Month: October 2019

Today’s quick review: Getaway Plan. Victor (Alain Hernandez), a demolitions expert with a cautious streak, joins the crew of a bank robbery led by Nikolay (Jaroslaw Bielski), a Russian mobster. But Nikolay is stingy with the plan’s details, and a police investigation led by a determined lieutenant (Luis Tosar) could spell disaster. Meanwhile, an old friend with a bad drug addiction (Javier Gutierrez) reappears in Victor’s life looking for a favor.

Getaway Plan is a Spanish crime drama about a criminal caught in a precarious situation. Getaway Plan takes a close look at Victor’s life in the weeks leading up to the bank robbery, including his professional challenges, his personal relationships, and his suspicions about the job. The film aims to be an engaging personal drama with heist elements, but significant storytelling mistakes keep it from having the proper impact.

Getaway Plan is a hard movie to follow. Few of the characters are named onscreen, key plot points are never explicitly stated, and the film’s extensive supporting cast contains several pairs of look-alikes. The film has the right instincts for dramatic revelations but the wrong ones for how to set them up. Between the film’s lopsided plot structure and its confusing presentation, even its most interesting plot twists and personal moments fall flat.

Try Getaway Plan only if you’re willing to put up with some story incoherence in exchange for a more subdued, personal take on the crime genre. Solid acting and a couple of neat plot twists make the film watchable, but the story never comes together the way it should. For another dramatic heist movie, try Heist, The Score, or Inside Man. For a crime drama with a strong personal component, try Donnie Brasco or The Departed.

5.6 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 for decent ideas and acting held back by weak storytelling.

Today’s quick review: Shimmer Lake. Following a bank robbery in a small town, Sheriff Zeke Sikes (Benjamin Walker) is tasked with catching the three perpetrators: Ed Burton (Wyatt Russell), Chris Morrow (Mark Rendall), and Andy Sikes (Riann Wilson), Zeke’s own brother. The investigation leads Zeke to a corrupt judge (John Michael Higgins), a grieving mother (Stephanie Sigman), and a secret from the town’s past long thought buried.

Shimmer Lake is a crime drama and mystery with traces of black comedy and a story that’s told in reverse. The movie begins with Andy fleeing with the money on Friday and works its way backward to Tuesday, the day of the robbery, one day at a time. Each step backwards reveals more of the events following the robbery and makes sense of clues seen earlier in the movie. The result is a fairly credible mystery with a few good twists.

Beyond its unusual style of storytelling, Shimmer Lake is a competently executed crime movie with few outstanding features. The cast fills out the story nicely, though no one steals the show. The mystery is not the most suspenseful or dramatic, but it does have a few layers to it. The humor comes from the mistakes and personality quirks of the characters. The jokes tend to be dry and understated, but they do balance out the darkness of the plot.

Give Shimmer Lake a shot when you’re looking for a neat crime mystery with an unusual gimmick. Shimmer Lake lacks the dramatic punch or the sparkling writing needed to truly capitalize on its premise, but what it has is enough to make it a worthwhile watch. For a more fascinating small-town mystery and black comedy, try Fargo. For a darker investigation, try Insomnia. For an even darker, more violent small-town mystery, try The Hollow Point.

6.2 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for decent execution and a well-structured plot.

Today’s quick review: Spy Time. Adolfo (Quim Gutierrez), a slacker whose girlfriend Katia (Alexandra Jimenez) has just left him for being too boring, has lived his entire life without learning that his father is the famed Spanish superspy Anacleto (Imanol Arias). Adolfo gets a crash course in the family business when Anacleto’s nemesis Vazquez (Carlos Areces) escapes from prison. Now father and son must work together to outwit their greatest foe.

Spy Time is a spy comedy about an aging spy and his ordinary son. Spy Time puts a wry spin on the spy genre. Anacleto, his organization, and his nemesis are all past their prime; the stakes are as high as ever, but much of the flair has left the spy business. Meanwhile, Adolfo has his own crises to attend to: his girlfriend leaving him, the assassins that are after him, and the discovery that everything he knew about his father was a lie.

Imanol Arias and Quim Gutierrez give the movie a strong comedic core to work with. The dysfunctional dynamic between the two forms a bridge between Anacleto’s world of espionage and danger and Adolfo’s utterly mundane life. Katia and her brother Martin (Berto Romero) help keep the comedy coming. Between their bickering, Adolfo coming to grips with his father, and Vazquez’ dubious return to his life of crime, Spy Time earns consistent laughs.

Spy Time’s plot works surprisingly well for a comedy. The film fits in plenty of comedic beats without sacrificing action, and it walks the fine line between dramatic tension and parody with skill. Neither the stunts nor the plot are spectacular, but both help to give the film some excitement, and the balance out the comedy nicely. However, Spy Time has just enough violence and mature humor to damage its light tone, especially for sensitive viewers.

Watch Spy Time when you’re in the mood for a light romp with a pleasing mixture of action and comedy. Spy Time is not an iconic, memorable, or entirely original watch, but it is a fun one. Give it a try when you feel like popcorn. For a similar flavor of spy comedy, check out Get Smart. For one that’s heavier on gore and action, check out Kingsman. For a cartoon slapstick comedy with a superficially similar plot, try Looney Tunes: Back in Action.

6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for energetic comedy.

Today’s quick review: The Outsider. After Nick (Jared Leto), an American expat, saves the life of Kiyoshi (Tadanobu Asano) in a Japanese prison, the yakuza member repays the favor by inviting Nick into the Shiromatsu crime family. There Nick puts his knack for violence to good use and gains the favor of Akihiro (Min Tanaka), the aging head of the family. But Nick’s status as a foreigner earns him the ire of Orochi (Kippei Shiina), Akihiro’s lieutenant.

The Outsider is a violent crime drama set in Osaka in the 1950s. Jared Leto stars as Nick Lowell, a quiet American with a checkered past who finds a new home within the brotherhood of the yakuza. The film follows Nick’s induction into the Shiromatsu family, his romance with Kiyoshi’s sister Miyu (Shioli Kutsuna), and the family’s turf war with the upstart Seizu family from Kobe. The Outsider is a gritty peek at the criminal underworld of postwar Japan.

Unfortunately, The Outsider lacks the vision found in the best crime movies. Once Nick has settled into his new life, the plot begins to wander. The plot threads The Outsider spends its time on are all reasonable inclusions: Nick’s relationship with Kiyoshi, his secret romance with Miyu, and the war with the Seizu. But the movie never picks one to serve as the focus, and by the time it settles on the Seizu, there’s little time left before the finale.

Nick Lowell also makes for an unsympathetic protagonist. Jared Leto does a fine job of portraying Nick as an impassive criminal with only scant traces of conscience, but such a distant, remorseless character makes it hard for the audience to invest in him. The moments when Nick seems human are all too rare, and they aren’t enough to sell the film’s themes of loyalty and brotherhood. The Outsider has the right setup for emotional drama but the wrong hero.

Still, The Outsider’s craftsmanship is enough to make it a decent watch. Individual scenes tend to be well-crafted, the supporting cast all perform their roles well, and hte setting of postwar Japan helps set the movie apart from the usual American crime drama. The Outsider has almost all of the elements of a good crime drama, and many viewers will find it to be one. But those hoping for a likable protagonist or a satisfying payoff may be disappointed.

For a classic crime drama that handles similar material with more weight, try Goodfellas. For a crime drama with more heart, try Donnie Brasco. For a gory revenge drama with a similarly impassive protagonist, try Only God Forgives.

6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 for solid craftsmanship hurt by an unfocused plot and an unsympathetic protagonist.

Today’s quick review: Blood and Bone. Fresh out of prison, Bone (Michael Jai White), a talented fighter, teams up with Pinball (Dante Basco), a loudmouthed manager, to take the world of underground fighting by storm. But as Bone’s victories pile up, he keeps his eyes on the real prize: the chance to settle some unfinished business with James (Eamonn Walker), an up-and-coming crime boss, by beating his champion Hammerman (Bob Sapp) in the ring.

Blood and Bone is a martial arts action movie with impressive stunts. Michael Jai White stars as Bone, a laconic fighter and a man of principle. The film follows Bone on his quest to tie up the loose ends of his stay in prison, using an underground fighting ring to get close to his target. Blood and Bone delivers a solid serving of martial arts action, while its plot, though nothing special, develops well as the movie goes on.

Blood and Bone excels at action, thanks in large part to the talents of Michael Jai White. The fights are fast, weighty, and technically impressive. Their only real flaw is their length: Bone’s dominance in the ring tends to end the fights in brief but spectacular fashion. But the film makes up for brevity with quantity, delivering action at regular intervals from start to finish. Fans of martial arts will be satisfied.

The action is backed up by two strong leads who complement each other well: Michael Jai White and Eamonn Walker. Both are serious, imposing men with excellent screen presence. But where Bone is a fundamentally good man, James runs on raw ambition, skewed honor, and thinly-contained violence. Outside of its action, the dynamic between the two is Blood and Bone’s greatest strength, and the story does a reasonably good job of playing them off one another.

Watch Blood and Bone when you’re in the mood for basic, well-executed action. Its particular flavor of fast-paced, grounded martial arts may not be what fans of special effects or high-flying stunts are looking for, but those who appreciate technical proficiency and athletic skill should give Blood and Bone a shot.

For another action movie starring Michael Jai White, try Falcon Rising. For a martial arts action movie with a similar plot and shakier execution, try Kickboxer: Vengeance. For one with even better stunts, try The Protector.

6.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for strong action coupled with good leads and a decent plot.

Today’s quick review: Ambushed. Frankie (Daniel Bonjour) and his partner Eddie (Gianni Capaldi) are Los Angeles drug dealers looking to move up in the cocaine trade. They get their chance when Frankie kills their supplier and takes his stock. But the risky move draws unwanted attention from all sides: DEA agent Evan Maxwell (Dolph Lundgren), crooked LAPD detective Jack Reilley (Randy Couture), and cocaine kingpin Vinnie Scolise (Vinnie Jones).

Ambushed is a crime drama and action movie about a drug dealer with a plan to make it big. The film follows Frankie as he wrestles with his ambition, his better judgment, and his desire to get out of the drug business while he’s on top. Unfortunately, in spite of energetic pacing and a decent cast, Ambushed brings little to the table. Its aimless plot, weak dialogue, and limited amounts of action all keep it from reaching its goals.

Ambushed suffers from two main problems: amateurish plotting and misuse of its cast. The story starts out strong enough, putting two up-and-coming drug dealers in the middle of a three-way crossfire. But once the preliminaries are out of the way, the plot begins to ramble. Ambushed resolves one of its conflicts too early and sets up the others too late, leaving a long gap in the middle that the movie tries to fill with meaningless subplots.

The film’s biggest stars get lost in the shuffle. Dolph Lundgren has next to no impact on the plot, while Vinnie Jones only makes two or three brief appearances before vanishing. Randy Couture does put in consistent work as Reilly, but he’s left waiting in the wings for too long. The short shrift given these actors either speaks to Ambushed’s budget or lack of vision. They do have a few half-decent moments, but none are at their best.

These two mistakes, as well as other, lesser issues, keep Ambushed from holding much appeal for anyone but the most lenient crime fans. Most viewers would be better off with one of the many other films in the genre. For a crime drama with similar ideas and a much stronger plot, try Layer Cake. For a crime comedy with a similar style of plot, try Snatch, RocknRolla, or Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels.

3.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.0 for a half-baked plot and modest potential.

Today’s quick review: The Hollow Point. Violence comes to a small Arizona town on the Mexican border when Ken Mersey (David H. Stevens), an ammunition smuggler for a Mexican drug cartel, kills his cartel boss and makes off with $250,000. It falls to the newly appointed Sheriff Wallace (Patrick Wilson) to hunt him down and bring him to justice before a ruthless cartel assassin (John Leguizamo) can make an example of Ken and everyone else involved.

The Hollow Point is a gritty crime drama that tests just how far a small-town sheriff is willing to go in the name of justice. Patrick Wilson stars as Sheriff Wallace, a stubborn police officer who returns to his hometown to take over for Sheriff Leland Kilbaught (Ian McShane), his trigger-happy predecessor. But to cope with the wave of violence gripping the town, the two men will need each other’s help.

The Hollow Point’s greatest draw is its intricate, unpredictable plot. Wallace’s investigation takes him all over town and back again as he tries to pick up Ken’s trail. The film gets plenty of mileage out of its characters; their secrets and interconnections form the raw material for the plot’s many twists. The story is backed by understated dramatic performances from the cast, while shocking bursts of violence give the movie its impact.

Still, The Hollow Point lacks the brilliance of the best crime movies. The plot is engaging but not mind-blowing, and its twists are not always set up well. The dialogue is credible but not profound, and the themes of violence and justice are only paprtially explored. And even in their best moments, the characters are not as charismatic or as memorable as the greats of the crime genre.

Those looking for a dark crime movie with a substantial plot should give The Hollow Point a shot. Though it lacks the star power and finesse of the best films in the genre, The Hollow Point makes a surprisingly strong showing of itself. Steer clear if you dislike gore or a bleak tone. For a dark, violent crime drama in a similar vein, try No Country For Old Men, Sicario, or Drive. For a darkly comedic take on a similar premise, try Fargo.

5.4 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid craftsmanship and a well-constructed plot.

Today’s quick review: Battle Drone. Vincent Reikker (Louis Mandylor) leads a team of mercenaries that handle black ops work for the CIA. Their latest mission is to fly into Chernobyl, accompanied by their handler Agent Hayes (Dominique Swain), and take control of a weapons cache hidden there. But Vincent and his team soon realize they have walked into an ambush: a field test for a new line of humanoid battle drones, with them as the targets.

Battle Drone is a budget sci-fi action movie that pits a team of elite mercenaries against cutting-edge robotic soldiers that are operated remotely. Battle Drone aims to be a stylish action flick with charismatic characters and slick action. Unfortunately, it falls well short of the mark. Flat acting, forgettable characters, and hit-or-miss cinematography all hold the movie back. Battle Drone offers a fair amount of action but little else.

Battle Drone tries a few neat tricks that it lacks the technical competence to pull off. The action sequences alternately slow down and speed up to send the camera zipping around the battlefield. The effect works well most of the time, but it’s betrayed by low-end special effects and small, pervasive errors in the camerawork and choreography. The drones are also mishandled, beginning the film as unstoppable tanks and ending it as clumsy pushovers.

The characters are another swing and a miss. Battle Drone goes to great lengths to set up Vincent’s unnamed team, including its martial arts expert (Dan Southworth), its sniper (Natassia Malthe), and its resident psychopath (Jason Earles). But with mediocre dialogue, minimal backstory, and an unexceptional cast, there’s little for the viewer to latch onto. Battle Drone avoids any major missteps with its characters, but they earn few points.

Watch Battle Drone only if you’re a sci-fi fan who’s in the mood for action and isn’t too picky about quality. Battle Drone manages to be watchable, at least by the standards of budget sci-fi, but it fails at the things that are meant to set it apart. For more suspenseful budget sci-fi action with a similar premise, check out Kill Command. For a better action movie about a team of mercenaries, check out The Expendables, The Losers, or The A-Team.

6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.5 for decent action and lackluster overall execution.

Today’s quick review: Out of Sight. Jack Foley (George Clooney), a charming bank robber, breaks out of jail with the help of Buddy (Ving Rhames), his loyal partner in crime. But when U.S. Marshal Karen Sisco (Jennifer Lopez) catches them in the act, Jack has no choice but to kidnap her to make a clean getaway. Much to their surprise, Jack and Karen find themselves attracted to one another, complicating Karen’s investigation and Jack’s next robbery.

Out of Sight is a crime comedy and romance about a bank robber and a law enforcement officer who fall for one another. Out of Sight features a talented cast, a light tone, a well-structured story, and capable direction. The film effortlessly blends the romance, comedy, and crime genres, skimming the best aspects of each without ever letting itself get too distracted. The result is a surprisingly robust watch that has broad appeal.

One of the movie’s biggest draws is its cast. George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez have great chemistry together. Their relationship is a mixture of flirting and antagonism that brings out the best in each. They are backed by a rock-solid supporting cast that includes Ving Rhames, Don Cheadle, and Steve Zahn, as well as one or two amusing cameos. Nearly every character in the moive is likable or interesting in some way, which is no mean feat.

Apart from its cast, Out of Sight has plenty that makes it worthwhile. The criminal side of the plot involves a stash of uncut diamonds that Jack heard about in prison. The basics of Jack’s plan are nothing special, but the film does a good job of doling out its details incrementally. Out of Sight also does a good job of keeping its tone light, limiting the amount of drama generated by its characters and never dwelling too long on its few violent moments.

Out of Sight is an enjoyable movie with few real weaknesses. Give it a shot when you’re in the mood for something light and entertaining, whether you have a craving for crime, comedy, or romance. Skip Out of Sight if you’re looking for something substantial or truly moving. For another light crime comedy from the same lead actor and director, try Ocean’s Eleven. Try The Town for a much more dramatic take on a similar premise.

7.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it the same for likable characters, charming humor, and an interesting story.

Today’s quick review: Son of a Gun. To survive in prison, JR (Brenton Thwaites) accepts protection from Brendan (Ewan McGregor) in exchange for future favors. Once JR is released, Brendan’s associate Sam (Jacek Koman) comes to collect. Under Sam’s guidance, JR breaks Brendan out of prison and joins them on their next job: a gold heist worth millions. But JR’s dangerous romance with Sam’s employee Tasha (Alicia Vikander) could ruin everything.

Son of a Gun is a crime drama about a young man roped into a dangerous situation. The film follows JR from his rough days in prison to his criminal career in Brendan’s crew. Son of a Gun features a decent premise, a plot with a few nice twists, and a capable lead in Ewan McGregor. But the film’s acting and writing are just flawed enough to keep it from finishing what it starts. The result is a passable but generic crime flick that never shines.

Son of a Gun’s greatest strength is Ewan McGregor. Brendan nicely skirts the line between loyalty and opportunism, making him the perfect person to lure JR deeper into a life of crime, while McGregor imbues the role with the charisma it needs to succeed. The plot uses Brendan as its keystone, placing him at the center of a risky plan to steal millions in gold. McGregor’s performance the basic skeleton of the plot are what carry the film.

But Son of a Gun’s other lead is something of a weak point. JR makes for an indifferent protagonist: passive, ordinary, and not especially sympathetic. JR gets one or two moments to show his worth, but these are few and far between. Had the movie played up his intelligence, his altruism, or his misgivings about the job, JR might have succeeded. As it stands, he can’t quite carry his side of the movie, limiting Son of a Gun’s payoff.

Those looking for a simple crime movie with a serious tone may want to give Son of a Gun a shot. Its plot, its performances, and its thoughts on loyalty and betrayal are just enough to make it a decent watch. But most viewers will be better off with one of the other entries into the crime genre. For a stylized, comedic take on a similar premise, check out Baby Driver. For others in the same vein, try The Business, American Heist, or The Trust.

6.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for mixed execution.