- Destroyer
Part revenge thriller, part suspense driven mystery involving a spiraling undercover agent (Nicole Kidman), her deceased partner (Sabastian Stan) and a past bank robbery that ruined the lives of all those involved. ‘Destroyer’ shines when showcasing the emotional depth of its characters. The acting is masterful and a slower-paced plot employs non-linear storytelling through flashbacks, heightening the stakes greatly. The relatively unknown actors that fill out the gang are convincing — all giving remarkable performances. Intensity, anguish, and pessimism are palpable throughout. Kidman’s portrayal of a shattered woman hunting down those responsible for her partner’s murder – intrinsically powerful – it’s an absolute tour-de-force.
- Emily the Criminal
Aubrey Plaza (Parks & Rec., Legion, Ingrid Goes West, Dirty Grandpa) leads this independent gem starring opposite Theo Rossi (The Penguin, Sons of Anarchy, Luke Cage), Plaza plays Emily Benetto,who’s so badly in need of funds it’s causing her to consider “less than legal” ways to hustle up some cash. Emily ends up joining a group of credit card fraudsters led by Yousef (Rossi) who soon introduces her to a life of criminal enterprise; filled with betrayal, danger, and the constant threat of life-changing repercussions.
The acting is superbly dynamic, powerful. Plaza’s skill at embodying a role and finding its emotional core time-and-time-again is absolutely mind-boggling. She carries the picture with her naturalistic and complex take on the protagonist, Emily, a character with flaws running miles deep. Indie & micro-budget pictures appear to be her creative bread & butter: although she rarely disappoints in any feature no matter the size or scope. Rossi’s haunted charisma in the role of Yousef is also put to good use – as a warning to those considering crime as an occupation. His downtrodden portrayal screams regret; the character’s guilty conscience personified on-screen. Rossi gives the opposite of a gregarious turn as a con artist, much less Paul Newman in ‘The Sting’ and more Frank Abignale in the somber parts of ‘Catch Me if You Can’. ‘Emily the Criminal’ is gripping, thoughtful, intriguing from the get-go and has a solid through-line right to the last scene: an ingenious little epilogue that relies on well formulated plot symmetry. Who doesn’t love a story that comes full circle?
- From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money
Is it as good as the original, a blood-sucking vampire horror disguised as a crime thriller – directed by Rodriguez & written by Tarantino?
Well, no. Obviously not.
Was ‘From Dusk Till Dawn 2’ a straight to VHS/LaserDisc release that failed to garner enough interest to receive a release on the big screen?
Possibly.
But my point is this: as schlocky as this movie is – it still contains some awesomely over-the-top splatstick gore FX, with a plot that loosely connects to the first entry. Honestly, three more of these films were made and similar to the situation with the Mummy spin-offs, decreasing quality with each subsequent entry. So, go and watch ‘Texas Blood Money’ but steer clear of the rest. Oh and Danny Trejo is back for the sequel…and Robert Patrick. And as a bonus: Bruce effin’ Campbell!
What the hell more do you want?
- Mr. Right
Anna Kendrick & Sam Rockwell lead this Rom-com/Action extravaganza, featuring stand-out and imaginative fight choreography, w/ a blend of snappy visual effects, a plot that engages and delights, and two actors each at the top of their game, not to mention an extra helping of laughter fueled romance – just for good measure. Did I also list the undeniable cool factor? ‘Mr. Right’ doesn’t take itself too seriously – even while delivering an adrenaline laced thrill ride interspersed by memorable dialogue and clever jokes. That’s what it means for something to be: effortlessly stylish.
And yes, Rockwell gets one of his iconic (AND obligatory) dance sequences.