Movie review: Rush

Rush is a story of the brutal 1970's rivalry between Formula One drivers James Hunt and Niki Lauda. While Hunt wants a good time, Lauda wants only to win. Their differences will drive them both to the finish line.

Chris Hemsworth (Hunt), Daniel Bruhl (Lauda), Olivia Wilde (Suzy), Alexandra Lara (Marlene), Pierfrancesco Favino (Regazzoni), David Calder (Louis), Natalie Dormer (Gemma), Stephen Mangan (Caldwell).

Rush begins well with some narration and perspective from Lauda as the races begin and the plot setup is revealed. The story then shifts briefly as we are introduced more to Hunt's life. Their rivalry now underway, the film shifts somewhat giving racing fans and gearheads something to watch. The story moves well between the on-track racing rivalry and the two drivers off-track relationship. The film finishes with Hunt's well known world championship victory. I was surprised the film did not include more about Ferrari as they were also competing fiercely at the same time.

Acting was okay from Hemsworth, though he didn't quite sell it as an F1 driver. Bruhl delivered a wonderfully quirky and deep performance that added well to the film. Wilde, Lara, and Dormer were good in supporting roles. Favino fit well in the film and was solid, as was the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done for the most part. A few driving scenes were unable to be followed, and the film really failed at showing the enormity of an F1 race. Action and effects were good with nice detail. Dialogue created some nice depth to the story, while sound and soundtrack were fitting for the period.

When the checkered flag comes down Rush is found to be a solid dramatic biography relating a rivalry known to most F1 fans. The film has a good pace, depth, and technical work. Racing fans and those who enjoy history or rivalries of racing should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality and nudity, mild violence and gore, and a fair amount of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2013
Reviewed: 4.21.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Biography, Action, Drama, Sports, Auto Racing

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Cold Skin

 Arriving on a remote island to serve as replacement weather observer, a young man finds himself defending his life against creatures coming from the sea each night. Befriending the lighthouse keeper, the two join forces to survive.

Ray Stevenson (Gruner), David Oakes (Friend), Aura Garrido (Aneris), John Benfield (Captain Axel), Ben Temple (Naval Official).

Cold Skin begins with Friend arriving on a desolate island, tasked with replacing the former weather observer whom he finds dead upon arrival. And with nightfall, he finds himself defending against terrifying creatures from the sea. Teaming up with lighthouse keeper, Gruner, the two join forces to survive. Friend also learns that Gruner is happy to use the same monsters from the sea for his own purposes as it suits him.

Acting was interesting to say the least as none of the roles seemed entirely normal. Stevenson was suitingly disturbing and dark which seemed to be the target of his role. Oakes felt apopropriately innocent and delivered well. Garrido, without dialogue, fit her role well and managed it nicely. The small remaining cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all well done with a solid, realistic feel. Costuming, particularly for Garrido, was very good and fit the film well. Action and effects are managed nicely and fit the film. Dialogue is a bit rough at first but became easier. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall Cold Skin is a down and dirty sci-fi horror with a solid dose of action. The story is interesting with respect to the island setting, and gains solid depth and engagement. Mild sci-fi horror fans should enjoy this one.

With some mildly disturbing sexuality, and a fair amount of violence, save this one for teens and above.

Released: 2017
Reviewed: 4.20.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Action, Adventure, Fantasy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Thunder Force

 In a future world dominated by super-powered  super-villains, Emily devises a method to give her super-powers she will use to do good. Interrupted mid-procedure by her long-lost best-friend, Lydia, the powers are split between them.

Melissa McCarthy (Lydia), Octavia Spencer (Emily), Jason Bateman (The Crab), Bobby Cannavale (The King), Pom Klementieff (Laser), Melissa Leo (Allie), Taylor Mosby (Tracy), Marcella Lowery (Grandma Norma).

Thunder Force begins pretty well with good introductions, plot setup, and quick movement to the storyline. When Emily and Lydia reconnect the drama ramps up a bit, but we still get some good chuckles along the way. While the story is being light and silly we get to watch some fun action scenes and effects.

Acting is decent with McCarthy and Spencer both delivering well and seeming to work well together. Bateman was great fun and perfectly cast. Cannavale was enjoyable as always and also did well. Klementieff was disturbing, just what her role needed. Leo, Mosby and the remainder of the cast were good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt a bit light on detail and fit at times, but worked well for the film and fit the genre. Action scenes and effects were well done, and nicely overdone as needed. Dialogue was a blend of campy, comedy, and drama that flowed pretty well. Sound and soundtrack are decent.

For a teen action comedy, Thunder Force hits the mark. The story blends drama and comedy well, keeps things light, remains on teen-target, and moves along at a nice pace. Those expecting an adult comedy as we have seen from McCarthy and Spencer will likely be disappointed.

With some mild action violence and part of a foul word, this should be fine for teens and above. Also a good clue this is a teen flick, not adult comedy.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.20.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Teen

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Enola Holmes

 

Enola Holmes, teen sister of Sherlock and Mycroft, discovers her mother is missing and her brothers uninterested in helping find her. Setting out on her own, she outwits Sherlock and unravels a royal conspiracy along the way.

Millie Brown (Enola), Henry Cavill (Sherlock), Sam Claflin (Mycroft), Helena Carter (Eudoria), Louis Partridge (Tewkesbury), Burn Gorman (Linthorn), Adeel Akhtar (Lestrade), Susan Wokoma (Edith).

Enola Holmes begins with some narrative backstory which rolls smoothly into plot setup which quickly gets the story moving. The theme of the film has Enola acknowledging the camera at times which helps with audience engagement. With Enola now in search of her mother the cast grows and begins to build depth as the story finds a comfortable pace and unrolls nicely through the Happy Ever After ending.

Acting was solid with Brown delivering very well and seeming to work well with others. Cavill was solid, as was Claflin and Carter, though their roles were fairly small. Partridge was enjoyable, while Akhtar did a nice job in his role. The remainder of the supporting cast was good.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with a big-screen feel. Action scenes were exciting, fun, and fit the film well. Dialogue had nice depth and moved things along at a good pace. Sound and soundtrack added nicely.

Overall Enola Holmes is a fun action adventure film that would make for a good choice for family movie night. The story is enjoyable, acting and technical work are solid, and the film moves along nicely.

With some action violence and mild foul language, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.13.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Adventure, Mystery, Crime, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Unhinged

 Unhinged is a story about something familiar to most everyone; road rage. Rachel has an encounter with an unstable man while driving her car. Little does she know his life is in disarray and he is about to focus all his rage upon her, her family, and her friends.

Russell Crowe (Man), Caren Pistorius (Rachel), Gabriel Bateman (Kyle), Jimmi Simpson (Andy), Austin McKenzie (Fred), Juliene Joyner (Mary), Stephen Grush (Leo), Anne Leighton (Deborah).

Unhinged begins much like road rage does; as an unexpected spark of emotion. The film is quickly off and running with Rachel apparently being stalked after a brief encounter with another driver. Before long stalking turns to assault as the man Rachel encountered becomes unhinged, targeting her family and friends. The rest of the film is a cat and mouse action adventure culminating in an ending that while not surprising, feels inauthentic.

Acting was par for the course from Crowe, though a few more pounds and action hero will become a difficult role to sell. Pistorius was pretty good with solid emotion and good delivery. Bateman did a decent job, as did Joyner and Simpson. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a realistic feel. Action scenes and effects were fitting for the film and reasonable with decent attention to detail. Dialogue was enjoyable and moved the plot along fairly well. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Overall Unhinged is an okay action thriller on topic explored so well by other films this one is hard to distinguish. The acting and technical work is good, and the film is entertaining, though I think there are better choices on the exact topic. Crowe fans may enjoy this more than others.

With some graphic violence and foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.12.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Suspense

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mr. Mercedes

 From horror novelist Stephen King, the story of a psychopath who drives a stolen Mercedes into a job fair crowd and the retired cop, Bill Hodges, who makes it his personal mission to bring the killer to justice.

Brendan Gleeson (Bill), Holland Taylor (Ida), Jharrel Jerome (Jerome), Breeda Wool (Lou), Justine Lupe (Holly), Harry Treadaway (Brady), Maximiliano Hernandez (Antonio), Kate Mulgrew (Alma), Nancy Travis (Donna).

Mr. Mercedes is a 3 season series based on the 3 book series and named after the first book from horror author Stephen King. The series begins well giving us a fair amount of background and character development while at the same time rolling out the storyline. Largely a psychological story, the series moves along with good plot points but takes time developing depth. Toward the end of the third season we get a nice plot twist leading to the finish. The film ends with many open questions and the possibility of a future, which may or may not be consistent with the books which I have not yet read.

Acting was good with Gleeson delivering well. Treadaway was very well cast and delivered perfectly, as did Lupe and Mulgrew. Taylor and Jerome were enjoyable while Wool contributed solid depth and emotion. The remainder of the supporting cast was interesting and entertaining.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds have a nice, solid feel and maintain consistency throughout the series. Action scenes and effects are fairly mild, fitting, and added nicely to the film. Dialogue is solid with nice depth and good movement throughout. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall Mr. Mercedes is a solid thriller with good acting, technical work, and enjoyable storyline with good depth. King fans should enjoy this one though I admit to not having yet read the books and cannot speak to consistency. Some viewers may feel the series is too long for the story.

With somewhat graphic sexuality and nudity, violence, gore, more gore, and prolific foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 4.12.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Suspense, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Series based on Books

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Boss Level

 

Retired Special Forces officer Roy finds himself stuck in an endless time loop on the day of his murder by a strange group of assassins. Discovering clues about his death, Roy must avoid the assassins and locate the man running the government program that has him trapped to save his own life, and that of his ex-wife.

Frank Grillo (Roy), Mel Gibson (Ventor), Naomi Watts (Jemma), Will Sasso (Brett), Annabelle Wallis (Alice), Sheaun McKinney (Dave), Selina Lo (Guan Yin), Michelle Yeoh (Dai Feng), Ken Jeong (Jake).

Boss Level launches with us joining Roy after he has repeated the day of his death over 140 times. Moving on, we see how he has managed to survive longer each day and some clues begin to appear, including involvement of his ex-wife. From there, Roy is on a mission to survive each day, unravel the time loop mystery, and save his ex-wife. With the action at full-tilt, the remainder of the film moves along at a good pace through the amusing ending.

Acting was decent with Grillo putting forth a pretty good performance. Gibson was decent in a smaller, antagonist role. Watts was enjoyable and seemed to fit well with Grillo. Sasso and Lo brought some good laughs and depth, while the remainder of the supporting cast was enjoyable and entertaining.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly well done with a solid feel and decent detail. Action scenes and visual effects are managed well, fitting for the film, and felt quite realistic. Dialogue is good with solid plot movement and a few laughs. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done.

Aimed at younger viewers, Boss Level is better than expected despite the toddler title. The Groundhog Day style time loop may not be unique, but the day on which Roy experiences the time loop makes for a good story. The action moves along at a good pace while some bits of comedy break things up a bit making for a nicely done action thriller.

Violence, gore, foul language, some more violence and gore, but surprisingly no sexuality. This should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.7.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Max Payne

 Max Payne is a cop with an attitude on the hunt for those who murdered his family and partner. Teaming up with an assassin, the two simultaneously battle good and bad cops, an ethically corrupt corporation, and the mob.

Mark Wahlberg (Max Payne), Mila Kunis (Mona), Beau Bridges (BB), Ludacris (Bravura), Chris O'Donnell (Colvin), Donal Logue (Alex), Amaury Nolasco (Lupino), Kate Burton (Nicole), Olga Kurylenko (Natasha).

Based loosely on the game of the same name, Max Payne is the well worn story of a cop out for revenge after his family and partner are murdered. Ethics pushed aside, Max teams up with Mona, and assassin with her own wars to wage. Throw in a ridiculously addictive illegal drug giving the rest of the cast serious anger issues and the remainder of the film is full of big action scenes. The film finally dies a horrible death not worth remembering.

Mark, what were you thinking buddy? Though Wahlberg did okay, he is a lot better in other roles and simply felt dark and brooding here. Dark and brooding works well for Kunis however, and she delivered it well. Bridges had a strange expression much of the time and felt a bit too animated for his role. Ludacris, Nolasco, and the remainder of the supporting cast were okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds felt dark, lifeless, and highly contrived. In other words, it felt like a video game. Action scenes were often well over the top and again, consistent with the theme. Dialogue was dry and mostly lifeless but thankfully provided plot points. Sound and soundtrack are decent.

Overall Max Payne felt less like a movie and more like a video. The film does not seem to care about audience engagement, but is instead simply showing you a story it could care less if you think about. While fans of the video game may enjoy this one, I think most will find it dark and lacking life.

Amazingly mild sexuality, graphic and plentiful violence, foul language, and even drug use did nothing to improve the film. This one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2008
Reviewed: 4.6.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Action, Drama, Video Game Movies

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Skylines

 When a new virus threatens to turn earth-dwelling friendly alien hybrids against humans, an elite team led by Captain Corley are sent to the alien world to stop the threat and save humanity.

Lindsey Morgan (Corley), Jonathan Howard (Leon), Daniel Bernhardt (Owens), Rhona Mitra (Dr. Mal), James Cosmo (Grant), Yayan Ruhian (Huana), Alexander Siddig (Radford), Cha-Lee Yoon (Zhi).

Skylines, the third film in the Skyline franchise, finds us on Earth with friendly alien hybrids living alongside humans. But aliens from their home world release a virus that turns the hybrids into human killers. To stop the threat, Captain Corley and her team are sent to the alien world. The story along the way includes action, adventure, relationships, drama, and more. It also feels a bit lower energy and lower budget than previous films, and has much less originality to the plot.

Acting was okay. Morgan delivered fairly well, though could have used more emotion. Howard was enjoyable and fit with Morgan pretty well. Bernhardt was solid, as was Mitra. Siddig was enjoyable as was the remainder of the supporting cast.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are decent. Effects were heavily used in the film and most were pretty good. Action scenes were fitting and good. Dialogue was a bit dry and choppy and could have contributed significantly more. Sound and soundtrack are good.

There simply isn't much to say about Skylines. Aliens, which were unique in previous films, have become little more than costumed actors. The storyline, which again was new and entertaining in previous films, looks like plenty of other sci-fi films now. Serious fans of the franchise may enjoy this one.

With some violence and a bit of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi, Aliens, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Aliens

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Honest Thief

 Over the years Tom has stolen millions from banks, all while keeping his identity hidden. After falling in love with Annie, he decides to turn himself in and come clean only to be double-crossed by two corrupt FBI agents.

Liam Neeson (Tom), Kate Walsh (Annie), Jai Courtney (Nivens), Jeffrey Donovan (Meyers), Anthony Ramos (Ramon), Robert Patrick (Baker), Tazzie, Jasmine Jones (Beth), Devon Diep (Cute Nurse).

Honest Thief is the story of Tom, a bank robber who has made off with millions while keeping his identity hidden. When he falls in love with Annie, he decides to turn himself in to start a clean life with her. Instead, he is double-crossed by two corrupt FBI agents. The rest of the film is Tom trying to clear his name and hold the FBI agents responsible while keeping Annie safe. Much as I hate to say it, because I am a fan of Neeson as an action character, this one looks like most of his other action flicks over the last few years.

Acting was solid, as expected. For Neeson, his role here is one he has become too familiar with in my opinion. He delivers well, fits the character, conveys solid emotion, and so forth. But it seems to be the only role he plays anymore. Walsh did well and showed she can still deliver. Courtney was a well cast antagonist, as was Donovan, and both along with Baker, were in roles they have played many times like Neeson. Ramos, Jones, and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good and appear to be natural for the most part. Action scenes are good with a nice energy and fit, with only one scene feeling seriously overdone. Dialogue is solid and moves the film along well. Sound and soundtrack are somewhat bland but okay.

If you enjoy Liam Neeson the action hero, or any of his films of the past few years, you should enjoy Honest Thief. If you are looking for something different from Neeson, this is not it.

No big surprises here. Violence, gore, and foul language abound so save this one for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Action, Crime, Suspense

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Sonic The Hedgehog

 Small-town cop Tom has his world changed when he encounters Sonic, the fastest hedgehog in the world. But when super-villain Dr. Robotnik tries to capture Sonic for his world domination plot, Tom and Sonic team up to save the planet.

Ben Schwartz (Sonic voice), James Marsden (Tom), Jim Carrey (Robotnik), Tike Sumpter (Maddie), Natasha Rothwell (Rachel), Adam Pally (Wade), Lee Majdoub (Agent Stone), Neal McDonough (Maj. Bennington).

Sonic The Hedgehog begins by bringing Sonic and Tom together along with some plot and theme setup. Dr. Robotnik quickly comes on scene as he needs Sonic for his evil world domination plot and the film is off an running at a sonic pace. Along the way are more than a few laughs, an intermittent romantic sidetrack, and a couple of light morality lessons. The film finishes with the expected Happily Ever After ending.

Acting was fun all around in this one. Marsden was well cast, fit his role perfectly, and delivered very well. Carrey was also in-type and completely over the top most of the time which worked great. Voice work from Schwartz was spot-on. Sumpter, McDonough, and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable and added nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds all look good and we understand this film was almost all digital. That said, the visual effects were very well done throughout. Digital representations of everyday objects was incredibly well done and blended with animated characters and effects perfectly. Motion from every aspect felt realistic. Dialogue was fun with some nice laughs alongside the mild drama. Sound and soundtrack are good.

When things finally stop moving, Sonic The Hedgehog ends up being a fun film with a fast pace and engaging storyline. A great choice for family movie night and one younger viewers should enjoy.

With some mild action violence and foul language, this should be fine for most ages.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Action, Adventure, Kids Films

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Alone (2020)

 When a zombie virus outbreak hits, surfer Aidan barricades himself inside his apartment, eventually leaving to find food. When he does, he finds Screamers infecting his complex, but he also finds something unexpected; another uninfected person living in a nearby apartment.

Tyler Posey (Aidan), Summer Spiro (Eva), Donald Sutherland (Edward), Robert Ri'chard (Brandon), John Posey (Aidan's Dad), Brooke Swallow (Jessica), Josh Harp (Tall Screamer), Eric Etebari (Jack).

Alone begins with Aidan slowly figuring out something has happened in the world. Once he is finally aware he quickly shifts to emergency mode and begins doomsday prepping to try and survive. Eventually feeling he is alone and all may be lost, Eva suddenly appears in a nearby apartment and Aidan's hope is restored as he envisions a future with only him and the pretty neighbor girl. The remainder of the movie is the usual humans vs. zombies fodder with Posey finally getting to take his shirt off near the end to try and impress Summer.

Acting was a bit disappointing from Posey. He never felt like he fit the film and his chemistry with Spiro definitely felt off in addition to emotion not fitting scenes. Spiro was mildly better with decent delivery. Sutherland was okay but felt underused. The remainder of the supporting cast was okay.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly solid, though there were some pretty awful edits. Effects and action are mild and appear to rely mainly on filming techniques. Dialogue was a bit dry, lifeless, and could have added significantly more to the film. Sound and soundtrack are mediocre.

Overall Alone (a copy of the Korean film Alive) is a lower energy zombie flick that brings nothing new to the genre. Pace of the film is disappointing, as is acting tied to the feeling this was little more than an attempt to showcase Posey. Skip this one and check out the better quality Korean film; Alive.

With some brief partial nudity, violence, gore, foul language, and disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Thriller, Horror, Zombie, Apocalypse

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

 Teenager Mark has come to terms with the fact he is living the same day in an endless loop with no end in sight. Crossing paths with Margaret, he realizes he is not alone and the two team up to figure out what has happened.

Kathryn Newton (Margaret), Kyle Allen (Mark), Jermaine Harris (Henry), Anna Mikami (Phoebe), Josh Hamilton (Daniel), Cleo Fraser (Emma), Al Madrigal (Mr. Pepper), Jorja Fox (Greta).

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things begins by bringing us up to speed on Mark's life. Living the same day over again in an endless loop, Mark has resigned himself to his reality and even enjoys it in some ways. That all changes when he encounters Margaret, another teen stuck in the same loop, and realizes he is not alone. With Mark and Margaret now working together to understand things, the remainder of the film is a fun journey of discovery wrapped in a mild love story finishing with soft conclusion that almost makes sense.

Acting was solid with both Newton and Allen delivering solid performances with good depth and emotion throughout. The two seemed to work well together, though the love story angle didn't quite land with their chemistry. Harris, Mikami, Hamilton and the remainder of the cast were good, though in much smaller roles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nice with a solid small town feel. Action and effects were managed well and fit the film nicely. Dialogue was enjoyable with decent depth, movement, and bits of comedy. Sound and soundtrack are bland but fitting.

The Map of Tiny Perfect Things doesn't add much to the concept of a time loop and leaves plenty of unanswered questions. Yet the film is entertaining and holds interest fairly well. Aimed at teens, they will likely enjoy the teen main characters and light romance.

With a kiss and a couple of foul words, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 4.2.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel