“Civil War.”
In a dystopian future America, a team of military-embedded journalists races against time to reach Washington, D.C., before rebel factions descend upon the White House.
Gee, this movie was something else. It was a gripping, intense and thought provoking cautionary tale with great acting and beautiful visuals that will no doubt be one of the most controversial movies of the year.
Since 2016, America has been growing into a politically divided nation. “Civil War” shows what could happen if the division becomes far too extreme. And in an election year such as this, it might be possible. Just the thought of my home being turned into a war zone with tanks rolling down the street, the sound of guns firing, I would hate for that to become real. Director Alex Garland did a good job of making a future that is terrifying, yet believable. But the story actually focuses on the journalists who have the dangerous duty of covering the war. The purpose of that was to show that journalists are essential in letting the world know what goes on in our lives.
The acting was superb, especially Kirsten Dunst as Lee the photographer who’s been disillusioned from the horrors she witnessed, yet she presses on. You could see in her expressions, the burnt out “just another work day” attitude she gives. Her dynamic with the rest of the group was engaging to watch as well, with Jessie, played by Cailee Spaeney providing an aura of innocence and idealism to the world weary group. A shout out to Dunst’s husband Jesse Plemons who plays a small but impactful role as a militant who confronts the journalists, asking them what kind of Americans they are. So creepy.
The cinematography was gorgeous from the epic cityscapes of New York and Washington DC to the majestic woods of Virginia. The action was great to watch as well and the sound mix gave me goosebumps. The music choices for some of the scenes were strange, but I guess that’s the point. This movie has a few hiccups and people may get the messages wrong, but it ain’t half bad. You can find it in theaters now.
“The Fall Guy.”
After leaving the business one year earlier, battle-scarred stuntman Colt Seavers springs back into action when the star of a big studio movie suddenly disappears. As the mystery surrounding the missing actor deepens, Colt soon finds himself ensnared in a sinister plot that pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.
This movie was based on an old TV show with Lee Majors. I never actually saw the show, I only first heard of it when this movie was announced. Now, that I’ve seen it, I say that it was an appropriate choice for the summer movie season. It was fun, funny action packed with some great performances to boot.
Since the main character is a stunt man and the director David Leitch is a stunt man, it makes sense that there are so many stunts in this film. There’s some smoothly choreographed fight sequences and a car rolling on a beach. It was pretty cool, A tribute to filmmaking, especially to those who literally put their lives on the line. There should be a whole category for them at the Oscars.
The cast was a huge highlight of the film. Ryan Gosling was awesome as Colt Stevens. He was so badass fighting thugs, he was hilarious when he was high on LSD and he was vulnerable when he pines for his former love Jody Moreno played by Emily Blunt who also excelled in her role, providing a likability. Her chemistry with Gosling was incredible, you just want them to be together. A few shoutouts to the supporting cast as well.
It was a fun movie, but it’s a throwaway blockbuster. Not the kind of blockbuster that would be remembered 50 years from now. But if you like Ryan Gosling, action and movies, I recommend you give it a try.