CIVIL WAR (2024) – My rating: 9/10

“Civil War” is an epic dystopian action war film written and directed by Alex Garland. It follows a team of journalists traveling across the United States during a civil war that has engulfed the nation.

The trailers were quite interesting and the plot motivated me to see this gripping, modern tale that could, very well, be where we are heading. “Civil War” was a real eye-opener.

A civil war has erupted between an authoritarian United States government and various regional factions. The president (Nick Offerman), who is serving a third term, claims that victory is close at hand. Renowned war photographer Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) saves aspiring photojournalist Jessie Cullen (Cailee Spaeny) from a suicide bombing in Brooklyn.

Map depicting the division of the United States in the movie
Loyalist states
Western Forces
Florida Alliance
New People’s Army

Lee and her colleague Joel intend to travel to Washington, D.C., to interview and photograph the president before the city falls. Lee’s mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) asks to accompany them as far as Charlottesville, where the Western Forces (“WF”) of Texas and California are assembling. Despite Lee’s hesitance, she and Joel (Wagner Moura) agree. Unbeknownst to Lee, Jessie convinces Joel to take her with them.

After departing the city, the group stops at a rural gas station protected by armed men, not police or military. Lee successfully negotiates a purchase of fuel with Canadian dollars. Meanwhile, Jessie wanders off to a nearby car wash she saw on the road. There she finds two men being tortured by the owners, who claim that the men are looters. One owner follows Jessie, but Lee defuses the situation by taking a photo of the man posed with his victims. After leaving, Jessie berates herself for being too scared to take photos.

“Civil War” is a cinematic exploration of the consequences of division within a nation. Its narrative echoes what happens when we don’t learn from historical events. It serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the potential chaos that could ensue from a fractured society. The movie portrays a dystopian scenario where trust is a rarity, and societal collapse mirrors the anarchy seen in shows like “The Walking Dead.” It’s a stark reminder of the value of law and order, and the dangers of a society where everyone is armed and suspicion reigns. The film delves into the complexities of human behavior during times of conflict, suggesting that even the military could become a divided force. “Civil War” invites viewers to reflect on the importance of unity and the perils of a divided nation, urging us to consider the implications of our choices on democracy and freedom. It’s a plea for awareness and prevention of a tragedy that could befall any nation, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding to maintain the fabric of society. What is freedom and what does it look like? A dictatorship takes away the meaning of freedom. I hope everyone goes to see this movie, it is truly worth the watch. “Civil War” is currently playing in theaters — Check it Out!

WHO’s WHO:
(Kirsten Dunst) – Lee Smith:
A renowned war photojournalist from Colorado. She is said to be the youngest-ever member of the Magnum Photos cooperative. The character’s first name is a reference to famed World War II photojournalist Lee Miller

(Wagner Moura) – Joel:
A Reuters journalist from Florida and Lee’s colleague

(Cailee Spaeny) – Jessie Cullen:
An aspiring young photographer from Missouri who accompanies Lee and Joel on their journey

(Stephen McKinley Henderson) – Sammy:
A veteran journalist for The New York Times and Lee’s mentor

(Nick Offerman) – the President of the United States:
A dictatorial president currently serving his third term

(Sonoya Mizuno – Anya):
A British reporter embedded with the Western Forces’ advance on the capital
Jefferson White as Dave, Anya’s cameraman

(Nelson Lee) – Tony:
A Hongkonger reporter who is good friends with Lee and Joel

(Evan Lai) – Bohai:
A Hongkonger reporter who is a colleague of Tony

(Jesse Plemons) – Militant Soldier:
An ultra-nationalist militant who holds the journalists at gunpoint.

(Karl Glusman) – A spotter:

(Jin Ha) – A sniper:

(Jojo T. Gibbs) – WF Sergeant:
A Western Forces Sergeant involved in the attack on the White House
Juani Feliz as Secret Service Agent Joy Butler

(James Yaegashi) – Commercial Corporal:
The leader of a militia group that assaults a loyalist position

(Greg Hill) – Pete:
An armed man guarding a gas station

(Edmund Donovan) – Eddie:
Another of the armed men at the gas station

(Jess Matney) – a checkpoint soldier:

As of April 20, 2024, Civil War has grossed $37 million in the United States and Canada and $4.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $41.5 million.

Following the South by Southwest premiere, review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes noted that critics called the film “a gorgeously shot cautionary tale full of big ideas and a fantastic performance by Kirsten Dunst, but it may surprise some viewers”. Critics praised the “beauty and intensity of the dystopian drama” while noting its “potential for controversy and disappointment” due to the effectiveness of its messages.  On the site, 80% of 316 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.5/10. The website’s critical consensus reads: “Tough and unsettling by design, Civil War is a gripping close-up look at the violent uncertainty of life in a nation in crisis.”

 

GODZILLA x KONG: The New Empire (2024) – My rating: 8.5/10

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is a monster film directed by Adam Wingard, produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It is the sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and the fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise, also serving as the 38th film of the Godzilla franchise and 13th in the King Kong franchise. In the film, Kong encounters more of his species in the Hollow Earth and must unite again with Godzilla to stop their tyrannical leader and his powerful, frost-breathing Titan from destroying the surface. Giving these monster movies a good backstory makes them more palatable and exciting. I enjoyed this iteration of the franchise.

Three years after defeating Mechagodzilla, Kong has established his new territory in Hollow Earth and searches for more of his kind. On Earth’s surface, Godzilla continues to maintain order between humanity and giant monsters, known as “Titans” — killing Scylla in Rome and resting in the Colosseum afterward.

A Monarch observation outpost stationed in Hollow Earth picks up an unidentified signal. On the surface, the signal causes Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the last known survivor of the Iwi tribe from Skull Island, to experience hallucinations and visions, causing her adoptive mother, Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), to worry. Also sensing the signal, Godzilla leaves Rome and attacks a nuclear plant in France to absorb radiation. He then heads to the lair of the Titan, Tiamat, in the Arctic. Monarch believes Godzilla is strengthening himself for an oncoming threat.

A gentle heads-up that watching the prequel (Godzilla vs Kong) would have made for a better viewing experience of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The backstory of Jia and Kong is captivating, showcasing their unique bond through sign language. Their connection deepens with the revelation of their use of telepathy or ESP as another form of communication. Jia’s empathetic responses to Kong’s distress raise her mother’s concern. Hollow Earth unveils a beautiful realm filled with new and exciting mysteries, introducing us to several new and diverse tribes of people and creatures. This novelty infuses the film with suspense and a vast landscape to explore. Brian Tyree Henry reprises his role as Bernie Hayes while newcomer Dan Stevens plays Trapper, Kong’s dentist.  There is plenty of conflict between the tribes and animals leaving us enthralled in the storyline. At times I thought the CGI looked a little corny but not distracting. Overall I’d say Gozilla x Kong: The New Empire is worth watching despite critic reviews that compare Godzilla/Kong movies to Godzilla Minus One.  You can currently catch Gozilla x Kong in theaters — Check It Out!

In the United States and Canada, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire was initially projected to gross $50–55 million from 3,850 theaters in its opening weekend, as well as an additional $80–90 million from 63 international territories. To date, Godzilla x Kong has made $161,282,557 domestically, $279,900,000 internationally, and $441,182,557 worldwide.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire received mixed reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 54% of 228 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.6/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Come to Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire for the sheer monster-mashing spectacle — and stay for that too because the movie doesn’t have much else to offer.” 

FYI:
Director Adam Wingard has expressed interest in making a third film featuring both Godzilla and Kong, but noted that “it just depends on how Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire does and how things kind of shape out.”  Wingard iterated that ideas have been discussed as to where to take the franchise onward and that he would take a “different approach” on the next film if he’s invited back to direct. He also suggested that the next film could potentially follow Godzilla and explore his perspective in the same way that The New Empire followed Kong.

 

MONKEY MAN (2024) – My rating 8/10

Monkey Man is an action thriller directed and co-produced by Dev Patel in his directorial debut, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee.  An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless. The trailers showed Dev Patel in a life-changing role I couldn’t resist. Monkey Man was quite violent but quite good.

In a forest village in India, Kid (Jatin Malik) lives with his mother Neela (Adithi Kalkunte), who inspires him with tales of Hanuman. Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande), a ruthless spiritual guru in the nearby city of Yatana, sends Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher), the corrupt police chief, to force out the villagers and acquire their land. The village is massacred, but Neela is able to hide Kid. Shakti finds, rapes, and kills Neela as Kid bares witnesses to Singh killing Neela and then setting her on fire, during his effort to burn the village to the ground. Kid’s hands are badly scarred while he unsuccessfully tries to rescue his mother from the flames.

Years later, Kid (Dev Patel) earns a living in Yatana as a fighter outfitted in a monkey mask at “Tiger’s Temple”, a bloody underground boxing club, where he is incentivized to lose all of his bouts while shedding blood. Kid plots his revenge on Baba, who continues to gain followers and political influence, and Rana Singh, who frequents “Kings”, a luxury brothel run by Queenie Kapoor (Ashwini Kalsekar), who provides drugs and prostitutes to wealthy clients.

Monkey Man is a departure from the typical movies we associate with Dev Patel. Monkey Man is extremely violent with a John Wickish resemblance. The film is mainly about revenge for the brutal slaughter of Kid’s mom. The violence isn’t merely intense, it’s graphic to the point of discomfort. I did not need to see the aftermath of each slain individual, as it leaves little to the imagination. Monkey Man’s narrative is bathed in rich Indian rituals and ancient anecdotes. Throughout the film, Dev experiences advancements in his physique, fighting skills, and confidence, resulting in a non-stoppable fighting and killing machine, as nothing will deter him from his goal. “Monkey Man” doesn’t follow the typical action movie formula, instead it unfolds in two main phases: a setup and an extended action sequence. The fight scenes are raw, visceral, and unapologetically brutal. Bones break, blood spurts, and the impact feels real. It’s quite a detachment from the highly choreographed action films we’ve grown used to. Dev’s passion for this project shines through, infusing “Monkey Man” with an undeniable energy. Patel draws inspiration from Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, and various global action influences.  The film has a somewhat believable plot with just the right hint of mystery. Monkey Man also explores themes of societal challenges, including corruption, discrimination, caste system, poverty, and the experiences of the transgender community in India.

The biggest twist for me came when the credits rolled and I discovered that Dev Patel co-produced, directed, and helped write the movie. I recommend Monkey Man for adults only. Even if you’re not an action aficionado, watching “Monkey Man” is worthwhile just to witness Dev’s new and improved character on screen. Monkey Man is currently playing in theaters – Check It Out!

As of April 12, 2024, Monkey Man has grossed $18,123,430 million in the United States and Canada and $4,997,000 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $23.120,430 million.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 89% of 248 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The website’s consensus reads: “An audacious effort from debuting director Dev Patel, Monkey Man dispenses action and sociopolitical commentary with equal aplomb.”

 

AUTHUR THE KING (2024) – My rating: 7/10

Arthur the King is an adventure film directed by Simon Cellan Jones, written by Michael Brandt, and is based on a true event called “Arthur – The Dog Who Crossed the Jungle to Find a Home” by Mikael Lindnord. In the film, the captain of an adventure racing team befriends a wounded stray dog named Arthur, who accompanies the team on a grueling 435-mile (700-km) endurance race through the Dominican Republic. The trailer revealed a heartfelt story about a cute little dog in need. I was hooked from the onset. It was a very nice story.

In 2014, in Costa Rica, Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg), an American runner, and his adventure racing team get stuck on the first day after their leader makes the poor decision to kayak against the tide. Leo (Simu Liu), one of the members of the team, is outraged that Michael has ignored their opinions.

After a 3 year lapse in his career, in 2018, Michael is not satisfied with himself and decides to race one last time with the hope of retiring with a win. He chooses three teammates, Olivia (Nathalie Emmanuel), an expert free climber, former teammate Leo who is still harboring resentment over the past race decisions, and Chik (Ali Suliman), an older racer whose recovery from a knee injury is uncertain. They fly from the USA to the Dominican Republic for a 5-day race mostly through mountainous jungle terrain. On the second day of the race, Michael shares meatballs with a stray dog at the transition camp. Much later while in the middle of the jungle, the dog appears and continues to follow the team. Shocked as to how the dog got there, they decide to continue without stopping the dog from trailing along.

The film revolves around an extreme adventure race called Adventure Team Racing. This grueling race combines running, biking, climbing, kayaking, and other strenuous activities across treacherous terrains. The story follows an American team racing through the jungles, mountains, and rivers of the Dominican Republic. Their goal was to conquer the toughest terrain on Earth.

Amidst the race Arthur (the dog that Michael bonds with) proves more than just a companion; he warns the team of impending danger, potentially saving their lives. However, beyond this critical moment, it remains unclear why Arthur is so special. The race itself is intense, with breathtaking locations and nail-biting sequences. Yet, despite the adventure, you feel that the film lacks depth. As a viewer, you expected Arthur to participate in more life-saving events or play a pivotal role in securing victory. Still, “Arthur the King” manages to tug at the heartstrings, leaving you emotionally invested. After the film, stay tuned during the credits for additional pictures and information about the real-life characters—Michael, Arthur, and the team. Overall, I recommend “Arthur the King” to everyone — it’s currently playing in theaters. Check It Out!

Arthur the King made $3 million on its first day, including $825,000 from Thursday night previews. It went on to make $22,211,792 Domestically, and $1,617,356 Internationally for a Worldwide gross of $23,829,148.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 70% of 76 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.9/10. The website’s consensus reads: “It’s hard to deny Arthur the King’s ability to tug at the heartstrings, although it may have been more effective if it had taken a subtler approach.”

 

THE MINISTRY OF UNGENTLEMANLY WARFARE (2024) – My rating: 8.7/10

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is a spy action comedy directed, co-written, and co-produced by Guy Ritchie. It is based on the 2014 book Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII by Damien Lewis, the film portrays a heavily fictionalized version of Operation Postmaster. Because this film was previewed in the trailers similarly to “The Gentlemen’s Club”, I was anxious to see it but it is nothing like any film I’ve seen.  However, I loved it!

In late 1941, at the height of World War II, the United Kingdom struggled to halt Nazi Germany’s attempts to take over Europe, with London regularly suffering bombing runs (similar to air strikes) at the hands of the Luftwaffe. Their supply and aid ships were constantly sunk by German submarines, so Brigadier Colin Gubbins “M” (Cary Elwes), with the indirect backing of Prime Minister Winston Churchill (Rory Kinnear), prepares to initiate Operation Postmaster, an off-the-books black-ops sabotage mission intended to disrupt the Nazis’ U-boat resupply operation on the Spanish-controlled island of Fernando Po. SOE (Special Operations Executive) agents Marjorie Stewart (Eiza González) and Richard Heron (Babs Olusanmokun), depart to Fernando Po by train. Gubbins enlists Gus March-Phillips (Henry Cavill) to assemble a ground team to destroy the Italian supply ship Duchessa d’Aosta and its two attached trolleys.

Utilizing the Danish fishing trawler Maid of Honor, Gus and his allies, Henry Hayes (Hero Fiennes Tiffin), Freddy Alvarez (Henry Golding), and Danish naval officer Anders Lassen (Alan Ritchson), begin the slow sail to Fernando Po. Upon discovering that SOE saboteur Geoffrey Appleyard (Alex Pettyfer), whom Gubbins had sent ahead on the assumption that Gus would show interest in wanting him on the team, was captured by Gestapo agents, they divert course to a Nazi-controlled section of the Canary Islands for a rescue mission.

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is a riveting true story. Kudos to director Guy Ritchie for skillfully weaving together a gripping narrative in “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.” This well-written and well-acted film takes us on a thrilling journey through a dire situation. The plot unfolds seamlessly, covering a range of intense scenarios without feeling overdone. The scenic visuals and spot-on special effects enhance the overall experience. Explosions abound, and justice prevails as bad characters meet their fate. What’s most surprising, is this gripping tale is based on true events. It underscores the lengths a nation sometimes must go to halt war and excessive violence—even if it means resorting to murder and deceit. Despite the violence, “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare” is a suspenseful, enjoyable, must-watch for adults. Catch it in theaters now — Check it Out! 

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 71% of 118 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 6.2/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Cranking up a true story of derring-do into a high-octane action flick that’s heavy on spectacle if not suspense, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare is another solid entry into Guy Ritchie’s pantheon.”

In the United States, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare made $3.7 million on its first day, including $1.45 million from previews. To date, the film has grossed $18,410,943 domestically, $769,641 internationally, and $19,180,584 worldwide.

FYI with SLIGHT SPOILERS:
A montage of details before the credits reveal the post-operation activities of several protagonists: Gus became a war hero and would helm several similar raids during the war before marrying Marjorie at the start of her acting career; Appleyard would receive several commendations for his role in the mission, much to the king’s amusement; Hayes would go on to become a highly accomplished spy notable for surviving a year of Nazi torture without breaking; Lassen would go on to take part in raids outside the group until he died in 1945; Ian Fleming, who had been part of Gubbins’ inner circle during this time, would use Operation Postmaster as the inspirational basis for his James Bond novels.

 

 

 

GHOSTBUSTERS: FROZEN EMPIRE (2024) – My rating 2/10

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a supernatural comedy directed by Gil Kenan from a screenplay he co-wrote with Jason Reitman. It is the sequel to Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and the fifth film in the Ghostbusters franchise. The veteran Ghostbusters must join forces with their new recruits to save the world in New York City from a death-chilling god who seeks to build a spectral army. I am definitely not a fan of Ghostbusters under any title but I was impressed when the trailer touted “for the first time in NY history, people froze to death in the middle of July”. I thought I heard such potential but found this version of Ghostbusters to be pretty awful.

In July 1904, New York City Fire Department (FDNY) firefighters found over thirty people frozen to death inside a gentlemen’s club, while an unintelligible chant played from a phonograph. The only survivor was a woman in a suit of armor, clutching a mysterious orb.

In the present day, Callie Spengler (Carrie Coon), her boyfriend Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd), and her children Trevor (Finn Wolfhard) and Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) have taken up residence in the New York firehouse, while Trevor and Phoebe’s old friends Lucky Domingo (Celeste O’Connor) and Podcast (Logan Kim) work with Dr. Winston Zeddemore (Ernie Hudson) and Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd). After catching the Hell’s Kitchen Sewer Dragon, the team faces backlash and threats from Mayor Walter Peck (William Atherton), a longtime opponent of the Ghostbusters. To placate Peck, Callie benches 16-yr. old Phoebe from the field until she is a legal adult. Upset by her mother’s decision, Phoebe goes to a nearby park to play chess, meeting and befriending a ghost named Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), who died in a fire with her own family when she was 16 years old.

The narrative coherence in “Frozen Empire” begins to unravel with the introduction of additional characters, particularly for those who haven’t seen the preceding film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.” A heads-up regarding the necessity of watching the previous installment could have been beneficial. The plot becomes convoluted with numerous subplots, and the extensive use of scientific terminology without clear explanations adds to the confusion. The film’s attempt at humor didn’t resonate with me, and it seemed that others shared this sentiment, as evidenced by some audience members leaving early. In my view, the “Ghostbusters” franchise seems to cater to a specific age demographic, possibly not as appealing to those over 60. While these thoughts are subjective, they seem to echo the sentiments found in many other reviews. Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is currently showing in theaters — Check It Out!

As of March 27, 2024, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire has grossed $55 million in the United States and Canada and $16.4 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $71.4 million.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 43% of 242 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 5.2/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire offers a certain amount of nostalgia-fueled fun for fans of the original, but a crowded cast and surprisingly serious tone prevent this sequel from truly sparking.”  It is the lowest-rated installment in the franchise on the site.

FYI:
In February 2024, Gil Kenan revealed that ideas for multiple future films in the Ghostbusters franchise were discussed.

In April 2021, Sony signed deals with Netflix and Disney for the rights to their 2022 to 2026 film slate, following the film’s theatrical and home media windows. Netflix signed for exclusive “pay 1 window” streaming rights, which is typically an 18-month window, and included Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire and past Ghostbusters films. Disney signed for “pay 2 window” rights for the films, which would be streamed on Disney+ and/or Hulu as well as broadcast on Disney’s linear television networks.

 

LOVE LIES BLEEDING (2024) – My rating: 7.5/10

Love Lies Bleeding is a romantic thriller directed by Rose Glass from a screenplay she co-wrote with Weronika Tofilska. The film is a co-production between the United Kingdom and the United States. Set in 1989, it chronicles the lesbian relationship between a reclusive gym manager with a crime family and an ambitious bodybuilder. I had not heard of this film but out of all that was showing, at the time, this seemed the best. Love Lies Bleeding was different, thrilling, and suspenseful.

In 1989, gym manager Lou (Kristen Stewart) meets a woman named Jackie (Katy O’Brian) working out at her gym and falls in love with her. Jackie, unbeknownst to Lou, had picked up a job at a shooting range owned by Lou’s father, Lou Sr. (Ed Harris), after having sex with Lou’s brother-in-law, J.J. Jackie is passing through town to get to a bodybuilding competition in Las Vegas. Lou offers her steroids, which Jackie initially refuses but ends up taking. The two have sex and Jackie asks to stay at Lou’s apartment.

“Love Lies Bleeding” is a gripping tale that delves into the dark realms of passion, betrayal, and violence. It portrays a fervent romance between two young women, exploring the depths of their new and intense connection with uninhibited desire. The narrative swiftly unfolds the deceitful aspects, delivering the ‘lies’ with direct and impactful storytelling. The ‘bleeding’ forms the crux of the plot, weaving a tapestry of murder, brutality, and treachery. Amidst the chaos, raw truths emerge, and emotions surge, creating a violent whirlpool of drama. The performances are compelling and authentic, anchoring a well-crafted storyline. The film presents a stark commentary on the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their ends, often at the expense of morality. I don’t recommend “Love Lies Bleeding” for anyone under 17 and not for a lot of grownups. I did think the movie was well-written and well-acted. Love Lies Bleeding is currently in theaters — Check It Out!

In its opening weekend, the film made $276,618 from five theaters, a per-venue average of $55,324. Expanding to 1,362 theaters the following weekend, the film made $2.5 million, finishing sixth at the box office. To date: Love Lies Bleeding has grossed $4,093,818 Domestically, $178,067 Internationally, and $421,885M Worldwide.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 172 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Lust and violence collide to powerfully pulpy effect in Love Lies Bleeding, a well-acted addition to writer-director Rose Glass’ growing body of exceptional work.”

 

CABRINI (2024) – My rating: 8.5/10

“Cabrini” is a biographical drama directed by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde and written by Rod Barr, based on a story by both. The film depicts the life of Catholic missionary Francesca Cabrini, as she encounters resistance to her charity and business efforts in New York City.

The trailer piqued my curiosity, compelling me to watch the film. Having seen “Cabrini,” I’m so glad I did, as it was a remarkable journey with a captivating narrative that truly impressed me!

In 19th-century New York City, an Italian immigrant boy, Paolo (Federico Ielapi), pushes around his dying mother in a cart; when he goes into a hospital for help, speaking Italian, the personnel cruelly dismiss him. “Cabrini” explores the sexism and anti-Italianism faced by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini (Cristiana Dell’Anna) along with six other nuns in New York City in the late 19th century.

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, a nun with lung disease, visits the Vatican after multiple attempts to found her own missionary order. As a girl, she made paper boats by a river, imagining them sailing off on missions to other countries: throughout the film, she has visions of her riverside experience.

A cardinal rejects her proposal, but Mother Cabrini insists on hearing the rejection directly from Pope Leo XIII (Giancarlo Giannini). She confides to the Pope that she wants to help the poor and build an orphanage in China and that the world is not large enough for what she wants to do. He notes that no woman has been allowed to found such an order. After giving his consent, he says she should go to New York instead since she will eventually cover the whole world anyway. Cabrini migrates from Italy to New York with her fellow Sisters to take care of poor Italian immigrants, aiding an ineffective priest in the Five Points area.

For those unfamiliar with this historical chapter, the revelation of how immigrants were treated by the elite and non-Italians may be startling. It raises the question of the lengths to which some will go for greed and power. Mother Cabrini stands out as an extraordinary figure, unwavering in her mission, utilizing her divine talents to fulfill her objectives. Her kindness and composure were evident as she adeptly accomplished her tasks. The compelling portrayal in the film left me feeling as if I were there, alongside the children, men, and women she endeavored to protect. The director successfully depicted the dire conditions of New York City in the 1900s. Mother Cabrini’s adeptness in fundraising plus her ability to persuade others to support her cause were remarkable. Her story is a poignant reminder of the enduring issues of racism, greed, and callousness in society. Mother Cabrini’s remarkable achievements and the film’s vivid portrayal of a challenging time in history are truly impressive. It’s a period that many might prefer to leave in the past, yet the film serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and progress. I highly recommend Cabrini which is currently showing in theaters — Check It Out!

In the United States and Canada, Cabrini made $3.1 million on its first day, including $500,000 from Thursday night preview, ultimately reaching $7.2 million in its first weekend. The film YTD grossed $14,681,634 worldwide.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 90% of 70 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Aided by Cristiana Dell’anna’s performance in the title role, Cabrini is an uplifting biopic with a timeless message.”

 

DUNE: PART TWO (2024) – My rating: 9/10

“Dune: Part Two” is an epic science fiction film directed and co-produced by Denis Villeneuve, who co-wrote the screenplay with Jon Spaihts. Produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros., it is a sequel to Dune (2021) as the second of a two-part adaptation of the 1965 novel Dune by Frank Herbert. It follows Paul Atreides as he unites with the Fremen people of the desert planet Arrakis to wage war against House Harkonnen. My love for movies, especially, sci-fi and period pieces, motivated me to see Dune: Part Two. I thought the film was incredible and better than Dune Part One (2021).

Princess Irulan Corrino (Florence Pugh) secretly journals that Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) may still be alive, while her father, Emperor Shaddam IV (Christopher Walken), is dispirited after assisting in the extermination of House Atreides. On Arrakis, Stilgar’s (Javier Bardem) Fremen troops, including Paul and Lady Jessica (Rebecca Ferguson), overcome a Harkonnen patrol. When Jessica and Paul reach Sietch Tabr, some Fremen suspect they are spies, while Stilgar and others see signs of the prophecy that a mother and son from the “Outer World” will bring prosperity to Arrakis.

Stilgar informs Jessica that their Reverend Mother is dying, and she must become her replacement by drinking the Water of Life; a fatal poison for males and the untrained. It is decided that convincing the skeptical in Northern Arrakis of the prophecy should be their first priority. Meanwhile, Chani (Zendaya) and her friend Shishakli (Souheila Yacoub) believe the prophecy is false and is designed to control the Fremen. Nevertheless, when Paul delivers a speech about not seeking power but wanting only to fight alongside them, Chani develops respect for him.

“Dune: Part Two” stands out as a sequel that could be counted among the finest. The film’s cinematography is particularly noteworthy, transforming the landscape into a convincing representation of the Dune universe’s arid expanse. The visual storytelling is compelling, with every grain of sand contributing to the narrative. The authenticity extends to the sandworms, sandstorms, aircraft, combat gear, and costumes, all of which are convincingly portrayed. The special effects are nothing short of remarkable, complementing the stellar performances and a narrative that hits all the right notes.

When Denis Villeneuve took the helm in 2017, he envisioned dividing the complex novel into two parts. Many anticipated a convoluted and protracted film, but “Dune: Part Two” defies expectations, surpassing its predecessor in depth and engagement. Despite the exceptional quality of such films, the Academy seldom acknowledges the science fiction/fantasy genre. It’s high time for a dedicated Oscar category to honor these often-overlooked cinematic gems.

Crafting a cohesive film from numerous segments and chapters requires a directorial prowess that Villeneuve possesses, culminating in a finale that ties up all loose ends, leaving audiences thoroughly satisfied. The relentless action, ranging from life-or-death battles to Fremen mastering sandworms, keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film introduces innovative technology and weaves a continuous love story throughout its fabric.

With the announcement of a possible third installment, anticipation is already building for the next chapter in this epic saga. While a third installment is not etched in stone, It is hoped that the journey through the dunes is far from over, and the excitement for what’s to come is palpable. Thank You to Paul for bringing this info to my attention.

As of March 6, 2024, “Dune: Part Two” has grossed $104.6 million in the United States and Canada and $100 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $204.6 million. The Hollywood Reporter estimated the film needs to gross around $500 million to break even.

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 93% of 366 critics’ reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The website’s consensus reads: “Visually thrilling and narratively epic, Dune: Part Two continues Denis Villeneuve’s adaptation of the beloved sci-fi series in spectacular form.”

WHO’s WHO:

(Timothée Chalamet) – Paul “Muad’Dib” Atreides:
The exiled Duke of House Atreides. He sides with the Fremen to overthrow the tyrannical House Harkonnen

(Zendaya) – Chani:
A young and rebellious Fremen warrior who is Paul’s love interest

(Rebecca Ferguson) – Lady Jessica:
Paul’s Bene Gesserit mother and concubine to Paul’s late father and predecessor, Leto Atreides

(Josh Brolin) – Gurney Halleck:
The former military leader of House Atreides and Paul’s mentor

(Austin Butler) – Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen:
Baron Vladimir Harkonnen’s youngest nephew and heir (“na-Baron”) to House Harkonnen

(Florence Pugh) – Princess Irulan:
The Emperor’s daughter

(Dave Bautista) – Glossu Rabban Harkonnen:
Nephew of Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and older brother of Feyd-Rautha

(Christopher Walken) – Shaddam IV:
The Padishah Emperor of the Known Universe and head of House Corrino

(Léa Seydoux) – Lady Margot Fenring:
A Bene Gesserit and close friend of the Emperor

(Souheila Yacoub) – Shishakli:
A Fremen warrior and Chani’s friend

(Stellan Skarsgård) – Baron Vladimir Harkonnen:
Head of House Harkonnen, Feyd-Rautha’s and Glossu Rabban’s uncle, sworn enemy to the Atreides, and former steward of Arrakis

(Charlotte Rampling) – Gaius Helen Mohiam:
A Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother and the Emperor’s Truthsayer

(Javier Bardem) – Stilgar:
Leader of the Fremen tribe at Sietch Tabr

(Anya Taylor) – Joy:
Alia Atreides – Paul’s unborn sister who appears in his visions. She – communicates with Jessica while in her womb

 

THE LAST REPAIR SHOP (2023) – My rating: 7.5/10

“The Last Repair Shop” is a documentary short directed by Ben Proudfoot and Kris Bowers. Produced by Breakwater Studios. It premiered at the at the 50th Telluride Film Festival in September of 2023.

“The Last Repair Shop” was an Oscar contender that I watched but never heard of before. I thought it was a worthy candidate for the Oscar, as it was quite informative and well-documented.

Since 1959, Los Angeles has been one of the few United States cities to offer and fix musical instruments for its public school students at no cost. Those instruments, numbering around 80,000, are maintained at a Los Angeles downtown warehouse by a handful of craftspeople. The film profiles four of the craftsmen staff members who each specialize in an orchestra section, as well as students whose lives have been enriched by the repair shop’s work. The film concludes with a performance by district alumni.

I loved how this film touched on each craftmen’s specialty and how each felt about their passion for making sure each instrument was in tip-top shape before sending it back into play. This is a rare situation that is very much needed if we are going to hold out hope for our children who want a future in music. I think it is a shame that this “IS” the last repair shop. Kudos to this California company that repairs the instrument for free. The film focused on Dana Atkinson, Paty Moreno, Duane Michaels, and Steve Bagmanyan. “The Last Repair Shop” is streaming on Disney + for free if you have a subscription — check It Out!

FYI:
Among the staff interviewed was Steve Bagmanyan, a piano technician and an Armenian refugee from Azerbaijan, who had tuned pianos director Kris Bowers used in elementary and middle school.

LAUSD Education Foundation is embarking on a $15 million campaign to benefit the musical instrument repair operation documented in The Last Repair Shop. The fund will support the workshop and its talented staff, and also sponsor a training program for students who will become future instrument technicians.

[THE LAST REPAIR SHOP has been Oscar-nominated at the 96th Academy Awards for BEST: Documentary Short Film — TOTALING  1  OSCAR NOMINATION]