THE INSTIGATORS (2024)

August 8, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Add this to the long list of films reminding us to temper our expectations and high hopes prior to viewing. Still, optimism seemed reasonable given an excellent director and strong cast. Director Doug Liman has delivered such entertaining films as SWINGERS (1996), THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002), EDGE OF TOMORROW (2016), and this year’s remake of ROAD HOUSE (2024). Matt Damon and Casey Affleck both have Oscars on their mantels, and Hong Chau has a recent Oscar nomination. To top it off, the supporting cast includes such favorites as Jack Harlow, Alfred Molina, Michael Stuhlbarg, Andre De Shields, Ron Perlman, Toby Jones, Ving Rhames, and Paul Walter Hauser. All the pieces were in place. So, where’s the spark … the pizzazz … the fun?

The premise is promising enough. Former Marine Rory (Matt Damon) is a desperate man. He needs $32,480 to reboot his life – child support, alimony, mortgage, etc – so that he can reconnect with his son and watch him play hockey. When his therapist, Dr Donna Rivera (Hong Chau, THE WHALE, 2022) acknowledges his desperation, she asks, “Have you tried everything?” The next thing we know, somehow lowlife criminal Scalvo (Harlow) has teamed Rory with ex-con Cobby (Casey Affleck) for a job masterminded by Mr. Besegai (Stuhlbarg) and Mr. Dechico (Molina). The heist involves an election night fundraiser for corrupt incumbent Mayor Miccelli (Perlman) at the Boston Wharf. Along the way, we get a glimpse of Fenway Park, the famous Bobby Orr photograph, and a popular Patriot (the football kind).

Of course, the heist goes sideways … or whatever is worse than sideways for criminal activity … and an extended (i.e., entirely too long) car chase through downtown Boston plays out while Petula Clark croons “Downtown”, and Dr. Rivera is taken as a volunteer hostage who continues to pass along advice to her patient. Now for this to work, the action needs to be thrilling and the wit amongst the three participants in the car needs to be crackling. Neither of these occur.

The script was co-written by Chuck MacLean (“City on a Hill”) and co-star Casey Affleck, and it strives to be all things to all viewers … crime-thriller, buddy comedy, and action flick. It’s watchable, yet falls into that category we’ve come to dread: mostly forgettable. Even the ‘Butch and Sundance’ jokes fall flat. All of these talented folks will move along to their next projects, just as we will move along to the next movie. No harm/no foul.

Playing in select theaters and streaming on Apple TV+ beginning August 9, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

ONE FAST MOVE (2024)

August 8, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. One result from the expansion of the movie streaming universe is that independent films with specific topics can find a home for niche audiences. Actor-turned-director Kelly Blatz (he was a co-lead in LOREN & ROSE, 2022) turns in a rare motorcycle racing movie, although to enhance the odds, it also features the familiar tropes of an angry young man, an estranged father-son reunion, and a love story.

KJ Apa (“Riverdale” heartthrob) plays Wes, the angry young man who displays poor judgment in the opening motorcycle race on a military base. After a stint in Fort Leavenworth and his discharge, Wes and his bike head out to find long-lost (by design) dad. Dean (Eric Dane, “Euphoria”, Grey’s Anatomy”) is a racer who had some success in the past, though his best days are far behind him. He’s a party boy who never grew up – one still trying to live life on the wild side through motorcycles, alcohol, and women. Wes just wants his old deserting dad to coach him on the track so he can make something of himself. Wrangling these two cats is bike shop owner Abel (Edward James Olmos). Think of him as the Mr. Miyagi for these two emotionally stunted polar opposites.

And yes, we do get a budding romance for Wes with the stunning smile of Camilia (Maia Reficco, “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin”). She’s a charming waitress at the local diner and studying to be a nurse. The two hit it off while also keeping secrets from each other. Where Eric Dane overplays his part, Edward James Olmos and his reserved manner and screen presence brings a needed depth to the ongoings. Olmos has had quite a career, appearing in both BLADE RUNNER (1982) and BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017), as well as “Miami Vice” and “Dexter”, and receiving an Oscar nomination for STAND AND DELIVER (1988). “Riverdale” fans will be pleased to note that KJ Apa does find reasons to lose his shirt. Motorcycle fans will be happy with the motor-revving and racetrack shots.

Releases on Prime Video August 8, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE (2024)

July 23, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. The secret sauce for movies based on comic books and superheroes has always seemed pretty obvious … give the hardcore fans what they want. Somewhere along the way, the industry shifted its focus from entertainment to pushing the boundaries of technology. The result was a (many) years long stream of visual extravagance with little heart and soul. Writer-director Shawn Levy and co-writers Rhett Reese, Ryan Reynolds, Zeb Wells, and Paul Wernick have managed to right the wrong and put things back on track. Of course,  Disney’s purchase of 20th Century Fox and the Marvel Universe slowed down development, but they have finally capitalized on two fan-favorite characters developed by Rob Liefeld and Fabian Nicieza … Deadpool and Wolverine.

Billed as a ‘threequel’, this follows the 2016 and 2018 Deadpool movies that vaulted Ryan Reynolds to superstardom. His quick and colorful banter and wit were perfect complements to his physical gifts. When Reynolds’ Deadpool and Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine first shared the screen in X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE in 2009, the spark between the two was clear. Here we are 15 years later, and the two characters share an entire film – and the real life friendship between Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman is well-documented.

This is not the place to come for spoilers or a recap of the story. No, that place would be the theater. What I will say is that it’s very impressive how the filmmakers get both Deadpool and Wolverine/Logan back in the saddle, while at the same time paying homage to the past. The tributes begin even as the movie starts with a new montage reminding us of those who have built the MCU. Additionally, the re-introduction of Wade Wilson’s circle (Morena Baccarin, Karan Soni, etc), is remarkably simple, yet effective … and of course, Blind Al (the great Leslie Uggams) is especially fun. However, what’s most impressive and ingenious is the manner in which Deadpool tracks down Wolverine/Logan, one who was unmistakably dead at the end of LOGAN (2017).

Together they are to save Wilson’s world … and perhaps other worlds as well. This danger occurs due to Mr Paradox (an over-the-top Matthew MacFadyen) working at the direction of Time Variance Authority. It’s really not too complicated, which is why this works. Even those of us who don’t spend hours pouring over comic books will follow the story and understand how Cassandra Nova (an excellent Emma Corrin) is the key onscreen antagonist, although it must be noted that this genre demands surprises and director Levy does not disappoint. Whether it’s Rob Delaney, twists on the Deadpool character, the Wolverine cowl, or enough F-bombs to challenge a Tarantino movie, this first R-rated Marvel film is packed with aha moments. And yes, Jackman flashes his stunning physique and the slew of cameos are sure to satisfy.

World class zingers are delivered with charm (or Logan’s trademark grumpiness), and the laughs are many, though they work well with the heart and soul of what is not just a ‘save the world’ flick, but also a terrific buddy film. The two cautions I’ll offer here: it’s definitely a hard “R” and make sure you stay for the closing credits for a bit of nostalgia.

Opens in theaters on July 26, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE FALL GUY (2024, extended version)

May 23, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Today’s CGI and special effects can be stunning and awe-inspiring, and clearly movie audiences have come to embrace this approach as evidenced by the success of Star Wars and superhero franchises, as well as plenty of other blockbusters over the past couple of decades. In contrast, stuntman-turned-director David Leitch (BULLET TRAIN, 2022, ATOMIC BLONDE, 2017, JOHN WICK, 2015) and screenwriter Drew Pearce (MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION, 2015) have delivered a throwback by adapting the TV series from creator Glen A Larson, which ran for 112 episodes in the 1980’s.

Two key players from last year’s “Barbenheimer” box office rivalry, Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, are the featured players here as Colt Seavers and Jody Moreno. Colt is a renowned stuntman and Jody is a camera operator and aspiring film director. When we first see them on set, Colt is preparing for a dangerous stunt as a double for mega-action film star Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson, BULLET TRAIN). Between shots, Colt and Jody are expounding on their previous flirtations and making plans for the future. The stunt goes wrong. Colt is rushed to the hospital and the film flashes forward 18 months to find Colt working a menial non-stuntman job, and Jody directing her first film, METALSTORM, a sci-fi action thriller.

Jody’s directorial debut also stars Tom Ryder and is produced by fast-talking producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham, “Ted Lasso”). Gail draws Colt out of retirement and back to the set under false pretenses. Of course, sparks fly again between Colt and Jody, but Gail’s ulterior motive is for Colt to track down the missing Tom Ryder. So, let’s stop here and chat about this movie for a moment. First of all, it’s rare action-comedy-romance-mystery film. It also offers a peek at the structured chaos of a movie set, as well as the diverse personalities of actors, crew, and producers. Possibly what it does best is shine a spotlight on the stunt crew, noted here as the unsung heroes. There is even a crack about there not being an Oscar for stunt work (a topic that’s been debated and discussed at the Academy).

The film certainly benefits from the charisma and talent of Gosling and Blunt, both of whom were nominated for Oscars last year. And Leitch’s film also deserves credit for being an ode to action movies and a love letter to stunt performers. But let’s face it … the story here is pretty thin and seems to exist only to provide a reason for the stream of ideas designed to take advantage of Gosling and Blunt and a few other gags. Drugs that cause unicorn sightings, a running joke about a cup of coffee, a “Miami Vice” jacket, a dog that responds only to French commands, and some ‘on the nose’ music – and familiar sound effects from “The Six Million Dollar Man” all add to the nostalgic feel (along with a Wilhelm scream). And while I join many movie-goers in sharing Colt’s desire to “beat the ____ out of Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character”, I’ll admit to finding some joy in Tom Ryder riffing on Matthew McConaughey.

The extended version I saw featured an additional 20 minutes to the theatrical version, and it appears most of it was for one particular fight scene being filmed in Jody’s movie. Supporting work seemed a bit sparse for the talented Stephanie Hsu (EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE, 2022), Winston Duke (BLACK PANTHER, 2018), and Teresa Palmer (BERLIN SYNDROME, 2017). What wasn’t sparse was the number of adrenaline-pumping stunts and explosions. Those segments were big fun and a welcome answer to the recent barrage of CGI/Special Effects blockbusters. This one has a throwback feel that bathes us in nostalgia at times, recalling the wild films of Burt Reynolds and Indiana Jones. There is even a late scene featuring the two lead actors (Lee Majors, Heather Thomas) of the old TV series. Whatever you do, stick around for the closing credits to get a look at the actual process behind the stunts included in the film … educational and full of wow factor.

Now showing in theaters and available on Digital.

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE BEEKEEPER (2024)

January 11, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. For those who take pride in their ability to keep track of body counts in movies, I can only say, best of luck with this one. Boom. Bang. Punch. Kick. Stab. Choke. Flip. Our hero, acting alone, uses every available attack to neutralize armies, SWAT teams, trained security teams, and greedy scumbags … all in the name of “protecting the hive”. OK, it’s mostly for revenge for causing the death of “the only person who took care of me.”

Director David Ayer (END OF WATCH 2012, SUICIDE SQUAD 2016) and screenwriter Kurt Wimmer (SALT, 2010) are very much at home in the action-violence genre, and adding the king of cinematic hand-to-hand combat, Jason Statham, to the mix can only mean more action and more fighting and more violence. There is no reason to critique a movie that delivers exactly what it sets out to deliver to an audience that expects exactly that.

Statham is in prime form as Adam Clay, a beekeeper on a farm owned by retired teacher Elise Parker (Phylicia Rashad, CREED). When a phishing scam drains her bank accounts, including that of the non-profit she administers, Clay reacts to the subsequent tragedy by tracking down the culprits of the scheme. Tech fraudsters are easy targets because we all despise them, and the film plays that up by exaggerating the obnoxious nature of those involved. A miscast Josh Hutcherson (THE HUNGER GAMES) plays Derek Danforth, an entitled little bleep who skateboards in the office to his next massage and wears outlandish outfits befitting a person desperate for attention. Adding to the psychological drama is FBI Agent Verona Parker (Emmy Raver-Lampman, “The Umbrella Academy”), the daughter of Elise, the woman who put Clay on his mission of reckoning.

Additional supporting roles include Bobby Naderi as Verona’s FBI partner, Jemma Redgrave as the President, a brief appearance by Minnie Driver as the FBI director (she takes three quick phone calls), and Oscar winner Jeremy Irons as Wallace Westwyld, the retired agent charged with keeping douchey Derek safe. The hook here is that beekeeper Clay is actually a retired secret agent known as “the Beekeeper”, and in one of the oddest sequences, his replacement (a wild character inspired by Prince?) brings a Gatling gun to try and end Clay once and for all. The film is silly and absurd, and right up the alley of those who embrace Statham’s stoic bulldozer of a man.

Opens in theaters on January 12, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

ROLE PLAY (2024)

January 11, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. The spouse living a double life is territory covered many times by many movies over many years. When done well, it’s an intriguing premise and fertile ground for a fascinating character – one who can flip the switch between a ‘normal’ family life and one of intense danger. What’s rare is for the oblivious spouse to be the more interesting character, yet that’s exactly what happens in this film from director Thomas Vincent and screenwriter Seth W Owen.

Kaley Cuoco stars as Emma Brackett, and David Oyelowo co-stars as her husband, Dave. Ms. Cuoco shot to fame with her role as Penny on the long-running TV series “The Big Bang Theory”, which she followed up with leading roles in “The Flight Attendant” and “Harley Quinn”. This is her latest shot at establishing herself as a movie actress. Mr. Oyelowo is best known for his dramatic turns in SELMA (2014) and THE MIDNIGHT SKY (2020), and the new series “Lawmen: Bass Reeves”.

Emma is a contract assassin who works all over the world using disguises (mostly wigs) and aliases, while telling Dave, the nicest, most trusting man on Earth, that she is off to yet another generic work conference in Nebraska or some other unexciting locale. When home, Emma is a good mother to their two kids, and clearly enjoys their life in suburban New Jersey. When work beckons, Dave unwittingly accepts her reason for travel, having no clue that she’ll return with blood on her hands.

On their seventh anniversary, Dave suggests they spice things up a bit with some role play. Their planned ‘happenstance’ meeting as strangers at a hotel bar goes sideways thanks to the intrusion of an unwelcome third wheel named Bob Kellerman. The always fabulous Bill Nighy plays Kellerman, and we find ourselves wishing he had more screen time. It turns out, this encounter leads to Emma being outed, which sends Dave into emotional turmoil (a terrific scene) … and an ill-advised meetup at her latest job.

Additional support work is provided by Connie Nielsen as the demented woman who raised and trained Emma, and their final meeting provides the impetus for the third act. Other than Bill Nighy’s too-brief role, the best part of the film is seeing rare comedic chops from David Oyelowo. It’s a joy to see such a well-respected and talented actor show yet another side on screen. Kaley Cuoco doesn’t fare quite as well, as her TV sitcom approach defies believability. For those in search of some mindless entertainment with a side dose of action, the movie should work just fine.

Opens nationwide in theaters on January 12, 2024

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Posted by David Ferguson

RETRIBUTION (2023)

August 24, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Fully deserving of a tip of the cap is Liam Neeson, who used the popularity of TAKEN (18 years ago) to create a new sub-genre: the annual Liam Neeson action film where he gets to be the hero. This latest is from director Nimrod Antal (PREDATORS, 2010) with Christopher Salmanpour adapting the screenplay from Alberto Marini’s 2015 original, EL DESCONOCIDO (Spain). This is actually the third remake of that film, including those from Germany and South Korea.

An artful assembling of a bomb takes place over the opening credits, and then we cut to Matt Turner (Neeson) getting his morning workout on the boxing bag hanging in his loft. Other than fast-driving, that’s the biggest action-hero moment Liam gets in the film, although he is in the middle of plenty of other explosive moments. We quickly recognize Matt Turner as a successful Financial executive living in Berlin who is too consumed with work to be an attentive husband to his wife (an underused Embeth Davidtz) or involved father to his kids, Zack (Jack Champion, AVATAR: THE WAY OF WATER) and Emily (Lilly Aspell, played young Diana in the two Wonder Woman movies). Of course, everyone recognizes his there-not-there approach except him.

Guilted into the rare task of taking the kids to school one morning, Matt takes a call from an “unknown caller” on an unrecognized cell phone located in the console of his car. The disguised voice informs Matt that there is a bomb in his car that will detonate if he gets out, and there is a remote device that will allow the bomb to be set off if Matt doesn’t do exactly what the caller says. The plan revolves around big money, and Matt’s kids begin to question if their father has cheated people. Matt’s awkward behavior doesn’t put them at ease. This ordeal involves other people as well, and soon a Europol detective (Noma Dumezweni, THE LITTLE MERMAID, 2023) is involved and assuming Matt is the real threat.

With no apologies, the film borrows heavily from SPEED (1994) and PHONE BOOTH (2002), as time becomes a crucial element, along with following precise instructions. As viewers, we are right there with the kids – trying to figure out what’s happening, why it’s happening, and who is behind it. Most of the time is spent in Matt’s Mercedes, and we see two other luxury vehicles (Maserati, Tesla) on the wrong end of bombs. There are some holes in how the story progresses, as well as some inconsistencies in the look of the vehicle – clean, dirty, damaged, undamaged – although the weakest point is Matt’s absurd call with a client early on. This was obviously written by someone with very little business acumen. Matthew Modine has a supporting role and one of the film’s producers is Jaume Collet-Serra, a frequent collaborator on the many Liam action-movies. This one should work for those who enjoy the thrill of the moment before moving on to the next one.

Opening in theaters on August 25, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

THE MONKEY KING (2023, animated)

August 17, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. Adapting literary works for the big screen is common practice; however, the stakes are a bit higher when dealing with a beloved classic Asian work that is more than 400 years old. “Journey to the West” was initially written during the Ming Dynasty and no original author has ever been confirmed. The stories were re-imagined for an English audience in 1942 by Arthur Waley and published as “Monkey”, and now director Anthony Stacchi and co-writers Steve Bencich, Ron J Friedman, and Rita Hsiao have brought their vision to the screen … focusing on one specific segment of the story.

Now, if that first paragraph sits a bit heavy, you should know this is an animated movie targeted at kids. It’s action-packed, colorful, and funny … all while packing a message or moral that most parents will appreciate. Much of the Chinese spiritual and philosophical and cultural aspects are included, but never so heavy-handed as to lose the attention of kids. In fact, if any aspect is somewhat overboard, it’s the martial arts fighting and action sequences … of which there are many. Possibly too many for some kids and some parents, and if the messages somehow get lost, it’s likely in the crash-boom-bang overdose because the action, while well done, is relentless.

Monkey King (voiced by comedian Jimmy O Yang) is birthed/sprung from a rock and has special powers. Unfortunately, he is not accepted by the local clan of monkeys, even after saving them from a threat. Instead, he turns his attention to being accepted into The Immortals (Gods of the animal world). To prove his worthiness, he sets out to defeat 100 demons, but along the way, we witness an oversized ego and lack of humility. Monkey King is simply not very likable. On this journey, he gains an assistant in his number one fan (not in a MISERY way) Lin (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport). Monkey King even treats her poorly.

The next best character, and Monkey King’s nemesis, is the underwater Dragon King (SNL’s Bowen Yang). Their exchanges and ego-wrangling are some of the best in the movie, and the underwater scenes provide a welcome CGI change of pace. With no family and his only friend being his magic stick, Monkey King is an outsider with special powers and the kind of attitude that gets junior high kids sent to the Principal’s office. No matter how many heroic feats he turns, his lust for power and lack of humility win him no points with The Immortals.

The Dragon King gets the best musical number, while Monkey King’s journey leads him through Buddha (BD Wong) and literally into both heaven and hades. The film’s big question is how long it will take Monkey King to learn humility and show kindness to others. As has been stated, an ego trip is a journey to nowhere … it’s a lesson this talented Monkey King must learn.

Opens on Netflix beginning August 18, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM (2023)

August 1, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. You may or may not be surprised that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles date back almost 40 years to the mid-1980’s when co-creators Peter Laird and Kevin Eastman published the comic and then signed on for the original TV cartoon series. This was followed by the first live-action film in 1990 (with Elias Koteas, Judith Hoag, Corey Feldman, Sam Rockwell, Josh Pais). Since then, there have been various TV series, as well as animated and live-action movies … the most recent being the poorly received films in 2014 and 2016. Along comes co-writers and co-producers Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, together with other credited writers Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and Brendan O’Brien to deliver a contemporary and re-imagined look at the born-from-ooze Turtles. It’s co-directed by Jeff Rowe and Kyler Spears, previous collaborators on THE MITCHELLS VS THE MACHINES (2021).

The first thing we notice is the animation. It’s a different look than what we are accustomed to, and Mikros Animation has blended traditional Anime with a harsher, more vibrant look to complement the heavy dose of action this film delivers. The style takes a bit to get comfortable with, but once you do, the effects are easy to appreciate. Since this is a next-generation TMNT, we also get a new origin story in the opening sequence. The same green ooze flows into the sewer, and there is an emphasis on the work of scientist Baxter Stockman (voiced by Giancarlo Esposito, of “Breaking Bad” fame).

Soon enough, we flash forward 15 years to the teenage years. Leonardo (Nicholas Cantu), Rafael (Brady Noon), Donatello (Micah Abbey), and Michealangelo (Shannon Brown Jr) have been raised and trained by Master Splinter/Dad (Jackie Chan). Their big outings are to the grocery store with strict instructions to not be seen. The individual personalities begin to surface, and it’s made clear these boys dream of being accepted in the outside world and attending high school. And we all know what happens when an overprotective parent clashes with teenagers seeking independence … a tale as old as time.

When the turtles cross paths with April O’Neill (Ayo Edibiri), aka April O’Puke due her extreme camera shyness, their hopes of becoming heroes mesh nicely with her desire to break a big story for the school newspaper. The timing couldn’t be better for all involved as an evil menace is preparing to take over the world. Nope, it’s not Shredder, but rather Superfly (an amazing Ice Cube) and his own band of mutants. Superfly’s plan involves turning all Earthly animals into mutants in order to rule the humans. The Turtles must decide if bonding with fellow mutants is more desirable than allowing Superfly to destroy the world of humans and their new friend April.

The rest of the voice cast is outstanding, and includes: Rose Byrne (Leatherhead), John Cena (Rocksteady), Seth Rogen (BeBop), Paul Rudd (Mondo Gecko), Maya Rudolph (Cynthia Utrom), Post Malone (Ray Fillet), Hannibal Burress (Genghis Frog), and Natasia Demetriou (Wingnut). Action fills the screen through much of the run time, and the action sequences are huge spectacles for animation. However, it’s the sheer volume of action that is my only real issue. It feels like the teamwork and camaraderie that played such a big part in Turtle lore gets shortchanged here. There simply isn’t enough time spent with four Turtles cracking wise – a surprise given the comedic roots of Rogen and Goldberg.

Plenty of pizza and ooze are present, and the heavy dose of hip-hop classics adds to the contemporary vision. The Turtle van is quickly shown, although it’s little more than a stolen pizza delivery truck, and the score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross plays well here. No “Cowabunga” exists in this re-boot, leaving some history behind, yet overall, we should be pleased that Turtle Power is back with our favorite heroes in a half-shell.

Opens in theaters on August 2, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – DEAD RECKONING PART ONE (2023)

July 9, 2023

Greetings again from the darkness. The challenge in continuing the “Mission: Impossible” franchise is that fans expect each entry to be “bigger” and more awe-inspiring than the last. With the seventh film in the series, and the third straight he has directed, writer-director Christopher McQuarrie and superstar actor and daredevil Tom Cruise have managed to accomplish what seemed unlikely … they have delivered Ethan Hunt’s biggest and grandest mission yet. Prepare to be awed by the action.

You should know that this is “Part One” and it runs 163 minutes, a full hour longer than most movies, and exponentially more expensive to produce. All this during an age when ultra-high-budget blockbusters are being rumored to be fading from public interest. Of course, we are only one year removed from Tom Cruise’s TOP GUN: MAVERICK being credited with ‘saving cinema’, so stay on alert for a ‘sky is falling’ panic. McQuarrie co-wrote the script with Erik Jendresen (“Band of Brothers”), and they remain faithful to the characters and storylines established by the TV series creator, Bruce Geller.

There may never have been an actor more suited to a recurring role than Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt (Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones might be the closest). The story itself is fairly straightforward, even if the item being chased often feels like a MacGuffin. Your questioning of how a ‘simple’ spy-thriller can be effective is understandable, yet it’s fascinating to watch as Ethan Hunt’s mission in life as an agent is evaluated, as is the cost he’s paid as a man. Providing a contemporary theme, the obscure object of desire is an all-powerful key (actually two parts of a key) based on controlling an all-encompassing Artificial Intelligence (AI).

In a twist on a familiar theme (and a classic comedy film), we have Airports, Trains, and EVs, the latter being a tiny Fiat with handcuffs. Still, the car chase is everything we might hope, while the high-tech facial search in the airport sequence delivers the thrills for techie viewers, and the train sparring occurs inside as well as on top. And lest you be worried, there are enough Cruise sprint scenes here to put CHARIOTS OF FIRE to shame.

Familiar faces include Ethan Hunt’s team of Luther (Ving Rhames, who along with Cruise, has appeared in all 7 MI films), Benji (Simon Pegg), and Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson). It’s nice to again see (and hear) Henry Czerny as Kittridge, Vanessa Kirby as arms dealer The White Widow, and Esai Morales – as Gabriel, the required villain in search of the same key as our good guys. New faces include Haylee Atwell as master pickpocket Grace, whose soul may or may not be beyond salvation; Cary Elwes as agency director Denlinger; Shea Whigham and Greg Tarzan Davis as officers after rogue Hunt; and Pom Klementieff as a hired assassin.

The stunt work here is outstanding, and of course, Tom Cruise is renowned for personally handling many of the most breathtaking acts – the most memorable one here being his riding of a motorcycle off a cliff. This stunt has a ‘making of’ video that’s been available for a while. As movie goers, we’ve never seen anything like it. This part one was originally scheduled for release in 2021 (thanks a lot, COVID), and now Part Two is set for 2024. It’s been 27 years since the MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE (1996) with Jon Voight … Cruise was 34 in that one. This particular mission is the biggest yet, and it would certainly be impossible for the rest of us. It’s a mission that will be closed out in Part Two, and simultaneously bring an end to Cruise’s remarkable run as Ethan Hunt.

**NOTE: Lalo Schifrin‘s theme song remains one of the best ever in cinema

Opening July 12, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson

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