Tag: Connie Nielsen

NOBODY 2 – Review

Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell in NOBODY 2, directed by Timo Tjahjanto. Courtesy of Universal Studios

Regular readers of mine and other reviewers are undoubtedly familiar with the complaint about “sequel drop-off.” Follow-ups trying to cash in on the popularity of the first rarely match the magic. In fact, that phenomenon is so common that disappointing scions usually get more of a sigh of resignation than outrage. The latter is saved for lame remakes and re-boots. The superfluous re-creations of THE BISHOP’S WIFE and MR. AND MRS. SMITH come readily to mind as particularly odious. This one’s thankfully at the opposite end of the spectrum. Ain’t no drop-off to be found in NOBODY 2.

I loved NOBODY notably because of its surprise factor. Hutch (Bob Odenkirk) appears to be an ordinary suburban nebbish whose life is drab, drab, drab. Dull job; cookie-cutter cul-de-sac. An UNfunny Rodney Dangerfield on the respect scale. He’s easily pushed around by others and dismissed by his own family. That’s until someone presses the wrong button, unleashing the inner demons of a highly skilled former covert operative, akin to Jason Statham’s BEEKEEPER character. The resulting film blended high-octane action with character comedy to deliver a real hoot for viewers.

This isn’t a new premise by any means, but the aforementioned surprise factor of its “reveal” was greatly enhanced by its titular star. Odenkirk had been known for offbeat skit comedy and his sketchy Saul Goodman lawyer persona from “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul.” Nothing in his resume presaged a guy who would suddenly kick ass without bothering to take names.

Rather than just trading on unsealing the can of whoop-ass we already know exists within him, they upped the ante on the action. Big time. In the first, the inner Hutch was triggered by a home invasion. This time it’s bullies ruining the peaceful vacation he’d planned for his family (Connie Nielsen, with kids Gage Munroe and Paisley Cadorath) at a huge amusement park. That venue was picked because it was Hutch’s only childhood trip with his dad (Christopher Lloyd) and brother (RZA), and he wanted to share that joyful memory with his brood. But, much like “Wonder World” in BEVERLY HILLS COP III, beneath the noisy, colorful attractions lurks a major criminal enterprise – this one run by psycho-bitch Lendina (Sharon Stone, channeling Snow White’s evil queen with a heavy dose of Pacino’s Scarface), who blithely kills anyone who crosses her, including all innocent witnesses unlucky enough to be in the vicinity. It’s tough to top the Russian mobsters of the original, but she and her minions manage quite nicely.

As before, the film opens with a battered Hutch being interrogated by a couple of detectives wondering who he could be, and then cutting to the main story from its beginning, leading to the inevitable climactic battle that out-dazzles the warehouse shootout of the first in all respects. The heavy dose of violence is again tinged with varying degrees of comedy. This production is further boosted by a few plus factors. The family is more involved. Hutch’s struggle to just have the intended vacation despite growing obstacles, due to no fault of his own, is more emotional. And casting Colin Hanks as one of the bad guys, unlike anything we’d expect from him or his daddy, Tom, adds to the comic value.

Despite changes of writers and director, the result is just what fans of the first hoped it would be. For pure escapist fun, including bad guys gettin’ blowed up real good, NOBODY 2 is as close as you can get to a sure bet.

NOBODY 2 opens in theaters on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025.

RATING: 3.5 out of 4 stars

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of NOBODY 2

THIS SUMMER, NOBODY RUINS HIS VACATION!  UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS BOB ODENKIRK IN NOBODY 2.  RATED R. 

ONLY IN THEATERS AUGUST 15TH.

The St. Louis screening is at 7PM on Tuesday on Aug 12th at The Galleria 6 Cine. (6pm Suggested Arrival) 

ENTER HERE FOR PASSES: http://gofobo.com/VoiGL05692

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

Nobody 2

Sometimes the most dangerous place for a dad is a family vacation.

Bob Odenkirk returns as suburban husband, father and workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell in the new chapter to Nobody, the hit 2021 bare-knuckle action-thriller that opened at number one at the U.S. box office.

Four years after he inadvertently took on the Russian mob, Hutch remains $30 million in debt to the criminal organization and is working it off with an unending string of hits on international thugs.

Much as he likes the slam-bang action of his “job,” Hutch and his wife Becca (International Emmy nominee Connie Nielsen) find themselves overworked and drifting apart. So, they decide to take their kids (Gage Munroe, Paisley Cadorath) on a short getaway to Wild Bill’s Majestic Midway and Waterpark, the one and only place where Hutch and his brother Harry (Grammy and Emmy nominee RZA) went on a vacation as kids.

With Hutch’s dad (Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd) in tow, the family arrives in the small tourist town of Plummerville (“Plummerville is Summerville!”), eager for some fun in the sun.

But when a minor encounter with some town bullies yanks the family into the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator (John Ortiz; Fast and Furious franchise, Bumblebee) and his shady sheriff (Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Colin Hanks), Hutch finds himself the focus of the most unhinged, blood-thirsty crime boss he (or anyone) has ever encountered (Emmy winning and Oscar® nominated screen icon, Sharon Stone).

Nobody 2 is an 87North/Eighty Two Films/Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment production, directed by Timo Tjahjanto (The Night Comes for Us, The Big 4). The screenplay is by returning writer Derek Kolstad (John Wick, Die Hart) and by Aaron Rabin (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), from a story by Derek Kolstad, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad.

This film’s returning producers are 87North founders Kelly McCormick (Bullet Train, The Fall Guy) and David Leitch (Bullet Train, The Fall Guy); Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment founder Marc Provissiero (No Hard Feelings, PEN15), Eighty Two Films founder Braden Aftergood (Hell or High Water, Samaritan); and Bob Odenkirk (Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad). The executive producer is David Hyman.

The stunt designer and coordinator is GREG REMENTER (Bullet Train, Nobody), the stunt coordinator is KYLE MCLEAN (Bullet Train, Black Adam) and the fight choreographer is KIRK JENKINS (Bullet Train, Nobody). The motorcycle driver is RICK SKENE (Nobody, The Ice Road) and the stunt rigging coordinator is NEIL ADAMS (Nobody, Violent Night).

The film’s director of photography is CALLAN GREEN ACS, NZCS (The Enforcer, The Gentlemen); the production designer is MICHAEL DINER (supervising art director Killers of the Flower Moon, art director Jurassic World: Dominion) and the costume designer is PATRICIA J. HENDERSON (Nobody, Under the Bridge). The film is edited by ELÍSABET RONALDSDÓTTIR ACE (Bullet Train, John Wick), and the music is by DOMINIC LEWIS (Bullet Train, The Fall Guy). The casting is by MARY VERNIEU CSA (Alien: Romulus, The Fall Guy) & LINSDAY GRAHAM AHANONU CSA (The Fall Guy, The Last of Us).

Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell in Nobody 2, directed by Timo Tjahjanto.

GLADIATOR II – Review

Paul Mescal plays Lucius and Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

Director Ridley Scott returns to the world of ancient Rome with GLADIATOR II. GLADIATOR is an iconic film which made Joaquin Phoenix a star and starred Russell Crowe in this greatest role but this enduringly popular epic didn’t particularly feel like it needed a sequel as it felt pretty complete. Yet here we are. Actually, GLADIATOR II is a combination of sequel and remake, and has an excellent cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington. Paul Mescal star as Lucius, whose story both reflects and connects to Russell Crowe’s Maximus’ tale. Two members of the original cast return, Connie Nielsen as Lucilla and Derek Jacobi as Gracchus, and while Jacobi’s screen time is brief, Nielsen plays a major role. Yet despite a fiery, Oscar-worthy performance by Denzel Washington and good work by the rest of the cast, plentiful gladiator fight scenes, and impressive sets, costumes and visual effects, the sequel/remake does not have the same energy and narrative drive as the original.

Taking place some years after the original, we return to a Roman empire ruled by a pair of red-headed, debauched brother Caesars, Emperor Geta (Joseph Quinn) and his more blood-thirsty but less rational brother Emperor Caracalla (Fred Hechinger). Meanwhile, in a distant land Lucius (Paul Mescal) and his warrior wife are preparing to defend their city from a Roman army led by General Marcus Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Things don’t go well, and the wife ends up dead and Lucius ends up as a galley slave and then a gladiator, owned by wealthy former gladiator Macrinus (Denzel Washington). But when Macrinus brings his prize gladiator to Rome, we learn this Lucius is the grown-up son of the daughter of Marcus Aurelius, Lucilla (Connie Nielsen) who, as it happens, is married to Pedro Pascal’s honorable General Acacius, whom Lucius has sworn to kill to avenge his wife.

That is no spoiler as it the film’s synopsis and not hard to guess anyway. The film embarks on a tale of intrigue, ambition, revenge and plentiful of bloody spectacle set in ancient Rome which parallels the original in many ways. Paul Mescal is a gifted actor but doesn’t have the big screen charisma of Russell Crowe. The twin emperors are appropriately awful, and Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger are entertainingly crazy, together and separately, but they are not the brainy plotters that Joaquin Phoenix’s emperor was. The true source of evil intriguing is more diffuse and concealed until well into the story. Not everyone is as good or bad as they seem at the film’s start, making this epic more twisty than a straightforward heroic tale like the original.

The most striking performances are Connie Nielsen’s, as the older Lucilla, harkening back to her earlier character and moving this new tale forward, and the flashy, fabulous one by Denzel Washington, in a part that starts out echoing Oliver Reed’s memorable turn as the gladiator-turned-entrepreneur, but taking his character much further. Washington is irresistible every time he’s on screen, with a knowing, sly humor, and exuding style and sophistication. It is Denzel Washington’s best performance in years in a rich role he can really mine for all its complexities. Watching him work is perhaps the major delight of this film.

The problem is that the original story was pretty complete, and although writers Peter Craig and David Scarpa did come up with a clever way to continue that tale, while also recapping it, it never feels like a necessary story. The director may have recognized that as the film has several clips of the original, often as Paul Mescal repeats scenes Russell Crowe did first. While it reminds the audience of the beloved original, it also takes out of this story. It is this choice, plus the weaker, less straight-forward story, that limits the film, despite the best efforts of the cast and the spectacular effects and lush visual world it created.

But if you are just here for the spectacle, GLADIATOR delivers on that, in a big way. The recreation of Rome is eye-popping, with a mix of physical sets and visual effects, and there is plenty of bloody battle and gladiator fights to please action fans and lavish costume drama gorgeousness to delight those fans. Stunt work is great and the CGI creatures are impressive.

On the downside, the film plays very fast and loose with real history, even more so than the original, with an ending so far from the facts that is rivals INGLORIOUS BASTERDS’ Nazi alt-history fantasy. I fear for any poorly-educated young person who might take fantastical yarn this for history.

Still, while revisiting the world of Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR is enjoyable, there is little in GLADIATOR II that adds much to that, beyond the visual delights and Denzel Washington’s crazy good performance.

GLADIATOR opens Friday, Nov. 22, in theaters.

RATING: 2.5 out of 4 stars

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of GLADIATOR II

“Gladiator is a hard act to follow, but Sir Ridley Scott proves still to be a master working up a Roman orgy of excitement that proves a worthy successor in every way,” says Pete Hammond (Deadline) in his review of GLADIATOR II.

WAMG has your free passes to one of the most highly anticipated films of the year – GLADIATOR II!

From legendary director Ridley Scott, GLADIATOR II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people. The film stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington.

GLADIATOR II IS ONLY IN THEATRES, DOLBY CINEMA, PREMIUM LARGE FORMATS, AND IMAX ON NOVEMBER 22, 2024.

https://www.gladiator.movie

The St. Louis screening is at 7pm on Tuesday, November 19th at Marcus Ronnie’s Cine (6pm Suggested Arrival).

LINK: http://gofobo.com/KwjJK94081

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

This film is rated R.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius and Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

©2024 Paramount Pictures. All Right Reserved.

Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II Showered With Rave Reactions At Friday’s Special Screening & Oscar Buzz Surrounds Denzel Washington’s Performance

Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington and Fred Hechinger were on hand for the highly anticipated “Gladiator II” Special Screening on Friday Night. It was followed by a Q&A and Reception at Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles, California.

The screening was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Jacqueline Coley.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: Guests attend a “Gladiator II” Special Screening, Q&A and Reception at Paramount Pictures Studios on October 18, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

The long-awaited sequel to the Oscar winning 2001 film, from director Ridley Scott, GLADIATOR II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

(L-R) Jacqueline Coley, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington and Fred Hechinger (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

The buzz from the various trades and socials praised the film. While it might not quite match the original, GLADIATOR II was generally considered a solid addition to the franchise.

Scott Mantz, KTLA journalist, wrote on X: “GLADIATOR II is indeed the REAL DEAL! An epic sequel worthy of its Oscar-winning predecessor — great action, amazing visual effects, stellar performances across the board (esp. PAUL MESCAL & DENZEL WASHINGTON)! A return to form for director RIDLEY SCOTT!”

Drew Taylor of The Wrap said: “rest easy, Romans. #Gladiator2 is the kind of large scale filmmaking excellence only Ridley Scott could corral. Everything about it just works. Big #Maverick vibes in its ability to conjure the past while adding something new. Bold, muscular filmmaking from a legendary talent.”

https://twitter.com/theatomreview/status/1847495515400802656

Check out the video below of the Q&A.

(L-R) Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger and Denzel Washington (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures)

2-time Oscar winner Denzel Washington garnered the highest praise with some speculating he will receive his third Academy Award for his performance. The Hollywood Reporter says of last night’s Q&A: Washington also has a prominent part in the film as Macrinus, a wealthy arms dealer and former gladiator who plots to control Rome. The actor joked during the Q&A, “He’s misunderstood. He’s a nice fellow.”

“He’s trying to use everybody. He’d use his mother, he’d use his own children; he’s already used up his soul, so he didn’t have any left. He’s in bed with the devil,” Washington continued, explaining that Scott made their work easy by building life-size sets as they shot in Malta. “When you would walk around, you were in Rome, and it seemed like 10,000 extras and horses. It was make-believe, it was play, it was fun; just put the gear on, put the dress on and go, that’s the way I look at it. I’m putting this dress on, these rings and I’m going crazy.”

Still a hard pill to swallow, Scott lost Best Director Oscar to Steven Soderbergh for TRAFFIC. Best Picture and Actor among others went to GLADIATOR. It took home five awards at the 73rd Academy Awards, and was nominated for an additional seven.

GLADIATOR II opens in cinemas on November 22 and is rated R for Strong Bloody Violence.

“It’s Huge. Cecil B. DeMille On Steroids” Says Denzel Washington About The World Of Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II In Behind The Scenes Look

“This is the biggest film I’ve been on. It’s huge. Cecil B. DeMille on steroids.” says actor Denzel Washington of director Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II.

Paramount Pictures has released a “Making of an Epic” featurette for the upcoming film.

GLADIATOR II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

In case you missed the new trailer, check it out below.

GLADIATOR II stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington. Scott and Washington worked together previously on the 2007 film AMERICAN GANGSTER, which co-starred Russell Crowe.

Tickets are on sale now https://www.gladiator.movie/

The film opens in theaters on November 22.

Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

Denzel Washington plays Macrinus in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

For Strength And Honor! Watch The New Trailer For Ridley Scott’s GLADIATOR II

“Lucius. Take your father’s strength. His name was Maximus, and I see him in you.”

From legendary director Ridley Scott, GLADIATOR II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

The a-list cast includes Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington.

While the first teaser was more than a little underwhelming, this is fantastic! Along with the score from Hans Zimmer, more from Washington and Nielsen, the battles in the Arena, this…THIS is the sequel fans of the first film have been waiting for.

GLADIATOR, released on May 5, 2000, won five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Actor for Russell Crowe, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound and Best Costume Design,  and was nominated for an additional seven.

The film grossed over $460 million worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing film of 2000. It was the highest earning Best Picture nominee, with $186.6 million in domestic box office receipts.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

The story is by Peter Craig and David Scarpa with the screenplay by David Scarpa.

GLADIATOR II will be in theaters on November 22, 2024.

Pedro Pascal, Director Ridley Scott and Paul Mescal on the set of Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

First Trailer For GLADIATOR II Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal And Denzel Washington Has Dropped

Here’s a look at the first official trailer for the highly anticipated GLADIATOR II.

From legendary director Ridley Scott, GLADIATOR II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

Starring Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, with Connie Nielsen and Denzel Washington

GLADIATOR II opens in IMAX and theaters on November 22, 2024.

GLADIATOR’s critical and commercial triumph was cemented by its impressive haul at the 73rd Academy Awards. The film secured a total of five Oscars. It achieved the coveted Best Picture award, placing it among the year’s most outstanding cinematic achievements. Russell Crowe delivered a powerhouse performance that resonated with audiences and earned him the Best Actor award. Beyond acting, the film’s meticulous production design, stunning visuals, and immersive sound design were recognized in categories like Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Sound, solidifying Gladiator’s status as a technical marvel as well.

Released in 2000, GLADIATOR was a box office success. Here’s a breakdown of its earnings:

  • Worldwide gross: $465.4 million
  • Domestic (US & Canada) gross: $187.7 million
  • International gross: $277.7 million

Box Office Mojo: https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt0172495/.

Paul Mescal and Director Ridley Scott on the set of Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

Paul Mescal plays Lucius and Pedro Pascal plays Marcus Acacius in Gladiator II from Paramount Pictures.

Check out the character posters from the film.

ORIGIN – Review

Much like the earlier reviewed ALL OF US STRANGERS, here’s another “indie” film that’s now getting a “wide rollout” after end-of-the-year screenings on the coasts. And yes, it could have been out everywhere in the last couple of months, but it seems that it’s more pertinent now than ever, since the presidential election cycle began with the Iowas caucus just days ago. No, it’s not about someone running for office, but its subject is a major discussion of any political discourse, going back to the beginnings of the US. And that subject is race. Now this new film doesn’t focus on one particular historical event, much like the filmmaker Ava DuVernay did with SELMA, now ten years ago. This delves much deeper into it, as she travels the globe, and explores different eras, all in adapting a lauded scholar’s investigation into racism’s ORIGIN.

The film begins with a flashback to a tragic racially motivated killing over a dozen years ago (you’ll recognize it after a few brief sequences). Then the story jumps ahead a bit as historian/author Isabel Wilkerson (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor) finishes up a lecture. Afterward, she is approached by literary associates about writing an investigative book about that incident. But life calls her away as she moves her aging mother into assisted living and preps the old family house for resale. During this time she meets the son of a neighbor, Brett Hamilton (Jon Bernthal), beginning a romance that leads to marriage. But when he’s taken, Isabel recalls his last words which urged her to take on the discussed tome. She’s further nudged by her BFF cousin Marion (Niecy Nash), though Isabel decides to tackle the story and radically expand the work. Yes, the killing would be part of it, but Isabel wants to place it into an examination of racism itself, not just in the USA, but around the globe and through the centuries. She then starts “racking up” the frequent flyer miles, by traveling to Germany to learn of two American students caught up in the rise of Nazism, and of a forbidden love between a “pure Aryian” and a Jewish woman. Back in the States, Isabel looks into a research investigation that compared the experiences of two young married couples, one white, and one black, back in the pre-civil rights South. Then it’s off to India to explore the still-in-use “caste” system which divides society into different social, economic, and working classes as Isabel gets a tour by the country’s first “untouchable” collegian.

After impressing audiences as the Williams matriarch in KING RICHARD a couple of years ago, Ms. Ellis-Taylor is superb as the compassionate caring scholar who is the heart of this world-spanning historical essay. Her intelligence is established early on and gradually we see Isabel as a loving daughter and wife before her role as a truth-seeker. Ellis-Taylor shows us her inquisitive nature while never masking Isabel’s sense of wonder at the world tempered with her shock over the actions of its people through the years. She’s a terrific screen partner, whether we see her begin to fall for the charismatic Bernthal, who easily switches from his usual “working class hero/villain” roles, or trading affectionate barbs with cousin Marion, played with a fun-loving spunk by the energetic Nash. Ellis-Taylor is also effective as she discusses, and often disagrees with, a German historian, given passion and logic by Connie Nielsen. Another standout is real-life scholar Gaurav J. Pathania as Isabel’s guide (and the film’s third act narrator/teacher) who calmly recounts the mind-boggling class divisions in India with some truly heartbreaking degradations that still occur. And I should single out an “extended cameo” by the great Nick Hofferman as a plumber whose hard demeanor hides a warm soul and Audra McDonald whose character tells of how sexism enters the “big conflict”.

As mentioned earlier, director DuVernay takes a big swing at an even bigger target and connects for much of the time in her adaptation of Wilkerson’s “Caste: The Origins of our Discontents”. It’s a daunting endeavor that could’ve been a series of “talking head” dissections. But DuVarney puts us inside the pivotal events without tossing away the humanity. With Isobel’s travels the film could be called a cerebral investigative spin on EAT PRAY LOVE, but that would be dismissing the ideas and discourse that linger on well after the closing credits. DuVernay conveys the heartbreak of 30’s Germany and 50’s segregation, which have been in many previous films, but her deep dive into India makes for several sequences that will burn into your brain (involving public sanitation). And though you may not agree with many of the notions (the “shared genocide” debate will no doubt continue), everyone can agree that Ms. DuVernay has crafted an intellectual and emotional epic that will enthrall and educate in ORIGIN.

3 Out of 4

ORIGIN is now playing in select theatres

ROLE PLAY (2024) – Review

How do you make a “rom-com” centered around a long-time married couple (yes, they’ve got kids)? Well, one idea would be to throw them a “curve”. With the Bracketts in this story, she’s forgotten their anniversary prompting him to take, well not desperate, but offbeat measures. Would it “spice” things up considerably, maybe rekindle those old sparks, if they pretended to be strangers meeting for the first time? But how could she have “blanked’ on the “big day”? For that answer, this new movie mixes in elements of an action flick. With that new twist, we learn that she indulges in many variations of ROLE PLAY.


Oh, the lady in question is Emma Brackett (Kaley Cuoco). At the start of the story, she’s on the job, donning a wig, and terminating a target. As in assassinate. From there she phones her handler Raj (Rudy Dharmalingam), and heads to the airport. In the next scene, Emma has taken an Uber to the quiet, nondescript suburban two-story she shares with hubby Dave (Davis Oyelowo) and their two kids, preteen Wyatt and adorable moppet Caroline. But why are they preparing her favorite meal (Dave’s BBQ pineapple chicken) as the kids “play restaurant”? It’s the big wedding anniversary and Emma was too preoccupied with her “gig”. Dave thinks that she’s often on the road conducting training seminars, so he doesn’t blink when Emma takes a call from her boss Ralph (really Raj again). It seems that the “hired killers’ union” (actually “the Sovereignty”) is angry over her going “freelance” and has put a price, and a “target” on her. Emma’s not globetrotting again and promises him that she’ll “lay low”. That night Dave shyly gifts her a “naughty nurse” outfit. But Emma “ups the ante” with a suggestion that they get a sitter, assume fake identities, and “hook up” in the bar of a swanky NYC hotel. She dons a slink LBD and a red wig and waits for Dave at the bar. Of course, he gets stuck in traffic, which allows time for an older, dapper Brit named Bob (Bill Nighy) to make a pass at her. Dave finally arrives as Bob insists that they do “shots’ and makes several odd comments to Emma. It turns out that the couple aren’t the only role players leading to an incident at the hotel that puts Emma on the run and Dave in the “hot seat”. Will she have to tell him the truth, or will it be too late to save them as Emma’s past catches up to them?

After being a TV sitcom staple in a couple of long-running shows, Ms. Cuoco gets a chance to show another side to her considerable talents. We’ve seen her snarky and sarcastic while projecting a playful sultry vibe, along with an engaging warmth. Now we get her “action hero mode” (we got a smattering from her vocal work as Harley Quinn in the Max animated series), and she’s splendid. She’s brusk and all business in the first half then shifts into “mama grizzly” as things get more “personal”. And this is a huge chance of pace for her co-star as Oyelowo proves to be an entertaining comic straight man as the bewildered and baffled Dave, a guy who just wants to chill with the “fam” after his 9-to-5 office drone job. After his superb Oscar-winning dramatic work, it’s great to see his lighter side. The two actors work well together and with the charming, but a bit sinister, Nighy as the wonky entertaining barfly. Another screen vet, Connie Nielson turns in a terrific performance as a special agent who is also more than she appears.

In the director’s chair is TV series vet Thomas Vincent who effortlessly switches gears from domestic bliss (the kids are more cute than cloying) to sexy banter (Cuoco’s a fiery sassy ginger) before plunging us into deadly showdowns. The script from Seth W. Owen provides some great dialogue for the two leads even though we soon realize that most of the plot is rehashed and reheated elements of TRUE LIES and MR. & MRS. SMITH. Nighy’s off-kilter Bob shakes things up a bit, but much of the finale seems to be a lighter version (and fairly bloodless) take on Bourne and John Wick. And though Emma is supposed to be a world-traveling pro-killer, we never really get a sense of the far-flung locales. There’s a basic cable blandness for most of the flick along with a lack of real brutality to the action (perhaps to try for a lighter rating than the “R” it received). The actors playing the Bracketts have easy-going chemistry but that’s not enough to redeem the overall familiarity of ROLE PLAY.


2.5 Out of 4

ROLE PLAY is now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video