Mar
1
2024
On the planet Arrakis, The House of Harkonnen takes bold steps to control Spice production and please the Emperor (Christopher Walken); meanwhile Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) and his mother Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson) steal away with the native Fremen people including love interest Chani (Zendaya), and plot a revenge to take back power whilst promising to lead the people to a promised land. Written by Denis Villeneuve, John Spaihts, and Frank Herbert and Directed by Villeneuve this massively immersive experience washes over the viewer continuing the captivating spell and lore of Part One with a rich narrative and subtexts pulling from present day politics and religious experience to build on some of the most well rounded science fiction the world has seen in decades. Serving as the bridge to what has now become a trilogy, the action set pieces and battle sequences play out in grand scale, building one block on top of another creating a visually impressive spectacle. Meanwhile Hans Zimmer’s futuristic and calculated score pounds throughout fully rounding out this gem with transportive qualities. And, the ensemble, strong from start to finish, no missteps. The culmination of all these efforts, the securing of Villeneuve’s crown, scepter, and place on the throne of cinema, even with a runtime of two hours and 46 minutes. Dune: Part Two is rated PG-13.
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Feb
16
2024
Growing up in Trenchtown Jamaica, Robert Nester Marley “Bob” (Kingsley Ben-Adir) along with his friends would rise to fame and legendary Reggae status in the 70’s amidst the political unrest of a country learning to stand on its own after British occupation, this is a brief look at that ascension. Written by Terence Winter, Frank Flowers, Zach Baylin and Reinaldo Marcus Green and Directed by Green this abbreviated look at Marley’s life plays out much like a Cliff’s Notes on the subject matter focusing largely on the recording and events surrounding Bob Marley & The Wailers’ album Exodus; perhaps the Sistine Chapel of his career. Sadly, the film speaks in broad strokes, which while stylistic, makes it hard for newcomers to the Rasta and Reggae world to fully absorb, understand, and digest all that’s happening on the screen. Meanwhile, it’s clear that all involved in the making of this film clearly worked with care, respect, and supervision of the Marley family to portray this brief glimpse, but unfortunately the failure to dig deeper into the ethos and motivations that helped to shape the man, his music, and the people of Jamaica leaves the end result a bit hollow. On the positive, definite marks go to art direction, music production, and acting chops, it’s too bad we don’t get more meat on the bone. Running one hour and 44 minutes Bob Marley: One Love is rated PG-13.
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Feb
2
2024
Author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) strikes gold with her fictitious book series on secret agents and spies; specifically agent Argylle (Henry Cavill), and his partner Wyatt (John Cena). But, when events in her real life start turning cloak and dagger along with the arrival of a stranger known as Aiden (Sam Rockwell), the lines of reality bend further. Now on the run from an evil crime syndicate Elly will have to trust her writer’s wit and Aiden’s hand to stay alive, but to what end? Written by Jason Fuchs and Directed by Matthew Vaughn this spy thriller for the 21st century sits nicely on the shelf next Vaughn’s previous works The King’s Man and Kick-Ass. Clearly no stranger to action, spy adventure, and light comedy, all with a creative panache and flair for exploding color by act III, this latest offering stays true to form, and, while not to be taken as a “serious” film, the technical execution involved to complete the multiple action set pieces within is in fact seriously impressive work. A wacky ensemble piece from start to finish, all of the players appear to be having a blast and chewing on the scenery in their own right and all working together just the same. And let’s be clear about this, this is a film that knows it’s place in the cinematic hierarchy, it’s not high drama, this is January escapism and meant for fun, although rolling in with a runtime of two hours and 19 minutes a bit more tightening of story could stand to reason. With expectations appropriately set, enjoy the laugh and simple ride, Argylle is rated PG-13.
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