REVIEW: CRY MACHO

4/5

Mule Torino.

104 Mins. Starring: Clint Eastwood, Eduardo Minett, Natalia Traven, Horacio Garcia Rojas, Fernanda Urrejola & Dwight Yoakam. Director: Clint Eastwood. 

Macho, macho man Clint Eastwood at 91 still punches people and rides a horse. Feel pale in insignificance yet? Cry freedom! All for the mule variations of the outlaw's first western since he was 'Unforgiven' in 1992. Set with neo shades of his most recent 'Gran Torino' and 'The Mule'. This follows his last film looking at the Atlanta 1996 hero 'Richard Jewell' in what should have been the 2020 year of the Tokyo Olympics that in turn finally came after COVID-19 this Summer. In his legendary legacy Clint has twisted his fork round and played with spaghetti, asked punks if they were lucky, protected the President and even given birth to a 'Million Dollar Baby'...and let's not forget the time he went 'Every Which Way But Loose' with an orangutan swinging from the chandelier like Sia. And now with his 35th directed film the man who has starred in over 60 has a chicken in his coop as they have all come home to roost. Or should we say eleven...as almost a dozen birds played Macho (maybe the plate was the fate of the top ten), the character in the title of his new movie out this week in theatres and on HBO Max for a month. 'Cry Macho' based on N. Richard Nash's (the writer of the Broadway version of 'The Rainmaker') novel of the same name has been adapted for the screen by National Board Of Review, Best Original Screenplay ('Gran Torino') winner Nick Schenk who also penned 'The Mule'. So you know 'Macho' is in good company for something that won't be a far cry from Clint's typical, trademark, subtle and beautiful direction. Albeit this time when our leading man behind the lens steps out of his wagon like he was getting off a bronco into the sun and spotlight of a Hollywood moment as iconic as he is to that very industry, there is a difference under the stetson. 

The good, the bad and the ugly has been replaced with a more woke Eastwood in this gentle road movie as tender as the night. You won't find any racist jokes or quips here across the border, no matter how much he used to get away with it. As a matter of fact everyone in Mexico calls him a gringo in this one, but you ain't about to hear an old white man complain about racism (I'm talking about myself here). Its a different time and this is a different movie than 'Gran Torino'. Those old days have got off his lawn like way back then when he came to terms with understanding the boundaries of the homes and hearts of others and that America was not just a white picket fence. But still a friendship is forged as strong as the one which led his 'Torino' character to leave that very classic American automobile in his will to his young neighbour and not his own son that couldn't "buy American". It's a stetson this old cowboy wears not a MAGA hat like Larry David (that now famous photo of him and Timothee Chalamet at a café is a visual representation of when my body type meets my hairline for lunch) in a hilarious 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' (new season, next month. This really is the old man's time) moment Trump just didn't get (making it even funnier), but he's still ready to thrown down with toxic masculinity (cry macho all you like but it's bulls### like Samuel L. Jackson told 'Mule' star Clifton Collins Jr. in both actors best work, the hood dark '187') and any punk who thinks he can cross him as this great American legend tries to make his country what it was again before it was fake tanned by blonde wigs that came off with red caps. Seeing him punch a man more than half his age or break even the wildest horses that even a rolling stone couldn't tame isn't surprising. It's the moment this almost self-dubbed 'Dr. Dolittle' talks to a chicken and calls him a jerk like he's about to cover him in the same sauce that really gets your goat. After being hunted with heart by his 'American Sniper' Bradley Cooper in 'The Mule', this movie on the road to the borderlands like 'Logan' is a love story of familial friendship disguised as an action for all the Jackson's wanting that old Joe back. He even ballroom dances to the jukebox tune of his own concerns of the heart. Play it again, Clint. 

Tasked with bringing a bolo tied Dwight Yoakam's (the country music star and 'Logan Lucky' warden on formidable form) boy home, this former rodeo star rides to his own dawn. Not so cocksure, catching Z's when he can, but never falling asleep behind the wheel as you shouldn't rest on his reverance. It's newcomer Eduardo Minett who like a debuting Bee Vang before him really makes his mark and should for sure form friendships fondly with many more films after this. It's more than him and his rooster now as he wakes up this movie in its third act adolescence with his aggravation concealing an anxiety that just wants a figure of fatherhood to help shine the light on the way he's leading his life. Sadly he's not going to get that from his mother either played perfectly like a screen icon by Chilean, theatrical actress Fernanda Urrejola (Netflix's 'Blue Miracle'). How the basic instinct of Eastwood resists her snake bite like charms is beyond me...but it may have something to do with "the gift" Andy Garcia gave him in 'The Mule' to keep up with his pacemaker. Urrejola is a boss talent though unleashing a John Wick like dog of a henchman on his tail ('Diablero's' (Netflix) Horacio Garcia Rojas, straight scary and as cool as they come once upon a time in Mexico). But for all the goings on here-between learning to ride and heading for the Texas sun-its Eastwood's blossoming romance with 'Trade' and 'Collateral Damage' star Natalia Traven that really takes us across a bridge like Madison County. Charming her whole family charismatically. It's truly heartwarming and full of grace as the beautiful Traven is worthy of being her own Meryl. She is the stirring soul of this story that has so much more heart than the bruised black and blue nature of most movies like this today. Spielberg's speel once said that superhero movies would soon go they way of old westerns. But the iconic director forgot about this hero who is revitalising the genre he helped bring to America's way like the neo offshoot that's bringing new code to this movie matrix. He is the one. Burt Lancaster, Pierce Brosnan and even 'The Terminator' come Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger almost cried macho like Eastwood who was also down back in the day. But after all this time there is only one manco here that is worthy of being back in the saddle for this loaded gun. You dig? TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Gran Torino', 'The Mule', 'Unforgiven'. 

DOCUMENTARY REVIEW: BLOOD BROTHERS-MALCOLM X & MUHAMMAD ALI

 

4/5

Bonded By Blood.

'If Beale Street Could Talk' Oscar winner Regina King gave us 'One Night In Miami' last year before hosting the Academy Awards in a bubbled Union Station to start this one. The incredible actor turned director showing more substance beneath the beautiful South Beach setting adapted from the stage. She played out to us a critical and pivotal moment in American and Black History...behind closed doors. One hotel room. Four icons. The soul stirring Sam Cooke. The football hero Jim Brown. And Muhammed Ali and Malcolm X. X's Hampton House Miami motel room was the invite. Boxer Muhammad Ali-then Cassius Clay-had just shook up the world that ate their words. Shocking and beating Sonny Liston to become the Heavyweight Champion of the World. The same man who had thrown his Olympic Gold Medal in the river after being refused entry to a restaurant due to the color of his skin was now holding court at the bar like people in protest with all his brothers around him. Civil Rights activist Malcolm X taking candid Canon photos from behind the bar like he was tending it. Someone else taking perfect pictures of the pair musing over ice cream and what not with what looked like millions of men around them that they both influenced with all their inspiration. When they were King's like Martin Luther or John F. Kennedy and Bobby, leading in social and political commentary for these a-changin' times like Dylan, we don't know what went on behind closed doors like Regina's fantastic fictionalised account of what all this Miami heat led to in 'One Night' to remember like no other. But before a friendship was fractured, X was assassinated, Muhammad stripped of his title and right to fight for refusing to do so in the Vietnam war (making a solidarity stand because "no Vietcong ever called" him a world I'll never say), all before coming back and taking it back during father time. Decades before Ali succumbed to the one opponent he couldn't beat, Parkinson's Disease-but boy did he go twelve rounds with it-eventually passing away in a 2016 were we lost Ali, Prince and Bowie and got nothing but Brexit and Trump (you could literally feel the world change for the worse). Years before right now were both men will live in legendary memory...always. All before all this you can feel the palpable camaraderie of these photographs. Oh to be a fly on the wall in that hotel room.

Netflix have another story to tell in the same year they gave us a big documentary about the Notorious B.I.G. And this one could rival the thrilling 'Quincy', last years 'Who Killed Malcolm X' deep-dive series, or the remastered classic of 'The Two Killings Of Sam Cooke' in all it revelation, hurt and heart. You can see in the Michael Mann movie when Sam Cooke joined Ali on the same canvas he left Liston of as Ali proclaimed before their night in the hotel, "I'm the greatest boxer in the world and he's the greatest singer in the world", as we marvelled at these two heroic talents in South Beach. Malcolm X however was backstage not allowed to be seen at the fight, despite his support. You can see it in the undeniable yet underrated biopic starring no other to match the charm of the greatest Will Smith (who may finally get his award due when he serves up the 'King Richard' father of Venus and Serena Williams this fall), with a subtle, but incredible portrayal by Mario Van Peebles. This doc like Spike Lee's 'Malcolm X' movie starring an iconic Denzel Washington attempts to shed more light on the situation. A situation that led to what you can see in the 'Ali' movie when Will's Muhammed tells Mario's Malcolm, "you should have never quarrelled with the honourable Elijah Muhammad". And that was all she wrote. From some literal animated moments of documentation, to testimony from both Malcolm and Muhammed's family (to see how alike Ali's brother Rahman is to Muhammed is both beautiful and heartbreaking as the moment he breaks down after saying he can't wait to see and "hug and kiss" his brother again), this documentary delves and details it all. Civil Rights Activist Al Sharpton and many people involved with the Nation of Islam give their accounts to this 90 minute documentary based on the brilliant book by Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts. As far as we know (or more aptly knew until now), Malcolm and Muhammed were fond friends just like their family and their extended feeling of that brotherhood. They loved each other deeply and held their head high proudly. Refusing to hunch their back in the face of a racist world that hosed them down, even when they marched in their millions. One that made men and women drink from different fountains and ride at the back of the bus until the 'First Lady Of Civil Rights', Rosa Parks changed all that. Like MLK or JFK they were instrumental in changing the world, but instead of waiting for their turn. They kicked in the door notoriously and paved the way for others to have their seat at the table. Do you think you would be sitting with the friends and extended family you have from all over the world, sharing in beautiful cultures and ways of life without people like these two? One things for sure it would have taken a hell of a lot longer than the men who made everything move faster like the second-time Ali beat Liston in a rematch that didn't make it past the first minute, let alone the first round. But then it all changed. 

Anger like Marvin Gaye once sang was prevelant like sadly it is today in a world were everyone asked what's going on? Why leaders were gunned down in the light of day with no justice or peace brought to the same. Ali hurt to the core by the pictures of a mutilated Emmett Till (respect to actor Taye Diggs for all his work these days, still searching for justice for Emmett) wanted to change the world (he did) he shook up. Malcolm-who refused to turn the other cheek-leaning more towards Martin's non-violent, peaceful protest before violence brutally and tragically took both of them. Becoming less radicalised in his last years, when Malcolm Little was a young man he witnessed a racist murder himself that would never leave his mind and fuel his fire. The killing of his father. White supremacists dragged his Dad onto cable car tracks and waited for a carriage to kill him. It's little wonder both young men grew up wanting to avenge racism, no matter what it took. By all means necessary. But following his exile from the Nation of Islam after rightfully questioning some of the Elijah Muhammed's controversial contradictions Muhammed had to choose between the nation and his friend. Later he learnt that that was the wrong choice as he severed ties with the organisation that did the same to him once he was stripped of his title and license to box after refusing to fight in the Vietnam war...not dodging the draft like some Presidents who want to make a mockery of war heroes like Senator John McCain (just to give some subtext to this subliminal message, Donald Trump said of John McCain, "I like my war heroes who don't get caught." John who survived torture as a prisoner of war, could have been set free, but bravely rejected a deal by his captors that would have put his father and country at a disadvantage. Now that's a hero...that's a hero). Only "letting" the King of the world practice Islam again when he was back on the throne ("I never stopped" he replied). Reconnecting with X's family and expressing his deepest regret in losing his friendship with Malcolm. Its a sobering end to a story that soared and floated with the soul of a butterfly, before life stung like a bee. And this real and raw, relevatory documentary paints the imperfect picture in all its broad strokes. Like Springsteen once sang, "We stood side by side each one fighting for the other/And we said until we died we'd always be blood brothers". Blood will always be thicker than water under the bridge. One may have been burnt, but at the pearly gates in the kingdom of heaven you know these two late, great men will be brothers again. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'When We Were Kings', 'Who Killed Malcolm X', 'The Two Killings Of Sam Cooke'. 

REVIEW: SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS

4/5

Lord Of The Rings. 

132 Mins. Starring: Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Ronny Chieng, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh & Tony Leung. Director: Destin Daniel Cretton. 

Experiment? I don't know what Disney Mickey Mouse called 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' an "experiment", but the Labor Day post-COVID records speak for themselves. They are not an experiment as new superhero superstar Simu Liu says for his legacy and Marvel legend. They are "the underdog and the the underestimated". The "ceiling breakers". "The celebration of culture and joy that will persevere after an embattled year." The surprise. Even if this is the first Marvel movie since corona and Disney + that is released exclusively in theatres. At least Disney won't get sued again after what they did to the 'Black Widow' movie, depriving Scarlett Johansson of what she richly deserves. This is still not an experiment. Even if some trolls who call themselves fans say seeing this movie in cinemas, "is not worth the risk." These are the kind of people who say they love comics and heroes as they complain like villains, but know nothing about the character it takes to put on a mask to protect those you love and others. This film is worth everything. The highlight of Phase Four that after 'Widow's' peak and the small screen dominance in quarantine ('WandaVision', 'The Falcon (Captain America) and The Winter Soldier', 'Loki' and all these 'What If's') sets off the post Stark and Steve chapter of Marvel Studios that looks like it will last forever like 'Eternals' as we dive into more layers of 'Multiverse' in all of 'Doctor Strange's' 'Madness' with 'Spider-Man' and 'No Way Home'. And you thought Thanos could click his fingers and make everything disappear. In a world were we will still say 'Stop Asian Hate' like 'Black Lives Matter' until equality is one, 'Shang-Chi' like 'Black Panther' is groundbreaking and game changing like 'Captain Marvel' or 'Wonder Woman' before it. As young Asian kids around the world get to see themselves reflected on the big-screen for the first time as a superhero they can all be one day. 'The Legend of the Ten Rings' is the biggest blockbuster of the culture since 'Crazy Rich Asians'. 

Fun for the whole family is a formula Marvel have down. This is what those choosing to dress-up this CGI costume carnage differently need to realise. Marvel have to cater to the masses and spin all the plates like those Catherine wheel like ones of the Sorcerer Supreme. This is for the kids and the big ones too. It's all connected and cape fear not if you suffer from superhero fatigue. Maybe it's just time to see this in a different light. There are twice as many Marvel movies as there even are 'Fast and Furious' ones, but take it from me. Share this epic entertainment experience with somone who doesn't watch all these films and see how fresh it is through their eyes. Someone who hasn't been to the cinema since before lockdown. Someone so happy to finally see themselves represented on screens this way. And see their reactions. The laughter and the tears. The hand over the mouth thrills and audible shocked spills. And then you'll see how fun it can be...and even deeper what it all means to have 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' finally on the big-screen where he and they all belong. This is their moment. Watch them own it. Like an opening bus fight scene for your streams that will split you in two down the 'Bullitt' steep streets of San Francisco, home to Michael Douglas and Paul Rudd's 'Ant-Man' and Evangeline Lilly's 'Wasp' (although no cameos now they're no longer dust). More explosive wild speed than going over 50 with Sandra and Keanu as our hero punches and then kicks two goons in mid-air like Jackie Chan in rapid succession for this 'Rush Hour'. All before popping his jacket collar with swag and taking on a guy with a blade for a metal arm (the big brawling 'Creed II' son of Dolph Ludgren's Ivan Drago star Florian Munteanu, boxing clever) bad ass enough to make the Winter Soldier jealous, or Wolverine bite his fingernails. Or the "Chinese bamboo very strong" skyscraper scaffolding fight that is amongst some of the most epic things Marvel has ever done in choreography and set-piece artistry that will leave you with your heart in your mouth. If you thought the traditional Chinese culture celebrated here and the 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' inspirations that rustle leaves and turn these martial arts into a dance were impressive, then wait until you see the neon of the big city reflected in these glass towers smashing the ceiling in mesmerizing Macau. All for a cage match fight club featuring fan favourite Benedict Wong's Wong (why is he always leaving (what you wanted more?), see the 'Spider-Man' trailer) on formidable form. Something we wouldn't talk about if it wasn't already trailer revealed that could even leave Brad Pitt and especially Edward Norton jealous with this Abomination. Bet if all on one of the funniest and freshest films in the Stan Lee created canon that will leave you singing and requesting 'Hotel California' (the songs best use in a movie since 'The Big Lebowski', dude) as your next night out flies into the early hours like the Eagles. When it comes to these comics big-screen dominance like hell freezing over, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. 

Lions, dragons (imagine), and things that aren't bears, we can't tell if they're dogs, or anything else for that matter as they don't have a face (oh my), but are still so Baby Yoda cute. And if that wasn't enough how about some classic cameos that aren't what you expect, but what you'll welcome warmly with a light-hearted embrace for this film that really scores as it ties things together, even making up for Marvel's own, own goals? Playing Shakespeare in their forest like 'Thor', making you rally cry for "ANOTHER" as an 'Endgame' epic final fight in this game of thrones (or rings) will find you somewhere between 'LOTR' and 'The Last Samurai'. All for one as these warriors go to war over a gate that might open a whole new realm of eternity for these gods versus monsters. There's a lot more soul to this light but moving movie about the sins of the father and sons, and family as a whole. Love, grief, tragedy like the Greeks. Its enough to have you smashing plates. But don't break the artifacts. Because two legends of Hong Kong cinema are here amongst this breaking snapping structure of bamboo serving as a forest fortress. There's 'Crouching Tiger', 'Memoirs Of A Geisha', 'James Bond' ('Tomorrow Never Dies') and 'Star Trek' ('Discovery') star Michelle Yeoh. Perfect, getting her "hey auntie" on. Reuniting with 'Crazy Rich Asians' co-star (let's not forget the Asian comedian that 'Destroys America' with those "optimal angels", Ronny Chieng too) and star of 'The Farewell' and 'Oceans 8', the ever awesome Awkwafina, stealing the show with our lead as the sidekick in chemistry charisma mode. And then there's Tony Leung. The absolute HK legend and 'Small Tiger' among the Five Tiger Generals of TVB. This grandmaster star of classics like 'In The Mood For Love' and 'Internal Affairs' may just be the biggest legend Marvel have got since they convinced 'All The Presidents Men' to let us have Robert Redford for the shield and spy classic and greatest movie out the M.C.U to this day, 'Captain America-The Winter Soldier'. Even if you already know in this social spoiler age we won't tell you who Leung is, but those rings could give you a clue. One thing we will tell you is he is worthy of the legend as these rings take on a new Odin son like hammer time to those who can wield them. The motivations behind his dark designs make him the most complex villain since Loki himself. The most bloodthirsty with a method to his madness since Michael B. Jordan's Killmonger in 'Black Panther'. But 'Finding Destiny' if you want real "low-key" character in this theatre than how about theatrical actress Meng'er Zhang making her big-screen debut as the sister in this act. And garden trowelling everyone like Hiroyuki Sanada's Scorpion sting in 'Mortal Kombat', what an opening, what a debut, what a movie to start you career in and what a stage she holds once the curtain calls. A new star for worldwide cinema is born in this family affair. But it's 'Steps' and star of HBO's 'The Undoing', Fala Chen whose moving mothering is the soul of this story. All this destiny in the making from 'Captain Marvel' Brie Larson frequent collaborator and director of 'Short Term 12' and 'Just Mercy', Destin Daniel Cretton (compelling in his cinematography) and we still haven't got to the main event yet ("LOL"). 'Kim's Convenience' star Simu Liu's Shaun character parks cars for a living. Liu on the other hand used to star in...erm stock photos. That's when he wasn't in 'Pacific Rim' as...erm...some "blue stuff". But how about his stock now for the uprising? Not only is Simu a superhero and the first Asian one in cinemas. He's also a bonafide, charming, shooting for the stratosphere star with the biggest film out right now, smashing the scorching summer. It's his world now, revolving around it like a ring, we're just living in it like the background of a photo. With a perfect portrayal this franchise starter has found its face and it finally looks like a third of the world that finally is getting its just deserves and representation. And now, when it comes to the Marvel movie world and the next phase of the New Avengers. Just remember. "There's plenty of room at the Hotel California." TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'Crazy Rich Asians', 'Iron Man 3'.