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No Time To Die: Old Bond, New Tricks

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After over 50 years and twenty-five films, it would be understandable to think that James Bond was out of surprises. But, with the release of No Time To Die, the greatest surprise is that there’s still room to grow.

Directed by Cary Juji Fukanaga, No Time to Die picks up as Bond (Daniel Craig) is living a quiet life with Madeline Swann (Lea Seydoux). After an attack separates the two, Bond moves to Jamaica and attempts to live off the grid. When his old CIA friend, Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) arrives and asks him for his help, Bond reluctantly comes out of his self-imposed retirement to help rescue a kidnapped scientist. However, when a routine mission takes a turn, Bond finds himself in the sights of a mysterious madman who wants to create chaos around the world.

As his final foray into the role of James Bond, No Time to Die provides Daniel Craig with an incredible wrap-up to his series. Let’s not forget that, although he has only made five films, he is the franchise’s longest serving leading man. (In fact, beginning in 2006’s Casino Royale, Craig has been the face of the franchise for almost an entire generation.) In No Time To Die, Craig and Fukanaga deliver a story that not only shows maturity in its lead character, it also demonstrates a self-awareness in its world-building. Featuring characters both old and new, the film is an opportunity to (potentially) pass the baton to the next wave of MI6 agents while still offering all the things that one expects from the franchise. Set pieces remain exotic and explosive. Gadgets are fun and the world is at stake. In No Time To Die, Fukanaga ensures that there is tonnes of Bond fun to go around.

With intensity and solid character development, No Time may be the best final film for an actor in the franchise. Whereas other Bond actors have tried to go out on a high note (or weren’t aware they were being recast), Craig uses the opportunity to wrap up storylines from all of his films. In fact, while it may have gone unnoticed by many, the greatest gift that Daniel Craig may have brought to this franchise is continuity. Over the decades, every other iteration of Bond has told its narratives on a film-by-film basis. While this has worked for one off adventures, it has limited the character from showing any true personal growth. (To be fair, Pierce Brosnan attempted to do some of this character development throughout his films in the 90s but with poor results.) Although other cast members like Desmond Llewelyn and Judi Dench have continued through various Bond iterations, their transitions never included any awareness of the change. 

One day, one actor played Bond… and then, suddenly, another did the same.

However, Craig’s Bond films have taken a decidedly different approach by allowing his exploits to build upon one another. In doing so, Bond has had the opportunity to grow and mature over time. As a result, we have seen legitimate change in the character as he has moved from Royale‘s ‘blunt instrument’ to a man with a heart in No Time. There is a genuine arc that takes place throughout these films as this young and reckless rogue grows into more self-aware and loving character. As such, what we witnessed was a character (and a franchise) born out of the 60s try to find new relevance in the 21st Century. 

And it’s a good thing too.

Over the last 20 years, the world is changed a great deal. From #MeToo to Black Lives Matter to the pandemic, the global community is a very different place than it was at the start of the millennium. While these sorts of inclusions can feel forced, the story feels like its trying to be more honest about the state of our current culture. Strong female characters such as Ana de Armas and Lashana Lynch serve as Bond’s equals. Sexuality stems out of genuine intimacy rather than desire. Inclusion and sexual respect have become a priority for a franchise for the first time. (For the first time, this Bond film does not include a one-night stand for the notorious philanderer!) While the action scenes in No Time are fun and furious, its actually these changes that are the most noteworthy aspects of the story. For decades, James Bond has exemplified masculine power and dominance… yet we now recognize the toxic nature of that same flawed masculinity. 

James Bond is trying to grow up.

Furthermore, what Fukanaga has emphasizes most in this film is that Bond has developed a soul. Throughout the history of the franchise, Bond has been a man who cares only about ‘the job’. Depth of relationships are (mostly) an afterthought as he uses assets ‘for the greater good’ and uses women to feed his ego. (Again, that toxic masculinity rears its ugly head.) While the character has always been willing to sacrifice himself for the sake of his mission, his actions either came off as reckless or even self-serving. Because of this, there has always remained a quiet emptiness within the character that was never addressed. However, in No Time, Bond demonstrates a deeper understanding of himself and even the ability to love. No longer is the man defined by his OO-status. (What’s more, No Time even manages to intentionally separate James Bond from his famed title of 007.) In this way, No Time reminds us of the importance of who he is, not just what he does. 

All of a sudden, Bond doesn’t just exemplify being a ‘man’. He now chooses to explore his own humanity.

As for the disc, No Time to Die looks spectacular in 4K. With its sweeping landscapes and massive set pieces, the film was definitely designed for the big screen but it still looks particularly good on your television as well. In ‘Anatomy of a Scene’ and ‘Keeping it Real’, the disc contains two fascinating featurettes that show off Fukanaga’s desire for practical stunts. In addition, a 45-minute retrospective gives Craig the chance to reflect on his time in the role. While one wishes that a film such as this would include a director’s commentary to really expound upon the film’s secrets, these features are interesting enough to satisfy those who want to get behind the camera.

Although the Craig era is now over, one cannot say that this Bond didn’t go out with a bang. Anchored by wild action scenes and impressive gadgets, No Time to Die is a fabulous finale for his legacy. However, the best part about No Time isn’t the stunt work. As he moves into a new world of gender equality and racial responsibility, Bond admittedly was beginning to feel like an unacceptable relic. Even so, Craig and Fukanaga have managed to bring the outdated world of Bond into our modern era in a way that makes it still feel relevant.

So, despite what people say, maybe you can teach an old Bond new tricks.

No Time to Die is available on 4K and Blu-Ray on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021.

Here Today: What Matters is the Moment

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Set in the urban jungle of New York City, Here Today tells the story of veteran comedy writer Charlie Burnz (Billy Crystal). Struggling with oncoming dementia and his broken relationships with his kids, Charlie spends his days as a writer on an SNL-type variety show where the younger team members largely want to ignore his ideas. However, when he meets New York singer Emma Payge (Tiffany Haddish), a spark returns to his soul. Despite the difference in their ages, their relationship gives life to them both and begins to redefine the meaning of love and trust.

While Here Today may not be remembered as much more than a footnote in the careers of both stars, that would be unfortunate. Written and directed by Crystal, there’s no doubt that the sheer talent of both leads is on full display. Whereas both Crystal and Haddish are best known for their frenetic energy, both choose to dial back their performances in ways that allows their genuine affection for one another to shine through. While the script doesn’t always work, the chemistry between Crystal and Haddish is so palpable that the film becomes an utter delight.

As the slowly degenerating but still vigorous Charlie, Crystal gives one of his best performances in years. There’s simply a maturity embedded within his performance here that allows his charm to come forward without overwhelming the film with erratic silliness. What’s more, Haddish absolutely stuns as burgeoning performer Emma, offering tenderness with Crystal but sheer bombastic star power when she’s onstage. Together, they elevate one another’s performances and creates a surprisingly lovable pairing.

Refreshingly honest in its tone, Here Today is a dramatic comedy about what it means to live with perspective. As the entertainment industry has gotten younger and faster, Charlie has become increasingly pushed aside by much of his co-workers. Despite his history and pedigree, Charlie is viewed somewhat as an irrelevant dinosaur who simply doesn’t get today’s edgier humour. However, Charlie’s wisdom and expertise also provide opportunity to see things that others miss in a rapidly paced world. Despite his voice being largely forgotten, those who him always benefit from his years of experience. For example, while the writing team loves their main comedian, Charlie instead prefers the work of the new kid who offers potential. While not as brash as their lead guy, this youth has shown a sharp satirical eye but needs coaching. 

At the same time though, Charlie is also burdened by the poor decisions of his youth. Despite his jovial exterior, the brokenness of his own soul (and failing health) plagues him in his personal life. As such, Charlie lives estranged from his kids and suffers his oncoming dementia alone. However, his struggles with his past and uncertain future causes Charlie to put an emphasis on the day. To him, today is what matters most. Enjoying lunch with a friend. Taking in a concert. Although he has baggage that needs to be dealt with, its the simple pleasures of life that matter most when they are in front of you and he wants to savour the time that he has left. As such, Here Today highlights both the fragility of life and the importance of each moment of it. 

With grace and humour, Here Today is one of the more pleasant surprises of 2021 so far. Elevated by sparkling performances by Crystal and Haddish, the film oozes with personality, making it an absolute joy to watch. Although there are moments where the film dips too far into sentiment, there’s little question that this is a film you may enjoy if you decide to rent it Here Today.

Here Today is available on demand and DVD now.

The Croods: A New Age – Stone Age Meets the Modern Age

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If you want to look at the present, sometimes we need to start with the past.

Following the events of 2013’s The Croods, The Croods: A New Age follows the ‘first family’ as wander through the wilderness. Their simple lives are turned upside down though when they stumble upon the Bettermans, a family that has built a life of privilege through their innovative technology and their high value on self-protection. When the Bettermans decide that the Croods are a threat to their life of luxury, they attempt to rid themselves of their visitors but, in the process, unleash the danger that lurks on the other side of their incredibly high walls.

Directed by Joel Crawford, Croods: A New Age was not a sequel that seemed necessary yet proves to be most welcome. Whereas the first film focused entirely on the Crood clan, New Age opens up the world considerably (and creatively) with the addition of the Bettermans and their utopian realm. While the first film was fairly well-received, the world in which they lived had a relatively limited colour palette as the Croods trudged through their largely dusty terrain. However, with a new environment comes new opportunities for innovation and Crawford and his team let their imaginative juices fly.

Featuring wild creatures and dazzling bursts of colour, there’s an energy within New Age that was missing from its predecessor which also gives the franchise new life. (Personally, I believe that anyone who came up with the idea of ‘wolf-spiders’ really needs to seek some professional help, regardless of how adorable they look.) Filled with modern references like ‘window addiction’ and enough technological wonders to make The Flintstones jealous, Croods: A New Age feels relevant to the modern family and keeps the laughs going along the way.

Even the cast seems slightly more… well… animated in the sequel now that they some new blood to play with. Given the opportunity to work alongside Dinklage’s sophisticated but slimy Phil Betterman, Nicolas Cage’s Grug seems much more likable and endearing. At the same time, with their relationship now firmly established, both Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds are much more comfortable with one another as their characters move towards their ‘forever’. Stealing the show, however, are the aforementioned Bettermans, played by veterans Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann. Stepping into the role of antagonists to the Croods, Dinklage and Mann are a joy to watch as the obnoxiously wealthy Bettermans. (‘Emphasis on the better,’ they remind.) Though detestable for their celebration of privilege, Dinklage and Mann embed their performances with a nervous desire to protect their family that somehow makes them seem more sympathetic. 

Similar to the first film, A New Age also wants to explore what it means to be both an individual and valued part of the pack. As they settle into the Betterman’s luxurious villas, the Croods finally have the opportunity to have some privacy… but is that something that they really want? As they adjust to living in a technological paradise that allows for them to finally have some space between them, the Croods also find themselves more divided.

Having built a bond between them by always sticking together (primarily out of fear), their new environment provides a certain sense of ease to it that gives them freedom. While this can be life-giving to some, innovations like the ‘man-cave’ and Thunk’s obsession with the window also create roadblocks within their family. In this way, the film recognizes the modern challenges of relationships as we continue to find new ways to create space between us and struggle to maintain open communication in the family unit.

What may be most surprisingly, however, is that A New Age is also unafraid to venture into a new age of ideas by adding the numerous layers of cultural subtext to the family-friendly adventure. From the female empowerment of the Thunder Sisters to the abuse of the environment, the film explores a broad range of culturally relevant issues that help elevate the film’s story. (In fact, through Betterman’s control of the bananas and water supply, the film even suggests the socio-economic ramifications of creating a caste system where the divide between rich and poor continues to grow.) In doing so, there’s a certain level of bravery to A New Age as it intelligently explores some of the deeper issues of our current culture while never becoming overburdened by the conversations or losing the fun.

Despite having little that’s new to the standard animated release, the disc Little Red Bronana Bread and Dear Diary: World’s First Pranks are not spectacular but are effective and entertaining. What’s more, director’s commentaries are always welcome as well. Still, the simplest shorts may be the most helpful. For parents looking for something to do with their kids during a lockdown, shorts that offer creative options like ‘FamiLeaf Album’, ‘How to Draw: Caveman Style’ and ‘Stone Age Snack Attack’ may help bring some activities into your home. It’s also worth noting that the colours really pop onscreen with the home release, especially on the 4K disc.

Filled with humour and heart, The Croods: A New Age is a worthwhile venture. Once again, Grug, Eep and the rest of the family prove that the value of knowing your place in the pack and the importance of supporting one another in the most difficult of circumstances. 

Without question, they have peaked my interest to see what happens in the next age.

Croods: The New Age is available on VOD, 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD on February 23rd, 2021.

Freaky: A Sadistic (but Silly) Switcheroo

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When Blumhouse does something right, it’s worth taking notice.

As the reigning kings of horror, Blumhouse has been involved with some of the last decade’s most iconic franchises. From Paranormal Activity to Split to Insidious, it feels like almost every major franchise of the genre is tied to the House of Blum. While not all of them are instant classics (I’m looking at you, Fantasy Island), the studio has gained credibility for its willingness to try to take risks while still bringing the scares.

And Freaky definitely qualifies as a ‘risk’.

Now on BluRay, DVD and VOD, Freaky follows Millie (Kathryn Newton), a high school senior still grieving the loss of her father and struggling to survive as a social pariah. Keeping a close circle with her besties Nyla (Celeste O’Connor) and Joshua (Misha Osherovich), Millie mostly stays home to help her mother and wants to get through high school unscathed. However, when a terrifying encounter with the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn) leads to her soul trading bodies with the known serial killer, Millie must race against the clock to reverse the curse and get back to her normal life.

While Freaky doesn’t have the social conscience of recent Blumhouse classics like Get Out, The Purge or The Invisible Man, it’s humour certainly cuts deeply enough to be worth the time. Despite the fact that the body-swap premise is far from fresh, Freaky’s unique vision gives the formula new life. Directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day), Freaky is bloody good fun that accomplishes what it sets out to do. In other words, the film is funny when it wants to be and horrific when it needs to be. 

While Freaky‘s sadistic switcheroo is well-implemented, there are admittedly some characters and side stories that do feel like they get pushed aside in favour of the primary story. (For example, Millie’s mother feels like she’s been given some significant struggles with her alcoholism, yet the film barely blinks the implications of it.) In this way, the film does feel at times like it misses its full potential, even though it thoroughly entertains.

Thankfully, the film’s success is anchored entirely upon the performance of its two stars and both Vaughn and Newton absolutely kill it as the body-swapped duo. Having mostly chosen roles in smaller, independent films in recent years, it’s nice to see Vince Vaughn step back into the comedy limelight. As a 50-year-old man playing a teenage girl, Vaughn shows an vitality and glee that we haven’t seen in his performances in quite some time. In addition, co-star Kathryn Newton counter-balances Vaughn’s silliness with an inner darkness that is almost bone-chilling at times. Empowered by her new personality, Newton works with focus and ferocity as she awaits the proper moment to go in for the kill. 

Somewhat strangely, Freaky is very interested in starting a conversation about female empowerment. Bullied at school for her quiet demeanour, Millie is constantly made to feel weak and helpless by anyone outside her inner circle. (Even Mr. Bernardi [Alan Ruck!], Millie’s abusive shop teacher, seems to have a needless grudge against the quiet young woman.) However, when her spirit lands in the Butcher’s body, she experiences a sense of power for the first time. (In fact, she consistently apologizes for her inability to control her newfound physical strength.) Though she doesn’t inherit his murderous tendencies (well, arguably), Millie’s experience does give her a confidence that she hasn’t experienced before. Having been the victim of many stronger than herself, the experience of life in a man’s body offers Millie a chance to claim a power that has long been taken from her by others.

Interestingly though, the film also never (well, arguably) loses the innocence of Millie’s spirit either. Though she is unrecognizable physically, her friends recognize her quickly because the sweetness of her soul continues to shine through her middle-aged, masculine shell. Even potential love interest Booker Strode (Uriah Shelton) is able to see past the Butcher’s gruff exterior and speak with ‘Millie’ from his heart. (Admittedly, the scene does get particularly awkward when one remembers that it’s Vaughn in the role, but I digress.) While the culture around her has often used her innocence as a reason for abusing her, the purity of her soul is what keeps her from fully embracing the Butcher’s brutality. By emphasizing her heart,  Freaky manages to subtly suggest that true female strength comes from within, especially at the hands of a toxically masculine culture.

Released today on BluRay and DVD, Freaky’s so-called ‘killer bonus features’ are a little on the light side. Features on Christopher Landon’s ‘brand of horror’ and comparing Millie and the Butcher are fun but forgettable addendums. (Of course, the film’s commentary with Landon and an extra explaining how they accomplished their graphic kills are particularly fun.) 

Having said this, Freaky is not a film that requires a tonne of extras on its disc to make it an appealing purchase. As a horror comedy, Freaky successfully lampoons the tropes of the genre while while simultaneously celebrating them as well. What’s more, with surprisingly convincing performances, the duo of Vaughn and Newton give the film enough focus and energy to elevate it from merely a tired concept to an evening of absolutely killer fun.

Freaky is available on BluRay and DVD on Tuesday, February 9th, 2021.

Lost Girls and Love Hotels: Heartbreaking Hook-Ups in Hotels

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Sometimes, there’s a thin line between love and lust.

Directed by William Olsson, Lost Girls and Love Hotels tells the story of Margaret (Alexandra Daddario), a young woman struggling to find her way in the urban heart of Tokyo, Japan. Though she works as an English teacher at a flight attendant academy by day, Margaret spends her nights in love hotels with random men in an effort to ignore the loneliness inside her. When she enters into a passionate affair with a charming yakuza named Kazu (Takehiro Hira), Margaret falls deeply in love with him. However, as his secrets emerge and her insecurities surface, Margaret and Kazu must decide whether their relationship is worth the pain that it may cause them both.

Part Lost in Translation and part 50 Shades of Grey, Lost Girls is a dark and brooding film that blurs the lines between love and loneliness. Mirroring the double life that Margaret clings to onscreen, director Olsson weaves a web of sexual intrigue that swings wildly in tone. However, by juxtaposing the bustle of Tokyo’s everyday world with the seediness of night, Olsson does an excellent job of portraying the double-minded nature of urban life. For example, during the day, he uses the crisp lines and cool lighting to portray Tokyo as a city of organization and efficiency. Meanwhile, at night, he bathes the screen with filtered lighting and bleeding colours, giving the city a sleezy eeriness that would be featured in the best neo-Noir suspense thrillers. Nonetheless, as the film progresses Olsson shows that these two worlds blur together for Margaret who doesn’t fit neatly into either one.

With this in mind, credit must also be given to Daddario for her solid performance as a young woman searching for her soul. Not known for her dramatic work, Daddario shows her range by putting Margaret’s emotional scars on full display. Even so, at the same time, Daddario gives her character an underlying innocence that adds to the tragedy of her arc. This sweetness also allows for her scenes with Hira to feel genuine as the two display an engaging and playful chemistry onscreen. 

In many ways, Lost Girls is an intriguing exploration of the relationship between love and sex. As a young woman alone in a foreign culture, Margaret attempts to kill her inner pain with random sexual encounters. Though a [mostly] stable English teacher by day, Margaret moves from bed to bed after dark in an effort to feel some form of joy in her life. For Margaret, the emptiness of lustful hook-ups has become a drug to get her through the night. However, when she meets Kazu, things change for her. Though the two spend nights hidden away, Margaret finds something in their relationship that she has been lacking… a sense of home and stability. Broken by the losses that she’s suffered throughout her life, Margaret’s heart is filled with feelings of abandonment yet she is instantly drawn to Kazu’s power and confidence. As a member of the yakuza, Kazu may be seen as dangerous to others but Margaret instantly feels safe with him.

Further, it’s interesting to note how Olsson chooses to shoot these sexual encounters. Whereas films like 50 Shades depict escalating sexual subjugation within the confines of relationship, Lost Girls takes the opposite approach visually. Instead, the most graphic onscreen moments are reserved for Margaret’s most meaningless sexual encounters. Though she is willing to participate in sexual servitude and bondage, those moments do not occur in her nights with Kazu. When she is with Kazu, scenes of intimacy are shot with reverence and tenderness, highlighting the connection between the two. (In fact, it’s interesting to note that Daddario’s nude scenes are primarily limited to her empty sexual experiences, emphasizing their exploitative and abusive nature.) In doing so, Olsson’s goal seems not to be to shame sexuality but rather to emphasize the power of soul-connecting intimacy between a loving couple.

Now, having said this, it’s also worth noting that the downfall of Lost Girls also stems from its male gaze. While Olsson can be given credit for attempting to empower his lead character, Lost Girls still feels like it doesn’t understand the female psyche. Though Daddario’s work here is particularly good, the film ultimately establishes Margaret as a character in need of rescue from the men in her life. (In comparison, as a woman herself, Coppola’s writing in Lost in Translation feels much more sensitive to Charlotte’s [Scarlett Johannson] journey.) In Lost Girls, Margaret allows Kazu to gradually become her life support and, when that relationship struggles, she falls further into darkness. In this way, Olsson’s script portrays Margaret as a modern damsel in distress with her inner strength dependant on whether or not Kazu approves of her. As a result, while Lost Girls wants to say something about the female experience, Olsson’s personal blinders limit Margaret from becoming a character worth fully admiring when the credits roll.

Swinging between sweet and sinister, Lost Girls and Love Hotels is an often-intriguing exploration of love in a place of hopelessness. Although sexually graphic in nature, the film uses these moments to remind the viewer that intimacy between lovers matters more than the quantity of their experiences. Even so, however, in the moments where Olsson’s work shows reveals his male bias, Lost Girls shows that love may not be the only thing here that is blind.

Lost Girls and Love Hotels is available on VOD on February 9th, 2021.

Space Jam 4K HD

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spacejam3Remember that time that Michael Jordan and Bugs Bunny lead the most ridiculous rag-tag team of basketball players in a game for the fate of the world? It’s hard to believe it’s been twenty-five years since Jordan and the Looney Tunes joined forces to defeat the  Nerdlucks-turned-Monstars in a game of basketball for the fate of the world.

Back in 1996, Leo Benvenuti and Steve Rudnick (the Santa Clause franchise) wrote a script that riffed on Jordan’s ill-fated retirement to baseball’s minor leagues with a collision that gave a Who Killed Roger Rabbit? -type vibe to basketball, aliens, and Jordan. Directed by Joe Pytka (whose real claim to fame is critically-recognized commercials for athletes like Tiger Woods and Jordan, sending over eighty commercials to Super Bowl weekend), the film allowed the world to see Jordan, Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, and other NBA stars in a different light.

The film has the greatest soundtrack one could possibly imagine for a film from 1996, with Coolio, Steve Miller Band, and many more – including R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” – on the record. (The year the film came out, I was volunteering at a summer camp for homeless children – they demanded I play the song on repeat which meant fast forwarding the ‘B’ side song thanks to those things called cassette tapes!) In fact, the special features of this 4K HD release include the music videos of Seal’s “Fly Like an Eagle” and the cast’s “Monstars’ Anthem Hit ‘Em High.”

spacejamWayne Knight (Seinfeld) provides some laughs as Jordan’s bumbling publicist, but this mostly Jordan and Bugs Bunny working together. For this release, the commentary is by Bugs himself, with Daffy Duck and Pytka. The other special features include the featurette “Jammin’ with Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan.”

If you’re a fan of ’90s music, Looney Tunes, or Jordan, this is one you’ll want to own. If you haven’t seen it, I don’t know I can sell it any more — it’s a classic! Now we’ll just have to sit back and wait to see how Lebron does with Space Jam: A New Legacy – and if we’re celebrating it twenty-five years from now.

spacejam2

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World

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The search for truth is at the heart of Hans Pools documentary Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World. It tells the story of a group that searches out the truth in news stories, even when powerful nations seek to hide behind lies.

Bellingcat is a multi-national collective of citizen open-source investigative journalists. They are people with expertise in various subjects. They use online information in amazing ways to ferret out the truth of world events. This ranges from identification of perpetrators of violence in Charlottesville, verifying bombings in Syria, the poisoning of a Russian dissident, and more.

Much of the film involves Bellingcat’s investigation of the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airline flight MH-17 by Russian (or pro-Russian) forces in Ukraine. It is amazing the amount of evidence about the incident and the weapons systems involved  these people were able to find online, such as seeing the movement of the convoy the day of the attack. But it is not just finding the information, it is also a matter of interpreting the information.

As professional journalism continues to struggle to stay afloat, the role of citizen journalist is expanding. Of course, that raises questions of professional standards and reputation. For professional journalism, trust is often based in the institution and our perception of its reliability, whether that is BBC, Fox News, or the New York Times. But citizen journalists establish trust through transparency, showing the evidence they have accumulated and verifying its accuracy.

Much of the work of Bellingcat deals with the disinformation that is spread by official and unofficial channels. It is more than just fact-checking. It often means that they have to find evidence that disputes the message that is being sent out. We see the results of some of the investigations they have done, but we need to realize that it is because of long, complicated investigations. Watching them explain where they found all the evidence is impressive, but more impressive is how hard it must have been to find it all in the enormous cyber universe. At times Bellingcat has determined things to be fact before official investigators have.

We are bombarded by news and fake news every day. It can be difficult to wade through it all and judge where the truth lies. This film takes us inside a group that is working to overcome the lies with truth that they can back up.

Bellingcat: Truth in a Post-Truth World is available on DVD.

Enter the Fat Dragon: Learning Who You Are

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In an obvious homage to Bruce Lee’s classic film, Enter the Dragon, Donnie Yen stars in Enter the Fat Dragon. In this action comedy, Yen stars as Fallon Zhu, a ripped hardcore action cop who doesn’t play by the rules. Millions caused in property damage? No problem. Though his bosses may hate him cause he’s reckless, he gets the job done. Hong Kong calls him by many names “Jackass of the century” and “reincarnation of Bruce Lee” but, after being demoted and losing the love of his life, he becomes a washed-up deadbeat, inflating from a tight 145lbs to 250 lbs. When he finds himself entangled in a case that could make or break his career, Zhu must fight those in his way and, maybe, win back the girl as well. 

Donnie Yen as an actor has had many successes over his career, but he can’t help be compared to Bruce Lee’s success and achievements and continues to be viewed as a less talented version of the martial arts icon. In this way, Enter the Fat Dragon feels like this may be Yen’s way of addressing the shadow of Lee’s that he has lived in throughout his entire life. (Even the title of the film is a self-mocking parody of Bruce Lee’s most famous film, Enter the Dragon.)  With this in mind, the film speaks to the theme of accepting one’s true self and being who you are. When Fallon becomes overweight and loses his girlfriend Chloe, they fight about the career paths they’ve taken and who they are as people. He is constantly ridiculed for his weight (even by Chloe). Later in the film, as he gets his confidence back, he begins to fight like he once did, he realizes who he is and gains new perspective on his identity (and his relationship with Chloe as well). Similarly, Chloe also begins to have the same realization about her own life. Looking back on the path that she’s had to take to reach success as a second-rate actress, she begins to have an identity crisis and questions her decisions along the way. Both Zhu and Chloe must decide whether to accept each other’s paths and who they are, flaws and all.

In the same way, this also seems symbolic of Yen’s journey of having to accept being his own person as well. He will never be the next Bruce Lee but he doesn’t need to be. Clearly, Yen has accepted the career path he’s had and who he is and he as a person.

Once again, Yen is able to bring the action we’ve seen with previous movies hits of his career. The comedy works really well with the contrast of super choregraphed intense action that makes great use of their environments. The characters are also very endearing, and even relatable with their struggles. All around, Enter the Fat Dragon is a hilarious action comedy that does the martial arts genre justice. As always, Yen pops off the screen and long-time fans of his will truly appreciate the story played out through the film. 

Enter the Fat Dragon is available on VOD and DVD/Blu-Ray now.

Valley of the Gods: At the Feet of Power

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It can be easy for us to think so highly of ourselves that we ought.

In this latest film from acclaimed director Lech Majewski, Valley of the Gods explores the nature of power vs. poverty through three separate yet intrinsically-linked narratives. Grappling with his recent divorce, John Ecas (Josh Hartnett) is a struggling writer who is searching for peace. After meeting a homeless man on the street, Ecas is unaware that the man is actually Wes Taurus (John Malkovich), the wealthiest man in the world. Taurus has been posing as a homeless man in order to feel connected to the world around and invites Ecas to write his biography. As the world only trillionaire Taurus is a recluse from society yet is determined to mine on the sacred lands of the Navajo for uranium, upsetting the people of the community.

Beautifully shot by Majewski and Pawel Tybora, Gods is often an overwhelming visual treat. Featuring vast desert landscapes and daunting palacial rooms, the film’s images force the viewer to feel small, as if they are pawns to some otherworldly game of chess. Intentionally linking Taurus’ mansion to Citizen Kane’s Xanadu, there is a cinematic opulence to this trillionaire’s estate unlike anything we’ve seen onscreen in ages. From tennis courts that resemble the Sistine Chapel to operas performed standing in an enormous fountain, every shot within its walls speaks to the incredible power (and loneliness) of vast wealth and creates a gut-wrenching fear towards its enigmatic owner.

Meanwhile, this life of remarkable luxury is held in direct contrast to the awe-inspiring natural world of the Navajo community. Although just as daunting as cool isolation of Taurus’ world, the dry heat of the desert carries an intensely spiritual warmth to the landscapes and carry a deep connection to those that hold them in reverence. As a result, the nervousness that one feels in these scenes is not for a man who lives in a castle but rather for the mysterious power of nature that is rarely taken seriously by outsiders.

By juxtaposing these two diametrically opposed spaces, Majewski puts his emphasis on the emptiness of wealth. In Gods, Majewski understands that that which is deeply spiritual trumps financial fortune, not only in importance but also in power (an idea which comes to literal fruition at the film’s finale). However, what’s most interesting about the film is Malkovich’s Taurus (Isn’t Malkovich almost always the most interesting part of anything he’s in?), who seems to recognize that he’s missing something and looks to feel alive. 

Unlike the Navajo who may live in poverty yet maintain their souls, Taurus’ life remains empty. As the world’s richest man, he literally controls everyone and everything at his disposal yet he remains spiritually poor. Disguised as a homeless man, Taurus honours the poor and the impoverished and moves around the city below in plain sight, yearning for the simplicity of life that has been lost. Though he lives his life like a secluded god in the heavens, he literally descends from on high in order to feel connected to the world around him. Despite his vast fortune, his wealth has become a prison for him and he longs to be set free. 

By recognizing the power of the healthy soul and the value of the impoverished in the face of corporate wealth, there are times when Majewski’s film borders on the profound. Though the story can be difficult to follow because of his staggered and non-traditional use of narrative devices, Valley of the Gods does come together through its thematic and visual beauty. Engulfing the viewer with the sheer magnitude of their surroundings, Majewski shifts their perspective away from themselves and towards something greater.

Because, to him, recognizing that there is something greater helps remind us that we are something less.

Valley of the Gods premieres on Blu-Ray and VOD on August 11th, 2020.

Dateline-Saigon – Fighting the Lie Machine

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“There are these two armies that are going to meet: this tiny little army of journalists—five, or six, seven—and this army of policy.”

The role of a journalist is to share the truth. During the early years of the Vietnam War, a small group of young journalists who were assigned to Vietnam recognized that the official government statements about American involvement were not the truth. Dateline-Saigon provides a history of that early period of American involvement as we hear some of these reporters recall their time reporting from Vietnam.

Reporters, from left, David Halberstam of the New York Times, AP Saigon Correspondent Malcolm Brown and Neil Sheehan of UPI, and later the New York Times, chat beside a helicopter in Vietnam, ca. 1964. (AP Photo)

The journalists involved are Malcolm Browne and Peter Arnett of Associated Press, Neil Sheehan of United Press International, David Halberstam of the New York Times, and photographer Horst Faas of Associated Press. These young men (in their twenties while on their assignments in Vietnam) were perhaps a bit naïve when they arrived. They soon learned that many of their sources in the military and governments would exaggerate claims of victory and damage done to the enemy. They would see Americans involved in combat while the American and Vietnam governments claimed that they were only advisors.

Vietnam 1967 — AP photographer Horst Faas, with his Leica cameras around his neck, accompanies U.S. troops in War Zone C.

Because they worked for different outlets, there was great competition between them, but also a comradery built on their common understanding of their task. They exposed the lies. They were a voice calling out in a world that was dominated by what Halberstam calls “a large lie machine”.

Nearly the entire film is set during the Kennedy Administration. There are only a few thousands American troops in Vietnam. The escalation of the war came later. But even at this point we note that the government was being very dishonest about what was happening. (For those who recall that time as an age of Camelot, this may be a bit of a shock.)

These young journalists did not go there trying to destroy American policy. As Sheehan says, “At this point, we were young Americans who were filled with all the myths of the Cold War. We thought this was the right war, the right time, the right place.” But they understood their jobs to be to bring the truth to the world. However, it wasn’t until TV began covering the war, and bringing these issues into homes through that more powerful medium, that the truth became recognized by the world.

Peter Arnett in the field, 1965

In today’s news environment of claims about “fake news” and near real-time fact-checking, I think it is important to take a look at journalistic ideals. The journalists we meet in this film (all of whom went on to win Pulitzer Prizes) were, I think, a bit idealistic about their role. But that idealism served them well as they all looked for the truth of what was happening. In time it would become clear that the way the policy was being presented through the government was indeed “a lie machine”. We continue to rely on journalists of integrity to protect us from the lie machines that continue today.

Dateline-Saigon is available on VOD and DVD.

Photos courtesy of First Run Features