Bob Odenkirk stars as Hutch, a 'Nobody' whose boring life becomes filled with excitement and danger after he crosses paths with some notorious Russian gangsters. In his quest to defend his family from numerous gunmen, he reverts back to his old self; a merciless killer with the ability to beat the sh*t out of people.
This movie is an unconventional look at a seemingly conventional man whose unconventional way of doing things leads to an unpredictably bizarre outcome.
The talented Bob Odenkirk (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul) is Hutch, a man who is far more than his boring demeanor suggests. To his family, he is mediocrity personified, and to his teenage son, in particular, he is a coward who amounts to nothing.
Everything in Hutch's life points to him being an underachiever and a big-time loser, that is until his family is threatened by some Russian mobsters. Then Mr. Nobody becomes an unstoppable force of nature!
The fight scenes will keep you at the edge of your seat because you never know what will happen next. The protagonist is the kind of dude who will face an army of gunmen empty-handed, beat the crap out of them, get bloodied in the process, and walk away from the scene calmly.
Hutch is not the kind of guy anyone would want to tangle with. There is no method to his madness, he just keeps throwing kicks and punches, using anything in sight as a weapon.
I confess that I made the mistake of underestimating the film such that I didn't bother watching the trailer. What made me change my mind was when those who saw it refused to stop talking about it. I'm so glad I watched it cos it was a thrilling encounter from start to finish!
As the eponymous character, Odenkirk is phenomenally brilliant! He plays Hutch with so much gusto and perfection that the viewer becomes lost in the character.
The fight scenes, gunplay and gore add to the overall appeal of a movie that doesn't need your approval in any way. It is awesome in every ramification.
More than just a guy who kicks some major ass, Hutch has a code and abides by that code. He is not a mindless killing machine, just a killing machine with a mind.
The final showdown is definitely the highlight of the film (as it should be). While the protagonist is battling the baddies, he gets help from two unexpected sources; dudes so crazy that they could all be the trio of wacky lunatics!
Nobody is, in my opinion, one of the best action movies 2021 has produced so far. I look forward to a sequel and can't wait to see Odenkirk blow my mind again!
Two middle-aged women are scientifically imbued with superpowers and must become the city's heroes, pitting them against the supervillains called Miscreants.
Thunder Force is a piece of laughable mess laced with cheap special effects, a horrible script, and a waste of two talented lead actresses.
I don't know much about the director, Ben Falcone, but I do recognize garbage when I see it, and that's exactly what Thunder Force is at the end of the day.
Adding a major spin to the superhero genre, the movie sees two childhood friends (Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer) reunite after many years, with ensuing events leading to them getting superpowers.
In a world overrun by villainous metahumans called Miscreants (what an awful name to give them!), the new heroes must fight to defend the city as they try to figure out how to live up to expectations and adjust to their new status.
I was giddy with excitement when I saw the official trailer. Seeing middle-aged plus-size women as superheroes was a new and welcome development for me. Add McCarthy's comedic genius and Spencer's good track record to that, and I thought I was in for something awesome.
Thunder Force fails in almost every major way; from the lame action to the stupid dialogue, crappy costumes to the ridiculous special effects, it ends up being a big bore!
The story is riddled with countless plot holes, one of the two friends makes a major decision that is against everything being a hero stands for, and when she is discovered, all her partner does is make a joke about it?
This is the first film I saw Spencer reduced to sheer ridicule. Even her acting here is so unconvincing that I felt embarrassed for her at some point. McCarthy does light up the screen at times but majorly comes across as a jackass.
They say a hero is only as good as the villain he/she faces. Well, in this case, both so-called heroes suck so what you get is an equally senseless villain who enjoys killing off members of his own crew at every opportunity he gets.
Jason Bateman... I don't even know what to say about him except this; a good actor who was unfortunate enough to accept one of the lamest roles in the history of lame roles. I expected better from the guy.
I'm just going to end my review here because Thunder Force doesn't deserve any more words from me. The concept was creative and brilliant, but the execution was totally stupid! The only good thing about the movie is that it has an ending!
A headstrong teen is forced to live with his estranged father in the African-American horseriding part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While there, he begins to develop an affinity for the animals but his association with a petty criminal threatens the good things coming his way.
Though Ricky Staub's movie is full of cliches, it manages to go beyond its shortcomings, thanks to some character development and the natural advancement of the plot.
Concrete Cowboy stars Caleb McLaughlin as a headstrong teenager forced to live with his estranged father following his mother's frustration with his constant fights at school.
Cole (McLaughlin) hates his father, Harp (Idris Elba), and wants nothing to do with him. His father, on the other hand, barely knows the son who has become his responsibility.
Cole reconnects with a childhood pal, Smush (Jharrel Jerome) and the latter introduces him into a life of petty crime. Harp detests this friendship and warns his son to stay clear of Smush but Cole doesn't listen.
As Cole spends more time in the little town where his father and a few others rear horses, he begins to develop an affinity for the creatures, and after he manages to perform the herculean task of 'breaking' the most stubborn one, he must decide the path to take to shape his life. For him, the choice is obvious but it will most likely not end well.
Concrete Cowboy marks McLaughlin's feature film debut and he gives it his all (and succeeds in the role). The range of emotions we see from him here shows some promise for his acting career and I for one was glad to see him play another character besides the one he portrayed in Netflix's Stranger Things.
Elba's charisma is unmistakable and his performance too is commendable. But I feel he should have been given more to do. Also, there were times when I didn't really buy into the accent of his character.
As the story of Concrete Cowboy unfolds, it dawns on the viewer that he/she knows where it's going. The ending is quite cheesy but the journey to that makes it worth it.
I love the relationship between the horse riders and the horses. It wasn't just a master and slave thing, but more of a bond. Unlike most riders, the Black folks believe that a horse doesn't need to be subdued. It only needs to be 'set free'.
A subtle message in this film is the importance of knowing one's heritage and fighting to preserve it, no matter what. That is something everyone can relate to.
In all, Concrete Cowboy works as it accomplishes what it sets out to do. I look forward to seeing McLaughlin in more feature film roles as we all await what his character will be up to in the upcoming fourth season of Stranger Things.
In a dystopian futuristic world, a young boy is forced to protect the first girl he sees when she crash lands in their small village. His decision pits him against their leader and a pack of dangerous men.
Doug Liman's Chaos Walking is restricted by its mediocre plot and even with commendable performances from its two leads, it fails to rise above its level of mediocrity.
Based on the book trilogy by Patrick Ness, it stars Tom Holland as Todd Hewitt, a boy living in a dystopian world similar to earth, where only men make up a small settlement.
When a girl named Viola (Daisy Ridley) crash lands in the area, Ness takes an instant liking to her and takes it upon himself to protect her from their leader David Prentiss (Mads Mikkelsen), a man who seeks to use her his own selfish reasons.
The thing about the world Todd and the rest of the men live in is this; their thoughts are audible and visible to all. Only a handful can actually control and hide theirs.
Todd is surprised that he can't hear Viola's thoughts and while on the run from Prentiss and his henchmen, finds out that there being no women in their village is actually linked to his tragic past, and involves Prentiss himself.
As he spends more time in the company of Viola, each moment becomes more and more embarrassing as his attraction to her manifests every time via his thoughts.
On her own, Viola needs Todd's help in reaching an important location so that she can call for help from another ship. This is something that Prentiss knows and will do anything to stop.
The whole concept of the men not being able to hide their thoughts was a little bit much for me. But there were times when it was actually what made some scenes worth watching (especially the scenes involving Todd and Viola).
Todd's romantic thoughts about Viola often made the time they spent together very awkward, and it is a comic element that worked well to ease the tension at times.
I haven't read the books but I feel that they answered some questions that the movie failed to. For one thing, how did Todd and the rest of the people arrive in their present world? What happened to earth? What exactly is it that makes the thoughts of the men audible and visible? These are some of the questions that weren't answered.
Holland, Ridley, and Mikkelson give commendable performances. Then another actor who shines despite being a secondary antagonist is David Oyelowo.
Oyelowo plays a preacher who is obsessed with Hell Fire. His thoughts of eternal damnation push him to the very edge of insanity, and he singles out Viola for retribution in his personal crusade against her.
Chaos Walking doesn't stand out as unique in any way. It has the potential to be something more but unfortunately, that never happens. At times, the visual effects looked fake and the CGI wasn't all that convincing.
If there are plans for sequels, then such plans should be forgotten as I don't see much material here that would make fans want to watch more movies. It's not that the film is that bad; it's just that it's not that good to warrant a sequel(s).
Final words: Chaos Walking is easily forgotten by the time the end credits begin rolling in. It makes for a decent film but not one to be recommended.
Veteran actress Jodie Foster stars as a controversial attorney who decides to defend a man held in captivity as he is believed to be behind the 9/11 attacks on US soil.
In her quest for the truth, Nancy Hollander (Foster) uncovers a major conspiracy and is determined more than ever to follow through to make sure her client gets what he deserves.
Jodie Foster and Tahar Rahim shine in Kevin Macdonald's The Mauritanian, a gripping tale of a man whose guilt is determined even before he is convicted of the crime.
Based on the 2015 memoir Guantanamo Diary by Mohamedou Ould Salahi, The Mauritanian tells the true-life story of Salahi (Tahar Rahim) who is detained for fourteen years in the Guantanamo Bay detention camp for allegedly being a part of the 9/11 attacks.
Hollywood veteran Jodie Foster plays Nancy Hollander, the defense attorney who takes on Salahi's case, with the assistance of Teri Duncan (Shailene Woodley).
Hollander's decision to defend a 'terrorist' pits her against Lt. Colonel Stuart Couch (Benedict Cumberbatch), a formidable military prosecutor who has been charged with building a case against Salahi so that he gets the death sentence.
As Hollander and Duncan communicate with Salahi to get to the bottom of the case, they are met with obstacle after obstacle. But something begins to dawn on them; the government is hiding something that could actually prove that Salahi is not the man they say he is.
On his part, Couch's determination to ensure that Salahi gets what he deserves is shaken when he finally gains access to some confidential papers documenting the unspeakable horrors the Mauritanian was subjected to in detention.
Couch has a very good reason to want Salahi dead but he has to ask himself if he is being pushed to take part in the execution of an innocent man because the government is fixated on him being the 'someone' who must pay for the 9/11 attacks.
The Mauritanian has an engaging plot that develops naturally, bolstered by intelligent dialogue and fully fleshed-out characters.
For me, two actors stand out here; Jodie Foster for her deft acting skills (she is so convincing as the aging attorney that the viewer may forget she is acting), and Tahar Rahim, whose amazing portrayal of the man whose hellish encounters on American soil inspired this film.
As Salahi, Rahim's portrayal is astonishingly spot on. Few men can endure what his character went through and retain their sanity and the way it is depicted will make the viewer wonder how such wickedness came to be in the hearts of men.
Benedict Cumberbatch and Shailene Woodley also impress as part of the supporting cast. Both of them own their roles in the best way possible and leave no doubts as to why they were cast.
Conclusively, The Mauritanian is a movie with a very important lesson; every man deserves the right to a fair trial. This is a point that Foster's character hammers on almost throughout the film.
I commend the director, Kevin Macdonald, for a job well done. He successfully made a gripping drama that is up there with some of the finest films to come out of Hollywood.
Once again, another commendation to Foster and Rahim, the talented duo who elevate The Mauritanian to heights of greatness. Two thumbs way up!
Two mythical monsters battle for supremacy in the sequel to Godzilla: King of Monsters. Only one of them will be left alive and the key to human survival may be in the hands of a little girl who is close to Godzilla.
Adam Wingard's monster film proves to be the biggest and best yet in the genre, combining over-the-top action with dazzling visual effects to give viewers a treat worthy of its title.
Does it live up to the hype? Hell, yes! Of the two dueling behemoths, does a winner emerge? Hell, yeah! In the end, does it prove to be a genuine blockbuster? Again, hell yes!
Now, I'm not exactly a fan of Godzilla or Kong or monster movies for that matter. While I enjoyed Peter Jackson's King Kong (2005) and Kong: Skull Island, the last Godzilla film (Godzilla: King of the Monsters) released in 2019, didn't leave any lasting impression on me.
Honestly, I don't really see any reason to pit two fantastical beasts against each other just for the fun of it. So, I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about Godzilla vs. Kong's arrival.
The movie did arrive, I saw it, and damn! Adam Wingard has managed to turn something completely nonsensical into one of the best action movies in recent memory!
The plot: Alexander Skarsgard plays Dr. Nathan Lind, a geologist who teams up with Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), an anthropological linguist, to take the monstrous Kong to find the location of Hollow Earth (a hidden world within ours where the beast could finally feel at home).
Meanwhile, Madison Russell (Milly Bobby Brown) and her friend trail Bernie Hayes and enlist his help in uncovering a sinister plot being hatched by Apex Cybernetics, a tech organization trying to solve Earth's "Titan problem".
When Godzilla suddenly launches an unexpected and brutal attack on Apex, the stage is set for the inevitable confrontation between two colossal creatures. It's a fight that will only have apocalyptic consequences for earth's citizens.
As Godzilla and Kong face off, Madison and her team realize that what Apex has been up to is even more dangerous than they initially thought. It's something that endangers the life of every single person on the planet, and those of even Godzilla and Kong.
The story is straightforward and the dialogue is mediocre. Anyone expecting something more than just action and spectacle is in for a major disappointment as Godzilla vs. Kong doesn't have any lofty aims. It was made to entertain and in that capacity, it exceeds beyond what the viewer may have envisioned.
In the acting department, only two individuals stand out for me; Skarsgard and Kaylee Hottle, the young actress who plays the deaf Iwi native who befriends Kong and whose special bond with him is one of the film's significant arcs.
The cinematography (especially in the Hollow Earth scenes) is breathtaking, the special effects awesome and the action is, of course, the best part of the movie.
The fight scenes between the titular characters leave the viewer wanting more. They are well-staged and the camera angles are just right in showing the epic brawl.
To be blunt, Godzilla vs. Kong is a mindless piece of unfiltered entertainment that will delight geeks and action aficionadoes. I had a total blast watching it and will definitely do so again soon!
Kudos and two thumbs up to Adam Wingard for making a really dumb movie so cool that you forget how dumb it really is and just relax and enjoy the ride!
It won't come as a surprise to me if a decision is made to helm a sequel. I have a feeling that many movie fans (myself included) are hoping that that happens.
In conclusion, Godzilla vs. Kong is a non-stop joyride, slowed down only by the few scenes where the two titans aren't beating the hell out of each other!
The rivalry between the popular cat and mouse comes to the big screen. When their antics threaten the successful wedding ceremony that is set to take place in a plush hotel, a new employee decides to take matters into her hands and eliminate them.
The Tom and Jerry movie tries to capture the comic wonder of the cartoon series but ends up being a noisy affair with distracting music.
From the moment the decision was made to helm a live-action/2D animated hybrid of the beloved classic, there was little possibility of making something worthwhile. In the end, Tom and Jerry pales in comparison with the source material.
Directed by Tim Story, the movie stars Chloe Grace Moretz as Kayla, a girl who gains employment in a prestigious hotel in New York by posing to be who she is not.
Her job is marred by the presence of the titular cat and mouse whose feud threatens to ruin a wedding between two famous individuals in the hotel.
Michael Pena co-stars as Terence, the event manager of the hotel (and Kayla's boss), who is suspicious of her the moment she appears. He wants to get rid of her but can't quite find a way to do that. As Tom and Jerry's antics continue to mess things up, Kayla decides to use Tom's feline instincts to capture and get rid of Jerry.
Colin Jost and Pallavi Sharda are the couple whose arrival at the hotel is greeted with warm hospitality. Their wedding is set to be one of the most momentous occasions in the history of the hotel.
But things begin to go sideways when Kayla's efforts to stop the mayhem continuously caused by Tom and Jerry leads to more and more disaster.
One doesn't expect much from the plot of this kind of movie, but putting in a few surprises wouldn't have hurt. Instead, what we get is a string of predictable sequences and a lead actress who is seriously lacking in the comedy department.
Moretz became a screen darling after her impressive performance as Hit-Girl in the Kick-Ass films. After then, she has continued to show promise as a talented actress.
Unfortunately, her acting here isn't all that convincing. Her character is not really someone you root for and Moretz has a lot of work to do if she plans to convince audiences that she can portray hilarious characters.
Her acting comes across as forced, and she tries too hard at times. Pena who usually steals the screen in whatever role he is given is one of the film's worthy distractions but even he can't save it from being a forgettable affair.
His character doesn't have much to do other than be suspicious of Kayla and make a fool of himself. As for the visual effects, they weren't bad at all.
I was impressed with how the 2D characters interacted with real-life objects and made contact with them. But when sharing scenes with humans, the viewer could easily tell that the animated characters weren't really there.
The eponymous characters are supposed to be the best part of the movie but this is not the case. Admittedly, there were a few scenes when their clashes brought back memories of the classic cartoon series. But for the most part, their actions were repetitive; Tom trying to catch Jerry (and failing) and Jerry constantly outwitting Tom.
If you want to make a Tom and Jerry movie, give us something that is lacking in the animated series. To be fair to the writer Kevin Costello, there is the romance subplot between Ben and Preeta but even that doesn't help this film wallow in mediocrity.
The music is another element that was too distracting. It was good but at times, not needed. It felt more like noise than melody at times.
I wouldn't say I was disappointed after watching Tom and Jerry because I knew it was bound to be a letdown. I just expected more from Moretz and Pena whose inclusion didn't even ease the feeling of disappointment.
This was a wasted effort in my opinion and that isn't easy to say as I'm well aware of how much work goes into these types of movies. I wish something better and more creative was greenlit instead. Conclusively, Tom and Jerry is a loud, fanciful, and hollow mess that doesn't leave any lasting impression.
A young man struggles with PTSD after serving in the army. He and his partner take solace in heroin and their lives begin to crumble before them. In an effort to pay off a debt he owes a gangster, Cherry begins robbing banks; something that bodes tragedy for him.
With CHERRY, Tom Holland proves that he has the versatility to conquer Hollywood as he sheds the superhero persona he is famous for playing to give a rousing performance of a PTSD victim.
Based on the novel of the same name by Nico Walker and directed by the Russo Brothers, Cherry is the story of the eponymous character, a young man who watches his life crumble before him after his travail serving in the army.
Starring Tom Holland (the fast-rising star who plays the MCU's Spider-Man), Cherry is a singular look at the effects of PTSD, and an individual's descent into the world of heroin addiction.
Cherry's life changes when he falls for his college classmate Emily (Ciara Bravo) and their relationship quickly blossoms into teen romance.
The protagonist's life takes an unexpected turn when his girlfriend informs him that she is leaving for Canada to further her studies in Montreal. Devastated, Cherry makes a rash decision; he joins the army.
He is shocked when Emily does a 180 turn to let him know that she won't be leaving the country anymore. But by then, it's too late and soon, he joins his band of brothers for combat duties.
Cherry is changed by his horrific experiences as a soldier, and when he returns, even Emily's presence isn't enough to drive his never-ending nightmares.
On the brink of insanity, Cherry takes solace in heroin, initiating Emily along the way. Before long, he's robbing banks to pay off a debt he owed a notorious gangster.
The path that Cherry is on can only lead to self-destruction, but he is powerless to alter his faith and has to watch as Emily slowly dissolves into a caricature of who she was. Tragedy looms, but Cherry could care less. All he is after is self-gratification and he is ever faithful to his new god - heroin.
Cherry isn't the first movie on PTSD, neither is it the best (not by a long shot). But what makes it compelling is Holland's portrayal of the young man whose physical and psychological torture is largely one of his own makings.
Apart from their MCU movies, I'd never seen any film(s) directed by the Russos, so I was keen to see something different helmed by them. I say they did a good job.
I loved the way the protagonist's suffering is shown; the visual representations, weight loss, etc. Everything was as realistic as one would expect from this kind of drama.
I expected Holland to deliver and the dude went far beyond that for me. I just couldn't take my eyes off him. I will be shocked and disappointed if his performance here doesn't get him at least a major award nomination.
As the main supporting character, Ciara Bravo is equally impressive as the girl who becomes fed up with her partner and decides to also become an addict. Her acting talent is never in question here.
Cherry doesn't break new dramatic grounds but it is worth seeing, thanks to its resonating themes, Holland's character arc, and mesmerizing performances from the two leads.
Based on true-life events, Judas and the Black Messiah is the story of how William O'Neal (LaKeith Stanfield) on the behest of the CIA infiltrates the Illinois branch of the Black Panther Party to get information on Fred Hampton (Daniel Kaluuya).
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW: JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH is an immense triumph, thanks to exceptional performances from Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Standfield.
Helmed by a relatively unknown director, the movie was produced by Ryan Coogler (BLACK PANTHER), who saw something in the story worth telling. In the end, King's interpretation is a phenomenal masterpiece that is thought-provoking and insightful.
Set in the late 1960s, the movie sees petty car thief Bill O'Neal (LaKeith) make a deal with the FBI in exchange for his criminal records being expunged.
The feds want him to get close to Fred Hampton (Kaluuya), the chairman of the Black Panther Party in Chicago. O'Neal infiltrates the party and eventually becomes Hampton's driver, gaining his trust while relaying vital information back to the FBI.
O'Neal struggles with his conscience over his dirty deeds while Hampton's influence continues to grow. As the cases of brutality against the blacks continue to rise, the feds put more pressure on O'Neal, knowing that taking Hampton (and the Black Panthers) down depends on him being able to deliver the final crushing blow from within.
Frankly, I didn't know what to expect after seeing the trailer. Coogler's involvement gave me little assurance that seeing this film wouldn't be a total waste of time. In the end, I was blown away.
First off, I tip my heart to the acting talent that is Daniel Kaluuya. The man is a sheer force of nature! He impressed me in GET OUT and QUEEN & SLIM. Here, he shows that he isn't just acting the part of Fred Hampton. He IS Fred Hampton. The passion his character exudes, dedication, and selflessness are well depicted with his astonishing acting. In my opinion, he deserves an award for it.
LaKeith Standfield also delivers (I expected nothing less) with a realistic portrayal of his two-faced character and the inner battles he fights. His shifty eyes give you a peek into an individual who is hiding something. He is the darkness to Kaluuya's light, the Judas to one seen by many as the black messiah.
The music is another element that helps in setting the mood; poignant and apt, it is well utilized, making for a perfect ensemble. The supporting actors also play their roles well as no one seems out of place or underused.
In the end, I must commend Skaka King for making a masterpiece. In an era where there is still racial segregation and inequality, JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH is a look into the troubled past of a people who have suffered so much due to no fault of theirs.
Despite the injustice continually meted out to them, the never-ending fight continues. Why? Because in the words of the great man himself, 'You can kill the revolutionary, but you can't kill the revolution!'
A movie director and his girlfriend have a major fight on the biggest night of his life. During the course of the rift, secrets are bared and issues they never knew existed surface.
Sam Levinson's film is engaging at first but loses steam just past the halfway mark, leaving the viewer bored in a never-ending cycle of the same issues.
John David Washington is Malcolm, a filmmaker, whose girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) seems upset after what he sees as the biggest night of his life.
After returning from the premiere of his movie, Malcolm is ecstatic and can't stop talking about the night's affair. He notices Marie wears a glum look and after probing, she finally begins to unearth some issues that lead to arguments and an unending quarrel.
I was eager to see how the director would sustain the interest of the viewer with just two actors and for the first few minutes of the movie, I was entertained.
The dialogue was okay and they both seemed to talk like normal folks would, that is until they became caught in a predictable and boring repeat of talking about annoying stuff.
First of all, the characters are well-written. JD's acting is impressive (one would expect nothing less from the son of Denzel Washington). Even Zendaya (who I never knew had such range) didn't disappoint. What put me off was the endless cycle of arguments and make-out sessions.
When I realized that was what was in store for the viewer for the entirety of the film, I became pissed off. Zendaya is a good actress but her character is so annoying.
Just when you think the arguments are over and they have both settled, she brings up yet another reason to keep fighting. You couldn't even put a finger on what exactly she wanted from her boyfriend as she kept saying a whole load of trash.
This is not to say Malcolm was without his flaws. The difference is that he is more tolerable. I understand what the director was going for but in my opinion, he failed to hit his mark as this movie ends up becoming entrapped in what was supposed to lift it beyond mediocrity.
