Lee Smith – Cut To The Chase

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+

Written & Directed By: Sam Mendes
Cinematography: Roger Deakins
Editor: Lee Smith

Cast: Olivia Colman, Michael Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moore, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Monica Dolan, Rob Cook

Hilary is a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen is a new employee longing to escape the provincial town where he faces daily adversity. Together they find a sense of belonging and experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community.

This is pretty much what a prestige film is these days. An acclaimed director with a noteworthy cast. Offers a slice of life here a semi-autobiographical tale. That includes social issues, romance, and mental illness. As well as it is a character piece and a period piece.

This is also a love letter first and foremost it is the magic of Movies and their presentation houses. Theaters are treated like not only churches here but castles with many hidden passages and discoveries to be made.

The main story involves characters who are misfits in some way or another and considered different who find each other and inspire one another to be brave and believe in themselves and engage more in life.

While the romance feels a little far-fetched the performers make it believable. As the racial prejudice the film. Deals with is an issue that is dealt with wholeheartedly in one scene showing the ugliness and senseless violence it inspires and lives in. Though the scene should feel mroe powerful and better put together. It is a showpiece but Never quite has that energy.

In fact, an earlier scene with a disgruntled grumpy customer has more tension and says more than the mini-riot scene.

As usual, the film is beautifully filmed. As that might be sort of the problem. It is beautifully presented and is gorgeous on its own, but it’s never quite as deep as it should be. That it feels more like a showpiece. That has a bunch of intentions but never quite feels natural. It always feels like a production and you can see It’s Directions and manipulations. That comes off a bit corny and too idealistic.

Olivia Colman gives a good performance but again it feels like a performance that she has been there and done. Though she is the most memorable in the film. As she is pretty much one of the leads.

Michael’s award offers youth, innocence, and some charisma. I only wish the film would allow him to be a little more lively and less passive all the time. It is understandable in that climate why he might want to be, but he is also young and only wants nice does he show that righteous anger.

Colin Firth has a smaller supporting role and it seems as he gets older and once he won the Oscar. A lot of his roles are like this kind of an in-and-out. He is a major character in the story but only comes around when it needs him or he is available. He never seems to be in the leading roles he used to. He is a vital part of things but seems to be cameoing

This is a film foremost for people who love movies. The presentation and magic behind the scenes as well as in front.

As this film presents movie theaters and movies in a way that I have been talking about for years in writing and in conversations, but this film diverges in a different path. While still subtly spouting the gospel.

It can feel like a religion. As you base a lot of faith into these escapes and wish fulfillment

It also feels like after covid a kind of statement to show how beautiful and one-of-a-kind movie theaters are and that we should take full advantage of them to keep them here and alive. As streaming takes over and business practices theaters are trying to implement more to stay afloat financially are shooting themselves in the foot and really doing a disservice to the fans that still attend movies at theaters. It feels like a shakedown for staying faithful.

It’s a film you will enjoy though you might not take to heart as much as the film intended.

Grade: B-

Tag: Lee Smith

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