The Hitman’s Bodyguard ###-1/2
Honestly, this film starring Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds is such a hackneyed spoof on everything a summer action film should be that it’s almost not fair to review it. It’s great and it sucks at the same time. Reynolds plays Bryce, a former CIA agent and ‘Triple-A rated’ protection for corporate clients, who fails one gig and two years later, we find him down and out, security guarding coked-up ruffians. Enter a phone call from his estranged ex-girlfriend asking him to escort a notorious hit man (Jackson) to The Hague, where he is to testify against a villainous Russian war criminal (Gary Oldman). Yet, it’s the ridiculous banter that raises and lowers the quality of the film, and in the end, those action sequences—oh so good they are—that save the film, as well as the comedic brilliance of Salma Hayek…absolute gold!
American Made ####
Tom Cruise returns for the second time this summer, and it has nothing to do with fantasy. American Made is based on the real life story of Barry Seal, an airline pilot turned double agent for the CIA and then for the Escobar crime family, who then becomes an informant for the US DEA in order to avoid jail time. Just a wee bit confusing, but you’ll get the hang of it. So…how is Cruise in the role? In a word: believable (even though the real Seal was feo as heck and obviously Cruse is not). His working again with director Doug Liman—his cohort in Edge of Tomorrow (2014)—really shows how Cruise gels well in a film when he gets along with the leader. Not only does the script stay engaging, but it’s nice to see Cruise step away from the hero role and try out the zero one.
Hampstead ###
The radical notion of this film is that it’s somewhat based on true events. Starring Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson, it’s unfortunate that the film falls into the doldrums of schmaltz. Gleeson plays Harvey, an Irish loner who squatted for two decades in the foliage of Hampstead Heath outside of London, and refused to leave despite major compensation possibilities. Law being what it was, the government couldn't force him out, and the film goes about detailing that story in some justifiable way. It’s all very Hallmark Channel, but given high cache due to these great actors. Too bad the fluff side-piece that the rom-com turns into is pure Hollywood filler.
VOD FILM ALERT! The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks ####
Every week, A Bitter Life Through Cinema will now bring you a small review on a new Netflix, HBO or other video on demand film. This week it’s this biographical film about Ms. Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken and used without her approval or knowledge for the eventual study, employment and benefit of all mankind against cancer and almost any malignant illness. Oprah Winfrey plays her youngest daughter, Deborah Lacks, and works with journalist/author Rebecca Skloot, who brought the story back to life. Mixing history with the current dynamics of life’s realities, HBO has put themselves back on the map as a continuing force for impeccable storytelling.
