Monthly Archives: May 2025

Movie Reviews

Review: “Misson: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

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How do you sum up a movie like this? How do you sum up this series that started over some 30 odd years ago? Well you open it with a montage of ALL those 35 years of missions done by the one and only Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. All his villians, all his losses. Everything we have all gone through together while watching this series. It’s almost like we’re family at this point.

To put the basics out first and foremost, let me cover them real quick. The new film picks up exactly where the previous part left off. Agent Ethan Hunt is in possession of the cruciform key, and the Entity is becoming increasingly powerful. As everyone anticipated, Ethan sets out to locate the submarine and destroy the Entity at any cost. However, the IMF chief and U. S. authorities are aiming to control the Entity rather than eliminate it. Standing against this is the Madam President Erika Sloane (Angela Bassett), who urges Ethan to save the country just one more time, along with General Sidney (Nick Offerman).

‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ is the 8th and yes, seemingly final film in the franchise. Pretty impressive that Tom Cruise has been steadily making these for 30 years, without ever over-saturating the film market with it unlike some franchise series. “Final Reckoning” is a direct sequel to ‘Dead Reckoning’, and we find Ethan Hunt in possession of said key to stop the malevolent AI called “The Entity”. Now the The Entiity can be a lot of things, and not to get political, but to me it meant Elon, Mark, Jeff. Period. Full Stop. With that being said, we move on with the plot. With this key, it means Ethan comes out of the shadows a bit once again with the plot being he has to retrieve something from a sunken submarine, which is arguably one of the most intense scenes in the film, as well as possibly the most unbelievable, but is expertly done. And that’s a running undertone in this film. It seems unbelievable, but if you really think about it, it’s also very believable and could – well, actually be someday. The CIA still doesn’t trust him. He’s still being chased by all kinds of people. And he and his team are once again doing these insane, almost impossible missions that somehow push the limits every time. The rest of the Ethan’s team seemed to get more screen time this time, and there were a few cool scenes where it cut between them fighting in their own dangerous situations-those parts were especially intense and exciting.

Speaking of this team, we get to see most of the team from the previous film back – long-timers Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Kittridge (Henry Czerny), plus returnees Grace (Hayley Atwell), Paris (Pom Klementieff) and villian Gabriel (Esai Morales). Newcomer Tramel Tillman does a fine job as submarine Captain Bledsoe. The best call-back though is Donloe (Rolf Saxon), and how he’s important to the story as well, I would be remiss to not mention Shea Whigham as Jasper Briggs, and we know yes, we know who his dad was at the beginning of this series. As much as it’s all about Ethan, it’s always good to see the IMF team in action. I will give a quick shoutout to my old client from waaaay back in my APA days, the always wonderful, lovely, Holt McCallany reprising his role as Serling.

Similar to the last film, it’s shot around the world – London, Norway, South Africa. The stunts in the bi-planes flying over the South African coast are particularly stunning, and amazing to know that Cruise is literally hanging on those planes himself. There is one sequence, a 20-minute spectacle involving planes, that had us gripping the edge of our seats. Not because it was over-the-top, but because it felt so damn real. Remember when I said there are ‘undertones’, well, this one is right in front of your face. If you ever read the wonderful, brilliant Charles Schultz “Peanuts” comics. Snoopy thinks he’s a World War I pilot and flies The Sopwith Camel, and who is he fighting – well, The Red Baron of course. Did no one notice the colour of the planes? This was that. As well, the positioning of the cameras, the roaring sound of the engines, the barely visible tremble in Ethan’s muscles. All of it screams authenticity. You could feel the gravity. You could feel the weight. And you could tell Cruise was putting every drop of himself into it. It is art through adrenaline.

This film is not just about espionage, global threats, or saving the world. At its very core, it is a cinematic love letter to Tom Cruise. From the very first shot, the camera practically worships him. And honestly, we do too. There is no plastic surgery – there is no botox, this is ALL Tom Cruise in his graceful aging self. And what a self it is. This man is the Taylor Swift of the Film world. I implore, no wait, I beg you to stay for the end credits to see things like The Polar Bear handler and The Snake Wrangler that he employed in the different places he films. It’s mind blowing. He is Mission: Impossible. It’s almost as if the film pauses just long enough to let us appreciate the legacy he’s built. The real bruises, the real fear in his eyes, the real wind slamming against his face thousands of feet in the air. When they say he does his own stunts, this movie is the ultimate proof of that. Having been fortunate enought to have three close friends as stunt women/men in my life, there are times I can tell when he uses one a stunt double, but trust me, it’s rare. That speaks volumes about the man, the actor, the physic. Quick note for the women that read this review: Tom Cruise does a full fight scene in Boxer briefs. Sorry guys, I had to throw that in. It’s a sight to behold and it’s so legit. Like too legit to quit. (Thank you MC Hammer)!

As well, Cruise himself doesn’t give a rat’s poop what people think about him, his personal life, or anyone else’s for that matter. Sure, he is a Scientologist, make of that what you want, but at one point Hannah Waddingham’s character, Admiral Neely, hands him a St. Christopher medal. Esai Morales, a known anti-vaxxer, flashbacks of Jon Voight, a full MAGA, Simon Pegg – a walking, talking controversy. As we say, it is what it is. He wants a good movie and he makes a good movie. Period.

To know what happens next, you must watch the movie. The Final Reckoning is a heavy, brooding farewell that wants to honor Ethan Hunt and Tom Cruise with the gravitas of a cinematic eulogy. Because this feels like the last time we’ll see him this raw, this real. If this really is the end, and I think it is, The Final Reckoning isn’t flawless but it is fearless. Thank you, Tom Cruise for these past 30+ years of cinematic brilliance. Just thank you.

This film is an absolute adrenaline rush making the almost three hour runtime fly by, and pulling together the last 30 years of this insane franchise. At the end, there’s no new mission for Ethan. Maybe this really is the end of a franchise that’s lasted this long.

I shall miss this franchise – Mission: Impossible – I bid you a fond adieu.

Grade: A-

“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE” IS OUT FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025

Review Screening: Thursday, May 15, 2025 ~ Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Australian Films, Independent Feature, Movie Reviews, Movies, Psychological Thriller, Thriller

Review: “The Surfer” (2025) Lionsgate/Roadside Attractions

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There is no doubt in my mind that Nicolas Cage is an incredible actor. His body of work speaks for itself. There are many of his films that are on my favourites list and my ‘highly recommend’ lists. That being said, just when you think you have him pegged in a category, he goes and throws you a hard curve ball. That curve ball here is “THE SURFER”, an Australian Independent Film directed by Lorcan Finnegan and written by Thomas Martin.

Nic plays The Surfer, who is sort of a investor/realtor as well, an American, born and raised in Australia, who is attempting to take his son, The Kid (Finn Little), surfing out on an Australian beach at the same Australian beaches he used to in his childhood. However, he is prevented from doing so by a local gang of local, sunburnt surfers who humiliate him in front of his son. The ‘surprise’ for his son was to show him the beach with the hopes of buying up his father’s old property nearby for them to live in from of course, The Estate Agent (Rahel Romahn). As they enter the beach area from the parking lot, they run into none other than the Locals. Yes, this is a “Locals Only” beach ran by Scally (Julian McMahon), and his gang of merry surfers consisting of Blondie (Rory O’Keeffe), Pitbull (Alexander Bertrand), Runt 1 (James Bingham), Runt 2 (Austen Wilmot), and Runt 3 (Talon Hopper). These are just a few of what we referred to when I was a kid in Huntington Beach, CA as “Surf Nazi’s.” You only need to watch “American History X” to fully understand the true scale of these people as yes, they did exist, and yes, they do still exist.

From here on, “The Surfer” takes us on a wild ride through various time slips, with Cage’s character making increasingly desperate calls to his broker friend, and encounters with local bullying kids I mentioned, Add in an ominous, Reaper-esque like character named The Bum (Nicholas Cassim), an elder who brings up grim facts of his past, we watch as not only he, but Cage’s character The Surfer as well, slowly lose their moorings to real life. The Surfer becomes a stranded, demented wanderer of the area, insisting on some version of life that doesn’t jive with reality.

I can’t remember the last time I saw someone suffer – on screen – this much. The amount of punishment, deprivation and gaslighting that Nic Cage’s character suffered throughout the film is only matched by the sheer perseverance and desire he had to ride those waves with his son. Proving that parental ties can sometimes top anything and everything and nothing else matters but that one goal.

Despite the constant abuse being shown on screen, the film sustains a weird comedic and almost dreamy quality throughout. The soundtrack with its use of chimes and the camera with its play on focus helped elevate those scenes with a dehydrated Cage to a place straddling between a delirious dream and a nightmare. Sometimes the film crosses into a point of hilarious ridiculousness; there is one scene where a dead rat comes out of someone’s pocket and is used as a weapon.

I was also a bit surprised by just how gorgeous of a film The Surfer actually is. The cinematography and editing are quite over the top, but never overdone. It’s clear he filmmaker’s are having fun shooting the film as they clearly respect the power of the ocean and the beauty of the waves and surfing experience itself.. It’s also impressive how much dynamic they manage to get out of a movie that literally takes place entirely between one beach and the parking lot next to it.

Summing it up, there were points at the beginning where I thought, “this can’t be real”, but then I only had to remember writing “Locals Only” in surf wax at age 15 on the 9th street beach apartment walls to remember, “Oh “yeah it is real”. I mean we never went to this extent, but some did.

All in all, “The Surfer” keeps your brain going and I came to respect the film. As well, a great supporting cast including Julian McMahon whom has a fully riveting presence as the film’s co-star, as well.

While the final act of the film is certainly the most loose and lawless part of the experience, and is sure to be the killer of joy for some, again, it had me respecting the film in a particular way in the end.

Grade: C+

“THE SURFER” IS OUT NOW WORLDWIDE

Review Screener: Courtesy of Ginsberg/Libby PR

Movie Reviews

Review: “Another Simple Favor” (2025) Amazon MGM Studios

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I love camp-y and bonkers type films. And let me tell you, “ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” gave this to me, and so much more. But before I delve really into it, a little of the basics on the film whose set was surrounded by very public controversy.

“ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” is the second part of a story of a famous author/influencer who gets into trouble yet again. We start a few years after the events of the first part where we find Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), is now an author and also dabbles in solving criminal cases. She has even written a book about her experience of getting involved in the disappearance and fake death of her ex-BFF Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). Sadly, her book is not doing well, as intended and at a book-reading session, a surprise guest arrives. None other than the famous Emily. Turns out, she was in prison and then suddenly released, and yes, we do find out why.

While there to essentially clock Stephanie about everything she’s done, she also informs Stephanie that she’s getting married to Dante Versano (Michele Morrone), a stunning Italian man from a questionable family. She also asks for another favour – she asks Emily to be her maid of honour at her wedding in Capri. With some back n forth going on, eventually, Stephanie reluctantly agrees to join her. At the wedding venue, Stephanie learns that Sean (Henry Golding), Emily’s ex-husband, is also invited along with a few surprise ‘guests’ Emily’s mother, Margaret McLinden (Elizabeth Perkins), and her aunt Linda McLinden (Allison Janney). Dante’s mother Portia (Elena Sofia Ricci), is also there and very vocally apparent in her dislike of Emily. The situation is volatile and on top of it, a murder takes place on the island. What happens next, well that’s your wild ride to watch and makes up the rest of the film.

Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis‘s story is full of twists and turns. Paul Feig‘s direction is effective. He tries his best to make sure that the plot points of the first part are understood in the sequel. Hence, the electrifying chemistry between the two female leads and the sassy exchange of words between them are present in abundance. The tension that arises at the wedding also keeps the interest going. There is more than one major plot twist in the second half which will not just be unexpected, one of them will boggle the mind. The ;camp’ of the film is over the top this time around. The first one, had some, but this time, CAMP is taken to a whole nother level, not just in plot, but in wardrobe as well, which is done superbly by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus, whose costumes are striking and will be talked about for sure come awards time. They are on a whole other level. Blake Lively, who continally stuns at the Met Gala, well here, it is like she is doing Met Gala after Met Gala after Met Gala here. It’s wonderful. Simply wonderful.

Anna Kendrick, as per usual, delivers another entertaining performance. Her and Lively play off each other so well in this series. This time however, her character has evolved as what has happened in her life has changed it dramatically. Yet, she still has that bit of naivity and this balance has been nicely done by Anna in her act. Lively, as expected, is fiery yet again. She keeps her act mysterious and she does full justice to her part. Henry Golding dominates his role as Sean Townsend, despite limited screen time, gives it all he’s got. And he’s got a lot to ‘show’ you! Elizabeth Perkins, is my scene stealer of the film. Again, a smaller role, but oh-so-juicy here. Allison Janney and Elena Sofia Ricci lend support in their more motherly, matronly roles, but with spice of course. Michele Morrone! I mean whoa! Looks alone don’t get you through a role, and he proves he has both looks and chops. Alex Newell (Vicky), is back as Stephanie’s assistant. While she’s funny again, she doesn’t have as much layers to her here. But still, leaves a mark. Ian Ho (Nicky), does his fair shake as Emily & Sean’s son, but he does get ignored a bit during a scene pretty much all about him. Andrew Rannells (Darren), Bashir Salahuddin (Detective Summerville), Lorenzo de Moor (Matteo), Max Malatesta (Detective Antonio Lucchese) and Taylor Ortega (Agent Irene Walker), all add background flair to make things work in the background. A specail shoutout to Ortega as she was so damn funny at points. Great dark comedic relief.

On the whole, ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR benefits from an intriguing script and a series of unexpected twists. Is it perfect? No. It’s not. But if you want to have some wild fun, with insane fashion, this is your movie. It has it’s cliches’ of course, but it’s appeal is undeniable.

Grade: C+

“ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR” IS NOW STREAMING IN THE US ON AMAZON PRIME

Review Screening: Monday, April 28, 2025 ~ Courtesy of Ginsberg/Libby PR