Film Review: “Here”

 

  • HERE
  • Starring:  Tom Hanks and Robin Wright
  • Directed by:  Robert Zemeckis
  • Rated: PG 13
  • Running time:  1 hr 44 mins
  • Miramax

 

In 1994, “Forrest Gump” became a phenomenon, winning 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and grossing over $670 million worldwide.  Thirty years later, most of the creative team behind the film return for a new family drama, “Here.”

 

I think we all have our favorite memories about our childhood homes.  My father worked for the newspapers and by the time I was 15 we had lived in six different cities in various states.  My favorite memories were created in a house in Cleveland.  I used to visit the house whenever I was in town.  Even after 40 years I could tell you the layout, where my room was, etc.  It broke my heart in 2020 when I last visited to find that it had been torn down. “Here” not only takes place in a home, but actually in the living room of a home, spanning the length of time.  From the dinosaurs that roamed the land where the house would eventually be built to where it stands today.

 

Though told in a non-linear fashion, the film focuses mostly on the family that purchases the home shortly after World War II, remaining in it for several decades.  As the film progresses, we get intimate glimpses, framed like snapshots, of the various lives lived within those four walls.  Good times and bad, dramatic moments and times of sheer joy,  the audience is privy every secret.

One can’t help watch this film and be reminded of the creative team’s previous film, “Forrest Gump.”  As history goes by, we run into a few well known p;eople.  It’s not as hit-on-the-head obvious as in “Gump,” but what are the odds that Ben Franklin used to live across the street?  The musical score, by Alan Silvestri, echoes the Oscar nominated score he wrote for “Gump.”  Finally, a hummingbird, whose appearances bookend the film, is reminiscent of the famous “Gump” feather.

 

The film is well cast and it’s great to see Hanks and Wright back together on screen.  The film follows them from their teenage years until late adulthood, and the de-aging process used here is spot on.  The younger versions of the actors are quite believable, and fare much better than the process used in “The Irishman.”

 

Overall, the film is an interesting piece of cinema and definitely worth taking a trip to the theatre for.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Here” receives ★★★1/2.

Film Review: “The Apprentice”

 

  • THE APPRENTICE
  • Starring:  Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Strong and Maria Bakalova
  • Directed by:  Ali Abbasi
  • Rated: R
  • Running time:  2 hrs 2 mins
  • Golden Media

 

Fifty years ago, Richard Nixon address the citizens of the United States, trying to assure them that “their president is not a crook.  To drive home the message, Nixon added “Everything I’ve got, I’ve earned.”  He then tried to sell people oceanfront property in Arizona (thank you, George Strait).

 

The mid-1970s were a tough time for many cities in the USA, most notably New York City.  In 1975 the city literally ran out of money.  The city could not pay its bills nor could it borrow money.  President Ford – it turns out Nixon WAS a crook and had to resign -famously told Mayor Abe Beame to “drop dead.”  New Yorkers were furious.  Except for one wide-eyed man with a dream.

 

Released just in time for this years Presidential Election, “The Apprentice” delves into the rise of real estate magnate Trump (Stan) and his friendship with ruthless attorney Roy Cohn (Strong, in an amazingly uncanny performance). If you’re a student of history, as I am, you may know Cohn as one of the Justice Department prosecutors  who successfully lobbied for the Death Penalty in the espionage trial of Ethel and Julius Rosenberg in 1953, as well as Senator Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel during the Army-McCarthy Hearings investigation suspected communists in 1954.

Our story begins with Trump, whose father, Fred, is currently being sued by the Justice Department for discrimination, meets Cohn in a restaurant and explains his situation.  Taking a liking to Trump, Cohn offers his assistance, and mentorship.  Not the most ethical person in the room, Cohn gets the case dropped and soon finds himself assisting Trump as he begins building his real estate empire.  Trump does his best to follow Cohn’s 3 Rules of Success, most notably to never admit defeat.

 

As the film progresses we get a journey through Trump’s achievements, both positive and negative.  Building Trump Tower, revitalizing, if only temporarily, Atlantic City, meeting his future wife Ivana (Bakalova).  We also get a glimpse at his family.  His doting mother, Mary Anne (Catherine McNally), his disapproving father, Fred (Martin Donovan) and his brother Freddy (Charlie Carrick) an airline pilot with his own demons.  Along the way Trump also crosses paths with everyone from Andy Warhol (Bruce Beaton) to Rona Barrett (Valerie O’Connor).  Each actor brings their characters to life, doing more then just impersonations.  They all give fine performances but I would be remiss if I didn’t (as I did above) give high praise to Mr. Strong.  I’ve seen enough archival footage to be able to say that Strong nails everything about Cohn, from his tone to his body language.  A performance that I hope is remembered during awards season.  As Trump, Mr. Stan gives an admirable performance, which couldn’t have been easy knowing that the character you are playing did not approve of this film being made.

 

Let me say right here, in conclusion – I am not a political person.  Yes, I vote and yes, I’m passionate about the certain issues, but I never have, and never will, let my leanings effect how I review a film.  Like him or not, Donald Trump is a force to be reckoned with, though I think I can say with a great deal of certainty that he will not be a fan of “The Apprentice.”

 

On a scale of zero to five, I give “The Apprentice” ★★1/2

Film Review: “Saturday Night”

 

  • SATURDAY NIGHT
  • Starring:  Gabriele LaBelle, Racel Sennott and J.K. Simmons
  • Directed by:  Jason Reitman
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 49 mins
  • SONY Pictures

 

October 11, 1975.  I was a 15-year old boy living in Tampa and for the past two weeks I had been talking to my friends about the movie “Jaws,” which I had just seen (20) days earlier.  On that night I sat down in front of the television to tune in a new show that, fifty years later, and despite many highs and a few lows, continues to air weekly.  Live from New York…it’s SATURDAY NIGHT.

 

Late night programming on NBC was pretty much non-existent in the 1970s.  Johnny Carson, and “The Tonight Show,” ruled 11:30 pm on weeknights and was so popular that Saturday nights the network would run repeats of previous shows.  This changed when Lorne Michaels (LaBelle) pitched a show about the youth of the day featuring the youth of the day.  And despite deranged writers, a cast of nobodies and the network censor, the show went on.  Barely!

 

Brilliantly written by Gil Kenan and director Reitman, the film captures the true chaos of the ninety minutes prior to the airing of the first show.  We are introduced to familiar characters, including head writer Michael O’Donoghue (Tommy Dewey), Jim Henson (Nicholas Braun, who also portrays comedian Andy Kaufman) and, of course, the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

The casting is spot on, with each actor not only resembling but channeling their character.  We meet Dan Aykroyd (Dylan O’Brien), John Belushi (Matt Wood), Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith), Jane Curtin (Kim Matula), Garrett Morris (Lamorne Morris,) Larraine Newman (Emily Fairn) and Gilda Radner (Ella Hunt).  Each of these actors do justice to the characters, capturing their personalities perfectly.  It’s obvious that Reitman, whose father worked with many of the original cast members in film, wanted to make sure that each character was brought to life with love and respect.  Two veteran actors take on two very iconic characters with Brad Garrett portraying Rodney Dangerfield and J.K. Simmons as an insufferable Milton Berle.  And kudos to the film for highlighting Berle’s legendary “talent.”  As Max Bialistock says in “The Producers,” if you’ve got it, flaunt it!

 

The script is a love story to a show that has influenced multiple generations with it’s brand of humor.  Even in its worse times – I’m looking at you 1985-86 cast – the show continues to entertain.  The film is well paced and the jokes hit hard and often. It took me back to a time when there were only three television channels and you could get a burger, fries and drink at McDonalds for a dollar.  Really.

 

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

Film Review: “Megalopolis” (Review #2)

 

  • MEGALOPOLIS
  • Starring:  Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Aubrey Plaza
  • Directed by:  Francis Ford Coppola
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  2 hrs 18 mins
  • Lionsgate

 

I’ve had time to think a lot about what I wanted to write because there are parts of “Megalopolis” that show the touch of a master filmmaker. That being said, a muddled story, and most unsympathetic characters, take a lot of the shine off of the project.

 

New Rome in the not too distant future is a city in shambles, with supporters of two very different men in a constant battle with each other.  On one side you have Cesar Catalina (Driver), an encentric visionary whose ideas are both embraced and ridiculed.  On the other side you have newly elected Mayor Cicero (Esposito), who considers himself a man of the people.  Both try to get their message to the people by the way of personality Wow Platinum (Plaza, in an amazing dramatic performance).  As each side tries to one up the other, the state of the City continues to deteriorate.  Who will save New Rome?

 

Packed with a cast that has sixteen Academy Award nominations (and three Oscars) among them, “Megalopolis” is an acting showcase for the audience.  Driver and Esposito, two of the best actors of their generation, give powerhouse performances, doing their best to sell a weakly constructed, and confusingly written, story.  Plaza, who I only knew from “Parks and Recreation,” is a revelation as the scheming and manipulative social media diva dealing with declining ratings.  Veteran actors like Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire and Dustin Hoffman shine in smaller roles while Jon Voight proves why he has been one of the best actors of the past six decades with a featured role as Hamilton Crassius III, a man whose money helps things run.

 

The drawback for me is the script, also written by director Coppola.  My thought is that he was trying  to make a film similar in style to Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet,” mixing snippets of Shakesperean language with a modern vision but sadly some of the dialogue is clunky and falls flat.

 

Visually the film is breathtaking, and it is here that Coppola shines.  The man has fourteen Academy Award nominations and five Oscars and his place in the history of cinema is assured.  While not his best effort, there are still enough flashes of the master at work that make me give the film a favorable review.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Megalopolis” receives

Film Review: “The Wild Robot”

 

 

  • THE WILD ROBOT
  • Starring the voices of: Lupita Nyongo, Pedro Pascal and Mark Hamill
  • Directed by:  Chris Sanders
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 41 mins
  • Universal Pictures

 

Writer/director Chris Sanders has been involved, in one way or another, with some of the greatest animated feature films of all time.  “Beauty and the Beast,”  “The Lion King,”  “Lilo and Stitch,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” and “The Croods” are only a few of the classic films he had a part of.  This week he adds another title to his list of classics with the release of “The Wild Robot.”

 

Meet ROSSLUM unit 7134, the latest AI robot invented to help mankind and all of its tasks who finds itself stranded on a lonely island full of pretty much every species of animal you can think of.  Attempting to speak to the creatures, the robot – “Roz” for short – soon learns that nothing on the island, with the exception of herself, speaks English.  Built to learn she shuts down as she slowly learns to communicate with all the animals, learning each of their “languages.”  Enter Brightbill (Kit Connor), a gosling who thinks Roz is his mother.  And the adventure begins.

 

 

The story is a cross between “The Iron Giant” and “E.T.,” with love for others over oneself the message that is being delivered.  And it is one that should resonate with everyone.

 

Not sure if animated films are eligible for the Best Cinematography Academy Award or not, but if they are “The Wild Robot” would be a worthy contender.  The film is beautifully rendered, presenting images that could surely pass as post cards, and the accompanying music score, composed by Oscar winner Kris Bowers, is a perfect partner to the beautiful images on screen.

 

The vocal cast is at the top of their game, with Oscar winner Nyongo giving Roz not only a voice but a heart. She is joined by Pascal as Fink, a mischievous fox, Bill Nighy as Longneck, the leader of the geese and Hamill as Thorn the Bear.

 

As noted above, the animation is spectacular, though I’d expect nothing less from Mr. Sanders and company.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “The Wild Robot” ★★★

Film Review: “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”

 

  • BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
  • Starring:  Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder and Catherine O’Hara
  • Directed by:  Tim Burton
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  1 hr 44 mins
  • Warner Bros

 

The Juice is loose.  And back.  And we are all better off because of it.

 

Michael Keaton is having a resurgence like no other actor since John Travolta.  He has done some solid work the past decade, beginning with his Oscar nominated turn in “Birdman” all the way up to last year’s triumphant return as Batman in “The Flash.”  This week, Keaton returns to the other 80s-era character he is best known for, the ghoulish Beetlejuice.  And he hasn’t skipped a beat.

 

Lydia Deetz (Ryder) is an adult now and currently hosts a paranormal television show called “Ghost House.”  While filming her current episode, Lydia believes she sees a familiar face in the audience.  But it can’t be.  He’s been “dead” for decades.  Upset by her vision she and her boyfriend (and show runner) Rory (Justin Theroux) travel to the old house where Lydia grew up.  Upon arrival she learns that her bird-loving father has passed away and that her stepmother, Delia (O’Hara) has planned a funeral ceremony on the grounds.  Joined by Lydia’s daughter, Astrid (Jenna Ortega), things begin to get weird (or, considering the house, more weird) as the funeral approaches.

What a fun film this is!  A lot of familiar faces, and some new ones, at the top of their comedic game.  While I always felt Beetlejuice was almost a secondary character in the first film, here he is front and center and Keaton just lights up the screen in every scene with his cosmic energy.  He is joined by some new “dead” characters including Monica Bellucci as the title character’s former wife (beware a woman scorned – she’s a soul sucker, literally), Willem Defoe as an actor who excelled in playing cops on screen and now does his best to patrol the underworld and, a favorite from the first film, Bob – he of the shrunken head.

 

The script is hilarious, but not afraid to throw in a couple of thrills and Burton’s pacing is pitch perfect.  This is Burton’s best work since 2007’s “Sweeney Todd” and ranks up there with “Batman’ and “Ed Wood” as among his best films ever.

 

The visual effects are outstanding and it’s so nice to see Burton continue to use stop-motion animation as opposed to CGI.

On a scale of zero to five I give “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” ★★★  

Film Review: “Deadpool & Wolverine” (SPOILERS APLENTY!)

Version 1.0.0

 

  • DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
  • Starring:  Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman
  • Directed by:  Shawn Levy
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time: 2 hrs 8 mins
  • Disney

 

I apologize for the lateness of this review but, after writing 15 years of MCU film reviews right before they open, I always have to preface them with NO SPOILERS!  So I waited until I’m pretty sure everyone that wanted to see the film (and with a BILLION DOLLARS at the box office, that’s pretty much everyone) had so I could have some fun and talk about some of the things I really loved about the film.

We meet our “hero,” Wade Wilson (Reynolds) in mid-narration, explaining that he is on a mission to find, and work with, Wolverine (Jackman), assuming that he really did not die in the film “Logan.”  Bad luck, buddy.  All that remains is an adamantium skeleton, which he puts to good use.  Dejected he returns home only to be summoned by a mysterious agency who offers him the chance to save his world.  Cue the music.

Hilariously funny, and exceedingly violent, “D&W” is, literally, the film that Marvel fans have clamored for over the years.  And the wait was well worth it.

IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THE FILM, SCROLL DOWN TO THE WRAP UP

 Traveling to different worlds (the MCU has actively embraced the Multiverse), Deadpool encounters several Wolverines – big ones, small ones, one who looks a lot like Henry Cavill!  Finally finding the one he wants, he does his best to convince him to come with him on his mission.  Along the way they run into a lot of MCU characters, both past and present, including Johnny Storm (Chris Evans), Electra (Jennifer Garner), Blade (Wesley Snipes) and, in what I hope is a teaser for a stand alone film, Gambit (Channing Tatum).  They decide to team up to defeat the villainous Cassandra Nova (Emma Corrin), who seems to really delight in her own evilness.  As the group embark on their journey, they also come across various incantations of Deadpool, including Nicepool, Lady Deadpool, Cowboy Deadpool and, the scene stealing Dogpool.

The script is equally full of hilarious moments and high drama.  Kudos to the people at Disney who allowed the cast to make some funny, but mean, commentary, with shots fired directly at the studio while showing a lot of love for the lamented 20th Century Fox.  And the “I Can Take a Joke” award goes to Jackman, who endures barbs about everything from “The Music Man” to his recent divorce.

 Yes, it’s raunchy.  Yes, it’s bloody.  But it also one of the best films of the year.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Deadpool & Wolverine” ★★★

Film Review: “Slingshot”

 

  • SLINGSHOT
  • Starring:  Casey Affleck, Tomer Capone and Laurence Fishburne
  • Directed by:  Mikael Håfström
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 49 mins
  • Bleecker Street

 

Space.  Cold and quiet.  On board the spaceship Odyssey 1, John (Affleck) opens his eyes.  He is greeted by a soothing voice telling him that he has been asleep for nine months and a day.  He is also told that the drug given to induce his deep sleep has some possible side effects.  Boy, do they!

 

A beautifully shot film with a top-notch cast, “Slingshot” tells the story of the first manned mission to Titan, one of the moons of Saturn.  The objective is to gather an ample supply of the hydrogen that makes Titan the only place in the universe (that we know of) besides Earth that has clouds, rain and rivers.  It is hoped the mission will gather the hydrogen to bring back to Earth to help with the planet’s climate issues.

 

As the lengthy journey progresses (it’s an almost three year mission, which isn’t bad when you learn in would take almost thirty-one thousand years to walk it) John periodically goes back into his sleep chamber.  He constantly dreams of his past before the mission – a past of overachieving at every chance to be picked for the Oddysey 1 mission, as well as of his girlfriend, Zoe (Emily Beecham), who was also a psrt of the project.  John is accompanied by another crewman, Nash (Capone) and their mission leader, Captain Franks (Fishburne).  However, as the mission stretches out over the months, things go from good to bad, then from bad to worse, as the mental strain of the journey begin to affect the mission.

 

The film, whose title derives from the maneuver that is needed to make the trip a success (the idea is to use the gravity of Jupiter to “slingshot” around the planet and make it to Titan), is very similar to both 1972’s “Solaris” and 2013’s “Gravity.”  Like those films, the performances are outstanding.  Affleck has a knack of letting the audience see the emotions he is feeling effortlessly.  Capone, whose Nash wants nothing better then to abort the mission and go home, also has some fine moments.  And Mr. Fishburne is…well, he’s Laurence Fishburne!  ‘Nuff said.

 

As the story progresses the audience is almost as confused as those on board the Odyssey 1, not knowing what is real and what isn’t.  The film is well paced and the visual effects both well done and effective.

  

On a scale of zero to five I give “Slingshot” ★★  

Is Home Depot Running a Scam?

 

I think that, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to expect a certain lever of respect and customer service, especially when I’m spending my money at their establishment.  Which brings us to my 8-month nightmare that was, is and continues to be Home Depot.

 

In late December 2023 our washing machine stopped working.  Knowing we needed a new one, my wife and I went to the local Home Depot, a store we have frequented for almost 20 years.  Since we were replacing the washer we decided to buy a new dryer as well and picked out what we wanted.

We paid to have them delivered and installed and a delivery date of January 15th was set.  I was a little taken aback when the gentleman who set up our order told us that “98% of the delivery drivers don’t speak English so you might want to have a translator on your phone.”

 

The morning of the 15th we received a text that our items would be delivered between 12:00 and 4:00 pm.  However, around 2:30 my wife received a call saying that they wouldn’t be delivering that day.  I was naturally disappointed as I had taken the day off to be home.  The delivery was then set for Wednesday, January 17th.  Again, I took a day off work.  We received a text that our delivery window was between 7:00 and 11:00 am.  At approximately 10:45 m wife received a call telling her that the truck was running about a half hour late.  At 11:50 she received another call informing her that we would not be receiving our items that day.

 

Slightly upset, I called the store and, after talking to the manager – not a lot of help – was transferred to the appliance department where I was given the name and phone number of the person who owned the company that Home Depot contracts to do their deliveries and installations.  I called and left a message, and he called back.  I explained that I had now taken TWO days off and still had no washer and dryer.  He told me that it had been cold the night before and that none of his trucks had started.  I told him that we had gotten a call telling us the truck was on its way but running late.  He told me that was impossible because none of his trucks started.  Hmmmmmmm…

 

He told me that the trucks were being looked at and that they would resume deliveries the next day, Thursday.  I mentioned that I guess I would have to take another day off work but he told me, “no, I didn’t mean you.  We’ll be delivering to the people who wanted delivery on Thursday.”  I told him that I would like to have my items also delivered on Thursday, but he said he couldn’t because he didn’t have the appliances.  I asked how that was possible?  He was set to deliver them that day!  Hell, he was supposed to deliver them TWO DAYS AGO!!

Anyway, we set another delivery date of Saturday, January 2oth.  I texted him on Thursday and told him we had a family event to attend Saturday night – our granddaughter’s soccer game – and asked if we could get a morning delivery time.  I also called and left a message.  Saturday morning came and we didn’t hear anything from him.  Eventually, my wife called the store and was told that our appliances were scheduled for between 11:30 am and 430 pm.

 

As I had a critic meeting that afternoon, I wasn’t home when the delivery truck arrived.  Around 3:30 I called my wife and asked if we had a new washer and dryer.  She replied “no.”  She told me that the two delivery men had brought the appliances into the garage but didn’t have any tools.  They asked her if they could use ours.  THEY DIDN’T HAVE ANY TOOLS!!!???  One of them motioned towards our old washer hookups and told my wife that we had the “wrong” kind of faucet – not sure if those were the words he used but that was how she understood it. The guy who sold us these appliances was definitely right about the language barrier.  He said we would need a plumber to come install new ones.  He then told her that he had a friend nearby who was a plumber that could fix it and install it for her.  As I wasn’t home, and we were tired of the delays, she agreed to have the “friend/plumber” come do it. I was mildly upset when I heard this and hurried home.

 

I arrived home around 4:00.  The “friend/plumber” arrived right after me.  He went into the garage, looked at the washer and told me he needed to replace both faucets.  I thought he would have them with him, but he had to go buy them, coincidentally at Home Depot.  At 5:45 pm he left, after changing the faucets and installing both the washer and dryer.  We did not get to go to the soccer game.  He charged us $165.00, which included the cost of parts he purchased.  The original delivery men – the ones that apparently worked all day “installing” appliances without tools – took the old dryer with them (I paid for that service) but left the old washer (which I also paid in advance to have removed), which meant one of us would have to park outside as it now occupied one side of the garage. (After multiple phone calls to the store, the washer was finally picked up the following Friday).

 

 

On Monday I went to the store and spoke with the manager.  When he heard my issues were with the delivery and installation, he told me that there was nothing he could do because “they don’t work for us.”  I told him that HOME DEPOT had sent them to MY HOUSE with items I had purchased from HOME DEPOT, so they most certainly did work for him.  I tried to use the analogy that if Ensign Red Shirt does his job poorly, Captain Kirk has to answer for it.  He stared blankly at me.  He again told me there was nothing he could do but would talk to Sylvia, who handles appliances, and have her call me.  When I told him about the delivery men suggesting their plumber “friend” he told me that employees are not allowed to recommend third party contractors unless approved by Home Depot.  Hmmm, I thought you just told me they WEREN’T employees!  He also told me that it was my wife’s fault that she’d “hired” the friend/plumber, so he wasn’t able to refund the $165.00 I paid for the parts and labor.

 

The next day I called the store and spoke with the manager again.  He said he had spoken to Sylvia, who also said that “they don’t work for Home Depot,” and that there was nothing she could do.  I told him that I would like to speak with Sylvia myself and was informed that she “doesn’t talk to customers.”

 

I then called the 1-800 Customer Service number and spoke with a rep who stressed that they had no control over their contractors.  I then asked to talk to a supervisor, who was helpful and said she would call me back after investigating.  The next day, after not hearing back, I called again and got another supervisor and he seemed genuine concerned.  He assured me that he would pass my issue up the line and that the escalation department would call me back.  He also gave me the escalation department’s email address so I could share my issues with them.

 

Since February, I’ve called and been assured that the escalation department would call me back three separate times.  Four times if you count the generic reply I received from my email to the Home Depot escalation department.

 

The more I thought about it the more I became curious of the situation.  Was this a running scam, either devised by Home Depot or the owner of the delivery company.  How many other times had they shown up to deliver an appliance, found a woman alone and told her that, while they couldn’t do the job, they had a friend that could. Was this just a local problem or national?  And how in the hell were they doing installations with no tools?!?!

 

As my concern grew, I attempted to call Matt Carey, Executive Vice President for Customer Service at the Home Depot Corporate Headquarters.   I went into the phone tree, noted that I wanted to speak with him and heard “do you want to speak to Matt Carey?”  I said “yes” and heard “transferring to Matt Carey.”  However, instead of being connected to his office, the line kicked back to the original phone tree (“press 2 for employment, etc).  I repeated this process several times with no luck.  I sent him an email detailing everything above and expressing my concerns but never received a reply.

 

Realizing I had a story to tell I even reached out to Home Depot Media Department in the hope they could explain what was going on but, despite leaving messages, I never got a return call.  Their new slogan should be
How to Get Nothing Done!”

Film Review: “Boneyard”

 

  • BONEYARD
  • Starring:  Brian Van Holt, Curtis Jackson and Mel Gibson.
  • Directed by:  Asif Akbar
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 40 mins
  • Lionsgate

 

New Mexico.  2009.  While out walking their dog, a citizen comes across what appear to be human bones.  Further investigation turns up no less then eleven bodies.  The place is a virtual boneyard.

 

I have been a champion of filmmaker Asif Akbar since I saw his 2012 documentary, “Top Priority: The Terror Within.”  He followed with such films as “Astro” and last year’s spy-thriller “MR-9: Do or Die,” films that I enjoyed immensely.  And just when I think I’ve got him pegged as an action director, he throws me a curveball with the psychological drama “Boneyard.”

 

After the above mentioned remains are discovered, it falls to Albuquerque detective Ortega (Van Holt) and his partner (Nora Zehetner) to investigate the grisly findings.  They are offered assistance from the FBI who send in the laid back, but to the point, Agent Petrovick (Gibson, in his best performance 2020’s “Fatmam”).  As the story backtracks via flashbacks we discover that both men are dealing with the demons of their past, making this case personal.  As the story progresses, we find ourselves trying to solve the crime with them.  It’s the once-disgraced detective Tate (Michael Sirow).  No, wait, it’s the quiet man who has a habit of trying to give young girls a lift (Weston Cage Coppola).  It’s…well, you get it.

 

 

The film is well cast, with Gibson and Van Holt leading the way.  Coppola (yes, he’s Nic’s son) is well cast as the quiet man of faith who may or may not be a killer.  And special mention for Mr. Sirow, who makes you care for what should be an unsympathetic character.

 

The script, co-written by Akbar and three others, is reverent when it needs to be, but not afraid to throw in some much appreciated humor now and then.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Boneyard” ★★  

Theater Review: “Come From Away”

 

  • COME FROM AWAY
  • Starlight Theater – Kansas City, Missouri
  • August 6, 2024

 

In “A Streetcar Named Desire,” Blanche Dubois famously stated, “ I have always depended on the kindness of strangers.”   Now imagine there are 7,000 Blanche’s in a small Newfoundland town and you have the Tony nominated musical “Come From Away.”

 

Gander.  A small town whose airport was once one of the world’s busiest.  However, with the invention of newer and longer distance planes, it’s usually pretty quiet on Tuesday afternoons.  But today, September 11, 2001, is not an ordinary Tuesday.  Following the terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the government has closed all airspace.  My current job at the time required me to drive directly past Kansas City International Airport and I remember thinking to myself how odd it was not to see, or hear, a plane taking off or landing overhead.  Over two dozen planes are diverted to Gander and, curing the course of the show, we meet the passengers and the townspeople on whose kindness they will depend.

 

Nominated for seven Tony awards, “Come From Away” is an uplifting story about the human spirit and the ability for strangers to come together.  We are introduced to several of the townspeople, including the Mayor, a worker at the local animal shelter and a news reporter on her first day on the job.  It’s business as usual until news comes of the day’s tragedy.  As if a switch has been flicked, problems that may have seemed major only hours earlier – school is about to start and the bus drivers are on strike – pale in comparison to how to feed, house and clothe 7,000 people.  The passengers are an eclectic mix – a British businessman, an experienced pilot and a gay couple, both oddly named Kevin, are among the stranded, doing their best to stay sane while basically unsure as to what has happened.  Once the word gets around, a lot of eyes are turned towards a passenger from the Middle East, and not sympathetically.  As the days begin to build up we learn their back stories and, for some, their futures.

 

I had the great fortune of catching this show on Broadway in September 2021, right after the 20th Anniversary of 9/11.  It was the time of COVID and it was eerie to stand in line, wearing a mask, waiting to show your vaccination card before you get go into the theater.  But the show was amazing, as is this production.

 

The cast is outstanding.  Many of the featured players portray more than one character, with only a slight change or clothing or location to help you differentiate them.  That there was never a false moment in the show, or a “hey, that’s the guy that played Bubba” moment is a true testament to the talents of the cast.

 

The book is very well written, with humor added when needed, never gratuitously.  Even in song the events of the day are treated respectfully.  The big difference between Broadway and this production is that there is no intermission.  Also, after the curtain call the audience was introduced to Kevin Tuerff, one of the real life “Kevins” featured in the show, who speaks to the audience and takes questions promoting his PayItForward 9.11 foundation.

 

Up against the juggernaut that was “Dear Evan Hansen,” the only Tony award “Come From Away” won was for it’s direction.  Almost a decade later, “Come From Away” continues to resonate with audiences while “Dear Evan Hansen” has gone the way of many similar shows that caught fire then slowly faded.  This is a show that not only entertains but informs.  Don’t miss it.

 

On a scale of zero to five I give “Come From Away” ★★★

 

For more information on the PayItForward 9.11 foundation, click HERE

 

“Come From Away” continues at the Starlight Theater in Kansas City through Sunday, August 11th.  For tickets to this engagement or future shows please click HERE

Film Review: “Twisters”

 

  • TWISTERS
  • Starring:  Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell
  • Directed by:  Lee Issac Chung
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time:  2 hrs 2 mins
  • Universal/Warner Bros.

 

I always marvel when a bad storm hits here in the Midwest, both at the way the weather rapidly changes as well as at those that get in their cars and trucks and pursue it.  Usually it’s the low man on the local news weather team, shouting over the wind and rain hitting their trucks while the senior weather person keeps saying, “stay safe out there, Bob!”  Though there have been two major tornadoes within 100 miles of my house near Kansas City I am relieved that, while my neighbor recently lost a large section of his fence, and I once found my grill cover in my other neighbor’s yard, I have never experienced the level of disaster shown in the new film “Twisters.”

 

The film begins in a familiar way.  A group of storm chasers tracking a funnel cloud, hoping to gather scientific data.  However, they underestimate the strength of the storm and soon find themselves seeking cover from a true once in a lifetime storm.  One that changes forever the lives of those that survive it.

 

Full of amazing visual effects and a likeable cast, “Twisters” is more of a comment on today’s social media footprint then on the weather.  Kate (Edgar-Jones) has not forgotten the friends she lost five years earlier and now, instead of chasing storms, she tracks them for the National Weather Service.  She is brough back out into the field by Javi (Anthony Ramos), her one-time partner in both storms and romance.  Javi is now partnered with a mysterious company whose intentions may not be as honorable as presented.  They find themselves pitted against Tyler (Powell), a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler” who sells t-shirts and has his own popular Youtube channel.  Will these two factions put aside their differences when it matters?  Maybe.

 

While it’s obvious that the cast is having a lot of fun, the drawback to this film is the script.  There are so many moments where an idea begins to show itself on screen, only to somehow be dismissed with the audience left wondering “whatever happened to….?”  Oh, and – SPOILER ALERT – there are now flying cows!  What could have been a Category F-5 of a film weakens to a slight breeze in the storytelling department.  Which is a shame because, as I said, the characters are likable.  You just wish they had an idea of what they’re doing.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Twisters” receives

Film Review: “Fly Me to the Moon”

 

  • FLY ME TO THE MOON
  • Starring:  Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum and Woody Harrelson
  • Directed by:  Greg Berlanti
  • Rated:  PG 13
  • Running time 2 hr 12 mins
  • Apple +

 

July 20, 1969.  A day of some significant events.  “Lost” actor Josh Holloway was born.  The number one song in the USA was “In the Year 2525” by Zagar and Evans.  Oh, and the United States landed a man on the moon.  Right?

 

Kelly Jones (Johansson) is a marketing wiz who will stop at nothing to get the job done.  She attracts the attention of the mysterious Moe Berkus (Harrelson), who introduces himself as an emissary of the US government, most notably NASA.  The country is still reeling from the tragedy brought about by the fire that killed the Apollo 1 astronauts and funding is running low.  Per President Kennedy’s directive to put a man on the moon by the end of the decade, there is a lot riding on the upcoming Apollo 11 mission.  So much so that Kelly’s job is to make sure we “land” on the moon…no matter what.

 

A fun and nostalgic trip back in time, “Fly Me to the Moon” is a film that combines the right amount of comedy, drama and, yes, romance to create a very enjoyable two hours at the movies.

 

Johansson is well cast as Jones, a woman who understands that for her to succeed in the male dominated world of marketing you sometimes have to bend the rules.  As the mysterious Moe, Harrelson at his witty best.  The casting trio is completed by Tatum’s Cole Davis, the launch commander who is still haunted by the Apollo 1 tragedy.

 

As the space agency continues to prepare for the upcoming launch, Kelly and her staff are off in a far away hangar, where “the moon” has been built, complete with lunar module, and a cast of actors ready to “land” at a moment’s notice.  As fact and fiction continue to one-up each other, much is learned about the three principal characters.  It’s a fun film that is very much worth a watch.

 

Believe it or not, there are people who still don’t believe we went to the moon.  I had a friend who once confronted Apollo 11 astronaut Michael Collins at a convention and got into a shouting match with him, demanding to know how they survived the “radiation belt.”  It got so loud we were asked to leave.  There are even rumors that NASA hired director Stanley Kubrick, whose “2001: A Space Odyssey,” featured ground breaking visual effects.  This proposal is commented on in the film and it garnered some great laughs by those aware of the rumor.  And it was just a rumor.  Right?

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Fly Me to the Moon” receives ★★

Film Review: “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

 

  • BEVERLY HILLS COP: AXEL F.
  • Starring:  Eddie Murphy, Taylour Paige and Kevin Bacon
  • Directed by:  Mark Molloy
  • Rated:  R
  • Running time:  1 hr 56 mins
  • Netflix

 

Forty years ago an unnamed studio executive convinced Sylvester Stallone to drop out of one film and do “Cobra” instead.  The film in question was “Beerly Hills Cop,” and the character of Axel Foley solidified Eddie Murphy as a true movie star.  Four decades later, we once again find the Detroit cop back in Beverly Hills, this time working on a case that he can’t help but take personal.

 

Bolstered by a fine story and strong leading performances, “Axel F.” works as both a continuation of the original film series or as a stand-alone crime drama.  We meet Axel (Murphy) back in Detroit, where he is still pissing off the residents of the Motor City.  When he learns his estranged daughter Jane (Paige), an attorney, is representing a suspected cop killer he returns to California to protect her.

 

Seeing Murphy back on screen in his Detroit Lions jacket and Adidas shoes, it’s like no time has passed since the first film.  Murphy and I are the same age (63) and if we stood next to each other you’d think I was his grandfather.  I think returning to a character he knows so well served as a fountain of youth for the actor, who is constantly moving on screen.  His scenes with Paige are among the film’s best, as Murphy shows an emotional range that may surprise some.  It’s his best performance since his Oscar-nominated work in “Dreamgirls’ – an award, in my opinion, he should have won!

 

In between the action we get to catch up with old friends like Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinehold), Taggert (John Ashton) and Serge (Bronson Pinchot), who slip back into their characters as easily as an old pair of shoes.  Throw in a bearded, and unrecognizable, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a detective who has a past with Jane and Kevin Bacon as a no-nonsense cop and you have the makings of a well told story.

 

Not sure if Murphy will ever revisit Axel Foley again but if this film is any indication, it would be a most welcome return.

 

On a scale of zero to five, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” receives ★★

Film Review: “Despicable Me 4”

 

  • DESPICABLE ME 4
  • Starring:  Steve Carell, Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig
  • Directed by:  Chris Renaud and Patrick Delage
  • Rated:  PG
  • Running time:  1 hr 35 mins
  • Universal

 

When the first “Despicable Me” film came out in July 2010, I loved it.  Not only was it funny, but it had heart.  It also had the best 3D I had ever seen with an animated film.  Since then, Gru, the Minions and company have had some amazing adventures.  That legacy carries on with “Despicable Me 4.”

 

We find Gru (Carell) enjoying his domestic life, spending his days with his wife, Lucy (Wiig), adopted daughters Agnes (Madison Skyy Polan), Margot (Miranda Cosgrove) and Edith (Dana Geier) and his infant son, Gru Jr., who, despite Gru’s many attempts, isn’t bonding with Dad as much as he’d like.  Enter a new villain and  tons of Minions and you have an adventure the entire family can enjoy.

 

Action packed, and very funny, “Despicable Me 4” benefits by the comfort the voice performers have with the characters.  They are strongly supported by Ferrell, as new nemesis Maxime, and Sophia Vergara as his femme fatale, Valentina.  A bonus is the creation of five Mega Minions, whose super powers are quite unusual.

 

With all of the mayhem taking place on screen, it’s nice to see that the storyline is equally devoted to Gru as he attempts to bond repeatedly with his son.  And when the family have to go into hiding from Maxime, the emotional vocal work of the cast pays off in spades.

 

Illumination Studios continues to equal, if not occasionally surpass, Pixar as the leader in animated films and “Despicable Me 4” is no exception.  Attention to detail is paramount, and the filmmakers manage to give each Minion it’s own personality, each one voiced by Pierre Coffin.  The screenplay, co-written by Mike White (“School of Rock,” “White Lotus” and Ken Daurio (“The Secret Life of Pets”) is both sharp and funny.  The film is well paced and will hold the attention of even the littlest audience member.

 On a scale of zero to five, “Despicable Me 4” receives ★★