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IR Film Review: STREET FIGHTER [Paramountl]
A video game adaptation can be done many ways but it depends who is adapting it. They can be done larger that life but the way the humor and the play of it works is key. "Street Fighter" wants to be fun but makes so much fun of itself while trying to have some real moments that is becomes embarrassingly stupid while still having a couple really cool sequences.
IR Film Review: WHALEFALL [20th Century Studios]
The interesting element of "Whalefall", as shown by the trailers, is can that function of the story sustain for a feature length film? The truth is it can using specific structural character points that make a lot of sense even if the actual physical aspect within the whale requires more than a little suspension of disbelief.
IR Film Review: ANGEL AND THE BADMAN [Angel]
Angel Studios is trying some interesting things with tone first with "Runner" and now "Angel And The Badman" trying to transform certain stereotype stories but with an undercurrent of faith or being good as a motif. Zachary Levi, who has had a curvy career lately, plays the lead here in Cort, a bad man who lives to steal though he seemingly makes some bad choices.
IR Film Review: FORGOTTEN ISLAND [Dreamworks/Universal]
“Forgotten Island” like some of Dreamworks Animation’s recent non-franchise endeavors in that it has a neat story and fantastic possibility. It mixes different animation styles and places the film in an interesting offshore spot which is likely Indonesia or the Philippines. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado who directed "Puss In Boots: The Laast Wish" tell the story of Jo and Raissa, two kids that find each other when both are out on the outskirts in middle school.
IR Film Review: HEART OF THE BEAST [Paramount]
Brad Pitt’s new movie “Heart Of The Beast” directed by his "Fury" director David Ayer knows that the star of the film is Odin, the former solder’s combat dog. The set up has James, Pitt’s character, flying in his Cessna into the Alaska wilderness and camping with his best friend: Odin. It feels primal and calming for these combat veterans. New Zealand’s South Island stands in for Alaska and especially with some of the lakes gives it a great feeling (and some beautiful flying sequences) though most of the film takes place on the ground.
IR Film Review: ONSLAUGHT [A24]
From the trailers, the bedlam of “Onslaught” seemed much more broad but director Adam Wingard, coming back to basics after playing in the big budget sandbox, makes something crisp, lean but also brutal with his new film starring Adria Arjona from A24. The film takes place in a compacted setting for a specific reason and the scope could have been much bigger but that would be much more expensive.\ Arjona is good but it is Dan Stevens hidden behind make up and prosthetics as a would-be Nazi scientist called Hans that really steps it up.
IR Film Review: BY ANY MEANS [Paramount]
Doing a thriller/civil rights drama is always a tricky sell in terms of audiences but also an important story to tell while also making it tense and edgy and adding entertainment value....not a small order. “By Any Means” pairs Yahya Abdul-Mateen II of "Aquaman" fame as an FBI agent named Strider who returns to Mississippi after a stint in Chicago trying to some good in the Deep South in 1966. When a local black businessman named Dahmeris murdered, the Feds brings in an external consultant in tough man Greg Scarpa Jr. Mark Wahlberg takes on this character with gusto never judging him but playing him straight, warts and all with a suave streak and a nasty follow through.
IR Film Review: MAYDAY [Apple Original Films]
Making a buddy comedy in the depths of the Cold War can be a tricky sell even with someone like Ryan Reynolds headlining. Reynolds is known for his quick style but it doesn’t work in all scenarios. There has be a balance. "Mayday" is a big budget movie but is going directly to the streaming service. It is too bad some of the big set pieces won't be seen on the big screen. The best part of the film though is the inspired casting of Kenneth Branagh who doesn’t get to do this type of role often.