Tomb Raider (2018)

Laura Croft started in the video game world in 1996. She also made the jump into three movies.

The newest adventure of Tomb Raider debuted on June 12. There is the Blu-ray combo pack and DVD and Digital selections.

REBOOT

Remember when?

Angelina Jolie was Laura Croft in 2001.

Laura Croft: Tomb Raider received plenty of negative reviews. Rotten Tomatoes calls the movie - well, rotten. It went to 20% on the Tomatometer.

Still, audiences wanted to have a look. The movie managed a cool $274 million worldwide. This called for a sequel.

Laura Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life hit theaters in 2003. Angelina Jolie returned to the role. People were not as curious and it only made about $156 million.

Laura Croft took a break from the big screen.

Tomb Raider continued on in video games and other avenues, like comic books. The games received a reboot in 2013. The movie world would follow suit.

Alicia Vikander (a 2016 Oscar-winner) took over as the new Tomb Raider.

The 2018 version was received better by critics - a 49% on that Tomatometer. It would come out with about $273 million worldwide. It almost matched Angelia Jolie’s first adventure.

Director Roar Uthang took the helm behind the camera. Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu and Kirsten Scott Thomas, rounded out the main cast.

Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Alastair Siddons worked the script. The story credit goes to Evan Daugherty and Robertson-Dworet.

VERDICT 

Would I buy this film? Yes.

I remember playing Tomb Raider on the original PlayStation. I have not watched the Angelina Jolie movies in quite a few years. Actually, I kind of forgot about them during this film.

This Tomb Raider is what would be known as an origin story. Laura’s father disappeared when she was a teenager. He is gone long enough, the only choice is to declare him dead. Now, in her twenties, working as a bike courier, Laura decides to set out and find the truth about what happened.

The movie is said to take many cues from the 2013 video game. ( I can’t compare.) The story seems to have the flavours of Indiana Jones, National Treasure, and the Uncharted games.

There’s mystery, globe-trotting, puzzles to solve and plenty of action. The movie doesn’t skimp on the action. Which kept things watchable for me. And sure, some of the special effects are quite obvious, but it didn’t quite detract from the story.

There is definitely a lot of luck for Laura too. She is sometimes one wrong move from death. But Vikander seems to make it work.

Tomb Raider is pretty decent. I was never bored. There is kind of a cool twist to set-up future movies. 

I would watch another one.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD only has the Tomb Raider: Uncovered feature.

Tomb Raider: Uncovered (7 minutes, 6 seconds) 

- The behind-the-scenes reel of bringing Tomb Raider back to the screen. The challenges and goals, the production had hoped to do.

Croft Training (6 minutes, 6 seconds) 

- Interested in how actor trains for the role? This shows the training regime of Alicia Vikander. She put in the work. Breaking

Down the Rapids (5 minutes, 34 seconds)

 - One of the biggest action set pieces involves water and a plane. The crew sets out to make it as real as possible. There is definitely a mix of special effects.

Laura Croft: Evolution of an Icon (9 minutes, 53 seconds) 

- This was the most interesting feature for me. Tomb Raider beginnings are discussed. There are highlights from some of the games - Laura Croft battles a T-rex for one. This goes up to the reboot, which inspired the movie.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Game Night

What if you planned a game night and it goes nothing like you expected?

Game Night had an early Digital release on May 4. The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD debuts on May 22.

GAMES 

Game Night gets promoted as ‘Certified Fresh.’ It received a Tomatometer mark at 82%. (The explanation of the Rotten Tomatoes ratings are with Paddington 2.)

The box office stats for Game Night were reasonable for a February release. It cemented about $68 million for domestic and a worldwide total over $116 million. This includes the fact - this R-rated film - was up against the blockbuster known as Black Panther.

John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein are the directors. Mark Penz wrote the script. This is only the second film at the helm for the directors. The Vacation reboot of the Griswald family disappeared quick.

Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Oscar nominee Rachel McAdams) host a weekly game night with their friends. Billy Magnussen, Sharon Horgan, Lamorne Morris and Kylie Bunbury play the friends. Jesse Plemons pops up as an unusual neighbour of Max and Annie’s.

When Max’s brother, Brooks (Kyle Chandler), comes to town, he decides he wants to host his own game night. The idea is for a murder-mystery style event. This is complete with pretend thugs, federal agents and a kidnapping.

When the game is actually afoot though, how much of it is actually fake?

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Not a full price. It’s more of a rainy day selection.

I enjoyed Game Night more than Father Figures. For a comedy, I didn’t find it funny. (I’m aware there will be viewers who will say the film is hilarious.) The points balance out for the ensemble cast and for the darker side of the story.

It is R-rated for a reason. It’s crude at times, has bursts of violence and coarse language throughout. It’s not a big spoiler to say the ‘pretend’ Game Night turns real for the players. (It’s revealed in all commercials and trailers.)

But.

I never figured out how the 100-minute film was going to end. Sure, the events get a little over-the-top, but there were also a couple twists which caught me by surprise. Being surprised by a movie is always a good thing in my books.

It takes some time - maybe an unusually long time - for the cast to figure out there is more going on to their game night. The ensemble do seem to be enjoying working together, even with the more thriller aspects of the film.

Jason Bateman appears to be a pro at these kinds of movies. I haven’t seen many Rachel McAdams films, but what I have, always leans towards the dramatic. It's not the case here. She does a pretty good job too. Even Lamorne Morris, has a cool Denzel Washington impression.

There is an elaborate game of ‘Hot potato’ which is completed in one shot. (Meaning the take is done with one camera and no cuts.)

Game Night is not a movie I would rush out to watch. It surprised me though. It makes an impression that way. (Some may even find it funny.)

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

An Unforgettable Evening: Making Game Night (3 minutes, 48 seconds) 

- A pretty basic behind-the-scenes feature. The cast explains the movie and what it was like working with each other and on the film.

Gag Reel (6 minutes, 48 seconds) 

- It depends on your sense of humour. There are better gag reels. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

The 15:17 to Paris

Clint Eastwood is still making movies.

Director Eastwood’s last four films have revolved around real people. The 15:17 to Paris makes five-in-a-row. The movie had an early Digital release on May 1. The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD debuts on May 22.

Eastwood’s film career spans over 60 years.

TRUE

All it takes is one moment.

The 15:17 to Paris is the story of three young Americans, how they grew up and became friends. They travel through Europe. They board a train to Paris. A terrorist is on board. There is no doubt what he had in mind.

Those three Americans are U.S. Air Force Airman First Class Spencer Stone. Oregon National Guardsman Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler. They will have August 21, 2015, seared into their memories. They turned their experience into a book too. The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes. (Jeffery E. Stern gave some writing help.)

The book offered extra inspiration for the film. The 15:17 to Paris made $56 million worldwide. It didn’t grab the attention of many.

When you compare the last two Clint Eastwood movies, there's a difference. There’s American Sniper with over $547 million worldwide. It also the biggest film of Mr. Eastwood’s entire career. Sully grossed over $240 million.

The 15:17 to Paris did offer a spark with Eastwood’s bold casting choices. There were no big-names to board the train to Paris. Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler, portrayed themselves.

Jenna Fisher, Judy Greer, Ray Corasani, PJ Byrne, Tony Hale and Thomas Lennon, all pop up in small roles. Paul-Mikel Williams, Bruce Gheisar and William Jennings are the kid versions of the heroes.

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Not at full price. It's kind of like a rainy day selection.

There's always been something to a Clint Eastwood movie. I think no matter what, I would have found a way to see The 15:17 to Paris.

It is an amazing true story. But the delivery isn’t solid. It is not Clint Eastwood at his best. The film still gets a passing mark.

The PG-13 movie has a very laid-back quality. It almost feels like a documentary. Stone, Skarlatos and Sadler are not actors, which is obvious at times, but fine. Points to them for even doing it.

The fact they are not actors though…could also be the whole point.

They were regular guys and they were swept up in an incredible moment.

Parts of the lead-up to the train ride are not exciting to watch. The trip in Europe has conversations centered on pictures, and selfie sticks. And food and travel plans.

The train sequence only fills a handful of minutes in a 94-minute time frame. It is tense though and instantly grabs the attention. (Mark Moogalian, and his wife, Isabelle Risacher Moogalian play themselves on film. Mark was shot during the real event.)

The story has a curiosity factor to watch. The people on the train who helped out, deserve a lot of credit - not only the three Americans.

I wouldn’t put it high on the list of Clint Eastwood movies.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW
Making Every Second Count (8 minutes, 11 seconds)
- Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler give their own spin on what happened on the train. The intriguing part was the input from Mark Moogalian and his wife, Isabelle Risacher Moogalian. They were on the train.

Portrait of Courage (12 minutes)
- Director Eastwood and some of his crew discuss the filming process. They had actually auditioned real actors for the roles. Mr. Eastwood surprised everybody - including the three heroes - by putting them in their own movie. Nobody called the train sequence as acting. It was ‘reliving’ the experience to being cathartic to some.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

12 Strong

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? 

Well, this story comes after. 

12 Strong had an early Digital release on April 10. The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD debuts on May 1. 

The movie tells the declassified true story of the first American soldiers sent into Afghanistan. 

They were the first boots on the ground after 9/11. Except horses were required.

HORSE SOLDIERS

The story gained traction from the popular book by Doug Stanton. It was published in 2009 and went by the title of Horse Soldiers.

The movie premiered in January. It took the second slot at the box office and couldn’t quite beat the hit known as Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.

12 Strong finished with a $45 million domestic gross. The worldwide tally was over $62 million. 

(Yes, even Paddington 2 fared out better at the box office and with the critics.) 

On a brighter note, storywise anyway, the movie brought back attention to what Doug Stanton wrote. Readers pushed the book onto the New York Times (Paperback Nonfiction) Bestseller List. It stayed on that particular list for about 15 weeks this year.     

The R-rated war drama had Nicolai Fuglsig in the director’s chair. Jerry Bruckheimer shifted gears from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and along with Alcon Entertainment and Black Label Media helped with production. Of course, with many in the behind-the-scenes team.  

Chris Hemsworth and Michael Shannon take charge of the cast. The ensemble includes Michael Peña, Trevante Rhodes, Geoff Stults, Thad Luckinbill, Austin Stowell, Ben O’Toole, Austin Hébert, Kenneth Miller, Kenny Sheard and Jack Kesy. Navid Negahban, Elsa Pataky, William Fichtner and Rob Riggle round things out.

A small band of Special Forces soldiers were sent into Afghanistan in October 2001. Their mission was to convince members of the Northern Alliance - led by a warlord - named General Abdul Rashid Dostum. 

The soldiers wanted to fight alongside them against the Taliban. To overcome the mountainous terrain though, horses were needed and even necessary for battle. 

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Yes. 

Is it the greatest war movie ever? I wouldn’t go that far. (Don’t think it tops Saving Private Ryan or an oldie like Kelly’s Heroes.)

12 Strong is a solid flick though. I was entertained and never felt bored. 

This is probably the strongest performance - outside of the Marvel Universe - I have seen yet of Chris Hemsworth. There are very few scenes he is not featured.   

I did read the book. I try not to be one of those tough book-to-movie critics - ‘Well, that scene wasn’t in the book OR they didn’t put that scene in the movie.’ 

Sure, the story is changed in some aspects of the screen. But the general rundown of what happened is still there.  

Chris Hemsworth’s character is Captain Mitch Nelson. The inspiration for Captain Nelson is Major (Ret.) Mark Nutsch. Michael Shannon’s Hal Spencer is really Chief Warrant Officer (Ret.) Bob Pennington. 

(My impression is the two soldiers preferred some anonymity when the book was initially published.)

These soldiers went into harsh, rugged and unpredictable terrain. They left their families behind. They had to adapt the tactics of the Afghans and basically go back-in-time.

The people willing to serve and their families willing to sacrifice, it is quite amazing.          

12 Strong may not be the greatest war movie ever. The fact it’s based on truth is what makes it more impactful.     

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

It’s only two segments. I found them interesting. 

12 Strong: The Making of an Impossible Mission (22 minutes, 5 seconds)

- Major Mark Nutsch and Chief Warrant Officer Bob Pennington talk the movie and some about the actual mission they were on. The cast and crew also discuss the training, shoot and being involved in the film which is on a true story, of course. The usual behind-the-scenes spiel. The input from the actual soldiers is what makes this appealing. 

Monumental Effort: Building America’s Response Monument (10 minutes, 13 seconds)   

- There is a monument found by One World Trade Center in New York City. This is the story of how it got there. 
Sculptor Douwe Blumberg discusses the creation of the bronze statue of a soldier on a horse. It looks like it makes an impression on the people who see it. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Paddington 2

Paddington Bear turned 60 in 2018. 

He first appeared in 1958 within the pages of ‘A Bear Called Paddington Bear.’ The name originates from Paddington Station in London.

There are a couple cinema-style adventures, in addition to that 60-year span of books. The Blu-ray combo pack and DVD debuted on April 24 in 2018. 

The author, Michael Bond, even kept writing through the years. ‘Paddington at St. Paul’s’ - the final book - is planned to be published in the summer. 

Bond died in 2017. He was 91.  

RARE

There may be a big debate in the merits of a rating system like Rotten Tomatoes, but moviegoers pay attention. (Films like Blade Runner 2049, Dunkirk and IT - all promoted their ‘Certified Fresh’ Tomatometer rating.) 

Paddington 2 (presently) has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. It is a rare distinction for a movie. 

This doesn’t mean every critic gave two thumbs up, five stars, or a 10/10 score. The Tomatometer analyzed all reviews and deemed them to be positive. 

When negative reviews outpace the good ones, it can lead to a ‘Rotten’ rating. A movie between 60% and 75% is simply ‘Fresh.’ A movie must average above the 75% mark to be ‘Certified Fresh.’

   
(The first Paddington released in 2014, still stands at 98% and Certified Fresh.)

Paddington 2 proved to be popular with international audiences. The movie brought in a worldwide total of over $223 million. Only $40 million came from North America.  

The PG sequel was again directed by Paul King, who also co-wrote the script. 

Paddington - voiced by Ben Whishaw - has settled into life with the Brown family. Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins and kids Samuel Joslin, Madeleine Harris all return from the original movie. So does, Julie Waters, as housekeeper Mrs. Bird.  

Paddington sets out to find a birthday gift for his Aunt Lucy’s hundredth birthday. The search is anything but easy. This leads to encounters with Jim Broadbent, Brendan Gleeson, Peter Capaldi and Hugh Grant.

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Yes. 

My knowledge of the Paddington Bear books was quite limited. I don't remember if ever read one in my younger days.

Paddington feels like he is real though. It’s a testament to the cast, crew and Ben Whishaw.    

Of course, this leads to the fantasy element of the story. You kind of just go with it. There are some sequences set in a prison. It turns into the easiest going and colorful prison...I have ever seen featured in a movie. 

That’s ok. 

Paddington 2 is simply a delight to watch. It’s cute. It’s heartfelt with some sprinkles of humour. It’s almost a guarantee to feel good by the end of the 104 minutes.    

I have never seen Hugh Grant play the bad guy role before. It appears like he had a blast doing it. Prisoner Brendan Gleeson also makes an impression. 

Every member of the Brown family has a moment to shine. 

I bet a third Paddington movie would have a lot of pressure since the two films have been well-received. 

I would watch another adventure...if there was one to be made.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD only has the Paddington: The Bear Truth feature.

To maybe add to the mystery of Paddington, Ben Whishaw does not appear in the special features. 

Paddington: The Bear Truth (5 minutes, 20 seconds)

- There’s discussion on what it’s like to act with Paddington. And some of the techniques/secrets of bringing him to screen. 

How to Make A Marmalade Sandwich (2 minutes, 42 seconds) 

- It’s Paddington’s Aunt Lucy’s secret recipe. It won’t be revealed here.

Music Video with Phoenix Buchanan (1 minute, 34 seconds)

- There is a musical number featured in the film, led by Hugh Grant. This is just an opportunity to rewatch it.

The Magical Mystery of Paddington’s Pop-Up Book (3 minutes, 3 seconds)

- A pop-up book plays a big part in the story. It is also one of the more visually unique sequences in the film. It gets discussed here. 

The Browns and Paddington: The Special Bond (5 minutes, 43 seconds)

- This is where Hugh Bonneville had a feud working with Julie Waters. (I don’t think he’s too serious.) The cast discusses some of the changes from the first film with their characters. 

Knuckles: A Fistful of Marmalade (2 minutes, 30 seconds)

- Brendan Gleeson talks about his character. The experience was fun for him. 

The (Once) Famous Faces of Phoenix Buchanan (3 minutes, 45 seconds) 

- Discussion on Hugh Grant’s role in the movie and the fact he was playing a washed-up actor. He was Director Paul King’s first choice for the role.

Audio Commentary by Director/Co-Writer Paul King

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment

Father Figures

Comedy is likely a polarizing genre for a film. What one person finds funny, the person in the next seat may think is stupid, or just unfunny.

The Martian - the hit movie starring Matt Damon - won Best Musical or Comedy Motion Picture from the Golden Globes in 2016. Was there much singing? Was it really award-winning funny?

The R-rated film, Father Figures, is probably one of those polarizing comedy movies. The humour will not be for everybody.     
There was an early Digital release on March 20. The Blu-ray and DVD debuts on April 3.

BATTLE

The reaction to Father Figures was on the negative side with critics. The audience did not show up either, as the domestic gross came to $17 million. To add in the worldwide total, it maxed things out around $25 million.  

(Side note: the film was originally called Bastards.)

The release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi - only a week before - already added to the battle for Father Figures. 

The project marked the directorial debut of Lawrence Sher, he was the cinematographer on movies like The Hangover trilogy. The screenplay was written by Justin Malen. 

Fraternal twins Peter (Ed Helms), and Kyle (Owen Wilson) discover from their mother (Glen Close), she been keeping a secret for many years. The stories Peter and Kyle were told about their father, wasn’t their real father. This reveal sends the two brothers on the road trip to find out the truth.

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? No.

It’s tough to knock the cast though. To act along Helms, Wilson, and Close (Oscar nominee) - there’s appearances from comedian Katt Williams; J.K. Simmons (Oscar winner); NFL Hall of Fame quarterback-actor Terry Bradshaw; Ving Rhames, June Squibb (Oscar nominee); Harry Shearer and Christopher Walken (Oscar winner.)  

I have to say the humour in Father Figures is not for me. I didn’t laugh once. If anything, the movie does surprisingly better on the drama side of the story. In my perspective anyway.   

Helms and Wilson seem to have good chemistry. They offer a good balance of two brothers with different viewpoints on how they grew up. 

Close plays their mother, although not prominent in the movie, she looms large in the story. The twins may learn more than they ever wanted to know about their mother, but she showcases her acting skills when everything is finally revealed.   

I was curious enough to finish the 113-minute road trip. It’s not one I would watch again anytime soon. 

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD only has the deleted scenes.

Deleted Scenes (21 minutes, 9 seconds)

- The scenes may add extra context to the story - like Peter and Kyle as kids or Helms arguing with a security guard. But they add on to a film which already is at a suitable length.  

Hilarious Gag Reel (4 minutes and 26 seconds)   

- There’s comedian Katt Williams taking up the most time in this section. It extends a story he tells police in the movie. (Improvisation? I don’t know.) There is a sequence with Ed Helms, Wilson and J.K. Simmons having a hard time keeping it together. And Helms and Wilson singing.  

Hilarious Gag Reel? Hard to say.

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment  

Justice League

The Justice Society of America popped up in the 1940s. They would be the first team of superheroes to appear in the world of comic books. 

There was no Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Aquaman or Cyborg. They did not appear with the Justice League of America until 1960. They first battled Starro - a giant alien starfish. (Cyborg did not become part of the team until 2011 during a DC comics reboot.)

There is no giant alien starfish found in Justice League. The movie had an early Digital release on Feb.13. The Blu-ray, DVD, 4K Ultra HD and 3D packs, are on March 13. 

Justice League is part of the DC Extended Universe. This includes Man of Steel, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad and Wonder Woman.

While Batman v Superman did slightly better at the worldwide box office of the DC movies, Wonder Woman received the higher marks among critics and audiences.   

LEAGUE

Justice League took in mixed reactions from viewers. It still managed $228 million in North America and $657 million worldwide. 

Zack Snyder returned to the director’s chair after Man of Steel and Batman v Superman - with some additional help from Joss Whedon. 

Superman (Henry Cavill) is missing in action. (If you are surprised what happens to Superman in this movie than you haven’t been paying attention to the previous movies.)     

Batman (Ben Affleck) feeling inspired, partners with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot.) They are aware of a new enemy named Steppenwolf (Ciarán Hinds) preparing to cause chaos. The two heroes set out to try and recruit a team before it is too late to save the world. Aquaman (Jason Momoa), The Flash (Exza Miller) and Cyborg (Ray Fisher) are those special recruits.   

VERDICT

Would I buy this film? Yes.

Is it the best superhero movie? No.

Was it an entertaining one? Yes - at least it was for me. 

I have seen all of the DC Extended Universe films. I am one of those people to say Wonder Woman is the best of the bunch. I would put Justice League in the second-place slot. 

Sure, there are plenty of sloppy/obvious visual effects. The running time is surprisingly brisk at 120 minutes (with credits.) And with such a good cast and supporting players, some are easily pushed to the background. 

Although, I think each hero of the Justice League has a moment to shine and standout.  

Yet, the action is cool and the tone is lighter than past movies. There are a few chuckles. I think The Flash - played by Miller - is the scene stealer out of everybody. He’s awkward and funny. There’s a running joke about brunch, which I found amusing. Gadot also continues strongly from Wonder Woman.

And there is heart in Justice League. If you look close enough.

As always, stick it out through the credits.

SPECIAL FEATURES OVERVIEW

The standard DVD does not have Superman scenes.

The Return of Superman (2 minutes, 4 seconds)

- These are two, brief, scenes featuring Superman. They didn’t add much to the story if they were included in the film. 

Road to Justice (14 minutes and 10 seconds)   

- This is just a tour of the history of Justice League from the comic books to the cartoons like Super Friends. It is interesting since my knowledge of the comic books is quite slim from battling Starro to The New 52 reboot.  

Heart of Justice (11 minutes, 52 seconds)

- This is another closer look at the DC’s Trinity - Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman and how they are in the film.

Technology of Justice League (8 minutes, 14 seconds)

- This discusses the mechanics of the film from The Flying Fox and Knightcrawler which is used by Batman. To talk about the material found in The Flash’s suit.  

The New Heroes (12 minutes, 24 seconds)

- Ray Fisher (Cyborg) talks the history of his character and also The Flash and Aquaman.

Steppenwolf the Conqueror (3 minutes, 3 seconds)

- A look at Steppenwolf’s origin in the comic book world and how he is like in the movie. 

Scene Studies (15 minutes, 16 seconds) 

- Mostly a behind-the-scenes reel of specific scenes. From revisiting the Amazons, Wonder Woman’s rescue, Heroes Park and the Tunnel Battle.

- Suit Up: The Look of the League (10 minutes, 21 seconds)  

Interesting in innovation and evolution of the costume design? Michael Wilkinson explores the process behind the work for superhero design. 

Warner Brothers Home Entertainment