Tag: NetFlix

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY – Review

As the temperatures continue to dip, and some parts of the country are neck-deep in snow, a great way to spend the day is to curl up next to the fireplace, or space heater, with a mystery. Perhaps it’s one featuring a familiar investigating sleuth. Well, if you can make it out to the multiplex, then there’s a cinematic equivalent around for just a week, Oh, and the sleuth’s only been around since 2019. That’s when a filmmaker who just survived an entry in the biggest movie franchise ever, decided to create his own modern version of those Agatha Christie “all-star whodunits” (mind you that Kenneth Branagh had just donned the “stashe” for a new series). Well, it was a hit, so he and his hero star have returned with GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY. Let’s find the clues and keep track of the suspects…and victims.

Talk about being modern! It all begins right in the middle of the height of the Covid pandemic. Political candidate Claire Debella (Kathryn Hahn) gets a delivery that’s definitely not what she ordered from Amazon. It’s a large, apparently solid (no lids or hinges) wooden box sent from an old friend. Immediately she gets into an online conversation with the other old friends who were in the sender’s group. There’s Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), a former fashion model turned high-fashioned designer along with her aide Peg (Jessica Henwick), scientist Lionel Toussant (Leslie Odom, Jr), and Duke Cody (Dave Bautista), social media agitator/ men’s rights activist, who lives with his girlfriend media/co-creator Whiskey (Madelyn Cline) at his mom’s house. They soon figure out how to open the box which contains several puzzles that reveal an invitation to the island home of their old buddy, tech mastermind billionaire Simon Bron (Edward Norton). Oh, someone else, a stranger to them also gets the box: famous detective genius Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig). It’s not long before they’re all on a dock in Greece awaiting the transport boat to Bron’s island when all of them are stunned by the arrival of another invited guest, Cassandra ‘Andi’ Brand (Janelle Monae). Why stunned? Andi had sued Simon claiming that he stole her idea for the software that made Simon so rich. The group is greeted by their host at his lush resort-like island who tells them that they will be part of a fun “murder mystery” game. Still, Simon wonders why the “pro”, Blanc, is there. Of course, he easily wins the game, but things take a dark turn when a real murder occurs. Over the course of a long night (no boats can handle the tides till morning), Blanc puts his skills to the test to find a real killer before he, or she, strikes again.

Although it is a new, very different, case most film fans will focus on the return of that Southern-fried Sherlock Blanc played with a long drawl just a bit west of Foghorn Leghorn by Craig. And he appears to be having a blast not dodging bullets as that gentleman secret agent (his biggest risk here is trying to find a place to fire up a massive cigar). It’s a treat to see Craig indulge his comic talents as he goes from genteel to annoyed and outraged. Matching his intensity is Monae, who views everyone with apprehension and refuses to be the victim, not only of murder but intellectual thievery. As that thief Norton also seems to be having fun with his usual intellectual characters, making Bron a pompous “showboat” who’s not nearly as clever as he believes. His glee is close to that of Hudson as the high-fashion dimwit who is oblivious to the world’s sensitivities. Plus she makes a good duo with Henwick’s Peg, who wants to take a more aggressive and violent response to the situation. Now Birdie’s a beacon of tolerance compared to the near-neanderthal Duke played with lunk-headed confidence by the very funny Bautista. His blustering keeps us from wondering if pools and pistols are a great mix. Yet somehow he captures the affections of Cline whose sultry Whiskey may be a more deadly weapon than his sidearms (and she’s more than “side candy”). And it’s always great to see solid supporting players like Hahn and Odom, although the politico and the grim scientist aren’t as enjoyably wacky as their cohorts.No spoilers from me, but keep your eye, and ear, peeled for lotsa’ fun cameos.

This extraordinary cast is led and perhaps inspired, by director Rian Johnson, who also penned the very witty script. Sure, it’s a pretty great whodunit, but it’s also a wonderfully satiric comedy skewing social mores and media, from the pandemic to toxic tweets, while taking well-deserved aim at the “one-percenters”. Hmmm and just days after the also clever dark comedy THE MENU, which also involves an island and foul play amongst the “well-off”. Smart minds think, not alike but on “shared wavelengths”. The “icing on the cake” for this romp are the wild costumes (Birdie’s just a burst of flesh and pastels) and the gorgeous Greek locations (now there’s a beach backdrop for Bron’s excessive tribute to his genius). If you enjoyed the first outing, then you’ll relish this bigger, bawdier new caper. My only problem was the somewhat downbeat ending. Mind you the culprit’s revealed, but the world pays a hefty price for their indulgences (can’t say more). Everybody’s having a splendid time which is quite contagious as fans will be watching with engaging grins. This is another Blanc tale in the works, but it will be tough to top the marvelous mirth of GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY.

3.5 out of 4

GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY opens in select theatres for one week only beginning on November 23, 2022

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO – Review

Aside from the serious somber Oscar contenders, and a few action blockbusters, the end-of-the-year holidays see the release of many family-friendly animated fantasies. And this pre-Thanksgiving weekend delivers a new version of a familiar children’s classic. Of course, some of that familiarity may come from its having a “new take” just a few months ago. Now, this spin is a bit more “low-tech”, as the former was a mix of live-action and “motion capture” magic, this one is done with stop-motion animation (fittingly often called “puppet animation”). Plus it adheres much more closely to the somewhat “dark” nature of the book. Which is a good match with its co-director/producer. who has helmed many a sinister fantasy fable. And just to drive that point home, his name is in the title, GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO, to make sure we know this “ain’t” your Uncle Walt’s lil’ “wooden boy”.


Now it begins in a setting we somewhat recall, An affable insect, Sebastian J, Cricket (voice of Ewan McGregor) guides us into a quaint, quiet Italian village. Then he tells us of the town’s elderly widower, woodcarver Geppetto (David Bradley) who shares his shop/home with his young son Carlo. Life is sweet until the boy is killed by a bomb accidentally dropped by the many planes that fly over. Oh, so this is not set in the pre-flight 1800s, eh? Yes, it’s happening during the 1930s reign of Mussolini. Well, a distraught, boozing Geppetto decides to recreate his boy as a wooden puppet and chops down the tree where Sebastian abides. Late that night, after the carving is complete, Geppetto “sleeps it off” as the magical wood sprites merge into an enchantress (Tilda Swinton) who bestows life onto the toy. The next morning he introduces himself to his startled, scared papa. Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) is more than a “handful”, spewing endless questions and wrecking the work area. The decision to send the lad off to school causes panic among his neighbors who treat the lad as an unholy monster. But Pinocchio catches the attention of the monkey Spazzatura (Cate Blanchett), who takes him to his master, Count Volpe (Christoph Waltz). He decides to make the boy his star attraction in his failing traveling carnival show. Later, when it’s known that Pinocchio is almost immortal, he’s drafted into the army by the town government liaison, Podesta (Ron Perlman), befriends his son Candlewick (Finn Wolfhard), and even performs for “Il Duce” before rescuing his pop from a ravenous sea monster.

Well, this is loads of fun, though it has a real somber “edge” to it, so it’s perhaps not ideal for the wee ones. Knowing the title director, some sinister imagery is expected…and delivered. As I hinted earlier, death plays a big role, from Geppetto’s early loss to the title hero, who pops out of a coffin several times, much to the chagrin of some shiny black-clad bunnies who’s rather be playing poker. And that’s part of the black humor of the piece, from flying cutlery to the steady punishment of the narrator who’s flattened frequently over the last act. Perhaps most surprising is the subtle political themes, as fascism almost swallows the hero (before the sea beast gets a chance). But then this harkens back to the filmmaker’s earlier masterwork PAN’S LABYRINTH, but this time mixed with a touch of the Frankenstein mythos (another obsession for Mr. del Toro). Mind you, the storybook look is there, gloriously rendered in stop-motion much as with the Rankin/Bass TV specials and the recent work from the Laika Studios (CORALINE). Much credit is due to the talented roster of artists, spearheaded by the co-director, stop motion maestro Mark Gustafson. But it would be merely pretty images (no, it’s beautiful) without the witty, often caustic script/adaptation by del Toro, Patrick McHale, and Matthew Robbins which had me chuckling throughout. The icing on the cake might be the delightful, toe-tapping songs from composer Alexandre Desplat which are propelled by stellar vocal talents. Who knew that Waltz was such a crooner, nearly as good as McGregor? But delivering most of the songs is Mann, who never goes for the maudlin, and instead makes the title hero are real hellion, menacing his papa as he engages in a dance of destruction. I’ll admit that I was one of the few critics that didn’t eviscerate the recent Disney remake, but this is one incredibly surprising spin on the oft-told tale, Perhaps not for the entire family, but the movie present for older, and more dark-humored fantasy fans, is GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO. And I’m not gonna’ “knock on wood” when praising it.

3.5 Out of 4

GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO is now playing in select theatres

THE GOOD NURSE – Review

So for Halloween weekend, what’s an excellent setting for some creepy cinema chills? Sure, big creaky dark mansions are usually the “go-to” locale, and if they’re next to, or even attached to, a crumbling cemetery, well they fit the bill…in many flicks. But what about a public place, not the museums (as in the NIGHT series), or a shopping mall (as in the original classic DAWN OF THE DEAD)? In this fright film, the main action occurs in a hospital. And unlike the second in the series, HALLOWEEN II, the shocks are more than doubled because this new one is a true story (or the “inspired by true events” genre). Oh, but this location is dedicated to healing and helping, right? And that’s the really frightening aspect. But the whole thing is not overly exploitive thanks to the Oscar-winning duo who portray a pair of healthcare workers. Needless to say, some of those patients aren’t fortunate to be treated by the one that’s THE GOOD NURSE.

The opening “prologue’ does involve a nurse, Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), who calls for backup when one of his charges takes a turn for the worst. From there the story changes its setting location and its focus to another nurse, Amy Loughren (Jessica Chastain) who is working the long night shift, seemingly alone. Lifting and moving her patients truly exhausts her, as she almost collapses in an empty supply closet. But she makes it till dawn and returns home to relieve her sitter and see her two pre-teen daughters off to school (their daddy is out of the mix). With the girls gone, Amy heads over for a heart check-up. Her doc insists that she make time for a valve repair, but Amy is months away from getting on the hospital health plan, so she’s got to “plow through” and keep her own health issues a secret. Luckily she gets a new co-worker for the late shift, as Charlie joins the staff. The two quickly bound over their failed marriages and custody conflicts. But then several patients unexpectantly expire. A grieving spouse contacts the local police where the investigation heads to two “plainclothesmen”, Braun (Noah Emmerich) and (Nnamdi Asomugha), who had come across a similar incident previously (then they were too late for a needed autopsy). Unfortunately, the duo is hampered by the hospital’s board of directors and their public relations exec Ms. Garran (Kim Dickens). But as the death toll rises, the PDs finally get to interview the workers and get some cooperation from the puzzled Amy. But will her friendship with Charlie silence the inner voice that warns her of a most deadly conspiracy? And will she put her career and family in jeopardy to learn the truth?


The title character (not giving anything away here) is superbly portrayed by Ms. Chastain in her first dramatic role (I’m not counting the excruciating action-thriller THE 355) since taking the Oscar gold for THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. Like that former role, she brings a great deal of empathy and emotional and physical (just charging up a flight of stairs is harrowing) vulnerability as the working-class hero. Her pressures are towering both at work and at home, as she worries about being the “bad Mom” as her eldest constantly ‘tests her”. Her Amy needs a supportive shoulder which make her “awakening” and shift into “truth-seeker mode” more powerful and another triumph for Chastain. Though not a the forefront of the narrative, Redmayne as the mysterious Charlie, underplays in order to make the “gurney-pusher” non-threatening which aids his quest to almost merge in to the hospital’s shadowy corridors. He too, zeros in on a “work buddy” to share in his struggles, through his passive-aggressive demeanor and soft-spoken asides. It’s thanks to Redmayne’s skills that Charlie has some sympathy even as he destroys families while “glomming” onto Amy’s broken home (if he’s not the father figure, at least he’s the cool uncle). Speaking of “working stiffs”, the police pair (with Amy and Charlie as the medical duo) are played with steely determination by, starting with the senior lead PD, Emmerich as Braun who projects an affable persona, but is a keen observor whose gaze can seemingly “burn” into someone’s brain. At his side is Asomugha’s fiery Baldwin, who’s not doing the “good cop/bad cop” cliche with Braun, but rather he’s the more passionate. This helps when he’s doing the research, but can backfire in a memorable scene where he loses his cool with one of the “higher-ups”, though he had shown remarkable restraint. Testing that is Dickens, a superb character actress, whose Garran wants to be seen as an aloof, unflappable businesswoman, but conspires and manipulates with an icy cold hand.

In his English-language feature film directing debut, Tobias Lindholm imbues this story with a sense of dark dread. Really, the hospital proves to be a foreboding shadow space, especially at night. I’m aware that it’s not as well lit after “visiting hours”, but it’s a wonder that the staff doesn’t carry around some pocket flashlights. Of course, this amplifies the hidden evil there and the old adage that “light is the best disinfectant” since those in charge need to keep us, the public, “in the dark”. Aside from the visuals Linfholm keeps us “off-kilter” with an undercurrent of suppressed tension at the core of nearly every scene. This even goes for the detective subplot as the partners try to “run around” and “leap over” the near-constant obstacles in their way. The soundtrack by Biosphere is equally muted, like the cinematography, and doesn’t build up to the usual thriller tropes. The many fans of streaming true crime stories will eagerly consume this but may find themselves hungry for a resolution. There are no clear-cut reasons given for the crimes, much like Simon Oakland provided in the final moments of PSYCHO. Perhaps this is to drive home the fact that horrible real-life incidents can’t be “tied up cleanly with a bright shiny bow”. It’s awful and messy, but sometimes ordinary folks can put a stop to it. But the misery goes down a touch easier thanks to the terrific acting duo who make THE GOOD NURSE very good indeed.

3 Out of 4

THE GOOD NURSE is now playing in select theatres and is streaming exclusively on Netflix

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT Debuts On Netflix October 28 – Watch The Final Trailer

ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT tells the gripping story of a young German soldier on the Western Front of World War I. Paul and his comrades experience first-hand how the initial euphoria of war turns into desperation and fear as they fight for their lives, and each other, in the trenches. The film from director Edward Berger is based on the world renowned bestseller of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque.

The film sits at 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. See the trailer now.

The movie stars Daniel Brühl, Albrecht Schuch, Sebastian Hülk, Felix Kammerer, Aaron Hilmer, Edin Hasanovic and Devid Striesow.

Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 12, 2022, ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT is Germany’s submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards.

Watch the film on Netflix

https://www.netflix.com/title/81260280

MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE Trailer Stars Jaeden Martell And Donald Sutherland – On Netflix October 5th And Based On Stephen King’s Short Story

Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. (L-R) Jaeden Martell as Craig and Donald Sutherland as Mr. Harrigan in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Cr. Nicole Rivelli/Netflix © 2022

Check out the brand new trailer for Netflix’s MR. HARRIGAN’S PHONE.

Based on the short story by Stephen King, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone is directed and written by John Lee Hancock and produced by Ryan Murphy, Jason Blum and Carla Hacken. The films debuts on October 5th.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81288353

When Craig, a young boy living in a small town (Jaeden Martell) befriends Mr. Harrigan, an older, reclusive billionaire (Donald Sutherland), the two begin to form an unlikely bond over their love of books and reading. But when Mr. Harrigan sadly passes away, Craig discovers that not everything is dead and gone and strangely finds himself able to communicate with his friend from the grave through the iPhone in this supernatural coming-of-age story that shows that certain connections are never lost.

Joe Tippett, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Cyrus Arnold, Colin O’Brien, Thomas Francis Murphy and Peggy J. Scott also co-star.

Netflix © 2021
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. (L-R) Bennett Saltzman as Billy, Alexa Niziak as Margie, Conor William Wright as U-Boat and Jaeden Martell as Craig in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Cr. Nicole Rivelli/Netflix © 2022
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. (L-R) Jaeden Martell as Craig and Cyrus Arnold as Kenny Yankovich in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Cr. Nicole Rivelli/Netflix © 2022
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Ms. Hart in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Cr. Nicole Rivelli/Netflix © 2022
Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. (Featured L-R) Jaeden Martell as Craig, director John Lee Hancock and Donald Sutherland as Mr. Harrigan in Mr. Harrigan’s Phone. Cr. Nicole Rivelli/Netflix © 2022

LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE Trailer Stars Mila Kunis – On Netflix October 7

Based on the best-selling novel, Ani FaNelli (Mila Kunis), a sharp-tongued New Yorker appears to have it all: a sought-after position at a glossy magazine, a killer wardrobe and a dream Nantucket wedding on the horizon. But when the director of a crime documentary invites her to tell her side of the shocking incident that took place when she was a teenager at the prestigious Brentley School, Ani is forced to confront a dark truth that threatens to unravel her meticulously crafted life.

Also stars Finn Wittrock, Connie Britton, Scoot McNairy and Jennifer Beals.

Directed by Mike Barker and written by Jessica Knoll. “Knoll admits that she never imagined Ani as a brunette. “In my eyes, she’s [that girl] who starts as a bottled blonde and then ends up paying $1,000 for highlights.” So, when Mila Kunis’ name first came up, she was floored at how natural it felt. “I never would have thought of her on my own, but seeing her on set and seeing her perform some of these more controversial lines, [I realized] how easily it could have gone sideways if we’d had anyone else in that role,” she says. “I don’t think anyone but Mila could have done it.” https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/luckiest-girl-alive-trailer

Watch Luckiest Girl Alive, only on Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/title/80992607

Roar Uthaug’s TROLL Movie To Debut On Netflix December 1

Netflix has revealed that the epic Norwegian action-adventure film TROLL will launch globally on December 1, 2022. The film, releasing exclusively on Netflix, is directed by internationally acclaimed Roar Uthaug (Tomb Raider, The Wave) and stars Ine Marie Wilmann in the lead role as well as Kim Falck, Mads Sjøgård Pettersen and Gard Eidsvold.

Deep inside the mountain of Dovre, something gigantic awakens after being trapped for a thousand years. Destroying everything in its path, the creature is fast approaching the capital of Norway. But how do you stop something you thought only existed in Norwegian folklore?

www.netflix.com/troll 

Until December you can can catch the cult favorite from 2011 TROLLHUNTER on Amazon Prime.

WAMG says in the review: “Director André Øvredal wisely keeps keep the creatures hidden in the shadows, providing only quick glimpses, mostly through night-vision cameras. The concept is so preposterous and the creature design so loony-tunes that it’s somewhat miraculous what Ovredal has pulled off here; a film that casually establishes a believable mythology where trolls exist among humans.”

Halloween Alert – First Look At GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S CABINET OF CURIOSITIES, Begins October 25 On Netflix

“The World is Horrible and Beautiful… exactly at the same time.” – Guillermo del Toro

Acclaimed Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro curates this collection of sinister stories, each more horrifying than the next.

Check out this First Look.

This anthology of sinister stories is told by some of today’s most revered horror creators, including the directors of The Babadook, Splice, Mandy, and many more.

The series arrives in a special four-night Netflix event beginning October 25.

Set you reminder here: https://www.netflix.com/title/80209229

Watch The Trailer For ME TIME Starring Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg And Regina Hall – Debuts On Netflix August 26

ME TIME. (L-R) Mark Wahlberg as Huck, Regina Hall as Maya, Kevin Hart as Sonny in Me Time. Cr. Saeed Adyani/Netflix © 2022.

Check out the trailer for Netflix’s upcoming comedy ME TIME, starring Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg and Regina Hall.

When a stay-at-home dad finds himself with some “me time” for the first time in years while his wife and kids are away, he reconnects with his former best friend for a wild weekend that nearly upends his life.

John Hamburg serves as writer (Feature), director and co-produces alongside Kevin Hart and
Bryan Smiley.

ME TIME. (L-R) Mark Wahlberg as Huck, Kevin Hart as Sonny in Me Time. Cr. Saeed Adyani/Netflix © 2022.

It was announced in January 2021 that fresh off of having Netflix’s #1 comedy special of 2020, Hart and his HartBeat Production banner would have a new creative home for films at Netflix. Netflix will be the exclusive home for four feature films starring and produced by Hart, whose movies have grossed more than $4 billion at the global box office.

You can see Hart in Netflix’s action-comedy, The Man From Toronto, which he is starring in alongside Woody Harrelson and Kaley Cuoco.

Look for ME TIME on August 26.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81161828

Win Passes To The Advance Virtual Screening Netflix’s DAY SHIFT On August 5

Netflix invites you to an Advance Screening of DAY SHIFT starring Jamie Fox, Snoop Dogg, Meagan Good & Dave Franco!! August 5th @ 7pm CT/5pm PT! … Click RSVP to reserve your spot. The list closes at 5pm on July 28th.

In DAY SHIFT Jamie Foxx stars as a hard-working blue-collar dad who just wants to provide a good life for his quick-witted daughter, but his mundane San Fernando Valley pool cleaning job is a front for his real source of income, hunting and killing vampires as part of an international Union of vampire hunters. RATED R

DAY SHIFT debuts on Netflix August 12.

https://www.netflix.com/title/81186049