Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The First Purge, Won't You Be My Neighbor, Ant-Man and the Wasp

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for what I feared would be a triple-dose of mediocrity. 

 

Though the barre was set low, I'm pleased to report all three entries were more enjoyable than anticipated.

 

My opener: The First Purge.

 

Tracing the origins of America's most infamous holiday.

 

Dear reader(s), while I make every effort not to read reviews before seeing a movie, it's impossible to avoid headlines and friends' comments entirely. What I'd read going into The First Purge didn't give me much hope, but since the things I like about the Purge movies aren't necessarily the things most folks look for, I suspected I might enjoy it nonetheless. I was correct.

 

The First Purge is the most basic of origins stories. Paper-doll characters play out a social morality tale that is so heavy-handed as to be almost laughable. The cast is unremarkable, neither as bad as the material nor good enough to elevate it. You'll spend a good deal of time wondering what on Earth ever made Marisa Tomei sign on for this. BUT...those aren't the things that make the Purge series great. Though they're in shorter supply than in the previous two installments, The First Purge boasts striking visuals, scenes and individual shots that are gorgeous despite being violent and terrifying. There are some solid jump scares, and a minimalist score by Kevin Lax perfectly underscores the deadly night's tension. The film feels long for it's brief runtime, and it misses Frank Grillo, but it was definitely a better time than I expected.

 

The First Purge runs 98 minutes and is rated R for "strong, disturbing violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexuality, and drug use."

 

It may well be the poster child for Movies Nobody Asked For, but, for my money, The First Purge isn't nearly as bad as you've heard. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, the First Purge gets five.

 

Next on the docket, the Mr. Rogers documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor.

 

A fond look back at the world's best neighbor.

 

Won't You Be My Neighbor scratches the surface of the Fred Rogers story, from his humble beginnings at WQED in Pittsburgh, to national stardom, to becoming the voice to which a nation turned for advice and solace in challenging times. The film is fortunate its subject didn't need much finesse to make compelling viewing, but it's unfortunate filmmakers never dug very deep or asked many difficult questions. Interviews with family, friends, and colleagues uniformly paint a picture of a big-hearted man whose chief concern was always the well-being of children. Anyone who veers ever-so-slightly from such recollection quickly has his path righted in the interest of a tear-jerker that reminds us we're all perfect as we are, and, whatever the question, the answer is always kindness. It's a sad testament to our current state of affairs that, through 2018's eyes, Rogers' sincerity sometimes comes across a little creepy, and that his message of love and acceptance feels almost subversive.

 

Won't You Be My Neighbor runs a quick 94 minutes and is rated PG13 for "thematic elements and language."

 

Won't You Be My Neighbor isn't an especially well-done documentary, but it's a nice tribute to a man who was a huge part of many childhoods, and whose kindness and tolerance are much missed in today's increasingly mean world. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Won't You Be My Neighbor gets six. Oh...and bring the tissues.

 

Fangirl points: the Banana Splits, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Rappers Delight (I'm not kidding) all make appearances in this movie.

 

Finally, the other side of yesterday's "unnecessary sequels" bookends, Ant-Man and the Wasp.

 

Pursued by both sides of the law, Scott Lang, Hope van Dyne, and Hank Pym form an uneasy alliance.

 

Okay, Marvel, maybe it gets a little dicey trying to meet big-screen expectations with your least-impressive super-hero, but I'm here to tell you, if the question is, "How do we fix this?" the answer is NEVER, "More Evangeline Lilly." Never, ever. Just ask the folks who made The Hobbit, m-kay?

If the first Ant-Man was a movie nobody really asked for, this sequel isn't any more necessary for having a co-headliner. However, there are some positives, so here goes. Paul Rudd is an extremely engaging lead. He's a natural at comedy and sympathetic when things turn more serious. Walton Goggins makes an able foil, and I found myself wishing for some interaction between him and the movie’s other most-watchable actor, Bobby Cannavale. (Kinda-spoiler alert: Cannavale's Paxton being the most minor of minor characters, that doesn't really happen.) It's always great to see David Dastmalchian, too. Ant-Man and the Wasp is well and properly funny; like Thor: Ragnarok, it's as much straight-up comedy as super-hero movie, and the humor never seems awkward or ill-timed. 

 

There are some nifty effects, though the 3D is rather pointless. The picture's biggest problem, outside of a hero that doesn't seem very super, is that the stakes seem comparatively low by Marvel standards. Every Marvel movie is able to stand on its own to a degree, but so closely on the heels of Infinity War, Ant-Man and the Wasp seems a little pointless. There are two stingers: a mid-credits scene that is material to the interconnected MCU, and a post-credits scene that's just for fun.

 

Ant-Man and the Wasp clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some sci-fi action violence."

Ant-Man and the Wasp is another fun but disposable entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Ant-Man and the Wasp gets five and a half.

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: ANT-MAN AND THE WASP

Scott Lang is grappling with the consequences of his choices as both a superhero and a father. Approached by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym, Lang must once again don the Ant-Man suit and fight alongside the Wasp. The urgent mission soon leads to secret revelations from the past as the dynamic duo finds itself in an epic battle against a powerful new enemy.

Director: Peyton Reed

Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Tip "T.I." Harris, Hannah John-Kamen, Abby Ryder Fortson, Randall Park, Michelle 
Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Douglas

Release Date: June 8, 2018

Genres: Action, Comedy, Crime

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

Runtime: 1h 50min

Review:

Ant-man and The Wasp is an interesting pallet cleanser after Avengers Infinity War.  Its scale is markedly smaller which should come as no surprise since it’d be hard to top the scale of Infinity War.  As such, Peyton Reed delivers a fun film that’s fun but ultimately feels inconsequential.  It’s a strange juxtaposition simply because it’s an enjoyable film that’s carried by the cast’s endless charisma but it doesn’t really add up to much.  Paul Rudd does his dead pan Paul Rudd deal which is always fun but the film’s really boosted by Evangeline Lilly taking a more active role in this entry.  Lilly and her perpetually rosy cheeks give the film a nice boost of energy with her character fitting right in with Rudd’s Ant-man.  Michael Peña and Walton Goggins are both solid in supporting roles, each providing real highlights during the film.  Sadly, Michelle Pfeiffer appearance is more of a cameo than anything else.  I’d have enjoyed a bit more of her and Michael Douglas as opposed having her character essentially serve as the film’s Mcguffin.  Still, Peyton Reed directs a fun little film that’s has some inventive action sequences and laughs to boot.  It’s not one of the best Marvel films but it’s a solid entry.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE FIRST PURGE

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.

Director: Gerard McMurray

Cast: Y'Lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade, Luna Lauren Velez, Kristen Solis, Marisa Tomei

Release Date: July 4, 2018

Genres: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi

Rated R for strong disturbing violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use

Runtime: 1h 37min

Review:

The First Purge, the 4^th film in the horror franchise, is a horror sequel that’ far better than it deserves to be.  Series writer/wreator James DeMonaco’s clunky script and characterizations, which have typified the entire franchise, is here again delivering a horror film that about as subtle as a jackhammer.  It’s never shy about letting you know what its thinking or above pointing out specifically what it’s talking about.  Still, there’s a strange effectiveness about this entry.  Director Gerard McMurray delivers a visually impressive horror thriller that’s engaging enough to make you overlook some of the story’s failings.  The visual story playing and bloody action sequences are incredibly well done, making for visceral experience.  The cast carries themselves well even with the paper thin caricatures they’re given.  The immensely talented Y'Lan Noel, known mostly for HBO’s Insecure, gives a noteworthy performance that’s sure to make some people think of a 90’s era Wesley Snipes.  It’s not a deep character but he makes an impression none the less.  The rest of the supporting cast, nearly all people of color, is made up of character actors from across the TV spectrum.  The only recognizable white face is Marisa Tomei, who’s clearly slumming it, with the rest of the Caucasian actors coming from scary white people casting.  The Purge franchise has always reminded me of late 70s early 80s sci-fi horror films, with big ambitious, ideas in a schlocky package.  The First Purge feels like an amalgam of those films blended with a healthy dose of blacksploitation, yet it somehow feels timelier than the original film did 4 years ago.  

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Sicario: Day of the Soldado

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the highly anticipated (at least by me) Sicario sequel, Day of the Soldado.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing plot-related that the trailers didn't give away.

 

In order to combat trafficking of would-be terrorists across the border, the US aims to set the Mexican drug cartels at war with one another.

 

The usual full and fair disclosure(s)...quite a laundry list this time! First, I love Josh Brolin. Like, I really, really love him...since the Goonies but especially since The Young Riders. He never seems to be one of the guys who comes up in the Gary Oldman-level conversation, but I've loved him so long he's practically part of my DNA, and, despite the fact that he's become a superstar with a hefty collection of accolades, I've never learned to take his position above the movie's title for granted. 

 

Secondly, I am what is not-so-politely referred to as "part of the problem" in Hollywood. I like testosterone-fueled shoot 'em ups, and I didn't miss a female lead this time around. (No hate; I mention it only because it does color my opinion of movies.) Finally, the real world is such a shambles these days that it can be difficult to stomach films that depict some of its worst aspects, and certainly it's never easy to be reminded how awful your own government can be. I was pretty twitchy through Day of the Soldado's opening scene, but I was able to get lost in the story quickly, troublesome as the subject matter is.

 

Onward: Sicario: Day of the Soldado is a solid follow-up to one of 2015's better surprises. The movie loses a bit of momentum in its second act, but, thanks to well-maintained tension, a fully-utilized runtime, and amazing performances all 'round, it never really lets go of your attention. An implausible twist nearly derails the whole shebang (my cinema actually laughed out loud during the grim scene, certainly not the filmmakers' intention), but the film quickly regains its footing. 

 

Brolin and co-star Benicio Del Toro are riveting, and, like the original, Day of the Soldado boasts extraordinary cinematography (this time by the incomparable Dariusz Wolski), and a phenomenal score by Hildur Guonadottir. This felt like the first time in a very, very long time I was truly excited to get out to the movies, and Sicario: Day of the Soldado did not disappoint. Also, small spoiler alert: Josh Brolin eating noodles like he's never seen food before is my new porn.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado clocks in at 122 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, bloody images, and language."

 

Sicario: Day of the Soldado as a whole is never quite as good as some of its parts, but it met my expectations and kept me engaged to the end. 

 

Of a possible nine Weaslesys, Sicario: Day of the Soldado gets eight.

 

Fangirl points: Yeah, still gotta give 'em to Josh Brolin, and also Dariusz Wolski, whose work never ceases to amaze me. AND...Shea Whigham, too!

 

Until next time...

SICARIO: DAY OF THE SOLDADO

FBI agent Matt Graver calls on mysterious operative Alejandro Gillick when Mexican drug cartels start to smuggle terrorists across the U.S. border. The war escalates even further when Alejandro kidnaps a top kingpin's daughter to deliberately increase the tensions. When the young girl is seen as collateral damage, the two men will determine her fate as they question everything that they are fighting for.

Director: Stefano Sollima

 

Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Isabela Moner, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Catherine Keener

Release Date: June 29, 2018

 

Genres: Action, Crime, Drama

Rated R for strong violence, bloody images, and language

Runtime: 2h 3min

Review:

Sicario: Day of the Soldado is a solid sequel even though it is missing that spark that made the original film so impressive.  Losing Denis Villeneuve and Roger Deakins was bound to leave a gap but new director Stefano Sollima tries his best to keep the aesthetics the same and general feel of the original.  Still there’s a noticeable talent gap which is compounded by some truly bleak sequences which are as shocking as they are rather unnecessary.  The script has a strange undercurrent of nastiness which can distract you from some strong performances.  Benicio del Toro drives the film with an impressive showing expanding on his character from the first film.  Del Toro is always the most interesting person on screen while Josh Brolin is a close second.  Brolin adds some needed depth to his character but the film doesn’t spend as much time cultivating it as it should.  Isabela Moner is a strong child performer who emotes fairly well even though she’s not given a ton of dialogue.  Catherine Keener is given a thankless role which wastes her considerable talents which is a real shame.  The film’s twisty plot is kind of muddled and once the film gains momentum it suddenly just ends with a door flapping open for a sequel.  It’s weird to think of this series being a franchise but that’s where the film leads us.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM

Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.

Director: J. A. Bayona

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, B. D. Wong, Jeff Goldblum, Rafe Spall, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Ted Levine, Isabella Sermon, Geraldine Chaplin

Release Date: June 22, 2018

 

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril

Runtime: 2h 8min

Review:

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a fun if forgettable sequel in a franchise that seems to be losing anything new to say.  J. A. Boyona does a fine job directing the film, infusing it with some of his horror sensibilities.  The film is a collection of big set pieces, at times it feels like the film’s plot is merely an excuse to move from one set piece to another.  The story itself is rather silly and the more you think about it the dumber it is.  The new characters and villains are all about as paper thin and clichéd as they come.  Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard continue to share strong chemistry which is a strong point of the film.  They both have plenty to do this go around so they’re fully engaged even though it’s a bit of a shame that the movie wasn’t slightly better.  The supporting cast is made of strong name actors but the film doesn’t seem interested is using them for anything substantial.  Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is one of those sequels that is easily forgettable because it lacks anything memorable about itself which is a shame because there’s clearly talent on hand. 

C+