INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (2023)

June 29, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. “They look like snakes.” It’s such a simple line of dialogue, yet after 42 years and four previous movies, we know exactly what that means to retiring archaeology professor, Dr. Henry Jones, best known to all as the swashbuckling Indiana Jones. As the final chapter of the beloved franchise, this entry is the first one not directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg (listed here as an Executive Producer). Instead, James Mangold takes the reins, and also shares writing credit with his frequent collaborators Jez Butterworth and John Henry Butterworth, as well as “Indiana Jones” veteran David Koepp. Of course, George Lucas and Philip Kaufman receive credit for their original characters.

Harrison Ford once again dons the familiar whip and hat, and at 80 years of age, still possesses the screen persona and magnetism that first won us over in “Raiders of the Lost Ark”. The extended and frenetic opening sequence finds a young Indy (Ford is digitally de-aged for the sequence) at the tail end of WWII fighting Nazis over what else, a prized ancient artifact. I’ll leave the specifics to those who watch the film, but just know that it’s an interesting historical choice, and also one that matters little in relation to the enjoyment of the film.

Working alongside Indy in the opening sequence is his pal and fellow archaeologist, Basil Shaw (talented character actor Toby Jones, who seems to be in most movies these days). However, the fun part for me is seeing Thomas Kretschmann and Mads Mikkelsen share scenes as Nazi Colonel Weber and Dr. Voller, respectively. These are two of my favorite actors and I do wish they had a couple more exchanges … although Mikkelsen’s character gets significant screen time and plays a crucial role in how the story unfolds and concludes (he is also digitally de-aged for the opening sequence).

The story picks up with modern day Dr Voller and his band of misfits tracking down the relic and disturbing Dr. Jones’ retirement party. It’s at this point where Indy’s Goddaughter Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) pops up creating a three-way battle for the priceless relic. This sets off a chain of events that leads them on a global trek to desert, sea, and hallowed cities of antiquity. Helena’s partner in crime is young Teddy (Ethann Isidore, sporting a Bob Griese Dolphins jersey), who is clearly the scrappiest of the bunch. Dr Voller’s troupe includes Shaunetta Renee Wilson as the misguided Mason, Brad Holbrook as sleazy Klaber, and Olivier Richters as one of the largest bodyguards you’ve ever seen.

Fans of the franchise know that the story is secondary to the characters and action, and there is no shortage of action on speeding trains, galloping horses, motorcycles, tuk tuks, vintage airplanes, and scuba dives. Antonio Banderas shows up as a boat-owning old friend of Indy, but it’s the appearance of series favorites John Rhys-Davies as Sallah, and Karen Allen as Marion, that generated cheers from the audience. Ms. Waller-Bridge holds her own with screen legend Ford, and it will be interesting to see the career path she chooses after her success on TV and now film. There could be criticism directed at the action sequences and the film’s pacing, but what’s the point? Mangold has delivered what the fans want. At times this feels like a live action cartoon, and that’s not meant as criticism. It’s pure fun, fantasy, and adventure cloaked in nostalgia; and the film is a fitting conclusion to a world class franchise.

Opens in theaters June 30, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE MAN FROM ROME (2023)

June 29, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. It appears as if Catholicism has gone high-tech! Of course, with that comes the risk of being hacked, and that’s how this film from writer-director Sergio Dow begins. Based on the 1995 novel “La Piel del Tambor” (“The Skin of the Drum”) by Spanish author Arturo Perez-Reverte, the list of those with a writing credit includes: Adrian Bol, Beth Bollinger, Gretchen Cowan, Carolina Lopez-Rodriguez, Sheila Willis, and Luis Zelkowicz, Yes, so while the premise is appealing, it’s likely too many fingers in the writer’s pie created the tangled web that prevented this one from reaching greater heights.

Richard Armitage stars as Father Quart, the best Priest-Investigator the Vatican can offer. Mr. Armitage performed admirably in a couple of Harlan Coben limited series, “Stay Close” and “The Stranger”, and he has a unique and quietly compelling screen presence … and probably very few other actors could come across as somewhat believable in the role of Priest-Cop. Still dwelling on a tragic error in his last case, Quart is sent to Seville, Spain where a 17th century church has been the scene of some recent unexplained deaths. Upon arrival, he learns the church is also a key element in a family squabble related to a pending land development deal.

Macarena (Alma Salamanca) and her mother Duquesa Cruz Bruner (Fionnula Flanagan, dropping her familiar Irish brogue for a Spanish accent) are self-funding the church renovations, while Macarena’s estranged husband, the ambitious and unscrupulous Pencho (Rodolfo Sancho) is pushing for the razing of the church so the large development project can proceed. Also included in this battle are Gris (Alicia Borrachero), who is the church’s architectural restorer, Monsignor Spada (screen veteran Paul Guilfoyle) pushing Quart to close the case, Padre Ferro (Paul Freeman), the Priest from the small church who believes Quart is the bad guy, Padre Cooey (Carlos Cuevas), a Priest with other-worldly tech skills, and the always great Franco Nero who plays the Pope in a couple of scenes (interesting that he also played a different era Pope in Russell Crowe’s recent thriller, THE POPE’S EXORCIST).

The deaths occurring inside Our Lady of Tears church may or may not be mysterious, but what is clear pretty quickly is that greed and corruption are quite prevalent in this situation. The film opens with Father Quart offering his own personal confession, and this is meant to convey that he really is a good guy (not a perfect one) looking for answers … not a lackey sent to get the high-dollar deal closed. The film is at its best when Armitage is on screen, yet the story might have benefitted from a deeper dive into the corruption aspect.

These days, a money-laundering scheme is the preferred scandal for the Catholic Church, and it’s kind of humorous to think that the Vatican might have a bullpen of programmers wearing Priest collars as they cyber-protect the Church. There are some fight scenes that aren’t particularly well-staged, although the work of renowned Spanish composer Roque Banos is a highlight, as are the beautiful locales. We are left feeling like this could have worked best as a limited series on Netflix.

Opening in theaters and On Demand June 30, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

ROCK HUDSON: ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWED (2023, doc)

June 28, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Actors earn a living thanks to their ability to perform in front of the camera (or a live audience) as someone else … making the audience believe they are a particular character of interest. But what happens when an actor must continue acting once the cameras stop rolling? Such was the life of Roy Fitzgerald, a man known worldwide as Rock Hudson. Documentarian Stephen Kijak chronicles the complications faced by Rock Hudson – maintaining the All-American public persona, while hiding a personal life that likely would have ended his career had his secret life as a gay man been publicized.

Perhaps the biggest surprise here is that the secret was kept for decades, even though so many in the industry were well aware. The answer to ‘why’ this wasn’t a big deal at a time it certainly would have been a big deal is likely related to just how likeable and nice Rock Hudson was. Not only did he have incredible appeal to both men and women, he was also an extraordinarily nice man … a matinee idol with the real life personality of Tom Hanks. Of course, here we are almost 40 years later, and Rock Hudson’s legacy is often boiled down to the fact that he was the first true celebrity to go public with his AIDS diagnosis, ultimately passing away from the disease in 1985 at age 59.

As is often the case, there is much more to the man than the headlines. After serving in the Navy during WWII, it was 1946 when he headed to Hollywood. There he met Ken Lodge who helped him get his start, and it was industry big-wig Henry Wilson who thought ‘Roy Fitzgerald’ was a pleasant enough name, but “Rock Hudson” was much better. And it was Wilson who molded Hudson into the ‘ladies man’ Adonis we grew accustomed to seeing on screen. Wilson even taught him how to come across as “hetero”, and stressed the importance of not being photographed with his ‘friends’ while in public. We even hear candid interviews from George Nader and Mark Miller who were very close friends of Hudson’s, and we understand how “The Castle” became the hangout to avoid public scrutiny.

Director Kijack is very clever in his use of archival movie clips that now can be interpreted much differently than when Hudson’s movies first played. When clumped together like this, we wonder how the clues were missed, and just how intentional some of the dialogue and situations were. We hear from the doctor who diagnosed Hudson with AIDS, and the importance of Reagan politics in the era is emphasized. One of the most heart-wrenching sequences revolves around the “Dynasty” episode where Hudson, knowing he was infected with AIDS, had to kiss series star Linda Evans. We also see how his long-time friends Doris Day and Elizabeth Taylor rallied around him when he went public.

Classic film lovers know Rock Hudson received his only Oscar nomination for GIANT (1957), and it should be noted that his thirty year career spanned just about every genre: the iconic Rom-Coms with Doris Day (PILLOW TALK, 1959); dramas (ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, 1955); war (A GATHERING OF EAGLES, 1963); westerns (BEND OF THE RIVER, 1952); science-fiction (“The Mirror Crack’d”); crime-mysteries (PRETTY MAIDS ALL IN A ROW, 1971); and thrillers (ICE STATION ZEBRA, 1968). He also starred alongside Susan Saint James and Nancy Walker in one of my favorite TV series from the 1970’s, “McMillan and Wife.” Yet, despite so many terrific performances, shows, and films, Rock Hudson’s most challenging and impressive role was certainly that of Rock Hudson.

Premiering on HBO and MAX on June 28, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

LOREN & ROSE (2023)

June 23, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. In addition to being a talented filmmaker, writer-director Russell Brown must be an admirer of movie history. His latest serves up tributes to some classics, and even borrows directly from some … the two most obvious being MY DINNER WITH ANDRE (1981) and CITIZEN KANE (1941). As evidence, the viewer will notice the vast majority of the film features two characters conversing over meals while dining in a restaurant, and the narrator walks us through his history and relationship with the most interesting and intriguing character.

Up and coming film director Loren (Kelly Blatz) is on the cusp of his debut feature film thanks to the film festival success of his recent short film. He’s meeting legendary actress Rose Martin (Jacqueline Bisset) at her favorite restaurant to discuss a lead role, which would be a comeback of sorts for the aging actress now best remembered for her turn in the cheesy “Mega-Gator’s Mom”. The young director is a bit insecure and anxious about this next career step, while Rose is impressed that he knows some of her more obscure work, and begins to steer the conversation deeper, offering advice and counseling – some which might be construed as manipulative to a degree.

Two framing structures are at play here. The straightforward one comes with title cards during the three meals when we see these two meet: Appetizer, Main Course, and Dessert. The appetizer is their getting to know each other and work towards the first film. The main course occurs after that first film when the two go much deeper into philosophy, art, relationships, etc. Finally, the dessert is served years later when the dynamics are much different for a number of reasons. The second structure is a recurring look at the auctioning off of Rose’s memorabilia and personal items. All of this blends to form an unusual friendship.

Veteran actor Paul Sand (“St Elsewhere”) deserves mention as Phil, Rose’s friend and the restaurateur who chats with them during their three meals. He adds an entertaining personality to the mostly talky proceedings. And in all fairness, it should be noted that many will find this a slow-moving, uneventful film with little in the way of plot. That would not be an incorrect conclusion, yet there is actually much going on here. These are two artistic personas from different generations and their exchanges take us down backroads of perspectives molded by their own experiences and expectations. Rose tries to guide Loren through her stories and opinions, and much of their dialogue involves the nuances of living and dying – Rose has learned, and Loren is learning.

Ms. Bisset is such a joy to watch, and she seems to be all-in for the role. She along with Jane Fonda, Charlotte Rampling, and others, have proven that fulfilling and interesting roles are being written for aging actresses, and they are certainly capitalizing on this. For this film, legendary actress Jacqueline Bisset plays (fictional) legendary actress Rose Martin, and we can’t help but apply some biographical symmetry. Filmmaker Russell Brown has infused some depth into her character, and then he memorably plays Sandy Denny’s version of “Who Knows Where the Time Goes” over the closing credits. Judy Collins may have delivered a softer version, but it’s Ms. Denny who delivers a haunting interpretation of her own song.

In select theaters on June 23, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

LOVE GETS A ROOM (2023)

June 23, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Most of us will never know the agony and desperation felt by Jews in 1942 Warsaw, the setting of the latest from writer-director Rodrigo Cortes (the underappreciated thriller, BURIED, 2010). Co-written with David Safier, the film benefits from an extraordinary performance by Clara Rugaard as Stefcia, the lead actress in a live performance of Jerzy Jurandot’s “Love Looks for an Apartment” taking place in a rundown theater within the slums of Warsaw.

The genius of the film is the symmetry between the play and the real-world developments occurring for Stefcia. Fellow actors in the troupe include her current boyfriend Edmund (Ferdio Walsh-Peelo) and her ex-boyfriend Patrik (Mark Ryder), whose latest proposition has caused quite the conundrum for all three – as well as Edmund’s little sister Sara (Dalit Streett Tejeda), who ends up on stage for the climax. Although the play is a musical romantic comedy being performed to bring a glimmer of joy to local residents, there is even more drama occurring backstage, and all of this takes place at a frenetic pace that plays out in mostly real time.

Fear is ever-present in the form of a rifle-wielding Nazi soldier (Magnus Krepper) who interrupts the show and plops down on the front row. He’s the type of arrogant soldier who finds joy in flaunting his power and watching others cower in his presence. Of course, the audience is oblivious to the fact that the emotions played out on stage – love, fear, confusion, and passion – are also playing out in the real lives of those same actors. Life here is bleak, yet the play brings a form of hope that goodness and joy still exist.

Fueled by adrenaline, putting nerves on edge, the film is enhanced by Victor Reyes’ score and the tremendous camera work by cinematographer Rafa Garcia. The camera is almost always in motion, mirroring the key players and the drama and decisions unfolding. Additionally worth noting is a frantic scene over the opening credits that revs us up so we can keep pace with the coming story. This is excellent filmmaking by Rodrigo Cortes, and the message emphasizing the human spirit to always carry on is on full display. On a personal note, one of my favorite takeaways here is the dedication the actors show in delivering a show that offers a window of joy to those in dire need of it.

The film will be released June 23 in limited theaters and available on Digital + VOD June 30th

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Posted by David Ferguson

EXTRACTION 2 (2023)

June 15, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Our favorite fearless, black-market mercenary is back … and this time it’s personal! (read that line with your best “In a world” voice). Well, initially, Tyler Rake is only back while comatose after his last job nearly got him killed. When he awakens, his finely-tuned body is broken and in need of repair and recovery. Of course, it’s only a matter of time before his particular set of skills are back in demand. A visit from a mysterious man (Idris Elba) provides a personal offer that spurs Rake into ‘Rocky Balboa’ training mode, replete with chickens and wood-chopping.

Director Sam Hargrave and writer Joe Russo stick to the formula that worked in their popular EXTRACTION from 2020, only this time they go even bigger. Mr. Hargrave is a long-time stunt coordinator and Mr. Russo often works with his own brother Anthony on Marvel movies, so you can expect an overdose of action sequences, fight scenes, and shootouts. And regardless of how many of each you expect, the film will very likely deliver more. It is relentless in its commitment to action … never more so than the elaborately staged prison break. It’s a remarkable action sequence that lasts about 20 minutes and includes guns, knives, explosives, car chases, helicopters, and most anything else ever seen in a battle. One key difference is that the first film’s cinematographer, Newton Thomas Sigel, has been replaced by Greg Baldi, creating a different look and style to the film.

Chris Hemsworth returns as Tyler Rake, and the actor has publicly stated that he’s tired of playing Thor. It’s difficult to imagine this role is more fulfilling, but perhaps he simply enjoys being the main attraction. Also returning in this sequel are Tyler’s handler, Nik Khan (Golshifteh Farahani) and her brother Yaz (Adam Bessa). Their mission is to extract the sister of Tyler’s ex-wife, along with two kids, from the prison where her evil gangster husband is serving time. As one might expect, the extraction goes sideways, and soon the gangster’s equally evil brother (as proven earlier by his pitchfork handywork) is pursuing them in revenge. Bullets fly and bodies fall. Both sides are curiously well-equipped and better funded than many governments. Weapons and military equipment and soldiers seem to pop up instantaneously when trouble starts, and sometimes just before that. For those who enjoy over-the-top action and violence, get your popcorn ready.

In addition to worldclass bone-crunching, the participants enjoy worldclass globetrotting … bouncing to and fro: Dubai, Georgia (the country, not the state), the Amalfi Coast, Austria, and Sydney. The two gangster brothers are played by Tornike Bziava and Tornike Gogrichiani, while the sister being rescued is Tinatin Dalakishvili, and her troubled son is played by Andro Japaridze. Appearing in only two scenes each are Olga Kurylenko and Idris Elba, although Mr. Elba’s final scene seems to set the stage for his return in another sequel … which if it occurs, we can assume will somehow have an even bigger bullet budget.

Streaming on Netflix beginning June 16, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

BUFFALO SOLDIERS: FIGHTING ON TWO FRONTS (2023, doc)

June 12, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. PBS excels at documentaries that bring to light a subject or topic which has been overshadowed or overlooked. In conjunction with WORLD channel and filmmakers Dru Holley, Jerome Young, and Jerry Bell Jr, this latest focuses on the previously uncelebrated role of African American soldiers in numerous wars dating back more than 150 years.

For those only familiar with the term “Buffalo Soldiers” thanks to the 1983 Bob Marley song, the film explains how legend tells us that the Native Americans gave the name to African American soldiers on the frontier, and it evolved into a nickname for all African American soldiers. Although the precise reason why the name was applied is still debated, the term has survived and can still be used today.

Timed to release on Juneteenth, the one-hour film depicts the crucial role of African American soldiers in war, and how their willingness to fight for the country was associated with their desired right to citizenship … and money. Perhaps the most revelatory moment occurs when we are informed that the infamous storming of San Juan Hill by Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War actually occurred AFTER the Buffalo Soldiers had cleared the way for them. The famous photograph is widened to provide evidence of these Buffalo soldiers.

Utilizing the fascinating stories of Moses Williams, William Cathay, and Charles Young delivers the personal aspect necessary to have the story resonate with skeptics. Williams spent 37 years in the military was the first African American to be awarded the Medal of Honor, and the stories of Cathay (a female pretending to be a man in order to enlist) and Young (stationed in Liberia where blacks ruled over indigenous blacks) are equally enthralling.

Much of the focus here is on the Indian War, the Civil War, and the Spanish-American War, and the film succeeds in proving its point: Black history is American history. This is a piece of history that many of us have not been previously exposed, and it rights that wrong.

Premieres June 12 on PBS and June 19 on WORLD Channel’s Local, USA series

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Posted by David Ferguson

DALILAND (2023)

June 9, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Sure, it’s an unusual approach; however, when it comes to Salvador Dali, the eccentric and iconic Spanish surrealist, a ‘normal’ introduction simply won’t do. Director Mary Harron (I SHOT ANDY WARHOL 1996, AMERICAN PSYCHO 2000, THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE 2005) shrewdly opts for an opening scene of the artist appearing on the classic TV game show, “What’s My Line?”. Lead actor Ben Kingsley (Oscar winner for GANDHI, 1982) has been superimposed over the familiar archival footage as he mimics the artist’s actual answers more than 60 years ago.

Screenwriter John Walsh (director Harron’s husband) structures the story around James (newcomer Christopher Briney), a young man Dali selects as his new assistant … and nicknames San Sebastian. This approach makes some sense as Dali was seemingly always on display and viewed as a curiosity to most. Yet James turns out to be the least interesting character on screen, and we wish for less of him and more of Dali, or Dali’s wife Gala, or Dali’s transgender nurse and muse Amanda Lear (Andreja Pejic), or even the flashbacks with Ezra Miller and Avital Lvova as young Dali and Gala.

It’s 1974 and “Welcome to Daliland” is how James is first invited into the St. Regis Hotel suite where Dali spent winters in New York City for forty years. Production Designer Isona Rigau captures the essence of the hotel, especially during the infamous parties thrown by Dali … even as Gala urged him to focus on work. Gala, played exceedingly well by Barbara Sukowa (HANNAH ARENDT, 2012), and Dali, show us the ups and downs of a codependent arrangement. She is shown pushing him towards success, and also at least partially responsible for his burnout and decline. Money was a constant battle as both enjoyed the high life. Dali loved the parties, while Gala enjoyed the company of younger men. The long-rumored signatures on blank canvas and the uncashed personal checks with the valuable signature are both addressed here.

Although it’s been forty years since Sir Ben Kingsley won his Oscar, he still knows how to seize a character and fill the screen. Not only does he embrace the pumped-up ego of a genius, he also conveys the worst fear of an artist – a tremor in his painting hand … although, to be fair, his fear of abandonment might have been even stronger. This is a man who knows he’s approaching the end of his career and life, but chooses to live until he can’t.

The flashbacks and the artsy moments where Dali conducts the wind from atop a seaside cliff are creative inserts worthy of one viewed as an icon, rather than as a man. Watching Dali hum while he works, or dominate a moment with his verbosity, or become emotional with Gala, all combine to provide a glimpse into Dali, the man and the artist.

In theaters and On Demand beginning June 9, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

HEROES OF THE GOLDEN MASKS (2023, animation)

June 8, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. It’s a stretch to say this is the rare, animated kids’ action movie grounded in reality, yet we can say it is based on John Wilson’s 2018 YA novel, which in turn was inspired by the Bronze Masks of Sanxingdui unearthed by archaeologists in Sichuan, China back in 1986. The film is directed by Sean Patrick O’Reilly, known for his work on the “Howard Lovecraft” franchise, and twelve contributing writers are noted, including creator Xiaoming Yao.

This one is for the younger kids, probably ages 5 to 10, who enjoy action-adventure stories where the screen is flooded with colors. Older kids would likely be disappointed in the animation and overall look of the film. Most parents will approve since there is a message delivered by the end. A quintet of Chinese superheroes who get their special powers from the ancient masks they don, are defending their kingdom of Sanxingdui from Kunyi, an evil would-be conqueror. In the battle, the group’s leader is killed, and his daughter Li takes a mystic portal to modern day Chicago (?), so the mask can choose it’s new hero.

Charlie is a wise-cracking street urchin who survives on this wits and instincts (stealing). Local gangster Rizzo is pursuing Charlie when, for some reason, the mask picks Charlie and he and Li transport back to her homeland. She begins to train and mentor Charlie, even though she has little faith that this rebel can be transformed into a hero. Charlie even doubts it himself, and has his own plan to undermine the team and reap the reward.

Soon enough, Kunyi and his band are attacking the city on their quest to steal the mystical Jade Blade and obtain the enhanced powers it brings. Of course, the quintet in masks, now including Charlie, engage in battle. The message here is obvious: being a team player, rather than a selfish loner, allows for a more fulfilling life … and it’s important that we each find our own place.

This will be marketed as Christopher Plummer’s final film (he passed in 1991), and the voice acting he provides as gangster Rizzo, is not the silky-smooth Plummer voice we expect. Ron Perlman does admirable work as the villain Kunyi, while Natasha Liu Bordizzo is Li, and Patton Oswalt is recognizable as the voice of Aesop. The director’s son, Keifer O’Reilly, is age appropriate as the voice of Charlie, but it’s the action and color palette that will most appeal to kids, rather than the characters. While not especially memorable, the film will likely entertain a particular age group on a rainy day.

On digital platforms beginning June 9, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson