REVIEW: A QUIET PLACE PART II

 

4/5

A Quieter Place. 

97 Mins. Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Scoot McNairy, Djimon Hounsou & John Krasinski. Director: John Krasinski. 

Day One. Opening with an outstanding one shot on the road that ruffles feathers, pulls the bird out the box (although Sarah Paulson's eyes owned that highway to hell) and even catching a bus looks like the 'Speed' sequel we all wish we had Sandra, 'A Quiet Place Part II' is anything but in cruise control. And whose that peaking over the blindfold? Thomas Shelby? This is '28 Days Later' era Cillian Murphy looking 28 years later. If you thought that this sequel would slump with John Krasinski "just" in the directors office chair think again. Not when Emily Blunt's got a f###### shotgun (Brad Pitt in 'Once Upon A Time In...Hollywood' voice). Keep quiet. No spoilers, but the cats already meowing out the bag when it should be purring. The John who is no longer "Jim from 'The Office'" is here in association with Michael Bay (you know his '13 Hours' helped this prime actor/director arm up and prep for Amazon's 'Jack Ryan' series) to give you another horror game changer that defies conventions like it does clichés of predictability as things get oh so quieter like Bjork. Blowing a fuse in classic cameo for not just a prelude to this movie but a prologue to the whole 'Quiet' saga that knocks it out the all the streets are quiet Sunday baseball park. It's great to see the fatherly hero return after so much time I even ended up asking, "who the hell is this other kid in the car?!" We wanted him back as much as we would love to see those Mr. and Mrs. Fantastic rumors for this power couple really become something to Marvel at for the comic-books original family. Could you even think of a more perfect pair in partnership as they understand here like Stephen King how real horror is all about humanity...and family? The ties that bind and bond here are terrific as Krasiniski has even shown up in theatres around the States to welcome people back to cinemas for a film that truly belongs on the big screen (may we suggest the surround sound of Dolby Atmos aside from IMAX for that truly "it's behind you" atmospheric experience). I almost expected him to pop up here in Japan. It's so good to be back we could scream or from the mountaintops. But we best keep out lips sealed as this keeps the blockbuster season cauldron drum flame lit.

'Tenet'. Christopher Nolan's born for the biggest screen time folding in on itself epic gave us a brief but fleeting and fitting return to the home of bubbling popcorn last year out of quarantine. But I haven't seen anything on the big-screen since then. In Japan they stay until the final credit has rolled like they were watching a Marvel movie which afforded me the time in reflection to savour one of my favourite entertainment experiences, back in the hot seat. It really has been a long time for a man who visited those red fold up seats more than most do barstools. Almost as long as it takes me to figure out if this movie that does more with a few words than a Clint Eastwood facial expression whether I've walked into the subtitled show or the Japanese dubbed version. Such is life over here. Did I go in the right one you ask? どう思いますか. So long a time I even forgot that you shouldn't really take popcorn into a movie like this one. Dare you crunch like gravel under you barefeet for something so tense as it descends the stairs with a 'Home Alone' nail in the foot dread. Krasinski who knows how to build Spielberg tension just like a raptor in the kitchen without throwing the sink, makes tense time seem to stand so still. Making this hour and a half movie feel like more...and that's actually a good thing here. You don't want this to end like those who feel a chill down their spine don't want to turn around. Don't breathe. Just take a walk with this one and it will take you back to a time when we didn't live in an apocalypse and we could move freely without having to cover our mouths. As this monster movie delayed more times than the lockdown being lifted also shows us humanity today in its monster form this post-COVID world were some have begun to lose their way and form divisions at a time were we should all be coming together even more. With nary a word, classic character actor Scoot McNairy almost unrecognisable with his ragged ravagers really reflects this in a classic cameo. But the biggest stars are the clawing alien species that tooth and nail look like something out of 'Stranger Things' for this spindly vision of our own demise for the end of the world. And with a blinking kaleidoscope of digital radio lights on air like a Hawkins laboratory, maybe this even exists in a same, shared universe. Friends don't lie, that would certainly turn this genre and Hollywood upside down. 

Beyond the sea, this movie uses Bobby Darin as effectively as they did Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon' for plug in baby one of the most moving and romantic headphone dances we've seen in movies that confirmed the first 'A Quiet Place' horror as a heartfelt classic. Or as well as most of the genre does using songs of simple pleasure and joy to juxtapose the most terrifying things crawling and creeping towards your safe place like under the bed. Better get behind more than the sofa this film is scary as s###. And you don't want anybody to hear you scream. They said be quiet. Krasinski is a force on and behind the camera, but to put it bluntly, 'Sicario' and 'Edge Of Tomorrow' star Emily Blunt is the real action hero with the blunderbuss doing what she must. But with moving mothering that would do anything for her young. Just like the cradle her newborn is kept in, away like a manager. Just like John did in the first film. She cedes the star moments to the next in line...her kin. Beckoning then to come on out. A coming of age and aggression over anxiety Noah Jupe and the magnificent Millicent Simmonds really take and hold their stage and Krasinski fatherly even knows how to shoot one of them with a gun without us seeing them pull the trigger in a positive message in these days of heightened gun crime corrupting our youth. The latter Simmonds is really sensational. Forming a 'Last Of Us' like bond with 'Peaky Blinders' and 'Dark Knight' trilogy Scarecrow Cillian Murphy who behind the mask, scene steals and gives us one of his best performances in years aside from the Birmingham gangster we just have to tip out blade lined flat caps for. Setting fire to a cigarette lighter in an incinerator, burning with profoundly hurt passion. The deaf actress Millicent overcoming it all to find a stirring performance in silence is even teaching me to be a better teacher as she tells Cillian to ENUNCIATE! This her moment birthed from the character of her power couple parents even amongst all the big names like veteran great Djimon Hounsou. The 'Gladiator', 'Blood Diamond' and 'Guardians Of The Galaxy' actor offering more depth and hope in his relief effort. Anyone who says "WHO" like the meme doesn't know a real actor when they see one. And this place is full of them showing how much they can do with evoking expression and a language that points to a sign that its not what we say...but what we do that matters. This one will take your breath away and leave you speechless. Hear this. What more can we say? Even if it did miss a trick like the 'Now You See Me' sequel not being called 'Now You Dont', not calling itself, 'A Quieter Place' (here's hoping for 'Knives In'). With the potential of a Part III for an epic trilogy conclusion finding it's way home and a co-sign from the ultimate horror movie director William Friedkin of 'The Exorcist' himself for this film that will turn heads. When it comes to hallmark horrors, this silence is golden. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'A Quiet Place', 'Bird Box', 'I Am Legend'. 

REVIEW: FATHERHOOD

3.5/5

Father Time.

109 Mins. Starring: Kevin Hart, Melody Hurd, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Carrigan, Frankie R. Faison & Paul Reiser. Director: Paul Weitz.

Here's to all the fathers. Mine, yours, theirs. Him. Biological. Step. Our father. The ones we love and the ones we lost. Here's to them. Let's raise a glass and toast...cheers! This Fathers Day weekend, the Daddy of all streaming services Netflix is getting in on the father time act too with comedian and 'Ride Along' and 'Jumanji' franchise star Kevin Hart, following his 'No F###s Given' quarantined stand-up at home for something that is anything but a joke. But when s### happens. Nappy s### that is. Going for three like Ben Simmons. THEN that s### is funny. Based on the bestselling, moving memoir 'Two Kisses For Maddy: A Memoir Of Love and Loss' by Matthew Logelin those two kisses are from Daddy on behalf of Mummy who tragically died after the pregnancy. Now with real heart Hart and his new career redefining movie take some lovely liberties to show black fathers in a positive light against tired and racist stereotypes. Making this a love letter wrapped up in a Fathers Day card and nod to all the Girl Dad's like the dearly departed Kobe and GiGi who we miss every day a year after the tragedy in 2020. Originally meant to be released in theatres for Sony before COVID hit, after the pandemic Netflix brought this dramedy for your home systems, because really right now, even in opening up we've learned that's truly where the heart is. "I ain't leaving here" Hart said in his Netflix home movie special last year after getting "the 'vid" and the other virus of Twitter trolling and out for career blood and bones like vultures, cancel culture. 

So, of course, we need to talk about Kevin. Let me explain. A mere few years ago Hart was attacking everything, cooking like his 'Central Intelligence' co-star Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson. You got it? Cool! He even had a surprise (sorry) cameo in the 'Fast and Furious' spin-off 'Hobbs and Shaw' like Ryan Reynolds (sorry again) meaning this franchise starter has more under the hood. His stand-ups were like big budget blockbusters, but 'What Now'? The 'Irresponsible' actor was dropped as an Oscar host after some tweets about throwing a doll house and then boy did the backlash come like toys out a pram (but Ellen is OK to host right? At least she defended him. 'I Can't Make This Up' like his book). He was being crucified for the same sort of comedy his contemporaries like Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock do just as much and hilariously...all in the name of comic relief, not offence. What would the world make of Bill Hicks these days? Let alone Bill Burr as legendary Billy Crystal replaced Hart. Sure there are some comedians that should be cancelled (sorry Louis C.K., but you had your day), but the rest should be allowed to have their cars and coffee like Jerry Seinfeld...not to mention their brick oven pizza's. 4 cheeses. 4 CHEEESES. BOP! BOP! BOP! Hart was right there with Rock and Chappelle chasing Pryor before critics convictions. Now from now on everything he does is all 'Don't F### This Up' like his Netflix series which details all of this. But did we miss his 'Black History' life lessons that really matters? Standing next to his characters wife's coffin as he tries to string together the words that would do her justice through all Hart's hurt. All he can manage to say is, "this sucks." But this movie or man does anything but. Showing more than just the dramatic chops that earned him 'The Upside' with Bryan Cranston (although Hollywood never needs to remake classic like this French film 'The Intouchables' starring none other than 'Lupin' himself Omar Sy being thieved). The emotion he brings to both the love and loss here is earned. Heartbreaking and heartfelt, Hart is a revelation. Watch him break down and gather himself together to turn grief into giving all he has for his daughter just like he does to his kids in real life then you can see just how far this man will go to show he'll never fall. No matter how many people try to back him up against the wall. This is the push back. Just when you thought he didn't have it like that. Hart is back! 

'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me' may be the name of a cancelled comedy on Netflix (why though? This Jamie Foxx show reminded fondly of family sitcoms of old), but here Hart doesn't mind making a fool of himself for his daughter. But not when he makes a sister act congregation feel ashamed of themselves when they won't stand for his girl wearing trousers as she pleases. His reaction will leave you flossing in celebration for fortnights. There's nothing embarrassing about that moment. Just moving. The only ones who should be embarrassed are the penguins waddling around in tired traditions. As for the real star of this show, Melody Hurd steals it, ya heard? In perfect family harmony with Hart for this daddy/daughter day. It's Academy, Grammy and EIGHTEEN Emmy award nominated (she's taken home four) actress Alfre Woodard who really steps it up however looking for her next. The Golden Globe and three time Screen Actors Guild winner who is also a political activist plays a grieving grandmother who has to deal with both her granddaughter being miles away and that she has lost her own baby too with punctuated perfection of performance. Nuanced and not clichéd in any way, the 'Hill Street Blues', 'Luke Cage' and new 'Lion King' star earns every moment of screen-time as putting the tough love clamps on Kevin she makes him prove worthy of every responsibility. This will go down as one of the greatest hits for the 17th of the New York Times 25 Greatest Actors of the 25th Century. Add always funny 'Judas and the Black Messiah', 'Uncle Drew' and 'Get Out' actor Lil Rel "T. S. Motherf#####g A." Howery and 'Barry' and 'Gotham's' own Anthony Carrigan (it's strange to see an assassin play it so friendly) as Kevin's two best friends and Netflix's own Nola Darling from Spike Lee's 'She's Gotta Have It' spin-off series remake DeWanda Wise (always on fire and truly wise) as our leading man's leading lady and there's even more heart for Hart. But it's legendary father time actors Frankie R. Faison ('The Wire' and every Hannibal movie in the Hopkins trilogy) with soul and Paul Reiser ('My Two Dads' and all those 'Beverly Hills Cops') as the big boss who really bring it home. Making this the perfect film for pops holiday from 'About A Boy' and 'American Pie' director Paul Weitz giving us a slice of life with this big daddy of a movie about a girl. This real and raw comedy and tragedy of love and loss really deserves your two kisses. Happy Fathers Day. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Big Daddy', 'Gifted', 'Dad Stop Embarrassing Me!' 

REVIEW: SPIRAL-FROM THE BOOK OF 'SAW'

3.5/5

Between a Rock and a Saw Place.

93 Mins. Starring: Chris Rock, Max Minghella, Marisol Nichols & Samuel L. Jackson. Director: Darren Lynn Bousman. 

I want to play a game again. The buzz for 'Saw' is circling once more as Chris Rock spirals out of control with the blood and 'do you have the guts' horror franchise that beartrap's the box office like getting caught in a cabin in the woods. There's actually as many pieces to the 'Jigsaw' franchise as there are 'Fast and Furious' parts put together (there's a ninth on its way out the corona quarantined garage). So much so I'd rather hack my own arm off...just so I have something to throw at my TV (I see you Joey and Janice (OH. MY. GOD.) in the 'Friends Reunion'), than hide behind my couch at them all. But what can I say, everybody may hate Chris...but not me. Currently shaking his 'Tambourine' with Netflix for an extended run and a 'Total Blackout', the Pryor and Chappelle legendary 'Top Five' comedian like Seinfeld and Hicks is more than a joke as he says his most stand-up work is ahead of him. Just check his epic 'Plan For Immortality' feature story for Esquire and its iconic cover. Because right now carving into a 'Saw' spin-off that could play games with a franchise of its own, Rock of 'New Jack City', 'Fargo' and 'Pootie Tang' fame proves he has the acting chops once again. Copping a beat police role like the epic ensemble of 'Lethal Weapon 4' or the 'Bad Company' of Oscar winner Anthony Hopkins. He's not too old for this s### and playing a detective like the second skin of rolled up shirt sleeves, Chris rocks. He has us from the moment he talks about how Jenny only came back to 'Forrest Gump' when she had AIDS and how that film (that in Winston Groom's novel featured a boy monkey named Sue and a trip to space that crashed down into a community of cannibals and still felt believable...yes, I've recently read the book. Last week in fact) wouldn't fly (or run) today, hilariously like he's rehearsing a bit. Chris makes 'Spiral: From The Book Of Saw' (sounds like a violent read...especially in braille) worthy of a slice and not the cutting room floor. And if you need anymore convincing, Samuel L. Jackson plays his pops motherf#####s!

Copycat killers and B-movie brutal beauty dice their way through this play, the fourth film of its kind from devilish director Darren Lynn Bousman with original creators Leigh Whannel and 'Furious 7' wheelman James Wan behind the static screen of puppet string pulling production. The ninth instalment going bumper to bumper with the 'Fast' one across the finish line this Summer of the return of the blockbuster in Summers. And this one deserves its theatrical curtain as it is hallmark to the horror gruesome genre like a tricycle to your childhood, hold the red wagon. 'Saw' may be even more hilarious than that 'Scary Movie 4' skit when Shaq missed a free throw after Dr. Phil cut off the wrong leg. The one part I saw (whey!) featured a man having to choose between letting an elderly lady and a young man go. Except the kid was a loner and the old woman was the life of the party. They even exposition showed you pictures of the woman cutting up shapes on the dance floor and the guy sitting in the park with pigeons like a Keanu Reeves park bench meme, just in case you didn't know what they meant. How mean? But this one with the comedian has the last, lasting laugh. With a killer soundtrack from rapper 21 Savage that burns through this investigation and a 4th of July opening that's truly fireworks as Uncle Sam wants to kill you, the stage is set on the other side of the tracks and a Subway set-piece that will leave you wanting to throw up your sandwich. The meat, the veggies. Then, hidden behind aviator and a shady department that uses the badge as a cover of their corruption, Rock is caught between a good cops conscience and more bad clichés than donuts and coffee stains on the paperwork. But how he makes it work with the shot he gives it with his sprinkling of charisma. The jelly to whatever would just be another blood oozing fright fest of gratuitous moments and no substance. But Rock gives this its soul. Dealing with more sinners than 'Se7en' as he takes this low-budget version of that Morgan Freeman, Brad Pitt and the one that wasn't and now won't be named classic out the box like Denzel in 'Fallen'. Time may not be on his side, but clocking in his best lead to date is. Rock is a killer. He's already made you die laughing before and with this his trademark permanently pissed character acting elevates itself to something more deserving of a bigger picture, despite the money this one will make like a killing. One moment at his desk surrounded by the worst of what's supposed to be the best, accused of being involved in dialling M for murder and being a cop killer to his former partner and best friend, Chris gives the material even more for something that is not just another a day at the office. At this rate when it comes to how well this guy plays D.I's we never want to see him hand in his badge and gun until we're DOA and gone. 

Wax masks (and people complain about the one they need to wear right now), glass bottle recycling that at least won't hurt the planet and tongue vices that tied will leave yours bigger than the Rolling Stone's logo. This is the 'Saw' franchise you know and can't watch. But Chris' twist dislocates the usual trappings...which would make for a better alternative than taking your leg. But there's more parts to this piece than the lead detective. The always good and ever underrated Max Minghella makes his mark here budding up as Rock's partner. Even if the star of the show is on that typical, forced "I work alone" reluctance. But circling the drain in 'Spiral' soon this will become one member of the force Rock's Zeke won't close the blinds for. As 'The Social Network' and 'The Handmaid's Tale' star shows he is one beat away from taking the lead on his own patrol. This franchise starter could just be the case. Meanwhile 'Riverdale' and 'Teen Wolf' star Marisol Nichols really gets the promotion she deserves in captaincy as a chief of police keeping Rock in check and dealing with as much s### as Imodium in a unit dirtier than an explicit version of an album for a R rated movie that should come with a parental advisory sticker. It's the walking curse word Samuel L. Jackson that really gives this Academy more Oscar gold though in a man that could do this type of role in his sleep with a formidable filmography that seems to have even more movies than the horror genre itself...let alone the 'Saw' franchise. Having Rock and Jackson together on screen finally is an eagerly anticipated hype. But having Chris and Samuel play father and son like Cat Stevens. THAT'S a genius move. They say all horror stories are about the ones of humans like a Stephen King novel and 'The Book Of Saw' gives us a family connection with these two game changers of legendary black excellence like we were back in the 90's. Taking this 'Spiral' to heights that don't just go round in atypical clichéd circles. The police story of 'Saw's 'Spiral' doesn't go by the book, throwing everything like the kitchen sink at the wall until it sticks like a Tarantino blood splat. And that what makes this Jigsaw piece worthy of having its place. TIM DAVID HARVEY. 

Further Filming: 'Saw', 'Jigsaw', 'Se7en'.