Change Your Image
moviesfilmsreviewsinc
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Drive-Away Dolls (2024)
Not what I was expecting
Drive-Away Dolls is a queer road-movie caper directed by Ethan Coen and co-written by Tricia Cooke. It is Coen's second film without his brother Joel, following his Jerry Lee Lewis documentary in 2022. The film has a flimsy premise that resembles classic Coen brothers films like No Country For Old Men or Fargo. Joel and Ethan Coen, a renowned film-making duo, have a reputation for uncanny synchronization, often giving the same answer to questions even if asked separately. They are known as "the two-headed director," but their respective features suggest a surgical detachment less than a single brain split in twain. However, their works during their brief hiatus have given the impression of a single sensibility divided evenly between them. Joel's austere, atmospheric take on Macbeth is the goofiest and loosest entry, while Ethan's road comedy Drive-Away Dolls is the goofiest and loosest entry. Joel's solo project mines the history of American experimental theater for a bold, charcoal-sketched revision of the Bard's canon, while Ethan's sexploitation send-up revolves around a handful of pilfered dildos. This bawdy Sapphic joyride is far from minor Coen miscellanea, as Ethan and wife Tricia Cooke have marshaled the usual plot devices toward broader, more sophomoric ends. The film features an errant briefcase from No Country for Old Men, a pair of hitmen, and a loquacious wiseacre in the mold of O Brother, Where Art Thou's Ulysses Everett McGill. Drive-Away Dolls is a wild goose chase film set on the eve of Y2K, the twilight of Clintonism, and the eve of a conservative resurgence. The film offers a surprising openness of sentiment, offering the sweetest love story in a filmography constantly charged with a self-satisfied ironic remove from its own characters. The archness of technique that has turned off a vocal faction of detractors has been dialed way back, with the allusive streak more incidental than insistent. The essence of the Coenesque comes through strongest in the pristine dialogue, with its baroque turns of phrase, absurd circular repetitions, and idle philosophical musings. However, this shedding of seriousness has its costs, most noticeably in the directorial rigor a notch or two below the standard. The characters want to get their rocks off, and the Coen-Cooke braintrust likewise get their stylistic kicks, indulging in wipe-style scene transitions so cheesy that a viewer's reaction to the first one determines whether they will come along for the trip or get left behind. Interspersed passages of hazy psychedelia pad a svelte 84-minute runtime, featuring Miley Cyrus as radical visual artist Cynthia Plaster-Caster. Drive-Away Dolls is an essential work in the Coen corpus, an evolution more than a regression or sacrifice, and it's the rare case in which a preponderance of dick jokes heralds a newfound advance in maturity.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
Coen Brothers out of control
The Big Lebowski is a comedy film directed by Jeff Bridges, starring Jeff Bridges as an L. A. loafer named "The Dude" and John Goodman and Steve Buscemi as his sidekicks. The film is set in Los Angeles and follows the Dude, who spends his days in his small abode, knocking back White Russians and getting ready for his next bowling-league tournament. When two brigands break into his dump, mistaken for Lebowski, and take a warning piss on one of his rugs, the Dude is befuddled and upset. Inspired by this incident, he seeks out Lebowski, a wheelchair-bound, bitter rich man, to get restitution for his rug. Lebowski, who is wheelchair-bound, has little patience for the Dude, but coincidentally, his trophy wife has disappeared and he receives a ransom note for his wife's disappearance. The Dude is enlisted to make the drop, with 20 grand in it for him. The Dude, a bowling buddy, struggles with his lack of ambition, leading to mishaps and a series of berserkos. The film features a diverse cast, including Bridges, Buscemi, and Reid, all tackling various forms of human screwups. Bridges' tenacious demeanor as the Vietnam veteran is explosive and funny, while Buscemi's befuddlement as the third Stooge adds a fitting Larry-like befuddlement. Tara Reid's performance as the trophy wife is also impressive. The film's screwy textures, from Carter Burwell's music to costume designer Mary Zophres' wiggy duds, make it a richly rancid enjoyment. The raucously rattletrap musical selections add a pungent quality to the delirium, and musical supervisor T-Bone Burnett is praised for the screwy selections in this big laugher. "The Big Lebowski" is a film about Jeff Lebowski's equanimity amidst vicissitudes, including kidnapping, ransom money, pornography, a millionaire, a runaway girl, and the Vietnam veterans and Flower Power disagreement. The film is narrated by The Stranger, who observes that the Dude Abides and hears there is a little Lebowski on the way. The Dude is denied matrimony and seems to have no women in his life, except by lucky chance. The film explores themes of equanimity, societal norms, and the importance of a roof over his head, fresh half-and-half for his White Russians, a little weed, and bowling buddies. The film highlights the importance of a man's attitude and the value of a roof over his head, despite the challenges he faces.
Being the Ricardos (2021)
Love Lucy and Desi so much and We all love I LOVE LUCY.
Watching Being the Ricardos, 3 words come to mind.. I LOVE LUCY. Lucille Ball, the biggest star of the 1950s TV show I Love Lucy, was a hapless TV housewife. Aaron Sorkin's Lucille Ball movie explores the fragility of her stardom, as her real, imperfect self could potentially intrude on the illusion. The story takes place over a week, with flashbacks and flash-forwards, and takes place during a time when the government was hunting down reds, making Ball's career and marriage vulnerable. Lucille Ball, known for her 1950s sitcom I Love Lucy, is portrayed by Nicole Kidman in a film that focuses on her serious side rather than her physical comedy. The film takes place over a single episode of the show, from Monday's table read to Friday's live audience taping. It also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the crumbling relationship between Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz. The film is focused on deconstructing good screenwriting, line lands, and character motivation. Fans of Sorkin's writing will enjoy watching Alia Shawkat and Jake Lacy trade zingers in the writers' room. Sorkin's script explores various themes, including power dynamics, Hollywood misogyny, corporate hypocrisy, and media manipulation. He maintains balance by focusing on Lucy and Desi, a couple with multiple faces, and tries to understand their love but collectively too much to fit into one marriage. The film's witty approach keeps the pace moving. Nicole Kidman, despite her red hair, is a versatile actress who plays Ball's conflicted wife, balancing her power and fear of losing her husband. Bardem's Arnaz provides depth to the character, making her a versatile addition to the cast. Being The Ricardos is a compelling biopic that delves into the Ricardos family's life, revealing an entire industry and a transformative time in history. It requires minimal prior knowledge of its subjects, making it enjoyable for all, even those not fond of Lucy. Critics argue that Sorkin's grand speeches and earnest streak are his best work when the context is right, and the legendary TV couple's drama provides ample material for his best work. Aaron Sorkin's Crocodile Dundee is a comedy-drama inspired by the iconic US TV show I Love Lucy, which starred real-life married couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. The movie portrays Ball dealing with tabloid rumors about her husband's infidelity and career-endangering rumblings from the press. Nicole Kidman portrays Ball, while Javier Bardem plays Arnaz. Nina Arianda and JK Simmons play their neighbors, Vivian Vance and William Frawley, while Tony Hale plays their executive producer Jess Oppenheimer. Alia Shawkat plays head writer Madelyn Pugh. Sorkin, known for his situation comedy work, has a reputation for writing films and TV shows. However, his verbose dialogue, often deemed "screwball serious," can be exhausting. This was a major issue in his previous film, The Trial of the Chicago 7, but Sorkin emphasizes that Ball's forte was physical comedy. The film also features a mockumentary framing device, where older actors play supporting characters interviewed in the present day, using the phrase "What you gotta understand is..." This hectoring form of language is particularly hectoring when important subjects, like Ball's current political opinions, are left unexamined.
The People We Hate at the Wedding (2022)
Weddings make the best Comedies
"The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a film directed by Claire Scanlon that explores the consequences of unspoken familial grievances and their dramatic manifestations. The film follows siblings Alice and Paul, their mother Donna, and their tense reunion for the English wedding of their half-sister Eloise. The film does not aim to be revolutionary or experimental with the comedic genre, but rather to be a feel-good film. Kristen Bell, who plays Alice, makes a valiant effort as the standout with her humor and heart. She nails most of her punchlines and sets up the character arc with a seamless transition. Her chemistry with Dennis, her opposite in the will-they-won't-they subplot, is believable even within the context of their overwritten dialogue. Their pairing is the only relationship within the film that feels adequately matched in terms of performance and narrative credibility. Overall, "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is an awkwardly executed film that fails to deliver on its promise of a feel-good film. "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a film that despite its lackluster performance by Platt, Janney, and Addai-Robinson, offers a compelling narrative about a family confronting their demons. The comedic writing lacks flow and punch, but the film effectively explores the repercussions of aging families and the ways in which protecting oneself or others can become a matter of intention versus impact. The film's core source of tension, Addai-Robinson, feels disengaged with her character, and the film's core source of tension is evident in her eyes. "The People We Hate at the Wedding" is a formulaic comedy that fails to stand out. Scanlon's film reveals its thesis by the credits, but its shelf life is short, lasting about a day before expiring.
Polite Society (2023)
Everyone that made this film should be proud of the film they put out and it was a masterpiece
Polite Society is a feature debut by British writer-director Nida Manzoor, which blends elements of coming-of-age high school comedy, Bollywood movies, and martial arts flicks. The film begins with a refreshing first half, featuring genuine sibling concern over an older sister's engagement and a teenage girl's capacity for self-centered fantasies. The younger sister, Ria Khan, is a London-based Pakistani Muslim girl who dreams of becoming one of Britain's top stuntwomen. She is close to her sister Lena, who is a secret-language sister against the world. Lena, who recently returned home after dropping out of art school, protests and spars with Ria but still films amateur stunt videos for Ria's YouTube channel. The film's first 20 minutes are a charming combination of schoolgirl melodramatics and heightened silliness with a martial arts bent, resembling Scott Pilgrim meets Sex Education or an Austenian marriage plot. The film is a pleasure to watch, especially when Ria meets Salim, a dashing doctor and the only son of the ominously rich and doting Shah matriarch. Salim says all the right things and sweeps skeptical but aimless Lena off her feet, leaving Ria appalled. The film Polite Society is a mix of action movie antics and emotional stakes, with a playful sound design that adds to the tension. The script by Manzoor and the chemistry between Kansara and Arya give Ria's panic over Salim and Lena's courtship real legs. Ria's repulsion to Lena's engagement is both ridiculous and not unfounded, as romantic love and lack of confidence could mean the death of Ria's dreams for both of them. The film's push-pull between the sisters is both compelling and funny, with physical comedy hijinks and a pitch-perfect shot of Ria's attempt to incinerate Salim and Lena's second date. The second half takes on social horror, with a significant leap in tone and real-life stakes that the film never sticks to. The plot to save Lena has real-v-evil stakes, but it is less funny and less distinguishable. Despite this, Polite Society is enjoyable to watch throughout, with Ria's punk attitude, action-wacking, and lighthearted nature. It's easy to root for her transformation into her stuntwoman alter ego, The Fury, but the film handles the ludicrous plot poorly. The first half is energetically surefooted, establishing trust in Manzoor's instincts and hopes for a second feature. However, it struggles to pull off one big swing, similar to The Fury's signature kick.
Five Blind Dates (2024)
5 Blind Dates, which one will work out?
Five Blind Dates is a rom-com film that focuses on the familiar elements of a love story, such as sassy best friends and makeover montages. The film leans heavily on cliches, but once the characters settle in, it becomes a film where familiarity breeds fun. The Chinese-Australian Lia (Shuanh Hu) is a woman who dreams of setting up an artisanal tea house in Sydney but has been running it at a loss. Her best friend Mason (Ilai Swindells) is more interested in love than money. Lia is using seed money left by her grandmother to stay afloat, but her sister Alice (Tiffany Wang) is about to get married. Lia is the maid of honor, which involves spending time with her former best friend Richard (Yoson An), her former best friend turned boyfriend turned ex. The film is a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling. Five Blind Dates is a rom-com film that explores the intertwined love life and career of a Chinese-Australian woman named Lia. The film is based on the classic love story of a woman who dreams of setting up an artisanal tea house in Sydney but has been running it at a loss. Lia is the maid of honor, spending time with her former best friend Richard, who has turned into her ex-boyfriend. The film is a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling, with the main character Lia being a Chinese-Australian woman who dreams of setting up an artisanal tea house in Sydney. The film is based on cliches, but once the characters settle in, it becomes a film where familiarity breeds fun. Lia's best friend Mason is more interested in love than money, and she is using seed money left by her grandmother to stay afloat. Her sister Alice is about to get married, and Lia is the maid of honor, spending time with her former best friend Richard.
The film is a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling, with the main character Lia being the maid of honor and her best friend Mason being more interested in love than money. The film is a mix of humor and heartwarming storytelling, making it a fun and entertaining watch.
How to Date Billy Walsh (2024)
How did we come together?????
Prime Video's How to Date Billy Walsh is a rom-com film that relies on the comfort of seeing two people fall in love. The film assumes that its leads have the chemistry to go the distance, but the scripting becomes increasingly empty as the story unfolds. The main selling point is Sebastian Croft's portrayal of Archie, the lovesick best friend, who narrates. The movie does not evolve beyond deeply-rooted cliches, and the film starts with a disheveled Archie lamenting that "all is fair in love and war." As time freezes, Archie addresses the audience, breaking the fourth wall and taking us back to the first day of the last year of school. Archie has been in love with his bestie Amelia since they were young, but fate has other plans. Billy Walsh, an uber hottie, arrives on a motorcycle and immediately catches Millie's eye. If executed better, the meta-leaning feature of Archie's speeches to the audience would make for an easy recommend. However, the film feels like an easy method to toss out unnecessary exposition to tell and not show the storied past between Archie and Amelia. How to Date Billy Walsh is a film that explores the relationship between Millie, Archie, and Amelia, a young woman who is grieving her mother's death. Millie's social status is significantly impacted by Amber, a bully who mocks her every gesture. Millie's grief makes her relatable on a surface level, but the film struggles to understand why Archie cares so deeply about her. The couple's interactions are minimal, and the audience cannot root for their romance. The film's best part is Grouplove's "Tongue Tied" playing over the end credits. If the film were more focused on romance elements and fleshing out the central relationships, it could be a better film. The best part of How to Date Billy Walsh is Grouplove's "Tongue Tied," which adds a touch of complexity to the film. The movie, a mix of Harry Potter and a Nickelodeon movie, suffers from unflattering sex jokes and constant fourth wall breakage. The script is disorderly and the film's overall viewing experience is ruined by characters stuck in their fairy tale universes. Charithra Chandran's performance is enjoyable, but the film's "influencer" angle is not salvaged. The ending is mildly cute, but it's too late to save the movie. The film's overall viewing experience is subpar.
Stage Mother (2020)
LOVE IS LOVE
"Stage Mother" is a comedy that capitalizes on the popularity of drag culture, but its handling of issues like drug addiction and physical abuse can feel superficial. The film begins with the tragic death of a drag queen at Pandora's Box, a struggling Castro District bar. Rickey, a drag queen, dies, and his estranged parents, Maybelline and Jeb, learn about his death. After losing the bar to Rickey, Maybelline decides to keep it alive by turning a trio of drag performers into singers, in memory of her son. The film's superficiality is mitigated by some sparkling performances. Brad Hennig's script for the film is predictable, with characters like Sienna's abusive date and Joan struggling with addiction being merely templates. Nathan, the main character, has only two moods: resentful or supportive, and Grenier's angry performance feels overdrawn. Sienna, a single mom trying to date, is portrayed as a bad comedian's punchline about San Francisco. The performances of Cherry (Mya Taylor) and Tequila (Oscar Moreno) are also disappointing. The story's direction is predictable, but the actors do their best with what they have been given. Weaver adapts her tough mama person to a level of Baptist nice, while Skordi sells the charming bit as well as he can.
The trio of performers, Joan, Tequila, and Cherry, may not be the best singers, but they work well together. Moreno and MacDonald share the spotlight at different times as the most out-going queens, and Taylor plays the shiest one of the three. Cherry is more soft-spoken but also dealing with her own set of problems as a trans woman, bringing a world of patience to the blow-ups around her. Despite Grenier's angry performance feeling more petulant than nuanced, Liu seems to have fun playing her irresponsible character, making herself look as messy and weary as possible. "Stage Mother" is a movie that focuses on a group of queer men and women who are helped by a straight white woman, Joan, under the guidance of cinematographer Tom Harting. The storyline is not as progressive as it could have been, with the cityscape of Halifax in Nova Scotia being a beacon of love and acceptance that contrasts with the decaying ideals of small-town USA. However, the film's message of unity and hope may have won over even the most cynical viewers. Fitzgerald, a pioneering gay filmmaker from Canada, ensures that his characters take center stage, with the film hitting the high notes when Joan, Cherry, and Tequila Mockingbird are on stage. The film hard-sells Maybelline's suitability for the task, as she has experience overseeing a stilted small-town choir and belting out show-tunes with her son in flashback. The trio blossoms from lip-syncing caricatures to impressive drag divas, with the power to draw a huge crowd.
The Idea of You (2024)
Age is a number
Women of a certain age feel like they grew up alongside Anne Hathaway, as they experienced her awkward teens in "The Princess Diaries" and her narcissistic addiction in "Rachel Getting Married." As we reach middle age, we no longer feel the need to care about the cringe-worthy perception of millennials by Gen Z. Anne Hathaway, age 41, has come out of the celebrity wringer and has a long list of credits in movies ranging from commercial fare to auteurist masterpieces. "The Idea of You" is a fantasy film based on Robinne Lee's novel, which questions what if Harry Styles, the British megastar and former frontman of One Direction, fell in love with a hot 40-year-old mom. The Styles character is Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the British frontman of a five-member boy band called August Moon. The film is satisfying to see Anne Hathaway's name first before the title credit, as it allows us to settle into ourselves and appreciate the gift of reaching middle age. Amazon's The Idea of You is a glossy pop romance that aims to turn a fanfic favorite into a date movie. The film follows last year's Red, White and Royal Blue, a smartphone screen adaptation of Casey McQuiston's gay romp. The film follows a 40-year-old mom and a Harry Styles-level pop star, a blogpost daydream of love and lust. The movie stars Anne Hathaway and is made with a higher level of craft, from the sturdy studio-level direction of Michael Showalter to a mostly smooth-going script. The romcom genre has been "back" for a while, but it has mostly translated to quantity over quality. The film is on surer footing, almost threatening to be something far greater but settling into being perfectly acceptable instead. Actor-turned-novelist Lee was inspired to write the book while crushing on a YouTube video of a boyband. Solène (Hathaway) is turning 40 and still bruised from her ex-husband's cruel infidelity and the inevitable divorce. The Idea of You is a streaming romcom that follows the story of Solène, a 24-year-old girl who is forced to leave her ex and teenage daughter Izzy behind. She meets the lead singer of August Moon, Hayes, and their relationship takes an unexpected turn when they meet at Coachella. The film is not as explicit as the book, but it acknowledges the importance of sex in relationships and how sexual interactions can define them. The age gap between Hayes and Solène is somewhat smoothed from the book, but it still causes conflict and concern in the story. The film's script, written by Showalter and Jennifer Westfeldt, may be written with more thought than expected from a streaming romcom, but it lacks depth and interest in other characters. Solène and Hayes are too dreamily constructed to feel like real people, and there is little interest in any other character in the film. The film has a sizable budget for the genre and treats us to multiple locations, making it look and breathe like the grander films it comes after. Hathaway's charm adds more heart and soul to the film, while Galitzine's believable pop star performance provides enough electricity to power through some underpowered patches. The film's fake music is strong enough to make us believe it, but it's not truly enough to transport us back to the genre's heyday, but it's a damn sight better than what we've been forced to get used to.
Hot Pursuit (2015)
A Classic and made my laugh so hard
Hot Pursuit, a preposterous 87-minute cop comedy by Anne Fletcher, stars Reese Witherspoon as a pipsqueak officer with a Texas drawl and Sofía Vergara as a walking hourglass. The plot is absurd, with Officer Cooper (Witherspoon) working in the evidence room after accidentally setting an innocent civilian on fire. A drug kingpin is on trial, and a key witness needs to be escorted to Dallas. His wife is accompanying him, and laws require a female escort. Mrs. Riva (Vergara) and Cooper run for their lives in a convertible. Sofía Vergara, a Colombian-inspired actress, is a force of nature, gorgeous, hilarious, and ridiculous. When Officer Cooper pieces something together, Mrs. Riva calls her "a Meester Cherlox Homes." The chemistry between the stars is a must-see, and the film has the potential to be a masterpiece. Hot Pursuit is a predictable, hokey, retrograde comedy that features a pair of cops, Mrs Riva and Cooper, who are both trying to fit unrealistic ideals. The film also touches on dirty detectives and settling old scores, but this is shunted aside for more urgent business. The characters cover themselves in a deer carcass to escape a police roadblock and pretend to be quadruped. When a cloud of cocaine accidentally blasts in Witherspoon's face, she hops around like a lunatic in a truck stop, claiming they may need to catch their own food. The timing of the film is not the most clever, but it's great to see her go all out. The writers go all-in on Vergara saying things in Spanish that sound dirty, and a lengthy bit playing up faux lesbianism for the male gaze does not connect. However, Reese Witherspoon delivers the Heimlich maneuver to a dog just two minutes later, making it a great laugh. The film is a shame similar to getting drunk at the office Christmas party, but it's a testament to the joy of campy romps that don't lead to hangovers. "Hot Pursuit" is a comic-filled film that begins with a double murder scene, setting the tone for the film. The characters, Witherspoon and Vergara, spend a lot of energy and time insulting each other's personal appearances, only to outwit the bad guys who want to kill them through guilt power. The funniest part is the most biologically graphic scene, where the duo convince their potential assassins to grant them a bathroom break by describing human female menstruation in detail. However, Powerful Sisterhood consistently eludes Cooper and Daniella, as the script's too-busy plot twists compel Vergara's redeemable Bad Girl to repeatedly stabbing Cooper in the back. The energy, commitment, and good will displayed by the lead performers are the movie's only redeeming quality. Critics compare their interaction to that of Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, old-school comic performers who starred in a series of "Road" movies. Despite the lack of substance, the film's story carpentry allows the top dogs to riff, unlike the "Hot Pursuit" set up that was found offensive.
Taken (2008)
The king of Thrillers
Liam Neeson stars in Taken, a film about an ex-spy divorcé who tries to make up for years of parental neglect to his daughter, Maggie Grace. The film follows Maggie's journey to Europe, specifically Paris, where she is kidnapped by Albanian gangsters who plan to sell her victims to Arabs for white-girlie sex. Maggie's father, a paranoid parent and towering xenophobe, is right that a young Caucasian girl is prey to every godless, sex-mad, drug-pushing foreigner. Even his French-spy buddy, Jean-Claude, is not reliable in helping her. Taken is a risible male-re-empowerment fantasy set in a world where a fatal headshot and rescue from a life of inter-racial rape is the best way to win back Maggie's heart. The film features a brutal and violent portrayal of a father who is determined to make amends for his past neglect. The film is a risible male-re-empowerment fantasy that should not be considered for viewers. Taken is a film directed by Liam Neeson, starring Liam Neeson as a divorced father and special-ops superhero who proves his love for his teenage daughter while also exposing her stepfather. The movie begins when the daughter is abducted by sex traffickers in Paris, leading Neeson to become angry and cosplay with Frenchmen, Albanians, and Arab sheiks. The film is slick, dubious, and morally bankrupt, with a scene where Neeson presides over a sex auction, saving the daughter as "the best 'til last" and sparking a bidding war among the pervert connoisseurs. "Taken" portrays Bryan Mills as a skilled CIA agent who would have been an American prisoner since September 2001. Mills is a master of various skills, including laser-eyed, sharpshooting, and karate-fighting. He lives in Los Angeles, enjoying steaks with old CIA friends and spending time with his 17-year-old daughter, Kim. Kim lives with Mills' ex-wife and her wealthy husband, who gives Kim a thoroughbred as a birthday present. The film highlights the skill of CIA agents like Mills in capturing and capturing terrorists. "Taken" raises questions about the existence of secret clubs or covens of wealthy white men who despoil innocent women in perversity. The movie proves that Liam Neeson can bring credibility to most roles and that co-writer Luc Besson, whose actioner-assembly line produced the film, turns out high-quality trash, sometimes even better. The film demonstrates that if you can't wait for the next Bourne thriller, you don't have to.
Made in Italy (2020)
Neeson's performance in Made In Italy is exceptional.
Neeson's performance in Made In Italy is exceptional, and Richardson's casting is not due to nepotism. Richardson's 25-year-old son has genuine charisma and charm, and chemistry with his father is natural. Valeria Biello plays a local chef who provides a new romantic interest for Jack despite her own ex-pat issues. Lindsay Duncan, a veteran real estate agent, helps get the house together for a potential quick sale. Made In Italy is a fun and respite from personal life, offering a preview of a future travel destination once one falls in love with the wonders of the Tuscan sun. The film "Made in Italy" stars Liam Neeson and his son Micheál Richardson in the roles of a widowed artist named Robert and his son Jack. Robert's mother dies young in a car accident, paralleling the death of Neeson's real-life wife, Natasha, from injuries during a skiing accident. This adds a frisson to the climactic scene where the father and son discuss their handling of the late woman's death. However, the script lacks finesse in delivering the emotional punch, limiting the impact of the scene. The film also features property porn, with the two men bonding over their inherited Tuscan house, symbolizing Jack's desire to sell the house to buy an art gallery for his ex-wife's family. The director effectively uses the "deserted" house as a symbol of the unspoken relationship between Robert and Jack, revealing layers of dust, cobwebs, dead bugs, and live varmints. The movie's pointed glances at a locked shed signal unspoken feelings between Robert and Jack, leading to a confrontation that lacks emotional impact. However, a heart-stopping moment between Robert and real estate agent Kate (Lindsay Duncan), a British transplant, stands out as a heart-stopping exchange of wisdom. The film's mix of comic and melodramatic is unsteady, with Jack's budding romance with a trattoria owner (Valeria Bilello) becoming the weakest link in the plot. The film's sharp writing and performances stand out from the film's unsteady mix of comic and melodramatic elements. "Made in Italy" is filled with emotional undercurrents, reminiscent of the 2009 loss of Natasha Richardson. However, both actors struggle to authenticate the movie's affecting moments. The film aims to anticipate healing and bonding, but also handicaps the likelihood of real estate agents falling for Robert's scruffy mug and blood-red mural, or local restaurant owners serving dessert after a meal.
In the Land of Saints & Sinners (2023)
Perfectly Done, and Liam Neeson does a phenomenal performance
Robert Lorenz, producer-director and Clint Eastwood collaborator, is directing an action thriller set in County Donegal, Ireland. The film follows the story of Doireann, an IRA gang leader who accidentally kills children during the Troubles. Despite the collateral damage, she leads her crew to escape into Donegal, where they find themselves surrounded by stereotypes. The film features a stolid Garda officer, widower Finbar Murphy, and a shy neighbor Rita. The film explores themes of innocence, revenge, and the complexities of identity in a region largely untouched by the rest of the Republic. Finbar, a local mobster, is whacking people for local mobster McQue, but he feels bad about his work and the IRA's actions. Jack Gleeson plays Finbar's younger colleague Kevin, a gunman and Moody Blues enthusiast who wants to leave the assassination business and play guitar in a band in California. The film has some entertaining elements, such as sharp lines and a gonzo final shootout, but the overall tone of cliche is a bit worn, as indicated by the title, which misremembers the phrase "saints and scholars". The plot also has something ungallant, with Cusack's character vanishing after being punched in the face and forgotten until the very end. "Saints and Sinners" is a film that begins with a bombing orchestrated by an IRA terrorist named Doireann McCann, which leads to the death of three children. McCann and her cohorts hide in Murphy's village, eventually crossing paths with the good folk who live there. When Doireann's brother does something horrifying, he ends up a target of Murphy, setting off a series of events that inevitably lead to bloodshed. The simplicity of Mark Michael McNally & Terry Loane's script is charming, but it goes too far in the mid-section of the movie when the narrative starts to sag. Lorenz is a better director of performers, but the all-star team was likely easy to direct. Condon is great in the villainous Man in Black role from the Western template, and John Neeson finds some subdued chords in the film. However, there are some underdeveloped ideas regarding religion, sin, and redemption that could have helped during the narrative sag. The film's Irish setting demands a bit of that, but it doesn't feel carefully considered. The surface of Northern Ireland is gorgeous enough to practically be a character, enhancing the film that embraces its familiarity and might even resurrect faith in Neeson's future roles.
Taken 3 (2014)
Liam Neeson is the King of Thrillers
Liam Neeson's career as an action star is surprising given his stern features, imposing stature, and thick Irish brogue. Taken 3 is not a talentless affair, but it requires a certain degree of skill to produce something professionally competent while devoid of soul or wit. For the first time in his recent string of New Year donnybrooks, Neeson looks inescapably bored. His greatest foe appears to be the narrative NyQuil he constantly grapples with, and the battle is infectious. Taken 3 starts with life returning to normal for Bryan Mills, the world's deadliest name-taker. He buys a giant plush panda for his daughter Kim, who humors him with smiles and delicate revelations about her pregnancy. However, Bryan refuses to see her as a grown up, as she has been attending college since 2007. Trouble only starts when Bryan continues flirting with his ex-wife Lenore, much to the chagrin of her newest husband Stuart. Stuart sleazes smarm long before Lenore shows up dead in Bryan's apartment, and the cops think Bryan did it. Kim knows better, Stuart is indifferent, and lead LAPD investigator Franck Dotzler wants to clock out for the day. Taken 3, a sequel to the popular film Taken 2, has become a mere paycheck dispenser for many unenthused people. While the first film tried to build on the first by flipping the script with Maggie Grace saving her kidnapped father, Taken 3 takes the audience on a long ride, about 109 minutes. Director Olivier Megaton captures the bloodbath with precision and craftsmanship, with chase scenes beginning and ending with Neeson raising or lowering his hands in the proper order. However, the hero's escape is a mystery to the audience, as if crucial moments were never even mounted before a camera. As Liam Neeson's punch is lacking, Whitaker's performance as the law enforcement pursuer is bringing all the heat and blood-boil of gazpacho soup. It is unclear if the laid-back demeanor of his performance is a consequence of the script or a total lack of interest, but the movie gets to its conclusion at a breezy clip. The few redeeming features of the movie are Neeson's relationships with those he's not holding at a gun's end. Three films in, Neeson and Grace have developed a genuine rapport when playing father-and-daughter scenes, with an undeniable perkiness mutually shared by actors. Neeson's returning crew of spook sidekicks, including Leland Orser as loyal Sam, provides the kind of levity previously delivered by Neeson's now absent deadpan. In Taken 3, Russian villains take a hapless man, possibly wearing a red shirt, hostage. The gangsters demand the clerk open a life-size safe, leaving him to a shadowy end. The situation could have been worse, as they could have put Taken 3 on a loop to keep him company.
Taken 2 (2012)
The 5 commandments of Hollywood.
Producer Luc Besson and director Olivier Megaton could have made Searchers 2, featuring John Wayne kidnapped by Indians and sent smoke-signals to Natalie Wood. Instead, they created Taken, a 2008 kidnap drama featuring Liam Neeson as the CIA agent who finds and kills the kidnappers. Neeson's voicemail threat has turned him into an action hero. The sequel, Taken 2, features Neeson kidnapped in Istanbul and his daughter as his rescuer. He is chained up in a basement, and while Turkish captors leave him alone, he uses a hidden mobile phone to instruct his daughter to retrieve his guns and grenades. The sequel adds a twist to the story. Kim Mills, a young woman who has been kidnapped by sex traffickers in Paris and terrorists in Istanbul, has a protective father who implants a GPS app on her iPhone. The sequel to "Taken" (2008) stars Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, and Famke Janssen. The film follows the story of ex-CIA man Bryan Mills (Neeson) and his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen), who bond with their daughter Kim. Mills is hired to be a sheik's bodyguard in Istanbul, and he invites Kim and Lenore to join him for some R&R. However, the film opens with a funeral of Mills' victims from the first "Taken" film, which leaves dozens of dead bodies behind and unaccounted for. The chief mourner is Murad Krasniqi (Rade Sherbedgia), whose son was among the victims. Krasniqi vows revenge, despite the fact that Mills' daughter was one of the kidnappees. The film highlights the importance of family bonding and the need for responsible action in the future. "Taken 2" is a PG-13-rated action film directed by Olivier Megaton and produced and co-written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. The film follows Mills and Lenore, who are kidnapped by Kim, who pulls out of a family outing. Lenore is left hanging upside down in a warehouse, while Mills is chained to a pipe in the same room. Krasniqi, who has made a precise slit in Leonore's throat, explains that because the blood will flow to her head, she won't bleed to death right away. The film follows Mills, a brilliant graduate in CIA history, who manages to call his daughter for help and lead her through a complex process using a shoestring and a map to figure out where he and Lenore are being held. The film showcases Kim's ability to outrun terrorists and Turkish cops, despite failing two driver's license exams. The cast is uniformly capable and serious, and if you're buying what Luc Besson is selling, he's not short-changing you.
Masters of the Air: Part Nine (2024)
PART 9, THE ENDING
Masters of the Air, a popular Apple TV Plus series, has come to an end, with episode 9 being a supersized, almost feature-length installment. Despite the unbalanced pacing in the latter half of the series, the final episode is a return to the show's best, forming a strong ending for the Apple TV Plus series. The show opens with a thrilling aerial sequence starring Rosenthal, who demonstrates his steady nerves and unflinching leadership. The opening scene is the show at its best, with Nate Mann bringing Rosenthal from newcomer to leading man. Rosenthal goes down in Russian-controlled territory, shouting "Coca Cola!" at soldiers approaching to prove his Americanity. Fortunately, they believe him and he ends up on the long road back to England. Along the way, he stumbles across an abandoned concentration camp, which is difficult to watch as he realizes the depth of the atrocities committed there.
Eventually, Rosenthal makes it back and resettles into the swing of things without issue. He remains a steady presence for the rest of the episode, welcoming back Cleven and offering wisdom to struggling Crosby. The series has come full circle with Rosenthal, from newbie to established stalwart, and it's very satisfying. The show's main characters, Egan and Cleven, remain the heart of the show. The prisoner of war camp is evacuated, and tension rises as they attempt to escape. Egan is caught and almost shot, making Cleven's escape poignant. Their reunion is sweeter back in East Anglia when Cleven realizes it's his pal talking to him over the radio. The new camp Egan is transferred to is liberated, and the men fight back after so long. The Tuskegee Airmen are largely in the background, but their introduction last week positioned them as major players. Rosenthal, Crosby, and Cleven fly a supply drop mission in clear skies, and Egan welcomes them back on the radio for a joyful reunion. This is a fitting final hurrah for the characters, as VE Day ends the war and sends the men of the Bloody Hundredth home in a moving ending.
Masters of the Air: Part Eight (2024)
PART 8
Masters of the Air, a war drama, has released seven of its nine episodes on Apple TV+, focusing on the struggles faced by the 100th Bomb Group. The show has delved into the challenges faced by the group, including casualties, prisoners of war, and the pressure of flying into imminent danger. The cast, including Austin Butler, Callum Turner, and Barry Keoghan, is one of the biggest advantages of the project. Butler, who is known for his role as Elvis Presley in 2022's Elvis, is one of the lead characters. Callum Turner and Barry Keoghan have also had recent success, contributing to the show's success. However, a popular actor who has not yet appeared in the series is highly anticipated for his upcoming cameo. Doctor Who's Ncuti Gatwa is set to make a cameo appearance in Masters of the Air episode 8, which is set to offer a glimpse into a World War II Air Forces squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen. Gatwa is one of the last actors to make a cameo in the war drama. The episode's thumbnail features Gatwa, suggesting that the 100th and the Tuskegee Airmen may come together during D-Day. Gatwa will portray the real-life Tuskegee Airman, Second Lieutenant Robert Daniels, who served as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Forces and was part of the all-Black squadron, the Tuskegee Airmen. Daniels' fate during World War II was not uncommon, as he was shot down during a flight over Marseilles, France, and became a prisoner of war. He remained in German custody until May 1945, similar to Major John Egan of the 100th. Daniels earned a Prisoner of War medal for his actions during the war. After the war, he worked as an air traffic controller and died in 1987. Ncuti Gatwa, a renowned performer, is set to return in Masters of the Air episode 8. The role of Second Lieutenant Robert Daniels is a departure from his previous roles, which have been filled with light and magic. Despite this, Gatwa is expected to bring light and fun to the role while still doing justice to the real man. This episode will be an exciting and special installment of the series, introducing audiences to the Tuskegee Airmen and Ncuti Gatwa's character, akin to the fifteenth Doctor in Doctor Who. The inclusion of Gatwa in the series is expected to be a highlight and a strong lead-up to the final episode.
Masters of the Air: Part Seven (2024)
PART 7
Masters of the Air, a series of seven episodes, explores the dark missions and moments of the 100th Bomb Group. The series has seen the men of the 100th face numerous lethal missions, from Regensberg to Munster, and most recently, Berlin. However, the seventh episode skips over one mission, revealing even more of the bleak nature of the group. The 100th brings on replacements to take over the men lost in previous missions, with most of the original 100th having either been killed or captured as prisoners of war. The series continues to increase the danger of missions, with the 100th taking on Berlin in a mission called Black Monday. However, the episode does not reveal the previous battle, Black Thursday. Masters of the Air episode 5 depicts the Munster Raid in October 1943, followed by Major John Egan's capture as a POW and the impact on Lt. Col. Robert Rosenthal. The seventh episode jumps to March 1944, five months after the Raid, and highlights events like The Great Escape and Black Monday. However, it skips Black Thursday, a major battle the 100th fought in on October 14, 1943. Despite American efforts, German forces easily tracked and targeted the American bombers, resulting in the loss of 60 B-17s and the deaths of around 600 airmen. Masters of the Air may have skipped Black Thursday due to its similarity to other 100th Bomb Group losses during 1943. While Black Thursday is a notable example of the hard hits the 100th took, it does not stand out among other deadly missions they flew. The series could have included Black Thursday in episode 6, but it would have slowed everything down. Instead, it was important to focus on the cast's mental states and the fate of Major John Egan after the Munster Raid. A slower episode 6 added more to the story than another dangerous mission like Black Thursday.
Skipping Black Thursday is a good thing as it kept the story going and maintained some hope. The 100th Bomb Group's story is bleak, and including Black Thursday would have been an unnecessary addition to an already sad story. Masters of the Air should have avoided portraying Black Thursday, as it allowed the series to avoid getting too dark and used extra time wisely by exploring the emotionality of its characters. This helped audiences feel closer to the cast and set up for an intense ending. Black Thursday should be remembered.
Masters of the Air: Part Six (2024)
PART 6
Episode 6 of Masters of the Air showcases the ability to create tension, stakes, dread, and interesting character development without putting its heroes inside a plane. The show's final moments only touch on the air force base, which has been the center of the show. The harrowing storyline begins with Bucky (Callum Turner) landing deep in German territory and being captured by German farmers. He is taken on a series of voyages that show the brutality of war. The scene where Bucky and other unlucky POWs are paraded through a bombed-out German town gives him a new perspective on the war, revealing that Americans are not viewed as the "great liberators" they signed up to be.
From there, Bucky's journey becomes safer, but his fate is essentially sealed. He arrives for interrogation with Lieutenant Haussmann (Louis Hoffman), but refuses to give anything more than his name, rank, and serial number. The scene never rises above "we're not so different, you and I" territory, but it is redeemed by the equally horrific, wordless scene as Bucky is taken to the train. The show has turned a corner and is living up to its potential, demonstrating that it can create tension and stakes without putting its heroes inside a plane. In episode 6, Crosby attends a lecture in Oxford and meets his British counterparts, while Rosenthal (Nate Mann) is sent to a countryside estate to escape recent events. The purpose of this plotline is to give Crosby an outlet for his feelings about the war and the death of his friend Bubbles. He meets Alessandra Subatern Westgate (Bel Powley), an unspecified British member of the RAF who serves as his roommate. Despite her terrible writing skills, Westgate knows the torment soldiers face firsthand and provides a shoulder for Crosby to cry on. Rosie is ordered to take time off at the "flak house," a posh estate in the English countryside, after three missions in three days. He prefers to get back in the cockpit than talk about his feelings. This segment of episode 6 is the most effective, showing the psychological effects of the war in interesting ways. Rosie sees a fellow soldier crying uncontrollably in solitude, a profound moment of introspection for him. The contrast between the endings of Rosie and Bucky's storylines elicits interesting thematic material. Bucky is in a terrible situation in a Nazi POW camp, but he's now reunited with Buck, whom he believed dead. Rosie, in a safer place by the end, is filled with fear and uncertainty. While episode 6 is far from perfect, it's hard to not be excited for the remaining episodes of Masters of the Air.
Masters of the Air: Part Five (2024)
PART 5, Best episode so Far
Masters of the Air episode 5 marks the halfway mark of the limited series, with just four remaining episodes. The episode brings shattering loss, large-scale spectacle, and more lingering grief. Despite the bleakness, Crosby makes it back to base alive and well after last week's misadventure. Crosby and his crewmates find replacements in their beds, and Crosby's fellow navigator, Bubbles, admits he penned a letter to Cros's wife about his death. However, Cleven has not returned, and the episode is defined by absence. Egan mourns his friend alone, while Cros cuts a lonely figure as he eats solo, waiting for his friends to return. Anthony Boyle's portrayal of Cros, the narrator and audience surrogate, is a highlight of the show. Boyle's physical expressiveness and fear for his friends are evident throughout the episode. The focus is on aerial combat as the men embark on a death-defying mission. The score's rhythm is a ticking clock, and the VFX is consistently excellent. The first half of the battle is focused on Egan's aircraft, narrowing the scope of the action sequence. The emotional beats are even harder as flak rips through the squadron. Blake Neely's score lurches to the nightmarish as German planes fill the sky, turning the situation from bleak to hopeless. The battle that follows is on a blockbuster scale, with immaculate sound design sharpening every bullet, droning engine, and anguished cry. Egan and his crew have to abandon their plane, resulting in a vertigo-inducing free fall to dangerous ground. Lt. Rosenthal emerges as a key character, holding his nerve to drop bombs at the precise moment, manoeuvring around enemy planes on the attack, and even humming a rousing tune to encourage his crew. For much of this sequence, Rosenthal is wearing a mask, relying on Nate Mann's eyes to convey the stress, intensity, and determination of flying a plane in such extreme circumstances. The episode of "The Bloody Hundredth" is a haunting tale of the aftermath of the Battle of Stalingrad. Rosenthal's plane is the only intact Allied aircraft in the sky, and debris floats down slowly, illustrating the devastation of the battle. In just one episode, almost the entire Bloody Hundredth has been lost. The episode ends with Cros, alone in the frame, reading the eulogy and crying silently, contrasting with Egan's suppression of his grief. The camera lingers on the empty bed and the empty beds beside it, emphasizing the scale of the episode's losses and the inevitable change for the Bloody Hundredth. The episode highlights the enduring impact of the war and the loss of the lives of those who lost their lives.
Masters of the Air: Part Four (2024)
PART 4
Masters of the Air was a thrilling series that featured a bloody battle in the skies, resulting in the deaths of some crew members. Episode 4 takes the action from the air to the ground, highlighting the dangers of what's happening beneath the clouds. The episode picks up in Algeria after episode 3, but doesn't take place in the promised paradise. Instead, it takes place in East Anglia, where a crew returns from their 25th mission, announcing that only 12 out of the original 35 crews remain. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the fatal nature of skyward trips. The episode revolves around the celebration of heroism, love, and loss during the war. Lt. Nash, a new pilot, develops a romantic relationship with Red Cross member Helen, but their relationship is short-lived. The episode also explores themes of love and loss, as Lt. Rosenthal tells Helen that Nash was lost in battle. Egan, a pilot, travels to London but finds no respite in the city. He dances with a stranger who tells him her husband was lost in the war, causing her to feel wistful and hopeful. The war wounds everyone, as Egan walks a street with the Blitz scars, passing a wrecked home and a woman mourning her daughter killed in the bombing raids. The war is everywhere, as the war is everywhere. The episode highlights the uneasy balance between joy and death in the war and the impact it has on everyone. The episode follows Sgt. William Quinn's journey to England after being stranded in Belgium. He faces intense scrutiny from a man who will help him escape. The stakes are high for the underground network, as Bob, an undercover Nazi, is brutally shot dead in the forest. The Nazis have been trying to infiltrate the network for some time. The group of ordinary people risking everything in impossible circumstances is painfully tense when Quinn tries to make a run for it upon arriving in Paris. Fortunately, another member of the network defuses the situation, but the sight of uniformed Nazi officers is a chilling reminder of the risk. Quinn makes a tentative connection with Louise, but their relationship is short-lived. Louise's letter is confiscated and burned, and Quinn is given an intense reality check about what would happen to Louise and her family if their actions were discovered. The episode's emotional climax occurs when Cleven and Crosby are killed in action, leaving Egan and Cleven as either stranded or prisoners of war. The unknown hurts the most, as Egan doesn't know his friend Biddick was killed crash-landing. The men must count planes and parachutes to see if their comrades have escaped. The real cliffhanger is Egan's reaction, as he and Cleven share a deep bond, shattered by war. Egan is determined to fly the next mission, leading to recklessness and survivor's guilt. Callum Turner delivers a captivating portrayal of Egan, with an edge beneath his easy smiles and pain broiling to the surface in the phone booth. Cros's idea of "courage took many forms during the war" is displayed throughout the episode, contrasting tender sentiment with the cruel reality of conflict.
Masters of the Air: Part Three (2024)
PART 3
In the two-episode premiere of Masters of the Air, it is difficult to predict if Cleven, Egan, and Biddick will survive the entire war due to the lack of detailed knowledge about each man's history. However, the episode "Part Three" provides a good reason to ponder the lack of knowledge. Despite Cleven and Egan's uncertainty about Curt Biddick's whereabouts, the audience is certain. In the opening episodes, Biddick manages to avoid a deadly crash-landing and ends up with friendly people on the coast of Scotland. In the episode, the 100th Bomb Group, led by Lt. Roy Frank Claytor, successfully bails out of a plane that is going down fast. However, Biddick's attempt to steer his downed plane and save his co-pilot's life is thwarted by a highly placed tree cover, and the plane blows up midway through the episode. Barry Keoghan is bid adieu to the immensely talented actor, who is off to deal with his burgeoning film career. Chapter 3 involves a dangerous "three-punch combo" mission to Africa, aiming to bomb Regensburg for the longest time over German territory and deepest into Germany. Major Bowman announces the plan, which involves three task forces flying together and then splitting, allowing only one squadron to defend. The first squadron will refuel, while the second squadron will drop bombs on Schweinfurt. Instead of turning back, they will fly to Africa in Telergma, aiming to confuse the Germans while the Americans bomb sites with precision. Major Egan (Callum Turner) volunteers to fly in Captain Cruikshank's fort as a reserved commander pilot, despite being in the back seat. The 100th is "tail-end Charlie," meaning their squadron is at the end of the most dangerous place. Major Kidd leads the 418th, Major Veal leads the 349th, and the 351st squadrons are in the high position. Colonel Neil 'Chick' Harding orders the 100th to fly alone without cover or air support, causing chaos. Extra fighters stop the Germans from coming back for a second offensive. Quinn is held at gunpoint by resistance fighters in Germany-occupied Belgium. After jumping out of the plane, he lands safely and meets a girl who identifies as an American. She finds her father, who alerts her to the resistance. They explain that he can either turn himself in to the Germans, be placed in a prisoner camp, and survive the war, or escape back to England. If caught, he will be executed as a spy.
Masters of the Air: Part Two (2024)
PART TWO
British soldiers argue that American Air Force survivors are fewer due to daytime drops, which increase visibility. Americans prefer nighttime drops for safety, but this is considered reckless by American standards. The boys, Curtis and his friends, decide to settle the issue. Curtis challenges the Brit, who appears to play cricket, and lands a powerful combination, knocking out the fellow Allied serviceman. Curtis's friends celebrate with him, highlighting the importance of safety in the military. Gale, Curt, and Bucky lead a squadron to Norway to bomb German submarines. Bubbles recovers from frostbite, and Crosby takes over as navigator. Despite experiencing airsickness, he throws up and uses his helmet. Curt's bomber is damaged during the fight, and he must make an emergency landing in a Scottish field. Gale helps guide the aircraft to safety. Crosby struggles with calculations and vomit, and despite his radio being down, he helps Buck navigate the plane. They return to safety and Crosby is complimented for his cool head under pressure, which takes him back. Episode 2 begins with the men having a bicycle race on their base, followed by a failed air mission. Due to lack of visibility, CO Huglin scrubbed the mission, preventing US planes from dropping any bombs. The unit suffered significant casualties, with many pounded and rendered unfit to serve. Bosser and Dickie suffer frostbite, which prevents them from flying. Some men also suffered on the ground from a different kind of struggle. Major Egan invites Lt. Curtis Biddick for an alcohol blowout after the mission, feeling pained that he couldn't contribute to the mission and the loss of one of his men. He laments the loss of one of his men and reveals that he is set to meet the new Commanding Officer, Colonel Harding, the next morning. Episode 2 of Masters of the Air continues the success of the season opener, focusing on the main characters and separating them from the crowd. The episode's narrative sense is clear, and the performances of Cameron Turner and Austin Butler are impressive. The makers effectively convey their message without resorting to flashy writing or jingoistic patriotism, making it a sure-shot blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic. Apple TV has started the year off with a blockbuster that has all the trappings of a classic.
Masters of the Air: Part One (2024)
PART ONE
Masters of the Air is a story about two best friends, Major Gale "Buck" Cleven and Major John "Bucky" Eagan, who serve in the US Air Force. They are part of the 100th Bomb Squad, which is sent to England to aid the 8th US Air Force in its aerial battle with Nazi Germany. Eagan, who has been promoted to General Air Executive, is not flying bomber planes in missions. However, he has a desire to contribute and has been hired as an Observation Pilot. The 100th Bomb Squad is part of four squadrons, led by Major Cleven, each with six to eight members. The unit, a highly trained and experienced group, landed in South Greenland base, facing a challenging real war scenario. The unit, consisting of US citizens, was led by Major Harry Crossby, a navigator. They had to fly from Greenland to Thorpe Abbotts Air Field to begin their missions. However, their plane, which was diverted towards France, and cloud cover hindered visibility. Despite the difficult landing, they managed to escape the dangerous situation. One of the flaps didn't open, and they had to crash land, which attracted the attention of CO Harold Huglin. The unit's bravery and character were tested in real war. Eagan, a unit commander, is summoned and warned about maintaining order. He pleads to be demoted to a Squadron Commander, but Huglin rejects his request. Huglin vomits blood on his table after Eagan leaves. On 25 June 1944, the unit's first mission is to hit German U-boat pens in Bremen, which are bunkers protecting them from air attacks. The 350th and 349th squads, led by Cleven and Major Wheeler, are tasked with neutralizing these boats, as nearly 70 Allies cargo ships have been downed in the sea. The importance of remaining together in a tight formation is emphasized, as German fighters could pick them off one by one. The unit must also brave ground artillery to prevent them from hitting the pens. The weather conditions are unfavorable, with dense cloud coverage making it difficult for planes to have visibility. Two planes nearly bump into each other before the mission starts. Artillery fire is started, and a few planes are hit, but they manage. Huglin, flying with the 349th, scrubs the mission due to poor visibility, unable to accurately bomb the pens from the open air. The unit is disappointed when the German counter in the air hits, causing significant damage and taking down three from the Air Force unit. Out of 19 planes, only 16 return. The alarm is sounded, and a full interrogation is undertaken. The excitement and build-up end with no bombs being dropped on the Germans, suggesting that this may be the new normal for the 100th bomb squad. In Episode 1, Masters of the Air is a companion piece to Band of Brothers, focusing on the camaraderie of unit members rather than the actual mission. The makers of the show share cinema essentials, making it difficult to remember characters initially. The storytelling focuses on the members of the unit rather than the mission itself. The technical proficiency behind the scenes is impressive, with impressive jargon in writing and performances. Visual effects set the standards, with cockpit sequences and air combat scenes being masterfully brought to life. If you were expecting something similar to Band of Brothers, Masters of the Air promises to be another stellar piece of content.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
Supernational, and Sexy
Netflix's Dead Boy Detectives follows two British teenagers, Edwin and Charles, who have been helping ghosts with unresolved matters for decades. The show introduces viewers to the adventures and afterlife of the characters, first introduced in The Sandman #25. However, their routine is disrupted by the arrival of amnesiac psychic Crystal Palace. Dead Boy Detectives uses a whimsical horror approach, pitting the central trio against various ghosts, demons, and macabre threats with a winking, humorous tone. The show is entertaining, garnering laughs with characters like an apologetic emissary of Hell and a bizarre anime-inspired tree with giant teeth named Teeth Face. The Dead Boys move to a small town in the Pacific Northwest, played by Canada, to help Crystal, who has been suffering from a bit of possession. They continue to take cases and contend with the ongoing threats of a witch named Esther (Jenn Lyon) and the supernatural bureaucrat Night Nurse (Ruth Connell). Lyon and Connell provide great fun as determined characters, with Lyon's Esther being casually cruel and Lyon's Night Nurse being uber disciplinarian. The show has some jokes that are repetitive and unappealing. Ghosts can communicate with cats, but every cat speaks in a grumpy voice, and Lukas Gage's appearances as the Cat King become repetitive over time. The snarky and insulting miniature Sprites are initially amusing but lose their appeal in later episodes. Yuyu Kitamura's character, Niko, is funny but rarely joins the Dead Boy Detectives' investigations like Crystal. The living girls' landlord, Jenny, is incidental and contributes little to the overall story, despite Briana Cuoco's likable performance. The show's humor and supporting characters feel adrift, with some characters feeling superfluous and incidental. Ruth Connell's role in Dead Boy Detectives is a reflection of the show's development, which was originally a spinoff of Doom Patrol for Max and later sold to Netflix. The show is more similar to the Netflix series The Sandman, with familiar faces like Kirby and The Sandman's Death. Despite Neil Gaiman's involvement, Dead Boy Detectives lacks the dramatic heights of The Sandman, and sometimes feels superficial and try-hard. Season 1 is a mid-point, emphasizing procedural mysteries over serialized storytelling. The third episode, about a family reliving their murder, is a highlight that leans into pure horror. The finale is just so-so, but preceded by a strong penultimate episode that fleshes out Edwin and Charles' personal histories. Despite some budget constraints, Dead Boy Detectives showcases impressive and creative imagery throughout the season, including a corpse garden, cool creature designs, and backstories rendered in different animation styles.