Film: Zombieland-Double Tap

GENRE: Action, Comedy, Horror

RATING: R for bloody violence and language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 39 minutes

STARRING: Woody Harrelson (Hunger Games, True Detective)

Jesse Eisenberg (Social Network), Emma Stone (Easy A, La La Land)

DIRECTOR: Ruben Fleischer (Zombieland, 30 Minutes or Less, Venom)

WRITERS: Dave Callaham (The Expendables, Wonder Woman 1984)

Rhett Reese & Paul Wernick (Zombieland, Deadpool, Deadpool 2)

PLOT: The four survivors are restless as they face evolved zombies and more survivors.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: Enjoyed the first Zombieland.

STORY STUFF: A fun time at the movies. Ten years later and they didn’t miss a beat. This sequel has the same high energy, dark humour, rule graphics, body count and quirky characters. Unfortunately, it also has a slim storyline. It’s a simple plot but that’s okay; it’s not trying to be more than it is. Loved the references to Uber and Walking Dead. Fun stuff.

ACTING STUFF: The four leads fall nicely back into their characters. We see a little less of Abigail Breslin this time around but that’s fine by me. Love the addition of Zoey Deutch (The Politician) as the ditzy newcomer. I thought I would tire of her character but she practically stole the show for me. She was fantastic.   

ARTISTIC STUFF: Still love the text graphics and slow motion that are liberally used throughout the film. I also enjoyed many of the props used by the characters and in the background. Three cheers for the prop master and set dressers.

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You’ve seen the first one or like zombie stuff

UPCOMING REVIEWS: The Current War, Terminator: Dark Fate

Film: El Camino

GENRE: Drama

RATING: TV-MA for violence and brief strong language
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 2 minutes

STARRING: Aaron Paul (Need for Speed, The Path, Exodus)

Jesse Plemons (Game Night), Robert Forester (Jackie Brown)

DIRECTOR: Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul)

WRITER: Vince Gilligan (Breaking Bad, The X-Files)

PLOT: A Breaking Bad epilogue featuring Jesse on the run after trying to start a new life.    

FULL DISCLOSURE: Loved Breaking Bad.

STORY STUFF: While I don’t believe this chapter was completely necessary (as the finale was phenomenal), it was fun to get reacquainted with these characters. As we got closure on Walter White in the series, it was nice to see Jesse get some closure as well. The story plays out like an extended Breaking Bad episode with its deliberate pace, fun twists, ramped up emotions and tragic consequences.

ACTING STUFF: Aaron Paul deserves another Emmy. His performance is heart-breaking and powerful. Watching him work through his trauma and devising a masterplan is compelling. I’ll try not spoil things with all the cameos but they all give solid performances as well. Especially loved Charles Baker and Matt Jones as Skinny Pete and Badger. They are the ultimate loyal friends.   

ARTISTIC STUFF: The film is beautifully shot and edited. The look fits perfectly with the Breaking Bad style. Nothing over-reaching here. As it should be.

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: And only if you’ve seen ALL of Breaking Bad

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Zombieland 2: Double Tap

Film: Gemini Man

GENRE: Action, Drama

RATING: PG-13 for violence and brief strong language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 57 minutes

STARRING: Will Smith (Bad Boys, I,Robot, Men in Black, Aladdin)

Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Fargo-TV), Benedict Wong (Doctor Strange)

DIRECTOR: Ang Lee (Life of Pi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)

WRITERS: David Benioff (Game of Thrones), Billy Ray (Hunger Games),

Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After, Jack the Giant Slayer)

PLOT: A retiring hitman faces off against a younger clone of himself.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: Liked the idea but not the trailer so much.

STORY STUFF: While the initial premise is interesting the execution was awful. The plot is pretty weak, the dialogue is stiff and the ‘twists’ are predictable. I found it amazing that the older hitman knew of the Gemini project but didn’t occur to him that it might involve cloning. Gemini is the sign for twins. That’s like being surprised that a company called Espionage Inc. is doing surveillance on you.  

ACTING STUFF: The acting is okay. Smith gives a couple good performances but is not given much to work with. Clive Owen (Inside Man) is the villain but is wasted in this film. I liked Winstead. She reminds me of Cobie Smulders (HIMYM, Stumptown) for some reason.

ARTISTIC STUFF: I will concede that there are a couple fun action sequences in this film. There’s a motorcycle chase that starts all Mission: Impossibly but ends kind of silly by overusing the bike.  

VERDICT: One and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You really, really like Will Smith.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Zombieland 2: Double Tap

Film: Joker

GENRE: Drama

RATING: R for strong violence, language, disturbing behaviour
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 1 minute

STARRING: Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Her, Gladiator)

Robert De Niro (Taxi Driver), Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Deadpool 2)

DIRECTOR: Todd Phillips (The Hangover, Starsky & Hutch)

WRITERS: Phillips (Old School) & Scott Silver (8 Mile, The Fighter)

PLOT: Arthur Fleck get pushed too far and slowly become Joker.   

FULL DISCLOSURE: I was apprehensive after the trailer.

STORY STUFF: It’s a slow burn but Arthur’s decent into madness is very effective. It’s hard to watch at times. The whole thing reminded me of Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver. If you go in expecting a DC version of a Marvel origin story, you’ll be sorely disappointed. This is the definition of gritty. It’s a lot darker than Christopher Nolan’s trilogy. The story is interesting and gives some solid foundation to the Joker’s backstory.

ACTING STUFF: Phoenix is phenomenal. His commitment to the role is impressive. His constant laugh is creepy as hell. Comparing his Joker interpretation to Heath Ledger’s is like apples and oranges as there are stark thematic differences. Phoenix is less manic and more internally disturbed. His thin frame is haunting and looks dangerous. The other actors all give solid performances but Phoenix (who is on screen pretty much the entire time) is the reason to watch.

ARTISTIC STUFF: There are some beautiful shots throughout. It’s raw but consistent. The film doesn’t have a large body count, but the violent scenes are hard to watch at times. Their use of the songs ‘Smile’ and ‘That’s Life’ are heavy handed.  

VERDICT: Four and a half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want a gritty tale of madness (Not for young viewers)

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Gemini Man

Film: Downton Abbey

GENRE: Drama

RATING: PG for thematic elements
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 2 minutes

STARRING: Michelle Dockery (Good Behavior, Anna Karenina)

Allen Leech (Bohemian Rhapsody), Maggie Smith (Harry Potter)

DIRECTOR: Michael Engler (Sex and the City, 30 Rock, Downton)

WRITER: Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park, The Tourist, Downton)

PLOT: The royal family visits the Crawly family. Manners ensue.  

FULL DISCLOSURE: I enjoyed the television series.

STORY STUFF: It was a pleasant film. Nothing profound. Just think of it as an extended episode with some nicer (expensive) camerawork. I was happy that Lady Mary’s storyline was pretty small as I don’t like her much. I like Tom, who had a lot to do this time around. Keep in mind, if you haven’t watched the series, you’ll be pretty lost with most of the character backstories.  

ACTING STUFF: A little annoyed that Matthew Goode, who plays Mary’s husband, gets one of the top billings yet is barely in the film. The acting is on par with the television series. Smith is still wonderful as Violet. Enjoyed Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter) as Violet’s rival.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Some beautiful shots of the Downton Abbey exterior. Can’t think of too much else that caught my eye. Wondering if they are going to get Oscar nominations for costume as the academy usually praises elegant period pieces.   

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You watched & enjoyed the TV series. (Not for newcomers.)

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Ad Astra, The Joker

2019 Emmy Wrap-Up

Good job Fleabag (started watching the show tonight as a result). I didn’t do well, I got 12 out of 22 categories (I count predicted and wanted as wins). The ceremony was more miss than hit. I was okay with the no-host thing but Thomas Lennon as the commentator didn’t really add anything to the broadcast, maybe his Felicity Huffman shout-out. The massive photos behind the winners were unflattering at times. Some of the music choices were poorly chosen; some pretty upbeat tunes for the depressing Chernobyl wins. I was also embarrassed for Adam Devine’s dance number introducing the variety portion of the show; it was no Tony intro. Ken Jeong's TikTok bit was awful.  I’m always annoyed that some categories show clips for the shows and others are sped through; but this year it was ultra awkward as they showed the nominees then brought the presenters out to do lame banter. In the meantime, my short attention span had forgotten the nominees already. Dumb order. I did like a couple things. The president of television something or other explaining the meaningfulness of television was well said. My highlight was Maya Rudolph and Ike Barinholtz naming the nominees. Their opening bit about being blind took too long but I loved the misreadings of the names. “Here are the nimrods for dead ascot in a chocolate staircase.” Loved Bill Hader’s win and speech. Here are some of the other winners:

THE WINNERS:

Drama Series: Game of Thrones (Predicted & Wanted)

Comedy Series: Fleabag

Limited Series: Chernobyl

Television Movie: Black Mirror – Bandersnatch (Predicted & Wanted)

Variety Talk Series: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (Predicted & Wanted)

Variety Sketch Series: SNL (Predicted & Wanted)

Reality Series: RuPaul’s Drag Race (Predicted)  

Lead Actor [Drama]: Billy Porter

Lead Actress [Drama]: Jodie Comer

Lead Actor [Comedy]: Bill Hader (Predicted)

Lead Actress [Comedy]: Phoebe Waller-Bridge

Lead Actor [Limited]: Jharrel Jerome (Predicted)  

Lead Actress [Limited]: Michelle Williams

Supp. Actor [Drama]: Peter Dinklage (Predicted & Wanted)

Supp. Actress [Drama]: Julia Garner (Predicted)   

Supp. Actor [Comedy]: Tony Shalhoub (Predicted)

Supp. Actress [Comedy]: Alex Borstein

Supp. Actor [Limited]: Ben Whishaw

Supp. Actress [Limited]: Patricia Arquette

Writing [Drama]: Succession – Nobody is Ever Missing

Writing [Comedy]: Fleabag – Episode 1 (Predicted)   

Writing [Limited]: Chernobyl (Predicted)  

2019 Emmy Predictions

The Emmys are on Sunday. I haven’t seen a bunch of the shows and miniseries nominated this year which could prove detrimental. There’s just too much out there to keep track of it all. For the Primetime Emmys predictions, it’s same as past years: I play to win but am happy if the one I want to win takes the statue. Here now are the predictions and outright guesses:

Outstanding Drama Series

Better Call Saul | Bodyguard | Game of Thrones | Killing Eve | Ozark | Pose | Succession | This Is Us

WILL WIN: Game of Thrones (Ended strong in my opinion)

WANT TO WIN: Game of Thrones (It’s an impressive series)

Outstanding Comedy Series

Barry | Fleabag | The Good Place | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel | Russian Doll | Schitt’s Creek | Veep

WILL WIN: Veep (A win for its last season)

WANT TO WIN: Barry (Did not enjoy Good Place as much this season)

Outstanding Limited Series

Chernobyl | Escape at Dannemora | Fosse/Verdon | Sharp Objects | When They See Us

WILL WIN: When They See Us (Powerful and racially relevant)

WANT TO WIN: Escape at Dannemora (A riveting story)

Outstanding Television Movie

Bandersnatch (Black Miror) | Brexit | Deadwood: The Movie | King Lear | My Dinner with Herve

WILL WIN: Bandersnatch (Black Mirror) (Innovative and interesting)

WANT TO WIN: Bandersnatch (Haven’t seen the other ones)

Outstanding Variety Talk Series

Daily Show with Trevor Noah | Full Frontal with Samantha Bee | Jimmy Kimmel Live | Last Week Tonight with John Oliver | The Late Late Show with James Corden | The Late Show with Stephen Colbert  

WILL WIN: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (He’s awesome and informative)

WANT TO WIN: Last Week Tonight (It’s appointment television for me)

Outstanding Variety Sketch Series

At Home with Amy Sedaris | Documentary Now! | Drunk History | I Love You America with Sarah Silverman | SNL | Who Is America?

WILL WIN: SNL (This show is still on a roll)

WANT TO WIN: SNL (Hands down)

Outstanding Reality – Competition Program

Amazing Race | America Ninja Warrior | Nailed It! | RuPaul’s Drag Race | Top Chef | The Voice

WILL WIN: RuPaul’s Drag Race (Never seen it, but apparently fun)

WANT TO WIN: Amazing Race (Only one I watch of these)

Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Better Call Saul: Bob Odenkirk | Game of Thrones: Kit Harrington | Ozark: Jason Bateman | This Is Us: Sterling K Brown | Pose: Billy Porter | This Is Us: Milo Ventimiglia

WILL WIN: Kit Harington (He got to be all emotional this season)

WANT TO WIN: Bob Odenkirk (His show deserves some love)

Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Game of Thrones: Emilia Clarke | House of Cards: Robin Wright | How to Get Away With Murder: Viola Davis | Killing Eve: Jodie Comer | Killing Eve: Sandra Oh | Ozark: Laura Linney | This Is Us: Mandy Moore

WILL WIN: Sandra Oh (People seem to love this show)

WANT TO WIN: Emilia Clarke (I liked her craziness)

Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Barry: Bill Hader | Black Monday: Don Cheadle | Black-ish: Anthony Anderson | The Good Place: Ted Danson | The Kominsky Method: Michael Douglas | Schitt’s Creek: Eugene Levy

WILL WIN: Bill Hader (Lots of PTSD dark humour this season)

WANT TO WIN: Eugene Levy (Would love to see this show get an Emmy)

Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Dead To Me: Christina Applegate | Flebag: Phoebe Walker | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Rachel Brosnahan | Russian Doll: Natasha Lyonne | Schitt’s Creek: Catherine O’Hara | Veep: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

WILL WIN: Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Why not extend her streak?)

WANT TO WIN: Catherine O’Hara (Along with Eugene Levy)

Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Chernobyl: Jared Harris | Escape at Dannemora: Benicio del Toro | Fosse/Verdon: Sam Rockwell | True Detective: Mahershala Ali | A Very English Scandal: Hugh Grant | When They See Us: Jharrel Jerome

WILL WIN: Jharrel Jerome (It’s a heart-breaking performance)

WANT TO WIN: Jared Harris (He’s so compelling to watch)

Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

The Act: Joey King | Escape at Dannemora: Patricia Arquette | Fosse/Verdon: Michelle Williams | Sharp Objects: Amy Adams | When They See Us: Aunjanue Ellis | When They See Us: Niecy Nash

WILL WIN: Patricia Arquette (She brought her ‘A’ game)

WANT TO WIN: Patricia Arquette (She’s unrecognizable and awesome)

Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Better Call Saul: Jonathan Banks | Better Call Saul: Giancarlo Esposito | Game of Thrones: Alfie Allen | Game of Thrones: Nikolaj Coster-Waldau | Game of Thrones: Peter Dinklage | House of Cards: Michael Kelly | This Is Us: Chris Sullivan

WILL WIN: Peter Dinklage (He’s just fantastic)

WANT TO WIN: Peter Dinklage (He brings it every time)

Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Game of Thrones: Gwendoline Christie | Game of Thrones: Lena Headey | Game of Thrones: Sophie Turner | Game of Thrones: Maisie Williams | Killing Eve: Fiona Shaw | Ozark: Julia Garner

WILL WIN: Julia Garner (Thrones ladies will cancel each other out)

WANT TO WIN: Maisie Williams (She got to do so much this season)

Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Barry: Anthony Carrigan | Barry: Stephen Root | Barry: Henry Winkler | The Kominsky Method: Alan Arkin | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Tony Shalhoub | Veep: Tony Hale

WILL WIN: Tony Shalhoub (he always seems to win, him or Tony Hale)

WANT TO WIN: Stephen Root (How has this guy never won an Emmy before?)

Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Barry: Sarah Goldberg | Fleabag: Sian Clifford | Fleabag: Olivia Colman | GLOW: Betty Gilpin | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Alex Borstein | The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: Marin Hinkle | SNL: Kate McKinnon | Veep: Anna Chlumsky

WILL WIN: Olivia Colman (She’s on a roll lately)

WANT TO WIN: Kate McKinnon (like SNL people winning things)

Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie

Chernobyl: Stellan Skarsgard | Escape at Dannemora: Paul Dano | A Very English Scandal: Ben Whishaw | When They See Us: Asante Blackk | When They See Us: John Leguizamo| When They See Us: Michael K Williams

WILL WIN: Asante Blackk (Awesome young performance)

WANT TO WIN: Paul Dano (Loved watching him escape)

Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Movie

The Act: Patricia Arquette | Chernobyl: Emily Watson | Fosse/Verdon: Margaret Qualley | Sharp Objects: Patricia Clarkson | When They See Us: Marsha Stephanie Blake | When They See Us: Vera Farmiga

WILL WIN: Patricia Clarkson (Critics like her)

WANT TO WIN: Emily Watson (Just picked a name out of a hat)

Writing for a Drama Series

Better Call Saul • Winner | Bodyguard • Episode 1 | Game of Thrones • The Iron Throne | The Handmaid’s Tale • Holly | Killing Eve • Nice and Neat | Succession • Nobody Is Ever Missing

WILL WIN: Better Call Saul-Winner (The ending is heartbreaking)

WANT TO WIN: Better Call Saul-Winner (The writing is impeccable)

Writing for a Comedy Series

Barry • ronny/lily | Fleabag • Episode 1 | The Good Place • Janet(s) | PEN15 • Anna Ishii-Peters | Russian Doll • Nothing In This World Is Easy | Russian Doll • A Warm Body | Veep • Veep

WILL WIN: Fleabag-Episode 1 (It’s doing well with critics)

WANT TO WIN: Barry-ronny/lily (Outrageous fight scenes mixed with humour. So good.)

Writing for a Limited Series, Movie or Special

Chernobyl | Escape at Dannemora • Episode 6 | Escape at Dannemora • Episode 7 | Fosse/Verdon • Providence | A Very English Scandal | When They See Us • Part Four

WILL WIN: Chernobyl (An eye-opening story)

WANT TO WIN: Escape at Dannemora-Episode 6 (Compelling)

Let’s see how I do. I’ll post after the Emmys with the results and commentary.