Cindy Prascik's Review of Mission Impossible: Fallout

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Mission Impossible: Fallout.

 

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

 

The past comes after Ethan Hunt and his team with a vengeance.

 

Mission Impossible: Fallout has been called the best film in its lengthy franchise, and that's probably a fair, if arguable, assessment. Ridiculously high stakes and and insane stunts make the Fast & Furious movies look like gritty realism by comparison. Fight and chase scenes are expertly choreographed and never dull or repetitive, even if they go on a bit. Tom Cruise--who, as Facebook has pointed out multiple times this week, is older in this MI installment than Wilford Brimley was in Cocoon (!!)--is in top action-hero form, performing his own stunts whenever the insurance allows and carrying the franchise on his back as if he has no other option. The cast is fleshed out with the usual array of familiar and (generally) likable faces: Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Henry Cavill's moustache, Angela Bassett, Michelle Monaghan, and Simon Pegg, who is always best thing about any film lucky enough to have him. The brilliant Sean Harris also makes a welcome return as baddie Solomon Lane. Now I shall (reluctantly) mention just a few negatives: While MI: Fallout has a LOT of moving parts, the twists aren't all that clever. They're enjoyable and satisfying, but I made a game of guessing "surprises" before they happened, and I didn't miss the mark even once. There are too many impossibly lucky turns among the chase scenes (a little of that goes a long way), and some "thinking out loud" dialogue that is too silly even for a movie as over-the-top as this. Henry Cavill's wooden delivery, while perfect for a goody-two-shoes like Clark Kent, is jarringly bad for a character that should be at least a little hard to figure out. Finally, even though it doesn't lag, Fallout would have been well served by at least a small trim of its excessive runtime. Not one of those things makes MI: Fallout less than a great movie, but, in the interest of full and fair disclosure, these are what I see as its flaws. Also, since several people have asked, no, you won't be lost if you haven't seen the previous installment (or any previous installments) in the series. The film explains itself more than well enough for even the most casual fan to keep up.

 

Mission Impossible: Fallout clocks in at a whopping 147 minutes and is rated PG13 for "violence and intense sequences of action, and for brief strong language."

 

Easily the most exciting offering of the season, Mission Impossible: Fallout is that rare commodity: a fun summer blockbuster that's also a genuinely fantastic movie. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Mission Impossible: Fallout gets eight.

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: MAMMA MIA! HERE WE GO AGAIN

In 1979 young Donna, Tanya and Rosie graduate from Oxford University -- leaving Donna free to embark on a series of adventures throughout Europe. On her journeys, she makes the acquaintances of Harry, Bill and Sam -- the latter whom she falls in love with, but he's also the man who breaks her heart. In the present day, Donna's pregnant daughter, Sophie, dreams of renovating a taverna while reuniting with her mother's old friends and boyfriends on the Greek island of Kalokairi.

Director: OI Parker

Cast: Lily James, Amanda Seyfried, Christine Baranski, Julie Walters, Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgård, Dominic Cooper, Cher, Meryl Streep

Release Date: July 20, 2018

Genres: Comedy, Musical

Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material

Runtime: 1h 54min

Review:

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a surprisingly strong sequel to the fizzy original.  Getting the bad out of the way, the film feels the loss of it’s A List cast from the original, the majority of them appear but with limited screen time.  Lily James carries the majority of film as the young Donna and she’s more than capable.  I do wonder if they asked Grace Gummer, one of Streep’s daughters, to play the role since she bears such a striking resemblance to her when she was younger.  Still Lily James pulls off an impressive performance, capturing most of Streep’s mannerisms from the original film.  The rest of the younger cast is equally as effective portraying their older, legendary counterparts.  The song selections here aren’t as strong as the original film which is understandable since the original used nearly all the greatest hits.  Still they are catchy enough to keep any ABBA fan smiling.  The strangest thing about Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is how reflective and heartfelt the film is.  It’s far more emotional than you’d expect from a sequel to a light fizzy original.  Meryl Streep appears in what is an extended cameo but her appearance packs an emotional punch and really brings the film full circle.   

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Equalizer 2

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for one of my favorite things in this wide world: a new Denzel Washington movie. On the docket: The Equalizer 2.

 

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

 

Righting the world's wrongs takes a personal turn for Robert McCall.

 

Well, dear reader(s), I would be remiss indeed if my review of a Denzel Washington movie didn't begin by mentioning just how lucky we are to have Denzel Washington doing what he does. He is one of the world's most gifted actors, and, for my money, Hollywood's greatest and most watchable leading man. However good or bad the movie, there is something incomparably special about him, and I'm pleased to report that The Equalizer 2 gives his talent a surprisingly good workout.

 

The Equalizer 2 boasts plenty of action, with well-choreographed fight scenes playing out against the backdrop of an impending hurricane. The climactic confrontation in the height of the storm is especially exciting. Quieter bits of character development and plot progression occasionally seem a little longer than necessary, but not enough to derail the whole. We may take for granted that Denzel will be extraordinary--and end-to-end he's no less--but The Equalizer 2 features an exchange between him and a young co-star that matches even his (or anyone else's) greatest performances, absolutely chill-inducing. Harry Gregson-Williams' brooding score and phenomenal work by the sound department perfectly compliment the movie's somber tone. If the primary plotline makes its twists a bit too obvious, there's enough greatness surrounding it that it hardly matters.

 

The Equalizer 2 clocks in at two hours on the dot, and is rated R for "brutal violence throughout, language, and some drug content."

 

The Equalizer 2 is a worthy and satisfying follow-up to the original. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Equalizer 2 gets eight.

 

Fangirl points: Denzel! (Obvs.) My gal Melissa Leo!

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of Skyscraper / Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation

Dearest Blog: This weekend it was off to Marquee Cinemas for a pair of movies that were right up my alley: Skyscraper and Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation.

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

First on the agenda: Skyscraper.

When the world's tallest and most technologically-advanced building is sabotaged, it's up to Security Consultant!Rock to rescue his family and take down the baddies who are after his boss.

Something you should know about Skyscraper from a glance at its one-sheet, nevermind a single trailer, is that the movie is stupid. We are talking Fast & Furious levels of epic stupid; nothing about it makes any sense in the real world. I feel like the advertising doesn't leave room for doubt, but since unrealistic expectations seem to make a great many folks unhappy with movies, I'm telling you anyway. I'm also telling you this does not in any way, shape, or form make Skyscraper a less-than-great summer blockbuster.

First we have Dwayne Johnson. The beauty of Dwayne Johnson is...well...Dwayne Johnson. By the time the CGI embers have settled, you'll find yourself believing he really could wrangle all this ridiculousness and emerge the victor. Ice that cake with his boundless charisma, and the result is always a supremely watchable film. His supporting cast hardly matters, but Neve Campbell and Chin Han are solid, while Pablo Schreiber and Kevin Rankin are even better despite being woefully underused. The kids are cute and not irritating, which is essentially all I ask of kids, onscreen and off. Skyscraper boasts terrific disaster effects and insane stunts, but the best thing I can say about the movie is it features a lead character with a disability, but never becomes *about* the disability. He's just a guy doing what he has to do, and that sort of representation in a blockbuster like this is quite encouraging. A few small warnings and negatives: If you are squeamish about heights, best sit this one out; heights don't really bother me, and I haven't closed my eyes so much since The Walk. (That's without the 3D.) Some of the action/fight sequences are too comical even for a film this over-the-top, and, despite end-to-end action, the movie does feel a little long.

Skyscraper runs 102 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of gun violence and action, and for brief strong language."

Bolstered by its charismatic lead and stellar effects, Skyscraper is an exciting bit of pointless summer fun. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Skyscraper gets six and a half.

Next up, one of my most-anticipated titles of 2018 (yeah, you heard me): Hotel Transylvania 3.

Mistaking Drac's loneliness for exhaustion, Mavis arranges a family vacation on the high seas.

Despite my intense dislike of Adam Sandler, I have always had a soft spot for the Hotel Transylvania movies. It may be that I'm predisposed to like movies about Dracula, or just that Sandlier is strictly limited to doing only one stupid voice, rather than a bunch of them, but, whatever the reason, I really, really look forward to these movies and I have loved every one.

Hotel Transylvania 3 is surprisingly original. Its humor is more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny, but sharp animation, bright colors, and lively tunes will keep kids and adults engaged. Action sequences are outstanding, with a terrific opening sequence setting a fun tone. A standout score by Mark Mothersbaugh ties up the whole thing in a charmingly creepy bow. HT3 has a sweet message that's more than adequately conveyed as it plays out, so, if I had one small quibble, it's that the movie does belabor its point a bit at the end.

Hotel Transylvania 3 clocks in at a quick 97 minutes and is rated PG for "some action and rude humor."

Hotel Transylvania continues to surprise with a third installment that may be its best yet. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation gets eight.

Until next time...

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-