Category: Movies

Year By The Sea

This is a delightful film about a New York wife and mother with 30 years under her marriage belt who is faced with a move to Kansas when her husband’s job is relocated.  She chooses a year “time out” with hope of rediscovering herself.

After much self doubt and new friends she slowly learns the value of acceptance of “life’s flow”.

The expertly talented Alexander Janko is the Director, Composer, Playwright (with Joan Anderson), and Producer.  The prolific Karen Allen is Joan, the wife.  Michael Cristofer is the cranky husband.  The ever talented Celia Imrie is fabulous as the new best friend Erikson.  Several more actors round out the atmosphere of the Cape Cod setting.

This is another unrated film.  The genre is noted as a Comedy, Drama, Romance and runs just under 2 hours.

Rating  

The Force

The force is a timely documentary about the Oakland, CA Police Department which has been under Federal Oversight for several years.  The film is focused on the popular street uprisings following the Ferguson, MO events.

The story reveals a series of failures by the Police Department including several officers being indicted on sexual charges.  The film is powerful, insightful, frustrating and captures another fresh perspective on bias racial relations.

The film is not rated and is in limited release.  We thank our movie friend Meredith for her suggesting this film to us.  “Right on target, Meredith.  Thanks.”

We encourage those interested to seek this film out.  It will no doubt be available on pay per view some time soon.

As we write this, the Oakland Police Department is still under Federal Oversight, now with the assistance of a Public Oversight Committee.

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The King’s Choice

This movie is based of true events spanning three days in April 1940.  Germany was already at war with England and most of Europe.  Sweden and Norway had declared neutrality when the war began but Sweden had just capitulated to Hitler’s demand of surrender.  Norway was next, surrender or die.

Norway’s government was controlled by the National Cabinet in conjunction with the Royal Family (much like the UK today).  King Haakon along with the Crown Prince Olav, the Crown Princess Martha and their children flee the capital along with the Cabinet to seek a negotiated solution.

There are over 18 actors in the core cast.  Most notable is Jesper Christensen, a Danish actor, is excellent as the King.  Anders Christensen from Norway plays the Crown Prince.  Tuva Novotny, a Swedish actress is brilliant as the Crown Princess.  Karl Markovics, an Austrian actor gives a great performance as the German Ambassador.  Also noteworthy is Arthur Hakalahti, a young Norwegian actor in the role of a young bewildered soldier.

This film is not rated and has been released in limited distribution.  Although somewhat slow and confusing in the beginning, it quickly evolves into a powerful peek into a rare part of WWII history.

It is listed as a Drama/Action genre running 2 hours, 13 minutes.  Norwegian and German with English subtitles.

Note:  We are already hearing talk of Oscar consideration for this film.  As always, we will stay abreast of this aspect of the film industry.  On another note, we just realized for the second year in a row we will be traveling during the Academy Awards.  Not to worry, we will have our Oscar picks posted in plenty of time.

Rating 

Stronger

This is the story of Jeff Bauman who lost both legs in the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013.  His long recovery, emotionally and physically, came with the support of his family and long time girlfriend.

While inspirational, the film looks behind the curtains just enough to expose the family struggling with serious dysfunction and alcohol abuse.  Nonetheless, this film triumphs in showing how ordinary people can successfully overcome extraordinary circumstances.

Another stellar performance by Jake Gyllenhaal who plays Jeff’s character with Tatiana Maslany delivering a great performance as the girlfriend.  Miranda Richardson is superb as the mother. There will likely be plenty of Oscar chatter as the award season nears.

The genre is listed as a Drama/Biography.  It is rated R for language throughout, some graphic injury images, and brief sexuality and nudity.  We encourage parents to carefully consider younger children viewers.  The run time is 1 hour, 59 minutes.

Note:  Last week the real Jeff Bauman appeared on the Ellen Show.  We were impressed by the real person who appeared humble and at peace with himself.

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Battle of the Sexes

It is hard to believe this event actually took place in 1973.  Then one of women’s top ranked Tennis Champions, Billie Jean King, 29, accepts a challenge by self promoter tennis player Bobby Riggs, 55, to a tennis match and a $100,000 prize. At the time, men’s tennis paid eight times what professional women’s tennis players were paid.

That said, this movie is a docudrama that has been fictionalized for marketing purposes but it generally captures the social and political climate of the time.  It also takes a deeper dive into the private lives of both lead characters.

Emma Stone is excellent as Billy Jean King.  Steve Carell transforms himself into Bobby Riggs.  The rest of the cast is filled with serious talent:  Elisabeth Shue is Mrs. Riggs, Andrea Riseborough plays the hair dresser and more…  Sarah Silverman plays the Women’s Tennis promoter, Alan Cummings is a hoot in a bit part as the clothing designer.  Austin Stowell is perfect as Billie Jean’s husband.  There are at least another dozen actors in other roles.

The film is rated PG-13 for some sexual content and partial nudity.  The genre is noted as a Comedy/Drama/ Sports & Fitness.  The run time is a full 2 hour and 1 minute.  Early chatter for Acting, maybe Screenplay and Best Picture Oscar nominations.

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Manolo: The Boy who Made Shoes for Lizards

This film is a documentary about the life of the famed shoe designer Manola Blahnik.  He is considered a 20th and 21st century fashion icon by his followers.  Born of Spanish parents and raised in the Canary Islands.  He calls himself a cobbler.  He seems most content when he is designing and hand crafting his footwear,  most are more works of art than mere shoes.

The film chronicles his life and career, parties and escapades spanning decades.  The rare clips of early celebrity gatherings alone are worth the price of admission.  Still based in London, he now has stores in Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Berkeley, Denver, Dallas, and Fort Lauderdale.

Ultimately, this film is a chronicle of one designers passion for his creations.  It is charming, interesting, fascinating, often funny and occasionally down right goofy.  We found it enjoyable and feel it well worth the watch.

The film is not rated.  The genre is noted as a Drama/Biography and runs 1 hour 30 minutes.

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First They Killed My Father

Shortly after the end of the war in Vietnam and the U. S. withdrawal from the region, next door in Cambodia gave rise to the brutal regime called the Khmer Rouge.

That was 1975.  As Vietnamese troops invaded Cambodia in retribution for “hosting” American forces the Khmer Rouge swept through the country seeking anyone (and their families) who worked, supported or benefited the U.S. during the war.  This included anyone working for the Cambodian government before it collapsed after the US withdrawal.

This film focuses on one family.  The parents and their six children who survived the terror, “re-education” (brainwashing, labor camps and torture) where over 2 million others died.

Be warned, it is heartbreaking, intense and emotional to watch.  The film is not rated but we would caution parents with young children.  The story is told by the now adult Loung Ung as a horrific drama when she was a young child.

The film is Written and Directed by Angelina Jolie.  It is also available on Netflix. The genre is Drama/Thriller with a run time of 2 hours, 16 minutes.  Cambodian, Vietnamese and French with English subtitles.

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Kingsmen: The Golden Circle

This rendition is as good as the first with just a little bit more of everything.  It is the second edition of the famed comic book series.  It has fresh twists and turns, unique characters, a good pace, funny in the right places and surprises right up to the end.  Visually the movie is impressive and some parts are stunning.

The A list cast includes the return of Taron Egerton, the always good Colin Firth, Channing Tatum, Holly Berry, Julianne Moore is a great villian, and  there’s a hilarious scene with Elton John as himself.

It is rated R for strong violence, drug content, language and sexual material.  We caution parents with younger viewers.  It is listed as an Action/Adventure and runs a whopping 2 hours, 20 minutes.

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Brad’s Status

Brad is a middle aged dad with a good job, a comfortable life and a college aged son seeking placement at a good college like Harvard.  Nonetheless, Brad has angst about a lot of things, his career, money, life style, his wealthier college buddies and so on.

The story is well written and acted.  Ben Stiller is excellent as the dad, Jenna Fisher plays the level headed wife.  Highly successful college buddies are played by Michael Sheen, Luke Wilson and Jemaine Clement.  Austin Abrams plays the mostly calm level headed son.

It is listed as a Drama/Comedy/Music genre (with the music only playing in one scene).  It is rated R for some strong language (quite tame actually).  The run time is 1 hour 41 minutes.

Rating

Mother!

Unbelievable!  We cannot believe the studio actually promoted this film as a comedy!  Be warned!  Think one part Rosemary’s Baby meets Carrie, and then invites The Exorcist.  That is actually being kind, if not generous!

The genre is listed as a Mystery/Drama.  It should have been listed as a Psycho/Horror film.  It runs a painful 2 hours and 1 minute.

The only highlight was the acting.  Jennifer Lawrence and Javier Bardem were excellent in their messed up character’s roles.  Michelle Pheiffer and Ed Harris were particularly creepy as their characters, too.

Critics and audiences are all over the board.  Some liked this film, seems most hated it and not much in between.  Parents be aware as well.  It is rated R for strong disturbing violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language.  We’ll end by simply saying: bizarre.

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Polina

A young Russian girl struggles to become a Bolshoi ballerina and decides to move to Western Europe and become a contemporary dancer.  Again she struggles as her classical training interferes with the free form of modern dance.

Suddenly, there is no work, no home and mounting troubles .  Then a love affair, a job at a bar, and lots of angst about choreographing a new dance.  All-in-all a story that can be sometimes confusing.

The acting was pretty impressive. Juliette Binoche was superb as the Contemporary Dance instructor.  Anastasia Shevtsova plays the Russian dancer and Neils Schneider is her love interest and dance partner.

All that said, the ending dance sequence is arguably some of the more exquisite dance we have ever seen on the screen and reason enough to see this film.

It is listed as a Drama running 1 hour, 52 minutes.  It is not yet rated.  Russian and French with English subtitles.

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Rebel in the Rye

Maybe because this movie is about J D Salinger’s classic book Catcher in the Rye, explains why the script was so good.  Salinger is played by the talented Nicholas Hoult along with Kevin Spacey as his professor who becomes a lifelong advocate. Other key actors include Zoey Deutch, Victor Garber and Sarah Paulson.

The film is rated PG-13 for language including sexual references, some violence and smoking throughout.  The genre is a Drama/Biography.  It runs 1 hour 46 minutes.

Overall it is an impressive biopic about an extraordinary writer and his fascinating life.  It is well worth a watch.

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Patti Cake$

It should come as no surprise, we are not big rap fans.  While often impressed with the success of the genre and the socio-economic impact rap has made on society, its underbelly can be disturbing.

Putting that soapbox away, we found this film both interesting and intriguing, fresh and realistic.  It brings a fresh perspective on its underdog foundation.  It makes an impressive first film by Writer and Director Geremy Jasper.

The cast is extensive.  Headliners include Danielle Macdonald as Patti, Bridget Everett as her Mom, Siddharth Dhananjay as the best friend, Mamoudou Athie as the counterculture muse and Cathy Moriarty as Nana.  At least two dozen more actors round out the cast.

This film is rated R for language throughout, crude sexual references, drug use and a brief nude image.  In our opinion it is not suitable for youngsters.

The genre is Drama and runs 108 minutes.  It is in limited release but worth seeking out if you are in the mood for something new and different.

Rating 

American Assassin

This Triller/Action film is a gripping but violent look at special forces operatives trying to stop bad guys from starting a nuclear war.  It is a challenge for the audience to keep up as it takes place in Malta, Ibiza, Istanbul, Tripoli, Romania, Roanoke and Rome.

The cast includes Michael Keaton in his best role in many years, Dylan O’Brian (The Maze Runner) as the new super soldier, Taylor Kitsch (X-Men), Sanaa Lathan (The Best Man) and Scott Adkins (Doctor Strange).  There are another dozen actors rounding out the cast.

The story is based on the novel Assassin by Vince Flynn.  The film is less than perfect and the critics were not particularly keen on it.  We found it just different enough to keep our interest.  It is fast paced with lots of unexpected twists.

It is rated R for strong violence, some torture, language and brief nudity.  It runs 1 hour, 51 minutes.

Rating  

Home Again

The premise is a bit shaky.  Recently separated, Reese Witherspoon’s character moves back to Los Angeles with her two daughters when she meets three young film makers at a party.  The young wannabees need a place to live and Reese has a guest house…

That said, the acting overcomes some of the obvious story line flaws until the Ex shows up to seek reconciliation…  Ultimately, it is a charming, fun film that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Michael Sheen plays the Ex.  Pico Alexander plays the young love interest, Jon Rudnitsky plays the rising playwright and Nat Wolff plays the aspiring actor. Candice Bergen is a nice surprise as Reese’s Mom.

It is rated PG-13 for some thematic and sexual material.  The genre is listed as a Drama/Comedy/Romance.  It runs exactly 2 hours.

Rating  

Beach Rats

This is stunning examination of a young man’s coming of age experience.  It has been called profoundly sad and a refreshing portrait.  It was a huge hit at 2017 Sundance.  It has been described as raw, powerful, haunting and honest.

The exceptional cast keeps a low public profile but we identified some of the actors. Harris Dickinson plays Frankie as a young teen.  Madeline Weinstein is the want to be girlfriend.  Kate Hodge plays the teen’s Mom.  Erik Potempa plays an online character of interest.

The film is rated R for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, drug use and language.  The genre is listed as a Drama running 1 hour, 35 minutes.

Rating 

Special note:  The following is rare reprint of a review posted in March of 2017 after a movie screening in London.  This movie has only now been released in the US.  It is for that reason we are posting our March review again.

Viceroy’s House

This is the complex story of the final months of British rule in 1947 India, the haggling for a new government and the ultimate partitioning of India and Pakistan.  It also speaks to the social divisions between the Hindu, Muslim and Sikh communities, 500 of whom were servants to the British rulers in India at the time.

There is also a fascinating peek at the then political elite including Lord Mountbatton, his remarkable wife, and power brokers, Nehru, Gandhi and Jinnah.

It is well made, directed by Gurinder Chadha and written by Paul Mayeda Berges and Moira Buddin.  There is a huge cast featuring Hugh Bonneville as Lord Mountbatten, Gillian Anderson as Edwina Mountbatton, Manish Dayal as Jeet, and Huma Qureshi as the love interest.

Some critics felt the film tried to tell too many stories in the same film.  We agree to some extent but there is also a lot to tell.  It is well worth a look at an extraordinary time in history.

The Genre is noted as Drama/History running 1 hour, 46 minutes.

Note:  It was fun watching a British film, with a British audience, regarding a topic that was not necessarily Britain’s finest hour.

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Dolores

Maybe you have heard of Dolores Huerta.  I had forgotten until reminded about Cesar Chavez and the origin of the farm workers union in the 1950’s.  Dolores, mother to 11 children, was co-founder, with intense lifelong contributions towards worker’s rights.

Today Dolores is 87, still working for causes like ethnic curriculum in schools. This is an intense and touching documentary about her life efforts, her family and the challenges of ethnic diversity that still confront the country.

A large part of this film is made with original footage from the 1950’s through today.  The result is a story that is engaging, turbulent, inspiring and frustrating.

The film is not rated and runs 98 minutes.  There is already chatter about an Oscar nomination.  It seems worthy of contention.

Rating  

Crown Heights

We didn’t hear much talk about this film, and with the many late summer movies in theaters, this limited release is likely to miss its audience.  That would be a shame because this story is based on true events dating back to Brooklyn, NY in 1980.  It is a gut wrenching story spanning over 20 years.

It was written and directed by Matt Ruskin and features a cast of over 50 actors. LaKeith Stanfield, Nnamdi Asomugha, Gbenga Akinnagbe and Marsha Stephanie Blake are in the leading roles.

Tags associated with the production include: uplifting, thought provoking, intense and powerful.  It is listed as a Drama, running 1 hour 39 minutes.  It is rated R for language, some sexuality/nudity and violence.

This film is not perfect.  The flow is sometimes disconnected.  It can be a little confusing, and the overarching message could have been more powerful.  All that said, this film should be seen.  It is about real people and real conditions in our justice system.  Note:  John and I were the only two in the theater…again.

Rating  

Greetings to all from Wisconsin (again).  We have been back in Wisconsin for a late summer visit including a mini family reunion.  Weather has been unseasonally cool with a few warm sunny days.  Another post to come on that.

The movie scene has changed a bit here.  School started on September 1.  It was a Friday followed by a three day weekend.  (That seemed odd to us.)  We did manage to catch a few films this week.  To our surprise, most midday matinees stopped with first shows starting in the late afternoon.

We fly home tomorrow where the summer fog has ended (hopefully) and the temps will be in the mid to high 70s.  Perfect for us.

Leap!

This animated film will be loved by youngsters and animation fans alike.  It is mostly set in 19th-century Paris.  Two orphans escape their rural orphanage. Victor is an aspiring inventor and Felice dreams of becoming a ballerina.

Ultimately, the film is imaginative, charming, funny and heart-warming.  The primary voice overs are performed by Maddie Ziegler, Elle Fanning, Dane DeHaan, Carly Rae Jepsen and Victor Wolff.  There are at least another dozen actors filling secondary and tertiary roles.

It is rated PG with an Adventure/Dance genre.  The run time is 1 hour, 30 minutes.

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Tulip Fever

Where to start on this one.  Audiences and critics were not kind toward this film. Yes, the plot has more twists and turns than the Hollywood Freeway.  Yes, Director Justin Chadwick and Writer Tom Stoppard tried to cram too much story into a 107 minute film.

That said, this is a delightful peek into 17th Century life in Amsterdam, the lives of the Merchant class and commoners.  We enjoyed this movie.  It has a bit of enchantment, romance, history, intrigue and suspense.

There is great cast lead by Academy Award winners Alicia Vikander, Christoph Waltz and Judi Dench.  Other actors with noteworthy performances were Dane DeHaan, Cara Delevingne and Jack O’Connell.

It is rated R for sexual content and nudity.  The genre is noted as a Drama/Indie film.   Please let us know what you think it you see this one.

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I Do…Until I Don’t

This was a most peculiar film.  It is about a jaded British filmmaker fixated on her concept of conventional marriage.  She believes marriage should be a seven year contract, followed by disolution, renewal, replacement or alternative of choice.

It is written, directed and produced by Lake Bell who also plays one of the character’s wives.  Other noteworthy actors are Amber Heard, Chance Crawford, Mary Steenburgen and Paul Reiser.

It is rated R for sexual material and language.  It is listed as a comedy.  It is less than perfect, sometimes funny, and often ridiculous.  It runs 103 minutes.  It may be useful to kill a couple of hours on a long plane ride…  John and I were literally the only two in the theater.

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We managed to squeeze in a couple of more movies before flying to Milwaukee tomorrow/today for the next couple of weeks over the Labor Day weekend.  More to follow depending on releases in greater Milwaukee area.  Cheers to all!  J&J

Whose Streets?

Wow!  This is a compelling, disturbing and powerful documentary film about the events and fallout of the 2014 Ferguson, MO siege and aftermath.  It takes its point of view from the activists and people on the street.  This event sparked a global movement about all types of social injustices.

Moreover, it is a razor sharp focus on the local racism that drove both the events and the aftermath of the Ferguson failure.  It is rate R for strong language and powerful social issues.

It is often difficult to watch and yet compelling at the same time.  The extensive ‘live footage’ is powerful and a battle cry for life itself.  The film makers, Sabaah Foyayan and Damon Davis are also the Directors and are wise beyond their years.

Rating 

The Only Living Boy in New York

First, a big thanks to our friend Meredith for suggesting this film to us.  It is in limited release but well worth seeking out whereever you are.  Once again, the critics were not too kind to this movie and yet we found it fresh, contemporary and a reminder why a visit to New York City is always a welcomed adventure.  (Opps, slipped into the Travel category…)

It has a great cast including Kate Beckinsale, the lately prolific Jeff Bridges, uber talented Callum Turner and the timeless Pierce Bronsan.

It is a complicated story about a contemporary urban family, their careers and life choices.  It is rated R for strong language and some drug material.  It is not suitable for young children.

The genre is listed as a Drama and runs 1 hour, 28 minutes.  It is unique, intriguing and refreshing.

Rating 

The Trip to Spain

This is the third “trip” for Director Michael Winterbottom’s travel franchise.  This time along the coast of Spain, again staring Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon.  If  you enjoyed the scenery, food and banter from either of the previous films, you will probably enjoy this film too.

The impersonations the two stars are famous for were sometimes funny but also sometimes annoying, borderline distracting.  That said, the food, wine and Spanish countryside were front and center.  There could have been more  focus on the travel aspect but we were satisfied just the same.

It is listed as a Drama (why not a drama/comedy?).  It is not rated and runs 1 hour, 55 minutes.

Rating 

The Fencer 

This is a delightful film set in the 1950’s Estonia then occupied by the Soviet Union.  The wrinkle is during WWII, Germany forced the enlistment of Estonian civilians as German soldiers.  After the war, the Soviet Union hunted down these Estonians and sent them to Russian prisons.

The movie is a fascinating peek into a rare bit of history.  It is well acted, including lead roles by Mart Avanti as the fencing teacher and the young Ursula Ratasepp as his student.

The story is told in several languages, Estonian, Russian and Armenian (all with English subtitles).  You would expect a sad or depressing story line but we saw hope and resilience, commitment and endurance.

The genre is Drama/Sport and is not rated.  There are lots of young children in the film.  While the backdrop is quite serious, this film could be a great history lesson for young viewers.  The film runs 99 minutes.

Rating 

Birth of the Dragon

This film is a gem for anyone interested in the history about Bruce Lee in the early years.  Since the movie is focused on his life in San Francisco in 1964, it was an easy draw for us.

Philip Ng does a good job of replicating the cocky demeanor of the young Bruce Lee.  Xia Yu does an even better job with his portrayal of Lee’s life long adversary Wong Jack Man.  The result is a film based on true events, action packed and intense.

It is rated PG-13 but as you might expect there is considerable fighting and some adult subject matter.  The genre is noted as Drama/Action with a running time of 1 hour, 43 minutes.

Rating  

 

Good Time

We have no idea where this title comes from, but this Crime/Drama film from New York Directors Ben Safdie and Josh Safdie delivers a tense and dangerous trip for two desperate brothers who botch a bank robbery.  The night goes down hill from there.

That said, it’s the acting that brings this film to life.  Robert Pattinson and Buddy Duress give riveting performances.  The script is compelling and intriguing.  The tone is exhilarating and discomforting at the same time.

This movie is not for everyone.  It is gritty and earned an R rating for language, violence, drug use and sexual content.  It is absolutely not appropriate for children.

Run time is 1 hour, 40 minutes.

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Ingrid Goes West

Stalker and stalked come together in this social media gone bad film about two young ladies and their fixation with social media as a life style.  The film is not timid about commentary, sometimes loathsome and/or pathetic.

The acting is a strong suit here.  Aubrey Plaza dazzles as the damaged Ingrid.  Elizabeth Olsen is perfect as the idolized Taylor Sloane.  O’Shea Jackson shines as the boyfriend/landlord.  Billy Magnussen is superb as the evil brother.

Rated R for stalking, drugs and role play sex, with a run time of 1 hour, 37 minutes.  The genre is listed as a Drama/Comedy although we found very little to laugh about.

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Wolf Warrior II

Hollywood and the Western movie machines have long been criticized for pontificating national pride and self righteous commentaries into movies big and small.  Move over Western studios, China is entering the global cinematic scene.

This film, to date the second highest grossing film in Chinese history, is making more money in China than Avatar made in the US.  Think a Chinese Rambo saves a nameless African country from bloodthirsty rebels and mercenaries.

Chinese heart throb Wu Jing is China’s super soldier and Yu Nan is his love interest. Frank Grillo is the enemy bad ass and Samuel Thivierge is the evil assassin.  There are a dozen more actors contributing to this second in a series of films depicting China as a global military tour de force.

Entertaining, refreshing, heavy handed and suspenseful, all at the same time. Very good but, there is unilaterally “too much” of everything, including commentaries and glorified Chinese messages.

The genre is noted as Action/Adventure/Drama/Art House/International.  It runs 121 minutes.  It is not rated, however parents should note there is extensive violence and destruction, and some adult themed material.   Mostly Mandarin with English subtitles.

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