So much so that when there are dialogue scenes the film seems to drag. 

As at heart, this is a full-on espionage film, only simplified and without most of the confusion, those films can bring. 

The film’s theme seems to be that we all must pay for past crimes. Even throughout, the Black widow doesn’t bother to change her look or Into too many outfits. So she always seems barely hidden in plain sight.

It’s clear throughout that the cast is having fun and David Harbour in particular is a riot. One only wishes his HELLBOY performance was as much fun. 

The film’s main weakness is the villain. Who feels hollow. A similar problem was felt in ANT-MAN & THE WASP. Where the villain was weak in terms of creation and really only behind a truly bigger one who was using them. So essentially they are more of a weapon than a character or menace. That is the character of the TASKMASTER in this film. 

The main villain is Ray Winstone here he is good as always playing a villain and is believable in villainous roles usually. Especially ones who are made to be hated and despicable. Where do you believe he really would enjoy assaulting females by punching them in the face. 

It might be that the villain here is too simple and pedestrian compared to the ones we have seen in other Marvel films. Which can be a nice change of pace. Though might have helped if the film was made or brought forth earlier. As of now, it feels like a kind of break from world changers. 

That’s what it is good at. Just as ANTMAN & THE WASP was a more comedic adventure with science. It makes you totally forget the lacking villain. In fact hard to remember the villain from the get-go. 

The film goes for diversity as most of the female assassins under the villain’s plan are women of color. Who he considers as early on it’s noticeable and disturbing that the bench people the heroes fought and killed were mostly minorities. Which is kind of explained with the villains’ attitude towards them yet not the films? 

A little shocked when watching these films that respected actors such as Florence Pugh and Rachel Weisz are in it, but these days who isn’t in a superhero or big-budget franchise movie?

In the end the film comes across as trying to be more serious than what it is meant to be pure entertainment and fun. 

Grade: B-

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

HELLBOY (2019)

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Directed By: Neil Marshall
Written by: Andrew Cosby 
Based on the dark horse comic book “HELLBOY” created by: Mike Mignola
Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore
Editor: Martin Bernfield

Cast: David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, Ian McShane, Sophie Okonedo, Kristina Klebe, Thomas Haden Church

Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.

This feels like a dumbed-down version of the story. Though might be more In tune with the original comics.

I am not a fan of the first original HELLBOY movie but can say it was more artistic and beautiful then this film. Even if at the time it played as typical as far as the story went. HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY was better nearly a masterpiece in my eyes.

I at least respected it as it felt lacking a strong villain and instead offered an introduction of characters. 

One of the nice things I can say about this film Is at least it’s Violent and it feels more epic than the original that might end because it actually has more Locations then the original. It also jams in so many creatures that it feels stuffed and cross-referenced many times. Though at least while the Guillermo Del toro version of the first film was more mystical and beautiful even if it lacked a compelling story. This one is more Action oriented and full of story and mythology.

Like many would have preferred a sequel with the original filmmakers but the studio decided to try to modernize it instead and reboot it. Unfortunately with the departure of Ron Perlman in the title role and the director/writer Guillermo Del Toro this comes Off as a desperate copy that is never sharp.

Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the title character felt more lived-in and impressive. David Harbour’s performance seems more laid back.

The reason I eventually watched this was to see Sasha Lane’s interpretation of Alice. She adds to the culture and atmosphere of the film

The film definitely feels otherworldly and is best to watch on a big screen.

This film makes you appreciate the original and it’s more practical special effects. As this is CGI overload that does feel more like a comic book. Though without the texture and depth. So that this comes off more commercial.

Director Neil Marshall supposedly had a hard time making the film and the producers took it over after his initial cut. You can tell as the story gets short-sighted for more Action and effects. Leading to it at times being hard to follow or distracted itself.

The film has a strong mystical fantasy story with a bunch of exposition. That makes it feel overstuffed and too long with stretches of little to no excitement.

The performances throughout are spotty. Considering all the people involved in this movie expected it to be a bit better.

I enjoy Milla jovovich as an actress but with her casting, this feels more like another disposable special effect fantasy horror film

She usually appears in and frankly not as inventive. Though she gives one of the better performances. 

This film already had an audience against it as the original al is so memorable and iconic and this reboot coming so soon that it feels like a dumbe down version and even when it was released

it wasn’t heavily advertised as much as movies like this usually are more In theater advertisements then public ones. I didn’t even know it’s Release date until the week before it actually came out 

Though based on original material this feels like an amalgam Of many fantasy tales and movies out there though al the action, special effects, and horror. It still manages to be boring.

It feels like an animated film come to life or amusement park inspired meant to impress a younger audience. But too harsh for them. 

Grade: C-