Author Archives: Keith Garlington

REVIEW: “The Fall Guy” (2024)

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I’m betting a lot of people (particularly younger audiences) will go into “The Fall Guy” completely unaware that it’s loosely based on a 1980s television series. I’m guessing they’ll be going to see the new Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt movie and who can blame them? But “The Fall Guy” was also a fairly popular ABC TV series that ran from 1981 through 1986. It starred Lee Majors as a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter. The show also starred Heather Thomas who became a pinup sensation and a brown GMC K2500 4×4 pickup truck that we all wanted to own.

Former stuntman turned director David Leitch pulls some inspiration from the television show but mostly makes his own movie, calling it “a love letter to stunts” in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. That fits considering the stunt work is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Amazingly, mostly practical stunts were used in the handful of intensely choreographed action set pieces. Mix in some decent humor, a semi-interesting romance, and two form-fitting leads with good chemistry and you have the kind of frothy entertainment people often look for in a summer blockbuster.

Probably the least interesting part of “The Fall Guy” is the plot. Written for the screen by Drew Pearce, the story itself is pretty generic although it often puts its stars in positions to shine. Gosling plays Colt Seavers, an accomplished Hollywood stuntman who has spent six years as the primary stunt double for Tom Ryder (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), the biggest action star on the planet. While filming Ryder’s latest blockbuster, Colt breaks his back after an ambitious stunt goes wrong. It leads to him leaving the stunt business and his girlfriend, a camera operator named Jody Moreno (Blunt).

Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Bop ahead eighteen months where Colt is working as a valet for a Mexican restaurant. One day he’s unexpectedly contacted by producer Gail Meyer (Hannah Waddingham) who informs him that Jody is preparing to direct her first film, an epic sci-fi blockbuster called “Metalstorm” starring Tom Ryder. Gail invites him to the set in Sydney, Australia telling him that Jody (who he hasn’t spoken to since they split) wants him to join the production. But when he arrives he’s disappointed to discover that Jody didn’t request him. In fact she doesn’t want him anywhere around her movie mainly because she’s never forgiven him for their breakup.

As luck would have it, Jody is in desperate need of a seasoned stuntman for her biggest action scenes. So with the coaxing of her stunt coordinator and Colt’s best friend Dan (Winston Duke), Jody reluctantly agrees to let her ex-boyfriend work on her movie. Her ire is pretty hard to miss. But so is the clear and glaring truth that Colt is still crazy about her. That leads to some pretty obvious tension which eventually starts to melt as the romance angle kicks into gear.

Things take a weird turn after Gail informs Colt that Tom Ryder has vanished after getting involved with some rather shady characters. She wants Colt to secretly search for Ryder and bring him back to the set before Jody finds out and panics. Colt’s unsure at first, but then it hits him – save Jody’s movie by finding her star and win back the love of his life. But wouldn’t you know it, the search for Ryder uncovers some big and deadly secrets. And soon Colt finds himself running for his life, targeted by those wanting to keep him away from the truth.

Image Courtesy of Universal Pictures

It almost feels like there are two different storylines. Without question they’re connected, but they play differently. One involves Colt and Jody trying to rekindle their movie set romance. It’s where we get a lot of the cool behind-the-scenes looks at making a movie, especially when it comes to stunt work and directing action scenes. But some of the bigger set pieces are tied to Colt’s search for Tom which is where the story really lags. Both angles eventually collide in the film’s big finale, but one is considerably more entertaining than the other.

Interestingly, Gosling and Blunt have pretty strong chemistry although not as much in the romance department. Instead it’s in their comic exchanges that we see the two connect the most. Pearce works in some pretty good laughs, many of them made better by the two stars effortlessly working off each other. Unfortunately the humor dries up over the course of the second half, not because Leitch and Pearce aren’t trying. It’s that the gags aren’t as fresh and don’t land as intended

“The Fall Guy” certainly has its strengths: a playful energy, a few fun meta moments, some good early laughs, and pretty cool action. Ryan Gosling does his thing while Emily Blunt is delightful as usual. But the movie’s charms can only carry it so far and its routine starts to wear a little thin well before the two-hour mark. It’s not bad but not all that memorable either. Kinda like most of the summer popcorn movies that we still enjoy. “The Fall Guy” is in theaters now.

VERDICT – 3 STARS

REVIEW: “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” (2024)

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Dave Filoni wears many hats within the wonderful world of Star Wars. He’s a director, screenwriter, producer, and showrunner. He’s also an Executive Vice President at Lucasfilm and just last year was promoted to Chief Creative Officer. A former understudy of sorts of the legendary George Lucas, Filoni has his hand in nearly every Star Wars project from the many television series to his own upcoming feature film.

Filoni made a name for himself at LucasFilm in animation, overseeing the terrific shows “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “Star Wars: Rebels”. Even with his promotions, Filoni hasn’t left that first-love as evident by “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” which is currently wrapping up its final season. But there’s also his “Star Wars: Tales” – an anthology series consisting of six animated short films focused on different characters in the Star Wars universe. The terrific “Tales of the Jedi” released in 2022. Now we get “Tales of the Empire”, an equally satisfying experience custom-made for the Star Wars faithful.

Image Courtesy of LucasFilm

“Tales of the Empire” hones in on two specific characters, Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee. As we’ve come to expect from Filoni and LucasFilm, the animation is outstanding and the voice work is impeccable. Fans will recognize countless connections to various people, places, and events across the Star Wars timeline yet the shorts are more than simple fan service. Filoni always looks for the humanity in his characters and it’s no different here.

The first three shorts focus on Morgan Elsbeth who first appeared in the second season of “The Mandalorian” and had a significant role the Ahsoka series. Morgan was a Force-sensitive Nightsister from the planet Dathomir. She become a devoted follower of Grand Admiral Thrawn and would serve as an oppressive Imperial Magistrate on the planet Corvus. “Tales” makes three life-altering early stops on her timeline, adding some captivating depth to this fascinating character. The great Diana Lee Inosanto is back to voice Elsbeth.

The final three shorts do the same with Barriss Offee who is voiced by the returning Meredith Salenger. Barriss was a Jedi Knight during the Clone Wars and developed a close friendship with Ahsoka Tano. But Barriss grew disillusioned with the Jedi and turned to the dark side of the Force, going as far as bombing the Jedi Temple and letting Ahsoka take the fall. “Tales” adds some interesting complexity to her story, tapping into some of the conflict that drove her to follow the various paths she did.

Unlike the other Star Wars animated projects, the “Tales of the Empire” seasons are very much anthologies. The shorts may be connected by their focus on certain characters, but there’s nothing resembling a flowing episodic narrative. That may sound obvious since it’s baked into the very definition of an anthology. But I remember reading those very criticisms about its predecessor. So knowing what the show is obviously helps.

Image Courtesy of LucasFilm

Also, it’s worth stressing again that “Tales of the Empire” is for fans first and foremost. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. But newcomers should know that this isn’t where you want to begin your Star Wars journey. All six shorts demand some knowledge about the characters and their story arcs. Without it you can still admire the exquisite animation which employs the same art style as “The Clone Wars” and “The Bad Batch”. But the series is made with the intent of adding to what we already know about these characters, filling in and expanding upon what we’ve already seen. As a Star Wars diehard, I loved it. Those not well versed may struggle.

Each short runs approximately 15 minutes long and are written exceptionally well. The lone exception is the final episode which doesn’t wrap things up as strongly as possible. Still, for Star Wars fans there are so many nuggets to chew on and savor. Filoni knows how to handle his characters and his team of directors and animators vividly bring these short stories to the screen. I’m not sure where the “Tales” series goes next, but the quality of what we’ve been given so far makes me hungry for more. “Star Wars: Tales of the Empire” premieres May 4th exclusively on Disney+.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

REVIEW: “Nowhere Special” (2024)

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Italian producer-writer-director Uberto Pasolini gives a master class on handling emotionally heavy subject matter in “Nowhere Special”, a heartbreaking drama that never turns melodramatic or schmaltzy. Internationally co-produced, the film pulls inspiration from a true story which Pasolini intimately and emphatically shares. He hones in on the humanity at the story’s center, examining it in a deeply organic way with a Dardennes-like approach. The results are both beautiful and heart-shattering.

The film is anchored by a piercing James Norton whose lead performance matches the restraint Pasolini is going for. Set in Northern Ireland, Norton plays a 34-year-old single father named John who has devoted his life to raising his 4-year-old son Michael (Daniel Lamont). John’s wife and Michael’s mother abandoned them after giving birth, but John remained committed to giving his son the best life he could.

Image Courtesy of Cohen Media Group

John works as a window washer and we often see him gazing through the glass at different establishments, observing various lives he wishes he could provide for his son. It’s a motif that is never overused and is made all the more affecting by the early revelation that John has a terminal illness. With only a few months left to live, he’s faced with the biggest and most agonizing decision of his life. He must pick the very best foster family for his son.

But while that choice weighs on him, John is faced with even more painful questions. How do you personally come to grips with your impending death? How do you prepare? Even more, how does a loving father inform his 4-year-old son of what’s to come? John is helped by a compassionate social worker named Shona (Eileen O’Higgins) who bends countless rules to help him search for the right family. But it’s his internal struggle between sheltering his son and readying him for reality that gives the film such an emotional punch.

Image Courtesy of Cohen Media Group

Norton is fittingly understated yet he brilliantly conveys a father’s efforts to conceal his inward conflict behind a veil of normalcy. Small details in his performance do so much of the emotional heavy-lifting. And as the story thoughtfully moves towards the inevitable, Norton remains grounded and naturalistic. Meanwhile Lamont’s quiet soft-spoken demeanor reveals an inquiring young soul that observes more than expresses. The two make for a compelling and soul-stirring pair.

Handling material like this isn’t easy, and there are countless temptations to follow more conventional formulas. “Nowhere Special” works so well because Uberto Pasolini keeps his focus firmly on the people at the story’s core. His interests are internal and more human. As a result he wins our investment and keeps it for the duration. We feel the weight of every choice, we relish every tender moment, and we hurt with the inevitability of reality.

VERDICT – 4 STARS

REVIEW: “Damsels in Distress” (2011)

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Whit Stillman’s “Damsels in Distress” was a nice surprise back in 2011 and it was just as delightful after a recent rewatch. Written and directed by Stillman, “Damsels” is a quirky little comedy that is almost impossible to put in a box. It has its own uniquely wacky sensibility and is driven by its slick dialogue, cleverly constructed narrative, and a delightfully peculiar sense of humor. It’s not a comedy that will have you constantly laughing out loud. But if you’re like me, you’ll be smiling all the way through it.

The story takes place at the East Coast College of Seven Oaks and focuses on a group of three eccentric girls with very unusual perspectives on college, boys, and life in general. Violet (a lights-out Greta Gerwig) is the somewhat awkward group leader. Rose (Megalyn Echikunwoke) is Violet’s cynical long-time friend. Then there’s the peppy and ever agreeable Heather (Carrie MacLemore).

When not talking about fashion or hygiene, the group makes it their goal to enlighten and influence the degenerated student body around them. At freshman orientation the trio locks onto an incoming new student, Lily (Analeigh Tipton). They immediately (and almost forcibly) take her under their wings, teaching her the keys of survival and achievement at the university.

The first thing you notice about the film is the razor-sharp writing which is most evident in the terrific dialogue. The girls converse about everything from frat houses to soap fragrances, and their conversations often wander off into hilariously absurd directions. Gerwig, Echikunwoke, and MacLemore deliver their lines with a deadpan sincerity that sell them completely.

Most of the group’s goals come from Violet and her need to be needed as well as her desperate pursuit of purpose. She heads the campus suicide prevention center. She prefers loser guys (or “doufi” as we come to know them) because they need stable and calming forces in their lives. And she wants to start a new dance craze because of the emotional value past crazes have had on society. There is a sad undercurrent to Violet and certain scenes portray her as pitiful and sympathetic. In fact, Stillman cleverly baits us into laughing at the her and then makes us feel bad for doing so.

But there’s more going on than just this small group of eccentrics talking back and forth. We meet moronic frat guys who make the girls seem like Rhodes Scholars; a clinically depressed group who find tap dancing therapeutic; a self-absorbed Frenchman with a…shall we say…backwards religion; and several other side characters who work well within the story.

“Damsels in Distress” certainly doesn’t fit within the traditional Hollywood comedy mold and that’s actually a strength. I can still see it being too quirky for some audiences. But for me, I couldn’t get enough of the bizarre back-and-forths, the straight-faced line deliveries, and its overall goofy perspective on college life. There’s also heart mixed in with the humor that adds an extra layer to a film that is just as refreshing today as it was 12 years ago.

VERDICT – 4.5 STARS

New on Home Video: The Ocean’s Trilogy on 4K Ultra HD and Digital

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Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment has announced the release of The Ocean’s Trilogy on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray and Digital. The stylish and star-studded “Ocean’s Eleven”, “Ocean’s Twelve”, and “Ocean’s Thirteen” were directed by Steven Soderbergh and inspired by the 1960 Rat Pack film from Lewis Milestone. These beloved films reinvigorated the heist genre and won over crowds in large part thanks to their stellar ensembles which included George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck, Andy Garcia, Bernie Mac, Elliott Gould, Don Cheadle, and more.

This terrific new 4K Ultra HD collection of The Ocean’s Trilogy will be available to purchase for the first time on April 30th. See below for a full synopsis and release information including special features.

About the Films:

“Ocean’s Eleven” (2001)

Danny Ocean (George Clooney) likes taking chances. All he asks is that his handpicked squad of ten grifters and cons play the game like they have nothing to lose. If all goes right, the payoff will be a fat $150 million.

“Ocean’s Eleven”, in alphabetical order, stars George Clooney, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts.Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Elliott Gould, Bernie Mac and Carl Reiner also star.

 

“Ocean’s Twelve” (2004)

They’re back. And then some. Twelve is the new eleven when Danny Ocean and pals return in a sequel to the cool caper that saw them pull off a $150 million heist. But $150 million doesn’t go as far as it used to. It’s time to pull off another stunner of a plan. Exciting locations include Amsterdam, Paris and Rome.

“Ocean’s Twelve” stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac and Julia Roberts.

 

“Ocean’s Thirteen” (2007)

Danny Ocean rounds up the boys for the most dazzling heist yet, after casino owner Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses one of the eleven, Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould).

George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and more reteam with director Steven Soderbergh for a split-second caper that stacks the deck with wit, style and cool.

“Ocean’s Thirteen” stars George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Andy Garcia, Don Cheadle, Bernie Mac, Ellen Barkin and Al Pacino. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Casey Affleck, Scott Caan, Eddie Jemison, Shaobo Qin with Carl Reiner and Elliott Gould.

Special Features:

“Ocean’s Eleven”

  • Commentary by Steven Soderbergh and Ted Griffin
  • Commentary by Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Andy Garcia
  • Are You In or Out? The Making of “Ocean’s Eleven”
  • Pros & Cons: Inside Ocean’s Outfit
  • The Style of Steal
  • The Look of the Con
  • Original Ocean’s, Original Cool

 

“Ocean’s Twelve”

  • Commentary by Steven Soderbergh and George Nolfi
  • Ready, Jet Set, Go: The Making of “Ocean’s Twelve”
  • HBO First Look: Twelve Is the New Eleven: The Making of “Ocean’s Twelve”
  • Deleted Scenes

 

“Ocean’s Thirteen”

  • Commentary by Steven Soderbergh, Brian Koppelman and David Levien
  • Third’s a Charm: The Making of “Ocean’s Thirteen”
  • Ahab with a Piggyback: The Means & Machines of Ocean’s
  • Jerry Weintraub Walk and Talk
  • Masters of the Heist
  • Deleted Scenes

New on Home Video: “Fletch” and “Fletch Lives” Blu-Ray Collector’s Editions

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Kino Lorber Studio Classics has recently released two Chevy Chase comedy favorites on home video. “Fletch” (1985) and its sequel “Fletch Lives” (1989) have each received their own individual special edition Blu-ray. Directed by Michael Ritchie, both films follow investigative reporter Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher (Chase) who dons countless wacky disguises in his attempts to get the big scoop for his newspaper. Both movies remain showcases from Chase’s heyday and they look great in their handsome new editions.

These special editions Blu-rays of “Fletch” and “Fletch Lives” from Kino Lorber Studio Classics are available to own now. See below for a full synopsis and release information including special features.

FLETCH

About the Film

Year: 1985

Runtime: 98 Minutes

Director: Michael Ritchie

Screenwriter: Andrew Bergman

Cast: Chevy Chase, Joe Don Baker, Tim Matheson, M. Emmet Walsh, Richard Libertini, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, George Wendt, Geena Davis, Kenneth Mars, Bill Henderson, George Wyner, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Avery, Burton Gilliam, William Sanderson

Comedy legend Chevy Chase is at his fetching best in this suspense-packed and laugh-stacked thriller based on Gregory Mcdonald’s bestseller. Irwin Fletcher, a.k.a. Fletch (Chase), is an investigative reporter who changes his identity more often than his underwear. While working on a drug exposé, Fletch attracts the attention of a strange businessman (Tim Matheson, “Up the Creek”) who wants to be killed so his wife will inherit more insurance. The wily Fletch senses a scam, and soon he’s up to his byline in frame-ups, murder, police corruption and forbidden romance. It’ll be the story of the year, if he can stay alive to meet his deadline!

Take fast-paced direction by Michael Ritchie (“Prime Cut”, “Diggstown”), add an uproarious screenplay by Andrew Bergman (“The In-Laws”), sprinkle in a spicy cast with Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Richard Libertini, M. Emmet Walsh, George Wendt, George Wyner, Kenneth Mars, Geena Davis and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and you’ve got the makings of Chevy’s funniest chase ever!

Special Features

  • Brand New HD Master – From a 2K Scan of the 35mm Interpositive
  • NEW Audio Commentary by Entertainment Journalists/Authors Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
  • Just Charge it to the Underhills: Making and Remembering Fletch – 2007 Featurette with Actor M. Emmet Walsh, Actor Richard Libertini, Actor Tim Matheson, Screenwriter Andrew Bergman, Actor George Wyner, Actor Larry Flash Jenkins, Actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Producer Alan Greisman, Producer Peter Douglas, Editor Richard Harris, First Assistant Director Wolfgang Glattes, Associate Producer/Production Manager Gordon Webb and Featurette Producer Jason Hillhouse (26:32)
  • The Disguises: From John Cocktoaston to Harry S. Truman – 2007 Featurette with Makeup Artist Ken Chase, Hair Stylist Bunny Parker, Screenwriter Andrew Bergman, Actress Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Actor Tim Matheson, Actor Larry Flash Jenkins, Producer Peter Douglas, Producer Alan Greisman and Associate Producer/Production Manager Gordon Webb (4:53)
  • Favorite Fletch Moments – 2007 Featurette (2:35)
  • Chevy Chase: Reba Merrill Profile – 1985 Interview with Chevy Chase (3:41)
  • 4 TV Spots
  • Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K)
  • Optional English Subtitles

FLETCH LIVES

About the Film

Year: 1989

Runtime: 95 Minutes

Director: Michael Ritchie

Screenwriter: Leon Capetanos

Fletch fans rejoice! Comedy great Chevy Chase (“Three Amigos!”) returns to the screen as the reckless I.M. Fletcher, investigative reporter, in Fletch Lives. This time, the chameleon-like reporter ventures to Belle Isle, a sprawling 80-acre Louisiana plantation which Fletch inherits from his aunt. Trouble begins when a lovely attorney mysteriously turns up dead, a neighborly lawyer (Hal Holbrook, “Creepshow”) warns him to leave town, and a ravishing real estate agent comes calling with a persistent offer he may not be able to refuse. Fletch must unravel the reasons for the mad land scramble with his trademark bag of hilarious disguises in this fast-moving comedy-mystery.

Directed by Michael Ritchie (“Semi-Tough”, “The Couch Trip”), written by Leon Capetanos (“Down and Out in Beverly Hills”) based on Gregory Mcdonald’s bestselling books, and sporting a spunky supporting cast with Julianne Phillips, R. Lee Ermey, Richard Libertini, Randall “Tex” Cobb, Cleavon Little, George Wyner, Geoffrey Lewis, Richard Belzer and Phil Hartman.

Special Features

  • Brand New HD Master – From a 2K Scan of the 35mm Interpositive
  • NEW Audio Commentary by Entertainment Journalists/Authors Bryan Reesman and Max Evry
  • Fletch Lives: Making-of Featurette – with Star Chevy Chase, Director Michael Ritchie and Actress Julianne Phillips (6:14)
  • Fletch Lives: Chevy Chase Profile – with Star Chevy Chase and Director Michael Ritchie (2:40)
  • Fletch Lives: Julianne Phillips Profile – with Actress Julianne Phillips, Star Chevy Chase and Director Michael Ritchie (2:18)
  • 6 TV Spots
  • Theatrical Trailer (Newly Mastered in 2K)
  • Optional English Subtitles