Author: Mike Smith

A BLIND BARGAIN
Starring: Crispin Glover, Jake Horowitz and Lucy Loken
Directed by: Paul Bunnell
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 1 hr 35 mins
Vitagraph Films

Our score: 4 out of 5

I’ve said it in the past but it bears repeating: the best part about being a film critic is when you discover a film you may have never seen if not for the job. One such film is “A Blind Bargain,” a film that not only pays homage to the great American International and Hammer Horror films of the 60s and 70s but also to classic horror from the 1920s.

1970. Dominic (Horowitz) has just returned from Vietnam and is having trouble adjusting back to the world. Finding himself in money troubles and living with his mother (Amy Wright), a silent-era film actress, he is constantly harassed by the social worker who constantly checks in on his mother. He is sent to the Gruder Institute for treatment and there he meets a pretty nurse (Loken). Dominic is told his money troubles could be over due to the results of his blood test. All he needs to do is… Sorry. No spoilers here!

With an excellent cast and amazing production design, “A Blind Bargain” takes you back to 1970. No detail is left out. From the vehicles to the clothes – I’d forgotten how many sweater vests I used to wear – there isn’t a false note in the film. Crispin Glover excels as Dr. Gruder, a role that, in the 1960s would have been played by Vincent Price. Like Price, he is a very talented actor who has found a niche in which he excels. And it’s a tribute to Glover that he so easily steps into a role that was originated in 1922 by none other then the great Lon Chney. The supporting cast is equally strong, with special shoutouts going to Jed Rowan, who plays Logos, Dr. Gruder’s assistant. Logos is a huge fan of Dominic’s mother’s work and, when he’s not talking about her films, he’s busy sharing his dream – to build the best swimming pools available! Also worth special mention is actress Annalisa Cochrane. Again, no spoilers here, but her performance is as strong as she is beautiful.

On a scale of zero to five, “A Blind Bargain” receives ★★★★

• MICHAEL  (2026)
• Starring:  Jafar Jackson, Nia Long and Colman Domingo
• Directed by:  Antoine Fuqua
• Rated:”  PG 13
• Running time:  2 hrs 15 mins
• Lionsgate/Universal

Our score:  4 out of 5

September 21, 1984.  RFK Stadium, Washington D.C.  That night my then girlfriend, myself and 89,998 other people waited anxiously.  The show, referred to as “The Victory Tour,” featured the Jackson brothers from Gary, Indiana.  But the one person everyone was there to see was the man who had taken the music world by storm.  His name was Michael.

A well-crafted, but sanitized look at the King of Pop, “Michael” tells the familiar tale of a young man touched by talent and the people that would take advantage of it.  Even if you’re just a casual fan, you know a lot of what the film tells you.  Father Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo in an award worthy performance, is a bastard.  Tough and seemingly uncaring, Joe groomed his boys to become the musical stars they became, discipling them with a whipping when they did not please him.  Mother Katherine was a saint…the voice of reason and compassion in the family.  And then you have sister LaToya and the brothers:  Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and Jackie.  Unexplainedly missing:  daughters Janet and Rebe and little brother Randy.  And then there’s Michael!

The nephew of the late star (he’s the son of Jermaine), Jafar Jackson becomes Michael Jackson before our eyes.  He not only has the look but the voice and the moves as well.  An amazing breakout performance.  The supporting cast is also strong, including Miles Tenner as Michael’s promoter, Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy and Mike Meyers, who has found a second career playing pushy record company executives.  Special shout-out as well to young Juliano Valdi, who plays Michael as a child.

The film was produced in association with Jackson’s brothers and children, so it’s more like a musical love letter then an in-dept look at his life.  We get the familiar:  Michael never really being able to be a child, his love for animals and their friendship and, of course, his music.  Several major parts of his life are recreated, including the shooting of the “Beat It” and “Thriller” videos as well as the 25^th Anniversary Motown Special.  And here is where the movie excels.  If you’re a fan of the music, you will not be disappointed here.

On a scale of zero to five, “Michael” receives ★★★★

• PROJECT HAIL MARY
• Starring:  Ryan Gosling, Sandra Huller and James Ortiz
• Directed by:  Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  2 hrs 36 mins
• Amazon Studios/MGM

Our score:  5 out of 5

There’s a great line in “The Hunt for Red October” where Jack Ryan, after having given a briefing to the powers that be, mumbles to himself “next time Jack, write a G.D. memo.”  I’m guessing high school teacher Ryland Grace (Gosling) never saw that film.

Beautifully shot, with a true stand-alone performance from Gosling, “Project Hail Mary” tells the story of the possible threat to Earth from an unknown subject and the mission to prevent it from happening.  Grace is a one-time, and disgraced, former NASA employee, whose name is well known in the scientific world, just not for anything good.  Now teaching high school science, Grace is approached by a former colleague to discuss the current situation and ask for his assistance.  Grace looks forward to the day when everyone involved is trained and he can just walk away.  But, as often happens, fate steps in and soon Grace finds himself with a new, but unusual, friend.

Leave it to the team behind the amazing “The Lego Movie” to create a film as exciting as “Star Wars” and as beautiful as “2001.”  The film is buoyed by an award-worthy performance from Gosling who, with the exception of some flashback scenes, pretty much carries the film.  I was going to say “carries the film alone,” but Dr. Grace makes a friend with the oddly shaped alien he names “Rocky.”  As voiced by Mr. Ortiz, Rocky is a friendly type who has been trying to get back to his family for years.  Creating a device to let both understand each other, Grace and Rocky seem resigned to their fate as they both work to solve their mutual problems.

Visually the film is stunning, with the filmmakers using the opportunity to show places in the galaxy never before portrayed on screen and using their imagination to make them extraordinarily wonderful.  The script, by Oscar nominee Drew Goddard (“The Martian””) and the book’s author, Andy Weir, is both dramatic and funny, with nary a false note on either side.  The musical score, by Best Song Oscar nominee Daniel Pemberton, is the perfect accompaniment for the on-screen adventure.

I know the year is young but I’m sure by year’s end “Project Hail Mary” will still be considered one of the year’s best.

On a scale of zero to five, “Project Hail Mary” receives ★★★★★ 

• CRIME 101
• Starring:  Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Halle Berry        
• Directed by:  Bart Layton
• Rated:  R
• Running time:  2 hrs 20 mins
• Amazon Studios/MGM

Our score:  4 out of 5

First off, even though this film features Thor, the Hulk and Storm, “Crime 101” is not the latest entry into the MCU world.  What it is is a tightly made, action packed crime thriller bolstered by fine performances and great action scenes.

Davis (Hemsworth) is living the good life.  A beautiful house on the beach, wonderful cars and, when he needs money, the ability to pull of high stakes robberies with very little trouble.  His trademark: no violence.  However, when his benefactor gives what should have been his last job to the wrong person, Davis must use all of his skills to not only save himself but others close to him.

The story starts out with three main chapters that eventually come together.  There’s Hemsworth’s Davis, calm and, as the late Stuart Scott would say, “cooler then the other side of the pillow.”  Balance him against a rumpled Mark Ruffalo, who plays a police detective that has been on the hunt for Hemsworth for years, failing to convince his superiors that he is the one person responsible for the string of burglaries  that have plagued the area.  With his hair askew and choice of clothing, Ruffalo reminds one of the popular Lieutenant Columbo from the 1970s, played to perfection by Peter Falk.  Berry is an insurance broker, worried about her career path and the possibility of being replaced by a younger version of herself.  Once everyone’s paths cross, the action begins to ramp up to a fever pace.

Credit the films’ director and co-writer, Mr. Layton, for keeping the film moving and finding inventive ways to make what could have been a standard Hollywood car chase a true rollercoaster ride for the audience.  Lots of practical effects here and they are greatly appreciated when achieved.  Action fans will not be disappointed.

On a scale of zero to five, “Crime 101” receives ★★★★

• MERCY
• Starring:  Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson
• Directed by:  Timur Bekmambetov
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 39 mins
• MGM/Amazon Studios 

Our Score:  4 out of 5

A.I.  Artificial Intelligence.  It’s everywhere these days.  You can’t throw a rock and not hit something that has been affected by the increasingly popular technology.  Take the city of Los Angeles.  Crime has gotten so bad that the criminals are now made to occupy designated “red zones.”  The court system is so overwhelmed that the most heinous crimes are now judged by the Mercy Court in a trial that not only presumes the defendant is guilty but gives them just 90 minutes to plea their case. If found guilty, execution is instantaneous.  Detective Chris Raven is a supporter of the process.  In fact, he was the cop that made the arrest resulting in the very first trial (and execution).  But when he finds himself on trial for his wife’s murder, Detective Raven begins to wonder if maybe he should rethink his opinion.

Full of twists, turns and some amazing set pieces, “Mercy” is a film that makes the viewer constantly second guess themselves.  Is Raven guilty?  If he isn’t, who is?  And, more importantly, in a world where EVERYTHING is captured on film, how did they do it?

My Chris Pratt viewing history consists of mostly television’s “Parks and Recreation,” “Moneyball” and the MCU.  He’s always been solid but he’s never really carried a film.  Here he proves himself a very capable dramatic actor, his work going up and down the spectrum from dry humor to true despair.  As the “Judge” – an A.I. image who professes that her verdict will strictly be rendered on facts presented – Ms. Fergusson also excels.  She is emotionless and to the point, dismissing any suggestion from Chris that is not based on facts.

Visually, the film manages to show two sides of L.A.; one sleek and modernistic, the other cloaked in dismay and chaos.  The action scenes are well paced with a scene featuring a semi-truck rampaging through the steets a highlight.

To sum it up, “Mercy” is a wild ride at the movies!

On a scale of zero to five, “Mercy” receives ★★★★   

• SONG SUNG BLUE
• Starring:  Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson
• Directed by:  Craig Brewer
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  2 hrs 13 mins
• Focus Features   

Our score:  4 out of 5

I can’t remember a time when Neil Diamond wasn’t in my life.  This is thanks to my mother, Rose.  She loves Neil.  No, let me put it another way…she LOVES Neil.  She used to say that “Cracklin’ Rosie” was a song about her.  She would pay outrageous amounts to make sure she was sitting front row at his concerts.  She would make him shirts and have them sent backstage.  In a1994 she called me and the first words out of her mouth were, “have you heard?  Neil and Marcia are getting divorced!”  When I asked who she was talking about, she replied, “Neil Diamond!”  I paused a minute and asked, “Mom, did he ask you to marry him?”  I should also point out that, while I lived in Baltimore for 13-years, she only came out to visit me twice.  Coincidentally, Neil Diamond was in town that same week!  If you’ve seen the film “Saving Silverman,” I’ve always maintained that the Jack Black character is based on my mom!

Another big fan was Mike Sardina (Jackman).  Billing himself as “Lightning,” Mike played the clubs of Milwaukee as part of a musical tribute act.  Elvis is his specialty.  When he is bumped from his slot by another singer, Mike decides to go in another direction.  After meeting fellow tribute artist Claire (Hudson) – her specialty is Patsy Cline – it is suggested that Mike try sining Neil Diamond songs.  Mike is reluctant, at first, because he holds Diamond, and his songs, in such high regard.    Eventually he agrees and, after convincing Claire to be part of the act, they bill themselves as “Thunder and Lightning” while presenting the Neil Diamond Experience.  Both Mike and Claire have had their share of adversity but nothing has prepared them for what comes next.

Based on a true story (I highly recommend seeing the documentary of the same name), “Song Sung Blue” succeeds mostly on the performances of Jackman and Hudson.  We all know Hugh Jackman can sing, but I was blown away by Ms. Hudson’s vocals, though I shouldn’t be too surprised considering her mother is Goldie Hawn, one of the best triple threat performers in film history.

While the music is the highlight, it is the story that pulls the film down some.  Without giving too much away, I’ll just say that if there was something that could go wrong for Mike and Claire, it most definitely did.   Jackman and Hudson are also buoyed by a great supporting cast, including Michael Imperioli, Fisher Stevens, Ella Anderson and King Princess.  And a special shoutout to Jim Belushi, who steals every scene he’s in.

I asked my mom if, having lived about an hour away from Milwaukee for the past 50 years, if she had ever seen “Lightning and Thunder.”  Surprisingly, she hadn’t.  But I’m sure if she had, she would have been their biggest fan!

On a scale of zero to five I give “Song Sung Blue” ★★★★

• ANACONDA  (2025)
• Starring:  Paul Rudd, Jack Black and Steve Zaun
• Directed by:  Tom Gormican
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 39 mins
• SONY Pictures

Our Score:  3.5 out of 5

In 1997, SONY released the film “Anaconda.”  Starring Jon Voight, Ice Cube, Jennifer Lopez and others, it was a modest hit.  My son was 13 when it came out, and he and his friends loved it.  Apparently they weren’t the only ones.  Other fans include Paul Rudd and Jack Black, who have set out to remake the film in their own way.  They should be proud of what they’ve done.

We first meet Ronald Griffin – Griff for short – (Rudd) at work.  Griff is an actor and the jobs are coming further and further apart.  Back home, his childhood friend Doug (Black) has given up on his dreams of being a filmmaker and now spends his days working for his father’s wedding video company.  When Griff surprises Doug by coming home for his birthday, he mentions that he has been given the rights to remake the film “Anaconda,” and wants to do it with his friends.  All they need is a big snake.

Both seriously funny and thrilling at the same time, “Anaconda” works thanks to the chemistry of its cast.  Doug and Griff are joined by pals Kenny (Zaun), their longtime cameraman, and Claire (Thandie Newton), Griff’s one time girlfriend who comes along to play the female lead.  The four have a genuine friendship which translates well to the big screen.  But the film is not just played for laughs.  There are some pretty intense moments, quite understandable when you’re trying to deal with a 20-foot-long snake!

The visual effects are pretty solid and they keep the screams (and the laughs) coming.

If you see one Snake movie this year, make it “Anaconda!”

On a scale of zero to five stars, I give “Anaconda” ★★★½

• THE HOUSEMAID
• Starring:  Sidney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried
• Directed by:  Paul Feig
• Rated:  R
• Running time:  2 hrs 10 mins
• Lionsgate
• Our Score:  4 out of 5

If the name Paul Feig sounds familiar, it’s probably because of his work in some well known comedies.  Besides directing several episodes of television’s “The Office,” he has worked extensively with Melissa McCarthy, directing such films as “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” “Spy” and the underappreciated 2016 “Ghostbusters.”  So to find him in charge of a psychological thriller may come as a surprise.  I’m happy to say it’s a good one.

Millie (Sweeney) is a woman on her own.  Flitting from job to job, she currently finds herself living in her car and applying for anything she can find.  One such job is as a housekeeper for a very posh socialite (Seyfried).  She interviews well and gets the job.  It should be the end of her troubles.  But it’s just the beginning.

Riding on the shoulders of it’s two leading actresses, “The Housemaid” is like a roller coaster ride, taking you in one direction until, unexpectedly, taking a turn so jarring you need to catch your breath.  Sweeney plays Millie as a tough, but seemingly goodhearted, woman with a past she’s trying to escape.  Seyfried, as Nina, seems genuinely kind, but she soon reveals she is also dealing with demons she can’t escape.  All of this plays out in a beautiful home, brightly lit and friendly, that slowly becomes darker and darker as secret after secret is revealed.  As Andrew, Nina’s husband, Brandon Sklenar does his best to keep the peace, but we soon learn he has secrets too.

The film is well paced, and director Feig wisely let’s the story play out without telegraphing the next twist.  All in all, this is a film I really recommend.

On a scale of zero to five, I give “The Housemaid”  ★★★★