One Night in Miami (2020)

 
Genre: Drama
Directed by: Regina King
Cast: Kingsley Ben-Adir, Eli Goree, Aldis Hodge, Leslie Odom Jr.
Running Time: 114 minutes

Based on the stage play of the same name, this film offers a fictionalized account of a meeting in Miami motel, in February 1964, between Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown and Sam Cooke. Over the course of one night, the four prominent black men argue and discuss, among other topics, their role in society as members of their race.

This is brilliant film, masterfully directed by Regina King and carried so marvellously on screen by a cast of solid performers. The subject of racism and the situation of black people is still very actual, and this film covers a small portion of that history. I found this movie riveting and I was glued to my seat. Highly recommended.

Rating: «««««

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Genre: Superhero
Directed by: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett 

Running time: 130 minutes

 

Thor is captured and brought to the alien planet Sakaar, where he is forced to take part in organized fighting. He must escape to save his planet, Asgard, from the hands of Hela, his long lost older sister, who came back from being banished by her father with vengeance on her mind in the form of Ragnarok.

This is the third film in the Thor series. As the film began, it was all a little too cartoonish for me, but the humor was a nice touch. Unfortunately, after a while, the filmmakers went overboard in the comedy department and it all became too silly to be even remotely funny. They were trying a little too hard, failing badly in the process. The acting was fine, but the silliness overtook the rest in the end. There were a few good songs that made me pop throughout, but even those moments were ruined in the end.

Rating: ««

Chick Fight (2020)

 
Genre: Action / Comedy
Directed by: Paul Leyden
Cast: Makin Akerman, Bella Thorne, Dulcé Sloane 

Running Time: 97 minutes

 

With her life going nowhere fast, Anna Wyncomb is introduced by her police friend Charleen to a fight club for women where her dead mother used to go when she was alive.

This is like a cheaper version of Fight Club, without the extremely talented cast and the great movie-making. Here, it is played for laughs. And some moments are indeed funny. But the joke gets old fast, in spite of the best efforts put on by the actors and actresses. Nothing spectacular here.

Rating: ««

I Can Only Imagine (2018)

Genre: Biographical / Drama
Directed by: Erwin Brothers
Cast: J. Michael Finley, Dennis Quaid, Madeline Carroll
Running Time: 110 minutes

 

This film tells the story of how Bart Millard overcame a childhood of abuse by his father and abandonment by his mother to become the lead singer of the band MercyMe and the writer of the best-selling Christian single of all-time, I Can Only Imagine.

Since this is a Christian film, subtlety is not on the menu. Everything is overblown and overdone. That being said, beyond the natural clichés of that genre, the story told here is a compelling one and the acting is pretty good. Overall, this was a cute inspiring story about the power of dream and resilience.

Rating: «««

Before Midnight (2013)

 

Genre: Romance / Drama
Directed by: Richard Linklater
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy 

Running Time: 109 minutes

 

Nine years after the events of Before Sunset, Jesse and Céline are now a couple, with twin daughters. After having had his teenage son from a previous marriage with him and his present family for the Summer, Jesse has to send him back to Chicago, and he feels the disconnect. All of this brings the couple to a crossroad where they start questioning everything about their life together.

This is the third part of the trilogy involving the characters of Jesse and Céline, after Before Sunrise and Before Sunset. There is some very good complex writing here, and the actors deliver their respective roles with much talent, yet again. This film touched me even deeper, considering the age I am at. It felt so real, it felt like I was involved in the fight between the two main characters.

Overall, though it was a tad too long for what it was, this is still a smart movie well worth seeing.

Rating: ««««

Dave Chappelle: Equanimity (2017)

 
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Stan Lathan
Cast: Dave Chappelle 

Running Time: 60 minutes

 

As he took the stage for this particular comedy special, Dave Chappelle came out with full bravado, smoking both literally and figuratively. It might have seemed arrogant, but the comic was funny about it. And he should be confident. After all, he is a master of his craft. Here, Chappelle talks about his upbringing, his experience with poverty, racism, trans people and much more. The material is solid. Chappelle makes you laugh, but he also has something to say. By the end, he has made you laugh and think.

Rating: «««««

Donnie Darko (2001)

 Genre: Science-fiction / Thriller
Directed by: Richard Kelly
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jena Malone, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore 

Running time: 113 minutes

 

Donnie Darko is a troubled teenager haunted by the vision of Frank, a mysterious creature in a rabbit costume that manipulates the young man into committing various crimes.

This film can be jarring to the casual viewer. It is very different in its content and approach, but it is well worth the effort it required to fully grasp it. There is an ensemble cast at work here, with lots of talent on hand. Jake Gyllenhaal is particularly solid in the lead role. Overall, though it dragged a bit in some parts, I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

Rating: ««««