Tag: Mahershala Ali

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH – Review

Hard to believe that the big Summer holiday, the Fourth of July, is almost here (and it’s on a weekend, too). Well, if you can’t hit the road or hop on a plane, the local multiplex is your best option for a tropical getaway on a secluded island. Now there’s a slight problem with this dot in the ocean. While flies and mosquitoes can dampen the fun, the pests here are much, much bigger. And very aggressive. And hungry (perhaps even “hangry”). Yes, we’re back in the movie franchise established way back in 1993’s JURASSIC PARK. After two “trilogies”, Universal’s ready for a bright, shiny “reboot” with an all-new cast trying to survive in this familiar foliage. Films are always a bit of a gamble, so is “seven” the “lucky number” for JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH?

This entry starts with a flashback from 17 years ago, as a research team in big, clunky haz-mat-like suits is scurrying about their lab. Looks like they’re tinkering with the dinos (always a big “no-no”), and as is usually the case in these stories, things go terribly wrong. After a few title cards explaining that the dinos we saw out in the world (Europe, the States, etc.) are succombing to unfamiliar climate and viruses, and that the general public has grown weary with the beasts (how fickle), we’re in the “present day” (really five years after the last JW flick). An exec for the pharmaceutical giant ParkerGenix, Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend), is stuck in NYC traffic as a dying Brontosaurus is lost near the Hudson. Ah, but he’s soon joined by the woman he was rushing to meet, “covert operative” Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson). Kreb makes his pitch: he wants to enlist her “team” to make a secret trek to the “forbidden” island home (travel is banned there) of the last thriving dinosaurs and collect blood and tissue samples (the dying nearby creatures are not “workable”). The “extracts” will be the basis of a heart disease “wonder drug”. He does insist on an addition to her team (aside from himself). They swing by the soon-to-be-shuttered dinosaur museum to collect expert paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey). Soon the trio zip down to a port in Ecuador to meet Zora’s team leader, Duncan Kinkaid (Mahershala Ali), who will take them in his high-tech boat to the home of “big lizards”, Ile Saint-Hubert. Along the way, they rescue a family whose sailboat was capsized by a school of aquatic dinosaurs. After a harrowing encounter just off the island’s coast, the family is separated from the “covert” team. As Krebs tries to grab a set of three samples (beasts based on the land, sea, and “air”), the family tries to make their way to a long-deserted village. But, when the mutated (circle back to the pre-title scene) dinosaurs go on the attack, the quest for science (and big “pharma-bucks”) becomes a desperate struggle to survive until a possible rescue. This is no relaxing “va-cay”…

After four years away from the MCU (the home of “never say never”) and a brief detour into the “Wes Anderson-verse”, Ms. Johansson is back in full action heroine “mode” as the “gun for hire” who secretly has a “heart of gold” (no surprise). She’s quick with a snarky quip, but can leap right into the chaos, kicking lots of scaly tail. Somewhat regulated to the “in distress” role is Bailey, a grizzled glass-wearing geek (a fantasy breathtaking “brainiac”), who tries to keep out of the “line of fire” while taking the time to gaze lovingly at the gentler behemouths (he did study under Dr. Alan Grant, y’know). And there’s an Oscar-winner (twice) getting in on the monster mash-ups. Ali is given a bit of a tragic backstory (broken family), but mainly he’s a modern update on the rascally sea captain who loves his boat nearly as much as a hefty cash commission. He makes a fine comic partner with Bailey. Since every party needs a “p##per”, this trip has the wonderfully “weasely” Kreb played with an unseen “twirling mustache” by the glowering Friend. Oh, let’s not leave out the “rescued” (not really “stowaways,” I suppose). Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is the concerned, though confused patriarch Rueben, who just wants some quality time with his daughters, college-aged Teresa (Luna Blaise) and adorable pre-teen “snacker” (loves that licorice) Isabella (Audrina Miranda), who is adorable even as she’s in constant peril. The dinos are enough of a handful, but Rueben has to also contend with Teresa’s slacker, goofball “bae” Xavier (David Iacono), who does wonders with the abrasive role.

They’re all told where to run (and what the “green tennis ball” represents, “monster-wise”) by a director who is no stranger to big studio “IP”, Gareth Edwards. After all, he made GODZILLA work for mainstream US moviegoers, and was behind the brightest light in the post-George Lucas space flicks, the superb prequel ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY. He does bring some fresh energy to the scenes of the beasties in full-attack mode, while still taking a moment to give a “shout-out” to earlier entries (mainly the 1993 OG). Unfortunately, he’s somehow hampered by the disjointed screenplay by (speaking of OG), the adapter of the first two films in the series, David Koepp (he worked on the first Spidey, too). The time in between attack never really holds our interest, despite giving a sad backstory to both Zora (she just lost her partner during a “gig”) and Duncan (who takes a moment to gaze sadly at a faded photo of his son), while Henry tries to convince them to do the “right thing” with the samples (who doubts them). The biggest problem with the story’s structure may be the inclusion of the shipwrecked family. They never really “mesh” with the “mission crew”, which may account for why they’re quickly separated from them after they crash land on the island. Perhaps it was thought that these “average” Joes and Josephines, without firepower, would be easier to put in jeopardy and appeal to moviegoers. The cutting back and forth gets somewhat irritating, much as a TV show would flip from the “A story” to the “B story”. Now it does lead to the big nighttime finale that brings everyone together for another explosive showdown with a new dino “big bad”, the mutant “Distortus rex”, whose look owes a lot to another franchise, mainly the Xenomorphs from ALIEN. Certainly the effects on the critters continue to impress, it’s great to listen to strains of the classic John Williams score, and the carnage hasn’t been toned down to be more “kid friendly”, though I found the relentless “product placement” extremely distracting (make sure the logo is readable on that dangerous floating wrapper). Fans of these flicks will enjoy the usual mayhem and “narrow escapes”, but many may wish for something less formulaic (though this is a big improvement over JWD) than the jungle “jump-scares” of JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH. Now keep your hands inside the boat…

2.5 Out of 4

JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH is now playing in theatres everywhere

Win Passes To The St. Louis Advance Screening Of JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENTS THE EPIC EVENT OF THE SUMMER! SCARLETT JOHANSSON, MAHERSHALA ALI AND JONATHAN BAILEY STAR IN JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH. RATED PG-13.

A NEW ERA IS BORN JULY 2ND.

https://www.jurassicworld.com

The St. Louis screening is at 7PM on Monday, June 30th at B&B West Olive Creve Coeur.

Pass Link: http://gofobo.com/fsvzk06577

Please arrive early as seating is not guaranteed.

L to R: , Xavier Dobbs (David Iacono), Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) and Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey) in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, directed by Gareth Edwards.

A new era is born. This summer, three years after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with each film surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the enduring Jurassic series evolves in an ingenious new direction with Jurassic World Rebirth. 

Anchored by iconic action superstar Scarlett Johansson, Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey and two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali, this action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind. 

Also starring acclaimed international stars Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the film is directed by dynamic visualist Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) from a script by original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp. 

Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Academy Award® nominee Johansson plays skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett, contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure the genetic material. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by marauding aquatic dinos, they all find themselves stranded on a forbidden island that had once housed an undisclosed research facility for Jurassic Park. There, in a terrain populated by dinosaurs of vastly different species, they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades. 

Ali is Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s most trusted team member; Critics Choice and Olivier Award winner Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Bridgerton) plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis; Emmy nominee Rupert Friend (Homeland, Obi-Wan Kenobi) appears as Big Pharma representative Martin Krebs and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer, Murder on the Orient Express) plays Reuben Delgado, the father of the shipwrecked civilian family. 

The cast includes Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs. Lopez) as Reuben’s family. The film also features, as members of Zora and Krebs’ crews, Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF) and Ed Skrein (Deadpool). 

Jurassic World Rebirth is directed by BAFTA winner Edwards from a script by Koepp (War of the Worlds), based on characters created by Michael Crichton. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, both longtime Jurassic franchise producers and of last summer’s blockbuster, Twisters. The film is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Denis L. Stewart and Jim Spencer.

Dinos And More Dinos! Watch The Final Trailer For Gareth Edwards’ JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH opens in theaters on July 2 and tickets are on sale now!

A new era is born. This summer, three years after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with each film surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the enduring Jurassic series evolves in an ingenious new direction with Jurassic World Rebirth. 

Anchored by iconic action superstar Scarlett Johansson, Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey and two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali, this action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind. 

Watch the brand new trailer now.

Also starring acclaimed international stars Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the film is directed by dynamic visualist Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) from a script by original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp. 

Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Academy Award® nominee Johansson plays skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett, contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure the genetic material. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by marauding aquatic dinos, they all find themselves stranded on a forbidden island that had once housed an undisclosed research facility for Jurassic Park. There, in a terrain populated by dinosaurs of vastly different species, they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades. 

Ali is Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s most trusted team member; Critics Choice and Olivier Award winner Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Bridgerton) plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis; Emmy nominee Rupert Friend (Homeland, Obi-Wan Kenobi) appears as Big Pharma representative Martin Krebs and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer, Murder on the Orient Express) plays Reuben Delgado, the father of the shipwrecked civilian family. 

The cast includes Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs. Lopez) as Reuben’s family. The film also features, as members of Zora and Krebs’ crews, Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF) and Ed Skrein (Deadpool). 

Jurassic World Rebirth is directed by BAFTA winner Edwards from a script by Koepp (War of the Worlds), based on characters created by Michael Crichton. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, both longtime Jurassic franchise producers and of last summer’s blockbuster, Twisters. The film is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Denis L. Stewart and Jim Spencer.

JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

T-Rex, Mosasaurus And Spinosauruses Take A Bite Out Of The First Trailer For Gareth Edwards’ JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH

Universal Pictures has dropped the first trailer for JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH.

A new era is born.

This summer, three years after the Jurassic World trilogy concluded with each film surpassing $1 billion at the global box office, the enduring Jurassic series evolves in an ingenious new direction with Jurassic World Rebirth.

Anchored by iconic action superstar Scarlett Johansson, Emmy and SAG nominee Jonathan Bailey and two-time Oscar® winner Mahershala Ali, this action-packed new chapter sees an extraction team race to the most dangerous place on Earth, an island research facility for the original Jurassic Park, inhabited by the worst of the worst that were left behind.

Also starring acclaimed international stars Rupert Friend and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the film is directed by dynamic visualist Gareth Edwards (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) from a script by original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp.

Here’s your first look. In theaters July 2, 2025.

https://www.jurassicworld.com

Five years after the events of Jurassic World Dominion, the planet’s ecology has proven largely inhospitable to dinosaurs. Those remaining exist in isolated equatorial environments with climates resembling the one in which they once thrived. The three most colossal creatures across land, sea and air within that tropical biosphere hold, in their DNA, the key to a drug that will bring miraculous life-saving benefits to humankind.

Academy Award® nominee Johansson plays skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett, contracted to lead a skilled team on a top-secret mission to secure the genetic material. When Zora’s operation intersects with a civilian family whose boating expedition was capsized by marauding aquatic dinos, they all find themselves stranded on a forbidden island that had once housed an undisclosed research facility for Jurassic Park. There, in a terrain populated by dinosaurs of vastly different species, they come face-to-face with a sinister, shocking discovery that has been hidden from the world for decades.

Ali is Duncan Kincaid, Zora’s most trusted team member; Critics Choice and Olivier Award winner Jonathan Bailey (Wicked, Bridgerton) plays paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis; Emmy nominee Rupert Friend (Homeland, Obi-Wan Kenobi) appears as Big Pharma representative Martin Krebs and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (The Lincoln Lawyer, Murder on the Orient Express) plays Reuben Delgado, the father of the shipwrecked civilian family.

The cast includes Luna Blaise (Manifest), David Iacono (The Summer I Turned Pretty) and Audrina Miranda (Lopez vs. Lopez) as Reuben’s family. The film also features, as members of Zora and Krebs’ crews, Philippine Velge (Station Eleven), Bechir Sylvain (BMF) and Ed Skrein (Deadpool).

Jurassic World Rebirth is directed by BAFTA winner Edwards from a script by Koepp (War of the Worlds), based on characters created by Michael Crichton. The film is produced by Oscar® nominee Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley, both longtime Jurassic franchise producers and of last summer’s blockbuster, Twisters. The film is executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Denis L. Stewart and Jim Spencer.

L to R: Scarlett Johansson as skilled covert operations expert Zora Bennett and Jonathan Bailey as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, directed by Gareth Edwards.

The Mosasaurus and Spinosauruses in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, directed by Gareth Edwards.

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, directed by Gareth Edwards.

Mahershala Ali is Duncan Kincaid in JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH, directed by Gareth Edwards

SWAN SONG – Review

Mahershala Ali and Naomie Harris in “Swan Song,” premiering globally on Apple TV+ on December 17, 2021. Courtesy of Apple TV+

Mahershala Ali plays a man with a fatal disease who is offered an option to spare his family grief, in the science fiction romance SWAN SONG. Naomie Harris plays the sick man’s wife, Poppy, and Glenn Close plays the scientist who runs the facility who offers that option, in this drama written and directed by Benjamin Cleary.

Curiously, this is the second film this year with this title, the other being a bittersweet indie dramedy about a retired hairdresser who escapes froma nursing home for one last job. This SWAN SONG is a romantic drama with a science fiction bent but largely an acting showcase for Mahershala Ali, who serves as one of the film’s producers. His character is the center of this emotionally-laden story, which touches more on philosophical issues that science ones, meaning its appeal more to fans of romantic drama than science fiction.

The film takes place in a futuristic world where technology is a dominate feature. Everyone has high-tech glasses, watches and homes, AI robots with personality bring snacks on the commuter train, and personal cars have been replaced by driver-less car taxis that have no front or back and can drive in either direction. Despite all the high-tech gear, much of the rest of this world seems much like ours, making it easier to focus on the human story at its heart.

We meet Cameron (Mahershala Ali) as he is facing a health crises and a terminal diagnosis, although his main symptom seems to be periodic collapses and what appear to be seizures. Somehow, he has been able to conceal his illness and diagnosis from his artist wife Poppy (Naomie Harris) and young son, but now he faces a choice. With his time running short, his doctor has referred him to a scientist running a new program, which might offer another option to a difficult conversation with his family.

That option, as the movie’s trailer reveals, is a perfect copy to take his place. Whether this copy is mechanical or biological, the film does not say, and exploring the real science possibilities behind that is not something the film is interested in doing. In another film, all this technology, and especially that choice being offered with which he is grappling, could go down a sinister path. In fact, the facility to which the central character travels while making his difficult choice is in remote location that looks creepily similar to the one in EX MACHINA. However, the focus on this drama is more on the man’s emotional struggle, as he recalls meeting his wife, their romance and his family life.

While there is an sci-fi aspect to this film, the slant is more emotional, philosophical and sadly romantic, just with a futuristic twist. The film never really tries to explain any underlying science, neither his medical condition nor the technological being offered, and exploring it’s far-fetched aspects would just introduce spoilers. The film simply asks us to accept its premise, the result being that we focus instead on the man’s emotional, existential and moral struggle with his decision.

It gives Mahershala Ali a lot of material to work with, and he brings all his dramatic skills to bear on that. This film is definitely a tear-jerker but there are lighter, romantic moments too, as it revisits the couple’s meet-cute on a commuter train, and recaps their romance and life together, scenes often laced with humor and a bubbly charm, a lot of that supplied by Naomie Harris and the young actor playing their quirky-cute son.

Glen Close plays Dr. Scott, the facility’s director, striking the right notes to build tension with a perfect mix of warm concern and underlying creepiness, as Ali’s character goes on his emotional roller-coaster journey. Awkwafina, who plays another patient at the facility who has already made her decision, seems to be there to provide a companion on that journey and lend some lighter moments but she is largely wasted in the role. Adam Beach does well in his smaller role as a psychologist at the facility.

Mahershala Ali gives a fine performance, and the scenes between him and Naomie Harris are touching. Primarily, this is a showcase for Ali’s considerable acting talent and a film with more to offer fans of romantic tear-jerkers than science fiction.

SWAN SONG opens Friday, Dec. 17, in theaters and streaming on Apple TV+.

RATING: 2 out of 4 stars

WAMG Giveaway – Win the Oscars’ ‘Best Picture’ THE GREEN BOOK on Blu-ray


Two men from different worlds form an unexpected friendship in the incredibly moving film Green Book, coming to Digital February 19, 2019 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand March 12, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. With exceptional filmmaker lineage, Participant Media and DreamWorks Pictures’ Green Book is directed by Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary, Shallow Hal), and stars 2019 Academy Award® nominee Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Eastern Promises) and 2019 Academy Award® winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Hidden Figures) alongside Linda Cardellini (Brokeback Mountain, The Founder).  The critically acclaimed and “hugely entertaining” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) Green Book is the winner of three 2019 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Mahersala Ali and Best Original Screenplay.

Now you can win the Win the Blu-ray Combo Pack of THE GREEN BOOK. All you have to do is leave a comment below  telling us what your favorite movie starring Viggo Mortensen  is. (mine’s A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE). It’s so easy!

1. YOU MUST BE A US RESIDENT. PRIZE WILL ONLY BE SHIPPED TO US ADDRESSES.  NO P.O. BOXES.  NO DUPLICATE ADDRESSES.

2. WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN FROM ALL QUALIFYING ENTRIES.


Academy Award nominee Viggo Mortensen and Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, star in Green Book, a film inspired by a true friendship that transcended race, class, and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line. When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on The Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger as well as unexpected humanity and humor—they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.


Filled with acclaimed performers, Green Book on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD includes three featurettes that will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the actors and filmmakers brought the characters to film  and the true story that inspired it.

4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

  • Virtuoso Performances– Go behind the scenes with Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as they discuss their characters and the lengths they went to accurately portray them.
  • An Unforgettable Friendship – Cast and filmmakers discuss the friendship between Don Shirley and Tony Lip.
  • Going Beyond the Green Book – Filmmakers and cast discuss the significance of The Green Book.

Oscar Winning Best Picture GREEN BOOK Coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand March 12th


Two men from different worlds form an unexpected friendship in the incredibly moving film Green Book, coming to Digital February 19, 2019 and 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, DVD and On Demand March 12, 2019 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. With exceptional filmmaker lineage, Participant Media and DreamWorks Pictures’ Green Book is directed by Peter Farrelly (There’s Something About Mary, Shallow Hal), and stars 2019 Academy Award® nominee Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Eastern Promises) and 2019 Academy Award® winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Hidden Figures) alongside Linda Cardellini (Brokeback Mountain, The Founder).  The critically acclaimed and “hugely entertaining” (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone) Green Book is the winner of three 2019 Academy Awards® including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Mahersala Ali and Best Original Screenplay.


Academy Award nominee Viggo Mortensen and Academy Award winner Mahershala Ali, star in Green Book, a film inspired by a true friendship that transcended race, class, and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line. When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on The Green Book to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger as well as unexpected humanity and humor—they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.


Filled with acclaimed performers, Green Book on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD includes three featurettes that will give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at how the actors and filmmakers brought the characters to film  and the true story that inspired it.

4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:

  • Virtuoso Performances– Go behind the scenes with Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as they discuss their characters and the lengths they went to accurately portray them.
  • An Unforgettable Friendship – Cast and filmmakers discuss the friendship between Don Shirley and Tony Lip.
  • Going Beyond the Green Book – Filmmakers and cast discuss the significance of The Green Book.

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE – Review

With just 16 days left in 2018, many filmgoers (let’s not call them “haters”, but rather “grumblers”) might think they’ve seen the last of the Marvel movie heroes for this year, especially since Warner Brothers and the “Distinguished Competition” (a phrase coined by the much-missed Stan Lee, which replaced the deriding “Brand Echh”) are clearing the multiplex waters for AQUAMAN. Mind you, this has been a stellar year for Marvel Studios which had three films in the box office top ten, with BLACK PANTHER and the latest Avengers at the top two spots, but now it looks that there’ll be one more hit by the drop of the Times Square glitter-ball. But technically it’s not from that studio. Sony has had a lock on the Marvel mascot, Spider-Man, for all of the new century, but after the disastrous reboot flicks in 2012 and 2014, they wisely joined forces with Marvel Studios for last year’s smash SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (which allowed him to mix it up alongside their franchise stars, with Iron Man as a mentor). Now Sony said they’d continue making their own spin-offs with secondary characters and villains. They had a good-sized success with a solo VENOM flick a couple of months ago (#10 in this year’s B.O. stats). Now comes another one, swinging out from Sony…Animation! Yes, the folks behind last year’s Razzie fave, THE EMOJI MOVIE. Will the webbed wonder escape that fate? The answer lies with SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE.

The story doesn’t start with a guy named Pete, which most would assume. No, this story is set in a world a lot like ours (the police cruisers are marked “P.D.N.Y.”, so that’s a hint), where we encounter a very smart (street and book) pre-teen guy named Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore). He’s a bit anxious on this day because his policeman pop Jefferson (Brian Tyree Henry) and nurse mom Rio (Luna Lauren Velez) are sending him off to a prestigious private school (all on a scholarship) where he’ll stay in a dorm room during the week. And maybe the recent tremors are making Miles jumpy. Either way, he has a tough time on his first day. So tough in fact, that he sneaks out of his dorm that evening to visit his favorite uncle Aaron (Mahershala Ali). He decides to take his nephew to a secluded spot just off the subway line, where they can indulge their passion for “street art”. But they’re joined by a most unwelcome guest: a genetically engineered spider. Which, you guessed it, bites young Miles. When he wakes up the next morning he notices that he’s undergone some “changes”, and not the “voice deepening” kind. That night Miles revisits the “secret spot” to locate that spider. Unfortunately, a wall collapses and he finds himself a very scared witness to a pitched battle between the city’s “friendly neighborhood” Spider-Man and some super-powered goons employed by the Kingpin AKA Wilson Fisk (Liev Schreiber). Before the fighting ends tragically, Spider gives Miles a tiny flash drive (later called a “goober”) to shut down Fisk’s big machine (which is causing the tremors and brief blackouts). Luckily Miles escapes before one of those goons, the high tech killer known as The Prowler, captures him. The next day, Miles is stunned to encounter his hero once more. But he’s different, older, a bit flabby, and going by Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson). He explains to Miles that Fisk has built a giant super magnet that opens a portal that brings back objects (including people) from alternate Earths. And unfortunately, Pete’s losing his molecular stability and will cease to exist unless he can get back to the device. The old pro super-hero teams up with the novice as they eventually encounter more “travelers’, other beings with similar powers. There’s Gwen Stacey AKA Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld), hard-boiled 30’s P.I., Spider-Noir (Nicolas Cage), teenager Peni Parker (Kimiko Glenn), who works with a massive spider-controlled robot, and anthropomorphic hero, Peter Porker, the Spider-Ham (John Mulaney). Can Miles refine his abilities, send his new friends home, and stop the Kingpin’s destructive weapon before it erases the heroes of the spider-verse?

A most impressive roster of actors make these animated characters…well, even more animated. Moore makes Morales a most endearing young hero, full of enthusiasm while constantly fretting over his “cool factor’ amongst his new classmates. Of course, all his concerns feel multiplied after receiving a dose of super-spider powers. Moore conveys his fears and heartbreak while balancing it with Miles’s compassion. He cares about everyone: his family, his old and new friends, and especially the scruffy wiseguy who becomes his reluctant mentor. As the Spidey we’ve followed through several decades (and eight live-action features) Johnson is the ultimate everyman hero, greyed, paunchy, but always ready with a plan in a pinch. But Johnson also gives us a guy that’s been kicked around by life, who wonders if all this dimension skipping is worth it. Fortunately, he still has that snarky sense of humor, and Johnson delivers the taunts with skill and precision. As for the “spider squad”, Steinfeld is confident but a bit closed off, cautious about getting to close anyone, especially Miles. Cage voices a great homage to film noir tough guys, tossing out hilarious forgotten 30’s slang, while Mulaney makes the Spider-Ham a lovable loopy cartoon cut-up. Prior to the bug bite, Miles has two strong male role models. Henry is great as his gruff, loving but stern policeman papa, while Ali is ultra smooth and slick as the super cool uncle. As for those bad guys, Schrieber makes Fisk a most formidable foe. But it’s a different take than we saw from Michael Clark Duncan in the 2003 DAREDEVIL film or Vincent D’Onofrio in the current Netflix DD series. He’s not the oversized, but cultured mastermind. Despite his suit and tie, this Kingpin is a powerhouse palooka, still fresh from the mean streets, who Schrieber makes even more fearsome with his guttural growls (“Kill dat’ guy!!”). Kudos also to comic actresses Kathryn Hahn for a fresh take on a well-established Spidey villain, and Lily Tomlin who offers a tough, smart take on Aunt May.

It’s no wonder that it took three tremendously talented artists to direct this work that could definitely be referred to as a game changer, much like the first TOY STORY, in future annals of animation history. Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, and Rodney Rothman unite to breathe fresh new life into the super-hero genre, so much a part of the new century, while showing us that animation need not be a “cinema sitter”, that it can work for action stories as well as it has for funny animal fables. And all while affectionately acknowledging their source material, making the finished film seem like a graphic novel (okay, “comic book”) come to vibrant, noisy life. We hear Miles’s thoughts via voice-overs, while also seeing the boxed captions pop up all about him. Sound effects appear (not as garish as the classic 60’s Batman TV show though), as the force of impact ( a punch or a kick) splinter and shatter the screen in electric hues. The colors overlap and mesh much like the old four-color printing of the books. The tones almost glow and pop, reflecting hip-hop inspired ‘street art’. Then there are the eclectic character designs, mixing the molded-shading of CGI figures coupled with dark, delineating outlines, sharpening the edges much as a comic inker would enhance and accentuate a jawline or the curve of a nose. Particularly impressive is the look of the Kingpin who appears to be two tons of dark granite on two legs, his angry bald head is almost floating in a sea of black. Of course, that heft doesn’t get in the way of his deadly speed with those massive meaty fists crushing anything in their path. Yes, the flick is dazzling, but it’s also really clever and funny thanks to the script from Phil Lord meshing the creations of many wonderful comics artists. The dialogue deftly deflates countless action movie cliches without careening into derisive “camp” cavorting. Somehow it’s equal parts sweet and silly while making us care about this swooping, web-slinging “spandex squad”. Things sometimes get a bit “grim and gritty”, but Lord doesn’t neglect the fun aspect of bouncing and twirling high above the streets. Actually fun is the main word to describe the wondrous entertainment machine that is SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE. It’s the best holiday gift you could give the kid inside you.

5 Out of 5

GREEN BOOK – Review

 

As we hurriedly prepare for the big year-end holiday, or even trying to catch up with all the films released in time for the awards and best lists, it’s nice to be reminded of a Christmas aspect that’s often overlooked. It’s an extra bonus when that’s the central theme of one of the year’s finest films. I’m referring to “good will toward men”, but to not be sexist, this would include all “humankind”. While it may feel great to wrap up in warm nostalgia for sweeter bygone days (and memories of those long-ago holidays), there really wasn’t a lot of “good will” toward some men. Mind you, we’ve still got a ways to go, but things are much better than they were, say 66 years ago. This new film takes off those “rose-colored” glasses that distort yesteryear. But what about that title? Is this a grass-colored tome that contains demonic spirits? Not exactly, but there’s a bit of truth there, in this story inspired by true events. And, as we’ll soon see, the GREEN BOOK was very real.

It’s the Fall of 1962 and things are hopping in that New York nightspot the Copacabana. Head bouncer Tony “Lip” Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen) is quick to toss out guys “gettin’ outta’ line”, delivering a busted nose as a reminder to “be nice”. Unfortunately, his employers are shutting the place down in November and December for “renovations” (could this be because of a prank he pulled on a “connected” guest). Tony’s got a family, a gorgeous wife Dolores (Linda Cardellini) and two boys in grade school, so he has to find a way to keep the money flowing. Before he’s forced to contact some of those “connected” types, a pal gives him a lead on a gig driving for a doctor. But there must be some mistake, the doc’s address is Carnegie Hall? The doc is Donald Shirley (Mahershala Ali) who has a doctorate in music (and a piano wiz). Tony’s put off by Shirley’s African robes and throne-like chair and refuses to be a valet (“I ain’t shinin’ no shoes!”). And he’s not sure about workin’ for a “colored guy”, so he makes a big salary demand. Which Shirley matches (after clearing it with a call to Dolores). So Tony’s working till Christmas per his wife insistence.

The next day Tony meets up with the record execs that are footing the bill for the concert tour to promote his new album. The other members of the “Don Shirley Trio”, Oleg (Dimiter D. Marinov) and George (Mike Hatton) have loaded their bass violin and cello into one of the two new teal Cadillacs. Tony is given the keys to the other Caddy along with the “green book”, “The Negro Motorist Green Book”, a guide to “Negroes only” hotels and eateries. The two-month tour will take the trio from NYC through the very segregated South with Birmingham, Alabama their final stop. In the long days ahead, the uncultured, brutish Tony clashes with the aloof, sophisticated Don. But as the pair encounters the ignorance and intolerance of the times, they lower their barriers and find that they’ve got more in common than anyone would guess. But can Tony make sure that the trio plays all their engagements (he’s just been paid one half of his fee up front, the rest upon completetion)? And, more importantly, can he make back to the Bronx before December 26?

As you might gather, this is basically a two character story, as in the vein of DRIVING MISS DAISY or even SLEUTH. Much of the film’s scenes are Tony driving and conversing with Donald, lounging in the back seat. Thankfully the filmmakers have cast two wonderful actors at the “top of their game” to bring these characters (though real men) to vivid life. The bigger role belongs to Mortensen, who’s been a film actor for over 33 years. After a two year hiatus (he was CAPTAIN FANTASTIC in 2016) he proves that he’s so much more than the charismatic swordsman from the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy. Mortensen completely inhabits this neighborhood “paisan” who barely stays on the right side of the law (though he’s certainly tempted). Gaining a good bit of weight for the role (not to RAGING BULL extremes), his Tony resembles the star high school jock who forgot how to push away the pasta (so endearing in his tank t-shirt and boxers, much like TV’s Tony Soprano), but can still flatten gigantic “goombas”. He’s a ‘dese’ and ‘dose’ guy who is steeped in the local prejudices (note his disgust at the two black tile installers in the film’s first act) but learns to slowly change and respect someone he friends despise. And though he’s got little in the way of ‘book smarts’ he knows how to “read” people and when to fight or flee. Happily, Mortensen has the ideal acting sparring partner in the compelling Ali, astounding in his first feature since earning an Oscar for his superb supporting turn in MOONLIGHT. Mind you, he’s as much the star of this movie as Mortensen, though he’s so different from the smooth, silky gangsters of that earlier film and the Netflix “Luke Cage” show (Juan and “Cottonmouth”, respectively), it shows the breadth of this gifted actor’s range. Don indeed looks down on Tony, with a condescending sneer at first. But Ali shows us that Don realizes quickly that Tony could be his perfect protector and manager. Still, in those first hundred or so miles on the road, Don’s aloof and snobbish, and is quick to humiliate Tony, in a memorable scene involving a “lucky” stone. But then he begins to open up and reveal the hurt, lonely child prodigy still inside his hard, proud exterior. He’s determined to enter the “lion’s den” of the segregated South while refusing to be the grinning affable piano-man with the half glass of scotch resting near the keys, even though he must play pop tunes like “Happy Talk” rather than his classical pieces. He seems wrapped up in his music, as if in a cocoon, drinking himself to sleep in those dingy hotel rooms, until making a human connection allows him to breathe. It’s a compelling and quite moving performance. The two are ably supported by the delightful, radiant Cardellini as Tony’s string willed Bronx-based bride, whose heart is melted by her hubby’s letters from the trip (wonder if he had some help). And the great stand-up comic Sebastian Maniscalco provides lots of laughs as Tony’s best pal and brother-in-law.

So, here’s the most surprising thing about this film. Well, it’s not the fact that it’s “inspired by true events” (though they take some liberties…the actual trip/tour was over a year). No, the stunner is the director, it’s Peter Farrelly. Yes, the same guy that, with his brother Bobby, made a string of “gross-out” R-rated comedies, THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, KINGPIN, and DUMB AND DUMBER TO most recently in 2014. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn’t be so shocked since Jerry Zucker broke off from his AIRPLANE! co-directors to make GHOST. Hey, and Mel Brooks produced THE ELEPHANT MAN. Sure, there are many laughs here, but Farrelly has tackled some tough subjects here, head on. He shows the vicious cycle of bigotry with some of the most hateful bile spewing from the most genteel members of society, although the film has its share of drooling rednecks and trigger-happy lawmen. Of course, this all started with the script he co-wrote with Brian Hayes Currie and Nick Vallelonga (Tony’s son). Aside from DAISY, the story seamlessly weaves in elements from civil rights films like THE HELP and SELMA, along with the warmth of PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES (minus the first two of the list), and even some of the romance of ROXANNE. The early 1960’s is expertly recreated from the hairstyles to the fashions and those glorious classic autos. In the opening Copa sequence, you almost expect the camera to swing around and catch Ray Liotta and Joe Pesci sitting at a table with their girlfriends from GOODFELLAS (that’s a great way to start a movie). But best of all, Farrelly makes the time feel current, with a palpable sense of danger around every curve of the road and in every little “podunk” village (I had no knowledge of “sundown towns”, what a travesty). And, as previously noted, he elicits high caliber work from his two leads. GREEN BOOK is a reminder of how far equality has come, a needed nudge that we still have a ways to go, and a real-life lesson in how hearts and minds can change through empathy, respect, and friendship. Need I say, this entertaining work is one of the year’s best. That’s why it earns…

5 Out of 5

 

Mahershala Ali And Viggo Mortensen Are Featured In First GREEN BOOK Trailer and Poster

In theaters on November 21, 2018 is Participant Media and DreamWorks Pictures’ GREEN BOOK.

Academy Award® nominee Viggo Mortensen (Eastern Promises, The Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Academy Award® winner Mahershala Ali (Moonlight, Hidden Figures) star.

In his foray into powerfully dramatic work as a feature director, Peter Farrelly helms the film inspired by a true friendship that transcended race, class and the 1962 Mason-Dixon line.

When Tony Lip (Mortensen), a bouncer from an Italian-American neighborhood in the Bronx, is hired to drive Dr. Don Shirley (Ali), a world-class Black pianist, on a concert tour from Manhattan to the Deep South, they must rely on “The Green Book” to guide them to the few establishments that were then safe for African-Americans. Confronted with racism, danger-as well as unexpected humanity and humor-they are forced to set aside differences to survive and thrive on the journey of a lifetime.

Jim Burke (The Descendants), Charles B. Wessler (The Heartbreak Kid) produce alongside Farrelly’s fellow writers, Brian Currie and Nick Vallelonga, and Farrelly. The drama is executive produced by Participant’s Jeff Skoll (The Help) and Jonathan King (Lincoln), along with Octavia Spencer (Fruitvale Station) and Kwame L. Parker (Kill Bill series), as well as Cinetic Media’s John Sloss (Boyhood) and Steven Farneth. Linda Cardellini (Brokeback Mountain, The Founder) co-stars.

Visit the official site: http://www.greenbookfilm.com/