Jul
28
2017
Undercover MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) is sent into East Berlin days before the fall of communism and the Berlin Wall in search of secrets capable of propelling the cold war indefinitely. Helped and hindered by agent Percival (James McAvoy), surviving her time in Berlin whilst navigating the underbellies of the intelligence networks will be a miracle in itself, Lorraine is a lean mean killing machine, but even this job might be a bit too much to handle, what to report back to her superiors (John Goodman, Toby Joes, James Faulkner)?
Directed by David Leitch and based on the Graphic Novel series “The Coldest City” this rockin’ 80’s spy drama brings all the flair of the European 80’s with the sensibilities and aesthetics of 2017. And, while audiences aren’t really given a whole lot new in the spy department to sink their teeth into, the whole story does wind up a little too twisty and contrived, there are several action sequences that appear to be performed in one continuous shot that will leave audiences breathless and thoroughly impressed. Theron has clearly thrown down the gauntlet for actors performing their own stunts setting the bar impossibly high. Worth your while for the fun factor and accompanying re-mix soundtrack alone, Atomic Blonde is rated R.
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Jul
28
2017
Rural England during the dilapidated Victorian era, a young bride sold into a marriage, Katherine (Florence Pugh), is forced against her will to remain bound psychologically and physically to her homestead. But, when a young farmhand, Sebastian (Cosmo Jarvis), steps on the scene a fire is lit within Katherine– passion and fury ensue, now Katherine will stop at nothing to attain what she wants.
Based on the writings of Nikolai Leskov and Directed by William Oldroyd, this methodical turning and broiling of emotion is likely to sit as an uneasy guest with mainstream audiences; however, for the arthouse crowd looking for strength in acting, wicked Russian drama, and sharp cinematography, stop go no further, you’ve reached your next destination. Specifically, Oldroyd’s masterful capturing of the chemistry and non-verbal communication between Pugh and Jarvis is a feat of subtlety and restraint creating a slow rug burn on the bodies of those who witness this 90 minute dramatic tear. Lady Macbeth is rated R.
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Jul
21
2017
World War II, the Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, and France are surrounded by German troops on the beaches of Dunkirk. With only a hope and a prayer of getting home, the call to civilian boat owners is made to help evacuate the troops, this is the story of some who served.
Written and Directed by Christopher Nolan this war time shock fest contains Nolan’s signature aesthetic along with Hans Zimmer’s familiar scoring flavors– a move that makes for a visually and sonically beautiful and graphic experience; however, less developed is the character development in Dunkirk, containing a PTSD flat outlook, and really only one meaty character, Mr. Dawson (Mark Rylance), the film lacks an emotional hook sufficient enough to really bring home the bacon. Still, the film is a big spectacle that begs to be seen in large format, perhaps best as a matinee. Dunkirk is rated PG-13.
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