MOVIE REVIEW: SPEAK NO EVIL

 

A dream holiday turns into a living nightmare when an American couple and their daughter spend the weekend at a British family's idyllic country estate.

Director: James Watkins

Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Scoot McNairy

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Rated R for some strong violence, language, some sexual content and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1h 50m

Review:

Speak No Evil is a thriller with a lot on its mind delivered in a glossy package by James Watkins paired with a fascinating and multifaceted turn from James McAvoy.  Watkins remake of the 2022 Danish film is immediately engaging and efficient in getting to the meat of the story.  The tension ramps up fairly quickly as we get to know each of the couples in greater detail and Watkins smartly allows his cast to carry the film.  Their interactions are increasingly uncomfortable and darkly funny throughout even if there aren't a ton of surprises in the story since it all plays out in a fairly predictable manner.  It all would have been much less entertaining if the film wasn't blessed with such a strong cast headlined by James McAvoy.  McAvoy runs the gamut of emotions, similar to his turn in 2016's Split, as the alpha male who can go from charming to menacing in the blink of an eye.  He maintains an impressive intensity throughout which is impressive but some of his more subtle mannerisms really flesh out the character giving him more depth and pathos.  His simmering energy is the oil that makes the entire engine run but Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi and Scoot McNairy prove to be more than capable of holding their own in slightly less showy roles.  Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy are impressively authentic as a married couple whose dysfunctional dynamics isn't all that difficult to spot.  Davis brings a perfect combination of liberal sweetness and passive aggressiveness to the character that pairs nicely with McNairy's beaten down emasculation.  Their interactions, especially the non verbal moments communicate so much about their relationship in such a believable manner than you can't but appreciate the work both actors turn in.  Aisling Franciosi does something similar as Paddy's pixie of a wife who's disarmingly sweet but clearly hiding something underneath.  They are all fascinating performances which standout even when compared to McAvoy's outsized turn.  The film faulters in its final act where things get crazier and slightly sillier, but it doesn't keep Speak No Evil from being a fun thrill ride.

B

MOVIE REVIEW: C’MON C’MON

 

Johnny is an emotionally stunted and softspoken radio journalist who travels the country interviewing a variety of kids about their thoughts concerning their world and their future. Then Johnny's saddled with caring for his young nephew Jesse. Jesse brings a new perspective and, as they travel from state to state, effectively turns the emotional tables on Johnny.

Director: Mike Mills

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Gaby Hoffmann, Scoot McNairy, Molly Webster, Jaboukie Young-White, Woody Norman

Release Date: November 19, 2021

Genre: Drama

Rated R for language

Runtime: 1h 49m

Review:

Mike Mills C’mon C’mon is a simplistic but elegant bit of introspection about life.  It’s the kind of cinema veritas that takes the mundane in life and makes it significant and meaningfully.  It’s a quiet soft spoken film that relies on dialogue more than anything and does so with great effectiveness.  Those looking for a hard charging plot will be left wanting for more here as very little actually happens throughout the majority of the film.  Its leisurely pace rhythm may be off putting for certain audience but there is plenty to enjoy for those that can connect to the interpersonal relationships on display.  The central relationship between Joaquin Phoenix and newcomer Woody Norman provide the beating heart for the film.  Phoenix is understated and authentic from the onset which shouldn’t be a major surprise but Woody Norman is a revelation.  Norman and Phoenix share a rare kind of screen chemistry that’s hard to find and it elevates the film which avoids most of the big clichés of the self discovery genre.  Both should be getting plenty of awards recognition once the time comes.  Gaby Hoffman and Scoot McNairy deliver strong supporting turns with Hoffman getting more time to shine.  C’mon C’mon isn’t the type of film that will appeal to everyone because of it’s pace and methodical approach to the subject matter but for those that can appreciate subtle and delicate storytelling there is plenty to love here.    

A-