65 - Pitch Black meets Jurassic Park (sort of)

 

Rent it on Apple TV, Google Play, Amazon, and YouTutbe. 

    For understandable reasons, SONY has developed an obsession with stories that boil down to a tough guy escorting a child through a dangerous environment for some typically noble cause. Arguably starting with The Last of Us (the original PS3 game from 2013) and going on from there. To be fair, SONY didn't invent this storyline. Its earlier rendition is more famously known as the Japanese story Lone Wolf and Cub, which has served as the basis for Western-oriented stories like Road to Perdition.

    It's a simple setup that can work in just about any genre or situation, which has been at least partially proven in today's subject, simply titled 65. A science fiction adventure starring one of our greatest modern actors in a story penned by a pair of talented creatives who know their way around a good monster movie. It's too bad that it doesn't quite stick the landing as well as it could have, but there's just enough entertainment value to be had that its shortcomings are relatively easy to forgive (mostly). 

    The story follows a humanoid alien named Mills (Adam Driver), a pilot on a particular long-distance galactic trek across the galaxy. After getting hit by an unexpected asteroid field, the ship crash lands on an "unknown" Planet, with Mills and a young girl named Koa (Ariana Greenblatt) as the only survivors. Koa speaks in another language unfamiliar to Mills, causing some difficulty in communication. Despite this hurdle, they must travel to the other half of the crashed ship to use the available escape pod to get off the Planet. Little do they know that here, there be monsters. Or, in this case, Dinosaurs! 

    Right off the bat, the film hits an exciting concept that should be explored more, depositing the idea of humanoid aliens visiting Earth during the prehistoric era. The idea of humanoid aliens who appear exactly like ourselves today is ripe for some fascinating stories that could make for exciting movies. Sadly, 65 appears to be less interested in that idea and only uses the humanoid alien concept as an excuse to avoid coming up with a time travel concept. Granted, it's still an exciting idea that hasn't been explored before, but the film itself doesn't seem as interested in the idea as it should be. 

    Instead, the film opts for the most minimal amount of world-building and character depth in favor of pitting Adam Driver against as many Dinosaurs as possible. Admittedly, it is always fun to see Adam Driver flex his chops as an actor and former Marine. Still, it feels wasted in a movie with a significantly more fascinating idea lurking in the background. While what we get in terms of drama is at least serviceable, it can't hold a candle to what might have been. 

    On the flip side, the performances and chemistry between the two leads are solid and entertaining, and the visual effects & production design are well done. The cinematography delivers creative, engaging shots with excellent lighting and clever camera work. Though overdone in parts, the music hits every beat with decent precision. And, of course, Adam Driver continues to cement himself as one of those actors whom I could enjoy watching on stage reading the phonebook. 

    65 is a film with an incredible idea that needs more focus. It's impossible to tell if the writers were not interested in the idea or if SONY demanded more blockbuster stuff. Still, in any case, this feels like a film that wanted to be more than it was, only to be denied the chance to become so. This may lead to further exploration of the more interesting concepts, but until then, it's a mild curiosity at best and a wasted opportunity at worst.

    Give it a look if there's nothing else. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Extraction 2 - Less Forgettable

 

Streaming on Netflix 

    I had less than favorable feelings about the first Extraction film in the foulest year of our lives, which was 2020. Admittedly, my feelings about most things during the beginning of the pandemic were less than optimistic, as I'm sure they were with you as well, my beautiful readers. In a time when we were in dire need of decent distractions, movies like the first Extraction film felt too lazy and unengaging with their by-the-numbers repetitive action scenes, lackluster story, and overdone action hero archetypes. The first Extraction film may not be the absolutely worse film of this particular subgenre, but it's not the most favorable on my personal list, either. 

    The follow-up movie, Extraction 2, is technically better than the first film, but not by much. While it still retains many previous issues (which I will get to later), there is a better sense of emotional investment and personal steaks to make the proceedings somewhat engaging, but don't be too surprised if you still find yourself checking your phone more often than usual while watching. 

    Taking place sometime after the events of the first movie, expert soldier of fortune Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) has successfully recovered from his previous ordeal and is trying to enjoy retirement at his remote cabin. His quiet time is short-lived when a mysterious figure approaches him with a job offer similar to the one he barely survived. However, this time around, it's personal to him, as it involves his ex-wife, her sister, and her two young children. As it turns out, the sister is married to a European crime boss and has arranged for his family to rot in prison with him. Tyler is hired to extract the sister and two children from the prison and into witness security for a better life. The only question is just how ruthless will the opposition be? 

    This has the potential to be a profoundly emotional and resonating story that would make the action all the more engaging. Sadly, much like the first film, there's simply not enough time spent on the little things that would have made the more significant things grandiose. 

    Like in the first film, repetitive action is emphasized too much. What little nuance that might have enhanced the action is briefly mentioned and then tossed aside in favor of another gimmicky fifteen-to-twenty-minute action sequence involving chases, shootouts, and fist-fights, all seemingly in one continuous take. Technically admirable, but no longer really awe-inducing. Not to mention that the vast majority of the action scenes tend to follow similar beats with little to no variation, other than one briefly neat moment where the perspective shifts into Snoricam for a little while. 

    The bits of potentially compelling human drama are more present here than in the first film and provide enough justification for emotional investment in the story. Plus, director Sam Hargrave (who helmed the first film) shows some promise of improvement as a storyteller rather than a mere stunt coordinator in way over his head. However, more is needed to excuse the lack of variety in the action. We can only enjoy watching Chris Hemsworth plow his way through a bunch of bad guys using the same tactics so many times before our eyes are drawn to our watches. 

    Extraction 2 is little more than a new option for the white noise you play in the background while you finish your daily chores. While it's at least a decent improvement over what came before, there still needs to be more here to call it a good movie. Maybe by the time they get to the fourth or fifth movie, they will finally have found a balance between narrative & action, but honestly, at this point, I have more faith in Arnold's FUBAR show on the same streaming service. Netflix may start creating better action content with The Terminator in charge. 

    Bottom line: Extraction 2 is a slightly improved version of a previous idea that still can't hit the target. Only check it out if you are mildly curious. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

Double Feature: BlackBerry & Sisu

 

    That's right, my beautiful readers; it's time again for another Double Feature Review. Two movie reviews for the price of one! 

    Both movies in this review are of excellent quality and provide unique experiences, as any good movie should. While both are recommended by me, their being in a Double Feature Review should maintain their potential for enjoyment. There's not much to say about these movies other than they're well done and absolutely worth your time. Perhaps one more so than the other, but we'll get to that soon. 

    Let's start off with something simple yet complex. 

For Rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube 

    The early days of mobile phones (before the arrival of the iPhone) were a time of wonder and invention. The idea of transforming a pocket-sized device into a portable computer was unheard of when mobile phones were just phones. Colorful bricks that could send and receive calls, and that was it for a while. It was when a group of talented nerds at the Research In Motion Company introduced the world to the BlackBerry, one of the first efforts towards portable computing, mobile phones, and text messaging all in one. 

    BlackBerry, the movie, chronicles the rise and fall of the early Titan of mobile phones. The story follows a timid but brilliant inventor, Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel). After partnering with an assertive and shady businessman named Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton), the little-device-that-could skyrockets into mobile phone dominance, becoming one of the biggest names in the mobile phone industry until the announcement of the iPhone in 2007. 

    The film boasts a distinct style combining visual motifs from documentary to vintage late 90's cinema. Director Mike Johnson, who also plays Mike Lazaridis' best friend, Doug, glides through the highs and lows of the company's history while delivering a compelling drama. 

    The performances are all on point, with Jay Baruchel as the greatest stand-out, delivering a performance so far out of his previously received range; I almost didn't believe it was him. His performance is expertly executed even during scenes shared by Glenn Howerton, who spends most of his screen time chewing the scenery by shouting obscenities and insulting the other characters. If that is how Mr. Balsillie behaves in real life, I hope I never have to share a room with him...ever! 

    This leads to my one nitpick with the film; the lack of entirely likable characters. While it is possible to thoroughly enjoy a film with unlikable people in the leading roles (look at the filmography of director Milos Forman for proof of concept), and even with the notion of this story being based on actual events, I was personally disappointed that I was left with no one worth rooting for. At the very least, their story is one of the consequences of hubris, and in most cases, there are not too many people worthy of our cheering. 

    In many ways, BlackBerry reminded me of the David Fincher classic, The Social Network. Both are well-crafted stories about the early days of modern innovations created and built up by people I would rather not have a beer with. In that way, these are both excellent examples of modern cautionary tales, essential lessons about how not to succeed in your chosen fields. In both cases, they deserve to be seen and their lessons heard. 

    Okay, now let's move on to something more primitively satisfying. 

For Rent on Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube

    Finish writer/director Jalmari Helander has built himself a fantastic reputation as a filmmaker I greatly admire, an artist who doesn't care about being realistic! His energy and disregard for the plausible are so courageous and heartfelt that you can't help but enjoy every moment. Even when the more graphic moments kick in, a sense of tastefulness reads less like an overgrown adolescent and more like an experienced craftsman with a maintained spark of madness. It's the kind of movie we desperately need more of these days, not because of the violence but because of the unrestrained creativity and entertainment value that can only come from a playful disregard for reality. 

    Set in Finland at the tail end of WW2, an old and mysterious man is out searching for Gold. Upon finding a motherload of the stuff, he packs it up and makes his way into town to cash in his find. Things take an unfortunate turn when he runs into a platoon of Nazis who try to steal his treasure, only to find themselves cut down by the old man's hand. It turns out that the old man is a legendary and deadly former Finish Commando with a haunting reputation and over 500 confirmed kills. Despite this knowledge, the arrogant Nazis press on, trying to part the old man with his Gold. Little do they know how much pain they're in for. 

    Much like my review for the underrated Overlord, a movie in which Nazis are brutally and justifiably getting the everlasting snot beaten out of them is automatically great. The film also continues to showcase Jalmari Helander's talents for visual storytelling and character focus. Not to mention a penchant for finely crafted action scenes. 

    I will provide a fair warning for the movie's graphic violence. While it is in service to the story and hardly overstays its welcome, it can be a deal breaker for some viewers, at least potentially. While I still recommend this movie, if you're squeamish about graphic violence, your hesitation to check this one out is entirely understandable. 

    Also, a minor spoiler, the Dog lives! 

    Thank you, my beautiful readers, for joining me in this latest Double Feature Review. I hope you enjoyed it. Be on the lookout for an upcoming Retro Review of an action classic. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading. 

SHAZAM: Fury of the Gods - Atlas Shrugs

Streaming on MAX 

For Rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, and Amazon 

    The first SHAZAM movie from 2019 was an unexpected and delightfully welcome gem in the world of superhero movies outside of Marvel. At the time, there was little to no hope for the folks at Warner Brothers & DC Comics, who were trying too hard to strike the superhero-cinematic-universe iron while it was hot, despite neither party knowing how to properly wield the hammer. In the wave of undersaturated colors and outdated adolescent angst, SHAZAM broke the mold and provided an experience that was fun, entertaining, and super heartfelt. 

    Four years later, we're presented with a sequel from most of the same creative team in the hopes of making the lightning strike twice. While certain elements succeed in providing fair entertainment value, the overall experience could have been much better. 

    Taking place a few years after the events of the first movie, Billy Batson (Asher Angel) has grown fond of his foster family and is now living his best life possible. His fortunate situation is further enhanced by his and his foster siblings taking on the role of their town's resident superhero team. Uttering the word SHAZAM transforms Billy into The Champion (Zachary Levi) and his siblings into his partners in fighting crime. However, as of late, Billy has become too clingy to his family and fears losing them if he doesn't hold them together well enough, to the point where his siblings view superhero-ing as less of a family adventure and more of a chore. Things only seem to get worse when a group of ancient gods, known as the Daughters of Atlas, show up to wreak havoc on the world as vengeance for their initial banishment. Can Billy and his siblings rise to the challenge, or will their dysfunction be their undoing? 

    The most significant issue with this film is an apparent need for polish. Despite having four years to fine-tune the script (admittedly, the pandemic didn't help much), it feels too much like an early draft on screen. Many of the character beats seem to move excessively, parts of the dialogue feel unnecessarily forced, and the increased abundance of special-effects heavy scenes detract from the more intimate character moments far too often. 

    There was a grit to the first film that gave it a sense of humanity and verisimilitude. The emphasis on the character's journeys and relationships made the first film enjoyable and memorable. Yes, it also featured moments of superpowers with incredible special effects, but there was a better balance between the extravaganza and the story that is, unfortunately, lacking in this much-anticipated next chapter. Although to be fair, a film with as many vital characters as featured here can challenge any filmmaker. 

    On the flip side, the chemistry between the cast is still solid, the villains are some of the best seen in a DC superhero movie, and the visual effects (though overbearing at times) are incredible to behold. Especially when it comes to some mythological creatures towards the film's climax. All I will say is, "Taste the Rainbow, Mother%&#@er!" 

    SHAZAM: Fury of the Gods is not the worst DC superhero movie I've ever seen, but it is an unfortunate disappointment. While there are enough good parts here and there to render the experience at least modestly entertaining, it can't hold a candle to the first film. This is sad because I can't help but feel that it should have. 

    If you're curious, give it a look. Otherwise, just wait for Superman: Legacy. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.