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

LOREN & ROSE (2023)

June 23, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

In select theaters on June 23, 2023

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Posted by David Ferguson