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Film Review: “Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story

May 31, 2023 by Mike Smith Leave a Comment

JAZZ FEST: A NEW ORLEANS STORY
Starring: Quint Davis, Jimmy Buffet, Verdine White
Directed by: Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 35 mins
Sony Pictures Classic

They call it the Big Easy. Home of Mardi Gras and Saints. But New Orleans is known for one thing above all others…The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival – a celebration of the music, food and culture that has defined the city and surrounding areas for centuries.

In the early 1960s, George Wein, the organizer of the famed Newport Jazz Festival, was asked to bring his talents to New Orleans. Unfortunately, the climate of the times postponed the first ever New Orleans Jazz Festival until 1971. “Jazz Fest” is a look inside the event on it’s 50^th Anniversary as well as the events that shaped it.

An event that draws 100,000 people a day for many days, the Festival is probably the only place on Earth where you can see everyone from Tom Jones to Pitbull to Bruce Springsteen on the same bill. Those performers and many more talk about their pride in being asked to perform as well as the profound effect their performances have on not only on the crowd but also the musicians.

The film is full of great performances, both from previous shows and the 50^th, including musical numbers by Ellis Marsalis and his sons, Earth Wind and Fire, Katy Perry, B.B. King, Samantha Fish, Al Green, and many others. Yes, this is called a JAZZ Festival, but all kinds of music, from gospel to soul to folk are well represented and well received. And a quick detour to the swamps gives viewers a taste of Cajun and Zydeco music. It is amazing how much of the area’s culture revolves around music, including funerals. I hope when my time comes that my trip to the cemetery is led by dancers and a big brass section! Even the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 was dealt with musically as musicians like Jimmy Buffet, Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen took to the newly built stage to give hope to, as Springsteen sang, the City of Ruin.

Also featured is the amazing food found at the festival, with pretty much everything either fried or made with cream. I want to find the guy making the pork cracklings.

Due to COVID, the festival skipped two years but came roaring back earlier this year, with more than 7,000 musicians on 14 stages and didn’t skip a beat. If you can’t make it down in person, this film is a great way to enjoy the show.

“Jazz Fest: A New Orleans Story” receives five out of five stars.

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Film Review: “Amsterdam”

May 31, 2023 by Mike Smith Leave a Comment

AMSTERDAM
Starring: Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington
Directed by: David O. Russell
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 14 mins
20^th Century Studios

They called it “the War to end all Wars.” Of course, history will tell us that it wasn’t, but shortly after WW I things were looking up for a couple of former soldiers. Burt (Bale) was a Park Avenue doctor who married above his station and only went to war when his father-in-law suggested that a man with medals would have some esteem. Harold (Washington), now a lawyer, was part of the all-Black unit in Europe that Burt was given command of. When their former commanding general dies suddenly, they are asked to investigate the death. But they may not like what they find.

Smartly written, with a few odd quirks – the trademark of a David O. Russell film – “Amsterdam” is a who-dunnit with many possible suspects. The trio of friends – Burt, Harold and Valerie (Robbie) – met shortly after the war, when Burt and Harold were patients in a hospital in which Valerie was the nurse. Appalled by the treatment Burt and Harold received, Valerie takes them to a couple of bird-watching friends (Mike Myers and Michael Shannon), who treat them. Because he lost an eye, Burt is given a box of premium glass ones, an item that becomes part of the plot every time Burt is punched – which is often – and they eye falls out. Bale proves himself a fine master of physical comedy and, based on his work here, would be a great casting choice should they ever make a “Columbo” movie.

The cast is vast and at the top of their games, with fine supporting work by Rami Malek, Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana and Robert DeNiro. Russell’s script is tight and he keeps the action moving at a nice pace. You do have to pay attention, as every new twist takes you in a different direction. That being said, head to the nearest cinema and book a ticket to “Amsterdam.”

“Amsterdam” receives five stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Till”

May 31, 2023 by Mike Smith Leave a Comment

TILL
Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Frankie Faison and Jalyn Hall
Directed by: Chinonye Chukwu
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Orion Pictures

In August 1955, Emmet Till left his mother’s home in Chicago to visit his relatives in Mississippi. He never saw his mother again.

We first meet Emmett (Hall), known as Bo to his family, as he prepares for his trip. A friendly, smiling boy who loves music and impromptu dancing with his mother, Mamie – an Oscar-worthy Ms. Deadwyler. As he packs for his trip, his mother reminds him that the rules in Mississippi are much different for Blacks then they are in Chicago. Not that Chicago is a haven of equality. We learn this when, while shopping for shoes at a downtown department store, Mamie is informed that they also sell shoes in the basement. Still, with a self-assured smile, and a stylish hat, Emmett boards the train and begins the journey south. He learns first-hand how different the rules are when, once the train crosses the Mason-Dixon line, all of the Black passengers get up from their various seats and make their way to the back of the car.

Emmett discovers a whole new way of life when he arrives in the small town of Money, Mississippi. Instead of playing with his cousins, he finds himself in the field, picking cotton, taking the new adventure in stride. A stop at a local store brings Emmett face to face with a white woman that Emmett finds so attractive he tells her she could be a movie star, emphasizing her beauty with an innocent wolf whistle. His cousins are mortified by this and quickly spirit Emmett away, the boy still not understanding their reaction. Tragically, he soon will.

An important film that tells an important story, “Till” is both heartbreaking and inspirational, filled with an amazing cast of actors. As Mamie, Ms. Deadwyler is a revelation. Whether dancing quietly with her only child, or grieving at the sight of Emmett’s broken body, there is not a false note in her performance. Her grief is genuine, leaving not one dry eye in the house. But Mamie also has a quiet strength – a strength that has taken her to where she is in her life – and she feeds off of that strength every time she needs to. The supporting cast is just as good, with nary a false beat among them. Director Chukwu’s camera makes us a witness to everything going on and the musical score, by Abel Korzeniowski, is pitch perfect in setting the necessary moods.

A film that takes an unflinching look at one of the most horrific times in this country’s history, “Till” is a tale of two worlds, 650 miles apart. It is a film that needs to be seen by everyone!

“Till” receives five stars out of five.

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Film Review: “CREED III”

May 31, 2023 by Mike Smith 1 Comment

CREED III
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson
Directed by: Michael B. Jordan
Rated: PG 13
Running time: 1 hr 56 mins
MGM

Sadly, it’s usually the third installment of a film series that doesn’t fare well. Think “Jaws 3-D,” “Halloween III,” “Superman III” among others that, while they try hard, they tend to disappoint. Welcome to the group, “Creed III.”

Having achieved greatness both in and out of the boxing ring, Adonis Creed (Jordan) is ready to relax. However, that time off is interrupted when a mysterious man from his past returns and demands a shot at the title he thinks is rightly his. Cue the music.

“Creed III” borrows a lot of its story from “Rocky III.” The champion looking to quit, only to be bullied into “one more fight” and the emotional and physical damage this fight takes on everyone involved. All that is missing is a cameo from Mr. T. The main thing missing is Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. Rocky was the heart of the first two films, and his presence is sorely missed, both on the screen and to the audience. Because of this, there is not one likable person in the cast to root for, which makes the big fight moot, because you really don’t have a rooting interest. Adonis and his wife are constantly bickering, his old pal Damian (Majors) is a bully and unlikeable. It’s sad when the only character you root for is Ivan Drago’s son.

On the positive side, Jordan’s direction is fluid, and he covers the boxing scenes with the eye of an old pro. He obviously has the chops to be behind the camera. Unfortunately he didn’t spend enough time on character development, and the audience is stuck with one-dimensional character that don’t have a redeeming bone in their bodies, which is a shame for a franchise that earned it’s love by opening its heart.

“Creed III” receives two and a half stars out of five.

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Film Review: “WEIRD: the Al Yankovic Story’

May 31, 2023 by Mike Smith Leave a Comment

WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe and Lin-Manuel Miranda
Directed by: Eric Appel
Rated: TV 14
Running time: 1 hr 48 mins
Roku

I often hear people talk about the music of their generation. My dad grew up listening to Frank Sinatra. My mom, Elvis. I grew up in the time of the Beatles. But there is another musician that influenced my life profoundly, His name is Al Yankovic.

How do you make a film about a man whose stated life ambition is to write funny lyrics to existing songs? It’s actually quite easy. Picking various points of the accordion master’s life, it seems that

Al (a very good Daniel Radcliffe) has a talent that must be shared with the world. Like my friends and I, Al was a fan of late-night radio host Dr. Demento (an unrecognizable Rainn Wilson) and sends him a tape of some of his songs. Much to his surprise, the Doctor plays his stuff on the air, which leads to Al thinking this could really be the start of something big.

Of course, not everyone thinks Al is a musical genius. Only after he is challenged by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack (Jack Black) to create, on the spot, a parody of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” that he is able to quiet the naysayers. Think Eminem at the end of “8 Mile” and you have a good idea of how things go.

The film plays fast and loose with facts, but fans of Al wouldn’t want it any other way. If you’re a fan of “the Weird one,” then, by all means, give this one a look.

“WEIRD’ receives three and a half stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Champioms”

May 31, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

CHAMPIONS
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson
Directed by Bobby Farrelly
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
Focus Features

It is a tale as old as time – a coach, of varying past success, falls on hard times but finds redemption by helping a group of misfits overcome great odds to become a team that achieves some form of glory. “The Way Back.” “Hoosiers.” “The Bad News Bears.” “The Mighty Ducks.” Those are but a few examples of this tired cinematic theme. In his first solo directorial effort, filmmaker Bobby Farrelly, who has co-helmed such titles as “Shallow Hal” and “Me, Myself & Irene,” takes his own shot as the sports genre with “Champions.” Starring Woody Harrelson, “Champions” takes us on a cute journey as a disgraced basketball coach is forced to work with a group of young people with learning disabilities. Unfortunately, the story fails to pull the heartstrings, nor does it inspire one to jump up and down for joy.

Marcus Marakovich (Harrelson) has a history of success with his impeccable basketball knowledge. However, it’s been his inability to get to know his players that has been his downfall on several occasions. Of course, his hot temper hasn’t helped much either. One night, while serving as an assistant coach for a minor league basketball team in Iowa, he gets into an argument with the team’s head coach (Ernie Hudson) and shoves him to the court floor, which becomes the subject of national news. He then gets drunk and crashes into a police car. An unsympathetic judge sentences Marcus to 90 days of community service by coaching a team consisting of young people with learning disabilities called Friends.

Marcus is not at all enthusiastic about his current plight, but he tries to make the best of it while also trying to convince someone in the NBA to give him a shot as an assistant. As one might expect, the kids start to grow on him and he even starts a relationship Alex (Kaitlin Olson, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), the older protective sister of one of his players. The dilemma that Marcus ultimately faces is whether to stay in Iowa or go off to fulfill his lifelong dream.

The supporting cast, who represent the players on the Friends team, are a delight to watch as the enthusiasm and joy they bring to the silver screen are palpable. Harrelson and Olson are pleasant together onscreen while the former delivers an okay performance. “Champions” is a nice attempt by Farrelly to do something different, but the story lacks emotional depth and is simply too formulaic for its own good. It’s just a slight variation to what’s been done a thousand times before.

Overall, “Champions” is a soft layup rather than a slam dunk.

“Champions” receives two stars out of five.

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Film Review: ‘Hypnotic”

May 30, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

HYPNOTIC
Starring: Ben Affleck, Alice Braga
Directed by Robert Rodriguez
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 33 mins
Ketchup Entertainment

Mix in one part “Inception,” one part “Dr. Strange,” and two parts “Firestarter” and you will have director Robert Rodriguez’s “Hypnotic.” Headlined by Ben Affleck, who sadly doesn’t play the caped crusader, “Hypnotic” is supposed to be an action thriller with a bit of mystery. However, the first half of it feels like a small budget B-movie with a cast who are only in it to earn a paycheck or have joined the ranks of Nicolas Cage and play in movies no one sees in theaters. There is a cool twist in the story but it’s almost impossible to maintain interest by the time it arrives.

Having suffered the recent loss of his daughter in a brazen, daylight kidnapping, and the subsequent end of his marriage, Austin police detective Danny Rourke (Affleck) is undergoing therapy so he can return to active duty. After he is cleared, his partner Nicks (JD Pardo, “Mayans M.C.”) informs him of a tip about an upcoming bank robbery. During their surveillance, Rourke notices a man later to be known as Dellrayne (William Fichtner) and pursues him as chaos erupts all around them.

A confrontation between the reveals to Rourke that Dellrayne has some sort of hypnotic ability to make people to do whatever he wants and to bend reality itself. Convinced that Dellrayne is behind his daughter’s disappearance, Rourke enlists the aid of psychic medium Diana Cruz (Alice Braga, “I Am Legend”) who drops nuggets of info to Rourke about hypnotic abilities and the danger of Dellrayne who is allegedly the most powerful one of them all. Somehow, Rourke’s daughter is tied into it all but there are a lot of puzzle pieces Rourke must put together first.

Thankfully, “Hypnotic” is only 93 minutes long. The first half lacks intrigue, suspense or much in the way of entertainment value. It does contain cliches, stiff dialogue delivery, and uninteresting characters. Rodriguez waits way too long to introduce his twist, which is unfortunate because the film might have been much better if he had devoted more time to the story’s real secrets.

Affleck is serviceable in his role but gives off the appearance of someone just going through the motions. Worse still, he lacks any chemistry with Braga. Fichtner is okay as the villain although his character is poorly developed.

Overall, “Hypnotic” may hypnotize you into going to sleep.

“Hypnotic” receives one-and-a-half stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Plane”

May 30, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

PLANE
Starring: Gerard Butler, Mike Colter
Directed by Jean-Francois Richet
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 47 mins
Lionsgate

Action films are often a dime a dozen. They are often predictable with an abundance of character cliches involving both good and bad guys. Guns have unlimited ammunition. The bad guys are generally worse at hitting their targets than stormtroopers from “Star Wars.” You get the gist. With one of the more unimaginative titles in recent memory, “Plane” doesn’t disappoint as it checks off all the boxes for the type of film just described.

Starring Gerard Butler as Capt. Brodie Torrance, a former Royal Air Force member who became a commercial airline pilot, “Plane” takes us to Singapore where a Trailblazer Airlines flight is leaving with a scant number of passengers. We get plenty of ominous signs that trouble is on its way – there is a terrible storm they will have to fly over; a menacing looking passenger is in handcuffs on his way to stand trial for murder in Canada; etc. To add a pinch of sympathy to Capt. Torrance, we discover he is a recent widow, and he is desperate to see his daughter, whom he hasn’t seen in a long time.

Shockingly, lightning hits the plane but Capt. Torrance miraculously lands the plane on a small road on a small jungle island. Without a way to contact the outside world while be stranded in a lawless place that is run by armed thugs, Capt. Torrance enlists the help of Louise Gaspare (Mike Colter, “Luke Cage”), a former member of the French Foreign Legion and who is the one facing a murder charge, to find a way to save the helpless passengers before they fall victim to a ruthless local warlord.

If you have seen Butler in any other action movie, then you know what you will get with his role in “Plane.” The one wrinkle is that he not the story’s alpha male. That belongs to Colter’s shady character, who turns out to be able to run faster than a jet airliner as it’s speeding down a dirt road. The supporting cast members offer nothing fresh or exciting as they are too a dime a dozen in a script that is about as imaginative as a root canal. The action itself is stereotypical and makes me pine for the silliness of an “A-Team” episode from the 1980s.

Overall, “Plane” is one ride you should jump out of before it ever leaves the ground.

“Plane” receives one star out of five.

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Film Review: “Knock at the Cabin”

May 30, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

KNOCK AT THE CABIN
Starring: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 40 mins
Universal Pictures

“The Sixth Sense.” “The Village.” “Glass.” These are but a few of the great suspense films that writer/director M. Night Shyamalan has crafted over the years. Of course, there have been some flops too like “The Happening.” Still, Shyamalan has consistently been one of the most creative and thought-provoking filmmakers of the 21st century. His most recent endeavor, “Knock at the Cabin” is an intriguing piece of work that ranks near the to tier of titles in his body of work.

Based upon the 2018 novel “The Cabin at the End of the World” by American author Paul G. Tremblay, “Knock at the Cabin” takes us to a small, remote cabin where a little girl named Wen (Kristen Cui in her motion picture debut) is collecting grasshoppers. Out of nowhere she is approached by Leonard (Dave Bautista, “The Guardians of the Galaxy”), a giant of a man who has a gentle disposition about him. As he tries to make friends with the skeptical Wen, three other strangers – Redmond (Rupert Grint, “Harry Potter” movies), Sabrina (Nikki Amuka-Bird, “The Outfit”), and Adriane (Abby Quinn, “Landline”) –carrying bizarre weapons draw closer.

Scared, Wen races back to the cabin to find her dads – Eric (Jonathan Groff, “The Matrix Resurrections”) and Andrew (Ben Aldridge, “Pennyworth”) – and warn them about the scary people approaching their house. Eric and Andrew’s efforts to keep the quartet out of the cabin are in vain as they soon find themselves tied up.

What transpires from that point is nothing short of bizarre as Leonard calmly describes how all four of them have been receiving visions about the end of the world. The only way to stop the impending biblical apocalypse is for one of them to willingly sacrifice a member of their family. Otherwise, Eric, Andrew and Wen will be doomed to be the only people left alive on the planet. Andrew is convinced it’s all a scam, but a concussed Eric is not so sure. This leads to a grippingly suspenseful series of events that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

For starters, Shyamalan shows once again that he is among the best filmmakers around. His style continues to be fresh, imaginative, and entertaining. He also knows not to let his stories get too long in the tooth. Other highlights include an almost shocking performance by Grint as man filled with malice and hate; a wonderful breakout role by Cui; and a dominant performance by Bautista. The latter continues to be a genuine treat to watch on the silver screen in every part he plays. His range as an actor keeps growing and he is the true star of this film.

Overall, “Knock at the Cabin” is terrific entertainment and should be on your short list of things to watch.

“Knock at the Cabin” receives three-and-a-half stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton
Directed by Rian Johnson
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 2 hrs 19 mins
Netflix

The recipient of an Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” was a critical success while commercially that’s left up in the air since Netflix only gave it a limited, brief theatrical release before streaming it exclusively. For yours truly, “Glass Onion” did not deserve the Oscar nomination like its predecessor did. Writer/director Rian Johnson’s effort is predictable and uninspired. While Daniel Craig is again glorious in his role and the star-studded cast is entertaining, particularly with Edward Norton and Dave Bautista, the story itself lacks the sense of mystery the original had. Many critics often cited all the movie’s star cameos as positive points as to why you should see the film, but even a cameo by the ghost of William Shakespeare doesn’t necessarily mean any given film is good. The overuse of cameos is just lazy filmmaking.

In brief, for those who have perhaps yet to see it, “Glass Onion” takes place during the COVID-19 pandemic on an island retreat off the coast of Greece. Billionaire Alpha technology owner and narcissist Miles Bron (Edward Norton) invites five friends – Alpha head scientist Lionel Toussaint (Leslie Odom Jr.), Connecticut governor Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn), fashion designer and model Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), internet influencer Duke Cody (Dave Bautista), and Alpha co-founder Andi Brand (Janelle Monae) – to enjoy a murder mystery weekend on his island. The great, famous detective Beniot Blanc (Daniel Craig) also joins them even though Miles did not send him an invitation but assumes one of his friends did it as a joke.

Unsurprisingly, Benoit solves Miles’s “mystery” within in a matter of moments. However, Benoit warns Miles that his life is in danger as it is revealed that each person there has a motive to kill him. When one of the guests keels over dead then the real mystery only deepens, unless you the viewer have already figured out who the real evildoer is, and it doesn’t take a world-renowned detective to do so.

I will leave the synopsis at that as I do not want to spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen the film yet. Of course, for those who haven’t I would recommend that you don’t and instead watch the far superior original again, or perhaps for the first time. Yes, Craig is charming, and his character is easily on par with such entertaining detectives as Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. He certainly doesn’t disappoint. It also never ceases to impress me just how good an actor Bautista, who made a name for himself in professional wrestling entertainment, has become. He is a joy to watch. The rest of the cast deliver well enough performances, but they are not memorable. Yes, “Glass Onion” received an Oscar nod, but that doesn’t mean it deserved it, at least in this critic’s humble opinion. Like “Everything, Everywhere All at Once,” it was thoroughly overrated film.

Overall, “Glass Onion” is a one-layer onion that will make you cry over how paper thin it is.

“Glass Onion” receives two stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Renfield”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

RENFIELD
Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Nicolas Cage
Directed by Chris McKay
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 33 mins
Universal Pictures

Currently in theaters and available on streaming is the Nicolas Cage foray into comedy horror titled “Renfield.” While Cage is an absolute delight as Dracula, “Renfield,” which is told from the viewpoint of Dracula’s human assistant, does not quite live up to the standard set by the 2014 classic “What We Do in the Shadows.” It does have moments of genuine levity, but it also falls flat in others and a performance by Awkwafina in a supporting role is nothing short of annoying.

“Renfield” opens with some creative, black-and-white recreations of scenes from 1931’s “Dracula” with Cage supplanting Bela Lugosi as Count Dracula and Nicholas Hoult supplanting Dwight Frye as Renfield. It is a wonderful way by director Chris McKay (“The Tomorrow War,” “The Lego Batman Movie”) to present a quick backstory before the story moves closer to present day. An attack on Dracula by vampire hunters, and his subsequent assistance from Renfield, who gains some of his master’s powers by eating insects, reveals just how much the Count needs his servant as well as how manipulative he is of him.

Finding refuge in an abandoned building in New Orleans, Renfield seeks out new blood for his master as he recovers from the last attempt to destroy him. Wanting to avoid killing innocent people, Renfield attends a group counseling session for people who are being controlled by others. He then seeks out these “bad” people and delivers them to Dracula for food. However, Dracula grows tired of this and wants a busload of cheerleaders instead.

Tired of being under Dracula’s thumb, Renfield begins to branch out on his own and even attempts to court a New Orleans traffic cop (Awkwafina). Amid all this, they become embroiled in a fight to bring down a notorious and ruthless gang in the city, which turns the story into a complete mess as it runs off the rails. “Renfield” goes from being creatively funny to nothing less than dull and uninspired.

Cage’s performance is the strongest suit for this film. It’s campy at times but always entertaining. Hoult is a good counterpart to Cage yet he and McKay fail to delve much into the insanity that would seep into the mind of anyone who had been harvesting victims for a vampire for decades. Hoult and Awkwafina have zero chemistry, and the latter fails to bring any comic relief to the table. In fact, it’s painful to watch.

Overall, “Renfield” has some good moments and it’s great to see Cage in a major motion picture again, but it’s only worth your time if you have nothing else to do.

“Renfield” receives two stars out of five.

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Film Review: “A Man Called Otto”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

A MAN CALLED OTTO
Starring: Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño
Directed by Marc Forster
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 2 hrs 6 mins
Sony Pictures

There are only a small handful of thespians who could read the proverbial phonebook and somehow make it entertaining. This is applicable to Tom Hanks whose body of work speaks for itself. His newest work, “A Man Called Otto” may not be among the best films he has ever done, but it is an emotional drama with characters that feel like real people whom virtually anyone can identify with.

A remake of a 2015 Swedish film “A Man Called Ove,” which in turn was based upon a 2012 novel of the same name by Swedish author Fredrik Backman, “A Man Called Otto” begins in the winter of 2018-19 and is set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks) is the embodiment of what a curmudgeon is – he’s quick to call people idiots, he’s rude to everyone, and he prefers to be alone. Otto is also fastidious about rules and regulations, and he sees the world in black and white.

Otto’s behavior is rooted in part by the fact that his beloved wife has recently passed away and the company he worked his whole life for has forced him into retirement. Feeling that he has no purpose in life anymore, Otto decides it is time to take his own life.

Prior to attempting to hang himself, Otto becomes sidetracked when he sees his new neighbors, Marisol (Mariana Treviño, 2018’s “Overboard”) and Tommy (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, 2016’s “The Magnificent Seven”) trying to parallel park with a trailer. It infuriates him so badly that he marches out and parks their vehicle himself before marching back inside his home to resume his suicide attempt, which fails.

Otto, who always lived with an enlarged heart, isn’t done with trying to kill himself, but he gradually becomes more involved and hence attached to Marisol and her family as well as some of his neighbors. It ultimately leads to some genuine, heart-warming, and tear-jerking poignant moments in the film.

Hanks, who took on a slightly gaunt appearance for the role, is as brilliant as ever with the portrayal of a man in psychological despair. I still regard him as his generation’s Jimmy Stewart. He has an everyman quality about him that makes it easy for people to identify with his characters. His primary counterpart in the film is Garcia-Rulfo who delivers a strong supporting performance as a woman’s whose generosity and kindness compels her to develop a relationship with Otto despite his gruffness. Garcia-Rulfo’s emotional range is superb, and she shares great chemistry with Hanks.

Director Marc Forster (“Christopher Robin,” “World War Z”) maintains a nice, even pace throughout the film’s running time as he infuses the story with a sense of realism. He times out well a series of flashbacks to Otto’s younger days when he and his wife, Sonya (Rachel Keller, “Legion”) first meet, date, get married, and experience joys and tragedies. The younger version of Otto is played by Hanks’s son, Truman whose only other big screen role was a small part in 2020’s “News of the World,” which also starred his father. Keller delivers a sweet performance, but Truman comes across as a little wooden on the silver screen.

Overall, “A Man Called Otto,” available on streaming services, is a wonderful little drama, but just make sure you have a tissue box handy.

“A Man Called Otto” receives three-and-a-half stars out of five.

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Film Review: “Avatar: The Way pf Water”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER
Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana
Directed by James Cameron
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 3 hrs 12 mins
20th Century Studios

When the director James Cameron’s “Avatar” was released in 2009 yours truly opinioned that while it was a visually stunning, epic popcorn movie, it was in essence a spin on 1990’s “Dances with Wolves,” albeit one on steroids. Under its gloss it spoke to anti-imperialist themes and the conquering of native peoples all in the name of greed. The recipient of four Oscar nominations and one win for Best Achievement in Visual Effects, “Avatar: The Way of Water,” which will be available June 7 on streaming.

The original was set in the year 2154 when all of Earth’s natural resources had been depleted. The Resources Development Administration (RDA) showed up on the moon of Pandora to mine a valuable mineral needed for humanity’s continued sustainability. Sixteen years after he helped repel the RDA’s invasion, Jake Sully/Na’vi (Sam Worthington) is now chief of the Omatikaya clan along with having a family with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana).

Their peaceful lives come to an end as the RDA arrives with a new invasion and plans to colonize, this time headed by the ruthless General Frances Ardmore (Eddie Falco). To enhance their chances to defeat Na’vi’s clan, the RDA employs recombinants implanted with the memories of deceased human soldiers including those of the tree hating Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang). After a human boy is captured by Colonel Quaritch that proves to be his long-lost son, Na’vi and his family are forced to flee to Pandora’s eastern seaboard to ensure his clan’s safety.

Upon their arrival, Na’vi’s family seek refuge with the Metkayina clan, who reluctantly accept them in. Their haven is only temporary as Colonel Quaritch, with the help of his son, begins learning how to adapt to his surroundings, which leads to a relentless campaign to find Na’vi and destroy him.

That is a brief, cliff note version of the story without giving much away because the full story takes so long to get through that people have celebrated a couple of birthdays while watching the film. Visually it’s just as stunning if not even more so than the original. The story, which could be called “Dances with Wolves 2,” is entertaining although pacing is sluggish at times and requires caffeine and sugar to get through. The bringing back of Colonel Quaritch is okay as Lang plays a superb villain, but it demonstrates a sense of laziness with inability to create alternatively diabolical evildoer. Of course, if what seems like a 52-hour movie isn’t enough entertainment then no fear, there are three more sequels to be released beginning in 2024.

Overall, “Avatar: The Way of Water” is a terrific popcorn flick, that is if you have an entire weekend free to watch it.

“Avatar: The Way of Water” receives three stars out of five.

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Film Review: “The Pope’s Exorcist”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

THE POPE’S EXORCIST
Starring: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto
Directed by Julius Avery
Rating: R
Running time: 1 hr 13 mins
Lionsgate

Nominated for 10 Academy Awards, the 1973 supernatural horror film “The Exorcist,” starring Max von Sydow and Ellen Burstyn, is regarded by many as a true, cinematic classic. The newest entry in the demon possession genre, “The Pope’s Exorcist” is not so much. It is loosely based on two books – 1990’s “An Exorcist Tells His Story” and 1992’s “An Exorcist: More Stories” by Italian priest, Father Gabriele Amorth (1925-2016) who claimed to have performed tens of thousands of exorcisms during his career. Filled with cliches and horror scenes too reliant on over-the-top special effects rather than true psychological terror, “The Pope’s Exorcist” should probably be exorcised from theaters for everyone’s well-being.

Set in 1987, “The Pope’s Exorcist” takes us to a small Italian village where Father Gabriel (Russell Crowe), the Pope’s personal exorcist, drives a demon out of a man and into a pig, which is subsequently shot dead. The incident gets Father Gabriel, a practical man with a sense of humor, in trouble with a Catholic Church tribunal who questions him for acting without permission. There is a sense that there are forces within the Church working against Father Gabriel, but this aspect of the story is inexplicably dropped and not further developed.

Meanwhile, a recently widowed mother (Alex Essoe, “Doctor Sleep”) and her two children – a traumatized son, Henry (Peter DeSouza-Feighoney) and an angst-ridden, rebellious, moody teenage daughter (isn’t that how all teenage girls are portrayed in horror films?), Amy (Laurel Marsden) – have traveled to Spain to move into a spooky old castle that’s undergoing renovations. Shockingly enough (insert sarcasm), strange things start happening and Father Gabriel, under direct orders by the Pope (Franco Nero, “John Wick: Chapter 2,” “Django Unchained”), comes to the rescue aboard his motor scooter.

Assisted by a local priest, Father Esquibel (Daniel Zovatto, TV series “Station Eleven,” “Penny Dreadful: City of Angels”), Father Gabriel encounters a demon possessed Henry as the two priests must overcome their own sins to defeat evil.

Directed Julius Avery, who brought us the forgettable 2018 film “Overlord” about a bunch of American soldiers fighting Nazi zombies in World War II, “The Pope’s Exorcist” is a rather silly film that lacks thrills, chills, or even mild goosebumps. Fear is replaced by a few laughs and sheer boredom. Crowe is entertaining in the role and seems to be having a good time with it. There is also somehow one good, albeit brief scene, when Crowe’s character first encounters the possessed boy. The remaining time is just unimaginative schlock.

Overall, say a prayer to give you the strength to not watch this film.

“The Pope’s Exorcist” receives one star out of five.

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Film Review: “65”

May 29, 2023 by Michael D. Smith Leave a Comment

65
Starring: Adam Driver, Ariana Greenblatt
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods
Rating: PG-13
Running time: 1 hr 33 mins
Sony Pictures

A cross between “Jurassic Park,” “Predator,” and every other science fiction flick where a human, with or without companions, somehow ends up stranded on an alien planet, “65” is a forgettable foray into subgenre that has become as lifeless as the void of space. Adam Driver, who has a wide spectrum of genres to his acting credits, delivers a solid performance, but it’s not nearly enough to overcome the shear boredom that comes with watching this film.

On the fictional planet of Somaris, a pilot named Mills (Driver) is reluctant to leave his family behind to go on a two-year space expedition. However, the payment he will receive for doing it will save his ill daughter’s life. While his passengers are asleep in cryostasis chambers, Mills’s ship encounters an unexpected asteroid field. Extensive damage causes the ship to crash land on an uncharted planet – Earth approximately 65 million years ago when dinosaurs were the top of the food chain.

All the ship’s passengers are killed except for one – a young girl named Koa (Ariana Greenblatt, who played a younger version of Gamora in 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War”) who speaks a different language than Mills. With a giant asteroid on a collusion course with Earth, Mills must traverse hostile terrain with Koa to reach an escape pod that has the potential of getting them off the planet in time.

There is nothing that is all that thrilling or exciting about “65.” The story gives a good motivation for Mills to want to stay alive and the initial premise seems like it could have some promise. However, everything that’s done in “65” has been done a million other times. Thankfully it’s only 93 minutes long, but in reality, it feels like it’s twice that long, although not as long as “Avatar.” It does have plenty of scary looking dinosaurs but the mystique of seeing these extinct species on the silver screen evaporated a long time ago.

Overall, “65” is perhaps a good film to fall asleep to on a rainy, Sunday afternoon where there is absolutely nothing else to do and football isn’t on.

“65” receives one star out of five.

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