Extraction Film Review

Directed by Sam Hargrave

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Bryon Lerum, Ryder Lerum

Rated R for strong bloody violence throughout, language and brief drug use

Extraction is a Netflix released film from stunt coordinator turned director, Sam Hargrave. In this film, Tyler (played by Chris Hemsworth) is a mercenary who is hired to rescue Ovi (played by Rudhraksh Jaiswal), the son of a drug lord in India. Tyler is tasked with getting Ovi out of the city of Dhaka, all the while being chased by henchmen who want Ovi dead.

To begin with, the action sequences in Extraction are quite spectacular. The action scenes are fast paced with great stunt choreography. Considering directing Sam Hargrave was a stunt coordinator himself, it would make sense that he would deliver top notch fight sequences. Additionally, Hargrave brings fourth a one shot action sequence that is impressive. In this scene, Tyler and Ovi have to run away from the police in a car chase sequence. That scene alone is shot as it were one take. But soon the chase ends when Tyler crashes his car. One would have thought this would been the end of the one take, but it continues onto a chase in an apartment building. It’s obvious that there were some edits disgusied in the scene to make it seem like it is one take, but it is still impressive. The single take only ends when Tyler and Ovi finally escape the apartment only to be chased in a truck, and have it end in a crash. Director Sam Hargrave certainly could have this scene filled with choppy edits, but instead he decided to take a risk and have it a single shot.

Chris Hemsworth does a great job portraying a mercenary who is tasked with a difficult job. He is certainly tough and interacts fantastically with Ovi. Rudhraksh Jaiswal also does a fantastic job carrying the film and certainly holds his own against Hemsworth. Yes, his character is the damsel in distress characters most heroes have to save. But throughout the film, he somehow learns that he cannot just sit there and be that damsel in distress. While giving great performances, these two work great with the material they are given.

Extraction is an enjoyable film that has great action sequences. Audiences will not stick around for the plot, but instead be surprised by the spectacular action sequences that are shot very well. These scenes flow naturally and that makes it even more enjoyable. Extraction is a perfect viewing on Netflix on a Friday night.

3/4

The Two Popes Film Review

Directed by Fernando Meirelles

Starring: Jonathan Pryce, Anthony Hopkins, Juan Minujín

Rated PG-13 for thematic content and some disturbing violent images

“The Two Popes” is a Netflix film inspired on true events detailing the relationship of then current Pope Benedict XVI (played by Anthony Hopkins) and then current Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio(played by Jonathan Pryce) , who would later become Pope Francis. The film largely follows Pope Benedict XVI’s final weeks as the Pope before his retirement and Cardinal Bergoglio’s ascension into the papacy in 2013.

“The Two Popes” is quite an enjoyable film with excellent acting from film legends Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins. The two actors are almost identical to their respective counterparts. Pryce does an impeccable impersonation of future Pope Francis and so does Hopkins with the then Pope. The story of “The Two Popes” also has a simple message of how forgiveness is the key to living a life. Both men in the story are not perfect and need to seek forgiveness to redeem themselves. I appreciate the message in the film and the message is not forced nor is it religious in any way. Anyone who has a different faith can certainly watch the film and have an appreciation of the theme of the film, without the film having to push any agenda.

The film has the tag “inspired by true events”, meaning almost none of this actually happened. It is possible that the the two men were actually friendly and aggressive towards each other in private, but it is almost certain that a good chunk of the film is made up. The flash backs in the film could be certainly real and it was nice to see how Francis was not a perfect person. I think viewers should be aware that a good portion of the film is fiction and based on assumption.

Overall, “The Two Popes” is an enjoyable film that presents a message we can all relate that is told by two great actors. Should audiences rush to see the film? Probably not and I wouldn’t say this is a must see film, but more of a film that should be seen if there is nothing to view on Netflix. This is not a dig against the film as if one were to watch “The Two Popes” audiences will certainly be delighted.

3/4

Marriage Story Film Review

Directed by Noah Baumbach

Starring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Laura Dern

Rated R for language throughout and sexual references

Divorce is a tough topic that isn’t explored often in film too often. The only film that seriously explores divorce, to my memory, is “Kramer vs Kramer”. The film explores the life of a single father and shows how a messy divorce can have an effect on children. 40 years later, writer and director brings us “Marriage Story”, a film that shows how a divorce has an effect on a family and how messy it can get. Charlie (played by Adam Driver) is a successful New York director whose marriage to Nicole ( played by Scarlett Johansson), who is a actress, is crumbling. But when Nicole goes to Los Angeles for an acting role, she asks for a divorce from Charlie. The divorce shows how emotions can run high and cause a rift within the family.

“Marriage Story” has a stellar cast who give strong performances. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson possibly give their best performances of their careers. There are multiple scenes where each respective actors give it their all in conveying the emotions the characters are feeling. There is one particular scene where Driver and Johansson go at it in a screaming match. These two actors go back in forth only for the both of them to end the argument in tears. Not only do the actors beautifully put the words on the screenplay onto the screen, but they display the character’s emotions on the screen and made the audience feel sympathetic for them.

In addition to Driver and Johansson, Laura Dern and Ray Liotta also give strong performances. They both play lawyers who represent Nicole and Charlie, respectively, in the ensuing divorce. Dern’s character in particular evoked a mixed reaction from me because she seems to care at first about the situation, but she ends up being a typical lawyer that we often see in films. This is due to Dern’s strong acting as the lawyer who just wants to win and doesn’t seem to care how this is tearing people apart. On the other hand, Alan Alda is the lawyer for Driver’s character at first and is sweet but doesn’t seem to fight dirty. I certainly enjoyed Alda’s time on the screen and wished he would have been in the film much longer.

Noah Baumbach’s writing and directing also shine in the film. Baumbach brings out the best in each actor, not only through his direction, but from his screenwriting as well. Never have I felt so much compassion for two people as I did for Charlie and Nicole. It is saddening to see their marriage just crumble in front of our eyes and seeing how nothing, not even therapy, could save it. The screenplay is not only heartfelt, but it knows what to say at the right moment. There was never a dull moment in the film, the dialogue in the film keep everything on track and interesting.

“Marriage Story” is a film that perfectly shows the heartbreak and anger that comes with a divorce. The acting, directing, and writing are all top notch, as Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson give one of the best performances of the year. “Marriage Story” is a heart wrenching film that cannot be missed.

4/4

Dolemite is my Name Film Review

Directed by Craig Brewer

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps

Rated R for pervasive language, crude sexual content, and graphic nudity

The life and career of Rudy Ray Moore is a fascinating one. Moore was a comedian and movie star that was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas. After serving in the US Army, Moore moved to Los Angeles to achieve his dreams. “Dolemite is my Name” highlights Moore’s career from a record shop employee to a comedian and movie star in the black community.

“Dolemite is my Name” stars Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore, a man who is wanting his break in life. He finally achieves this break when he creates a character, Dolemite, for his stand up comedy. His comedy is successful, he eventually wants to become a film star as well. Eddie Murphy is also joined by an A list cast with the likes of Keegan- Michael Key, Mike Epps, and Wesley Snipes, just to name a few.

“Dolemite is my Name” is surprisingly a great film with a message almost everyone can relate to. Moore has always been rejected when trying to get his comedy records sold. But Moore moved on and eventually got his records sold and played because he worked so hard to do so. And when he did sell his records, he tackled a film. Moore produced a film almost for cheap and was once again rejected by major film studios when trying to sell the films. Eventually Moore achieved his dream of making a film and he made a successful one. The theme is what sticks out the most after the film is over. I loved the film because of the message it does display. “Dolemite is my Name” displays how Moore sold his apartment and become indebted just to get his name out there. And this is not expected when coming into the film. I expected the film to be Eddie Murphy doing his comedy bit, but I was so surprised how inspirational this film is.

But the reason why this message works in the film is because star Eddie Murphy sells it so well. For the past several years, it was embarrassing to see Eddie Murphy go to new lows. The most notable thing Eddie Murphy as done in the past ten years was the voice of Donkey in the “Shrek” series. But “Dolemite is my Name” is a triumph return of Murphy to his comedic roots. Murphy is not only quite hilarious as the role of Moore, but also a sympathetic character. The entire time I was rooting for Moore to succeed in his goals. Murphy delivers his best roles in years and this proves that Murphy can deliver a strong performance when given the right material.

As mentioned before, “Dolemite is my Name” has an A list cast from Snoop Dogg to Craig Robinson. The supporting cast also deliver a strong performance, in particular Wesley Snipes who plays D’Urville Martin. Martin was a veteran actor who agrees to direct the Dolemite film. Snipes plays Martin as the director who has little enthusiasm for the film for he is directing. Although Snipes’ role is brief, it was a joy to see Snipes back on the screen.

“Dolemite is my Name” is a fantastic film with a message everyone can relate. This is done well by the spectacular job of star Eddie Murphy. Hopefully this is the beginning of a new leaf for Murphy and continues this momentum. Also, while it may be slim, I genuinely think Murphy should get an Oscar nod as Rudy Ray Moore. Coming into this film, I had no idea of Moore, but now after watching “Dolemite is my Name”, I am edger to learn more about him.

3.5/4

In Defense of Dave Chappelle

Dave Chappelle is one of my favorite comedians of all time. There is nothing I have yet to see him in where he is not funny (with the exception of “A Star is Born”, a drama). So when I heard that a new Netflix stand up special would be dropping, I immediately got excited. I had to the privilege to attend one of Chappelle’s stand up act a couple years ago. So naturally, I immediately saw the new special and thought it was very hilarious. After so many years of being in the comedy business, the man still has it. But soon after the special dropped on Netflix, the backlash came after Chappelle. I normally would not review a stand up special on Netflix, but I feel that this special is getting undeserved backlash and needs to be addressed.

“Dave Chappelle: Sticks and Stones” is the newest Netflix stand up special. In this special, Chappelle address controversial issues such as the Michael Jackson and R. Kelly sexual allegations, Kevin Hart’s past tweets, the LGBTQ community, etc. The entire point of the comedy is to offend and push the comedy to the edge. This is something that is not meant for everyone. I will admit that this is not the best stand up routine from Chappelle, but it is still hilarious. From the opening joke to the final joke, the audience will laugh out loud. But so many critics are pouncing at Chappelle for his offensive jokes. Why? If you were to go to Rotten Tomatoes, this special has a 0% as of today (September 2, 2019). Why is that? I normally don’t comment on a Rotten Tomatoes score but that score is extremely low. I have a feeling that most critics didn’t give it a negative review because of the quality of the content but the “offensive material” in the special.

At one point in the special, Chappelle discusses the Michael Jackson sexual allegation, fueled by the HBO documentary, “Leaving Neverland” ,that aired earlier this year. In my honest opinion, I believe the men coming out against the late pop star. Now I understand that this is an opinion not shared by everyone, including Chappelle. Chappelle makes it abundantly clear that he believes Jackson and not the men. I don’t agree with his decision to not believe the truth in the allegations but that his is decision to make. After watching the special, my opinion or my fandom of Chappelle did not change one bit. No where was I offended or upset that Chappelle was choosing to side with Jackson and make fun of the allegations. The man is a comedian and has to joke about uncomfortable situations.

I’ve seen so many critics say that this special is cheap and lazy. “Chappelle is only doing LGBTQ jokes because they are easy to make fun of.” No, that is far from the truth. Chappelle is not the type of comedian who goes in for the cheap jokes and easy laughs because of that was the case, he would simply rely on toilet humor. Chappelle is a comedian who sees what is relevant in today’s world and applies it to his comedy. I read a Complex article where it indicated Chappelle is only inciting the far right to keep on hating the LGBTQ community. “Chappelle might be speaking his mind, but those who are aligning with his views—or at least his swagger, and regurgitating his words—is what makes this a dangerous time.” This counter argument is far stretched and quite ridiculous. The notion that Chappelle is encourage hate groups to keep on hating is idiotic. A man who hates the LGBTQ community is going to keep on hating that community regardless of Chappelle’s comedy.

The point of “Sticks and Stones” is to push the boundaries of comedy. The purpose of the comedy is in the title itself, “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Chappelle saw comedy in a world where it is too policed. Comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock stated that they refuse to play at colleges because the students get offended. Chappelle’s own friend, Kevin Hart, lost the Oscars hosting gig because a couple of tweets that were more than ten years year old resurfaced. He saw that and probably said, “enough is enough”. He wants comedy to go back to the days where it did offend, offend not out of malice because it is comedy. And that is what Chappelle does here, offend the offended because it is simply comedy. “Sticks and Stones” may not be Chappelle’s best work but it is thought provoking and states a message without saying it at all.

https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2019/08/dave-chappelle-sticks-stones-netflix-conservative-support

https://ew.com/article/2015/06/08/jerry-seinfeld-politically-correct-college-campuses/

https://www.vox.com/2019/8/29/20835637/dave-chappelle-netflix-special-hidden-ending-cancel-culture