THE OLD GUARD
A kick-ass Charlize Theron performance and blistering, exciting violence easily makes this Netflix’s best action movie so far this year. In all fairness, that’s a low bar to begin with; but director Gina Prince-Bythewood crafts this comic book adaptation about a gang of ageless warriors keeping their existence a secret with efficiency and sharpness. Nonetheless, if she didn’t have to build towards a franchise and left to simply focus on the story at hand, there’s a good chance it could’ve avoided bearing this start-stop momentum that disrupts the fun flow of seeing what these immortal badasses can do.
WASP NETWORK
The uninspired execution of this Cuban espionage thriller undeniably dampens the impact of this true story of terrorism set in the 1990s. There’s too much to handle for writer/director Olivier Assayas to express effectively the mystery and meaning recounting events swarming with infiltrators, violence, and deception. And what a shame considering the superb cast with the likes of Penelope Cruz, Edgar Ramirez, Ana de Armas, Wagner Moura, and Gael García Bernal. Overall, a sizable portion of what we see is short on substance, turning this into a less than gripping effort. A tighter focus on those pivotal parts would have gone a long way for this choppy spy drama.
EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA
For anyone who is aware and watches the real Eurovision – an absolute absurd international music competition – you know it has been cancelled this year and you’ll be deeply disappointed that this is the best you’re going to get. Practically everything about this WTF spectacle makes for a movie that’s co-written, produced, and stars Will Ferrell a perfect fit. Sadly, he’s the stalest part of this ridiculous musical romp that needs to be yanked off stage long before its grand finale.
Rachel McAdams is the only high note when it comes to performances, her songbird’s charm and heart is felt loud and clear. There’s no arguing that the songs, the singing, and the extravagant show that’s put on is easy to get swept up in. Except it’s entertainment value is only appreciated in small doses and winds up being mostly monotonous as it goes on for too long. Frankly, everything director David Dobkin strums up in this lame, clumsy comedy goes on for far too long.
MUCHO MUCHO AMOR: THE LEGEND OF WALTER MERCADO
Walter Mercado became famous as a glamorous and extravagant astronomer, and with his dazzling capes, reached hero status for the Latinx community. This heartwarming documentary, directed by Cristina Constantini and Kareem Tabsch, highlights his career, his seclusion after literally signing his life away, and the optimism that will forever light up his soul. However, the audience is kept at a distance with the filmmakers choosing to focus more on age and appearance rather than a deeper depiction of the man behind the flashy costumes. Regardless, Mercado’s magic and mysticism is fetching, his message of encouragement, peace, and love is something we all need to hear on a daily basis.
NOBODY KNOWS I’M HERE
There’s power within the quietness of director Gaspar Antillo’s Spanish-language drama about a secluded singer held captive by his past and the fantasies of what could have been. And as his memories come to light, one of them is a single violent action that changed more lives than just his own. It’s not until he meets a girl and sings for her that he’s able to begin to break free, but the results are mixed due to their relationship coming off contrived and slightly confusing.
The story is uneven at times, yet it’s also ingratiating and creates an environment of mental uneasiness and the credit goes to Jorge Garcia’s screen presence. He gives an excellent performance where dialogue isn’t a necessity to feel his anguish. From his stare to his breathing, the rage and resentment Garcia’s character has been carrying since childhood is easy to comprehend. The best part is when he sings the titled song where, if only for a few moments, the spotlight is directly on who it should be.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
Space Force
Space Force follows a group of elite military experts and scientists as they’ve been tasked with opening up the next branch of the U.S. military. You guessed it – the U.S. Space Force. Some of the tongue in cheek jabs at the current state of U.S. politics might turn away some viewers, but all in all, it’s the same quirky and awkward Steve Carell we’ve all come to know and love over the course of the last nearly 20 years.
I don’t understand the criticism of the show – fans of The Office seem to be rather disappointed in Netflix, as if Space Force was supposed to just be The Office in space. They’re different shows, so don’t go into this one expecting Michael Scott. It seems like that should be common sense, but here we are.
It’s not just a shallow office comedy that pokes fun at our general resistance to science, though. There’s some real heart to this story as Carell’s General Mark Naird struggles with his work-life balance and relationship with his daughter. And, though all of the talk has centered around Carell, the real MVP of this series is John Malkovich. John Malkovich stealing the show? Color me SHOCKED </sarcasm>.
It was reported earlier this week that Space Force would be returning for a second season. I, for one, am stoked.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Nashville, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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