JOLT (2021)

Directed by: Tanya Wexler
Written By: Scott Wascha 
Cinematography: Jules O’Loughlin
Editor: Michael J. Duthie & Carsten Kurpanek

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Bobby Cannavale, Laverne Cox, Jai Courtney, Stanley Tucci, Susan Sarandon, Ori Pfeffer, David Bradley, Lewis Bray 

A bouncer with a slightly murderous anger-management problem that she controls with the help of an electrode-lined vest she uses to shock herself back to normalcy whenever she gets homicidal. After the first guy she’s ever fallen for is murdered, she goes on a revenge-fueled rampage to find the killer while the cops pursue her as their chief suspect.


This film Has a high concept but isn’t very inspired nor does it feel like it has many high stakes. 

It might remind the audience of the recent female-driven action film GUNPOWDER MILKSHAKE. While both are over the top in places. This film feels like it has less waste and is less flashy. 

As it is not as intense and is smaller scale, but enjoyable. Even if it comes off as more common and less ridiculous. It offers plenty of action that is of the hand-to-hand quality more.

As the film is driven by a mystery only the lead seems to care about. Though we in the audience don’t understand much. It seems more needed just for the story to move forward. 

Also with this message film, each bigger name or recognizable cast member actually has something to do and a reason to be here. In other words, less like money is being thrown at whatever problems the film might have to distract from its shortcomings. 

There is nothing too memorable in the film. It’s good popcorn entertainment. Not necessarily polished and pretty basic. Though it tries to add intrigue. 

Happy to see Kate Beckinsale in an action-oriented film again. Though this film works with fewer weapons and firepower. As well as giving the character a problem that works as a superpower but keeping the film from going down that road.

A sustainable high concept modest action movie with a central star performance and vehicle for them. 

Grade: C

SNOW ANGELS (2007)

snow-angels-trailer

Written & Directed By: David Gordon Green
Based On The Novel By: Stewart O’Nan
Cinematography By: Tim Orr

Cast: Kate Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Thirlby, Amy Sedaris, Tom Noonan, Nicky Katt

On a cold afternoon, with snow on the ground, the high school band is practicing for the last football game. They hear shots. Flashback a few weeks before. Arthur is a high school student, bussing at a restaurant. Annie and Barb are waitresses there – Annie was Arthur’s babysitter when he was little. She’s now separated from her husband Glenn, who’s on the wagon, starting a new job, praying to Jesus, and trying to prove he has his balance back so he can see more of their small daughter, Tara. Annie’s seeing someone else, Arthur’s parents have just separated, and Arthur is attracted to Lila, a new student at the high school. It’s a small town, people’s lives cross.

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NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (2009)

Nothingbutthetruth

Written & Directed By: Rod Lurie
Cinematography By: Alik Sakharov
Editor: Sarah Boyd

CAST: Kate Beckinsale, Matt Dillon, David Schwimmer, Alan Alda, Vera Farminga, Noah Wyle, Jamey Sheridan, Courtney B. Vance, Angela Bassett

The Film revolves around a reporter who refuses to give up her source in a story that reveals a CIA agent’s identity and is prosecuted and jailed for it. For standing up to the government and refusing to name her source. Behind bars her life falls apart as does her marriage. We also see what kind of damage it does to the ousted CIA agent’s life as she even becomes a suspect to being the anonymous source.

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