Movie review: Ava

 An elite assassin, Ava is already questioning her work when a high-profile hit goes wrong and forces her to go on the run while also trying to protect her estranged, dysfunctional family.

Jessica Chastain (Ava), John Malkovich (Duke), Common (Michael), Geena Davis (Bobbi), Jess Weixler (Judy), Ioan Gruffudd (Peter), Diana Silvers (Camille), Joan Chen (Toni), Colin Farrell (Simon), Efka Kvaraciejus (Alain).

Ava launches well with a look into Ava's life that also serves as a nice introduction to the story. The film quickly moves to the main plot which is then left to simmer with a fair amount of action. There are some hints at depth along the way but none are never explored or explained well. The film finishes with a nicely contrived Happily Ever After ending.

Acting was pretty good with Chastain delivering a solid performance. Malkovich was in-type and delivered in his usual style while working well with Chastain. Common was, well, common. Davis seems to get quirkier with time and she was plenty quirky in this one. The rest of the cast was enjoyable and did nicely.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all good with a solid feel throughout. Action scenes were okay with some physical work feeling a bit sloppy and slow. Dialogue was direct and to the point most of the time and moved things right along. Sound and soundtrack are both solid.

As an action thriller Ava comes in about middle of the pack with an off-the-shelf storyline, decent acting and reasonable technical work. Genre fans should find this one mildly enjoyable while those looking for quality or depth may be slightly disappointed.

With some mild sexuality, plenty of violence, gore, and fight scenes, along with a barrel of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 2.11.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime, Drama, Crime Action

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Outside the Wire

 When an unemotional drone pilot is sent into a war zone as a lesson, he is also paired with a new class of soldier. Together the two must stop an imminent nuclear attack by a madman.

Anthony Mackie (Leo), Damson Idris (Harp), Enzo Cilenti (Miller), Emily Beecham (Sofiya), Michael Kelly (Eckhart), Kristina Tonteri-Young (Bale), Brady Dowad (Bigfoot), Pilou Asbaek (Koval).

Harp is a hotshot drone pilot who has never seen actual combat and is emotionally disconnected from the casualties he causes. Sent into a war zone as something of a lesson, he is paired with Leo who is in fact a top-secret android officer. Together the two must locate a nuclear device and prevent it being used by a militant madman. The tepid storyline is delivered with a fair amount of action, some drama, a couple of mild twists, leading into a mild ending.

Acting is interesting if nothing else. Mackie delivered a fairly emotionless role well and worked well with Idris. Idris was decent with mild energy and emotion. Kelly delivered his usual as did Asbaek. Cilenti, Beecham and the remainder of the supporting cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good and the film had a big screen feel. CGI and effects were solid. Action scenes were good with nice detail and fit. Dialogue had more than a few dry spots but was okay overall. Sound and soundtrack were fitting.

Outside the Wire ends up being a mild blend of action and sci-fi with a shot of drama. The story moves along at a decent pace while avoiding depth, but those who enjoy those genres should enjoy this one.

With violence, gore, and foul language, older teens and above should be good with this one.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 2.11.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Drama, Adventure, Sci-Fi Action

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel