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| Courtesy of Warner Bros. |
(Rated R for violence, language throughout and some sexual content.)
After a summer full of $200 million price tags, explosions, CGI overload and universe-altering stakes, I’m officially experiencing blockbuster fatigue. Maybe that’s why I had such a good time with The Kitchen, a fun, pulpy throwback to an era when major studios consistently greenlit modestly budgeted fare aimed at grown-ups. It’s a refreshing way to wind down popcorn season.
Sure, the crime thriller is technically an adaptation of a DC/Vertigo comic series (by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle), but there’s no spandex or masked heroes in sight. Instead, The Kitchen (written and directed by Andrea Berloff) focuses on a trio of housewives (played by Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss) who take over their mobster husbands’ territory in 1970s-era Hell’s Kitchen after the men are sent to prison.
Berloff makes one heck of an impression with her directorial debut. She allows her outstanding cast to do the heavy lifting, but she also utilizes an array of creative flourishes, a killer soundtrack full of classic rock and wisely chooses old-school squibs when violence breaks out. (CGI blood always looks like it’s from a bad video game.)
The performances are fantastic across the board (well, almost), especially McCarthy and Moss. Mad Men and The Handmaid’s Tale viewers already know Moss isn’t afraid to go to some weird, dark places. However, those who missed last year’s Can You Ever Forgive Me? might be surprised to see McCarthy step out of her comfort zone after several lackluster comedies. I love seeing her take chances on riskier material like this, rather than playing it safe for an easy paycheck.
Domhnall Gleeson is chilling and morbidly hilarious as a psychopathic enforcer who awakens some dark impulses in Moss’ once-meek character. Plus, the supporting cast has a deep bench of stellar character actors like James Badge Dale, Brian d’Arcy James, Wayne Duvall, Margo Martindale and Bill Camp.
Sadly, the only misstep comes from Haddish, who works hard to break free of her comedic persona. Unlike McCarthy, however, she doesn’t quite pull it off. Her delivery is often stilted and awkward, especially when she’s trying to get through a lengthy monologue.
She has a tough time holding her own in scenes with costars who have far more experience navigating different genres. She’s not completely awful, though – I could see her having a successful dramatic career with more experience under her belt. “The Kitchen” is a great first step in that direction.
Still, a bit of miscasting isn’t enough to derail The Kitchen. It’s an enjoyable, end-of-summer surprise that packs a wallop thanks to a storyline that isn’t afraid of real stakes. Don’t let this one fall through the cracks – see it on the big screen instead of waiting for Redbox or VOD. You’ll want to hear that fantastic ‘70s music through the loudest speakers possible.
Grade: B
Blu-ray Review: Avengers: Endgame
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| Courtesy of Disney |
I wasn’t ready for how emotionally invested I got in Endgame, now the highest grossing movie of all time (worldwide, if you don’t adjust for inflation). I laughed, I cried, I cheered, and every other emotional cliché that you typically read in a blurb on a DVD cover. I honestly have no idea how the creative team – led by executive producer Kevin Feige, screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, and co-directors Anthony and Joe Russo – managed it, but they don’t just live up to the hype. They somehow exceed even the most ridiculous expectations.
Not only does Endgame give fans the closure they’re seeking after Infinity War ripped their hearts out, it’s also a direct sequel to pretty much every other MCU installment. Marvel films are going to be around for decades to come (there’s far too much money at stake to quit), but Endgame is a perfect jumping off point for exhausted viewers who need to disengage for a while. Important characters get beautiful sendoffs, others depart in more emotionally devastating ways, and newer heroes see the torch passed to them, but none of these scenes feel trite or perfunctory.
I saw Endgame four times on the big screen, which allowed me to indulge my fanboy side. Now that it’s on Blu-ray, I was able to calm down a bit and evaluate it from a more neutral perspective. So, is it a perfect movie? No.
There are a few scenes that could use trimming and some characters get short shrift (particularly Black Widow, played by Scarlett Johansson), but I imagine most fans appreciate the story’s scope and volume; plus, these movies have earned a victory lap.
Special features: Seven behind-the-scenes featurettes (including a touching tribute to the late Stan Lee); six deleted scenes; gag reel; intro by directors Joe and Anthony Russo; audio commentary by the Russos and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
Grade: A
Special Event: Blaze – The Carroll County Premiere
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| Courtesy of IFC |
(Rated R for language throughout, some sexual content and drug use.)
Attention, readers in the metro Atlanta area: I want to put an upcoming event on your radar. Later this month, Blaze, director Ethan Hawke’s drama about country music folk hero Blaze Foley, will have its local premiere at the Carrollton Center for the Arts. That’s only a few miles from where much of the fact-based film takes place.
What’s more, co-writer and Whitesburg resident Sybil Rosen will be in attendance for a Q&A. Blaze just barely missed my Top 10 last year, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to see a piece of local music history.
The screening (sponsored by Underground Books) is Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10, which includes your ticket, popcorn and a drink.
You can purchase online at cprcad.myboxoffice.us/program/blaze-1428/6959 or at the CCA box office. More info is available by searching “Blaze: The Carroll County Premiere” on Facebook or by calling Underground Books at 678-951-4689.
Attention, readers in the metro Atlanta area: I want to put an upcoming event on your radar. Later this month, Blaze, director Ethan Hawke’s drama about country music folk hero Blaze Foley, will have its local premiere at the Carrollton Center for the Arts. That’s only a few miles from where much of the fact-based film takes place.
What’s more, co-writer and Whitesburg resident Sybil Rosen will be in attendance for a Q&A. Blaze just barely missed my Top 10 last year, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to see a piece of local music history.
The screening (sponsored by Underground Books) is Friday, Aug. 30 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $10, which includes your ticket, popcorn and a drink.
You can purchase online at cprcad.myboxoffice.us/program/blaze-1428/6959 or at the CCA box office. More info is available by searching “Blaze: The Carroll County Premiere” on Facebook or by calling Underground Books at 678-951-4689.
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