The following is part of a weekly compilation of movie reviews from The Buzz Track staff. These movies were watched in the previous week, and the reviews were originally posted on Letterboxd.
Nobody (2021)
DIRECTOR: Ilya Naishuller.
WRITERS: Derek Kolstad.
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Action, Crime, Drama.
LENGTH: 1h 32min.
LANGUAGE: English, Russian, Spanish.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: June 27, 2021.
What an enjoyable action movie. I am inclined to describe it as a hybrid of John Wick and Death Wish. It is fun to see this side of Bob Odenkirk on screen. I am used to seeing him in comedies for many years, followed by a good stretch in dramatic roles. A leading role in an action movie is a nice change of scenery for him.
Four Good Days (2020)
DIRECTOR: Rodrigo García.
WRITERS: Eli Saslow, Rodrigo García.
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Drama.
LENGTH: 1h 40min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: June 30, 2021.
The entire story rests upon the relationship between the mother and daughter pair. Molly, the daughter, goes through detox treatment from many years of substance abuse. Her mother is cynical about Molly’s commitment to quit abusing drugs and turn her life around for good. The acting performance by Glenn Close and Mila Kunis is a strong selling point for this movie. They both did a wonderful job. The story is simple and rather straightforward. It relies upon the family dynamics and story arc for the main characters. I liked the movie and was engaged with the story and its characters.
City of Lies (2018)
DIRECTOR: Brad Furman.
WRITERS: Christian Contreras (script), Randall Sullivan (book).
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Biography, Crime, Drama.
LENGTH: 1h 52min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★★★☆ | WATCHED: July 3, 2021.
The entire movie carries a tone of a police procedural. It flips back and forth between the past and the present timeline of a Los Angeles detective. I found the dramatic presentation of the story interesting to watch. The acting, directing, production design, and photography are all done very well. Johnny Depp shows he still has plenty of gas in the tank for more dramatic acting roles. And I’m all for it. Forest Whitaker does a good job in the role as the voice of exposition to help keep the plot moving along at a coherent and steady pace. I honestly enjoyed watching the movie and looking forward to a second viewing in the future.
The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard (2021)
DIRECTOR: Patrick Hughes.
WRITERS: Tom O’Connor, Brandon Murphy, Phillip Murphy.
MPAA RATING: R – Viewer discretion is advised.
GENRES: Action, Comedy, Crime.
LENGTH: 1h 40min.
LANGUAGE: English.
WHERE TO RENT: JustWatch or Prime Video.
★★☆☆☆ | WATCHED: July 3, 2021.
The first movie was better. This sequel was not as funny. The chemistry between the characters seems a bit mediocre and forced this time around. I think everything would have been nice if the studio would have left the first movie on its own and not go for the cash grab with a second installment. This would be my first visit to a theater in 16-months for an entire screening of a newly released movie. Oh, the joy of listening to others in the auditorium loudly laugh and then repeat the punchline of a joke to their neighbor (sarcasm). I cannot wait for another visit later when I can listen to someone loudly munch on their popcorn or carry on conversations during the movie screening.
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