Movie Review - Speak No Evil

Director: James Watkins
Genre: Thriller/ Horror
Runtime: 110 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi,  Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough. Kris Hitchen
 
Description: A family is invited to spend a whole weekend in a lonely home in the countryside, but as the weekend progresses, they realize that a dark side lies withing the family who invited them.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 50: A FILM FROM AN ACADEMY AWARD WINNING/ NOMINATED ACTOR OR ACTRESS

Review: Although the original “Speak No Evil” with a significant role for my country, is still fresh in our mind, for America it is already time for a remake. Hollywood has a habit of Americanizing successful films from abroad, but as many show, this is not always a success. Fortunately, “Speak No Evil” is a great remake.

Vacations are the ultimate time to relax. When the placid Louise and Ben take their daughter to Italy, they meet an eccentric family there. The lovely wife Ciara, their little son Ant, who has a disability and has difficulty communicating, and the dominant but enthusiastic Paddy. Things click between the two families. Ben and Louise are invited to spend a weekend at Paddy and Ciara’s country home in England. Although they have only just met the family, after a while they decide to visit.

A recurring theme is the discomfort created by certain standards and behavior. The tension that the film builds with this from the beginning gets stronger and stronger. There is this constant feeling of unease and questioning yourself if something going on.

The uncomfortable feeling also occasionally creates a black-comic tone, with Louise and ben getting into increasingly strange situations, but staying neat out of politeness. The film plays heavily on behavioral norms and cultural differences between people and charts in multiple layers.

There are many themes woven into the tension and story, such as gender inequality, parenting and cultural differences, but the most prominent is toxic masculinity. On one side James McAvoy as Paddy, is the ultimate alpha male: dominant, muscular and overpowering. On the other side is Scoot McNairy’s Ben, who has difficulty countering Paddy and, in the process, also experiences difficulties with his wife, who repeatedly asks him to intervene. Their characters complement each other perfectly, which enhances the poignancy of the situation.

James McAvoy is, without a doubt, the star of the show. In his acting, he manages to sublimely combine grandeur and nuance. With minimal looks, facial expressions and use of voice, he gives weight to each scene. Although McAvoy indicates no having seen the original, he manages to bring out and even transcend the scariest sides of Fedja van Huêt.

The tension is wonderfully built up, with many shots and dialogues foreshadowing the explosive final act. In it, many plot twists converge to a worthy conclusion.

Rating: 4/ 5

10s Movie Review - Killing Them Softly

Director: Andrew Dominik
Genre: Drama/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Brad Pitt, Scoot McNairy, Ben Mendelsohn, James Gandolfini, Richard Jenkins, Ray Liotta, Sam Shepard, Max Casella

Description: Jacki Cogan (Brad Pitt) is an enforcer hired to restore order after three dumb guys rob a Mob protected card game, causing the local criminal economy to collapse.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2023 MOVIE CHALLENGE.
WEEK 33: A MOVIE THAT’S ON YOUR NETFLIX WATCHLIST
 
Review: In New Orleans, two not too savvy crooks rob an illegal poker night at the behest of an insignificant gangster. Thinking they can conveniently pin the blame on someone else, they have seriously underestimated the case. Soon they are being hunted by an experience hit man.

“Killing Them Softly” is a hard-hitting crime film, that flew under the radar when it came out. I believe more people should be talking about it. The film is often exciting and witty, but it is a bit too preachy at times, in its critique of American optimism. I think that’s the reason why it didn’t really impress a broader audience.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Review - Luckiest Girl Alive

Director: Mike Barker
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Mystery
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Mila Kunis, Chiara Aurelia, Finn Wittrock, Connie Britton, Scoot McNairy, Jennifer Beals
 
Description: A woman (Mila Kunis) in New York, who seems to have things under control, is faced with a trauma that makes her life unravel.

Review: With “Luckiest Girl Alive”, Mila Kunis reaches out to rape victims. And her film does so quite subtly, too.

Mila Kunis is one of those actresses that needs to get more credit for her work. In “Luckiest Girl Alive” we follow Ani, a talented writer for a successful magazine, about to marry a dream guy and seems to be living her best life. Not for the fact that she is still greatly affected by a trauma, something that happened to her when she was a teenager. When she thought she had passed on from it, everything seems to be coming back to her. Most films would be overly emotional, but “Luckiest Girl Alive” tackles this drama differently.

Ani seems to care much about what others think of her, constantly trying to be the best. She is a much hated figure, because of her alleged involvement in a school shooting when she was younger. A documentary filmmaker wants to get her on camera to talk about this incident: something she has never done in all those years. In flashbacks, bit by bit, we get to see the lead-up to the tragedy and the trauma that she still carries with her.

Young Ani is excellently played by Chiara Aurelia, Mila Kunis is adult Ani, and is also very good. Aurelia has some real difficult scenes to play and Kunis has the job to show us who she became 20 years later, with that trauma ticked beneath the surface.

I don’t think “Luckiest Girl Alive” is by any means a groundbreaking or super memorable film, but it does one thing so well: Ani is a victim of victim blaming and slutshaming, which is depicted very realistically in this film. And the way Ani deals with it, is raw and might make you uncomfortable. But also very realistic. And for that reason alone, I can definitely recommend this movie.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Review - A Quiet Place Part II

Director: John Krasinski
Genre: Horror
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, John Krasinski, Scoot McNairy, Djimon Hounsou

Description: Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threat lurking beyond the sand path.
 
Review: Where in “A Quiet Place” we followed the Abbott family within the ‘safety’ of their own home, they now have to leave their home and face the dangers of the outside world. And “A Quiet Place Part II”, picks up, after a fantastic opening sequence showing us what happened on day 1, right after the first film. When Evelyn and her children leave the house, they find out that there is more danger then just the creatures that hunt by sound.
Making a sequel to such an amazing horror film, is a daunting task. The first film was very tense and suspenseful all throughout. The whole concept of the monsters that hunt by sound and you have to be very quiet, or it will literally kill you, is such a genius and original idea for a horror film. And once again, that is executed extremely well in “A Quiet Place Part II”. The film is very tension based and John Krasinski pulls off what I believe is one of the best horror sequels I have ever seen. It is exactly the kind of movie I wanted it to be. It surprised me.
The performances were once again magnificent. Emily Blunt can do no wrong, she is one of my favorites for a reason. Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe, who play her children, are fantastic. Especially Simmonds, who has a very featured role in the sequel. And I knew Cillian Murphy was in it, but never expected him to have such an important and significant role. And he is phenomenal. The reason why these actors are so good in both of these movies, is because they rely on silent communication and visual storytelling.
But John Krasinski is the real star, because his direction is masterful. He made yet another movie he can be very proud of and happy with. The film keeps the tension constantly and has some really intense and scary scenes.
I loved this movie, just as much as the first. Watching these two movies back to back would be a great three hours of suspense. I hope John Krasinski keeps making movies like this, he did such a great job.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

TV Show Review - True Detective (Season 3)

Season: 3
Genre: Thriller/ Drama/ Crime
Number of episodes: 8
Year: 2019
Starring: Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, Scoot McNairy, Michael Rooker, Carmen Ejogo, Ray Fisher

Description: A macabre crime in the heart of the Ozarks and a mystery deepens over decades and plays out in three separate time periods. Detectives Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) and Roland West (Stephen Dorff) investigate this dark crime.

Review: The first season of “True Detective” was a sensation. Unknown what to expect, every episode was as intriguing and the mystery kept viewers on the edge of their seats. It had interesting lead characters and the show captivated everyone until the end. So the bar was set for the second season. A new story, new characters, but as expected, it never met the success of the first season.
Season 3 starts again, with a new story and new detectives. We meet Wayne Hays in 2015, who is being interviewed for a TV show about a case of a missing child, that he worked on in the 1980s. In the 1990s more information became available. So this story is told during three time periods: the original investigation in the 1980s, the reopening of the case in the 1990s and the look back in 2015.
In 1980, two kids disappear and detectives Wayne Hays (Mahershala Ali) and Roland West (Stephen Dorff) investigate this case. When we see the conversations held in 1990 and 2015, we learn that conclusions are drawn that will probably be revisited.
While the investigation is shown in three different time lines, we also get to know Hays and what this case does to him. He meets his wife and mother of his children. The scenes between Hays and his wife Amelia, shows us character development as well.
Although we follow three timelines and they switch constantly, it’s never hard to follow.
The performances are really good. Mahershala Ali steals the show and carries it easily. But Stephen Dorff as well, he is really strong in his role.
The third season of “True Detective” manages to come closer to season 1, when it comes to style, atmosphere, the story, the characters, the performances and how invested you will be. It’s still not as good as the first season, but it comes awfully close.

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 34: Frank

Director: Lenny Abrahamson

Genre: Drama/ Comedy

Runtime: 95 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Domhnall Gleeson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Scoot McNairy, Francois, Civil, Carla Azar, Shane O’Brien, Moira Broker, Paul Butterworth, Phil Kingston, Chris McHalem, Hayley Derryberry, Lauren Poole

Description: Jon (Domhnall Gleeson), a young wanna-be musician, discovers he's bitten off more than he can chew when he joins an eccentric pop band led by the mysterious and enigmatic Frank (Michael Fassbender).

Review: “Frank” is a fictional story loosely based on the alter ego of the cult band and comedy legend Chris Sievey, who transformed into Frank Sidebottom when wearing a giant fake head. In this film Michael Fassbender is the one wearing the head and “Frank” is a hidden gem.

In “Frank” musician Jon accidentally meets an unconventional alternative band. Because of an incident the band is looking for a keyboard player and Jon happens to play it. The lead singer of the band is Frank who, despite of wearing a big fake head hiding his face, is extremely charismatic. When Jon joins them in a remote lodge to record a new album, the situation becomes stranger and stranger.

The movie deals with one important question: what is success and how do you define it? It is different for everyone. Jon’s big dream is to break through as a musician and to reach fame with a big audience. He is looking for appreciation and doesn’t only want compliments from people like Frank. Frank, but mostly the band, doesn’t care about what the crowd thinks. Creativity can’t be taught, you either have talent or you don’t.

Michael Fassbender is great as Frank. With or without the head he gives away a fantastic performance. You feel his enthusiasm and love, but also his powerlessness, panic and pain. Maggie Gyllenhaal, as Clara, also does a good job. She is closest to Frank and hates everything mainstream. Casting Domhnall Gleeson was also a good thing. He doesn’t fit in the group at all. Even though he seems like an average man to us, he is the odd one in the group. He represents how we would probably feel in a group like Frank’s.

Music is off course a big part of “Frank” and the soundtrack is really strong. If you don’t like alternative, experimental and vague music, you might think otherwise. The film has a beautiful and touching ending and you will leave this film satisfied.

“Frank” is a quirky film about self-expression, love for music and friendship. I loved it!

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 142: Monsters

Director: Gareth Edwards

Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Science Fiction

Runtime: 94 minutes

Year: 2010

Starring: Whitney Able, Scoot McNairy, Fernando Lara

Description: Six years after Earth has suffered an alien invasion a cynical journalist (Scoot McNairy) agrees to escort a shaken American tourist (Whitney Able) through an infected zone in Mexico to the safety of the US border.

Review: “Monsters” shows us that you don’t need a big budget to make a good movie. Gareth Edwards made his directorial debut with this film. Edwards used locations that he happened to see while traveling and used the local citizens as supporting actors. Most of the dialogues were improvised and most of the special effects he did himself. The result is a realistic monster movie, road movie and love story.

In “Monsters” aliens have taken over the north of Mexico. Six years after a contaminated space craft crashed, the presence of the aliens are an existing fact. Half of the country is in quarantine and the US have secured their borders with high walls. The story follows photographer Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), who traveled to Mexico to get pictures of the aliens. His plans fall apart when his boss asks him to escort Sam (Whitney Able), a rich man’s daughter, home to the US. They are forced to take a more dangerous route through the infected area.

“Monsters” is more about the atmosphere then the action. No tentacle spectacle (never thought I would ever say that), epic battles or Hollywood drama, but an oppressive atmosphere. And the film has a realistic feel to it as well.

The first part of the film is a bit dragging though and it took me a while to actually get into the film.

Overall I did like “Monsters”, it’s a different kind of creature feature.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 32: Non-Stop

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 106 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Lupita Nyong’o, Omar Metwally, Jason Butler Hamer, Linus ROache, Shea Whigham, Anson Mount, Quinn McColgan, Corey Hawkins, Frank Deal, Bar Paly, Edoardo Costa, Jon Abrahams, Amanda Quaid

Description: Air marshal Bill Marks (Liam Neeson) springs into action during a transatlantic flight after receiving a series of text messages that put his fellow passengers at risk unless the airline transfers $150 million into an off-shore account.

Review: Liam Neeson got his break with the big audience by playing the role of Oscar Schindler in “Schindler’s List”. Now, in his sixties, Neeson is most known for his action movies. In “Non-Stop” he plays an air marshal.

This air marshall, Bil Marks, has a hard life. He doesn’t like his job and drinks. He gets threats over the phone, where the unknown caller claims to murder a passenger when Marks doesn’t transfer a large amount of money to a bank account.

“Non-Stop” is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. He and Neeson also worked together on “Unknown”. “Non-Stop” is an entertaining movie, with a high tempo and with weird plot twist that seem incredible. But the solid acting by Neeson and the visual flair of Cobet-Serra make it enjoyable. Neeson has a killer charisma. Julianne Moore has a supporting role, but is underused.

I think that this is an easily forgettable movie, because the thriller lacks depth. But for a week night, it’s a good popcorn movie that Liam Neeson fans will appreciate.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 14: Argo

Director: Ben Affleck

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Runtime: 120 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Ben Affleck, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, John Goodman, Victor Garber, Scoot McNairy, Rory Cochrane, Christopher Denham, Kerry Bishé, Kyle Chandler, Chris Messina, Zeljko Ivanek, Titus Welliver, Keith Szarabajka, Bob Gunton, Richard Kind, Richard Dillane, Omid Abtaho, Page Leong, Farshad, Cea DuVall, Sheila Vand, Ryan Ahern, Bill Tangradi, Jamie McShane, Tate Donovan, Matthew Glave, Roberto Garcia Christopher Stanley

Description: Acting under the cover of a Hollywood producer scouting a location for a science fiction film, a CIA agent (Ben Affleck) launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1980.

Review: November 1979, Iranian students occupy the American embassy in Teheran, to enforce extradition of the Shah. Over fifty Americans were taking hostage and were released after fourteen days, after the Shah died. Six embassy staff members did manage to flee on that same day to the Canadian embassy. With a science fiction movie as a cover, they managed to escape after three months. In 1997, Bill Clinton released information about this mission, with a big role for CIA man Tony Mendez. This is a perfect story for a movie.

Director Ben Affleck choose Rodrigo Prieto as his cinematographer, who is known as the cameraman for Alejandro Gonzálex Iñárritu. This makes all the images authentic. This sets the film of to a good start and the thriller plot can develop. “Argo” looks perfect as a time period piece, with the characters constantly smoking, big glasses and televisions with buttons. In the second half of the film, the pace gets faster. This is a good thing. The movie is build slow and then picks up the pace.

“Argo” does have its weak points. Director Affleck is great, leading actor Affleck, who looks like Al Pacino in “Serpico”, doesn’t manage to convince you completely. As a CIA man he does, but the demons he has (drinking, failed fatherhood) don’t really reach the audience the way it should have. A strong opponent could have covered it up a bit, but the powerful performances are given by John Goodman and Alan Arkin, who have supporting roles.

I understand the success of “Argo”, it’s a true story about a heroic escape plan, and I liked it. The change of pace works well and Ben Affleck did a good job as a director. “Argo” is a good film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5