GETTING IT BACK: THE STORY OF CYMANDE (2024, doc)

July 23, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Discovering a new band that plays the kind of music you love is exhilarating. But what if that band has been around for years? And what if the bands you listen to were heavily influenced by this mystery band … and may have even sampled their work in songs? Tim MacKenzie-Smith profiles “the greatest band you’ve never heard of” with this documentary on the 1970’s British funk band, Cymande.

Where are they from? Where did they go? Why weren’t they more successful? All good questions that MacKenzie-Smith tackles with help from Cymande superfans like producer Mark Ronson and My Morning Jacket’s Jim Jones, the latter who describes his love of the Fugees “The Score” in which they sample Cymande’s “Dove”. It’s this and other examples that allow us to discover the band’s influence on the beginning stages of hip-hop. It also helps makes sense of an included quote, “some music is bigger than music.”

With most early band members hailing from the West Indies, they were never accepted in the U.K., and discrimination and racism clearly played a part in blocking their success. The band did find more popularity in the U.S. thanks to their fresh and original music, but one of the band members admit they were beaten down by the system. MacKenzie-Smith includes many interviews with band members, most of whom are now in their 70’s. They come across as likable guys carrying almost no bitterness.

Of course, Cymande should be well-known for their contributions and influence over the years, and the film features much of their music, as well as clips from live performances. It’s a smooth groove with a fantastic bass line, and it’s the music itself that helps us understand how it contributed to club and dance music of the 1980’s and 90’s. The film made the festival rounds in 2022 and is now getting a limited theatrical release in conjunction with the band re-forming and touring. Perhaps that lucky break is finally happening all these years later, but regardless, these guys will be playing music … as it should be.

opens in NYC July 26, 2024

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TWISTERS (2024)

July 18, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Those that have lived through one often describe it as sounding like the roar of a freight train. Of course, they are referring to a devastating tornado … or “twister”. Oscar nominated director Lee Isaac Chung (MINARI, 2020) and writers Mark L Smith and Joseph Kosinski take on the follow up to Jan de Bont’s fan favorite TWISTER (1996). The earlier film featured a screenplay from renowned writer (the late) Michael Crichton and his then-wife Anne-Marie Martin, and the cast included the late Bill Paxton, the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Helen Hunt, Cary Elwes, and Lois Smith.  In that one, we learned Aunt Meg’s gravy is a food group, and are left with the memorable line, “We got cows”.

Chung’s opening sequence is frenetic and powerful … just as we’d hope and expect. Oklahoman Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones, WHERE THE CRAWDADS SING, 2022) is leading her team dangerously close to a tornado so that she might obtain enough data to earn the grant needed to keep her dream alive. Hers is a dream of affecting tornadoes in such a way to minimize their power, and thereby minimize the death and destruction. The team is young and smart and passionate; however, they pay the price for the unpredictability of the same storms they are chasing and studying.

Five years later, we find Kate stuck in a NYC cubicle as a bullpen meteorologist. She’s given up on her dream of minimizing the effects of tornadoes. Well, at least until her old storm chasing teammate Javi (Anthony Ramos) shows up with a funded and credentialed team. All they need is Kate’s extraordinary ability to read storms so they can realize the dreams they had years ago.

Once in Oklahoma, Kate realizes that storm chasing is now entertainment for locals, and a social media ego trip for root’n toot’n cowboy Tyler Owens (Glen Powell, who has seemingly appeared in every single movie over the past two years, including TOP GUN: MAVERICK, 2022). Owens is a cult figure with one million followers as he broadcasts live while creating a spectacle in the storm. Soon enough we and Kate (although she’s a bit slow on the uptake) figure out that Javi’s well-funded team, including snooty MIT grad Scott (future SUPERMAN David Corenswet) is not what it seems (rich guys are evil), and of course, neither is Tyler Owens (there’s a tender heart buried in that ego).

The storm effects here are quite stunning. We feel the power and danger. It’s a remarkable technical achievement. Admittedly, this is a wild and fun ride … one filled with tense action and breathtaking visuals. On the other hand, most of the non-storm parts didn’t work for me, often dipping into a cheesy level. Daisy Edgar-Jones comes across as an Anne Hathaway knock-off, while Glen Powell re-deploys his 1970’s Burt Reynolds imitation filled with grins, smirks, struts, and self-satisfying charm. Both actors are lovely to look at, however, the connection comes across as fabricated. The character interactions and story depth stand in contrast to the original, and it’s impossible to avoid comparison.

Director Lee Isaac Chung last delivered a beautiful film with MINARI. In my review of that film, I called it “gentle story grounded in realism”. Obviously, his latest film was never meant to be that, but it’s a shame some of that couldn’t have been captured here. Perhaps the easiest way for me to explain this is by noting the similar feelings I had for the recent ROAD HOUSE remake of the 1989 original. Both of these new versions have exaggerated characters and hyper-action scenes. On the bright side, this difference is likely one that will only bother me and a few others, as I expect TWISTERS will be a massive late summer hit and one most will find thoroughly entertaining … despite replacing cows with chickens.

Opening in theaters on July 19, 2024

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ODDITY (2024)

July 18, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. For me, the best horror movies aren’t a factor of jump-scare after jump-scare, but rather of the level of lingering unease and ominous atmospheric dread they generate. Writer-director Damian McCarthy has accomplished just such a movie with his second feature film.  Oddly enough, ODDITY could be described as a murder mystery cloaked in supernatural horror, yet I believe most horror fans will welcome this one from the edge of their seat.

Dr. Ted Timmis (Gwilym Lee, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, 2018) works at a psychiatric asylum, and a late-night call with his wife Dani, finds her informing him that she’ll stay the night alone at the house they are renovating. A knock on the door, followed by the stranger’s warning, sets things up for us. Debating whether to open the door, Dani is told that she’s not alone in the house and the stranger identifies himself as Olin Boole (Tading Murphy, THE NORTHMAN, 2022), a former patient of her husband’s. He says he just wants to help. For reasons never explained, Dani sleeps in a tent in the unfurnished great room – although a tent is typically used as protection from the elements, and she’s inside the house. She’s not affected by weather, yet other elements are afoot, and the vinyl tent offers no defense.

The story then skips ahead over a period of time, and finds widower Ted in a new relationship with Yana (Caroline Menton), who prefers not to sleep alone in the now renovated house where the wife of her boyfriend was previously murdered. Meanwhile, Ted wanders into the creepy mystical trinket store where Darcy (Carolyn Bracken, THE QUIET GIRL, 2022) works, and makes an innocent remark about having her visit sometime. Darcy is the blind twin of Dani, and her short blonde hair stands in stark contrast to sister Dani’s previous long, auburn tresses. Darcy claims to have certain powers as a medium, and we can’t help but wonder if she has thoughts of avenging her sister’s death.

The elements of Irish folk horror work well here. These include a rundown asylum with a creepy orderly, a frantic one-eyed stranger pounding on the door, a remote house with a woman staying alone, and a trap door in an expansive house replete with staircases and corridors. The only thing missing is a skittish dog. However, the piece de resistance is the “gift” Darcy brings Ted and Yana … a trunk containing a large wooden mannequin. This terrifying work is not a gift anyone would welcome from the psychic twin sister of one’s murdered wife.

Some of the best scenes are exchanges between Yana and Darcy (Ms. Bracken is exceptional here). Their verbal jousting is filled with intrigue, all while we are left to ponder the history and meaning of the bizarre mannequin, a family heirloom. That terrific opening sequence sets the stage, and the film gets even better from there. Director McCarthy, editor Brian Philip Davis, cinematographer Colm Hogan, and Production Designer Lauren Kelly work together to create an eerie tone filled with tension … and yes, there is even a well-placed jump-scare for those in need. This is one of those low-key horror films that we can hope finds an appreciative audience.

In theaters beginning July 19, 2024

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THE CONVERT (2024)

July 12, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Ten years ago, no one would have thought twice about a preacher traveling to a remote island with the given mission of converting souls – both indigenous and British – to Christianity. But much has changed in those 10 years, and writer-director Lee Tamahori (hit and miss with NEXT, 2007; DIE ANOTHER DAY, 2002; ALONG CAME A SPIDER, 2001; THE EDGE, 1997) and co-writers Michael Bennett and Shane Danielson take head-on on the “white savior” backlash that’s surely coming their way (not from me).

It’s 1830 and Thomas Munro (Guy Pearce) is catching a ride across the rough waves of the Tasman Sea. His beautiful white steed doesn’t much care for the boat’s ups and downs, and both man and beast are happy to go for a run on the sandy shore once they reach their destination. And that’s pretty much the end of the good times. Munro has been hired by the colonists to be their preacher and bring Christianity to the locals … tribes of Maori. Munro stumbles into the brutal inter-tribe battles and he quickly negotiates to save the life of Rangimai (a stunning Tioreore Ngatai-Melbourne), the daughter of the other tribe’s chief.

Early on, we also learn that Munro is no ordinary preacher. He has a past that haunts him – and skills that come in handy in this new environment. Mostly though, he does a great deal of talking – regularly negotiating one thing or another with one side or another. His sketch book offers proof that he’s a good man with good intentions, and one who seeks the good in others. What he also learns is that muskets are often more powerful than Christian words.

Munro’s mission is aided by Charlotte (a terrific Jacqueline McKenzie) who acts as a translator, while carrying her own personal history of tragedy. Racism is of course on full display, despite Munro’s efforts to negotiate peace between the tribes and the always-hovering British colonists. Throughout the film, there are some sloppily staged fight scenes, yet the cinematography from Gin Loane is exceptional. We do get the crescendo of a final showdown, as well as a somewhat surprising ending on display in a “Four years later” epilogue. Director Tamahori hits us very early with a smaller bird being attacked midair by a larger bird, with the survival of the fittest on display – whether here in New Zealand, or most any other place throughout history.

Opening July 12, 2024

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DANDELION (2024)

July 12, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. Creativity is such an intangible topic … so esoteric in nature that those most driven by it are likely misunderstood by everyone else. The second feature film from writer-director Nicole Riegel (HOLLER, 2020) focuses on a talented, yet frustrated troubadour living in Cincinnati.

Dandelion (played beautifully by KiKi Layne, IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK, 2018) has a three-nights per week gig at a local hotel bar. Whether she plays familiar covers or her own original songs, the bar audience pays her little attention, opting instead for personal chatter and cell phone time. The gigs provide a paycheck, but it’s not enough to cover her expenses, and those of her sick mother (Melanie Nicholls-King). Mom doesn’t exactly help her own situation, and neither does she offer much encouragement to her daughter, generating more friction between the two.

It’s the age old “paying your dues” syndrome that so many musicians experience. When the bartender shoves a flyer at her, Dandelion scoffs at the notion of playing a music festival at a South Dakota motorcycle rally … so we know immediately she’ll be headed there, selling off her beloved Gibson guitar and leaving mom at home. Once in South Dakota (Sturgis is never mentioned), her time on stage doesn’t go well for Dandelion, and neither does much else. Well, that is, until sparks fly with fellow musician Casey (Thomas Doherty, “The Lodge”), one who surrendered his own dream years before. The sparks are both romantic and musical, though everyone but Dandelion knows Casey from Edinburgh is not all he seems.

The two bond through songwriting and other intimate activities … right up until the not shocking twist occurs. I couldn’t help but think of the similarities (and differences) between this and two other films, ONCE (2007) and FLORA AND SON (2023). Chasing dreams and creating music never stops for Dandelion, despite the constant influences and hurdles. The music is definitely a standout here, as it’s written by twin brothers Aaron and Bryce Dessner of The National.

Director Riegel and cinematographer Lauren Guiteras use a heavy dose of close-ups and tight shots to convey the strains of emotions, especially for Dandelion, while also serving up some beautiful shots and unusual camera angles. The camera work here is as artsy as the music. The ending finds Dandelion working through her pain to discover her true self. While not a masterpiece, there is enough depth here to set it apart from many indies.

Opening in theaters July 12, 2024

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SORRY/NOT SORRY (2024, doc)

July 11, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. In the twisted nature of many humans, there is a need for heroes and a corresponding sense of satisfaction as those heroes are knocked from their pedestal of idolization. Louis C.K. may not have been a hero, but as a comedy genius, he had reached the pinnacle of his profession while building a massive fan base. It may seem that five brave women knocked him from the proverbial pedestal, but the truth is … his own arrogance and behavior did so.

The purpose of this documentary from co-directors Cara Mones and Caroline Shu is not to re-hash the sordid details of Louis’s actions, but rather to ask … what now? Fellow comedian Michael Ian Black eloquently presents his considered thoughts on this, as do others who were more directly involved. The film draws heavily from the November 2017 New York Times article written by Melena Ryzik, Cara Buckley, and Jodi Kantor, each of whom share their view here. There are also interviews with others, including Jen Kirkman and Megan Koester. I believe Abby Schachner is the only one of the original four who were named to appear in the film, however it seems quite clear that Louis C.K.’s tendencies were as well-known throughout the industry as those of Harvey Weinstein and Bill Cosby. And yes, his defenders make the argument that his actions were nowhere near the level of those two figures of the #MeToo movement.

As has been pointed out many times in these cases, the sexual predator aspect is not the only issue. The abuse of power is every bit as crucial. The film is divided into seven “parts”: Louis, Jen, Open Secret, These Stories are True, Abby, Comeback, and Cancelled. In contrast to Weinstein and Cosby and so many others, when publicly confronted with the accusations, Louis C.K. stated, “These stories are true.” Much of the fallout was from his fans who went after the accusers on social media. Louis C.K. disappeared from public life for about 9 months before beginning his comeback … using his history as fodder for joke-telling.

Louis C.K. being ‘cancelled’ ended when he won a Grammy for his comedy album. He hasn’t yet been welcomed back to mainstream Television or Film, but his stand-up tours remain popular. The film serves to ignite dialogue and debate on a tough topic, and we find ourselves admiring those who stepped up to shine the light. Although it cost her a career, respect goes to Megan Koester who states, “I don’t want to work with those who blindly ignore morality.” It’s a statement on which too few of us seem to stand with her. We must each answer for ourselves … What now?

In theaters beginning July 12, 2024

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SPACE CADET

July 4, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. We have accepted that a bartender can get elected as a United States Senator, and writer-director Liz W Garcia would have us believe a bartender may also become an astronaut … but only after submitting a fraudulent application with details, accomplishments, and references that NASA wouldn’t bother verifying until after admission into the program.

Of course, we know going in that Garcia’s film is a comedy, and in no way should be compared to the fine film, A MILLION MILES AWAY (2023), a biopic on Jose Hernandez, a farm worker who actually accomplished the things required to become an astronaut. “Rex” (played by Emma Roberts, daughter of Eric and niece to Julia) is a party girl bartender attending her 10-year high school reunion with her BFF Nadine (Poppy Liu, “Hacks”). We learn Rex had a childhood dream of going to space – a dream fully supported by her mother, who has since passed. Rex’s strong academic record gained her admission to college, but mom’s death seemed to knock her off the space track and into a life of parties and pouring drinks and dressing like a 13-year-old girl.

With a newfound inspiration, Rex fires off a heartfelt letter to NASA asking for admission into the program. The letter is intercepted and, well, enhanced, by a well-meaning Nadine. Soon, Rex is packing up her bedazzled clothes and heading to NASA. Program directors Logan O’Leary (a heavily lipsticked Tom Hopper, I FEEL PRETTY, 2018) and Pam Proctor (Gabrielle Union, BRING IT ON, 2000) aren’t sure what to make of Rex, though remain impressed with her application, even as she excels in leadership and flounders in technical aspects.

The ASCANS (Astronaut Candidate) program is not realistically depicted here, and it’s not surprising that Rex survives each round of cuts. And yes, we all know where this is headed, as surprise is not a factor in any aspect of this film. The film’s title is obviously a play on words, and if you somehow believe more cringe is needed, a budding romance (also obvious) is tossed in to make sure no one takes this NASA seriously.  The ending takes us right where we know we’re headed, and we find ourselves wondering why any filmmaker, much less a female filmmaker, would purposefully portray an intelligent woman in this flighty manner. Comedies are no doubt tough to execute, but the best are grounded in some form of reality. Perhaps there’s a bartender out there somewhere that will cure cancer or solve world hunger. Let’s just hope fraudulent applications aren’t the new norm.

Releases on Prime Video on July 4, 2024

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DADDIO (2024)

June 29, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. “MY DINNER WITH ANDRE in a NYC taxi cab.” That’s my description of writer-director Christy Hall’s first feature film. Of course, that’s an over-simplification, as her film deals with gender roles, socio-economic topics, and a big ol’ dose of emotional baggage. It’s what’s known in the business as a two-hander. We have two characters and one setting and a whole bunch of talking. Casting being crucial here, filmmaker Hall did choose wisely with Dakota Johnson and two-time Oscar winner Sean Penn.

Johnson’s character (billed only as “Girlie”) arrives at JFK airport and catches a cab to midtown. She and the driver, Clark (Penn) exchange generic banter, but soon enough Clark breaks the barrier by stunning her with his analysis of her situation, based on observation skills honed through 20 years of driving a NYC cab. He’s been around the proverbial block a few times and Penn is permitted to work in a monologue about his disappointment with humanity, commerce, and technology. We learn he views himself as a common man ‘Vinny’, and we learn she’s a coder by profession – as well as a nail biter who’s texting a mysterious man – a man not shy in pleading with her for a sext.

A traffic jam on the highway stalls the trip, but accelerates the conversation. Clark gets more inside info from the woman he’s determined “can handle yourself”, and their quasi – quid pro quo spills more beans than either would typically open up about in normal circumstances. Her recent two-week trip to Oklahoma was to visit her estranged half-sister … a trip that holds yet another twisty secret that she’s surprised at herself for disclosing. Clark is not shy about dishing out armchair psychology advice, much of it based on his own past mistakes. Cheaters, specifically the difference between adulterous men and women, is a topic close to both of these folks, and Clark rambles on.

Dakota Johnson (thriving in indies) is truly at her best when she has minimal dialogue, and much is demanded of her facial expressions and body language (this is a compliment). Sean Penn thrives in a role where he is doling out free advice, and keeping score based on personal details provided. These two actors are the reason this film works, however, it seems clear this movie fits neatly into a festival circuit, while likely having little mainstream appeal.

Opens in theaters on June 28, 2024

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FANCY DANCE (2024)

June 29, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. A missing person story takes on additional weight when it involves a Native American, and this story from writer-director Erica Tremblay (“Dark Winds”) and co-writer Miciana Alise show us how culture and traditions remain vital to the family ties indigenous people struggle to maintain in the face of institutional hurdles.

The missing person is stripper Tawi, who is Jax’s sister and Roki’s mother. The feds, who have jurisdiction, have shown little interest in locating Tawi, and local law enforcement, including Jax’s half-brother JJ (Ryan Begay, “Dark Winds) seems to have contributed little to the search. Jax (Lily Gladstone, Oscar nominated for KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON) remains committed to finding her sister and to raising 13-year-old Roki (Isabel Deroy-Olson, “Three Pines”) according to Cayuga traditions … including the annual Powwow in Oklahoma City, which features the mother-daughter dance that Roki so looks forward to.

CPS gets involved, and since Jax’s past record is anything but pristine, Roki gets placed with her grandfather Frank (Shea Whigham, “Boardwalk Empire”) and his new wife Nancy (Audrey Wasilewski, “Big Love”). Frank’s relationship with his daughter Jax has been strained ever since he left the reservation after Jax’s mom died (a key element to the story). Most of the story is quite believable; however, one big exception is that we are to accept Frank and Nancy refuse to allow Roki to attend Powwow. This unlikely occurrence leads Jax to help Roki escape, and the two head out to search for Tawi … turning this into an ‘on the road’ story.

The cinematography from Carolina Costa is beautiful, and complements the emotions of these characters. The performances and connection of Ms. Gladstone and young Deroy-Olson make us buy into the story and their struggles. Perhaps the film’s most insightful scene involves Roki, Nancy, and a pair of ballet shoes – highlighting the disconnect. We relate to Roki’s wish to have just one more dance with her mother, and Jax helps us understand the challenges faced by women in indigenous communities. If there’s a negative here, it’s that the entire movie moves at a slow burn pace without ever achieving the tension it teases us with. Despite that minor issue, it’s stunning that missing and murdered women are so commonplace in this community that each year there is a dance dedicated to them.

Streaming on Apple TV+ beginning June 28, 2024

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THELMA (2024)

June 20, 2024

Greetings again from the darkness. With so many senior citizens (Boomers) around these days, we should expect more movies featuring older characters, and movies that this demographic might enjoy watching. Instead, most movies treat seniors as either mostly silent set pieces in family scenes or as awkward buffoons (see the recent SUMMER CAMP, or better yet, don’t see it). Writer-director Josh Margolin apparently understands this, and his first feature film is not just funny, it also allows a few elderly actors to lead the way.

June Squibb is not just any 94-year-old leading lady. Of course, that’s a bit facetious, since such a list would be very short. For someone whose film and TV career didn’t get started until she was in her 60’s (she was on stage prior), Ms. Squibb has put together a remarkable career. She’s been memorable in such films as NEBRASKA (where she received an Oscar nomination), BLOW THE MAN DOWN (2019), and ABOUT SCHMIDT (2002), as well as numerous TV shows along the way. Here she stars in the titular role as Thelma, and wins us over with her charm and determination.

Based on a true story (there really was a Thelma that went through this), we find Thelma still living in her own house gladly accepting periodic assistance from her beloved and kind grandson Daniel (Fred Hechinger, “The White Lotus”). The two have a close relationship, and that’s precisely what makes Thelma such an easy target for the clever phone scammer. She panics in her desire to quickly rescue Daniel from the legal scrape the caller informs her of, and she mails off a chunk of cash believing she’s doing what’s best for him. Embarrassed once she discovers the ruse, Thelma listens as her daughter Gail (Parker Posey, BEAU IS AFRAID, 2023) and son-in-law Alan (Clark Gregg, Agent Coulson in the Marvel Universe) discuss moving her into an assisted living facility. However, since she and Daniel have recently watched Tom Cruise and his daring stunts in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, Thelma has other ideas … she (secretly) sets out to find the bad guys and retrieve her money.

The rest of the story revolves around Thelma’s mission and Daniel’s attempt to bring her home safely (and prove his own worthiness). Thelma hooks up with old (no pun intended) friend, Ben (Richard Roundtree, SHAFT, 1971) and the two set off on an exciting (mis)adventure that must be seen to appreciate. The two make a great team – sometimes bonding over humor, sometimes disagreeing about the plan … just like real people would do. The trail finds Thelma crossing paths with another elderly gent played by Malcolm McDowell (A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, 1971), and it’s a scene that I look forward to watching again.

The film is quite entertaining and, quite fittingly, appropriate for most ages (except for a smattering of kinda blue language). It’s such a pleasure to see elderly characters that matter and think and react and participate in life. When Thelma says, “I didn’t expect to get so old”, we understand exactly what she means. The various times she proclaims, “I think I know her”, we can relate. With a rare score that features a flute, this is not just one of the more realistic depictions of seniors we’ve seen, filmmaker Margolin has actually delivered a case study on how to create a movie starring senior citizens that is both funny and respectful. This is one I hope many will see.

Magnolia Pictures will release THELMA in select theaters on June 21, 2024

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