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Brawl in Cell Block 99: A Physically-Menacing Triumph

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There is nothing calm about Brawl In Cell Block 99. It is as physically unnerving as it is psychologically intensive. I was expecting a tense ride having seen S. Craig Zahler’s first film, Bone Tomahawk, but, this was severe. Simplified, Brawl in Cell Block 99 is primal. Survival is as paramount in this film as it was in Bone Tomahawk, displaying Zahler’s fascination in eschewing man’s modern plights and instead focuses on man’s basic need for survival.

Vince Vaughn stars as Bradley Thomas; a quiet, towering ex-boxer/tow truck driver that epitomizes the blue-collar dilemma of overworked/underpaid. As the film begins, he is fired and finds out his wife (Jennifer Carpenter) has been cheating on him all in the same day. Desperate, he turns to a life of crime, drug-running for a successful old friend (Marc Blucas). After a job goes haywire, Bradley lands himself and his cohorts in prison, leading his business partner to exact revenge by kidnapping his wife. Bradley soon finds himself fighting for the life of his wife, his unborn child, and even himself in the ghastly, brutal depths of Cell Block 99.

The shocking transformation of Vaughn as Bradley needs to be seen to be believed. One of the most extraordinary performances by a male lead I’ve seen in a long time can be summed up by writer/director, S. Craig Zahler, “Rarely do actors so convincingly transform themselves to the degree Vaughn does in this picture, a performance that is equally masculine and nuanced.”

When examining all elements of the film, I realized that while the cinematography isn’t ambitious, the score is comprised of simple soul songs by the O’Jays and CGI wasn’t used during the brutal brawl scenes, the film still feels cutting edge. It’s the simplicity that really sets this film apart. “All of these brawls are performed by him (Vince Vaughn) and the other actors with very few cuts and zero post-production manipulation. I wanted these sequences to look and feel very different than those found in modern movies, and they do,” explains Zahler. The result is a gut-punch; simple, direct and powerful.

Some twists and cast surprises like Udo Kier as a slippery hitman and Don Johnson as the polished Warden Tuggs add fuel to the fire. Some of the greatest fight scenes ever committed to film remain deep-rooted in your sub-conscious long after the credits roll.

Sometimes, I leave a theater thinking a film had everything and yet, it still lacked an intuitive emotional core. Brawl In Cell Block 99 is a physically-menacing film that ditches the frustration, anger, and heartache of the American dream for the primordial quest for survival.

Brawl In Cell Block 99 opens in limited release October 6th and will be available digitally and on-demand October 13th.

Written by Julianna Brudek.

 

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‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless

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“Mufasa: The Lion King” is a visually stunning addition to the beloved Lion King franchise, offering a fresh and emotionally resonant take on the origins of one of Disney’s most iconic characters. The film beautifully explores Mufasa’s journey, balancing heartfelt moments with touches of comedy that lighten the mood and make the story accessible to audiences of all ages. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the vibrant landscapes and lush environments of the Pride Lands, adding depth to Mufasa’s character and his relationships.

The storytelling is compelling, effectively pulling at the heartstrings while providing insights into Mufasa’s character before he becomes the legendary king. However, the setup for Scar’s betrayal feels somewhat underdeveloped, lacking the deeper motivation that could have enriched their complex brotherly relationship. This missed opportunity leaves a slight gap in understanding Scar’s actions, which could have elevated the dramatic stakes.

The musical score is impressive, featuring memorable songs that enhance the emotional impact of pivotal scenes. While there are several standout tracks, one song, in particular, resonates deeply and is sure to linger in viewers’ minds long after the credits roll. Overall, “Mufasa: The Lion King” is an amazing film and a worthy addition to the Lion King lore that manages to deliver both laughter and tears, offering a rich tapestry of storytelling that fans will appreciate.

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Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?

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“Kraven the Hunter,” directed by J.C. Chandor, aims to introduce a beloved Spider-Man villain to the big screen, but unfortunately, it falls short of expectations. The film suffers from noticeable issues, notably an overuse of ADR (Automated Dialogue Replacement), which detracts from the authenticity of the characters’ interactions and contributes to an uneven audio experience. This technical flaw is compounded by rough storytelling that feels disjointed and lacking in coherence, leaving viewers struggling to connect with the narrative.

Aaron Taylor-Johnson delivers a commendable performance as Kraven, showcasing the character’s gritty nature and complex motivations. His portrayal has potential, and it’s evident that he could elevate the character far beyond what is presented with a stronger script and direction. However, the absence of Spider-Man, a central figure in Kraven’s lore, leaves a void that the film struggles to fill. Without this critical connection, the plot meanders and fails to create the tension or stakes that fans of the superhero genre crave.

Additionally, including Rhino as a villain feels like a missed opportunity; he is presented more as a gag character with limited screen time, undermining any sense of threat or depth. For the average moviegoer, “Kraven the Hunter” might entertain but ultimately feels like a mediocre viewing experience. Comic book fans, however, may find disappointment in this lackluster attempt to create a solo character film. Instead of an exhilarating dive into Kraven’s world, the film presents a watered-down version, leaving audiences wishing for a more cohesive vision that honors its comic book roots.

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A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus

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A Year Without a Santa Claus, the 1974 stop-motion holiday classic produced by Rankin/Bass, is a heartwarming and whimsical tale that has cemented its place in holiday traditions. Based on Phyllis McGinley’s 1956 book, the story revolves around a disheartened Santa Claus who, feeling unappreciated, decides to take a year off from his Christmas duties. It’s up to Mrs. Claus and a pair of well-meaning elves, Jingle and Jangle, to reignite the Christmas spirit and show Santa the world’s unwavering belief in him.

The movie is beloved for its unforgettable characters, especially the bickering Miser Brothers, Snow Miser and Heat Miser. Their catchy, vaudeville-style musical numbers, “Snow Miser Song” and “Heat Miser Song”, are so iconic they’ve become cultural touchstones, often parodied and celebrated decades later.

Directed by Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass, the film continues the duo’s tradition of stop-motion magic, blending heartfelt storytelling with quirky humor. The voice cast, featuring Mickey Rooney as Santa and Shirley Booth as Mrs. Claus, delivers standout performances. Booth’s warm narration was her final acting role before retirement, adding a layer of poignancy to the film.

Initially released on December 10, 1974, on ABC, the special didn’t immediately achieve the legendary status of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. However, it gained a dedicated following through annual holiday airings, nostalgic appeal, and its distinct charm.

The film’s themes of hope, unity, and rekindling joy remain timeless, making it a perennial favorite for audiences of all ages. Its blend of humor, catchy songs, and a touching message about believing in magic and goodwill ensures its enduring legacy during the holiday season.

For fans of holiday classics, A Year Without a Santa Claus is a must-watch that never fails to warm hearts and spread cheer.

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