Better late than never review: A Quiet Place Part II

Possible spoilers ahead!

Written and directed by John Krasinski, “A Quiet Place II” continues the story of the Abbott family, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) and her children — Regan (Millicent Simmonds), Marcus (Noah Jupe), and her newborn baby — picking up the pieces after the death of Krasinski’s character, Lee at the end of the first film. Their first task is to look for another safe place to stay, and they soon run into Emmett (Cillian Murphy), an old friend of Lee’s.

As the group hides from the creatures, Regan decided to head out on her own to find the location where “Beyond the Sea” is playing over the radio on repeat. She’s convinced that it’s a call from other survivors, and If she can find them, she can use their system to amplify the feedback that is created when she puts her hearing aid directly into a speaker. And as we know from the first movie, this is the only thing that can stop the creatures.

After watching “A Quiet Place Part II,” I’m glad that I didn’t pay to see it in the theater and instead waited for it to hit Paramoun+. Had I seen it on their screen I would have been disappointed because the movie is a mixed bag. There are some brilliant moments here, like the opening flashback to the day the creatures arrived on earth. This sequence is tense and action-packed as we witness what the family was up to on the day everything changed for the world. Another good scene is when Regan comes across a derailed train that was taken out by the creatures some time ago. But beyond that, the movie’s main purpose seems to be to pass the torch to Lee and Evelyn’s kids.

Maybe John Krasinski put the focus on the kids in an attempt to build excitement, but since they’re kids, they often make poor decisions that usually put them and their families in greater danger. Not that Evelyn had a good track record making decisions, but at least in her case, the family was always together. In part Ii, the family has to split, which took me out of the movie to be honest. Evelyn Abbott became a supporting character when she should have been the centerpiece of the film. I loved how the first movie ended with her holding the shotgun ready to go to town on the invaders, but that didn’t amount to much in the sequel.

It wasn’t all bad though, I did enjoy how Regan Abbott has grown as a character since we first met her. The events of the first film had a lasting effect on her, and because of it, she is now willing to put her life on the line if it means her family lives to see a better day, and Millicent Simmonds does a phenomenal job conveying Regan’s development. But even this is cut short when her mother sends Emmet to look for her and he accompanies her for the rest of her journey.

I should also mention that “A Quiet Plance Part II” definitely looks amazing. My guess is John Krasinski got a bigger budget this time because we see a lot more of the creatures from start to finish. We even get to see them in proper daylight which was nice. Too often movies use the monsters at night, or in the rain to hide the CGI, but here they went all out and they looked great. I do wish the plot had given us more answers about them or expanded to show us what is going on elsewhere, but maybe they’re saving that for the next installment.

Despite my many complaints, I would say “A Quiet Place Part II” is still a good movie but with flaws. The family drama from before is replaced with more action and the father figure is also replaced to varying degrees of success. Look, If you liked the first movie, then part II is still worth seeing, even I liked parts of it. But in the end, I would say that the sequel is not as good as the first entry.

“A Quiet Place Part II” final grade: B

Mary Poppins Returns Review

Possible spoilers ahead!

“Mary Poppins Returns” takes place in London during the Great Depression of the 1930s where Michael Banks (Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer) are now all grown-ups. Michael is the widowed father of three children: Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh), and Georgie (Joel Dawson), while Jane is busy with charity work.

Michael however, has been struggling in the wake of his wife’s passing and ends up several months behind on a loan that he took out from Fidelity Fiduciary Bank – the place where his father used to work, and where Michael is currently employed as part-time as a teller.

He took out the loan and accepted the hob when the Depression made it all but impossible for him to continue his career as an artist. Now Michael learns that the bank plans foreclose on his house by the end of the week unless he pays his loan in full, something he bows will not happen. All seems lost until he and Jane remember that their father owned shares in the bank he once worked it. They would be more than enough to cover their expenses. That is if they can find the written proof that the shares exist.

Fortunately, in their hour of need, their former nanny Mary Poppins (Emily Blunt), lands back in their lives and quickly takes Michael’s children under her wing while he and Jane try to secure their future. Along with a little help from cheerful lamplighter Jack (Lin-Manuel Miranda), the magical nanny does her part to bring some light (and a little magic) back into the Banks’ lives.

If you’ve read My Top 10 Movies of 2018, then you probably already know “Mary Poppins Returns” made the list at number three. There are several reasons why Mary Poppins ranked so high with me, for one thing,  “Mary Poppins Returns” honors both the source material and the original Mary Poppins film from 1964. The sequel continues the store that began in 1964 and it does so seamlessly. Not for one second dit I doubt these where the same characters I met before.

“Mary Poppins Returns” moves at a brisk pace, right from the start thanks in no small part to its song and dance numbers, all which are pretty amazing and visually dazzling. All of the new songs feel timeless, almost as if they were written for the first films. The opening number by Lin-Manuel Miranda is done in a way which lets us know what he does for a living, gives us a tour of this corner of London, which all leads to the introduction of the rest of the cast.

I was hooked the minute Lin-Manuel Miranda started singing about life in London, and I didn’t even notice that Mary Poppins wasn’t in the first 15 or so minutes of the film. However, once she lands in London, Emily Blunt knocks it out of the park as Mary Poppins.

Any fears I had of Blunt imitating Julie Andrews went out the window once I realized Emily Blunt put her own spin on the magical nanny. I particularly got a kick from the way the actress used her eyes as much as she did her voice and dancing shoes. Sometimes all it took was a quick look from her to know what was going on in Mary Poppins’ head.

Lin-Manuel Miranda was also great as lovable Jack, and I liked that his character wasn’t there as a love interest for Mary, but just as an old friend. Some of Miranda’s best scenes were alongside Mary and the new generation of Banks children. The crowd in the theater really enjoyed watching him ride his bicycle around while all three kids and Mary tagged along. I also thought Miranda had great chemistry with Jane Banks (Emily Mortimer), and their few scenes together were very nice.

Speaking of the Banks, “Mary Poppins Returns” offers a fresh take of the dynamic within the Banks family. This time out, the kids are the more practical ones as they’ve had to do a lot of growing up since their mother died. In more than one occasion, Annabel (Pixie Davies), John (Nathanael Saleh), and Georgie (Joel Dawson) are the level-headed ones, and I liked how Mary Poppins allowed thinking for themselves. Even when they are forced to deal with some new real challenges, the three kids take it all in stride. The three siblings even work out problems before taking action, even if the results aren’t always ideal.

Meanwhile, the elder Banks (Ben Whishaw) and his sister Jane (Emily Mortimer), get some nice moments to themselves. There is one scene early on where the two go their father’s old office, and I really felt like the two were brother and sister. The two are always there for each other, and she wants to help any way she can. When Jane finds out about the loan, she isn’t angry with Michael, instead, she gets right to work to help find the share certificate.

The core cast is terrific but the supporting cast got lost sometimes. The audience really enjoyed Julie Walters as the Banks’ steadfast housekeeper Ellen, but after a terrific opening scene, she didn’t get much more to do. Then we got Meryl Streep as Mary’s offbeat cousin Topsy, who was there well, for no particularly good reason. Streep’s scene could easily have been cut from the film, and nothing about the mains tory would have changed.

Colin Firth appears as the cartoonishly wicked bank president, William “Weatherall” Wilkins, and that’s about it. He really doesn’t do much, and we never see him out of the office. But I can forgive this because the filmmakers likely wanted to focus on Mary Poppins and the Banks family. There are a couple of other cameos in the film and the audience really seemed to enjoy, regardless of how short they were. And can I just say it’s amazing to see Angela Lansbury still working? That woman was old when I was a kid for crying out loud!

The only thing I had a problem with was the way “Mary Poppins Returns” dealt with Bert. It’s done early on when Mary Poppins first arrives in London. She asks Jack how old Bert is doing, and Jack gives a simple answer. It’s not nearly as bad as what “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” did with Meryl Streep, but considering you already got Dick Van Dyke on set, why not shoot a quick little reunion between Mary Poppins and old Bert?

Nevertheless, despite dealing with some serious issues, “Mary Poppins Returns” was a joyful return to the world of Mary Poppins and friends. This movie was the perfect way to end the year, as it provides some welcome cheer from everything going on in the real world. When I left the theater I felt happy and hopeful. To me that makes “Mary Poppins Returns” worthy of being my number three favorite movie of the year, and one I plan on seeing again!

“Mary Poppins Returns” score: A-

Trailer Park: Mary Poppins Returns

 

I was never a big fan of the original “Mary Poppins,” but for some reason, I’m really looking forward to her return. And holy cow, Angela Lansbury is still alive and acting?!?

Better late than never review: A Quiet Place

Possible spoilers ahead!

In the not too distant future, earth has been overrun by dangerous and powerful creatures that can only track their prey through sound. Among the survivors are the Abbott family, made up of dad Lee (John Krasinski), his pregnant wife Evelyn (Emily Blunt), son Marcus (Noah Jupe) and their deaf daughter Regan (Millicent Simmonds). Regan is still struggling with her role in a family tragedy, and her relationship with her dad suffered because of it.

The family have taken extreme measures to stay alive and avoid being detected by the sound-sensitive creatures: They never stay in the same place for more than a few days, and perhaps more importantly, they only communicate through sign language. But even the Abbotts can stay hidden only for so long, and eventually the monsters nearby become aware of their existence.

On the day when the family is split up, Evelyn goes into early labor, and it’s not long before the creatures descend upon the house they’re staying in. Now it up to the individual members of the Abbott family to protect themselves and one another, using only their wits and skills to save them from a sure death.

Never in a million years did I think “A Quiet Place” could live up to the hype, but boy did it ever. This movie is as close to perfect as you’re going to get, and yet it is such a simple movie. The are no giant action set pieces, or over the top special effects. But From start to finish the suspense is intense, and as the viewer you’re invested in the fates of every member  of the Abbott family

John Krasinski delivers not only a great performance as Lee Abbot, but his directorial style was brilliant. I’m a big fan of world building in movies, and Krasinski managed to do that by using the family’s surroundings in a way that told us everything we need to know about the Abbot’s situation. And while we don’t get a lot of answers as to exactly what happened to earth, it just adds to the mystery of the whole film.

Emily Blunt meanwhile, gives one of her more subtle performances. But I have to say I liked the way the played Evelyn. She’s strong, and more than capable to take care of herself and the family. Blunt’s work in “A Quiet Place” shows me just how good of an actress she truly is. And the kid actors were quite good as well. Noah Jupe even looks a little bit like John Krasinski, and their scenes as the waterfall were terrific.

Anyone that knows me will tell you that I am not a fan of horror or thrillers. I’ve seen plenty, but I’ve never said “I want to see that again.” It’s not that horror movies scare me or anything like that. But I feel that most of those movies usually go for the gore instead of just telling a good story with good characters.

“A Quiet Place” tells a terrific story, with interesting characters, and with brilliant performances from all four actors. This film has opened my eyes to what a horror/thriller movie can be, and left me wanting more. I really do hope to see more about this strange world, and learn some answers to the questions I’m still curious about.

“A Quiet Place” score: A

Better late than never review: The Huntsman: Winter’s War

Possible spoilers ahead!

Years before Snow White defeated the evil sorceress Ravenna (Charlize Theron), the Queen brought war to every kingdom, amassing power and fortune. Always at her side was her sister, Freya (Emily Blunt), who is nothing like her sister Ravenna.

But when Freya’s lover kills their newborn child, she discovers she too has a magic ability: control of frost and ice. Armed with her new powers, and she heads North, carving out her own kingdom, a place where love is a sin, and love means death.

Now that she’s the one in charge, Freya starts taking in the orphaned children of kingdoms she conquers, training young boys and girls to fight as warriors in her personal army of “huntsmen.”

“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” is the movie nobody asked for. Winter’s War is a prequel, and a sequel to 2012’s ‘Snow White and the Huntsman.” That movie had a ton of issues, but today it’s probably best known for Kristen Stewart’s affair with director Rupert Sanders. If you saw the 2012 movie, then you know Snow White and her allies came out on top, and that Charlize Theron was easily the best part of the film.

Unfortunately, Snow White’s victory is short-lived, because now black magic haunts Snow White, and its slowly killing her. As a last resort, the new queen is forced to call upon Eric (Chris Hemsworth)for help once again. Of course we don’t see any of this, because Snow White is nowhere to be seen in the sequel, she’s just mentioned a lot.

The whole point of Winter’s War is to reunite Eric nd Sara (Jessica Chastain), two Huntmen who fell in love during training years before. Since they broke Freya’s rule about love, she decided to make an example out of the pair. Hearts were broken, tears were shed, and Chris Hemsworth looked really young without a beard.

What’s sad is that Winter’s War has a top-notch cast, and the filmmakers did little with them. Emily Blunt’s talents are completely wasted on Freya. Due to the death of her child, Freya spends the majority of the movie in an emotionless state, isolated for a good amount of time from the main story and its heroes. You could say Blunt played the part without emotion to play up the ice queen gimmick, but it came off as odd.

Jessica Chastain is decent enough as Sara. She had two of the film’s better fight scenes, but the character (and her performance) are slowed down by a melodramatic arc and a useless twist.

Winter’s War even brings back Charlize Theron’s Ravenna for an underwhelming third-act, that added little to the overall plot. But this time, Theron went over the top with her performance, losing all the good stuff she did in the original. As for Chris Hemsworth, he didn’t bring anything new to the character, except maybe an accent that comes and goes.

To be fair, “The Huntsman: Winter’s War” does have a few fleeting moments of fun, and a couple of decent action scenes. But the rest of the movie falls flat thanks to clumsy filmmaking, very cheesy performances, and a script that can’t decide if it wants to be an action film or a melodrama.

Instead of letting us experience event, we’re told everything that happened in a lengthy exposition from Liam Neeson. Instead of a clean continuation, Winter’s War spends too much time justifying why The Huntsman isn’t with Snow White anymore. So much for that kiss I guess.

“The Huntsman: Winter’s War” score: D

Better Late Than Never Review: Sicario

Possible spoilers ahead!

 

During my recent sabbatical, I thought it would be a good idea to catch up on a few movies I missed in theatres for one reason or another. First up on my list was
the crime-thriller drama “Sicario.”

The film from director Dennis Villeneuve opens with a battle between U.S. law enforcement and the Mexican drug cartels along the Arizona border. While tracking a lead in a kidnapping case, FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) and her team discover that an Arizona home has been serving as a cartel graveyard.

The events of that day ignite agent Macer’s need for justice, which makes it very easy a mysterious ‘problem solver’ named Matt (Josh Brolin) to recruit her onto his clandestine anti-cartel task force.

Before Kate even knows what’s going on, she finds herself on a plane headed south of the border, and teamed with an even more mysterious man named Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro). Once in Mexico, Kate watches as the rules of law, order and justice disappear.

“Sicario” does a good job of capturing the tension and horror of the current war on drugs by making it as realistic as possible. There are times in this movie when It’s hard to watch, and I’m sure some people will turn the movie off. Regardless, the film will keep you thinking long after the credits roll, and maybe that’s what the director was going for.

The film’s best moments come courtesy of Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro, who play off each other rather well. Blunt is subtle in selling a traumatic slow breakdown of what she thought justice was, and Del Toro chews up scenery like nobody else in the business. You’ll either love or hate his character, but he’ll have your attention either way.

That’s the good news about “Sicario.” The bad news is the editing and pacing of this movie was awful. Every time things picked up, it abruptly changes tone and everything slows down to a crawl.

I wouldn’t have minded if the plot slowly built up and then things went crazy. In fact, that might have worked better. But instead, all the speeding up only to slow down over and over, made me feel like I was stuck in heavy traffic.

“Sicario” was one of those movies I couldn’t wait to see last year. And even though I missed it on the big screen, I was still amped to see it on blu-ray. The cast was solid, the plot was interesting, and the hype was surprisingly good. Sadly, “Sicario” didn’t quite live up to my expectations. But it is worth watching for Emily Blunt and Benicio Del Toro’s performances.

“Sicario” final score: 7

Trailer Park: The Huntsman: Winters War

All right, I’ll say it: Chris Hemsworth is one lucky guy.

Also, I’m glad he and Charlize Theron got better co-stars this time around.

TNU Box Office Update

I think this weekend proved movie audiences don’t mind listening to Adam Sandler, they just don’t want to see him.

“Hotel Transylvania 2″ followed in the footsteps of its 2012 predecessor and set a brand new September opening weekend record. The animated sequel topped its predecessor, and previous September opening weekend record holder, by almost $5 million with an estimated weekend haul totaling $47.5 million. Despite featuring the voice of Adam Sandler as Dracula, the movie still managed to earn an A-” CinemaScore (same as the first film),

Hotel Transylvania I’d rather see.

This is good news for Sandler, and for any potential sequels in the Hotel Transylvania series. But I’m still curious why these movies don’t open closer to Halloween. But I guess if you’re setting record, it doesn’t really matter when you open in theatres.

In second place was “The Intern,” the new Nancy Meyers film starring Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro. The film scored an “A-” CinemaScore and an estimated $18.2 million for the weekend. The result is the second best opening for a Meyers film out of her last four, topped only by 2009’s “It’s Complicated” ($22.1 million). It’s also the ninth-biggest debut for a film starring Robert De Niro.

The audience breakdown for “The Intern,” went pretty much as expected: the film skewed towards female moviegoers (62 percent) and heavily towards moviegoers over the age of 25 (88 percent).

Wrong intern.

Meanwhile, the expansion of Universal’s “Everest” wasn’t nearly what was expected. Universal pushed the film from its limited IMAX and premium large format release last week into an additional 2,461 theaters this weekend where it made an estimated $13 million. The result was just enough for a fourth place finish, not the result that Universal was hoping for after the film’s excellent limited opening.

One expansion that did better was the limited expansion of Lionsgate’s “Sicario.” Adding only 53 theaters after opening in six last weekend, the cartel thriller scored an estimated $1.7 million this weekend, enough for a tenth place finish and strong $30,000 per theater average. The big test comes next week when “Sicario” expands nationwide and competes with “The Martian” for much of the same audience.

I guess I need to talk about “The Green Inferno,” but I don’t wanna ’cause I hate Eli Roth movies. But anyways, let’s just get this over with, shall we?

Roth’s cannibal horror film was delayed a year after some distribution trouble. BH Tilt eventually picked up the rights and boldly experimented with a targeted release in 1,540 theaters. The film opened in ninth place with an estimated $3.49 million. However, the opening day audience didn’t seem entirely impressed as the film earned a “C-” CinemaScore, which doesn’t exactly bode well for its future prospects. Look for “The Green Inferno” to have a huge drop next weekend.

As for the new guys from last weekend, “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” dropped 53.8% for an estimated $14 million and “Black Mass” dropped a shade under 50% for an estimated $11.5 million second week.

Eli Roth, or Zoolander 3.

TNU Box Office Update

Although the box office numbers were better this weekend, doesn’t it seem like we’re just treading water until the big movies come out?

I swing a bit more!
I swing a bit less!

Maybe its just me, I don’t know. Anywho, The box office champion this weekend was “Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials” with $30.3 million to go along with a “B+” CinemaScore.

It’s interesting to note that both the box office number and Cinemascore are down from the first film in the franchise, last year’s “The Maze Runner,” opened with $32.5 million and earned an “A-” CinemaScore. The good news is that worldwide, Scorch Trials has already brought in $78 million for a worldwide total of $108.3 million. But the film still has a long way to go to match the first movie’s $340 million total.

In second place, “Black Mass” managed an estimated $23.36 million and a “B” CinemaScore. This opening puts the film on par with other Boston themed crime drama”The Town,” which opened with $23.8 million, but below 2006’s other Boston mobster drama “The Departed,” which opened with $26.8 million.

Hmmm, you know Holly wood, there is more to my hometown than just crime stuff. Just sayin’…

Please open better than Mortdecai …

Meanwhile, Universal continues its record-breaking year, this time by opening “Everest” on IMAX and premium large format screens exclusively before going wide next weekend.

The studio’s bet paid off as the harrowing 3D feature proved a success in 545 theaters, bringing in $7.5 million for a $13,867 per theater average. In addition to its domestic release, “Everest” added another $28.2 million from 36 international territories, propelling Universal Pictures International past the $4 billion mark, bringing the studio’s worldwide total to nearly $6.3 billion worldwide.

The film opened at number one in Argentina, Australia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Iceland, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, South Africa and U.K. and Ireland. Wouldn’t it be nice to own some Universal stock right about now?

Then we have Lionsgate’s “Sicario” which was massive in limited release. Opening in only six theaters, the film brought in an impressive $390,000 for a $65,000 per theater average, a record for 2015 and the second highest ever for a Lionsgate release. The film will enjoy a limited expansion next weekend before going nationwide on October 2.

I said no pickles!

As for last weekend’s new releases, M. Night Shyamalan’s thriller “The Visit” dropped 55% for an estimated three-day total of $11.3 million, bringing the film’s domestic total to $42.3 million. And Sony’s “The Perfect Guy” took an even steeper tumble, dropping a whopping 63% from its chart-topping opening weekend. Perfect Guy dropped all the way sto fourth place with an estimated $9.6 million.

Gordon’s alive!?

As I’ve mentioned in other posts, I feel the Flash Gordon universe has never been done right outside comics. As much as I enjoy the 1980 campy “Flash Gordon” I’m also aware it’s not a very good reflection of the characters. But there’s hope on the horizon.

 

The recent news that Matthew Vaughn was in talks to direct a new big screen adaptation of Flash Gordon made me very happy for a couple of reasons. For one thing, it’s about damn time Flash Gordon and friends got another shot at a live action movie. And if Matthew Vaughn does direct, then I know the characters are (for once) in very good hands.

Matthew Vaughn has proven he can tackle comedy and action in his films. But when he has to be serous Vaughn can do that too. Check out “Layer Cake” and X-Men: First Class” for evidence. Both films are a bit serious but also funny.

It’s a fine line, but this new Flash Gordon can’t afford to be as campy as the 1980 movie, nor can it seem like it’s trying to copy Star Wars (even if Flash Gordon was created first). But if any man can handle the pressure its Matthew Vaughn.

I’m really hoping he signs on as director and that in a couple of years I’ll be able to enjoy a new Flash Gordon adventure at my local multiples. To help Vaughn make up his mind, here’s my dream cast for the new and improved Flash Gordon:

Bradley Cooper as Flash Gordon

Cooper has the acting chops and the comedic timing for Flash Gordon. And he’s not bad in action scenes either. Just make him an Air Force pilot instead of the New York Jets quarterback.

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Alan Rickman as Emperor Min

Time for Rickman to return to his villanous roots.

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Emily Blunt as Dale Arden

Forget the damsel in distress Dale Arden from the 1980 movie. The new Dale needs to be more like the one in the comics. She’s still the girl next door, but she can kick ass with the best of them when the situation calls for it.

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Emma Watson as Princess Aura

Yes Emma Watson will look younger than Bradley Cooper, but that could work in the movie’s favor. Flash could be the Princess’ first crush, much to the much to his chagrin of her father and Prince Barin.

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Pierce Brosnan Dr. Hans Zarkov

Give Pierce Brosnan a Duck Dynasty beard and make him even crazier. Just think of the possibilities!

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Idris Elba as Prince Barin

Because it’s about time he played royalty dammit!

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Hugo Weaving as General Klytus

Weaving did an amazing job behind a mask in “V for Vendetta,” so this won’t be a new experience for him. We’ll just forget that whole Red Skull episode ever happened. And to be fair, Weaving was probably one of the better things in “Captain America: The First Avenger.”

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Richard Sherman as Prince Vultan

You may be asking yourself why Richard Sherman? Basically because I can’t picture anyone else in the role.

DIVE!!!