THE ODYSSEY (2026)

July 16, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. What makes a movie “epic”? Most cinephiles would agree the list of epic movies includes LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962), GONE WITH THE WIND (1939), BEN-HUR (1959), and APOCALYPSE NOW (1979). Of course, arguments can be made for many other films, and it really comes down to how you define ‘epic’ and how you perceive a specific film. Regardless of your definition or perception, there is no doubt that this latest from Oscar winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan is an epic film and an epic movie-watching experience. Yes, it’s the first film to be filmed entirely with IMAX 70mm cameras, and it’s based on the Homer’s “Odyssey”, itself a piece of epic Greek literature … but it also is a piece of filmmaking unlike anything we’ve previously seen.

Oscar winner Matt Damon stars as Odysseus, and the story is centered on his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. This includes a breathtaking Trojan Horse sequence, told with a twist from tradition. My favorite sequence (and that’s really saying something) involves the Cyclops and his flock of sheep inside the Master Cave in Greece. It’s truly staggering film work that would itself win every technical Oscar in most years. However, Nolan offers us so much more here – action-packed battle scenes, torturous boat journeys at sea, other creatures that must be seen (Scylla who snatches men from the deck of a ship), and the unheard (by us) song of the Sirens known to seize men. Another terrific sequence involves a fabulous Samantha Morton as Circe the witch, who has a special way of treating strangers.

Oscar winner Anne Hathaway plays Queen Penelope, wife to Odysseus and mother to their son Telemachus, played by (Spider-Man) Tom Holland. The two have a twenty year wait to see if Odysseus lives and if he will return to them in Ithaca. Penelope is left to manage the power struggles for her hand in marriage and for the kingdom, with a key figure being the slimy Antinous (Robert Pattinson). Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o plays the stunning Helen of Troy, as well as her twin sister in a dual role, and it’s Zendaya who shows up periodically for Odysseus as the goddess Athena. In a substantial role, we find Oscar winner Charlize Theron as Calypso, spending years on her island with the wayward and lost Odysseus. Nolan’s cast is massive and talented and includes John Leguizano in a key role, as well as Jon Bernthal as Menelaus, Elliot Page as Sinon, and Himesh Patel as Eurylochus … plus many others you’ll recognize.

Nolan reteams with Oscar winning cinematographer Hoyte Van Hoytema to provide a truly amazing visual experience, filming in at least six countries to help us visualize Antiquity and Odysseus’ journey across the Mediterranean Sea: Morocco, Greece, Italy, Iceland, Scotland, and Malta. Three-time Oscar winner Ludwig Goransson delivers a unique and powerful score, with a blend of electronics and even some jazz. Nolan has credited Emily Wilson’s 2017 translation of Homer’s “Odyssey” for the modern language take, and though “Zeus’s Law” is referenced a few times, it can easily be described as human decency. The modern-day messages shine through – false gods, lust for power, and treating others poorly are mistakes humans have made over and over … and these messages couldn’t be more relevant than right now. The film reportedly had a $250 million budget, and as amazing as the film is, there will surely be those who complain that it moves too slowly or the film is too dark. I would only say that watching the film is like having a book unfold in front of you. I would certainly recommend if you are planning to see the film, head to an IMAX theater or at least the biggest screen nearby.

Opens in theaters on July 17, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Action, Drama, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

SUPERGIRL (2026)

June 26, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Craig Gillespie previously directed I, TONYA (2017) and LARS AND THE REAL GIRL (2007), among other projects, and it’s perhaps those two films – both featuring odd outsiders – that motivated producer James Gunn to choose him to helm the feature film that brings DC’s Supergirl back to the big screen. The screenplay is by Ana Nogueira, and of course features characters originated by Jerry Siegel and Joel Shuster, with the key source material being the comic, “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow”.

Seeing as I’m neither a comic book fanatic nor a fan of the 1984 SUPERGIRL film starring Helen Slater (with the exception of Brenda Vaccaro’s performance), it’s safe to say I carried no heightened expectations into the theater. On the bright side, it’s quite entertaining to see Milly Alcock (“Sirens”, “House of the Dragon”) play Kara Zor-El as a not-so-Super girl trying to numb the pain of the tragedy that took her parents and home planet, Krypton. We see her younger days via periodic flashbacks with David Krumholtz and Emily Beecham as her parents. We also learn why they shipped her and her pet dog Krypto off to Earth to meet her cousin, Superman (David Corenswet) aka Clark Kent. He, of course, was raised in Kansas, creating the contrast between the two characters.

The one bit of advice mom gave Kara was to “be nice” and help others. That’s not so easy to do whilst on an intergalactic mind-numbing bender, but Kara continually rises to the occasion. The different effects of red sun and yellow sun become quite obvious, and it’s crossing paths with Ruthye (Eve Ridley) that drives the key story lines. An actor I’ve always admired, Matthias Schoenaerts, plays the face-studded vile villain Krem – the vicious dude who slaughtered Ruthye’s family, setting her off on a revenge mission, armed only with a prized sword handcrafted by her slain father. As savage as Krem is, we all recognize that a standout villain is vital to a standout superhero movie, and Krem simply falls short. On this interplanetary road trip, Kara and Ruthye encounter a slew of aliens who all look like castoffs from the Star Wars casino … but also with Lobo, an immortal intergalactic bounty hunter and stogie smoking hog rider. Lobo is played by Jason Mamoa, and the character seems forcibly wedged into the story for the sole purpose of having Mr. Mamoa on a poster. He makes an excellent bad boy, even if he doesn’t really fit here.

Krypto the superdog plays near-dead for most of the film, but does have some excitable moments … creating an excellent ‘pink eye’ joke. Some may compare this to CAPTAIN MARVEL (2019) or the most recent SUPERMAN (2025), but the messy CGI fight scenes and weak story prevent this one from reaching those levels. Milly Alcock’s take on Supergirl gets too few chances to play against Corenswet’s Superman, and the film suffers because of it. Composer Claudia Sarne (THE BOOK OF ELI, 2010) delivers a fitting electronic score, but the needle drops seem to be trying too hard. It’s likely huge comic book fans will have a different take on the film, and that’s as it should be.

In theaters beginning June 26, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Action, Fantasy | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

DISCLOSURE DAY (2026)

June 9, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg readily admits to a lifelong fascination with life beyond Earth. Two of his most iconic films (plus a couple of others) dealt with just that topic: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977) and ET: THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL (1982). Now, more than forty years later, he uses 79 years of collective data to question how humanity would react to full ‘disclosure’ of alien activity. What’s interesting is that Spielberg and co-writer David Koepp present the story as a high-octane action-thriller of conspiracy rather than in a traditional science fiction format.

The film’s opening catches us off-guard. Why are we watching close-ups of sweaty body slams during a WWE match? It turns out Dr. Daniel Kellner (Josh O’Connor) is in the crowd as a rendezvous point to exchange his backpack for his captured girlfriend, Jane (Eve Hewson). Oscar winner Colin Firth plays Noah Scanlon, the leader of WARDEX, a private company that has worked closely with the government and military to safeguard the most confidential information on interactions with interplanetary life. Kellner, an IT and math whiz, stole the data and then bolted from his desk at WARDEX. He now finds himself in a predicament that would have likely gone much worse if not for the powerful tool/weapon/device of interstellar origin he uses to safely escape Scanlon’s henchman – taking Jane and the data along with him.

The Kellner – Jane side of the story turns into a chase movie, and in the meantime, we learn surprising and quite disparate details of each of their backgrounds. The ‘other side’ of the story involves Kansas City TV meteorologist Margaret Fairchild (Emily Blunt) and her musician boyfriend Jackson (Wyatt Russell). One morning a cardinal (bird, not ballplayer) lands on their kitchen table and proceeds to have a staring contest with Margaret prior to again taking flight. Not only does this encounter leave Margaret with a very particular set of skills, but it also sends her on the road to track down Kellner. It’s a connection and reason she can’t explain to average guy Jackson, who does his best to support a girlfriend he’s convinced is going bonkers (hey, we’ve all been there).

Once Kellner and Margaret meet up, yet another chase sequence occurs and this one is even bigger, noisier, and more high-powered than the others (not one, but two speeding trains!). Their movements are directed by the calm, smooth-talking leadership of Hugo Wakefield (Colman Domingo), who is masterminding the whole mission of public disclosure. There is a lot going with the various stories, and Spielberg and Koepp are asking the audience to keep up … even while a potential World War III brews in the background. The film is set up to elicit discussion around numerous topics such as religion, politics, technology, corporate greed, and especially empathy (a topic that too often seems lacking these days).

Despite keeping us (and the characters) on the run for most of the film, Spielberg and Koepp wrap things up at the end, allowing viewers to determine if they believe the right steps were taken. Two frequent collaborators stand out here: cinematographer Janusz Kaminski (with a constantly-moving camera) and composer John Williams. Ninety-four-year-old Mr. Williams, a five-time Oscar winner, came out of retirement for the job on his 30th Spielberg film and proves yet again why he’s an all-time great. As with most of Spielberg’s films, the ensemble cast is strong. O’Connor’s Kellner is easy for us to relate to. Firth’s villainous corporate head is especially effective when he’s doing the mind-control thing, while Domingo contrasts perfectly. Ms. Hewson shows again why she’s one of the more underrated actors working today, and though Wyatt Russell might be a bit miscast as Blunt’s beau, he always makes it fun. The true star here is Emily Blunt. She’s had many standout scenes in her career, yet it’s this role that comes across as an actor who was all in. She is outstanding.

Of course, a Spielberg film wouldn’t be complete without discussing the legend himself. His love of cinema is so obvious here, and his complete understanding of how to grab an audience and leave them fully entertained has never been better. There may be segments that don’t hit as hard as others, and at times the story line seems a bit forced, but the ride is wild and enjoyable and sure to please many movie goers. As for alien life, Mulder told us, ‘The truth is out there’. But then a certain colonel once said, “You can’t handle the truth!” Perhaps it’s best if we just … “listen.”

Opens in theaters on June 12, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

2 Comments | Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

NORMAL (2026)

April 16, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. As evidenced by the abundance of ‘shoot-em-ups’ released each and every year, it’s clearly not that challenging for screenwriters to find a reason to have characters firing bullets at each other. Director Ben Wheatley proved his mettle with this genre in 2016 with the excellent and madcap FREE FIRE. This time out, he’s working from a script by Derek Kolstad (the “John Wick” and “Nobody” franchises) and Bob Odenkirk (well known comedy writer and star of “Better Call Saul”).

The film opens in Osaka, Japan as a Yakuza leader deals out punishment (some cruel, some shocking) and new assignments. It’s a bit surprising, and quite creative for the story to jump from Osaka to Minnesota, which is where the titular small town of Normal is located. Ulysses Richardson (Mr. Odenkirk) has been hired as the temporary town Sheriff after the previous one died under mysterious circumstances. As you would expect, Ulysses is carrying some personal baggage. He’s estranged from his wife (we can tell from the string of unreturned voicemails he leaves) and fights through vivid nightmares of a recent traumatic event that changed his life.

Despite his flaws, Ulysses is a sharp lawman. A couple of run-ins with the smarmy Mayor Kibner (Henry Winkler) and the tricky local bartender Moira (Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones”) ignite his ‘something’s not right about this town’ radar. Eventually, the tie-in to the Yakuza is established, as is the fact that Ulysses has to face-off against the entire town of Normal, including Deputy Anderson (Ryan Allen, IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOON, 2019) and Deputy Nelson (Billy MacLellan, NOBODY, 2021). To say that the action is stepped up is a bit of an understatement.

The point of separation between this and the endless bang-bang movies is in fact the fight of the ‘normal’ guy (in the town of Normal) against the entire town and the Japanese mob. Odenkirk has already mastered these types of roles after a couple of NOBODY films, and his personality works. A town moose is a welcome touch, as is opening with a Black Sabbath song. The film isn’t at the level of the aforementioned FREE FIRE, and certainly doesn’t have the benefit of that film’s cast or the twist of its confined space, but man against town works well enough for entertainment purposes, and fans of the genre should be satisfied.

Opens in theaters nationwide on April 17, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

THE WRECKING CREW (2026)

January 29, 2026

Greetings again from the darkness. Well, it’s not exactly a ‘good cop/bad cop’ scenario, since only one of them is a cop – and he’s suspended and out of his territory. It’s also not a traditional ‘Buddy comedy’ since these aren’t buddies, but rather estranged, grudge-holding half-brothers. Still, the premise is admirable, and the casting choice of pairing Dave Bautista with Jason Mamoa is marketing brilliance. Jonathan Tropper (creator and writer of “Banshee”) wrote the screenplay and Angel Manuel Soto (BLUE BEETLE, 2023) directed.

An apparent hit and run takes the life of Walter, the father of brothers by different mothers, James (Dave Bautista) and Jonny (Jason Mamoa). James is a composed Navy SEAL officer who is married with two kids. Jonny is a party animal cop on a reservation in Oklahoma, whose girlfriend Valentina (Morena Baccarin) dumps him moments after he’s suspended from his job and learns his father has died. Of course, Jonny had no relationship with his dad and has been estranged from brother James for a decade. When he’s attacked and his house is trashed by Yakuza gang members, Jonny figures there more to his dad’s story and heads to Hawaii (where James lives) to investigate.

The film serves its purpose when James and Jonny are going at each other with verbal digs or physical punches. The personality differences of Bautista and Mamoa makes these exchanges kinda fun … and sometimes funny. It’s actually a let down that their exchanges aren’t a bit more clever – say, in the mold of 48 HOURS (with Nick Nolte and Eddie Murphy). Perhaps I’m asking too much. The most frustrating aspect here is the villain. Claes Bang plays Robichaux, the leader of Yakuza, and he is severely underutilized here … other than a crack about him as the Vampire Lestat (Bang was terrific in the TV series “Dracula” ).

Morena Baccarin plays Valentina as a bank manager with extraordinary driving skills. Other supporting work comes from Jacob Batalon as Pica, more comedy relief as Walter’s assistant and referred to as ‘fat Jackie Chan’; Stephen Root as a frustrated Police Captain; and Temuera Morrison as the Governor. There are some stunning shots of Hawaii, and more of the impressive tattooed physiques of Bautista and Mamoa as they constantly fight – either each other or bad guys. They even get to look cool riding motorcycles. I feel obligated to make note of one particular action sequence that bothered me. It’s the biggest action set piece in the film … an incredible air and road chase scene featuring an incredible amount of gunfire and vehicle carnage. What bothered me was a stunning number of innocents who were harmed and probably killed … all with no care or attention from our heroes – James and Jonny (the former more concerned about his own wrecked vehicle). For me, this put a damper on what otherwise was played as a comical, over-the-top action film.

Streaming on Amazon Prime as of January 28, 2026

WATCH THE TRAILER

1 Comment | Action, Comedy | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER (2025)

September 25, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. My immediate reaction after viewing this film was that it represented the highest level of filmmaking – including superb acting, a complex story that fits today’s narrative, and the most varied and diverse score I can recall from many years of moviegoing. After a couple of days to mull it over, I believe it’s possible that my initial reaction somehow underrated this instant classic. High praise should be no surprise since the film is the work of writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson – the man behind such cinematic gems as LICORICE PIZZA (2021), PHANTOM THREAD (2017), THE MASTER (2012), THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007), PUNCH DRUNK LOVE (2002), MAGNOLIA (1999), BOOGIE NIGHTS (1997), and HARD EIGHT (1996).

Anderson has been nominated for eleven Oscars over the years, and here he adapts the 1990 Thomas Pynchon novel “Vineland”. While the novel is set in the 1980’s, Anderson structures his film in such a manner that much post-viewing conversation will focus on its synchronicity to our current political landscape/battlefield. Remarkably, Anderson has delivered a film that features stunning action sequences, cutting political satire, and touching personal drama. It’s almost too much to ask of any one movie, and is very likely a bit too much for some movie goers.

As the film opens, a resistance movement called French 75, led by Perfidia Beverly Hills (powerhouse Teyana Taylor) is doing their thing with help from explosives expert Pat (Leonardo DiCaprio). With the excitement of fulfilling their mission, Perfida and Pat fall for each other – a shared cause can do that. Mucking up the movement and the relationship (unbeknownst to Pat) is a militant with the memorable name of Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn). Lockjaw is laser-focused on stopping the resistance – in fact, the only thing that can stop him is a creepy attraction to Perfida, who uses his weakness to her advantage.

A jaw-dropping visual occurs as we see a (very) pregnant Perfida firing an automatic weapon during target practice. Soon after the baby is born, Perfida (not the mothering type) takes off, and Pat, now underground and known as Bob Ferguson, is left to raise the child. Flash forward 16 years, and teenage Willa (the terrific movie debut of Chase Infiniti) and her father are living a quiet life. She’s a tough, but normal high schooler with friends, while he has dulled his mind and outlook with drugs and alcohol … unable to remember the secret password when Colonel Lockjaw tracks him down. French 75 loyalist Deandra (Regina Hall) finds a safe house for Willa, as Bob frantically bounds around town until Willa’s Sensei (Benecio Del Toro) offers to help him. This sensei also hides his own secrets, as Del Toro sprinkles in his patented one-liners.

There is so much going on here, and I’m only now getting to the Christmas Adventurers Club – a clandestine group of white supremacists motivated by racism and lust for power and purity. It’s a club Col Lockjaw desperately wants to be admitted to. In fact, racism hovers over much of the film, with the resistance attempting to defy it through radicalism and extremism … although which side is the most radical or extreme could (and has) carried debates for quite a while.

Three Oscar winning actors are featured here: DiCaprio, Penn, and Del Toro. All three are excellent, but it’s Sean Penn’s Lockjaw that will likely stick with you. Delving into caricature at times, Penn employs many stereotypes, a distinct strut, and a few facial ticks to go with his one weakness in creating a character that we can’t help but laugh at, while also being a bit frightened of his persona. DiCaprio’s Pat/Bob runs the gamut from revolutionary to a Lebowski-type fleeing in his ratty bathrobe. His look varies throughout with varying hairstyles and wardrobes. His father-daughter relationship is truly the heart of the film, and is exceptional drama.

The supporting cast is excellent and includes Alana Haim, Shayna McHayle, Tony Goldwyn, Kevin Tighe, DW Moffett, John Hoogenakker, and Jena Malone … many familiar faces and a great deal of talent. Cinematographer Michael Bauman (back with Anderson after LICORICE PIZZA) delivers the action sequences, the dramatic moments, and a couple of car chases … one which will live on in infamy. Filmed in VistaVision (I saw it in IMAX), there is a mesmerizing car chase through and over and down a hilly desert highway. It’s unlike any car chase I’ve seen, and had me leaning forward in my seat trying to get a look ahead.

This is a story that covers quite a few years and just about as many topics as you’d like to associate with it. There is a nod to THE BATTLE OF ALGIERS (1966), which was another film about the fight for freedom. One note that I’m unsure how to address is the score from frequent Anderson collaborator Jonny Greenwood (Radiohead guitarist). It’s simply fantastic the way Greenwood melds diverse music with the numerous shifts in tone of the characters and story. As for filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, it’s subjective as to whether he has outdone his previous stellar work, yet I can confidently label this one as both bleak and funny, while also thrilling, chilling, and timely.

Opens in theaters on September 26, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Comedy, Drama, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

AMERICAN WARRIOR (2025)

August 28, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. The reality of today’s world is that some folks aspire to ‘go viral’ on social media, while others struggle to imagine anything worse. There are those who dream of being famous – even if it’s for only a moment in time. Others value anonymity to the point where they can’t imagine giving that up. This first feature film from writer-director Gustavo Martin and co-writers Matt Anthony and Vishy Ayyar touches on this very topic. By drawing from Ayyar’s real life (he also stars), we see how one of the reluctant types can use unsolicited fame as an advantage … a means to an end.

The film opens on a brutal MMA fight and then flashes back seven weeks. That’s where we find Jai (the film’s co-writer Vishwanath ‘Vishy’ Ayyar) working as a janitor at Marcella’s Gym. Jai is a quiet, hard-working man – one whose recent history includes a prison stint. Cell phone video of his actions at a local market goes viral, resulting in Jai getting his 15 minutes (Warhol fame). This motivates him, as a 45-year-old, to train hard for an upcoming fight. His goal is not so much to relive the glory days of his twenty years ago fighting, but rather to re-gain self-respect and that of his estranged family. Gym owner Marcella (Veronica Falcon) agrees to support him in his unlikely comeback.

Jai tracks down Dennis (Danny Trejo), his old trainer and friend. Dennis is skeptical of the goal considering Jai’s age and the short timeline, but agrees to help. Complicating matters is the mutual attraction between Jai and Melissa (Taylor Treadwell), as well as Jai’s sister working behind the scenes to get him welcomed back into the family. These are developments that Jai needs, yet distractions that keep him from focusing on training – keeping Dennis a bit exasperated.

Stories of redemption are well-worn topics in the movie world, yet we find the character of Jai and his man of few words (and fewer smiles) to be a guy we can root for. Fans of MMA will enjoy the fight scenes and the twist to Jai’s opponent, and those who appreciate a second chance for a decent man will also find plenty to like.

Releasing in select city theaters and on-demand streaming platforms by Quiver on 29 Aug 2025. 

WATCH THE TRAILER

1 Comment | Action, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

EENIE MEANIE (2025)

August 22, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. Car chases are prevalent throughout movie history. Some are quite exhilarating and famous: BULLITT (1968) and THE FRENCH CONNECTION (1971). Some are over-the-top: pretty much every driving sequence in the F&F franchise. The directorial debut of writer-director Shawn Simmons revolves around a talented getaway driver, and there are certainly a couple of heart-pumping sequences, but the movie is as much a look at how bad decisions impact one particular character, Edie.

We first see Edie as a 14-year-old (played by Elle Graham), who is coerced by her father (Steve Zahn) to “punch it” to save her mother from an unfortunate (and illegal) occurrence. Flash-forward a few years and we find Samara Weaving (so good in READY OR NOT, 2019) as Edie, now stressed out over being robbed at her bank job, her relentless poverty, a broken-down car, and prepping for her college exams. Her bad day is topped off by an unwelcome surprise from her doctor at a check-up.

This surprise leads Edie (nicknamed Eenie Meanie) to track down the bad news boyfriend she’s been diligently working to move on from. John (Karl Glusman, who exposed his full talents in LOVE, 2015) is the kind of guy that creates chaos simply by living. If he doesn’t find trouble, it’s not long before trouble finds him. So when Edie finds John, she of course also finds trouble. This time her man-child owes crime lord Nico (Andy Garcia) so much money, that Edie agrees to be the driver in a high-risk casino robbery that Nico says will save John’s life.

We get the expected montage of heist planning, and along the way, Edie crosses paths with characters played by Jermaine Fowler, Randall Park, Chris Bauer, Mike O’Malley, and most memorably, Marshawn Lynch – a rival driver in a fancy red mink robe and customized Continental. The movie feels like it’s Shawn Simmons answer to Edgar Wright’s superior BABY DRIVER (2017). The fallout from bad decisions are the recurring theme, and it’s really the screen presence of Samara Weaving (Hugo’s niece) and her interactions with Andy Garcia that provide a bit of interest here.

Premieres on Hulu beginning August 22, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

SHE RIDES SHOTGUN (2025)

August 1, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. “A gritty thriller” is a frequently used description that, when heard or read, typically elicits red flags from this movie watcher. However, exceptions to the rule are welcome and writer-director Nick Rowland (CALM WITH HORSES, 2019) has delivered just that with this adaptation of Jordan Hopper’s 2017 novel. The screenplay is co-written by SUPER DARK TIMES (2017) collaborators Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski.

Eleven-year-old Polly (a remarkable Ana Sophia Heger, “Life in Pieces”) is lounging in the park, waiting for her beloved mother to pick her up after school. The minutes roll by until the final teacher departs, leaving Polly with no way home. Polly’s observant and intense blue eyes follow a speeding car as it pulls up near her. She recognizes the father she hasn’t seen over the years he’s been in prison. He exerts pressure on her to get in the car, despite her reticence. Nathan (Taron Egerton, ROCKETMAN, 2019) has a buzzed head, a chiseled physique, and a tatted-up body. His appearance is unquestionably frightening to the young girl.

Polly notes the car is stolen and that Nathan is wearing her stepdad’s hoodie. When they check into a motel, we all assume she’s been kidnapped. As dad naps, Polly sees a TV news report depicting the murder of her mother, her own kidnapping, and the key suspect … dear old dad. There is plenty of familiar territory covered as the two go on the lam, trying to avoid the police and ‘Steel’, the Aryan faction that is seeking revenge on Nathan’s disloyal actions in prison. A “Green Light” (hit) has been issued for Nathan and his family, including Polly. It turns out Nathan is actually trying his best to protect her.

Cinematographer Wyatt Garfield (A DIFFERENT MAN, 2024) works wonders with the New Mexico landscape, as well as the intimate scenes that follow. We feel the tension and danger thanks to the camera work and the developing bond between Nathan and Polly. There’s the mandatory car chase scene and at least three shootouts, the last of which is quite impressive. We also get good cop versus bad cop. Crusading detective John Park (Rob Yang, THE MENU, 2022) wants nothing more than to shut down the local meth lab known as Slab Town, while corrupt and menacing Sheriff Houser (FARGO’s John Carroll Lynch playing against type) relishes his opportunities to torture and wield power.

Despite the familiar territory covered … and the similarity in style to the outstanding Taylor Sheridan film, HELL OR HIGH WATER (2016), there is plenty here to keep our attention and justify the ‘gritty thriller’ description. Redemption is often beyond reach for some, but the effort means a great deal.

Opens August 1, 2025

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Thriller | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

SALVABLE (2025)

July 15, 2025

Greetings again from the darkness. After reading the synopsis, I was tempted to pass on this one and move on to the next film on the list. What could possibly be appealing about another fading boxer whose life is in shambles? Co-directors Bjorn Franklin (also the screenwriter) and Johnny Marchetta are frequent collaborators on music videos, and this, their first feature film, is a solid action-melodrama with some moving parts that all (OK, mostly) come together. It also has a surprisingly effective lead performance.

Living in Wales, Sal (Toby Kebbell, “Servant”) is a past-his-prime boxer taking falls in the ring at night, while showing touching care in his day job at the local Nursing Home. Sal is getting by, but it’s clear he needs no sunglasses for his future. His teenage daughter, Molly (Kila Lord Cassidy) is holding on to anger towards him, while his ex-wife (Elaine Cassidy) mostly wishes he would just leave them alone. Matching the mostly joyless life Sal leads is the lighting and atmosphere created by the filmmakers … hometown looks like a place where smiles are rare.

Just as we are adjusting to Sal’s bleak existence and his misguided attempts to improve his lot through his job and slowly improving relationship with Molly, a bad influence pops up in the form of Vince (Shia LaBeouf). Sal and Vince were friends and boxing buddies in their younger days, and now, just out of prison, Vince wants to get the band back together for nefarious activities that can bring them some cash. And just like that, the melodrama of Sal’s struggling becomes a bit of a crime drama, where Vince infuses chaos and Sal makes more poor decisions.

Sal’s long-time trainer and mentor, old-timer Welly (James Cosmo) tries desperately to keep Sal on track and even scores him a real opportunity for redemption. Of course, we have come to know Sal as a man with the best intentions, but an inability to overcome the constant hurdles life puts in his way. Toby Kebbell delivers a truly touching performance as Sal, and his personal struggles are certainly the best part of the film. Shia LaBeouf adds heft as a guy we may initially misjudge, yet in this world happy endings are tougher to come by than victories in the ring.

Now available OnDemand and on Digital platforms

WATCH THE TRAILER

Leave a Comment » | Action, Drama | Tagged: , , , , , , , | Permalink
Posted by David Ferguson

« Previous Entries