Since the musical biopic MICHAEL is still in the box office top ten, how about another tune-filled flick? The big difference here is that this new release is a fiction film, though many music historians muse about the MJ movie. So that’s where any comparisons end, despite the resemblance to several “real-life rockers” in this endearing “dramedy”. With music. It’s firmly the focus of the story. Luckily, this flick’s filmmaker has racked up a long list of such cinematic “melody movies”. But will he break his winning streak (with “niche” audiences and lots of critics) with a story concerning a “creator-questionable” POWER BALLAD?
And, appropriately, we meet a man by the name of Power in the film’s opening scene. That’s Rick Power (Paul Rudd), a pop star with a few modest singles decades ago. But those were the “Glory Days”. Now he’s the frontman and lead singer for a quartet of middle-aged musicians who travel through Ireland, entertaining at wedding receptions as “Bride & Groove”. They mainly do “covers” of classics by Tom Petty, the Rolling Stones, and other icons. Still, Rick likes to sneak in his lone hit song from so many years ago, much to the chagrin of his bandmates and the disinterest of the audience. At night’s end, they load up the B&G van and motor home. For Rick, that’s a modest abode he shares with his working wife Rachel (Marcella Plunkett), and high-school-aged daughter Aja (Beth Fallon). Yes, Rick gave up a rocker’s life in the States to move to the “Emerald Isle” for love. B&G’s next gig is quite a step “up” for a couple of reasons. First, they have overnight accommodations in a fancy, revamped castle. And second, they’re told that a friend of the couple, a very recent “boy-band” heartthrob named Danny Wilson, may pop up on stage. And he indeed does, as Danny (Nick Jonas) joins B&G for a Stevie Wonder classic. Long after the reception, Rick takes a stroll on the grounds and is approached by Danny. They enter his plush suite, where they indulge in fine booze, some buds, and a few new tunes for Danny’s first solo album. Into the early morning, the duo jams, with Rick playing some of his own unreleased works. Come the dawn, B&G is back on the road. The two go on with their lives, until…Rick hears Danny’s new smash single while at a shopping mall. Why, “How to Write a Song (Without You)” sounds exactly like the song Rick played for Danny. Ah, but Rick has no proof, as he has no sheet music and can’t locate the sound file on his computer. He becomes obsessed and nearly destroys his ties to his band and family, while getting the “run-around” from Danny’s stateside management, headed by the protective Mac (Jack Reynor). Hearing of a Wilson stateside concert tour, Rick plans a trip there with off-kilter band buddy Sandy (Peter McDonald). Can they confront Danny after his big show? More importantly, can Rick make Danny admit that his “comeback” song sprang from that long-ago, hazy night of music (and “enhancers”)?
It’s another big audience-pleasing performance by the “ageless” Mr. Rudd. Once again, he’s the affable everyman hero, a good, honest “Joe” we’re immediately rooting for, even when he’s at his lowest ebb (and things get dark for a bit). It helps that Rudd embraces a “team player’ spirit, whether he’s with his family or fellow bandmates. Sure, we heard him sing a bit of “Afternoon Delight” in a classic comedy, but we haven’t had a real taste of his musical “chops” till now. And in previous flicks like ROLE MODELS, I LOVE YOU MAN, and even DINNER FOR SCHMUCKS, Rudd is part of a great “bromance”, tis time with “for real” pop star Jonas as Danny Wilson (nice inside “naming job” as this was the title character in a late 40s Sinatra film). He’s got a nice. low-key, unaffected vibe, especially as he finds a kindred spirit/mentor in Rick. DW’s in need of a guide during this crucial career crossroads. Jonas also has great chemistry with Havana Rose Liu (so good in a larger role in last week’s TUNER) as Danny’s adoring girlfriend in a couple of brief but pivotal scenes, as she is the inspiration for that big, perhaps borrowed, hit single. Another essential part of the Wilson “machine” is Reynor as Mac, a great pal and cheerleader who’s also his “defense” against those who would con or exploit him. On the Power home front, Plunkett is a strong, steady co-parenting partner who’s also supportive but knows when to step in or step back. Fallon also hits all the right notes as daughter Aja, who delivers some memorable quips, particularly when she tells her Dad what young women really want in life. Quirky comedy relief is provided by co-screenwriter McDonald as the loyal, often dense Sandy, whose “filter” always is on the “fritz”.
As you may have guessed, the filmmaker in question is the multi-talented John Carney, who co-wrote the script along with composing several songs. And yes, this is a great companion to his impressive roster of musical movies, ONCE, BEGIN AGAIN, SING STREET, and FLORA AND SON. Here, Carney really does a deep dive into the creative process with the compelling Rick and Danny “all-nighter”, and as DW prepares for his big concerts. We’re also given a small peek inside the ever-changing music industry, as Danny strives to avoid Rick’s career pitfalls while starting a solo legacy. And like his previous works, Carney gives us a great batch of warm, endearing characters who mount a formidable “charm offense” led by Rudd. Plus, we get lots of “throwaway” bits, from the exchanging glances at the big castle event (somehow both disgust and lust), and the Power home dynamic (Aja trying to quietly move past Papa’s studio room). And, as with his previous films, Carney projects such a wonderful humanity, with no real “villains’, yet still not allowing the story to seep into sugary sweet sentimentality. Everyone’s trying their best to get through life while dealing with past missteps. And the tunes are pretty great, too. So, if you need a breather from the big Summer blockbuster onslaught, take a melodic trek into the “old sod” for a toe-tapping lyrical fable that is also a POWER BALLAD. And maybe Rudd will join those Jonas Bros for a “set” very soon.
Nick Jonas as Danny and Paul Rudd as Rick in Power Ballad. Photo Credit: David Cleary
Check out the trailer for director John Carney’s POWER BALLAD, starring Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu, and Jack Reynor.
When Rick (Paul Rudd), a past-his-prime wedding singer, meets fading boy-band star Danny (Nick Jonas) during a gig, the two bond over music and a late-night jam session. But when Danny turns one of Rick’s songs into the hit that reignites his career, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves – even if it means risking everything he cares about. From writer-director John Carney (Sing Street, Once), POWER BALLAD is a feel-good story about music, self-respect, friendship, and the price of ambition.
The film made its World Premiere on Sunday, March 1st at Dublin’s Bord Gáis Energy Theatre as the Closing Night Gala of the Dublin International Film Festival.
POWER BALLAD is scheduled for its North American premiere at SXSW on March 14, before it’s US theatrical release June 5, 2026.
“…despite Carney’s track record of successful music-based features – including 2007’s Once, which won the Oscar for best original song as well as a Sundance audience award, Sing Street, and Begin Again – the filmwas a struggle to get financed. Until Marvel star Paul Rudd signed on. Rudd plays a wedding singer whose interaction with a rock star (Nick Jonas) causes a copyright drama over a song they co-create one drunken evening following an Irish wedding.”
“It’s increasingly hard for somebody like me to get movies made because they’re original stories,” Carney reflects. “There’s no IP or remake or I’m not telling anybody else’s story. I couldn’t get the film made without a mighty star attached. Once Paul came on board, the whole domino thing happened. He was such a straight-up person. He was, ‘I’m in your movie. Go and get the money. I’ll see you on set.’ Which is what everybody needs and dreams of.”
Music is from Gary Clark and John Carney (original songs and score).
From the director of The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow and based on the best-selling novel The Knife of Never Letting Go, comes Chaos Walking, starring Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland, with Mads Mikkelsen, Nick Jonas, Cynthia Erivo, and David Oyelowo. In theaters Friday, March 5th!
#ChaosWalking
#ChaosWalkingTheMovie
In the not too distant future, Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland) discovers Viola (Daisy Ridley), a mysterious girl who crash lands on his planet, where all the women have disappeared and the men are afflicted by “the Noise” – a force that puts all their thoughts on display. In this dangerous landscape, Viola’s life is threatened – and as Todd vows to protect her, he will have to discover his own inner power and unlock the planet’s dark secrets.
WAMG is giving away ATOM tickets to see the film in theaters. Each winner will also get a prize pack with movie swag!!
For a chance to win,enter you name and email address in our comments section below for a chance to win to see the film in theatres.
No purchase necessary. Open to U.S. residents only.
From the director of The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow and based on the best-selling novel The Knife of Never Letting Go, Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland star with Mads Mikkelsen, Demián Bichir, Cynthia Erivo, Nick Jonas, Kurt Sutter, and David Oyelowo in Chaos Walking.
Look at this exciting trailer:
In the not too distant future, Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland) discovers Viola (Daisy Ridley), a mysterious girl who crash lands on his planet, where all the women have disappeared and the men are afflicted by “the Noise” – a force that puts all their thoughts on display. In this dangerous landscape, Viola’s life is threatened – and as Todd vows to protect her, he will have to discover his own inner power and unlock the planet’s dark secrets.
CHAOS WALKING stars Daisy Ridley, Tom Holland, Mads Mikkelsen, Demián Bichir, Cynthia Erivo, Nick Jonas, Kurt Sutter, and David Oyelowo
Director Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity and Edge of Tomorrow) is back at it with another sci-fi, action packed film.
Based on the best-selling novel The Knife of Never Letting Go, Daisy Ridley and Tom Holland star, with Mads Mikkelsen, Demián Bichir, Cynthia Erivo, Nick Jonas, Kurt Sutter, and David Oyelowo, in CHAOS WALKING. Check out the trailer now.
In the not too distant future, Todd Hewitt (Tom Holland) discovers Viola (Daisy Ridley), a mysterious girl who crash lands on his planet, where all the women have disappeared and the men are afflicted by “the Noise” – a force that puts all their thoughts on display. In this dangerous landscape, Viola’s life is threatened – and as Todd vows to protect her, he will have to discover his own inner power and unlock the planet’s dark secrets.
In May, Deadline had the exclusive on Liman and Tom Cruise re-teaming for a new project:
Doug Liman will boldly go where no film director has gone before. Liman plans to accompany Tom Cruise on the action adventure film to be shot in outer space that is being mounted independently (for now) and involves Elon Musk’s Space X and NASA. Liman, who directed Cruise on the movies American Made and Edge of Tomorrow, and who separately directed such hits as Mr. & Mrs. Smith, The Bourne Identity, Go and Swingers, is eager to re-team on this first of its kind project.
Director Doug Liman, Daisy Ridley, and Tom Holland on the set of CHAOS WALKING. Photo Credit: Murray CloseNick Jonas stars as ‘Davy Prentiss Jr.’ in CHAOS WALKINGKurt Sutter (left) as ‘Cillian,’ Demián Bichir (center) as ‘Ben’ and Tom Holland (right) as ‘Todd Hewitt’ in CHAOS WALKING.Tom Holland, Manchee, and Director Doug Liman on the set of CHAOS WALKING. Photo Credit: Murray CloseDF-17460.ARW
Epic blockbuster filmmaker Roland Emmerich (Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow) directs an all-star ensemble cast when Midway arrives on Digital February 4 and on 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital), DVD, and On Demand February 18 from Lionsgate. An intimate portrayal of historic actual events written by Wes Tooke, Midway stars Ed Skrein (Deadpool, Alita: Battle Angel, If Beale Street Could Talk), Golden Globe® nominee Patrick Wilson (2016, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, TV’s “Fargo”), Luke Evans (Dracula Untold, Beauty and the Beast, Fast & Furious 6, Anna), Golden Globe® nominee Aaron Eckhart (2007, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture –Musical or Comedy, Thank You for Smoking), Golden Globe®nominee Nick Jonas (2018, Best Original Song – Motion Picture, Ferdinand), Golden Globe® winner Darren Criss (2019, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television, TV’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”), with Golden Globe® nominee Mandy Moore (2017, Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, TV’s “This Is Us”), with Golden Globe® nominee Dennis Quaid (2011, Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television, TV’s “The Special Relationship”), and Oscar® nominee Woody Harrelson (2017, Actor in a Supporting Role, Three Billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri). A story about heroes you need to know, Midway features fully realized characters, incredible special effects, and gorgeous cinematography.
Midway centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude, and bravery to overcome the odds. Directed by Roland Emmerich.
Take home Midway and immerse yourself in history with multiple featurettes, including “We Met at Midway: Two Survivors Remember” and “Joe Rochefort: Breaking the Japanese Code,” which focus on real-life Midway decorated flyers sharing their story of survival and the enigmatic genius Joseph Rochefort, whose team broke the Japanese naval code essential to winning the battle. Experience four times the resolution of full HD with the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, which includes Dolby Vision, bringing entertainment to life through ultra-vivid picture quality. When compared to a standard picture, Dolby Vision can deliver spectacular colors never before seen on a screen, highlights that are up to 40 times brighter, and blacks that are 10 times darker. Additionally, the 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack features Dolby Atmos, which will transport viewers from an ordinary moment into an extraordinary experience with moving audio that flows all around them. Fans will feel like they’re inside the action as the sounds of people, places, things, and music come alive with breathtaking realism and move throughout the space.
The Midway 4K Ultra HD Combo Pack, Blu-ray Combo Pack, and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $42.99, $39.99, and $29.95, respectively.
4K UHD / BLU-RAY / DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary by Roland Emmerich
“Getting It Right: The Making of Midway” Featurette
“The Men of Midway” Featurette
“Roland Emmerich: Man on a Mission” Featurette
“Turning Point: The Legacy of Midway” Featurette
“Joe Rochefort: Breaking the Japanese Code” Featurette
“We Met at Midway: Two Survivors Remember” Featurette
Theatrical Trailer
DIGITAL SPECIAL FEATURES
Audio Commentary by Roland Emmerich
“Getting It Right: The Making of Midway” Featurette
So what’s a favorite gift that’s usually under the Christmas tree, usually straight from the North Pole? Aside from the dolls (and action figures), craft sets, and sports equipment. a staple would be a game, more specifically a board game. That was the thinking of the celebrated author of children’s’ books, Chris Van Allsburg, when he came up with the beloved “kid lit’ classic that was made into an even more beloved 1995 fantasy adventure flick, JUMANJI. Twenty-two years later “reboot fever'”struck Sony/Columbia Studios (along with most of Hollywood), so they decided to do an upgrade. First, they tossed out the dice, spinners, and all the board game fixtures and opted to go high tech (somewhat) and make it a video game. Mind you, it was somewhat “old school” with a cartridge, console, and joysticks, rather than the computer and internet systems. Oh, and instead of things escaping from the game, the players would be “sucked in” and become avatars (played by a quartet of adult stars). This “re-imagining” was a box office smash two years ago, so here comes the third (if you count 2005’s ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE) spin-off/reboot/sequel, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL.
As Christmas break approaches, the four young heroes of the last film, then high schoolers, now college freshmen, are looking forward to reuniting in their New Hampshire hometown. Well, all but Spencer (Alex Wolff), who’s just not adjusting to life at his NYC school. Hey, he’s even taking a “break” from his new, now long-distance GF, Martha (Morgan Turner). When he does make it to the family house, he finds out that he’ll have to share a room with his cranky Grandpa’ Eddie (Danny DeVito), who’s nursing a hip injury. That first morning, while Spence’s mom is at work, they get a surprise visit from Eddie’s former business partner Milo (Danny Glover). Things are tense between the two, so Spence, instead of joining his old pals at the town diner for Brunch, retreats to the basement and digs out the, now busted, Jumanji video game. Sometime later, Martha along with Bethany (Madison Iseman) and “Fridge” (Ser’Darius Blain). drop by to see why Spence didn’t show. They get their answer when they head to the basement to find the game now repaired and sending out sparks. It activates and pulls in Martha and Fridgein, via a glowing green light. Boom, they’re back in the jungle with the same avatars. But some things have changed. Martha is still Ruby Roundhouse (Karen Gillan), but Fridge is now Prof. Oberon (Jack Black). Both are stunned to find that Milo is “Mouse” Finbar (Kevin Hart) and Eddie is Smulder Bravestone (Dwayne Johnson) Seems the guys upstairs get zapped, too. Where’s Spence and Bethany? Nigel (Rhys Darby) soon shows up to explain their mission: something about retrieving a mystical magic jewel stolen by Jorgen the Brutal (Rory McCann) and his legion of nasties. Can they succeed, this time facing sand and ice, before using up their game lives (only three), and finally return to the real world? Again? Otherwise, it’s game over…for reals!
The returning cast slips into their roles with ease, though they get to put on new spin via their “real world” players. Most entertaining may be Hart (never thought I’d say that) who expertly mimics the slow, measured line delivery of Glover, quite a change from his usual manic, motor-mouthed characters. Less successful, but still committed, is Johnson doing a crotchety ole’ East “Coastaaar” as DeVito, while still looking fierce in his Doc Savage cosplay (whatever happened to the movie project). Black, as the Fridge-filled Prof is still a comic whirlwind as he riffs on RDJ in TROPIC THUNDER. And free from the blue make-up of her Marvel role, Gillan makes a terrific action heroine, as she exchanges those short shorts for a snowsuit (and this time she does “dance fighting” and twirls a mean set of nun-chucks). Also returning is Nick Jonas as “Seaplane”, who appears to be auditioning for an Indiana Jones prequel (or maybe a slightly older Jonny Quest). Adding to the avatar mix is Awkwafina playing master thief Ming, though she’s not given much to work with in the script. It’s a shame that this gifted comic actress (a true scene-stealer) is saddled with bits and one-liners that fall flat. On the other hand, we’re treated to the still sharp comic skills of Mr. DeVito, who continues to get laughs with just a glare or his slow shuffle. And his pairing with the affable but meandering (get to the point already) Glover as Milo is pure comedy team gold. Let’s get them their own “buddy comedy” because neither is “too old for this…er…stuff”.
Jake Kasdan also returns as the director and co-writer, though he ‘s often a traffic cop/tour guide getting us and the principals from one familiar set-piece and sequence to the next. Sure they’ve changed locales, quickly going from the previous jungle settings to the deserts of 1980’s action epics, to the snowy mountains right out WHERE EAGLES DARE or where the Avengers fought Baron Strucker, but they go through the usual routines of bicker, fight, and flee, then repeat. All this is toward thwarting a most generic villain, who we are told is “brutal”, but who mainly towers over Johnson while yelling orders to a platoon of extras who may have wandered off the set of the next Mad Max movie. Sure the CGI beasties are much better than those in the 95 original, but they often seem to have little real “weight” with the manic mandrills bouncing from one rope bridge to another with little impact. Although, big kudos for somehow making the ostriches intimidating. Still, youngsters will get a kick out of Johnson’s cartoon heroics as he slaps the baddies into solid walls (is he part Kryptonian), and at the slapstick antics of Hart and Black, but those a bit older may be tempted to check the time (it could use a good 15 minute trim). At least with the two Dannys, JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL often rises slightly above the level of the usual sequel. Now turn off that game and go outside and play, you kids!
In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own, they discover that nothing is as they expect. The players will have to brave parts unknown and unexplored, from the arid deserts to the snowy mountains, in order to escape the world’s most dangerous game.
The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Ser’Darius Blain, Madison Iseman, with Danny Glover and Danny DeVito.
JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL opens in theaters December 13.
Enter for your chance to win two free passes to the St. Louis advance screening of JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL. The theatrical sneak preview will be on December 9 at 7pm.
Leave your name and email address in our comments section below.
While the studios generally key lots of releases (mainly horror flicks and thrillers) for the Halloween holiday, the next major one, Veterans’ Day, rarely gets a true-life military battle docudrama. But that’s just what’s “heading ashore” at the multiplex this three day weekend. Following on the heels of 2017’s acclaimed box office hit, DUNKIRK, this new film chronicles an epic World War II battle, this time in the Pacific rather than the Atlantic (and much of Europe). And there’s no “jumping around the timeline” though the new film does begin several years prior. Oh, it should be noted that Hollywood has been there before, way back in 1976 as a showcase for the glorious cinema experience of Sensurround (bet it blew out some of those special speakers). And who’s directed this new take but a man who has orchestrated two different attacks on this planet by invaders from another galaxy. So how does he fare when both forces are from this world, more than 75 years ago, in the current take on the battle of MIDWAY?
The roots of the title encounter begin in Japan circa 1937, at a dinner party attended by strategist Lt. Commander Edwin Layton (Patrick Wilson). During a conversation concerning recent strikes against China, a Japanese officer warns Layton of any attempt by the West to cut off their oil reserves. Flash forward to that first lazy Sunday in 1941 at Pearl Harbor. Flying ace Lt. Dick Best (Ed Skrein), whose wife Anne (Mandy Moore) and their daughter live in a cottage off base, is supervising the start of church services on the deck of one of the carriers. The morning calm is shattered by Japanese bombers dropping out of the clouds to rain death and destruction on the stunned sailors. As we hear FDR’s “day of infamy” speech, Admiral Chester Nimitz (Woody Harrelson) assumes command of the US naval forces. Part of the fleet, the USS Enterprise is helmed by the determined sea vet Vice Admiral ‘Bull’ Halsey (Dennis Quaid) which becomes the launching pad for the April 1942 bombing raid on Tokyo led by Lt. Colonel Jimmy Doolittle (Aaron Eckhart). This helps set the stage for the big showdown against the Japanese fleet in June of 1942, one that could establish dominance in the Pacific Theatre of WWII. Lt. Best must quickly train his young pilots to take on the enemy at the atolls and islands that are known as Midway.
Covering the first year of the US’s entry into the war, the sweeping saga encompasses several real heroes, but the one getting the most screen time may be Skrein’s gung-ho, hotshot flyboy (er..flyman) Best, whose airborne skills match his name. Skrein seems to have stepped right out of the late, late show (the closest to that now is the wee hours of cable’s Turner Classic Movies), peppering his dialogue wit’ lotsa’ dese’, dems’ and dos’, while having an over-confidence and impatience that make Best more than a bit abrasive. But he’s got the love of wife Anne played with adoring gazes by Moore, whose screen time primarily consists of concerned staring into the skies. She does get to “cut a rug’ at a USO dance hall while getting some lusty looks from one of Best’s rivals turned battle partners McClusky played by Luke (Gaston in the live BEAUTY AND THE BEAST) Evans. Nothing comes of this possible romantic triangle subplot since there’s a war to win. Eckhart makes for a dashing Doolittle even as he has to contend with wary Chinese locals after he bails out of his fighter. Wilson takes a break from researching spooks in THE CONJURING series and spin-offs to bring an academic spin (he’s got the apropos eyeglasses) on the battleplans as Layton. Quaid plays Halsey as a glaring, growling old “sea dog”, who is frustrated by his frailties (that #*% rash!), while Harrelson balances gravitas and a subtle sense of humor as the burdened Nimitz. And for the “youngsters” dreamy pop star Nick Jonas gets a break from his brothers as the burly sailor who leaps into action while sporting a swell Clark Gable ‘stache.
Director Roland Emmerich once again proves his knack for big bombastic battles utilizing the latest in CGI effects to make us feel that we’re right on deck as the bombers swarm the skies of Pearl. The same goes when we’re strapped in with the diving pilots as they seem to pull up with just a few feet to spare just as they release their “lethal load’ all while twirling through never-ending streams of artillery fire (looking like yellow glowing gnats). It’s pretty harrowing as the superb editing by Adam Wolfe gives us a “front-row seat” briskly going from the long shots to the commanders to the men twirling about in those cramped cockpits. Unfortunately, the dazzling visuals make the battle interludes rather dull as actors race in and out of rooms, laying out maps, and reciting some awkward exposition. Unlike the ’76 version there’s no turgid “forbidden romance” subplot to slow things to a crawl, but there’s not much in the way of human drama in this first feature film script from Wes Tooke. He does take us behind the closed doors of the enemy, but their restrained in-fighting feels more like political and personal squabbles in an office rather than “empire-makers”. And I’ll give him kudos for the subplot involving one of the titans of cinema. The period costumes, hairstyles, and auto look terrific thanks to the “Norman Rockwell” glow of Robby Baumgartner’s cinematography. And since it’s a period piece, the producers found the right balance in the depiction of tobacco use (in some flicks nobody’s puffing away while in others the smokey haze nearly obscures the actors). MIDWAY uses the newest tech to honor “the greatest generation”, but the writing doesn’t truly bring history to emotional life.
