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McCoy on Movies

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Shults, cast shine in heartfelt – and stellar – Waves

“Now … Remember – this is a movie, not This is Us, so we won’t have commercial breaks!” Tyler (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.), Emily (Taylor Russell), Ronald (Sterling K. Brown) and Catharine (Renée Elise Goldberry) share a moment in a scene from WAVES. Credit: © 2019 A24 Films. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:

 




KEY CAST MEMBERS: Kelvin Harrison, Jr., Taylor Russell, Sterling K. Brown, Lucas Hedges, Renée Elise Goldberry and Alexa DemieDIRECTOR(S): Trey Edward Shults 

THE BACK STORY: Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison, Jr.) is a talented high school wrestler who has a lot going for him. Sure, his father Ronald (Sterling K. Brown) pushes him hard, but he’s got great support in the form of his stepmother (Renée Elise Goldberry), his sister Emily (Taylor Russell) and the “goddess” in his cell phone, a.k.a. his girlfriend Alexis (Alexa Demie).


Then, over the course of one night, his life changes forever – and so does the life of everyone close to him.


Their lives now turned completely upside down, the Williams family finds themselves struggling to recover in the wake of tragedy. But when Emily meets a shy classmate in the form of Luke (Lucas Hedges), she discovers she may hold the key to healing her family so that they can once again be whole. 

THE REVIEW: Finding the beauty of life and love out of tragedy and heartbreak … If there is one thing that you will take away from watching Waves – which honestly should be a nominee for Best Picture for all the reasons that past Academy Award-winner Crash shouldn’t have been – it should be this sentiment. For in crafting a tale full of promise, then self-destruction, then heartbreak and a resurrection of a chance of hope, writer/director Trey Edward Shults and his cast have created what may be the best film of 2019.Waves features a very simple story – to say more would be to give away too much – that would NOT simple to process in real life. As the domineering but well-meaning Ronald, Sterling K. Brown gives a powerhouse performance that serves almost like a “Hey – don’t forget me in the conversation of great African-American male actors” announcement, showing the type of sensitivity rarely seen in a lead black males role. It is the performances of and interaction between Russell’s Emily and Hedges’ Luke, however, that steals the show, rounding out Waves’ set of emotional exploration with grace, aplomb and wisdom beyond their years. Both show a level of talent and skill that drives their story arc home in a way people of all ages, races and orientations will likely admire and aspire to have in their own existence. There are some very hard moments to watch of self-destruction, turbulence and turmoil, followed by some extremely gentle, heartfelt and warm moments that may bring a tear of happiness as much as the others do out of sadness.

The performances truly bring out the radiance of the story of Waves, one in which you are fully immersed in the characters’ respective worlds. Shults’ nuanced work behind the lens makes the characters’ world come alive, in turn making their respective heartbreaks and outcomes all the more intense and more importantly, authentic and relatable. Watching one character’s self-destructive path give birth to the awakening of another’s could come off extremely clumsy or clichéd in the wrong hands; fortunately for Shults and company, their commitment to the tale makes everything work in grand fashion. Whether you are a parent, a confused adolescent trying to figure out the world, someone trying to overcome grief, a person holding on to a past tragic experience, Waves offers something most movies do not – therapy and hope – that may serve to help as much as it does entertain.

Yes, the story is compelling in and of itself, but it also looks to explore healing and what that may look like for many different people. Despite a predominantly African American cast, race is not the focus of the story as much as our general humanity is. That in turn may actually help in showcasing African-Americans in a way they are rarely shown in mainstream media, a fresh breath of air that explores the “we’re all human” notion without being blatant, over-the-top or fool-hearty (hence the earlier Crash reference). With apologies to Brown, one might consider it a long episode of This is Us that doesn’t explore the past or present as much as it does look towards the future.

In short, Waves should make waves upon its national release this week because in a world – pardon the terrible wordplay – full of storms, the film serves as an oasis all should experience.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: Queen & Slim

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Modern Bonnie and Clyde tale a frustrating and fascinating take on the aftermath of police brutality, modern love

“We may not be OutKast, but you gotta admit if this was our album cover, it’d be dope!” Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) and Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) in QUEEN & SLIM, directed by Melina Matsoukas. Credit: Andre Wagner © 2019 Universal Pictures. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



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KEY CAST MEMBERS: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bookie Woodbine, Chloë Sevingy, Flea, John Sturgill Simpson, Benito Martinez, Jahi Di’Allo Winston, Gralen Bryant Banks, Bertrand E. Boyd II and Indya Moore DIRECTOR(S): Melina Matsoukas

THE BACK STORY: A story of Tinder connection gone terribly awry, Queen & Slim tells the story of a young man (Daniel Kaluuya) heading home from his first date with a headstrong young attorney (Jodie Turner-Smith). Playing around with a smartphone, the Cleveland, Ohio-based couple finds their night thrown into chaos when they catch the attention of Officer Reed (Sturgill Simpson) who pulls them over in the cold of night. 


Then gunfire erupts. 


Certain that no one will believe the truth about what has happened, the young woman convinces the young man they have one option and one option only: Run, or more accurately, drive. Scared and panicked, the young couple thus begins a journey that will see them run into a multitude of colorful characters, including but not limited to: (1) The young woman’s uncle Earl (Bokeem Woodbine) and his stable of ladies; (2) Sheriff Edgar (Benito Martinez); (3) a mechanic (Gralen Bryant Banks) and his son Junior (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) as well as a (4) Georgia couple played by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ member Flea and Chloë Sevingy along the way. 


The inadvertent Bonnie and Clyde are going to get to know each other quite well over the course of their journey, but the legacy they create on that journey be more impactful than either of them either envisioned. 

THE REVIEW: Queen & Slim, co-written by Emmy winner Lena Waithe (Bones, The Chi, Ready Player One, Master of None) with an assist from James Frey (A Million Little Pieces) who apparently shared the idea at a party, is an intriguing, frustrating, eclectic, eccentric, electric, conflicted and more-than-likely controversial example of filmmaking. It is not an easy watch by design, which in turn makes the film fascinating and frustrating and feel raw and refined at the same time. Some characters feel outrageous (or, in some cases, downright ratchet) to the point there are times the film feels like a blaxploitation piece. The language is gratuitous, the gunplay will likely be upsetting and anyone looking for “fair and balanced” coverage in regards to how the majority of police in the film are depicted would be wise to look elsewhere.For Queen & Slim is unapologetic in telling its very unconventional love story of the couple and to black America – and that is the point.

As the female lead (Queen and Slim’s actual character names are revealed late in the story), Turner-Smith’s character portrayal exhibits many of the qualities exhibited with the “strong black woman” archetype, which serves at times as both a positive and, in some cases, negative. Her headstrong nature works to both her advantage and detriment in the film, but as the audience comes to learn more of background, one can see how she has come into her own with the resulting person we see today. Likewise, once thrust into a situation he never expected or asked to be, Kaluuya’s character finds himself trying to do what so many African-Americans have difficulty doing: Enjoying life and finding love in the process.

While much more aloof and naive than his counterpart, Kaluuya’s character provides a bit of balance to Turner-Smith’s. This is in turn provides (albeit in a very unconventional showcase) life in America as a black person: Dealing with the struggle of a country where racism is prevalent and can harshly affect you every day while trying to enjoy the pursue the American dream of life, liberty and happiness.

What will be the most challenging aspect of Queen & Slim, however, is how different sectors of America react to the film. African-Americans will no doubt either empathize and/or sympathize with Queen’s and Slim’s plight and how it inspires people as the story unfolds while others may take issue with the ways in which it does. The film would make a fascinating case study in watching different audiences watch the film, for the ways in which the mainstream media simply dismisses Queen and Slim versus the way they are viewed by black people is a direct reflection of America itself. Likewise, while the aspects of sex and crime might make some say they are victims of their condition, others might see various characters in the film perpetuating their own problems – and in some ways, both could argue their points.

However, what would be the best case scenario is for different groups to use the film as a conversation starter, for there are two critical topics for which the film could serve as a litmus test: (1) Examining how and why Queen and Slim become urban legends (not in the horror movie way) and (2) how poverty and being perceived as criminals by the agents whose duty is to protect people is an ongoing problem and why it directly is tied to point no. 1. There are explosive moments in the film – the meaning of one in particular that could be argued in cable news show-style ad nauseam – which are meant to spark reaction and no doubt will so.

As Waithe herself as said in interviews, Queen & Slim is in her view “protest art” and an attempt for African-Americans to “create the heroes they need.” Given what unfolds in the film, there will be some (think conservative pundits) that have extreme difficulty seeing the characters as heroes, but that no doubt is part of the point. Thus, if you are uncomfortable, find the story disturbing or at the very least dangerous, Waithe and director Melina Matsoukas will probably be happy while at the same time being upset – for as long as America continues on its current path, they are certain more Queens and Slims will come along, for better and for worse.

This is what ultimately makes Queen & Slim is worthy of being seen, even if what you see is a love story for modern times, a disturbing – or honest – take on the aftermath of police brutality on the African-American community and/or somewhere in between.

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OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: 21 Bridges

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Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James make compelling drama out of familiar subject matter in 21 Bridges

“C’mon – I think I see the dude that convinced me to do Draft Day is right over there!” Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) and Frankie Burns (Siena Miller) rush in pursuit of two wanted suspects in a scene from director Brian Kirk’s 21 BRIDGES. Credit: Matt Kennedy / Motion Picture Artwork © 2017 STX Financing. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chadwick Boseman, Stephan James, Sienna Miller, Taylor Kitsch, Alexander Siddig, Morocco Omari and J.K. SimmonsDIRECTOR(S): Brian Kirk

THE BACK STORY: Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman) is a detective in New York City. He had to be. It’s in his DNA, or at least that’s how he puts it. And given that his father was murdered on duty by three men – one of whom lived – his dedication to bringing criminals to justice rivals that of D.C. Comics’ biggest crimefighter Bruce Wayne. But while Batman may keep watch over a fictional Gotham, Andre is entrenched deep in New York City, which is why Internal Affairs is looking into his latest episode where he added to his growing body count of alleged criminals. Ray Jackson (Taylor Kitsch) and his partner Michael (Stephan James) don’t know Davis, but they soon will. For when it turns out the heist they’re involved in features 300 kilos of cocaine and not the 30 they were expecting, something seems off. Throw in an ensuing gun battle with a group of police officers who just so happen to show to the restaurant they’re robbing as if they were supposed to be there and Ray and Michael know something is wrong.

Arriving to the aftermath, Andre finds himself paired up with another detective, Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller) and a police captain in McKenna (J.K. Simmons) who want revenge moreso than justice for what has transpired. Quickly surmising the situation, Andre realizes the perpetrators have to still be in the city – which is why he orders all 21 bridges leading out of Manhattan closed. But the clock is ticking on Andre and Frankie … So there is no time to waste if they are going to catch the men responsible for what has happened.

THE REVIEW: While he has had plenty of roles in his acting career, Boseman has essentially become known for playing two kinds of people: Famous dead black people (Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall) and a certain costumed superhero from a fictional African country that helps save the world.21 Bridges showcases the depth of his talent – along with that of co-star James – to deliver an entertaining film despite having a very all-too-familiar style story with which to work.

Cops, robbers and conspiracy/cover tales are nearly as old as movies themselves; 21 Bridges doesn’t really do anything dynamic in regards to telling this type of tale (you can probably figure out most of what’s happening an hour or so into the film). What director Brian Kirk does do, however, is wisely present a stage where (1) the action sequences don’t feel forced and instead intense; (2) let Boseman take center stage and allow him to deliver a performance that is gripping enough to keep you interested as he breaks down scenarios and (3) trusts his actors, particularly Kitsch and James, to make their characters motivations, emotions and decisions relatable. Whereas last month’s Black and Blue dealt more with the issue of the thin blue line and which side of it African-Americans (both as police and possible perpetrators) fall on it, 21 Bridges is a standard tale of good vs. evil.

Whereas Boseman does a good job of playing the by-the-book-cop, he also does it enough style where it doesn’t feel so textbook that it lacks appeal. The same can be said for James, the co-star of the overlooked stellar 2018 release If Beale Street Could Talk. Giving his character a sense of humanity often lacking in shoot-em-up movies, watching Boseman and James play off each other adds to what would otherwise be another mash up of films that you’ve seen before.

Thus, while no one would – or should – expect 21 Bridges to do anything close to Black Panther business, it’s definitely worth seeing if you want to see Boseman flex his acting chops outside of spandex or a historical figure’s shadow.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: Frozen 2

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Anna and her sister return for enjoyable but not as magical Frozen 2

“This winter, it’s personal – no, it really is!” From left to right: Olaf (Josh Gad), Anna (Kristen Bell), Elsa (Idina Menzel, center), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and Sven return for FROZEN 2. Credit: © 2019 Walt Disney Pictures. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad, Sterling K. Brown and Evan Rachel WoodDIRECTOR(S): Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck

THE BACK STORY: Following up on the events of the first film, Frozen 2 finds the magical Elsa (Idina Menzel) living happily in the utopian Arendelle with her sister Anna (Kristen Bell), her wanting-to-pop-the-question-but-unsure-how-to-do-so boyfriend Kristoff (Jonathan Groff), his beloved reindeer Sven and everyone’s favorite one-liner cracking snowman Olaf (Josh Gad). But not everything is as peaceful and happy as it seems.


As a flashback will reveal, the sisters’ parents told them of Northuldra, a forest where the people of Arendelle were enjoying a nice time with the natives until something happened and the two groups found their lives forever changed. And now, as fate would have it, a mysterious voice is calling Elsa, who has become more and more curious about the origin of her powers. Could the voice have something to do with her powers? Could there be a connection to Northuldra? 


There’s only way Elsa, Anna, Sven and Olaf are going to find out … Looks like a new adventure awaits! 

THE REVIEW: Sometimes a sequel is better than the original. Sometimes it’s worse. And then there are times where the sequel looks to deliver pretty much everything the first film had that made it successful … even if the second go round, while solid, lacks the magic of the original.The last option is the one that describes the collection of jokes and songs collectively known as Frozen 2.

Frozen 2 is not a bad movie. But if you are not a major fan of Disney’s princess collection of films, the plot is not likely to hook you in. Likewise, while some will undoubtedly find the collection of songs – especially Kristoff’s somewhat hilarious homage to 80s power rock ballads – entertaining, others may find them to be a bit repetitive in both tone and execution. (If you are not an opera fan, some of the jokes may feel a bit long in the ear, er, tooth.) Gad’s Olaf character gets to take center stage for much of Frozen 2 in terms of delivering a much needed levity to the affair, which is balanced by the cuteness factor of Bruni, the salamander representation of fire in the enchanted forest.

Frozen 2 adheres to the longstanding adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” by making sure that if was in the first film, try to wedge it into the second film. While Elsa and Anna’s sibling rivalry has subsided, there’s still plenty of bonding in the story, as well as the idea of self-discovery, teamwork … and of course, good ol’ Olaf. Frozen 2 isn’t here to break new ground as much as it is to keep it nice and chilled as fans sing the songs long after they leave the theater. Whereas the first Frozen felt special and unique, 2 is like a slice of pizza from your favorite restaurant: satisfying but extremely familiar.

Thus, while it might be better suited for young children and Disney die-hards only, those two groups will love it … Even if everyone else might be happier if they just let it go and stopped before there is a part three.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

McCoy on Movies: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

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Hanks, Rhys shine in the Mister Rogers’ biopic A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

“Hey kids – if this was a Yeezy 350 Boost, I might tell you how to toss it on eBay to make a profit with which you could start a nice savings account!” Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks) strikes a familiar pose in a scene from director Marielle Henner’s inspired by true events biopic A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. Credit: Lacey Terrell © 2019 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson, Christine Lahti, Wendy Makenna, Enrico Colantoni, Tammy Blanchard, Noah Harpster and Maryann PlunkettDIRECTOR(S): Marielle Heller

THE BACK STORY: Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys) is a journalist for Esquire magazine who’s used to doing hard-hitting, investigative pieces that often leave the subjects of his stories, much like a James Bond martini, a bit shaken if not internally stirred. So, when his boss (Christine Lahti) assigns him to write a 400 word piece on children’s television show host Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks), he’s a bit miffed to say the least. 


Then again, Lloyd’s negative predilection to get to dig deep to find the dirt on people might have something to do with his own issues. He’s still very mad at his dad (Chris Cooper) – whom he prefers to call by his first name of Jerry – for what he did when his wife/Lloyd’s mom got sick. And now that he’s got a newborn son of his own with his wife (Susan Kelechi Watson), he’s feeling a bit of pressure not to pass along any of his own pain to his offspring. 


Thus, what happens when a cynical, depressed reporter is asked to spend extended time with perhaps the most upbeat, positive person in the world? Something that is definitely going to not fit into 400 words but definitely may touch plenty of hearts in theaters nationwide. 
THE REVIEW: Inspired by true events biopics often take liberties with the facts of their subject matter, omitting certain controversial details, adding characters or sometimes straight up just diverting from the facts for the sake of the story the filmmaker wants to tell. And given the success of 2018’s documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, putting a well-known actor like Tom Hanks in the role of playing a beloved cultural icon like Fred Rogers could be a recipe for disaster if not done well with a compelling story.Anyone debating whether or not to see A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, however, should have no such concern – for the film is easily one of the finest releases of 2019.

Neighborhood‘s storytelling, under the direction of Marielle Henner (2018’s Can You Ever Forgive Me?), is almost like watching an episode of Rogers’ beloved television show itself – a simple yet genius move that brings the story to life. Instead of digging deep into its subject’s personal life (that aforementioned documentary does exist, after all), the film shows how the relationship between Vogel – based on Esquire writer Tom Junod who’s article served as a basis for Neighborhood – and Rogers. In doing so, it showcases the reasons Rogers became and remains an inspiration to millions of people throughout North America: In talking with Vogel about what drives him, Rogers works Vogel through his myriad of problems, making the writer learn about him but more importantly, himself.

Of course, this wouldn’t happen without Heller’s excellent direction that incorporates elements of both Rogers’ show and Hanks’ full immersion into the role. From his voice affectations and mannerisms to his legendary calm tone of speaking and self-deprecation, Hanks does about a fine a job as you’d hope for in a portrayal of a beloved figure without crossing into saint territory (which the movie directly addresses). Hanks’ ability to channel Rogers own approach to tough subject matter shows how his wisdom rings true for both children and adults to this day.

Rhys, however, may arguably deliver the strongest performance in the film, giving his reporter a layered depth to serve as the canvas on which Rogers’ true magic is fully revealed. Rogers hoped to create healthy positive adults instead of the type of adult Rhys’ character is: angry and wrongs done to him and unable to let it go, cynical, distrustful and afraid they’ll screw things up worse than their parents did. (Sound like anyone you know in your own life?) In showcasing the juxtaposition between the two, Heller crates a walking, talking exercise in a lesson typical of an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with her two male leads playing their parts perfectly. Strong supporting turns by the always strong Cooper and Watson further complete the exercise, the latter’s enthusiasm for life and peace playing well against Cooper’s apologetic manchild father trying to make amends.

All things considered, the thing that will stay with you after the film is over is how dedicated Rogers was to making the world a better place, no small feat in a world where so many of us let so many things destroy our happiness. An atypical film in a cinematic landscape filled with remakes, the perennial sex and violence and hokey family fare that often misses the mark,  A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood proves that good people still exist in the world – and good movies about them do, too.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN): 

 
 

McCoy on Movies: Midsommar

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Swiss cult adventure proves gory and weird but ultimately boring in Midsommar

“Oh my – is that how much money Avengers: Endgame has made so far this year?!” Christian (Jack Reynor) and Dani (Florence Pugh) look on in horror in a scene from writer/director Ari Aster’s MIDSOMMAR. Credit: Merie Weismiller Wallace, courtesy of A24. © 2019 A24. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Florence Pugh, Jack Reynor, William Jackson Harper, Vilhelm Blomgren, Archie Madekwe, Ellora Torchia, and Will Poulter


DIRECTOR(S): Ari Aster

THE BACK STORY: Dani (Florence Pugh) and Christian (Jack Reynor) are in a relationship. A bad relationship. And they need to break up. But just as Christian’s friend Mark (Will Poulter) – along with Josh (William Jackson Harper), who is getting ready to complete his Ph.D research – convinces him that he should break up with Dani, tragedy strikes. So, not only does Christian NOT break up with Dani, he decides to invite her along on the trip that he, Mark and Josh are to take to Sweden. They are headed to Sweden courtesy of an invite from Pelle (Vilhelm Blomgren), a foreign exchange student who has invited them to come just in time for Midsommar, the biggest festival in his village of the year.


But with almost perpetual daylight permeating the village, Dani, Christian and company are about to learn that some nightmares can happen right out in the open.
THE REVIEW: “Maybe it’s just me.”The scariest thing about Midsommar is that it not only got made and some people will enjoy it, but that you can expect yet another piece of schlock to come from writer/director Ari Aster as a result.

You know the expression “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me”? Well, it’s a pretty safe bet I won’t be going to see one of Aster’s works for a third time as Midsommar is two hours and 20 minutes of a SLOW, you can see all of this coming gory and freaky “film” that uses his visuals to cover up for a lack of something, you know, good.

As someone who was not a fan of Aster’s previous work, 2018’s Toni Collette-led vehicle Hereditary, I was prepared for what I thought I would be getting with Midsommar. And boy, was I not wrong as the film (1) has a deliberately slow pace intended to build drama that feels like a certain well-known torture technique as scenes play  out drag out needlessly in (2) fake art house cinematic fashion. Throw in (3) Aster’s signature gory, unflinching visuals which are more gross than great art even by many horror movie standards and (4) a story that doesn’t inherently possess any more intrigue than “this is happening to these characters” versus why it’s happening to them. Seriously, outside of Pugh, everyone else is essentially fodder for a body count. The film will likely feel as long for the audience as it does for its characters, which is a shame because it didn’t have to be as devoid of intrigue other than “does this end the way I think it will (it does)” if you’ve been paying attention. At best, Midsommar is the type of film that will make most rational people go “Well … That was … different” when what they really mean is “That was atrocious! At no point was I truly scared, the characters are so one dimensional that you only really care about the one and the story is so morose I guess  I paid money to feel bad because I wanted to and didn’t know it.”

Now, perhaps you are among those that still enjoy watching movies where you are smarter than the characters – who are clearly too stupid to see something is amiss – and movies where weird for the sake of weird is the norm. Maybe you just can’t wait to see the year’s craziest sex scene outside of a Game of Thrones re-run complete with full frontal nudity from both genders. Or perhaps you want to go to a movie just to watch something where you and your hipster friends can revel in the lush landscape shown onscreen while the story, no matter how stunted or familiar – it might FINALLY be time to let Nicolas Cage off the hook for most of those Wicker Man (which this movie borrows from HEAVILY) jokes now – Midsommar is.

The one nice thing I can and will say is that Pugh turns in a very dedicated performance as Dani, making you feel all her anguish, pain and depression at every turn. That in turn does help add to the movie’s overall feel-bad vibe, but save for the big reveal – I’m not going to spoil it for those of you determined to see in spite of this review – but Pugh shows her mettle with a great performance in an otherwise not-so-great movie.

Believe me when I tell you – I hate writing in first person, but with a movie like this, it’s hard not to – that unless you are (1) a fan of those slower, 60s and 70s style horror movies that wanted to be Alfred Hitchcock films but lacked the originality and flair; (2) are the type of person that watches a movie and often finds yourself saying things like “ahh, the subtext” or “oh – a wry homage to …” or (3) just are the type that turns off your brain and completely buys in to the events in a movie, you should probably just stay home. And to all those who would say, “Well, you just didn’t get it,” I would counter with “No, I got it. I just hated it to the point I can’t even look at an IKEA sign and not remember how much I did.”

In other words, unless you really have 140 minutes to dedicate to what equates to a bad trip (metaphorically and literally) and watch a group of people you mostly won’t care about have an experience that isn’t that entertaining as much as it is abnormal, astoundingly aberrant and at times downright asinine, avoid Midsommar for all seasons to come.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 


McCoy on Movies: Spiderman

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Holland, director/co-writer Watts feel right where they need to be with Spider-Man: Far From Home

“Hi there … We’re getting ready to make a lot of money together for a major Hollywood studio!” Peter Parker (Tom Holland, center) gets introduced to Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal, right) while Nick Fury’s assistant soldier Dmitri (Numan Acar, far left) in a scene from SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME. Credit: Jay Maidment © 2019 CTMG, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Jon Favreau, Jacob Balaton, Zendaya, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Angourie Rice, J.B. Smoove, Martin Starr, Tony Revolori, Remy Hii and Marisa Tomei


DIRECTOR(S): Jon Watts

THE BACK STORY: Still reeling from the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home finds Peter Parker (Tom Holland) still attempting to get over the [SPOILER ALERT – BUT YOU’VE HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO FIND THIS OUT!] death of his mentor Tony Stark. Now, Tony’s trusted right hand man Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) is trying to help Peter progress and move forward; Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smulders), on the other hand, are hoping to talk to him about the Elementals, a threat that just popped up in Mexico and may be moving in to more spots around the globe. 


Peter, however, has one thing on his mind – well two, if you count his suspicious about what his Aunt May (Marisa Tomei) may be up to in her free time – and that’s his upcoming class trip to Europe with Ned (Jacob Balaton), MJ (Zendaya), Flash (Tony Revolori), Betty (Angourie Rice), Brad (Remy Hii) and their science teachers/chaperones Mr. Harrington (Martin Starr) and Mr. Bell (J.B. Smoove). Unfortunately for Peter, (1) Nick Fury isn’t going to take kindly to him trying to ghost his calls; (2) Brad – who grew up quite a bit in the 5 years after “the blip” – has his eyes on MJ, too and (3) It seems like that disturbance in Mexico seems to be heading towards Europe.


But luckily for Peter, he’s about to get some help in form of a soldier from an alternate Earth who has come to fights the Elementals by the name of Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) … Or, as the world will soon come to know him, Mysterio …
THE REVIEW: Given all that happened in the latter movie, many fans were shocked to learn that it would be Spider-Man: Far From Home and not Avengers: Endgame that would wrap up Marvel’s Phase Three plans. It would almost seem that by doing so, Far From Home would have an immense amount of pressure to live up to, especially since a year is slated to pass before Marvel drops another film on the public. But this is Marvel we’re talking about, which means there is no way they were going to let Sony Pictures let one of its most iconic characters go out and make the studio nor Iron Man down.In other words, Far From Home lives up to expectations and then some with a well-crafted story, action sequences, plenty of humor and a game-changing ending worthy of passing the torch from Tony Stark to Peter Parker.

Given that longtime fans of the character have already watched Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield attempt to carve out their own niche as Spider-Man, Holland may now own the mantle as the definitive actor to play him – Far From Home serving as his greatest showcase to date. Exhibiting the classic naiveté of a teenager at times as he still tries to understand of what he is fully capable both as a superhero and a young man with his eye on a girl, Holland also shows all of the classic comic book elements that made Spider-Man such a big deal in the first place in terms of his humor, creativity and strength when he is forced to step up and go to battle. His interactions with his all of co-stars only serve to enhance these facets of the character as his ragtag group of fellow students feels perfectly cast with Balaton, Zendaya, Revolori, Hii and Rice all adding perfectly to the story.

Likewise, the adults more than come through in Far From Home with their respective roles. While you’re never really going to ever go wrong with Jackson doing Jackson-like things for two hours as Nick Fury with Smulders exhibiting a calm cool as his second-in-command, Favreau keeps his comedy contingency high while adding as a bit of diet Stark to whom Holland’s Parker can vent his frustrations. Tomei keeps finding ways to make the cinematic version of Aunt May more interesting she’s ever been and Gyllenhaal expertly exhibits all of the elements of his character ala the way Michael Keaton did in Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Director Jon Watts (who co-wrote the film with Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers) proves his previous work with Spider-Man wasn’t a fluke, as Far From Home steps up everything the aforementioned Homecoming does in terms of pacing, humor, peril, general storytelling and visual engagement well. The film never feels as long as its 2 hour, 15 minute running time, no moments feel wasted and his ability to get everything he needs in the moment out of his actors definitely pays dividends with the finished product. In short, Watts and co. have done the thing that is very hard to do with any superhero story, let alone a movie in general: Craft a tale that satisfies every need with a cast that you won’t spend time second-guessing if they were right for the role and a story that contains enough original, organic moments combined “oh – didn’t see that coming!” ones to tie into the larger world (in this case, the Marvel Cinematic Universe / MCU for short) while still being its own unique thing.

So while the character himself may be far from home, the latest Spider-Man movie proves that when it comes to the future of the MCU, he’s definitely found one as long as Holland, Watts and co. can continue to deliver quality stories like this.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 


McCoy on Movies: The Dead Don’t Die

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Jim Jarmusch brings art house to the zombie world with inspired(at times) but somewhat tedious The Dead Don’t Die

“You best believe Kylo Ren knows how to swing a wooden lightsaber, buddy!” Officer Ronald Peterson (Adam Driver) in a scene from writer/director Jim Jarmusch’s THE DEAD DON’T DIE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Frederick Elmes / Focus Features © 2019 Image Eleven Productions, Inc.

 

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE:


 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Chloë Sevingy, Tilda Swinton, Selena Gomez Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Caleb Landry Jones, Rosie Perez, Iggy Pop, Sara Driver, RZA, Carol Kane, Austin Butler, Luka Sabbat, Larry Fessenden, Maya Delmont, Taliyah Whitaker, Jahi Di’Allo Winston and Tom WaitsDIRECTOR(S): Jim Jarmusch

THE BACK STORY: The small town of Centerville, Pennsylvania (population 700 and change) is a quiet burg. Chief of Police Cliff Robertson (Bill Murray) is used to the sleepy little town, as is his second-in-command Officer Ronald Peterson and fellow officer Minerva “Mindy” Morrison (Chloë Sevingy). While he occasionally has to deal with calls from local farmer Frank Miller (Steve Buscemi) about Hermit Bob (Tom Waits), Cliff is able to enjoy his days usually grabbing coffee and donuts at the diner where Fern (Eszter Balint) and Lily (Rosal Colon) work and local hardware store owner Hank (Danny Glover) hangs out, chatting with local motel manager Danny Perkins (Larry Fessenden) driving past the local gas station where Bobby Wiggins (Caleb Landry Jones) can be found reciting horror movie knowledge with Dean (RZA). Then again, the town has plenty to talk about since new mortician Zelda Winston (Tilda Swinton) has proven herself to be quite the character given her style of dress, her voice and … Just about everything else about her. 


But once local news reports start to talk about the possible effects of fracking throwing the earth off its axis, extended periods of daylight become a regular thing and … Oh yeah, people start getting murdered in the most grisly of ways, it seems as if only explanation can be made: The dead are now walking the earth … And they refuse to stay dead.
THE REVIEW: A zombie movie for people who don’t like zombie movies or a movie that zombie movie fans will probably be bored by, The Dead Don’t Die is a satirical take on a genre that has seemingly run its course. Problem is, given its slow pace, extended scenes that don’t need to be anywhere near as long as they are and a few plot points that are either too silly even for a satire or just aren’t explained at all in a way the average moviegoer will appreciate, The Dead Don’t Die will either live or die with each person that sees it.Poking fun at how easily people set themselves up in zombie movies and occasionally breaking the fourth wall with humorous results, The Dead Don’t Die also fails to do anything out of the ordinary, feeling at times like a snarky homage to and the very type of zombie films it looks to skewer. Whereas Murray is the old grizzled veteran that should have quit as time passed him by eons ago, Driver shines as the young “ok, this is how it is now let’s roll” male lead who is smarter than everyone around him. Likewise, Sevingy is the definition of a screaming, scared female character while Swinton delivers on the fearless potential savior/absolute weirdo with a secret that could ONLY exist in a world like this.

Likewise, while some may revel in his apparent message of consumerism, writer/director Jim Jarmusch’s 12th feature-length film does what he traditionally has been known to do: Explore, exploit and ultimately polarize. While some will revel in the various subtle subtext exploration of the zombie genre and the roles actors play within them before suffering their ultimate fates, plenty will simply the see the film as a lot of waiting around for something to happen with a few funny moments … That ultimately ends in the same place as a majority of zombie movies but in less entertaining fashion. Yes, there will be genuinely funny moments … Coupled with a LOT of “seen this before” and “yeah, I get it but … meh” moments.

At 118 minutes in length, one could make a strong argument that cutting at least 20 of them would immensely help the film’s pacing and storytelling to make sure the audience’s enthusiasm for the story doesn’t fade. Then again, that’s not Jarmusch’s style; it’s a take the good with the bland or leave it approach. When it works, it works well to produce laughter and an appreciation for what he is trying to do; at worst, it’s just another zombie movie relying on its actors’ talents to compensate for a lack of storytelling and/or ambitious storytelling that falls short of the mark it aspires to hit. Again, this is Jarmusch’s style, so you’ll either find The Dead Don’t Die to be exactly what the zombie genre has been missing or at the very least appreciate it for what it is … Or absolutely be bored by it as much many Walking Dead fans have been with the show’s latter seasons (or that less inspired Fear the Walking Dead spinoff).

And while The Dead Don’t Die, it certainly seems like this film is ready for the genre to do so – and it’s willing to do its part to make sure that happens sooner than later.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 


McCoy on Movies: Rampage

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Rampage proves not all video games deserve to be movies … Especially when they’re this bad.

“Wait! Stop – I’ve got a better movie coming out soon!” Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson) and George (Jason Liles) in New Line Cinema’s and ASAP Entertainment’t action-adventure RAMPAGE. Credit: © 2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment.

WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE: 

 


 

 



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Dwayne Johnson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Naomie Harris, Jake Lacy, Malin Akerman, P.J. Byrne, Marley Shelton, Breanne Hill, Jack Quaid, Matt Gerald, Jason Liles, Demetrius Grosse and Will Yun Lee

WRITER(S): Ryan Engle and Carlton Cuse & Ryan J. Condal and Adam Sztykiel (screenplay), Ryan Engle (story)

DIRECTOR(S): Brad Peyton

 
WEB SITE: www.RampageTheMovie.comHERE’S THE STORY: Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson) is a primatologist who loves working with his buddy George (an albino gorilla performed by Jason Liles) more than he does with people. But unbecknownst to him, the cunning and manipulative Claire Wyden (Malin Akerman) and her halfwit brother Brett (Jake Lacy) are the heads of a Chicago-based corporation that conducted an experiment that will soon change George’s life forever. You see, Claire and Brett have come up with a pathogen engineered by disgraced scientist Dr. Kate Caldwell (Naomie Harris) that can weaponize anything that comes in contact with it.


So, when George starts to grow in size and aggression, Davis is understandably concerned since he doesn’t know or understand what is happening to his friend. But, once government cowboy Harvey Russell (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) tells him about the 30-foot wolf also on the loose, he starts to get an idea.


… Just wait till they all find out about what has started swimming off the coast of Florida …

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? Children under 18; people who just need a few explosions, fight sequences and simple jokes to make them happy, Jeffrey Dean Morgan fans; people who like gorillas

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? Dwayne Johnson and Jeffrey Dean Morgan fans; anyone paying attention

SO IS IT GOOD, BAD OR JUST AWFUL? Two things I’m going to admit right off the top of this review: 


(1) As a professional wrestling sports entertainment fan, I have for the better part of going on 20+ years been a fan of the man once known as The Rock, Dwayne Johnson. As my all-time favorite in-ring performer, I’ve seen nearly every TV and film role the man has done, save for The Game Plan, San Andreas and The Tooth Fairy – the latter two of which are regarded as, while somewhat commercially successful, among his worst work. (I mean there’s always The Scorpion King, but everyone has to start somewhere.)


(2) I grew up as a child during the 1980s, when arcades were plentiful and rich, glorious after school haunts where hordes of children would congregate to play the latest in the still relatively new technology of video games – and oh, how glorious those days were! There was Punch-Out! (long before Mike Tyson came into the mix), Paperboy, Dragon’s Lair … And then there was Rampage. The inspiration for the video-game-within-the-video-game-movie Wreck-It Ralph, Rampage was a simple, side-scrolling beat-’em-up that had a simple concept: Three human beings had been mutated – George into a giant brown gorilla, Ralph into a huge werewolf … And a woman named Lizzie into a huge alligator – by a mega-vitamin, radioactive lake or food additive. As you fight off military forces trying to stop you, you eat people hiding in buildings while smashing buildings, clearing a level once you had finished obliterating the structures present to little more than rubble. And if your character’s rampage stopped, you were reduced to a very embarrassed human being walking off screen with your hands covering the parts a leaf would if this were the Garden of Eden.


And that was it. A game simple enough in its execution and enjoyment that seemed as basic as your could get for 1986. Problem is, someone decided that classic by Midway Games needed to be a nearly two hour movie. Wanna know what 40 year-old me learned that nearly 10 year-old me didn’t know back then?


Sometimes its best to leave childish things to children … because as much as I love Dwayne Johnson and the Rampage video game, Rampage the movie is a prime candidate for the 2018 Golden Raspberry Awards and deservingly so. For this movie is an absolute gorilla-sized horrible excuse of a B (or F) movie that thankfully Harambe will never see.


I almost don’t even know where to really start with Rampage. I mean, Johnson tries his absolute best to make the film anything close to salvageable, but given the downright cartoonish brother-sister villain combo played by Akerman and Lacy (who also deserve Razzies for their “work”), the “I’m Negan 24/7 now” smiling slickness that is Morgan’s performance, the fake “I’m a soldier – I can’t listen to anything close to reason!” colonel that is Demetrius Grosse (channeling his inner Thunderbolt Ross right down to the high-and-tight mustache) and the “here’s the answer for everything even though I seem clueless as hell” scientist played by Harris, there is no other option even close to choose. 


George might not only be the best character but best actor in the film, which is either a CGI triumph or a travesty for his human counterparts, if not both. (At least Joe Manganiello had the common sense to take a role that obscures his face so that most people won’t even notice.)


Of course, the bad acting is only possibly outdone by the film’s dialogue – which sounds like a 12 year-old wrote it with the help of his slightly smarter but still immature older brother. Of course, when you make every scene predictable so you can sit in the audience and deconstruct it as it unfolds on the screen Mystery Science Theater 3000-style with direction that feels copycatted from just about any other monster movie you’ve seen, you can’t be surprised at the “how is the hero surviving moments that should have killed him five times over?!” action sequences. (Seriously, for a man with no superpowers, even Bruce Willis’ John McClane would have said “C’mon man – you’d be dead by now!”)At the advance screening I attended, there were more than enough audience members who laughed at a few of the film’s borderline-level dad jokes, liked the monster fights and ignored the straight illogical (even for the world the film creates) actions of the film’s characters. Then again, plenty of people once thought the world was flat … And many people who are not scientists (or who have never paid attention to science) still think it is.Unfortunately, the only thing flat is Rampage – because this film is so corny/ridiculous, it might make smart audiences go on one back to the ticket office demanding their money back.

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):

 

McCoy on Movies: READY PLAYER ONE

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Steven Spielberg delivers a visually stunning arcade experience long on
optical treats with his adaptation of Ready Player One

“This is probably not the right time to work on our Kid N’ Play kickstep dance moves, huh?!” Samantha (Olivia Cooke) and Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) in a scene from Warner Bros. Pictures’, Amblin Entertainment’s and Village Roadshow Pictures’ action adventure READY PLAYER ONE, a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Credit: Jaap Buitendijk © 2018 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Village Roadshow Films North America, Inc. and Ratpac-Dune Entertainment, LLC. – U.S. Canada, Bahamas & Bermuda.


WATCH THE TRAILER(S) HERE: 

 


 

 



KEY CAST MEMBERS: Tye Sheridan, Mark Rylance, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, T.J. Miller, Lena Waithe, Hannah John-Kamen, Simon Pegg, Philip Zao, Win Morisaki, Susan Lynch and Ralph Ineson

WRITER(S): Zak Penn and Ernest Cline (screenplay); Ernest Cline (based on the novel by)

DIRECTOR(S): Steven Spielberg 

 
WEB SITE: http://readyplayeronemovie.com/HERE’S THE STORY: Based on Ernest Cline’s immensely popular best-selling book of the same name, Ready Player One stars Tye Sheridan as Wade Watts, a young man living in 2045 Columbus, Ohio. With most of society in a state of dystopia for unknown reasons, Wade lives in a slum known simply as “The Stacks” with his aunt (Susan Lynch) and her less-than-stellar current boyfriend (Ralph Ineson). And like many people, Wade spends most of his time by playing in an online video game system known as “The Oasis.” The creation of the eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance), the Oasis is more than just an online video game network, it’s the escape from reality of choice for just about everyone. 


And then Halliday dies – leaving behind a challenge that prompts just about any and everyone to log on to the Oasis: Find three keys and unlock an Easter egg that will result in the winner being given all the rights to Oasis. 


Wade – better known by his online avatar of Parzival  – is determined to win the prize as is his online best friend Aech (Lena Waithe) and fellow gamers Daito (Win Morisaki) and Sho (Phillip Zhao). But he’s not counting on is the presence of Art3mis (Olivia Cooke) and Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn); for whereas Art3mis is hoping to find the egg for a positive purpose, Sorrento is hoping to win to give his company Innovative Online Industries (IOI for short) the ability to monetize the Oasis and basically run the world. And since Sorrento has the help of I-Rok (T.J. Miller) to help him, the odds are heavily stacked against Parzival.


But then again, what’s a good video game without some impossible odds to overcome?

WHO WILL LIKE THIS FILM THE MOST? People who love Spielberg’s 80s work; those who love video games; those who liked the book and will be excited to see it brought to life on the big screen; fans of The Shining; people who love seeing 80s and 90s pop culture hidden like video game Easter eggs throughout a film

WHO WON’T (OR SHOULDN’T) LIKE THIS MOVIE? People hoping for more details from the book; those who have zero interest in gaming, especially online gaming; parents upset that you can have one f-bomb in a movie and still receive a PG-13 film rating

SO IS IT GOOD, BAD OR JUST AWFUL? A film that feels visually built for generations of video game enthusiasts while blending in elements of classic Steven Spielberg films, Ready Player One is a visual masterpiece … With just enough acting behind it to back up that optical appeal.


Make no mistake about it, Ready Player One follows a lot of classic Spielberg young actor-led films to a “T,” just in a modern (or futuristic, if you will) setting with eye-popping visuals. Almost like the veteran director’s own Avatar, the digital scenes in One are amazing. The race and Shining sequences are nearly worth the price of admission alone, showcasing the type of imagery the creators of 4K Ultra HD must have dreamed of while perfecting the technology. 


Visuals aside, Ready Player One delivers an easily digestible story that, as mentioned above, has all the elements of a Spielberg young-actor driven story: 

  1. A young man who’s disconnected and/or has lost the adults in his life (√);
  2. A young girl that is going to make that young man come out of his comfort zone and/or mature once he gets over his own nerves (√);
  3. A group of fellow, young misfits that will assist our hero along the way (√);
  4. A villain with cartoonish qualities (note: this is ONLY in Spielberg films where the protagonist is young and not Indiana Jones style affairs) (√); AND
  5. A sympathetic, simple older character (a la Goonies) that seems out of place in the real world and needs the young protagonist(s) to understand him or her (√).
Sheridan proves himself capable in his human and avatar form of moving the story forward, but it’s really a team effort as he is at his best when interacting with his fellow gamers – especially when in avatar form. Of course, if you are not up on gamer culture or your 80s references, much of the fun of One will likely be lost on you as a lack of a frame of reference will severely hurt your understanding.
If it seems like I’m not saying too much about the story or the acting therein, there is a reason: While competent, the film is more an ensemble piece of technology and story held together by the compelling (if not “here’s my depiction of the ultimate sweetheart nerd’) performance of Rylance and the fascinating, engaging world of the Oasis. TJ Miller nearly steals the show as Sorrento’s avatar hitman I-Rok, delivering his trademark sarcastic quips with humorous fury whenever he gets a chance. That’s what ultimately makes the movie more of a great visual experience than an emotional one: One’s characters are better developed in the digital world than in its real one, even though that’s the one the film attempts to get you to embrace.
Then again, the film is fun enough to forgive those foibles and keep you plugged in from start to finish that Ready Player One will likely be a multi-player experience audiences will enjoy for years to come.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):