Displaying items by tag: Woody Harrelson

LAST BREATH

UK/US, 2025, 93 minutes, Colour.

Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, Cliff Curtis, Mark Bonnar, MyAanna Buring, Bobby Rainsbury.

Directed by Alex Parkinson.

In 2019, director, Alex Parkinson, made a documentary about dangers and risks for engineers involved in repairing pipelines and cable connections in the North Sea, at great depths, outside the Scottish city of Aberdeen.

Now he has turned it into a feature film, going over the same drama, the characters, the situations, the dangers, the rescue. In this way it reaches a wider audience than did the documentary. However, the film critics were for praising the style and the impact of the documentary over that of the feature film.

The film offers the opportunity for Woody Harrelson to have a starring role, the older experienced diver, eccentric personality, interacting with the team, drawing on his experience, and supportive of the younger man. The two other drivers are played by Simi Liu (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Finn Cole. And the captain of the ship is played by Cliff Curtis.

The film opens with the young man and his girlfriend, giving a human setting to the naval action and the diving. The teams are introduced, the audience getting to understand the issues of the ocean floor, the depths, the dangers, the routines, the repairs, the four days needed underwater for gradual adjustment and then being brought to the surface.

However, as expected, there is an accident, the young man being caught, his heart stopping for quite some time, this time the information continually on screen, the management of the rescue, the reactions of the crew on the top, the captain and his decision, the female second in charge and her interventions, the technological expert and his finding ways to communicate.

And, below the surface, the wise experience of the veteran, the rather reticent other member of the crew and his venturing out, the rescue, dangers and entanglements, the tension in bringing the injured man in, and the question of whether he was dead or alive.

While there is the human drama, there is still a strong atmosphere of the documentary.

1. The title and application, danger, death?
2. The work of the writer-directors, the success of his initial documentary, the decision to make a feature film, his contribution to the writing, his directing? Comparisons between the two films?
3. Deep sea diving, the UK, of the Scottish coast, Aberdeen? The Port, the facilities, the ships? The sophistication of the technical equipment?
4. The underwater task, international cables in the seabed, laying, repairs? The demands, the dangers, compression, preparation, equipment, physical skills, psychological readiness, the work itself, the depths, coming up, the period of readjustment?
5. The introduction to the ship, the captain and crew, the divers,, American, the Woody Harrelson type? Experience, coming to the end, relating to the men, memories, practical wisdom? Dave, his background, his skills, some reserve?
6. The introduction to Chris, local, family, his girlfriend, his skills, young, opportunities?
7. The three men, discussions, bunking together, preparation for the dire, the personal interactions?
8. The Captain, in command, the officer in charge of the dive, the equipment, connections? The assistant, her tough stances, decisions? The other members of the group?
9. The men going down, all going well, normal, preparations, going out? The detail of the swimming, the audience is immersed in the deep waters with the swimmers?
10. The difficulties, keeping in touch, accidents, Chris, his enthusiasm, the accident, his coping, manoeuvring, loss of consciousness?
11. The device of letting the audience know his state of health, last breath, the subsequent times during the rescue and his recovery?
12. Dave, going out, his skills, the details of the rescue, the dangers, the waters, and compression, the struggle to get Chris aboard? His personal commitment?, The encouragement, advice?
13. The scenes in the ship, the decisions of the Captain, the equipment, off-line, online again, life-and-death tension, the assistant and her decisions about manoeuvres?
14. The success of the rescue, coming to surface, the decompression? And the achievement of the crew and the satisfaction of the captain?

NOW YOU SEE ME, NOW YOU DON’T

US, 2025, 113 minutes, Colour.

Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Rosamund Pike, Morgan Freeman, Lizzy Caplan.

Directed by Ruben Fleischer.

Surprisingly, given the popularity of the original, this third part of the series comes 12 years after the first Now You See Me. Then there was the sequel two years later. And it has taken most nine years for this episode.

Fans will probably agree that it has been well worth the wait!

The attraction of the film is that it is about magicians and magic, sleight of hand, I deceptions, creation of illusions. And, with 21^st-century special effects, there is no lack of magical turns, creative use of special effects, a whole range of deceptions.

The original team is back again, led by Jesse Eisenberg, so often primly determined. Woody Harrelson is also back with his laid-back charm. And, Dave Franco as well as either Fisher. And Lizzy Caplan, who joined the team and the second film, also returns.  And, once again, the power behind the team, Morgan Freeman in his mid-80s.

While it is important to highlight the familiar team, the film actually opens with some very clever impersonations by a new young team, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt. They make quite an impression – but they also do impersonations of the original team, taking on the teams mantle of seeking justice, exposing criminals, taking them down. So we are treated to quite a spectacular performance, and we are deceived into thinking that it is the main team in action. But…

Jesse Eisenberg’s Atlas is not impressed and seeks out the young group. But, it emerges that some kind of overseer has sent cards to assemble everyone. They gather, and find that the villain of the piece is relic, daughter of a South African mogul, about to option a diamond. And, surprisingly, she is played by Rosamund Pike, rather relishing the role of a kind of evil femme fatale.

If this sounds intriguing, the two teams combining to confront Veronica, to steal the diamond, to pretend to destroy it, to try to trap her in her guilt, travelling around the world, from the Emirates to France, then audiences will be delighted to be intrigued.

While there are quite a number of spectacular magic episodes, we enjoy meeting the old team again but are trying to make out whether we like the new team, especially Dominic Sessa who is full of himself often able to justify his self-satisfaction with his skills. Justice Smith plays the very nice member of the group and plays a very interesting role in the final solution.

So, we know what to expect, more or less, and there is more rather than less. Already the rumour is around that there will be a fourth episode. And, in light of having two teams now, why not?

1. The popularity of the first two films? The nine year gap until this one? The plausible explanations?
2. The popularity of the cast, the characters? The appeal of magic? The portrayal of various magic tricks? Special effects and the lighting? Has part of the plot? The musical score?
3. The past history, of the Four Horsemen, their performances, their skills, the team work, interactions? The role of Thaddeus and control? The presence of Dylan Roads? The breaking up of the group? Reassembling? The addition of Lula?
4. The opening, the reassembling of the Horsemen, their personalities, on stage, the arrogance of the young man and his friends? The introduce introduction to Bosco, Charlie and June? Their jobs, behind-the-scenes, June at the bar, pickpocket? Confrontation with the young men, Merrick and his capacity for putting people to sleep, Bosco on stage, the sleep, the rest of the Horsemen and the confrontations, the money and the denunciation, the angry young man? And the Horsemen disappearing?
5. The three friends, personalities, age, their talents? The appearance of Daniel, the confrontation? The magic, their show, using lanterns and projections, their achievement? Daniel’s criticism? Charlie, agreeable, June and friendly, Bosco and his surly attitudes and behaviour?
6. Daniel and his proposition, joining with the trio, the master command, The I, planting cards for the others, their all coming together? Building on the old personalities and past stories? Daniel and his touch of arrogance, Merrick and his humour, heavily returning to the group, Jack and his genial presence? Exercising all their magic abilities?
7. The situation, Veronica Vandeberg, her story, her father, the diamonds, his wife and her suicide, the housekeeper and his relationship with her, the quizzing his fortune to Veronica? The scenes in South Africa, Veronica and her personality, dominating, her bodyguard, her entourage, the plan to option the diamond, her shady contacts? Her performance to the public?
8. The group, working together, the plan? The social, her wanting the photographs? Hiring the photographer with his arrogant manner? The magic tricks of the group, unit and her pickpocketing ability getting all kinds of passes, Charlie and his blending into the work background, Bosco impersonating the photographer? The photo shoot, and wanting to photograph the diamond with Veronica? The revelation of Charlie and the alternating of the cases, in and her manipulation, Bosco and the photographs, the presence of Daniel and his confrontation, the tricks with the opening of the glass case, the diamond, the substitute, smashing it? Confusion?
9. The personalities of the group, their working together?
10. The mystery of the cards, Charlie and the cards, the map, finding the location, the vast house, the encounter with Thaddeus? Memories of the past, his encouraging, the mystery of who had organised the action? The attack, the siege of the house, Thaddeus and his dying, his encouraging the group? The mystery of the house, revolving rooms, the confusion of the police attack? Finding Veronica’s client list? The arrest of gives one, in the police station?
11. The police station, Veronica confronting Merit, his abilities with her, telling her story, the truth about her mother, contriving her death? The father’s relationship with the mistress, her death? The arrival of Muller, her collaboration with Merit, the escape for June? Merit imprisoned, and the possibility of a bargain, the diamond for The Release of Merit?
12. The Emirates, the location for the driving exhibition, Veronica and the vehicles, the drivers? The arrival of the group, infiltration, Bosco and impersonations and driving the vehicle, Charlie and June in the background, the tasks?
13. The driving and the display? Bosco the crashes? The rounding up of the four Horsemen, trapped underground? Veronica and her superiority, the sand coming into the basement? The discussions, using their wits, the idea of water and the sand, Jack and his using the wrench, the water, heavily using her ring to break the glass, there are escape?
14. Veronica, the mysterious caller, challenge her about the diamond?
15. The escape, Veronica and the confrontation by her brother, the revelation of Charlie, the revelation of the truth, his being her brother, the role of their father, his mother and her death?
16. Veronica on stage, trapped, the revealing of the true story, the diamond?
17. Charlie revealed as Peter, his intentions, his masterminding the whole plot, his time in the US, studying magic, befriending Moscow Bosco in June, planting the cards to entice the horsemen to help him with his plan to unmask Veronica?
18. Peter, his decision, distributing his wealth to those in need? Fulfilling the aims for the Horsemen and justice?
19. The postscript, the intervention of Dylan Rhoades, the achievement – and the future?

ELLA McCAY

US, 2025, 115 minutes, Colour.

Emma Mackey, Jamie Lee Curtis, Albert Brooks, Julie Kavner, Woody Harrelson, Kumail Nanjiani, Spike Fearn, Ayo Edebiri, Jack Lowden, Rebecca Hall.

Directed by James L. Brooks.

In many ways an old-fashioned film, with an appeal to older audiences or those who like their entertainment as variations on familiar social themes and relationships. It was written and directed by James L. Brooks, released as he turned 86. He has had a long career, originally on television (writing and producing hundreds of episodes of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant, Taxi) and then producing almost 800 episodes of The Simpsons.

Ella McCay is reminiscent of his award-winning and multi-nominated films, Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, As Good as it Gets.

While the film opens with the central character in her teens during the 1990s, the main action takes place in 2008. Ella McCay is, in fact, at age 34, the Lieutenant Governor of her state, a determined woman, idealistic (and one blogger suggested, interestingly, that she may be neuro-divergent). When the governor, played by veteran Albert Brooks (star of Broadcast News) is appointed to a presidential position, she becomes Governor.

But Ella (Emma Mackey, who could pass as the sister of Anne Hathaway and Margot Robbie) has had a difficult childhood, seen in the flashbacks, her patiently loving mother (Rebecca Hall), her seemingly carefree, womanising father (Woody Harrelson), her psychologically damaged brother (Spike Fearn) but relying on her devoted and very forthright aunt (Jamie Lee Curtis stealing every scene when she appears). Her mother dies. She loses contact with her father, unable to forgive him.

One of the enjoyable features of the film is the narration by Ella’s assistant, Estelle. She is played by Julie Kavner – and Simpsons’ audiences will immediately hear her and remember that she has been the voice of Marge Simpson for those hundreds of episodes.

Most of the action takes place over the couple of days in which she assumes the role of Governor, potential for her social benefits plans which alienate opposition, which are often too overwhelming for her own party, full of great intentions.

Then, behind-the-scenes, serious dealing with her seemingly agoraphobic brother, the arrival of her father who wants reconciliation, the audience discovering that she is married, her high school sweetheart (Jack Lowden) and some relational consequences some of which test her as well as audience tolerance. And, then there is the press, government protocols, potential scandals, political exploitation…

James L. Brooks, throughout his career, has been a man of optimism, hopeful endings. And audiences with social consciences will be strongly in favour.

However, the ending would have been in the spirit of the Obama and Biden administrations. The achievement that Ella McCay accomplishes in social outreach to those in need and which audiences enjoying the consequences the film would have been the immediate target of Elon Musk and his DOGE cutbacks, and the staff for these operations would have been immediately the target of minimising diversity in US public works. Ella McCay is not the kind of film that would be supported by the MAGA movement.

1. The films of James L. Brooks, family relationships, political issues, 20^th century popular styles? For the 21^st-century?, Comedy, screwball touches?
2. The picture liberal USA, politics, social concern, released in the first year of the second Trump administration, the contrast?
3. The style of the film, introduction, flashbacks, the strong cast? The musical score?
4. Introduction to Ella, Lieutenant Governor, age, experience, ambitions? Relationship with Bill, the genial governor, his promotion, prepared, her succeeding him?
5. The flashbacks, and her brother as children, the sadness of her mother, the philandering of her father, the boy withdrawn, Ella unforgiving, the move, and her staying with aunt Helen, aunt Helen’s criticism of her brother, her growing up cared for by Helen? Encouraging her? And Helen’s forthright character, expressing herself?
6. The action taking place over several days, Bill, his personality, getting his position, talking with Ella, the social issues, his not being supportive, his warning about others reactions to her? The announcement, her meeting the press, her response to the press?
7. The situation with her husband, the flashbacks, her high school sweetheart, the courtship, Helen’s disapproval, his staying the night, at the window, chasing him, the confrontation with Ella, the truth? His personality, his mother and ambitions, the marriage, Helen talking to him, his declaration? The marriage, the issue of the government room, the sexual relationship and regulations, the issue of the journalist, his telling the journalist, paying off the journalist?
8. And her husband, his ambitions, surveying the room, his expectations, building up to the confrontation with Ella, upset, urged on by his mother, conference, his lying about the cheque, the effect on Ella, talk of the divorce, his anger?
9. Ella, her concern about her brother, agoraphobic, age, personality, job, memories of Susan, the drugs and stimuli, Ella confronting him, the drugs, staying with him, the issue of his father and the emails, upset?
10. The announcement, her speech, the notes from Bill, her not mentioning her husband?
11. Ella, her driver, the conversations, his support of her, taking her to her brother, his partner, financial issues, the overtime, Ella upset, taking responsibility for their overtime? Apologies?
12. Her brother, Susan, the past, getting in touch, the visit, the conversations, her stances, the kiss, going out for the meal, his future?
13. Ella and her father, the sadness of her mother’s death, the years of separation, his arrival, his psychologist girlfriend, wanting him to reconcile, to get his children’s forgiveness, with Helen, his meeting with Ella, their discussions? The final confrontation, her inability to forgive him?
14. Estelle, her voice-over, her personality, devotion to Ella, the work in the office, shielding her, advising, confronting her husband? Her character?
15. Ella, her working with her team, the long meetings, members going to sleep, the aims of her legislation?
16. The press conference, the truth, the response of the journalists, literally falling over themselves, her being knocked down, the concern? The support of Helen? Decisions to be taken, her strong stands? Bill and his advice, the discussions with the party leadership, her personality, the deals, finding a solution?
17. The success of her legislation, social concern, success? (And images of 2025 in contrast with the first year of the Trump administration?)

THE ELECTRIC STATE

US, 2025, 125 minutes, Colour.

Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Woody Norman, Jason Alexander, Giancarlo Esposito, Ann Russo, Greg Cromer, Stanley Tucci, Holly Hunter, voices of: Woody Harrelson, Ke Huy Quan, Alan Tudyk, Anthony Mackie, Jenny Slate, Brian Cox, Hank Azariah, Colman Domingo, Kurt Loder.

Directed by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo.

There were high expectations for this big-budget action fantasy adventure, set in an alternate world in the 1990s. It was directed by the Russo Brothers who had moved from smaller popular films to three Captain America superhero epics and then to two Avengers adventures, Avengers Endgame registering the highest box office.

Then came this ambitious fantasy adventure, based on the graphic images by Simon Stalenhag, adapted by the Russo Bros regular writers for the Marvel Universe films. And a very strong cast of character actors led by Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown and including Stanley Tucci, Woody Harrelson, Holly Hunter, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Colman Domingo…

However, reviews were unfavourable and the film was not popular. However, there is much to appeal to audiences who like imaginative, futuristic fantasy adventures.

1. The status of the film, the budget, the cast, the directors? Based on an illustrated novel? Pull critical response?
2. The 1990s, the title, an alternate world history, humans versus robots? The title?
3. The American cities, the war, the deserts and outposts? The musical score?
4. Ethan Skate as hero and villain, his technology an empire, the robots, taking over the consciousness of human minds, the reaction of the humans, many living and vegetative life, rising up against the robots, the human victory, robots to the Exclusion Zone?
5. 1994, Michelle, history of the crash and her parents, in foster homes, Ted and his lazy life, Michelle at school, not using AI technology for her work?
6. Cosmo, the sense in robot, the TV character, Michelle’s brother, Christopher and his delight with Cosmo? Cosmo programmed with gestures, sounds, controlled by Christopher’s consciousness?
7. The sense of mission, the encounter with Keats, his history, his character, offhand, soldier? The visit to Dr Amherst and his declaration the Christopher was dead?
8. The adventure, the journey, the trek through the desert, Keats and is exploitations? The Exclusion Zone, home of the robot, Mr Peanut? Characters and voices?
9. The confrontation with Skate, his character, presumptions, using Christopher and his mind and consciousness, the impact for humans, robots?
10. The pursuit of Christopher, Col Bradbury, the deadly mission, candle Bradbury and is disillusioned with Skate, changing his attitude?
11. Michelle, PC at the robots, the confrontation with skate’s Army? The role of Bradbury?
12. Christopher, the explanation, his wanting to be disconnected, Michelle disconnecting? The further attacks, the attack on Herman, the smaller version?
13. The aftermath, Christopher dying, Skate and his loss of control, arrest? Michelle and her explanation of what it happened? And the possibility of humans and robots and the Exclusion Zone in the future?

FLY ME TO THE MOON

US, 2024, 132 minutes, Colour.

Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Jim Rash, Anna Garcia, Victor Garber, Donald Elise Watkins, Noah Robbins..

Directed by Greg Berlanti.

On the one hand, this is an old-style romantic comedy, memories of the 1930s and what was called screwball comedy. On the other hand, the setting is 1969, NASA, preparations for the moon landing, its achievement. And they come together entertainingly here.

For those of those who remember 1969, it is a welcome reminder of the atmosphere of the time, the heightened excitement as July neared, the actual landing, “one small step…”, The sense of achievement, something of a balance to the turmoil of the Vietnam war. Audiences for whom this is something of remote history, it is an opportunity to learn something of the atmosphere of the times.

In the 21^st-century, we live in an age of conspiracy theories, many of them outlandish. However, even back then , there were conspiracy theories that the moon landing did not happen, that everything was manufactured on the studio lot – and the film later re-creating this speculation, Capricorn One.

The screenplay here amusingly incorporates the conspiracy theory of the fabrication of the moon landing along with the real thing.

Scarlet Johansson is definitely the star of this romantic comedy, Kelly Jones, one of her most forceful performances, something of a con artist, skilful in promotion and advertising (which we see in the opening sequences and are somewhat taken aback), then recruited by a mysterious secret agent who claims he has a line directly to President Nixon, and played with smilingly smug complacency by Woody Harrelson. Her mission is to make the moon landing and its preparations much better known to the American public.

What follows is an extraordinary look at American brashness, self-confidence, promotion of any product by any means possible – and here, on radio, television, imprint, rallies, breakfast cereals, omega watches, soft drinks are all incorporated into the promotion as well as, more seriously, some extraordinary lobbying of senators who are inclined to cut off funds for NASA.

Kelly is able to rise to every occasion, walking over most opposition, changing her accent at a moments notice, flirtatious one minute and religiously devout the next!

The other part of the romance is Channing Tatum, rather more serious, a touch sombre, a former Korean pilot, the launcher chief for the Moon project, very conscientious about his work – though the screenplay is a bit satirical about him and his style. When, by chance, at a diner, he sees Kelly, he is infatuated – but soon disillusioned when he discovers her mission, how she operates, the manipulation of truth and lies. But, he does get caught up in the melodrama, often unwillingly.

While the film is very strong in its presentation of the NASA work, the visuals of the plant, the control room…, It entertains the audience with the whole setting up of the fake landing, the studio, moon rocks and dust, space vehicles and gear, all rehearsals about space walking… And extraordinarily prissy director.

A wandering NASA black cat is key to the events – especially for the fake landing.

So, on the one hand, romance and comedy. On the other, memories of when America was greater than it is now…

1. The title, the song? Romantic comedy? Screwball comedy? Preparations, achievement of the moon landing, 1969?
2. A piece of Americana, the advertising and promotion world, science and technology work and space, politics, agents, cover?
3. Cape Canaveral, 1969, the reconstruction, the tallest single story building, interiors, the plant, the layout, the control room at the desks, the comparison with the ordinary, motels, diners, the wharf, and the set for the reconstruction for the moon landing?
4. The musical score, echoes of the 1960s, the range of popular songs of the period?
5. The introduction to Kelly, the pitch about the cars, pregnant, challenging the executives, naming their cars, revealed not to be pregnant, to research the information? Their reaction on discovering the truth? Ruby as her assistant?
6. The buildup of Kelly’s character, her revelations about her past with her mother, then the mother and the shooting, telling her daughter to run, change of names, experience with scams, moving into various industries, finding a home in advertising? Her personality, forcefulness? Her being recruited by Moe, his hold over her, explanations?
7. The introduction to Cole Davis, the Korean War background, his work with NASA, launch control, his responsibilities in the failed attempt on the deaths of the astronauts, preying on him, the garden at the monument? Best pilot, heart condition, rejected for space? Project with Henry Smalls, working with him? The introduction, the escaped gas, using the broom, everyone observing, the explosion? His deadpan style? He is visit to the diner, looking at Kelly, her pages on fire and dousing them, his declaration about her?
8. Kelly and the job, promotion of the Moon journey, for American consciousness? The world of advertising and promotion, American push and know how? Her charts, the drinks, the watches, cereals…? The television contacts, her barging through the plant, taking Walter’s entry card, the challenge by Cole?
9. Moe, his ambitions, secret agent, ear of the president, persuading Cole to do the television interview? His hold over Kelly? The plan for the alternate moon landing? Kelly and the previous contact with Lance, his cruising manner, tantrums, perfectionism, ambitions, job, secrecy, expectations?
10. The months of 1969, the work in preparation for the liftoff, Cole and his responsibilities, relationships with people, decisions? Henry Smalls, personality, collaboration, smoking, talking with Kelly, the need for verisimilitude for the fake moon landing, the tactics, getting Henry to show everything, promising the four work to the book?
11. The relationship between Cole and Kelly, his wariness, her brashness, sharing experiences? Ruby and the young technician, his awkwardness? The dances? The two young men and their enthusiasm, the staff in the 20s, the order in their 30s?
12. Solving problems, the Congress votes, the senators, the techniques that Kelly used to persuade them, the vain senator and photo opportunities, visit to Louisiana and the religious people, quoting the Scriptures? Kelly and her ability to adapt, lies and impersonations?
13. Kelly apprehensive about flying, the flight, the success of the mission, the relationship?
14. Kelly persuading Cole to do the television interview, his being unwilling, her preparing the questions, the interview, the intrusion by the interviewer, his angry reaction?
15. Moe the issue of the cameras, disabling the shuttle, getting the sound feed, but showing the fake landing? The preparations, the set, the camera, sand desert rocks? The actors and their impersonations?: His reaction to the actors? The rehearsals, the comic touches and failures?
16. Kelly, disillusioned, the confrontation with Moe, her decision to leave, the airport, his talking with her, her change of heart, the return, the explanation to Cole, the issue of fixing the camera on the shuttle, the two young men, her driving, smashing the window, the television set, the police escort, the last-minute change? Tensions?
17. Walter Cronkite, the millions watching on television, the crowds at Cape Canaveral? The liftoff, the flight?
18. The landing, the real, the fake performance, the sound, the “one small step…”? Checking what was real, the blurry nature, Moe wondering whether this was fake? The ultimate success? Moe and his change of heart, pride?
19. The success of the mission? Kelly and the revelation of the truth about herself? Ruby and the young technician? The future?