MOVIE REVIEW: FLY ME TO THE MOON

 

Sparks fly between a marketing executive and a NASA official as he makes preparations for the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Director: Greg Berlanti

Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Jim Rash, Anna Garcia, Donald Elise Watkins, Noah Robbins, Colin Woodell, Christian Zuber, Nick Dillenburg, Ray Romano, Woody Harrelson

Release Date: July 12, 2024

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Rated PG-13 for some strong language, and smoking

Runtime: 2h 11m

Review:

Fly Me to the Moon is a charming rom-com throwback carried by Scarlett Johansson who ably guides the film over some of its more glaring missteps.  Greg Berlanti's film is generally lighthearted and fizzy making it easily digestible onscreen even though he struggles to a nail the overall tone he's shooting for.  There's a handful of choppy transition in tones as the film covers more serious subject matter such as Vietnam War and the Apollo 1 tragedy.  Their inclusion makes sense but with the rest of the fictional story playing it very light those moments are all the more jarring.  When the film is focused on the central romance and Johansson's character in particular there's a noticeable bump in energy.  Johansson is magnetic as the ad exec brought in to "sell" the moon by giving her a believable sense of charisma, drive and determination.  It’s a confident turn that drives the entire film which she pulls off with impressive ease.  She's the most interesting on screen for the majority of the film's overlong runtime.  Channing Tatum doesn't fare quite as well as he delivers a serviceable but stiff performance that rarely matches Johansson's energy.  It doesn't help that they don't have much romantic chemistry with their early antagonistic exchanges working better than the romantic side.   Tatum tries his best to give the character an air of tortured regret over the Apollo 1 tragedy, but it doesn't quite land the way it should.  Woody Harrelson, on the other hand, is in his wheelhouse playing the mysterious spook that recruits Johansson's Kelly Jones and devises the fall back plan.  Harrelson brings the perfect mix of playful and menacing to his character who is constantly hovering in the background.  Jim Rash brings his manic, over the top energy as the director tasked with filming the actual contingency plan.  Anna Garcia, Donald Elise Watkins and Noah Robbins have smaller supporting roles but make the most of their screen time even though it’s a bit confounding that film makes such little use of Ray Romano's earnest energy.  There's a handful of issues like that which really keep Fly Me to the Moon from hitting out of the park in spite of Johansson's inspired turn.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: TWISTERS

 

Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane

Release Date: July 17, 2024

Genre: Action, Adventure, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for intense action and peril, some language and injury images.

Runtime: 2h 2m

Review:

Lee Isaac Chung’s pseudo sequel to the 90's film, Twisters, brings all the large-scale spectacle and destruction promised to the big screen but even the best efforts of its good-looking leads can't keep it from feeling hollow and soulless.  Chung's film is a good looking blockbuster, taking full advantage of the wide open spaces and vistas as he sets up impressive action sequences.   The digital wizardry has improved by leaps and bounds in the twenty eight years since the original film hit the screens which makes the tornados much more visceral and impactful.  Chung is more conscience to go beyond the thrill ride aspect of the whole thing and take time to show the level of damage and carnage left in the wake of these all too real storms.  It adds some weight to the film that grounds the story in a more realistic way than the original film.  Sadly, the rest of the story is little more than a remix of the original film with it hitting a lot of the same story beats throughout.  There are a handful of callbacks to the original film scattered throughout such as recycled lines of dialogue or Daisy Edgar-Jones sporting an outfit identical to Helen Hunt's.  The appearance of "Dorothy" early on is the only direct connection to the original film although it’s never explained how that equipment made it into the crews hands.  Story wise there's plenty that feels familiar with the F/X and cast left to do the heavy lifting.  Glen Powell's natural screen charisma is used to maximum effect as he leans into his southern roots as the YouTube star storm chaser.   It’s a role that's perfectly suited to his talents and he gives his thrill seeking character an authentic confidence from the moment he hits the screen.  Daisy Edgar-Jones is just as believable as the haunted storm chaser, with her bringing a tangible sense of determination once she’s fully committed again.  The strange thing is Powell and Edgar-Jones just don't share much romantic chemistry together which isn't a huge issue since that angle is more subtle here but it’s still noticeable.  Anthony Ramos is given the thankless task of being the wanna be love interest who just ends up being supportive in the end which seems like a waste of such a talented actor.  There's another motley crew of characters assembled here but none of the corporate or rag tag groups are really given much time to leave an impression.  It’s an issue across the board with none of the characters, even the leads, feeling like three dimensional people.  That's not to say the original was some dramatic masterwork but at least you had a better sense of some of the characters.  Twisters ultimately proves to be a capable redux that delivers the sort of mindless summer blockbuster fun that will fade quickly after the film ends.

C+

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+