Tag: Forest Whitaker

VISION QUEST (1984)

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Directed By: Harold Becker

Written By: Darryl Ponicsan

Based on the novel by: Terry Davis 

Cinematography: Owen Roizman

Editor: Maury Winetrobe 

Cast: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Charles Hallahan, Ronny Cox, Forest Whitaker, Raphael Sbarge, Harold Sylvester, J.C. Quinn, Daphne Zuniga, Roberts Blossom, James Gammon, Madonna 

A high school wrestler in Spokane, Washington has trouble focusing on his training regimen when a beautiful young drifter takes up temporary residence at his home.

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This film is kind of like Apple pie or a home-cooked meal. It’s a coming of age story that’s recognizable and down-home simply enough. It’s not very sensationalistic, which makes it all the more believable. 

Taking place in a small town dealing with first love, especially not only an older woman but a stranger in the 1980s which were more relaxed in times and subjects, even though it might be a little bit by today’s standards still a film that has a lot of heart 

Dealing with regret, the future being wide open, learn your obsession as a teenager, which is your world as you grow up how small it seems compared with everything else going on around you, and how it loses its importance 

I’ll be honest this is a film. I’ve always heard about it but never seen it even though I had plenty of opportunities in video stores and on not only regular television but tables and I remember being interested in trying to see it because it was one of Linda Fiorentino’s first big roles and I remember it coming on HBO but it was coming on late at night and trying to stay up me trying to stay up and then falling asleep right before the movie Started and then waking up during the weigh in scene, and then trying to stay up to see if any glimpses of were left in the film and then falling asleep just to see the credits.

This is a film that has been alluded to over the years for me. I think I would’ve enjoyed it when I was younger, but I think it held a special place for me and my heart now having seen it for its cast it’s all of which I think I appreciate on a deeper level now which I think most watching this film for the first time Will also be able to hone in on

It’s a coming-of-age film that doesn’t go for Schmalz nor does it talk down to its characters or its audience. They face real problems, real responsibilities real consequences, and we see the characters who help form their beliefs in life who’ve gone before, these characters aren’t made into icons or legends they’re shown in all their glory, but also their faults and failures.

It also gives him arrival or enemy to strive against who’s not necessarily all that evil, but something to focus his energy in trying to defeat challenge and get over

So Harold Becker deserves credit for putting this all on screen, visualizing it, and making it so believable it helps that the source material was a novel that has plenty for characterizations and setting scenes but still all involved should be proud of themselves 

Watching Matthew Modine as an actor over the years, you can get a sense of the wild spirit energy, and all American image that he possesses in this performance and why he kept working so much in the 1980s and ’90s throughout his career cause you can see that spark, just like his character in nell, maybe he was type even though he played a lot of rules, but this will be the one that he’ll be remembered for, and you’ll always go to straight in your head

This ended up being better than I expected and can see why it’s so well remembered and still talked about truly living up to its title and its themes.

One can admit this is actually way better than expected and can see why not only the movie but it’s memory has lasted with audiences for so long.

Now, I will say, Linda Fiorentino does it once again where as it seems like most of her acting roles, no matter hero or villain by the end one always has a crush on her for whatever reason, even though she usually does play icy emotional. here she plays tough, but slowly reveals her vulnerability as an outsider and newcomer to this town and looking to get out and how she has an obvious connection with the lead, but how she manages to affect other characters also.

Not to mention the film and it soundtrack featured an up-and-coming singer, songwriter named Madonna, who actually appears in the film performing in a bar scene so you can add that to the nostalgia of the 80s in the up and coming cast, as well as just raw talent used to the best of their abilities

Grade: B+

HAVOC (2025)

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Written & Directed By Gareth Evans

Cinematography: Matt Flannery 

Editor: Sara Jones and Matt Platts-Mills 

Cast: Tom Hardy, Jessie Mei Li, Forest Whitaker, Timothy Olyphant, Luis Guzman, Quelin Sepulveda, Justin Cornwell, Sunny Pang, Yeo Yann Yann, Michelle Waterson

After a drug deal gone wrong, a bruised detective must fight his way through the criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s estranged son, unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy that ensnares his entire city.

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Gareth Evans is truly an Auteur and filmmaker whose work you’re excited to see especially when he has a new project. As unfortunately it seems like it took way too long for this film to come out as it was completed in 2021 and the postproduction took four years to make the film and in certain things you can notice where the reshoot have been done.

No, he is so strong a filmmaker that a new film from him is usually worth the wait. As many tried to copy his style, but none do it quite as well, or as over the top and make it just seem fluid.

Like a modern-day John Woo, so many people try and attempt to copy his style even though as soon as you watch it it’s so distinct if you’ve seen any of his films before you recognize it immediately and it’s always more Hand to hand  in close quarters, with a weapon thrown in time to time and doesn’t shy away from any of the violence, choreography, individuals, or perfectly together Almost to Tango Or a modernfied dance . I was on creation just modify.

If this is what it takes now, we have to wait all this time for films like this it’s more than worth it because each time out of the gate if somethings so regional visual exciting it’s an experience that it feels like most modern action films have a bit of it at times and sometimes come close, but never can quite figure out the formula it’s like having a meal after dealing with so much fast food and restaurants and if each time

out of the gate, produces something that memorable than you, my friend are a master of your class 

while this film certainly won’t win any Oscars, except for maybe in the future for stunt coordination. This movie is an action fans, wet, dream, and fans of cinema. it is something so visually Exciting with a perfectly cast Tom Hardy at the center of y’all

Gareth and Timo Tjhajanto (NIGHT COMES

FOR US) are really the ones at the head of the class For action filmmaking. The difference is that Timo makes more Low budget foreign action films but they come Out more often and at a brisker Pace 

Usually Cold-hearted, so That no one is truly safe. Which does add an excitement to the film, but also a certain sadness.

Not only is it brutal action, but So much overkill

No, I’m not gonna lie and say that this film is perfect. There are plenty of flaws for all the Hand to hand combat. There is plenty of gun use and it seems like every weapon somehow becomes a machine gun even at first pistols so that feels a little ridiculous at times and of course no one seems to ever really need to reload unless the plot calls for it and to make that character victim or use their weapons to defend themselves while trying to reload the weapon and the story Makes sense as much as it needs to, but it is not necessarily the best well plotted.

Even one of the villains played by Timothy Olyphant you just wonder why an actor of his quality is even in the film as of course he’s a representation of evil and crooked cop. Thou and most of the action scenes even as he survives he doesn’t really seem to do much damage or be that dangerous you know obviously he’s a random selves and protect himself, but he doesn’t seem like a scary enough villain to be that powerful or one we have to worry about.

Just as it would be nice to see much more of the Asian gangsters a little bit more maybe a little bit more drama or showing how bad ass their leader is instead of just limiting her to really one scene of showing how dangerous she can be and that’s it really, other then being a leader of a threatening force.

while I truly enjoyed the film, I will admit that it’s probably more of the action that I am a fan of when it comes to this film as if you go into the film and just don’t think too hard about it I think it’s a very enjoyable film, but if you break it down and pay attention to certain aspects of it, that’s where you might have little problems that all combined to kind of put a dent in the hole and never at least for Supv it’s still one of the better films, especially action films that Netflix has produced Or released.

Even Tom Hardy again gives a great performance. He’s doing better with his American accents as this film He doesn’t sound as dopey or stupid as he can whenever he hast to do an American accent here. It at least sounds a little more tough and normal.

No filmed in Wales. The film takes place in a nondescript. What is supposed to be? I’m guessing American city and at times it almost feels like a made up city from a film Wonderland. I love the crow or maybe even dark city it’s not a very important part, but it would’ve been nice if it could’ve been a little bit well defined by its location as it’s not the most important thing, but it does help the film re-ground in a little bit more.

The log cabin scene towards the end will be remembered for years as an action highlight for many.

The film is worth checking out and giving a chance.  it’s going to Divide audiences but it will definitely have a crowd of fans for it. It definitely  should be released and seen on the big screen.

Grade: B

READY TO WEAR (PRET-A-PORTER) (1994)

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Directed By: Robert Altman 
Written By: Robert Altman & Barbara Shulgasser
Cinematography: Jean Lepine & Pierre Mignot
Editor: Suzy Elmiger & Geraldine Peroni

Cast: Julia Roberts, Tim Robbins, Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren, Lili Taylor, Forest Whitaker, Richard E. Grant, Rupert Everett, Kim Basinger, Sally Kellerman, Tracy Ullman, Lauren Bacall,  Linda Hunt, Stephen Rea, Ute Lemper, Lyle Lovett, Teri Garr, Danny Arielle, Jean-Pierre Cassel, Amouk Aimee, Chiara Mastroianni, Rossy De Palma, Michel Blanc, Jean Rochefort, Francois Cluzet, Sam Robarbs, Georgianna Robertson 

A fashion show in Paris draws the usual bunch of people; designers, reporters, models, magazine editors, photographers. Lots of unconnected stories which all revolve around this show, and an all-star cast.

This was my third official Robert Altman movie to see. Though unfortunately not in a row. I remember the film having a successful music video and soundtrack before it even came out. Unfortunately the movie didn’t match the soundtrack’s success. That included the hit single “HERE COMES THE HOT STEPPER” 

After the success of THE PLAYER it seemed like Robert Altman was having a comeback and he wanted to take on another world/culture. His last film was SHORT CUTS and that was more interlocking stories then taking a look into or try to dismantle another popular subculture from the inside. That was more foreign abs international but also glamorous.

Allowing him to use his dual methods of ensemble casts. Where even though the actors are playing characters here it feels more like an out and out comedy. So they are all over the top. Not as serious, nor are there any serious moments throughout. 

It might be understandable him taking on this movie after the more serious and sad SHORT CUTS, but while this is more lighthearted it also is a challenge. As this would be his most mainstream film in a while. As he was taking on a subject that was very popular and most audiences might not be used to his films and their outlook. 

This film is set in that world of fashion to tell ongoing stories and big inertia where the characters cross paths. All in all, it stays humorous with Kim Basinger playing an on air television reporter. Who comes in and out to explain certain relationships but is clueless about fashion. So that it feels like a replay of the reporter in the film NASHVILLE.

The film ultimately never encapsulates any meaning or why we are so enraptured by the glitz, glamour and celebrity of the fashion world. So that in the end it comes across as misguided and empty as the world he is capturing. As fashion constantly reinvents itself. It proves there are No rules and seemingly no depth. Not to mention watching this film feels dated. It’s very episodic. 

Marcello Mastroianni and Sophia Loren get to reference classic scenes and relationships from their career and previous collaborations and give a scene where you believe they are remaking a classic moment only for it to end with a joke. 

Which is pretty much the mood of the film. As all plots and stories seem to end in that kind of manner. 

The film’s cast as usual is filled with stars. The biggest of whom seem here in an unneeded story but help make it more commercial. As Tim Robbins and Julia Robert’s seem stuck here in a bad afterthought of a romantic comedy plot line.

This film seems to find Robert Altman riding his high horse. This film goes for more populism but leaves viewers puzzled. As it is more artistic and voyeuristic than plotted.

This film is like a bunch of short stories stretched over fashion week. 

The film is flashy and appeals to itself but ultimately is frustrating, especially with all the talent involved. Where you are left to wonder what could have been. 

Everyone is well dressed but we are left as confused as Kim Basinger’s reporter. Where we wonder what this was all about. 

It seems like the director was unfocused but having fun. Filled with recognizable names, good actors, supermodels and models of the time. Where the film feels flirtatious as it always has a wink to give off 

Can’t tell if the film was rushed or cut together fast with a murder mystery in the middle that largely takes a backseat or is forgotten. Ultimately the film comes across as a farce. That feels like it is being made up as it goes along. Though with a stylish hand guiding it. Who leaves to perplex the audience. 

Grade: C+

SOUTHPAW (2015)

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Directed By: Antoine Fuqua 
Written By: Kurt Sutter 
Cinematography By: Mauro Fiore 
Editor: John Refoua 

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rachel McAdams, Oona Laurence, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Forest Whitaker, Beau Knapp, Miguel Gomez, Dominick Colon, Skylan Brooks, Naomie Harris, Victor Ortiz, Rita Ora

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

As tragedy strikes him in his prime, famed boxer, Billy Hope, begins to fall into a great depression. Once the decision regarding the custody of his daughter is under question, Billy decides to get his life back on track by getting back into the ring.

Jake Gyllenhaal’s performance is the strength of the film and provides a kind of new type of performance from him. That makes him seem more brutal and streetwise. Speaks as more of a brawler. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t give him much to work with nor does it rise to the sorts of depth that he tries to showcase. As the film ends up becoming more of a combination of well-intended and dressed-up cliches. That makes the film constantly feel familiar, yet ends up becoming formulaic.

As soon as Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson shows up we know all we need to know about his character and where most likely the story is going. As everyone seems to play their character by the book. Which again makes the film come off as paint by numbers. Where here they try to color outside of the edges time to time to throw off where the movie is going. For instance a scene or two where it seems like the film might go the revenge route and quickly drops that side of the story. I am guessing as to his spiritual well-being and beating up the guy’s friend in the ring will be the ultimate revenge?

His wife’s murder subplot is a major point of the film. As it introduces the revenge-justice angle of the story but after that, it never answers many of the questions the audience has. Like what happened to the guy? Was he caught as the entourage seemed to rush him out. Also, I know it is easy to set his opponent up as a major villain, but his look of shock could have opened up the movie dramatically as to what he is going to do about this. Turn his friend in? Hide him And disavow him. That is a major dramatic opportunity dropped. We never even really see it affect him other than that moment and leaves you to wonder if he was just shocked, thinking they were just busting each other’s chops and this fool brought it to a place it didn’t bleed to be or wondering will this hurt his career? As is it only sets up a well-earned rivalry. As it is Gyllenhaal enemies’ camp fault for the death.

So that it seems the film keeps coming up with interesting ideas and abandoning them. To either keep the movie streamlined and moving forward or were scared to go off the path that might have added something new to the mix and made it at least more noteworthy.

It seems the child bonding scenes are here to give the main character something to strive for and keep him going throughout. As well as show his sensitive side and add a heartwarming element to the film.

Strangely the film seemed to be set up to be an awards season challenger and THE boxing movie of the year, but CREED seemed to be the one that no one saw coming to take that title, An underdog itself.

While that takes shape on the side the film adds a child surrogate for him to bond with as it ends up having little to no reason. As it eliminates it later for emotional manipulation, but as it was never built too strongly. So that it just adds up to a challenging scene that asks us to get emotional for something. And someone that wasn’t properly or strongly introduced in the first place. That just seems to reinforce the fact that these are some mean streets. Embrace them, but try to get away from them also. In other words, don’t forget where you came from.

We envy get the grizzled old trainer played by Forest Whitaker whose character is tough but loving and likes a drink now and then.

The film uses the fight as a representation of revenge and redemption. It also encourages the reunion with his child. On that end the film again becomes not only cliche but convenient as the social worker he is dealing with at first seems gruffer with him. Though all of a sudden with no real reason, she does an about-face and is one of his biggest supporters. A dramatic decision that isn’t seen or earned.

The film has plenty of workout scenes to show the brutality of trading but gives the men credit for the toughness and bravado shown. Letting the audience have a more physical reaction to the actors physical (it seems) transformation. I am sure it also helps to convince the audience to be attracted to the star even more.

The boxing scenes are more about brutality and seem to want to come off more as street fights that is how vicious they look at times.

Though the film eventually becomes monotonous as it seems to get in its own way too often that not even the impressive visuals can save.

“Southpaw” is the term given to unorthodox stance (left-handed) boxers. However, Jake Gyllenhaal is right-handed, therefore orthodox. He only adopts the southpaw stance in the final fight, under instruction from his trainer Which even seems like a premeditated conclusion for the title.

As the film was first offered to star Eminem as an unofficial follow-up to 8 MILE. One can see how as the character has many similarities to him as far as the public knows about him and fits the themes of his songs. Closeness to his daughter, growing up on the mean streets, becoming successful and still not being entirely happy, having many enemies who seem to come for him. Having an entourage, going down the road of drugs and booze that seems to almost destroy him, making a comeback. Though Eminem did work on the soundtrack and wrote 2 songs for the film

It’s a film that could have been interesting, but we have seen it way before. Even if it tries to offer a different take then ROCKY a more street smart, tougher and violent one. It just offers nothing new. Other than an opportunity to see a movie star stretch.

Maybe as it seems to try and at the time seek out awards contention. That might be the reason the film feels so stuffed. As it goes overboard in trying to impress the audience. Instead of just being itself and going where the story could naturally lead.

Grade: C-

SPECIES (1995)

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Directed By: Roger Donaldson
Written By Dennis Feldman 
Cinematography: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Editor: Conrad Buff

Cast: Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Forest Whitaker, Alfred Molina, Marg Helgenberger, Michelle Williams 

In 1993, during a search for extraterrestrial life, a transmission was received, detailing an alien DNA structure, along with instructions on how to splice it with human DNA. The result is Sil, a sensual but deadly creature who can change from a beautiful woman to an armor-plated killing machine in the blink of an eye. Government agent Xavier Fitch assembles a team of scientists and mercenaries to locate and destroy Sil before she manages to find a mate and breed.

This film is one that might take you by surprise at how enjoyable it is.

One of the few times Michael Madsen has been the good guy but also essentially playing the hero. A kind of romantic one 

This is the movie that I believe started all the police procedural such as CSI were to solve the case was seen as a team effort and we saw how much each team member’s work helps to solve the crime that the star will get full credit for as the leader. Ironically one of the stars of CSI co-Stars in this film.

We get to learn about each member of the team and they each get their chance to shine some less triumphantly. Though forest Whitaker’s character is the one who has more of a psychic link with her. Which bumps his character up as much more needed in scenes. Madsen is the leader but mostly the action hero in this scenario. 

Ben Kingsley is the boss who gets them all together but can’t be trusted as every decision seems shady for the rest of them.

Essentially making this more an ensemble movie, with a cast of well-known character actors, but majorly focused on the alien played in a glamorous debut by Natasha Henstridge. As she tries to find a mate to procreate and inhabit the earth.

So it’s like a fantasy turned nightmare scenario. Whereas most films find this plot more through horror. This film also goes the sci-for horror route but also leaves room for fantasy. As in most films it is finding a mate or person and using them but maybe getting caught or the person dies before the process can happen. Here most of the men she encounters unfortunately are not good enough or don’t have the goods for what she needs.

This film has its fair share of tension and action to keep you interested and it has an alien character designed by H.R. Giger who created the alien Look for ALIEN 

The film has its fair share of exciting action and chase scenes but also leaves room for there to also be a bit of horror throughout. This alien is like a slasher but only truly kills when she is threatened in defense. 

Followed by an inferior sequel that just changes the sex around and seems crueler and oddly like they had less money which never comes as close to fun as this film has at least for the audience. 

This is an original and enjoyable action Science fiction movie. They don’t feel like a carbon copy. One which I saw In The theaters and made a huge impression on me. The film is never boring and keeps you entertained and interested. 

Only wish Natasha Henstridge got roles just as good as this one again. Even though her character is in the end a villain. You do care about her character and root for her a bit. No matter what her actions, plus at times she comes across as innocent snd shows some kind of humanity before she becomes more of a predator. 

Grade: B

PANIC ROOM (2005)

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panicroom

Directed By: David Fincher
Written By: David Koep
Cinematography: Conrad W. Hall & Darius Khondji
Editor: James Haygood & Angus Wall 


Cast: Jodie Foster, Kristen Stewart, Forest Whitaker, Jared Leto, Dwight Yoakam, Patrick Bauchau, Ann Magnuson, Paul Schulze, Mel Rodriguez, Ian Buchanan 


Recently divorced Meg Altman and her daughter Sarah have bought a new home in New York. On their tour around the mansion, they come across the panic room. A room so secure, that no one can get in. When three burglars break in, Meg makes a move to the panic room. But all her troubles don’t stop there. The criminals know where she is, and what they require the most in the house is in that very room.

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SORRY TO BOTHER YOU (2018)

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sorry-to-bother-you-omari-hardwick-600x393

 

Written & Directed By: Boots Riley
Cinematography By: Doug Emmett
Editor: Terel Gibson 


Cast: Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Steven Yuen, Jermaine Fowler, Omari Hardwick, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews, Kate Berlant, Danny Glover, Robert Longstreet, Michael X. Sommers, Forest Whitaker, Rosario Dawson, David Cross, Lily James, Patton Oswalt  


In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a universe of greed.

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