Adann-Kennn Alexxandar

“Challengers”

(Drama/Sports: 2 hours, 11 minutes)

Starring: Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Rated: R (Strong language, sexual content and graphic nudity)

Movie Review:

Director Luca Guadagnino knows how to manifest good characters in movies. He does this by making his characters sensually engaging as he did in 2017’s masterpiece “Call Me by Your Name.” In “Challengers,” Guadagnino and writer Justin Kuritzkes create characters who exist in a movie that has plenty of tennis activity, However, the sport plays in the background far behind three well-played characters whose on-again-off-again relationships propel this nicely visualized love triangle.

Art Donaldson (Faist) and Patrick Zweig (O’Connor) are rising tennis stars. They are fierce competitors on the court and best friends. They usually conserve their competitive natures to their competition on the tennis court. This all changes when they meet tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan (Zendaya). Donaldson and Zweig both desire Duncan. Soon, she becomes the grand slam trophy they desire, and she is serving the ball and is chair umpire. The men just do not know it.

Tashi Duncan is calling the shots. She controls Donaldson and Zwieg right down to how she immediately makes them put her over their longtime friendship with each other. Zendaya plays a manipulative Duncan well. Her attractive youthful features make her appear kind, but Duncan is ruthless. The men may be pro athletes, but the real player is Duncan, and Zendaya appears to relish being her.

Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor are great in their roles. They give their all, even when playing friends who passionately kiss each other after being seductively enticed by Zendaya’s Duncan. Faist is the nice guy. He wants the best for Duncan, although she loves the bad-boy persona Zwieg offers. Their male personalities matter little considering Duncan uses their best attributes against them.

Via the previews, this movie appears just as another sports drama. It is more. Tennis is only a secondary part of this movie. This is a movie about friendship and a love triangle. It just plays out on tennis courts, where Cinematographer Sayombhu Mukdeeprom, who worked with Guadagnino for “Call Me by Your Name,” dazzles audiences with nice visuals. He and the sound department make one feel like you are on the court with players.

“Challengers” is a good movie, but its negative is the chronological aspect in which scenes happen. Scenes bounce from 2006 to 2019 in whiplash fashion comparable to a fast-paced tennis match.

Otherwise, the cast is spectacular, and Guadagnino controls them well. The story leads one to a good conclusion and then stops center court with Zendaya’s Duncan expressing what she manipulatively engineered. With all the goodness offered here, this movie could have continued for longer and been enjoyable just as the first two hours.

Grade: B+ (Challenge accepted.)

“Wicked Little Letters”

(Comedy/Crime: 1 hour, 40 minutes)

Starring: Olivia Colman, Jessie Buckley and Timothy Spall

Director: Thea Sharrock

Rated: R (Strong language throughout, including sexual material)

Movie Review:

“Wicked Little Letters” is based on actual events surrounding the Littlehampton Poison Letters of 1920. It is a funny movie, although rewrites events, deviating from Christopher Hilliard’s “The Littlehampton Libels” (2017). It provides laughs through perverse language and expressions by a talented cast.

This historical comedy follows Edith Swan played by Olivia Colman. She begins receiving letters with profane language. At the insistence of Edith’s Father Edward Swan, law enforcement arrives and finally arrests Rose Gooding (Buckley), a person Edith recently befriended. Police believe Gooding is the culprit, even when other women in the small town also begin receiving poison pen letters. Soon, the town is in an uproar because its conservative, Christian values are challenged by the wicked letters. However, several townswomen, led by police officer Gladys Moss, are not convinced the police have the correct suspect and begin their investigation.

Olivia Colman is a diamond. She makes any movie she stars in a beautiful cinematic adventure. Here, she plays another quirky character with zeal. She is delightful as Edith Swan. Scenes with Colman, a charmingly energetic Jessie and a seasoned Timothy Spall are worthy of audiences’ time.

This movie involves plenty of profane language throughout. If that is not your thing, this is not the movie for you. However, “Wicked Little Letters” is an enjoyable movie filled with surprising elements.

Grade: B (Take note. These letters inspire good comedy.).

“Civil War”

(Adventure/Thriller: 1 hour, 48 minutes)

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Cailee Spaeny and Stephen McKinley Henderson

Director: Alex Garland

Rated: R (Strong violent content, bloody/disturbing images, and language throughout)

Movie Review:

Now and then, a movie makes sense at first glance. The way Democrats and Republicans fight in this country, America seems closer to Civil War often. Primarily, California, Texas and Florida — the three largest in the United States — wage war against the rest of the United States. This alliance appears far from convincing based on these states’ ideology on the conservative-liberal spectrum.

Although California, Florida and Texas often behave alike, it is unlikely that they would join to secede from the Union or form an alliance to overthrow the government. When it comes to similar states putting these three together is an oil and water mixture. This movie follows four journalists, two writers and two photographers, across several states trying to make it to Washington, DC. Their goal to reach Washington DC to interview the President is a dangerous one, but they are willing to do it. They need to get the story they desire.

A lack of plausible political alliances aside, Alex Garland’s dystopian screenplay does have its merits. Garland offers cinematic bait while not maintaining the hook he supplied in earlier movies such as the marvelous “Ex Machina” (2014).The movie supplies intense dramatic sequences. The trek these journalists take is an intriguing drama and remains so until the end. The irrational ending is a quick set of action scenes that conclude violently. Those minutes make a statement in the worst part of the movie. Something about the end is not as convincing as all leading up to it.

Grade: C+ (The war loses civility when it moves from an adventurous drama to a so-so-action movie.)

“Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter Is Dead”

(Comedy: 1 hour, 39 minutes)

Starring: Danielle Harris, Jermaine Fowler and June Squibb

Director: Wade Allain-Marcus

Rated: R (Teen drug use, language and sexual references)

Movie Review:

This coming-of-age comedy is a remake of the 1991 film (Director Stephen Herek and starring Christina Applegate). Like its predecessor, this movie has a lengthy title that is more complex than the plot. The small production has quality moments, but they are poorly executed. Most are overplayed stereotypes.

The movie starts with the 17-year-old Tanya Crandell (Jones) and her three siblings. Their mother leaves them with an elderly babysitter, Mrs. Sturak (Squibb). Well, the racist, cranky babysitter sleeps through a major party going on downstairs, only to awake to a frightening scene of young people gyrating, drinking and doing other partying actions. Sturak goes back into the room, lies down and dies. Queue the opening credits.

That is only a small part of the movie. The bulk of the movie shows how the siblings work together to maintain their home, mainly following the older sister Tanya Crandell’s ability to get a job to support her siblings. The movie has many interesting concepts; none of them have a proper execution in a matter that is solid moviemaking.

Done with better comedy, a more serious tone and fewer typecasts, this movie could be a contender.

Grade: D+ (Don’t tell anyone about this comedy.)

“Abigail”

(Horror/Thriller: 1 hour, 49 minutes)

Starring: Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens and Alisha Weir

Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett

Rated: R (Strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use.)

Movie Review:

Regarding vampire movies, “Abigail” is one of the more original ones. It is enjoyable as a light horror comedy, even when moments fail to deliver.

(Stevens), a former cop-turned-criminal, and Joey (Barrera), a computer hacker, and four others are six unusual characters, a group of hitmen for hire. Their task is to kidnap a rich man’s daughter, Abigail (Weir). They take her to a very elaborate antique mansion. The young girl is not your ordinary youth. She is more than just a ballerina. She is also a vampire, and, she wants to taste and kill her kidnappers.

“Abigail,” at least, attempts to do something original with the whole vampire folklore. Although the trailers for this movie give away too much, the film provides enough good material to make it always worthy of one’s attention.

Grade: B- (Sink your teeth into this..)

“Problemista”

(Drama/Fantasy: 1 hour, 44 minutes)

Starring: Julio Torres, Tilda Swinton and RZA

Rated: R (Language and sexual content)

Movie Review:

Julio Torres ably directs “Problemista” and stars as its lead Alejandro Martinez (Julio Torres), an immigrant from El Salvador. Martinez is an aspiring toy designer. After moving to the United States, his dream is almost crushed when remaining in the United States requires he has a sponsor. He finds one in an eccentric — make that plain weird — Elizabeth (Tilda Swinton). As part of their agreement, he only needs to help a perpetually caustic Elizabeth Acenio sell a final set of paintings by her late husband, Bobby (RZA).

From there, the movie becomes a creative venture that shines when not being fantasy weird. Torres and Swinton are an amusing pairing, and their imperfections find a welcome place eventually.

Grade: B (No problem.)

“The First Omen”

(Horror: 1 hour, 59 minutes)

Starring: Nell Tiger Free, Ralph Ineson, Sonia Braga and Bill Nighy

Director: Arkasha Stevenson

Rated: R (Violent content, grisly/disturbing images, and brief graphic nudity)

Movie Review:

This clichéd prequel to “The Omen” (Richard Donner, 1976) creates a good setting and mood for the period through nice visuals. To offer anything new from modern audiences, similar to the numerous nun conspiracy screenplays about the Antichrist debuting lately every few months.

Nell Tiger Free plays American novitiate Margaret Daino. She arrives in Rome at the Vizzardeli Orphanage. While working there, she discovers an occult group of Catholic priests and nuns who are trying to resurrect The Antichrist as a means of getting people to return to the Church.

Again, these religious conspiracy screenplays are becoming too common. Even more, the plots are similar too, predictable and filled with the same concepts. Even if some chills are rendered, the rest of the movie’s over-familiarity overshadows them. A more interesting movie would have been continuing where the 1976 movie ended.

Grade: C (And the last hopefully.)

“Monkey Man”

(Action Crime: 2 hours, 01 minutes)

Starring: Dev Patel, Pitobash Tripathy and Sharlto Copley

Director: Dev Patel

Rated: R (Strong bloody violence including rape, strong language throughout, sexual content, nudity and drug use)

Movie Review:

Dev Patel’s “Monkey Man” is intriguing but suffers from multiple faults. Patel stars as an anonymous man known as simply Kid, a street fighter for sport. He begins a campaign to avenge his mother who was killed by corrupt religious and political leaders.

Patel is a bona fide good actor. He also proves he can direct a movie and create a story affordably. However, the cinematography hides much of the action sequences. Even more, flashing lights are enough to cause one to put on sunglasses. Think of this as a South Asian neo-western where style interrupts the story.

Grade: C+ (Nothing to go ape over, but it works.)

“Someone Like You”

(Romance: 1 hour, 58 minutes)

Starring: Sarah Fisher, Jake Allyn and Scott Reeves

Director: Tyler Russell

Rated: PG (Thematic material)

Movie Review:

Based on the novel by author Karen Kingsbury, “Someone Like You’s” ability to translate to a moving romantic photoplay is lacking. Architect Dawson Gage (Allyn) tragically loses his best friend London Quinn (Fisher). Gage ventures to find her unknown twin sister, Andi Allen (also Fisher). Soon, Gage and Allen find romance.

This is a faith-based film with Tyler Russell making his full-length screenplay debut. For those who want something easygoing with decent material, this is the movie for you. I had faith the movie would get better as it progressed, and it did not.

Grade: C- (With hope, someone like you will find this more agreeable.)

“The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”

(Action/War: 2 hours)

Starring: Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Til Schweiger and Cary Elwes

Director: Guy Ritchie

Rated: R (Strong violence throughout and language.)

Movie Review:

Warfare as only Guy Ritchie can deliver, action is front and center with this tale based on actual events. Gus March-Phillips (Cavill) leads several accomplished people behind enemy lines during World War II to strike against Nazi forces.

Ritchie (“The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” 2015; “Snatch,” 2000) directs an all-star cast in this very entertaining take on history. The scenes move quickly, and chronological sequences appear disjointed at moments. Yet, the nature of what these brave people did to deter Hitler’s aggression is noteworthy.

Ritchie puts his signature style and adjustments on history to make this movie energetic and engaging throughout the entire runtime. The actors do their part too. Each offers impressive performances enough to inspire a worthy television series.

Grade: B (A fun take on WWII warfare, even if messily arranged occasionally.)

“Unsung Hero”

(Drama/Family: 1 hour, 53 minutes)

Starring: Daisy Betts, Joel Smallbone, Kirrilee Berger and Jonathan Jackson

Directors: Richard L. Ramsey, Joel Smallbone

Rated: PG (Thematic elements)

Movie Review:

“Unsung Hero” sings a sweet tune about the goodness of familial ties. It is a feel-good movie based on a true story.

With six children and one on the way, The Smallbone Family moves from Sydney, Australia to Nashville, Tennessee. There, David (Joel Smallbone), the patriarch of the family, hopes to achieve his goal of being a major music industry executive again. Multiple challenges cause The Smallbones’ hardships, but Helen is a determined mother, and her goal is to help her family keep the faith to propel them to a brighter future.

The Smallbones is a talented family that includes gospel singer Rebecca St. James. The family’s faith and ability to work as a team to complete their goals are inspiring as portrayed here. The cast, many from the actual Smallbone clan, shines in big and small roles.

Grade: B (Heroic enough to solicit moviegoers’ attention.)

“Hard Miles”

(Drama/Sport: 1 hour, 49 minutes)

Starring: Matthew Modine, Sean Astin, and Cynthia Kaye McWilliams

Director: R.J. Daniel Hanna

Rated: PG-13 (Strong language, thematic content, suggestive references and some teen drinking)

Movie Review:

Rite of Passage’s Ridge View Academy is the initial setting for this nominal movie. It is a feel-good story inspired by Greg Townsend (Modine) who began an 800-mile bicycle ride with teenage offenders at the academy. Their trek across harsh desert terrain is not an easy task, considering the young men have very different backgrounds.

While Rite of Passage (ROP) does remarkable work to rehabilitate young men and women before they reenter their communities, this movie does not mention ROP in a substantial manner so that audiences can fully understand the spectacular work the entity does.

That noted, the movie is a middling feature. It does not have the feel of a screenplay for the big screen. Instead, it feels like an after-school special that never measures up to the great work ROP does with youth across the United States.

Grade: C+ (Inspiring miles that never quite become as gripping as the cyclists’ worthwhile trek through a beautiful landscape.)

Full disclosure: Alexxandar is also a paid employee of Rite of Passage.

“Boy Kills World”

(Action/Crime: 1 hour, 51 minutes)

Starring: Bill Skarsgård, Yayan Ruhian and Famke Janssen

Director: Moritz Mohr

Rated: R (Strong bloody violence and gore, language, drug use and sexual references)

Movie Review:

Substance is trumped by style in this action feature. “Boy Kills World” is based on the short film by Arend Remmers, Moritz Mohr. It follows Bill Skarsgård as ‘Boy,’ who is a deaf and voiceless. He was orphaned after Hilda Van Der Koy (Janssen) kills his family. Trained to fight by a shaman (Ruhian) and energized by the inner monologue from his favorite childhood video game (voice of “Bob’s Burgers’” H. Jon Benjamin), Boy becomes an instrument of death to avenge his family.

Despite plentiful action sequences and keen skills of Skarsgård, this tale lacks cohesion. This dystopian tale’s bout with realism fluctuates like a videogame. The characters are underdeveloped because the movie focuses on violent action scenes. Beyond the energetic action sequences and Skarsgård’s talents, this boy does not slay.

Grade: C (World survives.)

“The Beast”

(Drama/Science-Fiction/Thriller: 2 hours, 26 minutes; English and French with subtitles)

Starring: Léa Seydoux, George MacKay and Guslagie Malanda

Director: Bertrand Bonello

Rated: NR (Strong language, sexual references, drug use, nudity and thematic material)

Movie Review:

This French tale takes an hour to finally get somewhere worth following. A philosophical, psychological movie, the science is wish-washy material, involving reincarnation and multiple realities. If one can make it through a sluggish beginning, the last hour becomes an intense science-fiction thriller.

In 2044, artificial intelligence controls a passive society where humans can erase painful memories, including those of past lives. In various multiple realities, Gabrielle Monnier (Seydoux) falls in love with Louis Lewanski (MacKay). These different coupling incarnations, mainly in the years 1910 and 2014, cause Gabrielle pain of which she wishes to rid herself.

“The Beast” plays with mind but is light mental floss for its first half, which is plagued by overly talkative characters. Characters sit around talking about their feelings far too much that this screenplay feels like a counseling session. The latter half is better. The movie takes an interesting, different turn, becoming edgier and materializing into a thriller.

No end credits exist for this movie that is loosely based on the 1903 novella “The Beast in the Jungle” by Henry James. If you scan the QR code at the finale, another 8 minutes and 26 seconds of runtime is online with running end credits. These minutes add insight into a pivotal scene during the movie.

Grade: B- (Superfluous communication is a beast, but the rest is intriguing.)

“Not Another Church Movie”

(Comedy: 1 hour, 30 minutes)

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Vivica A. Fox, Kevin Daniels, Mickey Rourke

Director: Johnny Mack

Rated: R (Sexual material and language)

Movie Review:

Johnny Mack is the director and writer of this lackluster parody. It is mainly elementary material that mocks Tyler Perry movies and his business relationship with Oprah Winfrey.

The movie starts with Hoprah Windfall (Luc Ashley). Hoprah’s television show suffers plummeting ratings. She blackmails God (Jamie Foxx). God commands Taylor Pherry (Daniels) to write a hit movie about his dysfunctional family, but the Devil (Rourke) has plans to disrupt Pherry’s work.

Sacrilegious and not funny is “Not Another Church Movie.” The comedy is bland racial stereotypes. The parody is one big cliché. The characters, like the story, are trite character assassinations targeting Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry among others.

Grade: F+ (Another bad spoof movie.)

Adann-Kennn Alexxandar has been reviewing movies for The Valdosta Daily Times for more than 25 years.