‘Spider-Man: Homecoming:’ Six movies, three actors, one hero

BY ROGER THOMAS

Let me start by saying that “Yes, I know, the new Spider-Man actually appeared in “Captain America: Civil War.” So if you are counting, you may want to say seven films, but my title only covers the films where “Spidey” is the lead.

For me, the newest Spider-Man film has some significant strengths, and a few weaknesses.

First, I like the Tom Holland’s portrayal of the web-slinger. Holland is twenty-one, but he looks much younger. In one scene Peter Parker tells someone that he is fifteen, and that is how he looks. That is good because we should have at least one more film with Holland before he outgrows his high school appearance.

I also like his energy as Spidey. There is a lot of humor and action related to his acrobatics and his accidents. Overall, of the three actors to play Spidey, Holland’s version seems the one who is happiest to be a superhero.

The film also looks great; the city scenes, the Washington Monument event, and many other moments are quite impressive.

“Spider-Man” also has some fine supporting characters. Jason Batalon plays Peter’s best friend Ned. The scene where he finds out that Peter is a superhero is one of the best in the film. Unfortunately, it has been repeated in trailers so it is not a surprise. Laura Harrier is Peter’s love interest in this film; she is a beautiful young lady and does fine work though she does not have as prominent a role as previous Spidey love interests. Academy Award winning actress Marisa Tomei has the role of Aunt May; she does not have a lot to do in this film, but she is always a welcomed presence in any film. Iron Man, played by Robert Downey Jr., appears several times. Then there is Michael Keaton as this film’s villain, he is very successful at being menacing. So young Tom Holland has plenty of talent around him as he swings into the title role.

The cast is certainly not a problem, however there are a few things that should have been altered.

First, the film is too long. At two hours and fifteen minutes, there should have been some  extra editing. There is an incident at the Washington Monument. That scene is very good as Spider-Man strives to save the day. But almost right behind the Monument scene there is a ferry incident where Spidey once again tries to save the day. I thought back to back rescues was a bit much.

There is also a twist in the film that I caught before it was revealed. I wish I had been surprised, but alas, it is a cliche that is often used in films. Maybe, if I did not see as so many films, I would not be expecting those twists. Or else, the filmmakers could just be more clever. I vote for that latter.

Another complaint I have is the title. Why call a film “Spider-Man: Homecoming” when the Homecoming scene last less that five minutes.

Finally, I wish the film had slowed down a little bit. I listed several characters above; all of them could have been developed more. Tom Holland has taken the role in a new direction. In the upcoming sequel, which we know there will be one, maybe we can get to know Peter and all the supporting players a little bit more.

Do not be mistaken. I enjoyed the film overall. It is certainly better than several of the “Super Hero” genre that have filled our screens so often lately. I am looking forward to the next chapter and I hope the filmmakers embrace everything that worked in this film, and abandon a few other things.

Finally, if I rank the “Spider-Man” films overall, the first two Tobey McGuire films are the best. Better than those two, that’s the goal for Holland’s next film.

Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

‘The Big Sick’ is simply one of the best films of 2017

BY ROGER THOMAS

I have been watching the trailer for this film for so long, I could quote the dialogue. Luckily, it was good dialogue. I was also thrilled to discover that all the best lines are not in the trailer; the brilliant writing continues throughout the entire film.

     “The Big Sick” tells the story of a comedian from Pakistan named Kumail. One night he meets a young woman, Emily, at the club where he is performing. They begin to spend time together. They become involved. Then one day she discovers photographs of Muslim women that Kumail’s mother has been collecting for him. Emily is devastated that Kumail will not say that he is  ready to abandon his family’s traditions and choose her. The two break-up. All this is revealed in the first third of the film.

Then Emily gets very sick and has to be placed in an induced coma. A friend calls Kumail and asks if he will go to the hospital. Emily’s parents journey to Chicago from North Carolina and find Kumail in the waiting room. That leads to several awkward moments that are best discovered on the big screen.

I have no reservations about calling this one of the best films of 2017 thus far. There are plenty of reasons but ultimately it is simply that good. Here are some of the reasons why it is so outstanding.

First, there is the cast. Kumail Nanjiani and Zoe Kazan are perfect in their roles. They are funny, smart and they come across as very authentic characters. Then there is Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily’s parents, Beth and Terry. It is good to see Academy Award winning Holly Hunter again on the big screen. However, I think it is even better to see Ray Romano. I missed his television show all over again after seeing him in the film. These four actors, plus a bundle of supporting players, create a wonderfully crafted story of love, family, life, hardships, and challenges.

“The Big Sick” deserves an Oscar nod for the masterful screenplay. There are many moments of great humor and times that are moving, laughs and tears throughout. These characters are well-crafted and their dialogue sounds not like a movie script but rather like real conversations with all the awkwardness, passion, humor, confusion, and grace. Conversations that happen to all of us throughout our lives and almost every day.

There are also issues that the film explores. Kumail’s family members want to manage his life while he wants to be independent, free to choose what is right and wrong. Emily’s parents feel real awkward with Kumail when they first meet. Their daughter is no longer dating him, so why is he at the hospital? Emily’s dad brings up September 11th the first time Kumail eats lunch with the parents at the hospital. All of us experience conversations where we wish we had not begun a topic. All of us have started saying something only to realize we should not have verbalized the thought. That is the strength of the film; it is written for humor but it also seems very authentic words of conversation.

As I sat and watched “The Big Sick” I kept coming back to one word: differences. Kumail’s family came from Pakistan and have many traditions and expectations; it is very different life than the one Emily and her parents have lived in North Carolina. The generations between parents and children also create differences. The decisions that the characters have to make also cause differences. All of us have opinions, and they often differ. Agreement is not always possible, but would it not be nice if compassion and respect never wavered.

Finally, there is the ending of the film. No spoilers here, but be careful of what you read elsewhere. I was quite surprised as I left the theater but it was a very pleasant surprise.

Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

Something old and new about ‘Power Rangers’

BY ROGER THOMAS

     First, I must admit that I am old enough that I never learned the story of the Power Rangers. I knew they were teenagers. I also knew that wore bright-colored suits and everyone wore a different color. I knew they were very popular among young children, especially boys. I had friends who had young children in the late 80’s and 90’s when the “Power Rangers” were very popular. I never sat down and watched a single episode, but I was pretty sure, I was not missing much.

     Almost two and half decades later, this franchise lives on in a new film. That film is literally my first real taste of the “Power Rangers.” 

     The one thought the rises to top of my mind is simply this: Are young children, the fanbase of this story, going to want to watch a film that spends ninety minutes before the teenagers become the title characters.

     For me, and all the other novices, the background filled in some answers to the questions I have had for years. How do the youth get their powers? Why are they chosen? Do they all have the same powers or does each one have a unique skill? Do their parents know that their children are now superheroes, risking their lives for their community?

     This  information helped in many ways, but I still have a lot of questions. Of course, if enough people go and see this film, I am confidant that a sequel will follow, and maybe I will learn more about the five Rangers and their next mission.

     I cannot imagine many people over twelve seeing this film without a child with them, but here are my thoughts on the film overall. The five young actors are an interesting group covering several different demographics. Some of them have more developed stories than the others but they all have their moments. My only question about the casting is that this five will look like they are in their twenties by the time the sequel comes around. I would have cast a younger looking group. 

     The teenagers happen upon this cavern and discover all this alien stuff. I kept thinking, has no one else ever explored these caves? I guess one is not supposed to be thinking about such things.

      As I noted above, the five teenagers are difficult to train and the filmmakers chose to let the story linger a long time. I kept thinking, are they ever going to suit up and save the town. This finally comes and it is complete chaos. I know all superheroes have to have the climatic duel, and in this case there are five heroes facing decimation. That scene is packed with so much action and effects it is almost leaves one dizzy. That scene also looks more like something stolen from “Transformers.”

     During the climax several things ran through my mind. “It will take years to rebuild this little town. How do the Rangers know how to operate their vehicles and weapons? I do not remember them training with those things.” Is that what the filmmakers wanted me to be thinking or am I just supposed to be wowed by all the destruction which most of us have seen in better superhero films.

     There were a lot of children in the theatre where I saw “Power Rangers.” Some of the younger patrons did seem restless for most of the film, but I am betting they liked the finale when the Rangers finally became who they were meant to be.

     If there is sequel, the filmmakers should disperse the origin story, keep the kids in spite of their age, focus on the story, and make a film so children will say “Wow!” and adults will say, “That was actually entertaining.” 

Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

‘A United Kingdom’ a wonderful beginning to new year of great original films

BY ROGER THOMAS

     One does not always know what to expect when the lights dim. Most have some idea of what they are going to see. They have seen a trailer or at least the poster. Or maybe a friend has recommended it. Then there are those who read reviews, and discover a possible gem that might have been missed. 

     Even though I write the previously mentioned reviews, I find myself often being pleasantly surprised. Last spring brought two films that quite simply wowed me: “Eye in the Sky” and “The Man Who Knew Infinity.” Both of these films came out a little later, but that both impressed me just as a recent new film has this year. The first movie to truly catch my attention in a very positive way is “A United Kingdom.”

     “United Kingdom” begins with a love story. A young African is studying in England and meets a British girl. The two enjoy their time whenever they can be together. After some time passes in their relationship, the man, Seretse, confides to his girlfriend Ruth, that he is in line to be the King of what would become the nation of Botswana. Seretse wants Ruth to be his wife and his nation’s queen. Of course, there are many persons in both Africa and England who do not want to see these two together.

     I had never heard this story. Therefore, throughout the film there were twists and turns that I could not have predicted. The film is a love story, a political story, a human story, all rolled into one. It would be hard for me to imagine the film knowing more than I did. The film might possibly play completely different for those who know the story. However, for me, the revelations that came one after another kept my attention throughout.

     Like “Loving” and “Hidden Figures” from this past year, “Kingdom” offers at true story filled with racism. There will never be enough films to stop all prejudice. But perhaps, good stories, told well, especially those that reflect the truths of hate, will plant seeds in future generations so that the problem will become smaller and smaller as hearts are opened. “United Kingdom” is about many things, but one of the most prominent themes is “matters of the heart.”

     David Oyelowo and Rosemund Pike play the two leads. One or both of them is in almost every scene and they offer some very powerful moments when they are together and when they are forced apart. The film would have been less without their shining performances.

     There are also some nice cinematography of Africa. I have never been to Botswana, but I have traveled to Kenya and some of the shots brought back memories for me.

     Ultimately though, this is not a film about scenery or even marital drama, though Seretse and Ruth face many challenges to their relationship. The story is ulitmately about facing challenges for the good of others. As always, I do not know how close to reality the film is. What I saw on screen, that story, is remarkable. 

     This would seem like a bold statement, but it is not. After all, we are only two months into the new year. Many things will change over the next ten months or so. However, I can state with no hestitation, “A United Kingdom” is the best film I have seen this year that is officially a film of 2017. I hope dearly that there are many more films that will at least equal if not surpass “Kingdom.” As for now, I will hold fast to that positive feeling I experienced as I watched and was moved by a truly special film, “A United Kingdom.”

Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

‘The Magnificent Seven’ – A fun remake of the ’60s western

(l to r) Vincent D’Onofrio, Martin Sensmeier, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Ethan Hawke, Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Byung-hun Lee star in Columbia Pictures’ “The Magnificient Seven.” (MGM/Columbia Pictures)

By Roger Thomas

After seeing the new version, I re-watched the original “Magnificent Seven” so I could compare and contrast the two.

This will probably be blasphemy for some film historians, but I like the new version better than the original or any of the three sequels that followed the 1960 classic. Of course, none of the western “Seven” films are quite as powerful as the original source material, Akira Kurosawa’s 1954 film “Seven Samurai.” Writer William Roberts and director John Sturges gave credit for the inspiration for their film six years later.

Basically “Samurai,” the original “Magnificent Seven” and the new “Seven” are about villages or towns that are facing criminal bullies. The bullies want what the villages have and because the people are weak, the bullies get what they want. At least until the villagers hire protection and assistance. In each film there is a leader among the hired protection who goes out and recruits others who will help with the cause.

In the new version of “Seven” two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington is the gunslinger who gathers his gang to defend a small town from those who want to mine the area for gold. In the original film, it was a portion of the village’s food supply. Times have changed, and the ante has been raised.

Other cast members who do good work in the film are Chris Pratt, Vincent D’Onofrio, Byung-hun Lee, Peter Sarsgaard, who plays the nasty villain, and Ethan Hawke, whose character has a secret that becomes evident as the plot thickens.

Among the other strengths of the film, there are several. The cinematography, especially the sweeping landscapes, are simply beautiful.There is some of that in the original film, but many of the shots in 1960 are obviously recorded on sound-stages. The production design throughout the new film is strong. And the score, including the iconic theme from the original film, is used well. I have fond memories of the original music theme because we played it often in high school band. When the same exciting anthem began over the closing credits, I was humming along with the music.

There is another element that enhances the film. If you go back and watch the original, there is a lot of violence but almost no blood. In fact, when someone is shot, and many people are shot in the film, it is usually depicted by a red spot that appears on the shirt of the fallen. In 1960, films were not as violent as many are today. Besides, my guess is that they were trying to market the film to older children, teenagers and adults.

The new version of “Seven” is targeting the same crowd.  There is a lot violence in this film, and as in the original, a lot of killing. But there is very little blood. When blood is present, it is a little more realistic than it was fifty-six years ago, however it is still done tastefully. There is very little in the film that would be objectionable to a majority of film fans.

In closing, I go back to what I said at the beginning; this new version of “The Magnificent Seven” is better than the original. It is not a great film, or one that will be remembered for years to come. It is simply fun from beginning to end. A good time at the cinema.

Though the film is not often profound, there is one quote I did like. Emma Cullen, played by Haley Bennett, a townsperson that seeks out protection for her town, is asked this question, “So you seek revenge?” She replies, “I seek righteousness. As should all. But I’ll take revenge.”  There is a lot there in a few words.

‘Snowden’ filled with lots of information, lesser story

Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Shailene Woodley in “Snowden.” (GrayPictures.com)

By Roger Thomas

Most of us know who Edward Snowden is and what he did. Just to remind us all, Snowden is the young man who discovered that our government might potentially have information that our citizens thought were private. Once he discovered this, he made sure he got evidence to back up his claims, and he fled the country. I will not try to resolve whether he is a hero or a villain. You should see the film and make your own decision about that. I will only offer my opinions of the film.

“Snowden” is directed and co-written by filmmaker Oliver Stone. Most film fans have opinions about Stone. I have liked much of his work through the years. If I had to list his best I would choose “Platoon,” “Born on the Fourth of July,” “JFK,” “Nixon,” and “World Trade Center.” All five of these are better films than “Snowden”; however Stone’s new film is not a disaster.

“Snowden” is that it is a very dense film. There is a lot of things happening. There are a lot of choices made. There is also, as one would predict, a lot of techno-babble. I can barely use a computer to type up these reviews, so needless to say, I was often confused by the conversations. However, that did not always hinder my experience with the film.  On some occasions, things that were confusing were eventually explained. Ultimately, “Snowden” is not an easy-going slow-paced comedic drama. “Serious” and “dense” keep resonating in my mind as I reflect on the film.

I also wish we could have had a better understanding of who Edward Snowden was and is. There is a subplot involving Snowden’s girlfriend. In those moments the audience sees a different side of the man not heard on the nightly news. Those scenes are too short and never offer quire a clear glance of who the man is. I am sure more patrons of this film will likely seek the main story dealing with computers and information, but I believe the film could have been stronger with more personal scenes.

I would offer praise for the cast. It is good to see Zachary Quinto playing a role other than Spock from the recent “Star Trek” film series. Melissa Leo is always a pleasant surprise though her role was very subdued. Then there is the young man in the title role of Snowden, Joseph Gordon-Levitt. I have watched this young actor since he played a teenage alien in “Third Rock from the Sun.” I almost always enjoy his work. He did another fine job in this film, though I liked him better in last year’s “The Walk.” I also continue to believe that his finest film is the “500 Days of Summer,” the best romantic comedy of the last fifteen years.

Toward the end of the film, just before the credits, the real Edward Snowden appears on screen. He continues to reside in Russia. His girlfriend, who leaves him during the story depicted in the film, has now moved to Russia to be with him. Their love and commitment to one another seems to be stronger than it was depicted in the brief scenes.

As a film, there are strengths and weaknesses. For me, it left some questions. Are the events depicted in the film accurately? If they are, I am little concerned about our government. If the events are not accurate, then I am offended. Perhaps, someone will explain it to me at some point.

If a government agent is reading this review on a computer or in the paper, just know this, “I am not a threat and I have no absolute opinion about whether Edward Snowden is or is not.”

‘Light’ well crafted, beautifully filmed soap opera

Michael Fassbender (Tom Sherbourne) and Alicia Vikander (Isabel Graysmark) in The Light Between Oceans (Dreamworks)

By Roger Thomas

     I had seen the trailer for “The Light Between Oceans” many times. I felt I knew the story going in, but regardless, I was ready for a moving tale of love and loss, told with beautiful images and performances. And I, for one, was not disappointed.

     There has been a lot of criticism of this film since it opened. One negative word is the fact that the pacing of the early scenes tarry. The early moments could have used a sharper edit, to involve the audience more quickly. The film runs 133 minutes, so there was room for at least ten minutes to be cut. 

     With that said, there are far more strengths to the film that eclipse any weaknesses.

     First, there is the before mentioned beauty of the film. Surely there will be a cinematography nomination for “The Light.” I have never been one of those who have a special affection for lighthouses, but after an hour or more of watching that island and the lighthouse on it, I was almost ready to move there.

     There are also stellar performances from one Oscar nominee, Michael Fassbender, and two Oscar winners, Alicia Vikander and Rachel Weisz. This film only works if you truly care for all three of these characters. 

     I admit that originally I was siding with Fassbender’s Tom and Vikander’s Isabel, but suddenly I found myself sympathizing with Weisz. The strength of the this film is a trio of characters which all pull at the heartstrings of the audience. And at the moment that all three are against one another, the film strains for resolution, though it almost seems impossible. 

     The screenplay is based on a novel by M. L. Steadman. I have no experience with the book, but if the film follows the same story, it is quite a tale. A young man, who has experienced World War I, wants a quieter life once the conflict is over. He takes a position running a light house off the coast of New Zealand. Shortly after taking the job, he takes a bride. The couple loses two babies. Then fate steps in. A rowboat floats to the island. Inside the boat is a dead adult man and living baby girl. Against his choice to report the incident, the wife convinces her husband they should claim the girl as their own.

      The film version, and I assume the book as well, depicts the love of parents and children. In this case, it explores the love of adoptive parents and a natural mother as well. Through conversations, the audience understands how the baby ends up where she was. It is coincidence that the father discovers the truth, and must determine what is the best course of action, at least from his point of view. 

     Some might find that there are too many coincidences in the story, but I have often said, there are many coincidences in life, so therefore they can also exist in fiction.

     I suppose the one thing I liked most about the film is the moral questions. Right and wrong are simple, until they are not. This film is about choices, as is life. I am not sure that anything similar to this plot would happen in the real world, but then again, stranger things have happened. Very often, choices are made that injure others, intentionally or not.

     I guess in the end, the greatest point in the film comes from a flashback of the man who died in the row boat; he said these words, “If you forgive, you only have to do it once. If you resent, you have to do that every day. That’s too much work. I choose to forgive.” 

2016 Fall Preview, Part I: Anticipation in early schedule

(Photos by Dreamworks, Fox Searchlight and Warner Bros.) Emily Blunt (“The Girl on a Train”), Nate Parker (“Birth of a Nation”) and Tom Hanks (“Sully”).

BY ROGER THOMAS
Film Critic

As was the case last year, there are so many films coming out in the next four months, that I have decided to preview them in two parts. In this article, I will write about the movies opening in September and October. Then in late October, I will do another article about the ones being released during November and December, as the awards season really heats up. So here are the top 12 films to which I am most looking forward in the next two months.

The Light Between Oceans (Already playing in theaters)
I am actually cheating on this one because I just recently saw it. I think it is a beautiful film, visually and dramatically. It has outstanding performances and a story that has to move the heart of any parent. I assume these words came from the novel, but it is one of my favorite lines from any film this year, “If you forgive, you only have to do it once. If you resent, you have to do that every day. That’s too much work. I choose to forgive.” Powerful.

Sully (Opens Friday)
We all remember when that commercial jet landed on the Hudson River. It was an amazing story. Tom Hanks plays the pilot who saved all those lives. The film is directed by Clint Eastwood and it looks great. I am sure there are a lot of details that we have never heard. I, for one, am interested in learning more about this amazing story.

Snowden (Sept. 16)
Most people have an opinion about this man and the choices he made. I am not sure I understand enough to fully judge him, but I am intrigued by his story. Two time Oscar-winning director Oliver Stone is at the helm for this film. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays the title character. If the film is as intense as the trailer, it should be impressive no matter what your politics are.

The Magnificent Seven (Sept. 23)
This film seems to be a bit lighter than the three films above. However, the trailer certainly looks fun. Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke lead a large cast and in every scene, they seem to be having fun. After spies, plane crashes and distraught parents, this may be exactly the kind of relief we all need. With the exception of the works of Quentin Tarantino, is there anyone who is crafting good westerns? Perhaps director Antoine Fuqua can help fill the void.

Queen of Katwe (Sept. 23)
This new release from Disney looks like a great family film. For the record, I have enjoyed several films about chess prodigies. My favorite is “Searching for Bobby Fisher,” which came out in 1993. I also liked a more recent film about children playing chess: “The Dark Horse.” The only chess movie for which I did not really care was Tobey Maguire’s “Pawn Sacrifice.” “Queen of Katwe” looks to be more like “Searching” than “Sacrifice.”

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children (Sept. 30)
Is this the new “Harry Potter?” Some seem to think so. I am currently reading the first book which this film is based. In the trailer, we catch glimpses of the story, but mostly the visual effects are what impresses in the ads. We need another fantasy series and hopefully this one will succeed as the “Potter” films did. It will all come down to the story, and my friends who have read all the books tell me it is quite a good tale.

Denial (Sept. 30)
Rachel Weisz has already shined on this list as a grieving mother in “The Light Between Oceans.”  This Academy Award-winning actress may be making more speeches in the future. The trailer for “Denial” is quite impressive. This film tells the true story of a man who denied the Holocaust ever happened and the woman who challenged him. Another great line from this season’s films: “Not all opinions are equal.”

The Birth of a Nation (Oct. 7)
This film has been in the news lately because of something the director was involved in years ago. That is unfortunate considering how powerful this films looks. This story of slaves revolting is filled with scriptures and discussions on truth and righteousness. Each filmgoer will have to determine whether the art and the artist are separate entities. The Academy will have to make that decision as well. Early on, “Birth of a Nation” was the frontrunner for this year’s Best Picture Oscar, sight unseen.

The Girl on the Train (Oct. 7)
This is another film adapted from a book. I have heard a lot of buzz about the book but have tried my best to not hear anything about the plot. The trailer is very confusing, but I assume all things will be made clear. I hope to avoid anyone who wants to discuss the film or book because this looks like a film best viewed without any prior knowledge.

American Pastoral (Oct. 21)
Of all the films on this list, I think this is the one I want to see the most. I have seen the trailer a dozen times or more and every time I am moved. Scenes with parents and children often have a powerful impact on me. This film seems to be all about family and the things that can destroy a family’s happiness. Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Philip Roth, I just hope it is as strong as the previous Roth adaption this year, “Indignation.”

A Monster Calls (Oct. 21)
I read recently this film may be shoved back into December because there is some buzz that it may become a contender for the Oscars. I know almost nothing about the story except that Liam Neeson provides the voice of the monster in the title and the effects look impressive. I just hope this film will be stronger than the recent “The BFG.” That film had many strengths, but I am hoping this one might be much more impressive.

Inferno (Oct. 28)
I have to confess, I have never been a fan of Dan Brown’s novels or the film adaptations that have followed each book. The hero, Robert Langdon, seems to be a highly intelligent man who does fascinating work, it just never impresses me on the big screen. However, the trailer for “Inferno” catches my attention every time it plays. Maybe this will finally be the Langdon adventure that I actually enjoy.

  Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

‘High Water’ reminder of great crime stories

(Photo by CBS Films) Toby (Chris Pine, left) and Tanner (Ben Foster) get into the bank-robbing business in “Hell or High Water.”

BY ROGER THOMAS
Film Critic

The cinema has always been enthralled with crimes and those who commit them. Whether it is a mob boss who has minions to complete the violent work or a lone robber in a convenience store, tales have been told of those who violate laws and those who seek to stop them.
For me, one of the first of these I viewed as a child was “Bonnie and Clyde.” It was on television, so some of the violence was edited. However, I remember how exciting it was to watch them fleeing from one crime to another.. As an adult, my favorite scene is when Bonnie and Clyde talk to each other and ponder what they would have done differently.
“Hell or High Water” made me remember that classic from nearly 50 years ago. Instead of a group of bank robbers, “High Water” tells a fictional story of two brothers who begin robbing banks. They have an agenda and a plan, all of which becomes clearer as the plot develops.
The film has many interesting and quirky supporting characters. However, most of the action focuses on four main characters. There are the two brothers, portrayed perfectly by Ben Foster as Tanner Howard and Chris Pine as the younger brother, Toby. On the opposite side of the law, Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges and Gil Birmingham play the Texas Rangers assigned to stop the brothers from hitting more banks. These four portrayals are one of the strengths that make this such a fine film.
Beyond those actors’ work, there is a very smart screenplay. This story is interesting from start to finish. The action scenes are choreographed well. There are also moments that are quiet and moving. The best of these is the scene between Toby and his teenage son, played by John-Paul Howard.
There are also many moments of genuine humor in the dialogue and the actions of the characters. Some of the best laughs come during the bank robberies and from the aforementioned quirky supporting characters. Then there are the two Texas Rangers who always produce laughs as they debate almost everything. This well-written film has many strengths.
The greatest attribute of the film is the audience’s ability to empathize with all four of the lead characters, especially the criminals. Much like we root for Bonnie and Clyde, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Vito and Michael Corleone, the Howard brothers inspire us to care about them even though none of us would excuse their actions in the real world.
Some of that is the magic of film. And some of it happens when characters are finely developed. It is easy to care for them, in spite of their flaws. Then there is a common thread of humanity in all of us. A wise friend of mine pointed out years ago a truth of which I was aware, but had never pondered. “Every person living, no matter what they become, started out as someone’s newborn baby.”
Director David Mackenzie and screenwriter Taylor Sheridan have created a film that is well-crafted and offers a slice of humanity, good, bad, and mortal. It is the human part that keeps us engaged in the stories of the righteous and those who are less than pure.
I suppose in the end, I remember most the closing moments of the film. The final scene offers clear and perfect closure, or at least I think so.
The idea of making a sequel to this film would be a mistake. Everything has transpired to conclude the story. Every word has been spoken that needed to be said. It is complete.
“Hell or High Water” is one of the better films of this year.

  Roger Thomas is a member of the North Carolina Film Critics Association. He reviews films for The Stanly News & Press.

Sept. 1 Cinema Corner

Here’s our latest Cinema Corner page from The Stanly News & Press.