MOVIE REVIEW: ARGYLLE

 

Reclusive author Elly Conway writes best-selling espionage novels about a secret agent named Argylle who's on a mission to unravel a global spy syndicate. However, when the plots of her books start to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, the line between fiction and reality begin to blur.

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Cast: Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara, Dua Lipa, Ariana DeBose, John Cena, Samuel L. Jackson

Release Date: February 2, 2024 

Genre: Action, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for strong violence and action and some strong language.

Runtime: 2h 19m

Review:

Argylle, the latest spy riff from Matthew Vaughn, is overstuffed to the point of exhaustion as it hurls a seemingly endless barrage of twists at the screen which would make even M. Night Shyamalan blush.  Initially, Vaughn's film has a breezy feel as it plays with a fun premises.  The early action sequences that pepper in bits of Henry Cavill doing his best Bond impression is energetic and engaging.  Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell have some fun chemistry with both making the best of their likeable onscreen charm.  Howard is appropriately nebbish early on as insanity plays out around her.  Rockwell seems to be having a blast playing the superspy guiding her and it all works fairly well in the film's opening act.  Bryan Cranston hams it up as the film's central villain but much like the movie's plot, his performance gets progressively more exaggerated and outsized especially as the first reveal which alone would have been a fun thread to chase.  Instead, that initial reveal is barely given anytime to breathe before another U Turn takes in another silly direction follow by another and another.  There are a few fun action sequences interspersed between it all, but those slower moments are noticeably slow especially as the film gets more aggressively silly, highlighted by a colorful bullet filled dance and skating sequence which makes it clear that it’s all intentionally stupid.  In a weird way, Vaughn and his cast end up delivering a modern day Naked Gun film which would have been fun if it weren't so incredibly overstuffed.  

C-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Good Nurse & See How They Run

My dear reader(s): Yesterday I treated myself to a good old-fashioned double-feature. If it was from my sofa rather than from my old seat at the cinema...well...I'm still going to frame it as a step back towards normal. On the docket: The Good Nurse and See How They Run.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: The Good Nurse.

A physically and financially overburdened nurse begins to suspect her helpful new co-worker is not as he appears.

Based on a true story, the Good Nurse stars Academy Award winners Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne, punching below their weight. The film maintains tension decently — even if viewers may remember the outcome from the news — yet it still seems to arrive at its destination a little too quickly and conveniently. Fortunately, the story itself is compelling enough to hold attention, and Chastain and Redmayne (along with the stellar Noah Emmerich) would make it worth a look regardless of its other flaws.

The Good Nurse runs 121 minutes and is rated R for language.

The Good Nurse is essentially a network movie of the week, elevated by its exceptional cast. Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Good Nurse gets six and a half.

The Good Nurse is now streaming on Netflix.

Next on my agenda: See How They Run.

In 1950s London, attempts to make a film version of a long-running play are derailed when a key individual is murdered.

See How They Run is a proper, old-school murder mystery with an excellent cast, featuring Sam Rockwell, Adrien Brody, David Oyelowo, a particularly charming Saoirse Ronan, and the always delightful Ruth Wilson. The self-aware film moves quickly, keeps its secrets well, and boasts terrific costumes, styling, and set design. In the "before times," this is the sort of movie I'd have awaited anxiously, run out to see on opening day, and written about — if not glowingly — then at least very, very positively. These days, I'm excited it turned up for free, I loved watching these actors work with a decent script and pretty outfits, and I liked it well enough that I didn't play on my phone the whole time it was on.

See How They Run clocks in at a quick 98 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some violence/bloody images, and a sexual reference."

See How They Run is a fun mystery that boasts solid performances from its wonderful cast. Of a possible nine Weasleys, See How They Run gets seven.

See How They Run is now streaming on HBO Max.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: JOJO RABBIT

Jojo is a lonely German boy who discovers that his single mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their attic. Aided only by his imaginary friend -- Adolf Hitler -- Jojo must confront his blind nationalism as World War II continues to rage on.

Director: Taika Waititi

Cast: Roman Griffin Davis,Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebel Wilson, Stephen Merchant, Alfie Allen, Sam Rockwell, Taika Waititi

Release Date: October 18, 2019

Genres: Comedy, Drama, War

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language

Runtime: 1h 48min

Review:

Jojo Rabbit’s concept may sound odd on paper but some how Taika Waititi makes the whole thing work.  Waititi’s irreverent type of humor is perfectly suited for this satire delivering a fun, touching and moving film.  Roman Griffin Davis stars as the titual Jojo and he does an admirable job of carrying the film.  He’s likable and never feels forced which is rare for a child actor.  Thomasin McKenzie is equally impressive in her role even if she’s a bit more understated than Davis.  Scarlett Johansson’s role is limited but she makes the most of her scenes giving the film a good deal of its heart.  Taika Waititi’s Hitler is fun particularly when he breaks into full bore Hitlering.  Sam Rockwell and Alfie Allen are good fun in supporting roles.  The cast as a whole makes this dark subject matter end up being a feel good film with a timely message given our current state of political tribalism.  It’s not a perfect film with the final act lingering on a bit too long but otherwise it’s surprisingly thoughtful film with some real heart. 

A

MOVIE REVIEW: RICHARD JEWELL

During the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, security guard Richard Jewell discovers a suspicious backpack under a bench in Centennial Park. With little time to spare, he helps to evacuate the area until the incendiary device inside the bag explodes. Hailed as a hero who saved lives, Jewell's own life starts to unravel when the FBI names him the prime suspect in the bombing.

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde

Release Date: December 13, 2019

Genres: Drama

Rated R for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images

Runtime: 2h 9min

Review:

Clint Eastwood’s Richard Jewell is an engaging but flawed filmed even though the performances and direction is strong all around.  Eastwood crafts an engrossing film about the truth life event with Paul Walter Hauser delivering a singular performance.  Hauser gives Jewell a sort of Forrest Gump vibe from the get go even though it’s readily apparent that certain aspects of Jewell’s life reeked of warming signs.  He’s painted as an earnest if somewhat delusional individual who ultimately wanted to do the right thing.  His interplay with Sam Rockwell and Kathy Bates really gives the film a spark that gives the understated film life its beating heart.  Unfortunately, the film’s script takes massive liberties with another real life person and their actions.  It’s a glaring misstep that damages the film’s credibility by deciding to go for a clichéd and misogynistic take on the female reporter who is the defacto villain in the film.  It’s a bit puzzlingly that Olivia Wilde would take the role in the first place and then give the character nearly no depth.  Having Jon Hamm do Don Draper with an FBI badge only exasperates how problematic the characterization is.  The fact that Clint Eastwood and his screen writer have no issue taking such an antiquated approach really keeps the film from being some truly special if they’d just gone for a more nuanced approach to the story.  As is, it’s a well acted drama that tells the story of a true life event with fictionalized elements.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: VICE

Gov. George W. Bush of Texas picks Dick Cheney, the CEO of Halliburton Co., to be his Republican running mate in the 2000 presidential election. No stranger to politics, Cheney's impressive résumé includes stints as White House chief of staff, House Minority Whip and defense secretary. When Bush wins by a narrow margin, Cheney begins to use his newfound power to help reshape the country and the world.

Director: Adam McKay

Cast: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Jesse Plemons

Release Date: December 25, 2018

Genres: Biography, Comedy, Drama

Rated R for language and some violent images

Runtime: 2h 12 min

Review:

Vice is an interesting movie to experience.  At its base it’s about a Washington power player who ascends to the highest levels of office and enacting some of worst portions of the Bush presidency.  Vice, though, isn’t interested in a straightforward approach.  Instead Adam McKay opts for something a bit more comedic and much more meta.  As such, the film is  entertaining because of how the story is told even while rooting around in some of the darker parts of the last 10 years.  In addition to McKay’s style, the cast is all stellar with each of them disappearing into their respective roles.  Christian Bale leads the film with one of his body transformations.  But outside of the drastic body transformation, Bale simply dissolves into Dick Cheney utterly inhabiting his skin. It’s the type of performance that’s a shoe in for an Oscar nod.  Amy Adams, in a quieter and less showy role, is equally impressive as Cheney’s Lady MacBeth Lynn Cheney.  The supporting roles are peppered with familiar faces like Sam Rockwell and Steve Carrell all of whom turn in quality performances that make the film all the better.  Ultimately, your enjoyment of the film maybe tempered by your political stance since the film isn’t necessary going to win many approving nods from one side of the isle.  If the film has a major fault it’s that even with all the excellent performances, we are kept at arms length from the characters themselves.  We never get a real sense of who these people are or what truly motivates them.  We see their actions but never truly know why they do what they do and perhaps that’s McKay’s point.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING MISSOURI

After months have passed without a culprit in her daughter's murder case, Mildred Hayes makes a bold move, painting three signs leading into her town with a controversial message directed at William Willoughby, the town's revered chief of police. When his second-in-command, Officer Dixon -- an immature mother's boy with a penchant for violence -- gets involved, the battle is only exacerbated. 

Director: Martin McDonagh

Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones, Lucas Hedges

Rated R for violence, language throughout, and some sexual references

Genres: Crime, Drama

Runtime: 1h 55min

Review:

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri is a challenging pitch black dramdey that’s engaging throughout even if it never offers any clear answers or resolutions to it’s story.  Martin McDonagh has experience dealing with deeply flawed characters with some humor mixed in, something he did wonderfully in In Bruges.  Martin McDonagh deals with similarly troubled character here even if he doesn’t quiet work the same alchemy he pulled off with In Bruges.  McDonagh film mostly works even though the tonal shifts are occasionally jarring.  Its anchor throughout is Frances McDormand who is simply a force of nature throughout.  Her performance is even more impressive since she’s pulls it off fairly effortlessly.  Woody Harrelson is always a welcome sight and he’s on his game here, sadly he’s only in the film’s first third and the film misses his presences afterward.  Sam Rockwell is solid throughout even if the character fairly unlikable.  There’s a bit of a redemption arch presented but it’s a slightly strange message since his character is referenced as having done terrible things before the story starts.  The film is filled those kind of challenging contradictions and it can occasionally be difficult but the performances make it worthwhile.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Dearest Blog: Having returned from the Big City, yesterday I utilized my recovery day to sneak in another Justice League screening, justified by pairing it with likely awards favorite Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailer.

A grieving mother finds a unique way of holding local law enforcement to account for its failure to find her daughter's killer.

Dear reader(s), Three Billboards left me adrift, so the following may seem disjointed and even contradictory at times. Know that this movie is, without question, worth your time, but it is challenging.

The quality of the performances in Three Billboards is breathtaking. It seems almost unfair to call out anyone individually when the ensemble as a whole is so extraordinary, BUT...Sam Rockwell. Just give this man an Oscar already! Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson are magnificent beyond words, and Peter Dinklage will manage to break your heart with less than 15 minutes total screen time. Incredible all 'round.

Much of Three Billboards is laugh-out-loud funny, despite the somber subject matter and sad consequences of the characters' actions. For the most part, said characters are are bigoted rubes who behave badly and selfishly, yet they aren't unlikable. The story is riveting, but the picture moves slowly and seems quite a lot longer than it actually is. Language throughout is nearly as brutal as the incident that propels the film, not just your garden-variety swearing, but also racial and homophobic slurs. While it may be realistic, it's also jarring and wears thin very quickly, ultimately making the film feel a lot like work. Without divulging any specifics about the ending, I will say simply that it is sure to be one of those controversial love-it-or-hate-it endings that leaves folks talking for months to come. (For the record, I loved it.)

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri runs 115 minutes and is rated R for "violence, language throughout, and some sexual references."

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri has been called the best movie of the year. For my money it's not that, but it is a thought-provoking exercise and an acting master class that's well worth your movie dollar.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri gets eight.

Fangirl points: Zeljko Ivanek! John Hawkes!

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: COWBOYS AND ALIENS

IN THEATERS

COWBOYS AND ALIENS



Based on the graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, Cowboys & Aliens starts in 1800s Arizona, where the local cowboys, headed by gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig), and the indigenous Apache tribe have been feuding fiercely for quite a while. Their skirmish is interrupted, however, by the appearance of a spaceship, commanded by an alien creature that's bent on enslaving the human race. It's time for a six-gun shoot-out between these cattle rustlers and space invaders, and there might even be a temporary peace between the cowboys and Indians as they both take aim at these extraterrestrial uninvited guests. Jon Favreau directs from a script by Star Trek scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, with help from Lost's Damon Lindelof. Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, and Sam Rockwell fill out the headlining cast. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Director: Jon Favreau

Cast: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano

Release Date: Jul 29, 2011

Rated PG-13 for Intense sequences of western and sci-fi action and violence, some partial nudity and a brief crude reference

Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Cowboys and Aliens is the type of film that should just reek of fun. A galloping mash up of genres that keeps you excited and thrilled throughout. Instead, Jon Favreau delivers a dour film that rarely thrills and occasionally falls into motionless boredom. As a film, it’s mostly inert moving forward only because it must. The characters are all variations of classic film characters and there’s not much of a twist brought to them here. There’s nothing interesting about any of the characters or particularly deep. This would be entirely forgivable if the spectacle of it all was rousing and exciting. The cast assembled is an impressive collection stars and stellar character actors. Daniel Craig is a sight in his full cowboy get up but he’s not asked to do much but pose and occasionally say something. Harrison Ford seems barely interested in the film or role. His lines are delivered like he’s in a hurry to get off the set. Olivia Wilde isn’t asked to do much but look out of place and then really be out of place in the latter half of the film. Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Adam Beach, Keith Carradine, Walton Goggins and David O’Hara would all make a hell of a film in their own right but here’s they’re mostly wasted in pointless bit parts that could have been filled by mannequins. With the assembled talent behind and in front of the camera you’d expect a somewhat passable film by default. Sadly this overlong comic adaptation is devoid of any fun or originality.

D

Movie Reviews: MOON

Sunday, February 07, 2010
Movie Reviews: MOON
ON DVD

MOON

An astronaut miner extracting the precious moon gas that promises to reverse the Earth's energy crisis nears the end of his three-year contract, and makes an ominous discovery in this psychological sci-fi film starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey. For three long years, Sam Bell has dutifully harvested Helium 3 for Lunar, a company that claims it holds the key to solving humankind's energy crisis. As Sam's contract comes to an end, the lonely astronaut looks forward to returning to his wife and daughter down on Earth, where he will retire early and attempt to make up for lost time. His work on the Selene moon base has been enlightening -- the solitude helping him to reflect on the past and overcome some serious anger issues -- but the isolation is starting to make Sam uneasy. With only two weeks to go before he begins his journey back to Earth, Sam starts feeling strange: he's having inexplicable visions, and hearing impossible sounds. Then, when a routine extraction goes horribly awry, it becomes apparent that Lunar hasn't been entirely straightforward with Sam about their plans for replacing him. The new recruit seems strangely familiar, and before Sam returns to Earth, he will grapple with the realization that the life he has created may not be entirely his own. Up there, hundreds of thousands of miles from home, it appears that Sam's contract isn't the only thing about to expire. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide


Cast: Sam Rockwell, Kaya Scodelario, Benedict Wong, Matt Berry, Malcolm Stewart.


Director: Duncan Jones


Release Date: ..Jun 12, 2009..


Rated R for language


Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min.


Genres: Drama, Thriller


Review:


Duncan Jones feature film debut is the type of film that makes life long science fiction fans feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Recalling Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 with its look and the ever present computer assistant, Jones creates an atmospheric and engaging film that is more about concepts and philosophical musing than the actions on screen. While 2001 is the first thing that comes to mind, its themes and ideas are closer to Solaris, the Soviet sci-fi classic. Jones eye and pacing are very measured and he allows the audience to get a sense of the silence and isolation the story’s main character is experiencing and feeling. Sam Rockwell is on full display here as the film is pretty much a stage for him to show off his entire range of talent. Rockwell is fascinating and intriguing throughout, playing the character at the start and end of his life is daunting challenge but he pulls it off with ease. Kevin Spacey provides the voice for Rockwell’s automated co star Gerty. Spacey’s monotone and disarming timber gives Gerty an artificial yet compassionate voice. That coupled with Gerty’s wide array of smileys that mimic the conversation make for an interesting counterpart to Rockwell’s character. Jones debut makes a strong impression but lacks tension or mystery throughout. The plot feels like it plays its hand a tad too early as there’s very little suspense in the final act. Personally I was left expecting a bit more from the actual story. Still its themes and questions are fascinating food for thought especially for life long science fiction fans who don’t need massive FX or invading aliens to intrigue the mind.


B+