MOVIE REVIEW: LONGLEGS

 

FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes an unexpected turn, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.

Director: Oz Perkins

Cast: Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Alicia Witt, Blair Underwood, Kiernan Shipka

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Genre: Crime, Horror, Thriller

Rated R for bloody violence, disturbing images and some language.

Runtime: 1h 41m

Review:

Oz Perkins' latest film, Longlegs, is an atmospheric amalgam of The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en lead by a strong, tortured turn from Maika Monroe and utterly unrestrained performance from Nicolas Cage.  Perkins film is beautifully shot with each sequence carefully constructed so as to illicit a foreboding sense of dread and unease even during the most mundane moments.  He again displays his innate ability to create a consistent and almost oppressive sense of tension throughout his films which he does in spades here.  The tension builds at a steady rate with only a few missteps here and there, less Nicolas Cage would have served the film better, to break the overall mood.  Cage is effectively creepy when he pops up, aided by heavy make up and prosthetics, and it’s clear that Perkins gave him carte blanche to do whatever he wants.  The result is a mixed bag since there are moments that take you out of the overall mood when Cage's unrestrained nuttiness is unleashed for tad too long.  This is a perfect case of less is more especially as the film spends so much time establishing a pervasive, uncomfortable mood as it delivers a series of nightmarish images that are sure to linger after the film ends.  Maika Monroe guides us through it all with an impressive, understated performance that might be one of the best of her career.  Her character is a tortured savant with barely functioning people skills that is like a mix of Clarice Starling and Dustin Hoffman's Rain Man.  It’s a nuanced measured turn that makes her the most interesting performer onscreen for the majority of the film.  The moments she shares with Alicia Witt, who's just as creepy as Cage but more measured, are just as disquieting as anything the film throws at you.  Blair Underwood is solid in a supporting role as Harker's boss and Kiernan Shipka leaves a noticeable impression in a small role.  Those looking for logical story progression might be left a little frustrated since it doesn't hold up on closer inspection and it doesn't provide any surprises that aren't telegraphed beforehand.  They are minor issues but enough to keep Longlegs from being something truly special.   

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: KILL

 

A train to New Delhi becomes a combat battleground as a pair of commandos faces off against an army of invading bandits.

Director: Nikhil Nagesh Bhat

Cast: Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, Ashish Vidyarthi, Harsh Chhaya, Tanya Maniktala

Release Date: July 5, 2024

Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller

Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, grisly images and language.

Runtime: 1h 55m

Review:

Kill is an Indian import that destined to earn the kind of cult following that The Raid and Train to Busan did when they hit the states with its relentless, brutal action that makes you feel every bone crushing hit along the way.   Director Nikhil Nagesh Bhat crafts an efficient film that's gives just the most basic information about characters while being focused on using the close quarter train setting to maximum effect.  This is even more apparent once the film's title card hits, roughly 45 minutes in, serving as thematic declaration of war, making it clear that what came before was tame compared to what's coming.   The film ratchets up the brutality to another level from that point as we are given a series of increasingly creative fight sequences which are as entertaining as they are exhausting for the film’s protagonist.  Lakshya ably carries the film with an unwavering intensity as his Amrit displays an impressive ability  to wreak havoc and show authentic emotions.    Lakshya carries the film by managing a balance between his character's impressive ability to rampage through a series of bandits which keeps a portion anchored in reality.  Amrit isn't an invincible killing machine, he's beaten multiple times throughout the film, even though he has a high aptitude for violence and concussions apparently.  He manages to keep it grounded enough to make it believable even as some situations strain credibility.  Raghav Juyal serves as a perfect foil as the out of control bandit that unleashes Amrit's rampage after a haphazard decision.  Juyal's performance is devilishly demented enough to make his character incredibly easy to hate and his eventual comeuppances that the more satisficing.  Ashish Vidyarthi turns as the leader of the bandits suffers a bit to Juyal's outsized performance, but he does enough to give some nuance to his character.  Abhishek Chauhan and Tanya Maniktala are solid in smaller supporting roles as Amrit's best friend and fiancée with both doing enough with their limited screen time to leave a noticeable impression.  The film would have been wise to spend a bit more time with each as it would have added a sense of texture to the story, especially since the extended finale starts to turn into an endurance test of attrition.  A handful of judicious edits could have made Kill even better, it’s a minor quibble considering the level of artistic ultra violence splayed on screen.  

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F

 

After his daughter's life is threatened, wisecracking Detective Axel Foley teams up with a new partner and some old pals to turn up the heat on a conspiracy.

Director: Mark Molloy

Cast: Eddie Murphy,  Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser, Bronson Pinchot, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige, Kevin Bacon

Release Date: July 3, 2024

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime, Thriller

Rated R for language throughout, violence and brief drug use

Runtime: 1h 55m

Review:

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is a nice dose of nostalgia that doesn't strive for anything other than bringing back some of Eddie Murphy's 80's era comedic energy which he's more than capable of still doing.  Coming 30 years after the last entry into the series has served the series well, making it easier to overlook the razor thin plot and characters in order to enjoy some old school Murphy.  Mark Molloy directs the film with a laid back ease as he sets things on cruise control and lets Murphy do his thing.  The one liners zip out in rapid succession as you get a sense that Murphy is genuinely happy to revive this particular character just through the confident bravura he delivers onscreen.  The action sequences are fun even if they are fairly generic with one in a helicopter leaving the biggest impact.  A steady doses of the classic theme throughout drives home the point that the cast and crew isn't here to reinvent the wheel but just to remind you that it was a fun ride the first time around.  Judge Reinhold, John Ashton, Paul Reiser and Bronson Pinchot from previous entries all come back in supporting roles hammering the nostalgia nail home.  Judge Reinhold initially appears to have a large role in the film only to be taken off the screen for a large chuck of the film's runtime.  Newcomers, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon get more substantial roles but the characters are clichéd types rather than fully formed characters.  Bacon does the most with his screen time as he delivers his best 80's dirty cop impression.  Still him and Murphy aren't given enough time together to really foment a believable antagonism especially as the film hits every predictable beat it can.  Murphy carries the film almost in spite of itself especially in the final act as it becomes readily apparent that some judicious trimming could have shaved a good 20 minutes off the film's runtime.  Ultimately, your enjoyment of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F is dependent on how much joy you derive from seeing Eddie Murphy unbound in his vulgar speed talking glory.  

C+

MOVIE REVIEW: DESPICABLE ME 4

 

Gru welcomes a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who's intent on tormenting his dad. However, their peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when criminal mastermind Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison and vows revenge against Gru.

Director: Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage

Cast:  Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Pierre Coffin, Joey King, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, Sofía Vergara, Renaud, Madison Polan, Dana Gaier, Chloe Fineman, Stephen Colbert 

Release Date: July 3, 2024

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Sci-Fi

Rated PG for action and rude humor.

Runtime: 1h 34m

Review:

Despicable Me 4 is light, colorful and breezy enough to entertain, thanks in large part to Steve Carell and Will Ferrell's voice work, but this entry proves to be far more forgettable.  Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage direct the film at a slightly manic pace by offering an overstuffed roster of characters and storylines which makes the whole story feel scattered.  The animation is still incredibly sleek with its bright, angular look which gives children and adults alike plenty of eye candy throughout.  Story wise the film's a overly busy for no reason which leave each story thread feel uncooked.  The addition of Will Ferrell as Gru's nemesis Maxime Le Mal works incredibly well especially when he and Carrell are throwing barbs back and forth at each out.  Ferrell, using a heavy faux French accent, is clearly having a ball voicing the character and the film would have been smart to make him the primary focus since the film works best when his character is onscreen.  The side story's about Gru's Wife and Poppy the aspiring teen villain next door who blackmails Gru, just aren't all that interesting in spite of Kristen Wiig and Joey King's best efforts.  The much advertised Mega Minion's also prove to be little more than seeding for a future spinoff as opposed to a fully formed storyline.  The standard issue minions are still good for a handful of laughs throughout which keeps the whole thing rolling along at a steady pace.  The Despicable Me franchise was never the deepest around but its always been fun, this fourth entry continues that trend but lacks the focus to be truly memorable.

C+

MOVIE REVIEW: MAXXXINE

 

In 1980s Hollywood, adult film star and aspiring actress Maxine Minx finally gets her big break. However, as a mysterious killer stalks the starlets of Los Angeles, a trail of blood threatens to reveal her sinister past.

Director: Ti West

Cast: Mia Goth, Elizabeth Debicki, Moses Sumney, Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon

Release Date: July 5, 2024

Genre: Crime, Horror

Rated R for strong violence, gore, sexual content, graphic nudity, language and drug use.

Runtime: 1h 44m

Review:

Ti West closes out his Mia Goth lead horror trilogy with Maxxxine, a film bathed in every bit of imaginable 80's sleaze and clichés found in those low rent VHS thrillers such as 1984's student/hooker flick Angel.  West manages to capture the look and feel of those kinds of films impressively much like he did by recapturing the 70's grindhouse slasher aesthetic in X.  Its over the top but perfectly suited for the story being told as we follow Maxine's fight tooth and nail to survive and be a star.  Baked into the script a playful sense of meta humor as plenty of subtle references to previous films pepper the dialogue and visuals.  Its a clever wink and nod to what the series and its singular star have created in this surprising trilogy.  Sadly, the story isn't quite up to the level of the previous two film as it veers into downright goofy territory, especially in its final act, either intentionally or unintentionally.  At the very, least it brings the character's story full circle and allows to Mia Goth to shine throughout.  This entry isn't as showy as Pearl but Goth manages to communicate the level of dogged determination and her innate ability at self preservation baked into her character's DNA.  This turn is more nuanced and subtle throughout but doesn't make it any less engaging and engrossing.  A handful of familiar faces appear in supporting roles with Kevin Bacon leaving the biggest impression as a New Orleans PI on Maxine's trail.  Bacon gleefully chews up scenery every time he shows up on screen which make his and Goth's scenes together all the better.  Giancarlo Esposito is a bit more reserved as Maxine's agent/lawyer/fixer but he brings just enough of that Gus Fring energy to make you wish the film had utilized him more effectively.  Michelle Monaghan, Bobby Cannavale, Halsey, Moses Sumney and Lily Collins all are given one dimensional supporting characters which could have been more impactful as well.  Elizabeth Debicki is given a bit more to work with as the horror film director with higher aspirations that serves as a bit of a role model for Goth's Maxine especially once the film comes to a close.   Maxxxine maybe the weakest of the three films but that doesn't keep it from being a well crafted showcase for Goth who made the series something special.  

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: KINDS OF KINDNESS

Three stories revolve around a man who tries to take control of his own life, a policeman whose wife seems like a different person, and a woman who searches for someone with a special ability.

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

Cast: Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou Athie, Hunter Schafer

Release Date: June 21, 2024

Genre: Comedy, Drama 

Rated R for strong/disturbing violent content, strong sexual content, full nudity and language.

Runtime: 2h 45m

Review:

Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness isn't going to be for everybody with the anthology's trio of twisted tales dissecting a series of overarching themes such as obsession, self actualization, amongst others, with pitch black humor and a bleak worldview.  There's a fairly transparent sense that the cast and crew are well aware they aren't making something for general consumption as the stories veer into decidedly weird areas occasionally done for simple shock value with others presenting something more substantial to the proceedings.  Each segment sets ups a very specific story but the script only provides some scant, basic details to get the audience acclimated to the plots and characters but very little outside detail beyond that.  The abrupt endings give the film a whole disorienting feel throughout as you're given little to no time to digest what you've seen before moving to the next one.  The stories leave plenty of unexplained plot points which are sure to frustrate plenty of people.   At the very least, the film manages to burrow itself into the audience's mind as the cast and crew gives them plenty of leeway to make their own determination about what each section represents.  The core ensemble made up of Jesse Plemons, Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Hong Chau and Mamoudou Athie are clearly committed to Lanthimos's vision throughout.  Plemons gets the lion’s share of the screen time across all three segments delivering strong work in each as he showcases his versatility.  Emma Stone gets bigger spotlights in the second and third segments with Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley & Hong Chau mostly serving as supporting players across all three.  The group works well together but really is most effective in the middle segment where the performances and oddity of it all coalesces into the film's most effective moments.  Ultimately, Kinds of Kindness is a niche film that could be dissected as easily as its exalted depending on personal taste. 

B+