MOVIE REVIEW: BIRD BOX

When a mysterious force decimates the population, only one thing is certain -- if you see it, you die. The survivors must now avoid coming face to face with an entity that takes the form of their worst fears. Searching for hope and a new beginning, a woman and her children embark on a dangerous journey through the woods and down a river to find the one place that may offer sanctuary. To make it, they'll have to cover their eyes from the evil that chases them -- and complete the trip blindfolded.

Director: Susanne Bier

Cast: Sandra Bullock,  Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander, BD Wong, Sarah Paulson, Colson Baker John Malkovich

Rating: R for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality

Release Date: December 21, 2018

Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi

Runtime: 2h 4 min

Review:

Bird Box the film is one of those film's that ultimately suffer from comparisons to another better film from this year, The Quiet Place.  The interesting thing is that the film only shares a handful of conceits with that film instead it feels much closer to a slightly elevated version of M. Night Shyamalan god awful The Happening.  That proximity doesn't do the film any favors especially since both expect you to take people running away from wind seriously and dramatically.  Bird Box, at the very least, gives a passing mention of a more supernatural explanation for the situation but it's clearly not interested in exploring the cause with any depth.  What works for the film is its direction and cast which make the film far more watchable than it should be.  Sandra Bullock carries the film with ease even if her character isn't the most likable character of the group.  Trevante Rhodes character comes off slightly better but his character isn't explored enough to come off as a fully formed character.   The remaining cast is filled with well known names and faces, all of whom elevate what amounts to fodder to get picked off as the film proceeds.  Its a missed opportunity since the cast, had they been given meatier roles, could have made for a more impactful film.  As is, Bird Box is a passable genre entry that will be quickly forgotten the instant it's over.

C 

MOVIE REVIEW: OCEAN’S 8

Five years, eight months, 12 days and counting -- that's how long Debbie Ocean has been devising the biggest heist of her life. She knows what it's going to take -- a team of the best people in the field, starting with her partner-in-crime Lou Miller. Together, they recruit a crew of specialists, including jeweler Amita, street con Constance, suburban mom Tammy, hacker Nine Ball, and fashion designer Rose. Their target -- a necklace that's worth more than $150 million.

Director: Gary Ross

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Awkwafina, Rihanna, Helena Bonham Carter

Release Date: June 8, 2018

Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime

Rated PG-13 for language, drug use, and some suggestive content

Runtime: 1h 50min

Review:

Ocean’s 8, the female centeric continuation of the Ocean franchise, is an enjoyable but safe reboot.  Gary Ross tries his best to capture that cool vibe and spirit of the original film.  He delivers a glossy fizzy film that that’s about as lightweight as they come.  Sandra Bullock leads the film ably even if her Debbie Ocean is a far call from Clooney’s Danny Ocean.  Bullock performance is fine but the film undersells its lead without much characterization, leaving her a bit of a cipher throughout.  Cate Blanchett, ever the chameleon, is lots of fun as Bullock’s partner in crime.  Blanchett and Bullock have some solid chemistry together and their plenty of fun when they’re plotting or interacting.  The remaining members of the crew are all good fun in varying degrees of effectiveness.  Anne Hathaway leaves the biggest impression with her self parody performance that people will either love or hate.  Ocean’s 8 is never boring or uninteresting but it’s all so inconsequential that you’ll probably never think about it again.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE POST

Katharine Graham is the first female publisher of a major American newspaper -- The Washington Post. With help from editor Ben Bradlee, Graham races to catch up with The New York Times to expose a massive cover-up of government secrets that spans three decades and four U.S. presidents. Together, they must overcome their differences as they risk their careers -- and very freedom -- to help bring long-buried truths to light.

Director: Steven Spielberg

Release Date: Jan 12, 2018

Cast: Meryl Streep,Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, Bruce Greenwood, Carrie Coon

Rated PG-13 for language and brief war violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 56 min.

Genres: Biography, Drama, History

Review:

The Post is a highly polished, well acted prestige film from Steven Spielberg that couldn’t feel timelier if it tired.  The film is set the in 70s but it hard not to see modern day parallels throughout.  Spielberg tries his best to keep the film self contained but its hard not to see it as a message movie.  In the hands of a lesser talent the film would have come off as more overtly preachy.  The top tier cast helps that by putting on some stellar performances.  Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks are front and center for most of the film and each turns in impressive but varied performances.  Streep turn as Katharine Graham is a study in subtleness and nuance as we watch her character find her place and ultimately her resolve to lead.  Tom Hanks is a rougher around the edges but still likable and relatable even though he and Streep play fairly Waspy characters.  The supporting characters are all played by top level character actors, like Bob Odenkirk, Carrie Coon and Bradley Whitford, and they give the film a strong steady feel throughout.  While the film has all the right ingredients there’s just something about it that keeps the audience at arms length that keeps it from being a classic.  The Post is still strong enough to make for a perfect companion All The President’s Men.

A-