Movie review: The Mule

 

 Earl, an 80-year-old Korean War veteran turned horticulturist, takes a driving job in hopes of fixing his financial situation and saving his home. What Earl doesn't realize is that he has signed on as a drug courier for a Mexican cartel.

Clint Eastwood (Earl), Cesar De Leon (Jose), Jackie Prucha (Helen), Richard Herd (Tim), Alison Eastwood (Iris), Dianne Wiest (Mary), Taissa Farmiga (Ginny), Laurence Fishburne (SAC), Bradley Cooper (Agent Bates), Michael Pena (Agent Trevino).

The Mule begins well enough with some brief backstory and character introductions. As Earl begins his new job, things get more interesting though it is hard to believe he doesn't immediately realize who he is working for. As the story evolves and Earl excels at his delivery job, law enforcement takes notice and once again, it is hard to believe he isn't quickly caught. Eastwood throws in a wad of family drama, of course, which gives the story a bit more depth and pace through the lackluster ending.

Acting was decent with Eastwood doing reasonably well. Leon delivered well and fit his role. Fishburne, Cooper, and Pena added some experience to the film and all delivered well. Alison Eastwood, Wiest, Farmiga and the remainder of the supporting cast were decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with a solid, realistic feel. Action is mild but fitting. Dialogue is good with nice depth. Sound and soundtrack are enjoyable.

While The Mule is interesting, it is much less entertaining. Eastwood takes his time telling a story and this one is no different with a slower plot and low energy level. Those who enjoy the drama more than the crime or storyline in general should enjoy this one. Those hoping for energy, action, or intensity will likely be disappointed.

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

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 6.24.19
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Crime, Thriller, Crime Drama

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Ghost Stories

 

 Paranormal activity skeptic Phil Goodman is set on a journey to debunk three hauntings reported by a twitchy teen, a night watchman, and an ex-banker only to end up questioning his own beliefs and sanity.

Andy Nyman (Goodman), Martin Freeman (Mike), Paul Whitehouse (Tony), Alex Lawther (Rifkind), Paul Warren (Wolly), Kobna Holdbrook-Smth (Father Emery), Nicholas Burns (Mark), Louise Atkins (Steph).

Ghost Stories begins with character introductions and plot setup that looks a lot like a documentary or reality show. From there the film shows us the haunting stories of three different people; a twitchy teen, a night watchman, and an ex-banker. While the stories are okay the ending fell flat when the film tried to tie the three stories together without the supernatural aspect.

Acting was decent with Nyman doing okay. Freeman delivered nicely as usual. Lawther was enjoyable as well in a role which suited him. Whitehouse, Warren, and the remainder of the supporting cast were decent.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were mild but fitting and solid. CGI and effects were also mild but good. Dialogue was okay though it could have added some intensity or depth and we did end up turning on subtitles. Sound was rough requiring some remote manipulation.

Overall Ghost Stories was a miss for us. While the stories headed down the supernatural road and were doing fairly well, the ending drained any pleasure. The result is a lackluster supernatural horror flick that in the end has little of either.

With some foul language, violence, gore, and disturbing scenes, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 6.20.19
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Horror, Supernatural Horror, Indie Thrillers, Indie Dramas

copyright ©2019 Dave Riedel