Jeffrey Ford – Cut To The Chase

Directed By: Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus And Stephen McFeely

Based on the Graphic Novel By: Simon Stalenhag

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon

Editor: Jeffrey Ford

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo, Jason Alexander, Ke Huy Quan, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Billy Gardell

the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

Why does a film about freedom and living life to the fullest and the power of human connection. Feel so stale, lifeless abd boring. Though has very impressive special effects. We can see where the money went into this $320 million Prodcution, but was it worth it?

Do the Russo brothers just look at budgets rather then scripts. Then look for the gimmick. As they seek like filmmakers from the 90’s given chances for modern times. Pure Hollywood filmmakers even with their independent films.

They seem to be Artists for the businessmen running studios. Only their interests are different than what audiences want except for THE AVENGERS movies.

The electric state feels like their attempt at a big budget amblin film that even spielberg would say is too artificial and JJ Abrams would reject. As there is not enough mysterious elements

Chris Pratt is pretty much lead by the paychecks he gives his performances but in films, No one really wants to see or more of the same. The spark is there but the material isn’t and he’s not convincing enough for people to watch just for him

Just as Chris Evans seems to be a prostitute for Netflix ok an escort. As he seems to Find his fit in the film world . Though seems to be a down to earth human being.

Millie Bobby Brown seems desperate to find a better role and Wanda will not have her type cast and allow her to break out of her biggest role so far which is playing 11 on Stranger Things. Unfortunately this was not the right one. As it gives her little to truly sink her teeth into even as the lead

This film tries to come up with emotions with a tale that feels familiar and tired. Though it comes across hollow. Only here to sbowniff the effects. As this film seems to beleivenrhe old mantra “IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” unfortunately not enough came.

This is perfectly set I a lenas a family film, but for something that is such a big production. It shouldn’t feel this disposable and shallow. Nor as always does it really need to be as long as it is.

One can be all for exploring a world but it diesn’t have to go this deep where we are jistbtrying to show off instead of moving the story forward.

The film has no sense of pacing and in general just feels bloated and lazy as it doesn’t really make itself quite clear and wants to be 1 million different things but never decides on any as well as there being no dramatic pacing

it seems to just copy the graphic novel, and whatever it lacks, the filmmakers can blame it on the source material.

The Film seems to only offer an alternative history because in that way he can bring back 90s nostalgia for a certain audience that seems to be in currently

In other words this feels like the typical Netflix original movie with star power and figuring that will be enough and come together with a simple high concept idea. It’s like the blockbuster filmmaking of the 1990’s. Taking a big and expensive gamble. Right out of the gate rather then building up to it or up on it.

Grade: D

Written & Directed By: Thomas Bezucha
Based On The Novel By: Larry Watson
Cinematography: Guy Godfree
Editor: Jeffrey Ford & Meg Reticker

Cast: Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Lesley Manville, Jeffrey Donovan, Kayli Carter, Booboo Stewart, Will Brittain, Greg Lawson, Ryan Bruce, Adam Stafford, Connor Mackay

A retired sheriff and his wife, grieving over the death of their son, set out to find their only grandson.

The first half of the movie is more slow-burning, moving family drama built around a tragedy. That is better than one expects.

The film works as a new western. As it is a period tale with plenty of scenery of undisturbed landscapes. That slowly develops into a thriller of morals and honor. It even includes a Native American character. Who becomes a surrogate son for the main characters far away from home.

Kevin Costner, we are used to this type of fun and role. As he more or less recently takes to roles that are more western influenced. So much so you wonder if he Is the new John Wayne or is he trying to be. Only less racist and a little more sensitive. Not to mention modern. Here he takes more of a back seat to Diane lane. Who is the true powerhouse throughout. Taking over scenes with a quiet dignity but ferocious spirit and manner. Costner ends up becoming her backup.

What Is interesting is that this is the type of film that Kevin Costner would usually Star in and direct back in the day. So while his appearance here isn’t surprising, which is how much he stays in the backseat rather than commanding scenes. Even if he becomes more active in the third act.

They both display a fair amount of quiet acting that says so much and comes out of body language, facial gestures, and manners.

Part of the interest In the first half is once they hit the road the people they meet along the way. Showing a kind of Americana. When it was changing and going dark. Hardening to a time of classical American values and idealism and their perversion of it.

It’s also a nice reunion of sorts for Kevin Costner and Diane Lane last seen together in MAN OF STEEL. As the parents of Clark Kent/Superman making them the all-American mid-west couple. Here they are the same only as grandparents and their son went this time around.

Lesley Manville is deep in character and over the top memorable as the mama hen and main villain of the dangerous Weboy clan in this film and amongst the leads, she makes her mark and her presence felt.

In fact, it might have been a little more interesting to see if the lebouf clan and how they operate. Their day-to-day operations and influence, but as they are talked about and built up as some kind of phantoms. They maintain an air of mystery and live up to their reputation and it makes the slow journey to them worth it. Even if they have mroe the unlikeable elements of the crime family in the film ANIMAL KINGDOM only less suggested incest.

We barely get to know them personality-wise other than the matriarch and the family uncle, her consigliere of sorts. Who stands out. The uncle played by Jeffrey Donovan Whose character always offers a smile and a threatening manner.

The film has many memorable scenes. Like the dinner scene at the weboy compound and we meet the family and it seems more a battle for power and strength over one another. Not necessarily physically but by implication.

The Hotel room ambush is another striking scene that has shocking violence. That shows that this film is traditional but also kind of dark.

The film offers an ending that isn’t the massacre you might be expecting and still plays off not as satisfying as you might have hoped.

GRADE: B

Tag: Jeffrey Ford

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