Tag: Toby Jones

THE INSTIGATORS (2024)

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Directed By: Doug Liman 

Written By: Casey Affleck and Chuck Maclean

Cinematography: Henry Braham 

Editor: William Goldenberg, Saar Klein, Brett M. Reed and Tatiana S. Riegel 

Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Ron Perlman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, Ving Rhames, Jack Harlow, Paul Walter Hauser, Toby Jones 

Rory and Cobby, who team up to rob a corrupt politician but end up in a chaotic escape after the heist goes wrong. Pursued by police and crime bosses, they enlist Rory’s therapist to help them survive.

Considering the cast involved and the director, this film should’ve been much better.

While he plays like a perfectly good crime caper with a good helping of comedy. It also feels like it’s all over the place, especially totally as when it does try to be more action oriented or gritty crime incomes the more comedic elements out of nowhere and then when it’s resting on its more comedic elements, it’ll have the odd intense action sequence.

Also, with its full cast, it feels like most of them are guest starring in the main plot like this is an ongoing series as very few remain throughout the film and only seemed to be there for a senior or two before disappearing and are quickly forgot not that they’re bad in their roles but again there just doesn’t seem to be that much significance for them even though they are just a piece of the puzzle

So that our main stars Casey act like who also who wrote the film and Matt Damon just seemed to be too strangers thrown into this caver together that ends up being more of a buddy comedy as they are different types of thrown in together just trying to survive all of this. Representing their hometown 

Now this should’ve worked, especially as of course, representing its location of Boston and the characters in the neighborhoods of that town but the film just feels a little too quick paste. It never seems to quite slow down for you to get a grip on what is happening or what has happened. So it’s hard for you to get your bearings, even though it shouldn’t be that confusing.

It just seems to flash here in there in the editing, intense not to focus on anything so it even feels faster than the classic 2000s MTV flash editing which only reminds you that this feels more like content more than an actual film. Which might be the result of having four editors on this film, who each might have been aiming at something different. Asbeverything feels so disposable and familiar even when trying to put a new spin or at least anspin on certain conventions.

Again the leads and cast are likable enough. You just wish that this was a film that wasn’t afraid to take its time had more consequences and was quite a bit tougher as the film is more comedic and not darkly comedic more just comedic.

It has spectacle when the film should’ve been more detailed, smaller and tighter. Noah tries to be gritty. It comes across more as a Hollywood production. Then it should which throws all credibility out the window and turns it more into a romp.

there is a certain irony that lays throughout the film whereas Casey Affleck is a best actor Oscar winner here playing more the co-lead and being more comedic or as Matt Damon, who is more thought of as a serious actor is playing the more serious role here and while he has more prestige, he does not have an Oscar for best actor, even though he does have an Oscar for writing. Yet Casey Affleck who has the acting prestige is the Co-Writer here. 

This obviously isn’t there first pairing on screen they have paired up in various projects, but this is the first time where they’ve been costars as a lead in a more comedic, an original production of their own as they were in the film GERRY as costars, and also really, the only leads in that film, as well as one of the only actors in that film

The film has come across as the type of body crime caper comedy that felt more at home in the 70s and 80s try some modernize it, but it has way too much going on for it to truly ever be centered or quite understandable

Grade: C

THE ACTOR (2025)

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Directed By: Duke Johnson 

Written By: Duke Johnson and Stephen Cooney 

Based on. The novel “MEMORY” by: Donald E. Westlake 

Cinematography: Joe Passarelli 

Editor: Garret Elkins

Cast: Andre Holland, Gemma Chan, Toby Jones, Tracy Ullman, Joe Cole, May Calamawy, Tanya Reynolds, Youssef Kerkour 

When New York actor Paul Cole is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio, he loses his memory and finds himself stranded in a mysterious small town where he struggles to get back home and reclaim what he’s lost.

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This is a strange film as it is beautifully film, offering surreal, imagery, mystery, nostalgic throwbacks in a bit of artificiality that the film leans into when it comes to fading memories, or one memory leading to another and connected 

What a strange about this tail is that it plays a bit like film noir it seems to want to head that way, so it plays more like a romance, as well as a psychological character drama that fully tries to illustrate the lead characters, fractured, memories, and emotional state due to this condition 

Though ultimately the problem with the film is that it doesn’t really go too many places it explores the situation, but you never know where exactly it’s headed and it still doesn’t really offer any answers and what it does. They’re not really that big revelations so you wonder what are we supposed to do with this And even though the film doesn’t outright explain anything we’re able to get answers through small little clues

Obviously, the film deals with identity, and whether this is truly the person’s identity stripped away, and who he was before was always an act. This is more the emotional vulnerable him or is he in fact, truly a different person.

Just as we are left a question what’s real as the film is obviously filmed more on sites than actual locations and can easily walk over to the vaccine or memory, but it makes it not only a movie but also makes it feel more staged, but also loose in itself as there is obviously a design to it all, but you never know where it’s gonna go so more like an outfit from the runway, though in the parameters of an outfit that someone could wear daily, but still with that wild streak. As the sets work to show that each time he moves on, he is in a new scene or a new set for him in his life. 

If anything, the film plays more like a dramatic romance that is dreamlike and fits in with movies such as MOOD INDIGO, and THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP where it’s more about the creative forces,  presentation and artistry on display. As the films and the filmmaker seemed to get lost in their imagination and while it all looks good by the end, it doesn’t come too much

Though it all looks pretty and it does entertain it’s very light on material, even though there is plenty of depth. Though sometimes that creativity seems like it is more there to either distract or make up for the lack of action.

Though this film is admirable, if you give it a chance for its beauty and what it attempts to do not to mention where it takes you to and leaves you for you more interpret as it is sweet and old-fashioned now using more modern storytelling techniques. Not to mention the bravery of the filmmakers to make this film and live in the moments.

Another aspect that keeps the film feel more like a stage plays is that some of the noticeable and notable actors play at least three different roles throughout. Usually minor but meaningful ones. That come In each phase or territory that he travels to. 

Andre Holland in the lead is excellent as usual, truly showing his leading man presence, looks and vulberability. Gemma chan as the female lead is so precious though one wishes she was given more to do and play with. Even as with that decision she plays more of a sweetheart who the audience falls in love with, as she is truly innocent throughout.

Hopefully this will be a film that is discovered and studied by Audiences In the future and not just an undiscovered gem. That while shiny isn’t as heavy as it should be. 

by the end, you just wish that it had more to say and something you can grab a hold of so that it could truly match its beauty

Grade: B-

MORGAN (2016)

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Directed By: Luke Scott

Written By: Seth Owen 

Cinematography: Mark Patten 

Editor: Laura Jennings 

Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rose Leslie, Toby Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Garret Hudlund, Paul Giamatti, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Cox 

A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being.

In this grand cinema study, there are some Films you know a bit about. Yet manage to avoid or skip for some reason or another.  then when looking For Something new, you finally decide to give the film a chance. Sometimes it truly does work For the better, but other times you remember why you Wanted To skip it in the first place.

It isn’t necessarily bad, but it just feels like a waste of time or a wasted opportunity, especially considering what it had. This is one of those films unfortunately it’s more of the latter.

One of the more shocking appeals of the movie is in looking back at this film. It has such a stacked cast for a film That doesn’t

Offer much in the form Of material for them to work with. It comes off as a workman and everyone seems more here for a paycheck.

Those looking for a horror film might be disappointed as though its Advertisements make it look That way and there is violence the film is more like a strictly science fiction tale.

Which is what is at least admirable about the film.

This feels like one of the first of more recent trends of films about androids and AI and how much humanity exists in them. Surrounded by humans who go about being absent, if any humanity at all or trying to show none for the supposed greater good.

It doesn’t offer enough material to be truly thought-provoking and lacks action throughout  to truly be a genre picture 

In the final act, the film Finally Releases the violence and gives the audience what it has been waiting for most of the characters you have come to know will most likely become

Victims. They pay the price, In different ideologies, and pick the wrong side which proves fatal because of choosing to show their humanity.

It feels especially cruel to one character who truly fights back and gets the most violent death in a scene that feels cut down because of how gory it could get. While any action resorts to a BOURNE IDENTITY intensity with bad club music to accompany the action for those brief Moments only that feel like it’s coming from another film

Jennifer Jason Leigh is only in a few scenes and seems here to be punished more than anything else. which seems to be a trend in her more recent roles. As of 2025 most of the cast signed up for the same feet, but they have a few more scenes and more to do.

The film offers a perfect example of corporate culture versus a family and a more nurturing culture.

It does offer a sensational ending that wasn’t expected though hinted at throughout 

Grade: D+

EMPIRE OF LIGHT (2022)

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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-

BERBERIAN SOUND STUDIO (2013)

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Written & Directed By: Peter Strickland 
Cinematography By: Nicholas D. Knowland 
 Editor: Chris Dickens 

Cast: Toby Jones, Tonia Sotiropoulou, Susanna Cappellaro, Cosimo Fusco, Antonio Mancino, Fatma Mohamed, Chiara D’anna

A sound engineer’s work for an Italian horror studio becomes a terrifying case of life imitating art. 

The film didn’t sound like anything amazing. In fact, it sounded more like a trick of a movie, like an M. Night Shamalayan films get labeled as more about spectacle and showing off than story, characters, and general enjoyment. Word of mouth leads me to give it a chance

This film throws you off so much that it makes your mind explode with ideas for possibilities at every turn.

It’s a film that shows a love for the magic, mystery, and technology of cinema and its making. Giving the audience insight into sound and foley artists while building a story around it. Then the film plays around with it to throw you off course. Leaving it up to you and your own interpretations as to what is going on.

It takes what could have been a simple premise and manipulates it and plays with it so much that you always have a feeling of dread. The film always makes sure that you never feel comfortable leaving you to wonder at times have things been lost in translation?

The characters seem like stock from a horror film at times then just seem like characters of the period it portrays. Female characters go from seeming plain and innocent to exotic creatures of mystery and depth. Characters go from seeming mysterious to comedic and or pathetic.

You can look at the film in many ways dark comedy might even be one of a mystery.

The film also feels like a film that could have been made of that period as it recreates to become a homage to that era and it’s filmmaking. It’s like a mix between David Lynch and Francis Ford Coppola but having a style, character and voice all its own.

To me it seemed almost to be a better version of the recent film BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW strived to be.

This definitely would be a good film to watch with INLAND EMPIRE and/or MULHOLLAND DRIVE and BARTON FINK only this film is more compact. It manages to make so much out of so little.

I was shocked at how much this film surprised and delighted me. This is really a standout film and Toby Jones is noteworthy as his character is so timid and awkward and the people at the studio he works at so mean, rude and obnoxious, but insists he is the rude and ungrateful one constantly.

I don’t want to give away too much of the films plot as it has plenty of surprises for the audience that are best to discover and truly contemplate.

My only complaint is that there isn’t a scene where Toby Jones totally gets to lose it. So that there is a release of emotions, but since this film is built on tension for the most part that would let the audience off, and clearly that is not this films intention.

GRADE: B+

TALE OF TALES (2016)

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taleoftales

Directed By: Matteo Garrone
Written By: Matteo Garrone, Edoardo Albinati, Ugo Chiti & Massimo Gaudioso
Based On The Book By: Giambatista Basile
Cinematography By: Peter Suschitzky
Editor: Marco Spoletini 


Cast: Salma Hayek, John C. Reilly, Stacy Martin, Vincent Cassel, Shirley Henderson, Toby Jones, Hayley Carmichael, Jessie Cave

From the bitter quest of the Queen of Longtrellis, to two mysterious sisters who provoke the passion of a king, to the King of Highhills obsessed with a giant Flea, these tales are inspired by the fairytales by Giambattista Basile.

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ATOMIC BLONDE (2017)

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Directed By: David Leitch
Written By: Kurt Johnstad
Based on the Graphic Novel “THE COLDEST CITY” By: Antony Jonhston & Sam Hart Cinematography By: Jonathan Sela
Editor: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir 

Cast: Charlize Theron, Sofia Boutella, James McAvoy, Toby Jones, John Goodman, Eddie Marsan, James Faulkner, Til Schweiger, Bill Skarsgard 


The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.

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