Running with the Devil, is a thrilling crime drama starring Nicolas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, Leslie Bibb, Clifton Collins Jr., Barry Pepper, Cole Hauser, Adam Goldberg, and Peter Facinelli. The film is written and directed by Jason Cabell, in his feature debut.
A former Navy SEAL, Cabell once served as a military advisor on the Colombian drug trade. The film is notable for not giving any of its characters’ names. In response to this, Cabell has stated he wanted to tell a story “from the point of view of the drugs.”
The film begins with a federal agent (Leslie Bibb) discovering that her sister and brother-in-law have died due to an apparent drug overdose. Her now-orphaned niece is left in her care and her current war on drugs has become very personal. We are introduced to “The Man” (Laurence Fishburne), a high-rolling, heroine-addicted cocaine dealer that gets his rocks off to nightly sessions with prostitutes (one of which succumbs to overdose). As “The Man” has been known to cut his supply and sell on the side, quality-control expert “The Cook” (Nicolas Cage) is called in by “The Boss” (Barry Pepper) to “set the record straight.”
Cabell stays true to his statement of the narrative being told from the drug’s point of view. As none of the character’s are given proper names, or much reason to care about any of them the film feels very emotionally distant. Nearly all of the characters are guilty of a trespass in some way, shape, or fashion, so when an act of violence occurs it doesn’t feel like a tragedy.
While the film does take awhile to really get going, one can’t help but be transfixed by the spectacular against-type performances of the cast. It’s interesting to see Fishburne step into such a sleazy role whereas Cage is more reserved and quiet, yet brutal character. At the end of the day, Running with the Devil provides well-acted and superbly-directed entertainment.
Running with the Devil is now playing in select theaters and available on VOD.
Movie
‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ Will Leave You Breathless
“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.
Movie
Is ‘Kraven the Hunter’ a Total Letdown?
“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.
Movie
A Brief Review and History of A Year Without a Santa Claus
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.