Goodbye Bandit

 

Movie star Burt Reynolds passed at 82. A shock since he was one of those iconic box office mega stars from the 1970s and 1980s having turned down many super roles that others would gain fame from Star Wars to Terms of Endearment to Die Hard and many more. But before you feel badly, he was top box office longer than most stars in Hollywood history for several consecutive years starting with the classic Deliverance through Smokey and the Bandit to the Longest yard to directing efforts like the underrated Sharky's Machine and serious roles in Starting Over and later a career revival and Oscar nomination in Boogie Nights.

His TV career spanned many decades from Gunsmoke to his Dan August detective to the comedy ensemble Evening Shade. He was just as appealing on numerous talk shows especially the great Johnny Carson. Although his health (he also suffered through doing many physical stunts) and finances suffered in recent years, he was actively filming projects including Tarentino's latest right up to the end. Who could forget his smile and laugh? Goodbye Bandit.

 

CRAZY RICH ASIANS and Universal Love

Chinese culture and tradition clash in the thoroughly entertaining Crazy Rich Asians, based on a best- selling trilogy.  This marks a rare American studio film featuring a predominantly Asian cast (directed by Jon M. Chu) and signals a further cinematic resurgence in recent years of heretofore underrepresented groups e.g. Wonder Woman and Black Panther. 

When college students, Rachel (Constance Wu) and Nick (Henry Golding) fall in love in New York, they plan to attend his best friend’s wedding in Singapore, where Nick’s family, the Youngs, are spectacularly wealthy.  Surrounded by a collection of family members and friends, some with hidden agendas, Rachel is anxious to make a good impression especially with Nick’s strong willed mom (Michelle Yeoh).  It becomes a battle of wills as loyalties are tested and secrets revealed.  Can true love survive?

The well-paced film exudes confidence in its performances with Yeoh and Awqwafina (as a college friend) as standouts. There is a Pretty Woman vibe with Rachel as a resourceful underdog fighting for respect and acceptance.  The cityscape of Singapore, beautifully shot, serves as a stunning backdrop to the festivities including a lavish wedding and reception, and the sumptuous displays of Asian cuisine are simply mouthwatering. 

The film is an old fashioned love story with a modern sensibility.  It is an interesting contrast in classes of wealth as well as Chinese familial tradition with its struggle between old and new.  It will resonate with audiences as it successfully crosses cultural boundaries with its universal themes of love and its display of female empowerment.  With more than a passing kinship to My Big Fat Greek Wedding, it’s a feel good film with heart and a sense of humor to boot. (There is a mid-credit scene with future implications.)

***1/2 of **** stars

The Remarkable Truth of BLACKkKLANSMAN

Controversial director Spike Lee (Do the Right Thing) is back with BlacKkKlansman, the unbelievable, true story of role reversal during the height of the civil rights movement and the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan.

Set in the 1970s, a black man, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), applies to join the Colorado Springs police force and on a whim calls a newspaper recruitment ad for the KKK posing as a white bigot. The Klan shields itself as a legitimate organization which belies its racist agenda and purpose, and when they want to meet him, he must substitute an undercover white cop, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver). With the constant threat of being discovered, both detectives must improvise on the fly, and Stallworth also infiltrates a black student rally while confronting racism in his own department. This leads to a meeting between Zimmerman and the Klan’s national director, David Duke (Topher Grace). Meanwhile, radical elements within the Klan chapter are plotting a major act of violence.

Some of the narrative is so outrageous (complete with racial epithets) that it borders on being laughable if it weren’t true. The film also serves as a time capsule of the civil rights struggle of its time and a revisionist take on popular culture with its clips from Birth of a Nation and Gone with the Wind. At times it feels like an independent film which works in its favor; it recreates its period with contemporary songs and styles.

It’s a fascinating, engrossing story with eerie parallels to current news headlines (with an amusing intro featuring Alec Baldwin and a bittersweet postscript). Lee has lost none of his passion and fire and is back to doing what he does best: articulating his rage against racial and social injustice. 

**** of **** stars

The Scribe of Stage and Screen

 Neil Simon passed away at 91 and he leaves a bountiful treasure trove of plays and movies that cover decades of romantic comedy at its best. Once part of the classic writers of Your Show of Shows along with Larry Gelbart, Mel Brooks and many others, he brought forth such classics as The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park, The Goodbye Girl, and Murder by Death, and much, much more.

His output was matched by his uncanny ability to connect with mainstream audiences. He wrote Broadway hits and later movie blockbusters.

We have a body of written entertainment to sustain decades more. Thank you Mr. Simon.

THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS and Its Hidden Agenda

This fascinating documentary from director Tim Wardle chronicles the incredible, true story of three young men who by chance realize they have much in common. It’s a chronicle that takes you on an unbelievable journey from fame and discovery to a deep mystery involving subterfuge and deception. 

This story starts over 50 years ago and comes into the public eye in 1980. What starts as an unusual case of coincidence, becomes much more as three males, Eddie, David, and Robert, who seemingly have no relation, are actually identical triplets with similar tastes and preferences. This uncanny trio becomes a media sensation appearing on every major talk show and news report.  But as their adoption background emerges, a fantastic truth is revealed. The subsequent cover up is only part of the story as we see the lasting effects on them psychologically and those closest to them.

Told from the point of view of the brothers in present day with interviews of other principals in their lives including family and spouses, it’s a study in manipulated lives and stolen childhoods with a cloak of secrecy that rivals anything on The X Files.  It raises serious questions on morality and the responsibility of tampering with human lives, and it makes one wonder how many other people have been affected?  How much do family and environment determine human outcome, and how much is genetically predestined? Is there such a thing as free will?

The film is successful in plunging the viewer in the middle of this story that becomes a personal search for the truth. Its images and impressions will stay with you long after the newsreel footage closes out the credits. Memorable and disturbing.  

***1/2 of **** stars

Cruise Triumphs in Superior MISSION IMPOSSIBLE:FALLOUT

Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie (and a standout cast) strike gold again with Mission Impossible:Fallout, a superb action thriller, the best of the series. 

Ethan Hunt (Cruise) and his Impossible Missions Force of Benji (Simon Pegg) and Luther (Ving Rhames) desperately search for stolen plutonium. With a monitoring CIA watchdog, Walker (Henry Cavill), the trail leads to a mysterious female and an old nemesis with a plot to detonate nuclear bombs with a horrifying purpose. Who can the team trust as Hunt and his team race to prevent catastrophe?

The film effortlessly globe hops from Belfast to Berlin to Paris and beyond while jumping from extended chases to the tense climax.  Briskly paced editing, beautiful camerawork, and an effective update of the classic TV theme highlight several superb action sequences including a high altitude halo jump, a hair raising motorcycle chase, a crazy helicopter duel, and a brutal restroom beat down any of which could cap off one film; here, it is an embarrassment of riches. It really makes a difference that Cruise, the movie star, does his own incredible stunts for the sake of realism.

Featuring their usual bag of tricks and effective disguises, the team works together especially at the end with some special help. There are references to the previous films that resonate emotionally, particularly in the grand finale and surprise appearances from the past that increase the personal stakes for Hunt, a man of conscience and fierce loyalty to his team no matter what the odds.

Although this Mission may be “impossible’ to top, it shows there is still a lot of life in this franchise. It’s a real crowd pleaser (at 148 minutes) and an example of stellar, movie making entertainment in the best sense.

**** of **** stars

The Redux of MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

A followup to the hit Mamma Mia, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again shows that the songs of megahit group Abba are the gift that keeps on giving even if they are lesser known tunes. Acting as prequel and sequel, it’s an entertaining film that merges past and present in a satisfying mixture of romance, song, and memories.

Decades earlier, a young, wide-eyed Donna (Lily James), eager to experience the world, meets three lovers and settles on a stunning, Greek island paradise. In present day, in honor of adult Donna, (Meryl Streep), daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) plans to reopen their villa as a hotel overseen by suave Fernando (Andy Garcia) and invites all the principals from before including her surrogate fathers, Sam (Pierce Brosnan), Bill (Stellan Skarsgård), and Harry (Colin Firth), Donna’s best friends Rosie (Julie  Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baranski), and husband Sky (Dominic Cooper) among others.

The actors do a credible job singing (even Brosnan) while Cher plays a mysterious connection to the past (who can still belt out a song). 

The story flashes back and forth, awash in fluid camerawork, colorful costumes, and those wonderful tunes.  Streep is sorely missed through much of the film, but as various characters of the inner circle arrive, the party’s just getting started. Its main theme resonates about family, and how coming together can elevate the spirit and soul.

While it never quite matches the infectious enthusiasm of the original, by the end, it’s one big finale with a particularly affecting moment between mother and daughter.  It’s an old fashioned, feel good film for those with fond memories of the previous film.  Sure, it can be silly and over the top, but it’s all in good fun. 

*** of **** stars

The Tandem of ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

A breezy, enjoyable caper film that cleanses the palette after Avengers: Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp is director Peyton Reed’s sequel to Ant-Man that maintains and expands the fun and heroics.   

Decades earlier, as the original Ant-Man and Wasp, a young Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) loses his wife, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer), in the quantum realm where time and space are skewed. Fast forward to events post Captain America: Civil War as Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is under house arrest and trying to maintain a meaningful relationship with his daughter. But Lang has a strange dream that suggests Janet may still be alive, and Pym and his daughter, Hope (Evangeline Lilly), try to build a portal to reach the quantum realm. Meanwhile Lang and Hope run into a mysterious, ghost-like figure and black market thieves who are both after the quantum technology. Add the FBI monitoring Lang, and you have essentially one long chase that culminates in a race against the clock to save Hope’s mom.

In addition to nice action scenes, there is a playful, almost comedic quality to this adventure without becoming silly.  (It is the most kid friendly Marvel film yet.)  Michael Peña and the rest of Ant-Man’s wonderful supporting cast returns (though there is not really a supreme supervillain).  Rudd, always a joy, shares equal billing with Lilly who shines as a Marvel hero.

While it could have benefitted from a bit more emotional bonding among the Pym family at the climax, this film serves as a nice setup for next year’s Captain Marvel and the concluding Avengers film.  There is a significant mid credit scene and, yes, a Stan Lee cameo.

*** of **** stars (add ½ * for Marvel Fans)

The Brilliant Rebel of SciFi Is Gone

Science fiction author Harlan Ellison has passed in his sleep at 84. He was a prolific, brilliant writer whose at times abrasive personality and opinions could elicit controversy. He burst into TV with a couple Outer Limits classics, Soldier and Demon with the Glass Hand which bear more than a passing similarity to the Terminator films, whereby Ellison sued and won credit for. He wrote the greatest Star Trek Episode, City on the Edge of Forever. Some of his talent was wasted on standard TV fare, but he lent his consulting voice to the classic Babylon 5 and the glorious Twilight Zone revival in the 1980s while he loved the X Files.  He was not afraid to express his opinion on a myriad of topics.

I met him at a book signing 20 years ago for Harlan Ellison's Watching and as much as he dominated his line of fans, he could be gentle and playful with kids as he offered them peeps candy.
This winner of 8 Hugo SciFi awards and countless others including the Writers Guild of America has been silenced, yet his words live on mightily.

SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY Hits the Right Notes

Solo: A Star Wars Story, a spinoff film in the Star Wars series, focuses on the origins of the legendary Han Solo. Scripted by original screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and his son, Jonathan, with last minute substitute director Ron Howard, the final result is an entertaining adventure that connects the dots of this character’s beginnings.

Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) is a young thief in the criminal world who lives by his wits and cunning.  When he falls in with a group of smugglers and its leader, Beckett (Woody Harrelson), for a major heist, there are enormous consequences that reverberate for all.  Along the way, he meets a charming gambler, Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover almost steals the film), and a giant, hairy warrior named Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo) before becoming pilot of a certain iconic spaceship. 

With good action scenes and a dark tone akin to Rogue One, the film has moments that ought to register more, but it’s hard to recapture the Star Wars magic in a bottle.  It’s like a good joke that works but not quite as well as it should.   

Ehrenreich does not mimic Harrison Ford’s take on Solo but rather compliments it nicely with cocky, self-assuredness. While Harrelson is always a joy to watch, I wish there was a bit more of Thandie Newton as Beckett’s partner in crime. Emilia Clarke plays Solo’s romantic interest with a secret, and Paul Bettany registers as a menacing crime boss.

There are a couple surprises here for fans and Easter egg references sprinkled throughout.  With a storyline that builds to a strong finish and loyalties tested, this film is a nice addition to the Star Wars mythology. Director Howard gets the save here.

*** of **** stars (add ½ star for Star Wars fans)

The Excess Fun of DEADPOOL 2

Actor/producer Ryan Reynolds was vindicated by his filmic reinvention of the Marvel comic rogue hero of a different cloth in Deadpool and has pushed the boundaries of bad taste, graphic violence, and profanity in Deadpool 2, a wild journey of redemption.   

When tragedy strikes close to home, Wade Wilson aka Deadpool is at a crossroads.  He befriends a reclusive boy and meets a mysterious figure named Cable (Josh Brolin) who is on a quest. Meanwhile, Wilson embarks on a desperate mission with a little help from his friends.

The film has a good storyline and a touching love story to boot, while its theme about family bond resonates.  Sometimes the dialogue is sloppy and vulgar, but the laughs and puns come fast and furious (sometimes at the expense of DC and Marvel Comics).  Wilson may be nasty at times and hopelessly foul mouthed, but he has a heart.  

Plenty of humor is mixed with serious action scenes, not an easy trick, and there are some amusing moments like recruiting some mutant heroes that leads to outrageous results.  We also meet a cool mutant female named Domino and some fun cameos. Then there sight gags such as Wilson’s self-healing prowess and ability to regenerate his body that leads to some hilarious visuals.

From its James Bond homage, opening credits, pop culture references, and a cool soundtrack, the film exudes confidence and hipness. Consistently entertaining, and regularly breaking the fourth wall by directly addressing its audience, those who are game for an offbeat take on Marvel heroes, will be rewarded.  Reynolds has done it again. The mid credit sequence is one of the best for any Marvel film and a gift for true Deadpool fans.

***1/2 of  **** stars (for Deadpool fans)

Margot Kidder Soared with Superman

Film and TV star Margot Kidder passed away at 69 in her sleep. Hers was a story of tragedy and triumph. I remember seeing her in the Hitchcockian thriller Sisters from 1973 and then she broke out with the blockbuster Superman in 1978 as a definitive Lois Lane; I was there opening weekend waiting in a huge line! As her star faded and she suffered from bipolar disorder, she made a comeback on the big and small screen (winning an Emmy Award). I met her at Horrorfind Convention in 2009. Such a sweet person and still a beauty. She will always be soaring with Christopher Reeve's Superman as John WIlliams' "Can You Read My Mind" plays forever.

The Beginning of the End in AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR

Avengers: Infinity War, the culmination of a master plan of Marvel comic film adaptations begun ten years ago, is a remarkable achievement; no movie has ever been so ambitious with epic, parallel storylines and major characters since The Longest Day and It’s a Mad Mad Mad Mad World, but neither film had the benefit of complex story threads from multiple films.  Under the guidance of Marvel’s ‘keeper of the flame’, producer Kevin Feige, directors Joe and Anthony Russo (who proved Captain America: Civil War was no fluke) and scribes Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have fashioned a very entertaining, crowd pleaser with game changing implications for the future.

The evil Thanos (Josh Brolin) is on a quest to gather six Infinity Stones to annihilate life in the universe.  As the Avengers and other heroes assemble across the globe and throughout the galaxy, Thanos becomes more powerful with each stone and becomes virtually invincible. 

This film is one huge experiment cross matching heroes, and part of the fun is watching them interact with each other for the first time and their action scenes that achieve comic book nirvana. The film deftly balances humor (with some really funny dialogue) with heroic and emotional moments of sacrifice, while retaining the persona of each familiar character; each has a moment to shine (at a brisk 2 hours 40 minutes)!  An all-star roster of Marvel heroes features The Avengers’ Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), Captain America (Chris Evans), The Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), The Guardians of the Galaxy, and many more.  This is essentially Thanos’ story; he is ruthless, but by adding layers to his background, he becomes one of the most compelling villains in Marvel films. 

The stakes are incredibly high as the film takes on Shakespearean tragedy (The Empire Strikes Back comes to mind) and changes trajectory to set up the next Avengers film for a potentially grand finale and a more crowded field!  (Yes, Stan Lee has his cameo, and the end credits scene is significant.) While there might be a couple films in the Marvel canon that may be as good, this one is a pleasure to watch again and again. Don’t spoil any surprises for anyone!

**** of **** stars

Pre-Opening day Avengers: Infinity War April 26, 2018

Ok, I saw Avengers: Infinity War, and yes it was very entertaining, serious, action packed and gives fair time for every character. It is a crowd pleaser with some surprises and has The Empire Strikes Back kind of vibe. You are definitely going to want to see the followup which cannot come soon enough! A full review is coming but I wanted to give an initial, spoiler free first impression. There are a couple films that may be better in Marvel but the fact this comes off well is remarkable. Definitely worth watching. 2 hr 40 min goes by fast. End credit scene is important.