Author Archives: Keith Garlington

First Glance: “Da 5 Bloods”

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Whether you’re a fan or not, everyone seems to pay attention when a new Spike Lee movie comes around. Personally, I find him to be incredibly talented behind the camera yet a bit hit-or-miss when it comes to end results. For me the question is always whether he’ll get too heavy-handed and preachy or get out of the way and trusts his material and direction to do the talking.

After seeing the first trailer for his new Netflix film “Da 5 Bloods” those questions still linger. At the same time his knack for provocative storytelling and shrewd visual style is on healthy display in this first look. It seems like four Army vets head back to Vietnam to retrieve a crate of gold bars they hid during the war. Questionable motives, unquestionable heroism, painful flashbacks, and plenty of commentary – the trailer is crammed packed with all of that and more.

“Da 5 Bloods” is set to drop June 12th on Netflix. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

REVIEW: “Capone” (2020)

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Josh Trank burst onto the scene in 2012 with “Chronicle”, his own spin on the superhero genre. While I wasn’t as smitten with it as most, the film earned high marks and seemed to put Trank on the fast-track to bigger projects. That came in 2015 with “Fantastic Four”, an unmitigated disaster that was widely panned and hampered by rumors of production discord between Trank and the studio.

“Capone” is Trank’s first film since the “Fantastic Four” debacle and he couldn’t have picked a more intriguing subject or a more captivating lead actor. Exploring the final days of arguably the most notorious mobster in American gangland history is fascinating in itself. Casting Tom Hardy to play the titular character just added to the excitement. Unfortunately “Capone” is a lethargic mess that never fully gets its feet under itself. On the other hand, the angle it takes in exploring one man’s madness couldn’t be done in a neat and tidy way.

The movie takes a look at the final months of Capone’s life as he lives in exile on his Palm Island, Florida estate. He’s no longer deemed a threat by the government, but they still keep him under constant surveillance. By this time Capone was a physically and mentally deteriorated shell of his former self, his body and mind eroded by neurosyphilis. So he spends his time confined to his mansion, battling ghosts from his past and haunting hallucinations that may or may not be rooted in reality.

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Photo Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

“Capone” is a one-man show, resting squarely on the shoulders of the intensely committed Tom Hardy. There are other characters though including Linda Cardellini playing his wife Mae, a woman trapped in their relationship but content to let it play out. Kyle MacLachlan plays the family doctor who is coerced by the feds into being their earpiece. Matt Dillon pops up as an old friend and enforcer who pays Al a visit. And we get Gino Cafarelli as a loyal-till-the-end lieutenant who watches over his dying boss’ place.

But it’s all about Big Al and Hardy’s ‘method’ deep-dive which leaves no detail unexplored. His performance fits well with Trank’s self-aware treatment which is partly based on fact and just as much on fiction. Hardy digs down into the cigar-chomping Capone’s fractured psyche, portraying a dementia-riddled 47-year-old in a doddering old man’s body.  It’s a surreal portrait, slightly absurd and even more grotesque, masked by raspy growls, bloodshot eyes, and a sickly pale complexion. It shows a man consumed by guilt, paranoia, and indignation but held captive by his pitiful, steadily weakening frame.

Trank (who wrote, edited, and directed) teases Capone’s violent past, but he never gives it space to be glamorized. From his blood-drenched nightmares to his urine-soaked pajamas, the Capone seen here isn’t afforded a single scene of celebration. Instead Trank focuses on the ugliness of a man stripped bare of his former glory and living with the rotten fruits of his brutal, violent labors. Every frame of this film is intent on shattering the Al Capone mythos. On that level Trank accomplishes exactly what he sets out to do.

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Photo Courtesy of Vertical Entertainment

“Capone” is an ugly, uncomfortable movie, but so is its subject matter. Neither Josh Trank’s filmmaking nor Tom Hardy’s performance allow a second for nostalgia or romanticizing. There are no warm flashbacks or reminiscing of the glory days. The movie isn’t interested in what got Capone to this point. It is interested in bringing him face-to-face with the futility of his opulence, power and past pleasures.

“Capone” has already proven to be a polarizing film and in many ways it was destined to be. This is not your standard biopic nor does is feature a conventional narrative. It’s a movie full of blurred lines and disorienting visions. There is no steady dramatic throughline except for a fun macguffin involving the hidden $10 million Geraldo Rivera thought he found back in 1986. Everyone wants to get their hands on it, but its location is lost in Capone’s addled mind. Trank throws out clues to where the money is hidden and I had fun figuring out where I thought it might be.

But that’s about all the “story” you’re going to get. The rest is a grim foray into a disease-ravaged mind anchored by Hardy’s grab-it-by-the-throat performance. Is that enough to warrant sitting through so much unpleasantness? You’ll have to make that call. Me, I’m kinda on the fence. I really want more in terms of character depth and story. At the same time I can’t help but appreciate Trank’s audacity and unflinching commitment to his vision. And the sheer craft on display shows a side of Trank we haven’t seen before.

VERDICT – 3 STARS

3-stars

REVIEW: “The Trip to Greece” (2020)

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If you aren’t familiar with the “Trip” movies, they actually have an interesting origin. The brainchild of actors Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon along with filmmaker Michael Winterbottom, they began back in 2010 as an improvised six-episode BBC television series. The series was then edited into a well-received feature film. In the years following, the trio would successfully repeat their comedic TV-to-movie formula for trips to Italy and Spain.

The idea has Coogan and Brydon playing fictionalized and slightly exaggerated versions of themselves. Coogan is commissioned to venture out on a culinary road trip reviewing restaurants across various European locations. Everybody he invites to go along turns him down except Brydon. So the two set out on week-long journeys into history, culture and cuisine. But as before, the real draw is the steady diet of banter, drollery, and of course the wildly funny impersonations.

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Photo Courtesy of IFC Films

The fourth and final “Trip” series aired earlier this year in the U.K. and this Friday we get its film version “The Trip to Greece”. This time around the pithy, chattering Brits set out to retrace the steps of Odysseus in six days beginning with a brief stop in Turkey. From there it’s across Greece’s beautiful rolling hills and along its stunning sun-soaked coasts, making stops at Ancient Stagira, the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, the Theatre of Epidaurus, the Caves of Diros, among other history-rich landmarks. Each day is wrapped up with a delectable gourmet meal at a five-star local restaurant.

While the film absolutely works as an exquisitely shot travelogue, it’s the easygoing and often hilarious conversations that sets these films apart. Coogan and Brydon have a relaxed, free-wheeling chemistry that shows itself in their off-the-cuff chats about history, mythology, and philosophy. Their good-natured riffing and playful competitiveness lead to some really funny exchanges. And then you have the slew of impersonations from Marlon Brando to Sean Connery (their “Stan Laurel and Tom Hardy” bit may be my personal favorite).

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Photo Courtesy of IFC Films

But though coated in humor, some of their topics expose a thinly-veiled middle-age melancholy. Certain discussions reveal deeper and more personal reflections – ponderings about life and death, happiness and contentment. It really comes to light in the final act where Winterbottom injects his film with a heavy dose of humanity that quite frankly caught me off guard. It’s culminates in a strong ending which taps into some important but often less recognized themes that have subtly ran throughout the entire series.

“The Trip to Greece” is a fitting and thoroughly satisfying way to end a surprisingly enduring series. It’s a joy to look at whether admiring the gorgeous seas and countryside or enviously drooling over the exquisite dishes. And it’s all threaded together by Coogan and Brydon’s terrific camaraderie. You could make the argument that this is more of the same just in a different country. You wouldn’t be wrong and that should excite fans of the previous movies. Interestingly, this may be the most mature of the four films, but it’s just as funny and entertaining even when the duo’s jokes are flying over my head.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

4-stars

First Glance: “End of Sentence”

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The Icelandic drama “End of Sentence” was actually shot back in early 2017, but is just now set to debut in the States later this year. The movie follows a widower who reluctantly sets out to honor his deceased wife’s last wishes of spreading her ashes near a lake in her native Ireland. But first he has to convince her estranged son, fresh out of prison, to make the trip with him.

The film is directed by Elfar Adalsteins and stars John Hawkes as the widower and Logan Lerman as the son. It looks to be a story of mending relationships in a fractured family and the first trailer seems interesting despite looking a little predictable. But I’m a big fan of Hawkes going back to his work in “Winter’s Bone” so I’ll watch him in just about anything.

“End of Sentence” is set for a May 29th limited release. Check out the trailer below and let me know if you’ll be seeing it or taking a pass.

REVIEW: “The Wrong Missy” (2020)

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I still remember the good ol’ days of David Spade. I liked his run on Saturday Night Live and his movies with the late Chris Farley. I remember laughing at his dry, sardonic wit and razor-sharp sarcasm. He was good as the dweeby straight-man foil to Farley’s unbridled, hyperactive goofball. Those days seem so long ago and Spade’s latest movie “The Wrong Missy” does nothing to indicate they’re coming back any time soon.

These days Spade is content with making appearances in a bunch of low-brow flicks with his buddies (Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, etc.) and occasionally starring in Sandler-produced Netflix features. “The Wrong Missy” is an amalgamation of everything I dislike about their brand of comedy. They basically recycle the same garbage over and over again – story elements, character types, gags. If you’re looking for something fresh and original, you won’t find it here. And if you want something funny, you should look somewhere else.

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Photo Courtesy of Netflix

“The Wrong Missy” is built on an absurd misunderstanding that defies any hint of logic. Then to make sure it holds up for 90 minutes, the writers (Kevin Barnett and Chris Pappas) reinforce it with even dopier plot details. The idea is that Tim (Spade) inadvertently invites the wrong woman to a luxurious work retreat in Hawaii. He meant to invite the gorgeous supermodel Melissa he met at the airport (Molly Sims) but he accidentally invites the loud, obnoxiously vulgar madwoman Melissa (Lauren Lapkus) from his past. How you may wonder? Trust me, it’s best not to ask.

Of course once they arrive at the posh island resort mind-numbing hijinks ensue. Tim, who is a finalist for a big promotion, wants to impress his boss (Geoff Pierson) and his co-workers by showing off his stunner new girlfriend. Instead he shows up with an insufferable, dim-witted ball of chaos. Director Tyler Spindel spends at least 95% of the movie laughing at the ‘wrong’ Melissa and emphasizing her maniacal (borderline psychotic) behavior. Only a few lines of dialogue near the end even try to humanize her. It’s a vain attempt.

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Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Meanwhile Spade goes about his business rehashing the same old act. He’s mainly a walking conduit for the slew of juvenile ‘humor’, off-putting raunch, and lazy punchlines all of which land with a thud. The real victim is Lapkus who I’m guessing can be pretty funny, but here is weighted down by truly awful material. Her character is shallow, unlikable, and as annoying as the persistent sounds of nails on a chalkboard.

About the only good thing I can say about “The Wrong Missy” is that it clocks in at a lean 90 minutes. That’s a blessing because enduring much more would truly be testing my limits. It’s that bad. I guess these movies have a following and Netflix is somehow finding them profitable. I find many of them to be appallingly bad and “The Wrong Missy” is no exception. It’s a low-rung comedy with nothing to say and that doesn’t even try to do anything fresh or new. Manual labor, oral surgery, or even an insurance lecture would be a more entertaining way to spend your time.

VERDICT – 1 STAR

1-star

RANKED: The Star Wars Films

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If you have been a follower of this site or my Twitter feed you probably know I have an insatiable appetite for Star Wars. From my days as a young boy watching the original trilogy in the theaters to now, Star Wars has been and remains a huge part of my life. The movies, the books, the three animated series, the new live-action shows – I love everything about it.

Considering all of that I’m a little surprised I haven’t done a Ranked post focused on the Star Wars films. With the Skywalker Saga wrapping up last year what better time than now to rank the eleven feature films in the Star Wars franchise. As with every Ranked post, we will start at the bottom and work our way to what I think is the very best Star Wars film. But as someone who likes every single SW movie (to varying degrees), even the least of these are close to my heart. So here we go.

#11 – “The Last Jedi”

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Look, I’ve heard all of the bitter debates, from the seething animosity to the overblown adulation. TLJ‘s spot on my list may appear like I’m in the “anti” camp. But remember, I like all of these films and that includes Rian Johnson’s controversial take on the Star Wars universe. For me TLJ doesn’t fall short in its handling of Luke Skywalker or by its interpretations of the Force. Instead it’s in the sluggish mid-section storytelling where Johnson’s script bogs down. Weird character logic, flat and uninteresting new faces, and a seemingly pointless side mission still leaves me scratching my head. Johnson’s combative reactions to criticism didn’t help either. Yet TLJ is a movie with several thrilling moments, incredible effects, and a good Star Wars feel despite some shaky writing.

#10 – “Solo: A Star Wars Story”

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Coming on the heels of “The Last Jedi”, “Solo” released in a precarious space. Fans were still stewing over their disappointment (whether fair or not) in where Rian Johnson left the franchise. This led to many skipping out on “Solo” altogether. The results were sub-par box office numbers and the sad demise of the one-shot feature films. The sad thing is “Solo” is actually pretty good, better than I ever expected. It has good characters with fun chemistry and a killer ending that teased something I guess we will never see. Was it up there with the best of the series? Not at all. But “Solo” was a satisfying and entertaining Star Wars picture that felt right at home within the franchise.

#9 – “Attack of the Clones”

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For what it’s worth Episode II of the Skywalker Saga has the distinguished honor of being the movie I’ve seen the most times at the theater. I was enamored with it when it first came out in 2002. I still like it mainly as a setup to Episode III (more on it later) and for how it sets the landscape for the terrific “The Clone Wars” series. It’s far from perfect. The Anakin/Padme romance scenes, though pivotal, are sometimes cringe-inducing. It’s also a prime example of Lucas’ obsessive use of CGI that far too often overpowers his scenes. But Dooku is great, I actually like the political table-setting, and watching the emergence of the Jedi Council is really fun to watch.

#8 – “The Phantom Menace”

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Here is another Star Wars film that people love to hate but that I enjoy. “The Phantom Menace” was met with praise for its ground-breaking special effects and scorn for pretty much everything else. And even in this day where many are re-evaluating the prequels, TPM doesn’t get much love. Look, I get it – midi-chlorians still make no sense to me and Jar Jar was cutesy comedy overkill. But for me the good far outweigh the bad. Lucas does a good job laying the groundwork for the many things that follow. Plus, it gives us the single greatest lightsaber battle of the franchise pitting Obi-Wan and Anakin versus the sinister Darth Maul. Simply put, I’ve always enjoyed Episode I.

#7 – “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”

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I was thrilled when I first heard about the stand-alone Star Wars movies and their endless potential. I was even more excited after seeing Gareth Edwards’ “Rogue One”. Set as a lead up to Episode IV, “Rogue One” follows a group of…well…rogues as they attempt to swipe the Death Star plans from the Galactic Empire. “Rogue One” stands out as feeling different from every other film in the franchise yet still very much capturing the essence of a Star Wars movie. Great characters, gritty action, and a final five minutes that still makes the hairs on my arm stand. This and “Solo” were evidence that these single-shot movies could work. It’s too bad they were shelved.

#6 – “The Rise of Skywalker”

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Here’s another movie effected by the TLJ fallout and one that deserves better than the reactions it gets. After my first viewing “Rise” would have been lower on this list. But I’ve seen it three times since and I’ve discovered more layers to its story and depth of characters than I did the first time through. It had a lot to manage – the sad passing of Carrie Fisher, course correcting from the previous movie, and closing out the entire Skywalker Saga. Frankly, it had too much to cover and it’s remarkable it came out as good as it did. It really brings a new perspective to the entire saga and it leaves several things open (as usual) for fans to explore and discuss. I love it’s mix of the old and new and it left me excited for what it accomplished and sad that to see it end.

#5 – “The Force Awakens”

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Talk about pressure to meet ungodly expectations. “The Force Awakens” was Disney’s first film following their gazillion dollar acquisition of the Star Wars franchise from George Lucas. The film teamed J.J. Abrams with Star Wars veteran screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and Oscar-winner Michael Arndt to launch a fresh trilogy for a new era. At the same time their film was intricately connected to its predecessors, full of exciting throwbacks and fun nostalgia. Most importantly they eased the worries of franchise fans by delivering a true Star Wars experience with new characters and new mythology to plow.

#4 – “A New Hope”

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A part of me is always tempted to put “A New Hope” as the best Star Wars movie simply because it’s the one that started it all. The sheer audacity of George Lucas to invest so much into something so few believed in is impressive. It’s even more amazing how well it turned out. Lucas ushered us into his marvelous, sprawling universe with a movie full of great characters and an old-fashioned space story that has stood the test of time. Han, Luke, and Leia. R2-D2, C-3PO, and Chewie. They were introduced into pop culture through “A New Hope” and have been with us ever since. This film dramatically changed my childhood, and I can honestly say for the better.

#3 – “Revenge of the Sith”

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As an ardent defender of the prequel trilogy I always point to Episode III as the reason the prequels work. Sure they are three separate movies, but they work together as one and Lucas’ vision really comes together in “Revenge of the Sith”. This movie has so much riding on it. Not only did it need to wrap up the prequels, but it had to make sure everything fit with the original trilogy. That’s no easy task. It’s the darkest of any Star Wars film featuring some purely riveting storytelling culminating in the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the rise of Darth Vader. The visual effects seemed more focused and work to serve the story while John Williams’ music has never been better. Ultimately it is a fantastic conclusion to the prequels and a satisfying segue to the classic original films.

#2 – “Return of the Jedi”

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Man I love this movie. By the time “Return of the Jedi” came out in 1983 I was a die-hard Star Wars fanboy. I had action figures, toy blasters, my own lightsaber, Han Solo pajamas, the lunchbox and thermos set, you name it. “Jedi” only reinforced my adoration. It does everything you want from a Star Wars movie: it continues the story, expands the universe, and enriches its characters. Most importantly it finishes up the storylines and character arcs on exactly the right notes. “Jedi” is a movie filled will exhilarating highs and memorable moments that you never forget. It’s such a satisfying and fitting conclusion to the original trilogy that also left room for more stories to be told and more adventures to be had.

#1 – “The Empire Strikes Back”

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This probably comes as no surprise to anyone but “The Empire Strikes Back” gets the top spot. Not only is it the best Star Wars movie, but it’s easily one of the best sequels ever made. “Empire” is the movie that really opened me up to the power of cinema. I still remember leaving the theater as you young kid in utter awe. Over the years I’ve grown to appreciate even more about it, namely in how it grows its characters and truly makes them the centerpiece. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t full of iconic moments such as the invasion of Hoth, the carbon freezing chamber, and the inevitable revelation that at the time shook the world. “The Empire Strikes Back” is an absolute masterpiece and it’s the film most responsible for Star Wars becoming the cultural phenomenon it still is today.

So now you have my ranking of the eleven Star Wars feature films. I would love to here your thoughts on where you think I got it right and/or wrong. Hit the comments below and share what your list would be like. And of course, may the Force be with you…always.