Film Review: "Mile 22" (2018).

"90 minutes. 22 miles. Zero back up" in Mile 22. This espionage action thriller film directed by Peter Berg, and written by Lea Carpenter. CIA operative James Silva leads a small but lethal paramilitary team on an urgent and dangerous mission. They must transport a foreign intelligence asset from an American embassy in Southeast Asia to an airfield for extraction -- a distance of 22 miles. Silva and the soldiers soon find themselves in a race against time as the city's military, police and street gangs close in to reclaim the asset.

In early March 2015, it was announced that Ronda Rousey and Iko Uwais were set to star in the action-thriller film penned by Carpenter, with Berg initially attached as producer. In early July, Mark Wahlberg was cast to play the male lead role, and Berg was confirmed to direct. Carpenter had written the script with Wahlberg in mind. In late March 2017, at CinemaCon, Wahlberg and Berg announced that they were planning the film to become a trilogy, describing "an action series at STX Entertainment." By November, Lauren Cohan and John Malkovich rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in December. Filming took place in Bogotá, Colombia and Atlanta, Georgia, under the working title Ground Branch Triple. The film was originally scheduled for an August 3, 2018 release date, but was pushed back two weeks to August 17.

The film stars Wahlberg, Cohan, Uwais, Malkovich, and Rousey. Watching Wahlberg and the rest of the cast, all grit and hungover charm, parachuted into the otherwise action-heavy plot felt something like watching a CGI character super-imposed into gritty destructive footage.

This easily could have been an unfocused mess, but is instead a gripping drama that never loses its footing. In fact, it seems to gain momentum with every passing moment. The film is not without its flaws, Berg, Wahlberg and the rest have done this story as much justice as they possibly could, even if it's not much. The film is as flawed as it is phenomenal, an interesting experience worth checking out not just for the cinematic experience it produces, but for the conversations it can spark. Berg's film packs a punch with its extravagantly directed action and gruelling tension, but it often feels empty as it fails to fully grasp its subject matter in the awkwardly written screenplay. When the film is working at its best it is an intense thriller, but too bad those moments of intensity are in service of an unsettling glorification of violence as retribution. With the film unfolding in its all-too-familiar multi-stranded way, we are left with the growing impression that the film has been cynically turned into a conventional commercial thriller. At a certain point, consideration becomes clinginess, and Berg holds on so tight to his emotional pandering, it comes at the expense of everything else. Simplistic to an extent, the good guys-versus-villainous 'others' narrative is further undermined by the occasional undercurrent of jingoism.

Simon says Mile 22 receives:

Also, see my review for Patriots Day.

Film Review: "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (2018).

"The letters are out" in To All the Boys I've Loved Before. This teen romance film directed by Susan Johnson, adapted by Sofia Alvarez, and based on Jenny Han's 2014 novel of the same name. When her secret love letters somehow get mailed to each of her five crushes, Lara Jean finds her quiet high school existence turned upside down.

In June 2014, Will Smith and James Lassiter's production company Overbrook Entertainment optioned Han's New York Times Best Selling young adult romance novel, with writer Annie Neal hired to adapt the book for the screen. Han mentioned in an interview that loads of studios were interested in adapting the book into a feature film, with only one condition: change the race heritage of Lara Jean to Caucasian. Han, determined to keep Lara Jean's heritage as half Korean, half American, said only one studio agreed with her choice and cast an Asian actress as Lara Jean. However, Han did not insist any of the boys be cast as Asian. As a result, the cast of boys Lara loved consists of only four Whites, one Black, and none of the boys Lara loved are Asian. By early July 2017, Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Madeleine Arthur, Emilija Baranac, Israel Broussard and John Corbett were cast. Susan Johnson was hired to direct and Sofia Alvarez was hired to pen the adaptation. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in early August. Filming took place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada and Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. In March 2018, Netflix acquired distribution rights to the film for an August 17, 2018 release date.

The film stars Condor, Centineo, Parrish, Cathcart, Arthur, Baranac, Broussard and Corbett. Terrific performances were given by the cast. And anyone with a sense of movie history will be moved by the casting of Condor, who, unfortunately, didn't get the chance to shine in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), as the beloved socially awkward but enduring heroine. Anyone, in this case, means anyone. This film includes us all.

With a terrific cast and a surprisingly heartwarming story, To All the Boys I've Loved Before takes a satisfying step forward for screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic - and still effective - teen romance formula. The film is bright, buoyant, and hilarious. The film is an escapist rom-com delight. It will more than satisfy the sweet tooth of romantic comedy fans everywhere who have lately despaired that the frothy, frolicsome genre they adore has been subsumed by raunch and various shades of gray"; she also compared the film's rom-com themes to John Hughes' films. To many in Hollywood, the film might look like a risky bet. It's the first modern story with Asian cast members; the last films do this were Crazy Rich Asians, which was released earlier this month. It's an earnest romantic comedy in a sea of action and superhero films. In fact, it seems destined to be a hit. It's simply great fun, a winsome romantic comedy and an occasionally down-to-earth romance that never flags.

Simon says To All the Boys I've Loved Before receives:

'Once Upon a Time in Canada' Chapter 49.

I’ve been thinking a lot about something. Yeah, I know. It’s a stupid thing to think about, but it’s been on my mind lately.

There’s this idea that’s been haunting me at work, when I’m relaxing at home, when I’m sleeping (or trying to sleep), and even I’m writing these words. And to exactly what that is, to those who are curious and eagerly wondering, it’s the thought of things not getting any better than how it is now. It’s the thought that my life here might not be elevated to a better status whether any time soon or further into the future. So that is what’s been wondering. Again, it’s stupid.

But I have to consider the possibility. After all, I am a foreigner in a nation with a major protectionist culture/mentality. Here’s the sad part: I will eventually have to pack up my bags and return with my tail between my legs if (and that’s a big IF) things don’t work out here. Which would be a royal shame since I have made significant efforts to build a new life here, and that I have made significant sacrifices, time-wise and money-wise. After all, with given a second chance like I have been given, why wouldn’t you?

But after a good long thought, I remember to not let that take control of me. Nor should it to anyone else in a similar position as me. I will continue to strive on despite these kinds of thoughts looming over me. That requires to remember the most important thing I person can think of. Hope.

Also, see Chapters 48 and 50.

Film Review: "The Meg" (2018).

The Meg is "opening wide." This science fiction thriller film directed by Jon Turteltaub, adapted by Dean Georgaris, Jon Hoeber, and Erich Hoeber, loosely based on the 1997 book Meg: A Novel of Deep Terror by Steve Alten. After escaping an attack by what he claims was a 70-foot megalodon shark, Jonas Taylor must confront his fears to save those trapped in a sunken submersible.

The film rights to the book were initially acquired by Disney's Hollywood Pictures in 1996, initially developing it as a George Clooney vehicle. Tom Wheeler was first hired to adapt the book, but was ultimately rejected by the studio. The studio then hired Jeffrey Boam to pen a new draft, which was also resulted in being rejected. By 1999, development on the project had stalled, and the rights reverted back to Alten, due to Disney getting caught cold feet about competing with Warner's 1999 killer shark pic Deep Blue Sea (1999). By 2005, frustrated at the lack of movement on the project, Alten wrote his own draft which he showed to Nick Nunziata and New Line Cinema. Nunziata and the studio in turn delivered the project to Guillermo del Toro. Which led del Toro to present the project to Lawrence Gordon and Lloyd Levin, who then brought on director Jan De Bont to helm the film. Shane Salerno was then hired to pen a new script. However, due to budgetary concerns, the project was once again cancelled. The rights reverted to Alten again, and the film remained in development hell. In 2015, it was announced that the project was eventually greenlit by Warner Bros. with a new script by Dean Georgaris, and with Eli Roth as director. However, Roth left the project due to creative differences, and was replaced by Jon Turteltaub in early 2016. By September, Jason Statham, along with Li Bingbing, Rainn Wilson, Ruby Rose, Winston Chao, Cliff Curtis, Shuya Sophia Cai, and Masi Oka, rounded out the cast. In late October, Principal photography on the film began, and concluded in early January 2017. Locations included West Auckland, New Zealand, and Sanya City, Hainan, China.

The film stars Statham, Li, Wilson, Rose, Chao, Curtis, Cai, and Oka. Like other popcorn monster movies, the film is populated with dumb but fun caricatures of real people who were to face an absurd but extraordinary situation such as trying to hunt down and kill a megalodon. Statham is the cheesiest that he's ever been in the role of Taylor, delivering everything from the "tough-guy" attitude to the cheesy but awesome one-liners.

Aside from a few problems, The Meg is dumb but fun. It might not be Turteltaub's finest two hours, but he managed to build something that gives you great excitement every few minutes. The film is essentially one well-done action sequence after another. It knows its audience, and it knows how to use timing, suspense, and especially surprise to get them going. It's a great popcorn movie, and it's what summer at the cineplex is all about.

Simon says The Meg receives:

Also, see my review for Last Vegas.

'Once Upon a Time in Canada' Chapter 48.

I’m finally going to an event in a long while! The sad part was that I was still tired from work the day yesterday, and I was still hungry even though I had a decently sized brunch. Everything was just fine. I was excited. I haven’t been to an event like this in a while, and I haven’t been down to Exhibition Place.

First I had to meet up with Michael at his place. Then I had to withdraw money, as debit and/or credit cards were not accepted, only cash. Okay, off we go! Then we walked all the way to Exhibition Place in the typical Toronto heat. After than short but exhausting walk, we made it and caught up with the rest of the gang, consisting of Herwin, David, Kimmie, and Lena. The event itself was the Asian Food Festival, and it was PACKED. Problem: given the fact that there were that many people there, getting food was going to be a bitch, and lining up for food wasn’t going to be a walk in the park. But why complain about the kind of stuff I’m talking about? The clock was ticking, my stomach is grumbling, and the people are not going away any time soon. So… get in line! It did take a while to get some food. Getting food was no picnic, waiting-wise and money-wise. I wished it were a little bit cheaper. But when I got my hungry hands on them, it was worth it.

Especially the roasted Pork with rice. And I mean roasted pork; I mean a dead pig being roasted on a rotating cooker over a large roaring fire. The kind of cooking method found in a rural village or island nation. Why did I have to try this? Already asking that kind of question is stupid in of itself. The real question you should be asking is ‘why not?’ Consider the taste and flavour of the meat being cooked with that particular method. They’d have to have more than the Canadian army to stop me from getting my hungry hands on it. The meal itself was decently portioned. I fell in love with it when I made my first bite.

From that moment on, all I ever wanted for food was only that. But it didn’t last very long. I wasn’t too sad. At least, I got to try it before it was all gone. Plus, there were still other things to try out. But, by that point, I couldn’t afford to buy much. If I get another opportunity to go, I’ll have to try it again.

Once I finished with food, the gang and I made our way around, looking around. We concluded our night with the game area. We made our way there when we finished looking around. We spent our time from then onwards playing every game there. During that time, Michael meanwhile was trying out vaping as the employees there were selling vapes and the types of flavours of vapes. Then we finally made it to the last game – the punching bag, and spent the last two hours or so taking turns to see who can punch the hardest and get the highest score. I couldn’t get higher than the rest of the guys, who were a lot more buff than I am. I tried a bunch of times, but of course, no luck and my arm was just getting more and more sore. Getting tired, I made my way home, and just crashed to sleep as soon as I got home.

Also, see Chapters 47 and 49.

'Once Upon a Time in Canada' Chapter 47.

I am frowning a great frown. The frown of a man who has been fucked at work so many times that it is surprising that he hasn’t snapped yet. I spent yesterday working my ass off to serve customers who are the most stuck-up and inconsiderate bunch I have ever encountered since I worked at Disney. I am pretty damn pissed off about it, too. The more crap I had to deal with at work, the more anger and resentment there is in me, and the less I have, the better off I am. Unfortunately, quitting is not exactly an option for me at this point. So the least I can do is have some fun to minimize the pain. Luckily, it was Wednesday! Why is that important?

Firstly: the gang, consisting of Michael, Herwin, Cody, and Duncan, would hang out at The Pint for some chicken wings and drinks.

Secondly: thanks to Michael, we’ve all got Student Passes for The Pint, which means whatever drink we order, we would get wings for free. Well, that’s for the first batch. The subsequent batches will not be for free. I know, it’s sad. As for drinks, so long as it’s not water, anything will count. For the wings, there are a variety of flavours and sauces to choose from.

I then made my way to The Pint when the time came. The time to get there from my apartment takes ten minutes… unfortunately in this heat. It’ll be a not-so easy walk (depending on how much you like the heat), and in my case, it wasn’t. It was hell. However, it was nothing compared to early afternoon. It was just starting to cool down, but it wasn’t cooling down enough or fast enough. My body started to sweat as soon as I got out of my apartment building. It was typical whenever I went out.

The gang and I met up at the front, and thus made our way in. They’re all tired and hungry from work or whatever they were up to. Over the course of time we spent there, we just talked, ate and drank. Making ourselves, especially myself, happier with the fun conversation we were having. Yeah, it’s all what you’d expect, especially from guys such as ourselves. But, at least, we were having a blast, and that’s all that matters. I had a batch of Szechuan-flavoured wings with ginger beer. As long as it was eatable and tolerable, I couldn’t really care what it was. The hang out lasted from the early evening to late night.

With the time at The Pint coming to an end, we collected the bill and made our way out. Afterwards, we would just around, jumping from one place to another; until slowly one-by-one each of us would make our way back home. This may seem a little bit boring, but in fact, it wasn’t. Well, for me, at least. For once I could actually do something other than be a homebody. I was able to have a social life with social obligations. For almost everyday in a week.

Also, see Chapters 46 and 48.

Film Review: "Christopher Robin" (2018).

"Sooner or later, your past catches up to you." This is at the heart of Christopher Robin. This fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Marc Forster, written by Alex Ross Perry, Tom McCarthy, and Allison Schroeder, and inspired by A. A. Milne and E. H. Shepard's Winnie-the-Pooh books. Winnie the Pooh enters the life of a now-grown-up Christopher Robin, to seek his help in finding his lost friends in the Hundred Acre Wood.

In 2003, inspired by the last chapter of The House at Pooh Corner, Brigham Taylor pitched to Disney an idea about a Winnie the Pooh film focusing on an adult Christopher Robin. However, due to other Pooh projects being in development at the time, the project was not pitched for a film. In 2015, Kristin Burr later convinced Taylor to resurrect the project, which the two then started working on it. In early April, Walt Disney Pictures announced that a live-action adaptation based on the characters from the Winnie the Pooh franchise was in development which would take a similar pattern to their live-action remakes of their animated classics. Perry was hired to pen the script. In late November 2016, it was reported that the studio had hired Forster to direct the film, titled Christopher Robin, and the project would have "strong elements of magical realism as it seeks to tell an emotional journey with heartwarming adventure." On early March 2017, McCarthy was hired for rewrites. In late April, Ewan McGregor was cast to play the title role. Additionally, Allison Schroeder was hired to do additional rewrites. By early August 2017, Hayley Atwell, Mark Gatiss, Oliver Ford Davies, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, Jim Cummings, Brad Garrett, Nick Mohammed, Peter Capaldi, Sophie Okonedo, Sara Sheen, and Toby Jones rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in early November. Filming took place in Bloomsbury; County Durham; Dover, Kent; East Sussex; London; Windsor, Berkshire; and Shepperton Studios in Shepperton, Surrey, England.

The films stars McGregor in the title role, with Atwell, Gatiss, Davies, Ashton-Griffiths, Cummings, Garrett, Mohammed, Capaldi, Okonedo, Sheen, and Jones. With all the money and talent and hype that went into this film, it should have been a lot better, but it is entertaining enough to rate a passing grade, especially for fans of the cast. 

The film is a huge and impressive one. One could say it's the ultimate baby-boomer fantasy. Sadly, it's too loaded down with grown-up compromises and calculated Hollywood devices to really makes us think happy thoughts. For very much like Christopher Robin, it has clearly gotten harder for this director to break free of the lure of material things and believe in simple magic. Unhappily, however, the transformation of a Type A businessman into his old boyhood self unfolds with an uncertainty and clumsiness atypical of Forster. Winnie Pooh stories are great ones, so that keeps this modern retelling going for the most part, but on the whole it's too corny and not magical enough.

Simon says Christopher Robin receives:

Also, see my reviews for All I See Is You and Pete's Dragon.