Deadpool 2

Based on the Marvel Comics series by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefield, Deadpool 2 is the sequel to the 2016 film in which the titular character forms a team to protect a young mutant from a soldier with time-traveling capabilities. Directed by David Leitch and screenplay by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds, the film is an action-adventure comedy that has the titular character/Wade Wilson who is known for his profane language and thirst for violence as he decides to form his own team while causing all sorts of shit as he is once again portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. Also starring Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapicic, T.J. Miller, Jack Kesy, and Josh Brolin as Cable. Deadpool 2 is a wild and adventurously insane film from David Leitch.

Following a tragic event that would shape the life of Deadpool, the titular character reluctantly teams with the X-Men to protect a young mutant only for the mutant and Deadpool to be put in prison where the young mutant is being pursued by a soldier with time-travel capabilities. It’s a film that plays into the rogue assassin dealing with his role as a man who gets paid to kill bad guys yet is coping with loss as well as uncertainty of what to do next until he tries to help this young mutant who learns he had been abused at the orphanage he was in where he takes his own brand vigilante justice in his own hands causing him to be arrested and without access to his powers. The film’s screenplay by Ryan Reynolds, Rhett Reese, and Paul Wernick doesn’t just explore Wilson’s own grief and his own need for meaning in his life while trying to protect this young boy but also create a void for his loss in a family while continuously surrounding himself with friends such as the bartender Weasel (T.J. Miller), the elderly roommate Blind Al (Leslie Uggams), and the taxi driver Dopinder (Karan Soni).

The script would have moments where Deadpool does break down the fourth wall as well as make claims that the film the audience is watching is a family film. Yet, it is a film about family as Deadpool has to protect Russell Collins/Firefist (Julian Dennison) who is troubled and is being pursued by this time-traveling soldier in Cable whose motivations is revenge. Yet, there is a lot more in what Cable is doing as it relates to his own personal mission as Collins is seeking a friend where he would turn to Deadpool but Deadpool is still dealing with his own personal issues to help out Collins until he becomes the mission to save him.

David Leitch’s direction is definitely playful as it add to the film’s offbeat and smarmy tone. Shot on location in British Columbia, Canada with the city of Vancouver being its main setting, the film does play into a world that has Deadpool struggling with loss where the film begins with him doing a suicide attempt while spoiling things that is to happen in the film. While there’s some wide shots in some of the film’s locations as well as scenes inside a mutants-only prison, much of Leitch’s direction is simple in its approach to close-ups and medium shots to play into the interaction with characters. Even in scenes involving Deadpool and his girlfriend Vanessa (Morena Baccarin) early in the film to the interactions with X-Men members Colossus (Stefan Kapicic), Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), and NTW’s new girlfriend Yukio (Shioli Kutsuna) where there are these elements of humor and film references including the franchise Deadpool is a part of. Even in some of the film’s moments of violence as it has this element of dark humor that include Deadpool’s first encounter with Cable.

Leitch’s direction also play into the stakes as it relates to the unveiling of a major character in the film’s third act who would become a major threat to both Deadpool and Cable. Most notably as the latter’s motivation for revenge and his pursuit of Collins showcase what is to come as it’s not just Collins’ life that is at stake but also the future. There is also this element where Leitch does play with the elements of breaking down the fourth wall where it is obvious where many film sequels go as Deadpool also point out plot devices and such where it adds to the film’s offbeat and irreverent tone. Even in the film’s climax where Deadpool would get help from a few allies including a mutant with the power of luck named Domino (Zazie Baetz). Overall, Leitch crafts an exhilarating and comical film about a rogue mercenary who fights off against evil forces to protect a young mutant and his own future.

Cinematographer Jonathan Sela does excellent work with the film’s cinematography with its usage of bluish lights for some of the scenes set at night as well as in some of the daytime exteriors to help set a grim yet offbeat tone for the film. Editors Craig Alpert, Elisabet Ronaldsdottir, and Dirk Westfeldt do amazing work with the film’s stylized editing with its usage of jump-cuts, slow-motion cuts, and other rhythmic cuts that play into the film’s action and humor. Production designer David Scheunemann, with set decorator Sandy Walker and supervising art director Dan Hermansen, does brilliant work with the look of the mutants prison as well as the apartment Deadpool lives in as well as the home he shares with Blind Al and the orphanage that Collins lives in. Costume designers Kurt Swanson and Bart Mueller do fantastic work with some of the casual clothes that Wilson wears as well as the Deadpool costume and some of the clothes the people from his team wears.

Makeup designer Bill Corso does incredible work with the look of Deadpool/Wilson as well as the look of Cable and some of the mutants they meet. Special effects supervisor Mike Vezina, with visual effects supervisors Michael Brazelton, Dan Glass, Rohit Prakash Gujar, and Sean Konrad, does terrific work with the look of Cable with his mechanical arm and gadgets as well as the powers and looks of some of the mutants. Sound editor Mark P. Stoeckinger and sound designer Martyn Zub does superb work with the sound in the way gunfire and gadgets sound as well as the atmosphere of some of the locations. The film’s music by Tyler Bates is wonderful for its mixture of rock and orchestral music that play into the action, drama, and suspense while music supervisor John Houlihan creates an extremely fun soundtrack that feature music from Pat Benatar, a-ha, Peter Gabriel, DJ Shadow w/ Run the Jewels, Skrillex w/ Sirah, Cher, Dolly Parton, Air Supply, Alicia Morton, the Steve Miller Band, and Celine Dion.

The casting by Marisol Roncali and Mary Vernieu is great as it feature some notable small roles and appearances from Hayley Sales and Islie Hirvonen as Cable’s wife and daughter respectively from flashbacks, Luke Roessler as a young kid eating a cereal that Deadpool likes, Terry Crews as a mutant named Bedlam, Bill Skarsgard as an acid-vomit mutant named Zeitgeist, Lewis Tan as a cocky mutant named Shatterstar, Rob Delaney as a guy named Peter, Jack Kesy as a mutant inmate named Black Tom Cassidy who tries to intimidate Deadpool and Collins, Shioli Kutsuna as the mutant Yukio who is also NTW’s girlfriend, and Eddie Marsan as an orphanage headmaster who abuses Collins as well as being an anti-mutant extremist. Morena Baccarin is wonderful in her small role as Wilson’s girlfriend Vanessa as even though she is used as a plot device for the film, she does provide some touching moments that play into Wilson’s motivation to find meaning. Leslie Uggams and Karan Soni are amazing in their respective roles as Blind Al and Dopinder as a couple of Wilson's allies who both want to take part in helping Deadpool.

T.J. Miller is terrific as the bartender Weasel who tries to help Deadpool out as well as have his own weird encounter with Cable while Stefan Kapicic is superb in his voice-capture role as the X-Men mutant Colossus who is trying to get Deadpool to join the team and do some good. Brianna Hildebrand is fantastic as Negasonic Teenage Warhead as an X-Men mutant who can create sonic powers as her weapon as she is reluctant to have Deadpool be part of the X-Men. Zazie Baetz is excellent as Domino as a mutant whose power is luck as she is someone that can do things and always have good things happen to her as she is full of personality and charm that makes her a joy to watch. Julian Dennison is brilliant as Russell Collins/Firefist as a teenage boy who can throw fiery punches as he is someone that’s been abused and mistreated and is in need of a friend yet he’s unaware of what he is about to do due to the anger he’s attained through the abuse he’s suffered.

Josh Brolin is incredible as Cable as this time-traveling soldier who is more of an anti-hero than a typical antagonist as he is someone that is trying to go after Collins in this act of revenge yet is also someone that is carrying his own sense of loss and knows what Deadpool is going through. Finally, there’s Ryan Reynolds in a phenomenal performance as Deadpool/Wade Wilson as the rogue mercenary with a potty mouth as he is struggling with his own loss and existential crisis where he finds himself trying to protect a young mutant only to get lost further in his own issues where it’s a mixture of humor, anger, and drama that is one of Reynolds’ finest performances.

Deadpool 2 is a sensational film from David Leitch that features great performances from Ryan Reynolds and Josh Brolin. Along with its ensemble cast, witty dark humor, its ability to reference various plot points and get away with it, and a fun music soundtrack. It’s a film that never takes itself seriously where it does spoof sequels in some respects but also manages to showcase some substance as far as what is often expected from superhero films though it’s really more of an anti-superhero film. In the end, Deadpool 2 is a remarkable film from David Leitch.

David Leitch Films: John Wick - Atomic Blonde - (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw)

X-Men Films: X-Men - X2: X-Men United - X-Men 3: The Last Stand - X-Men Origins: Wolverine - X-Men: First Class - The Wolverine - X-Men: Days of Future Past - Deadpool - Logan - X-Men: Apocalypse - (Dark Phoenix) – (New Mutants)

© thevoid99 2019

Deadpool

Based on the Marvel Comics series by Fabian Nicieza and Rob Liefeld, Deadpool is the story of an assassin who reinvents himself as an anti-hero who goes after the man that ruined his life and has captured his old girlfriend. Directed by Tim Miller and screenplay by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the film is spoof of sorts as it play into the many tropes of superhero films but with a character that often makes very satirical comments as the titular character is played by Ryan Reynolds. Also starring Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Ed Skrein, Gina Carano, Leslie Uggams, Briana Hildebrand, and Stefan Kapicic. Deadpool is a wild yet witty film from Tim Miller.

The film follows its titular character who was once a top assassin until he is stricken with cancer where he goes to a mysterious man who would cure him but leave him deformed. In turn, he goes after him hoping for a cure and get his life back on track while providing some commentary of everything that is around him as well as breaking the fourth wall. It’s a film about a guy who claims to be a bad guy but does worse thing to those who are really bad as he has no interest in being a hero. Yet, once the assassin Wade Wilson would find love in a prostitute named Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). He starts to embrace some form of normalcy until he is stricken with terminal cancer as desperation to find a cure would lead him into a trouble where he meets this mutant named Ajax (Ed Skrein) who is immune to pain as he would put Wade into a dark experiment that would force him to become the anti-superhero Deadpool.

The film’s script doesn’t play by traditional narrative as part of it has Deadpool reflecting on his life with Vanessa and what he was doing while chasing Ajax and his goons at a highway only to be interrupted by Colossus (the voice of Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Briana Hildebrand) of the X-Men who want him to join. Deadpool refuses as he also comments about what he’s doing as well as criticize his character’s previous appearance in a film as well as other things that breaks the fourth wall. Especially as Deadpool would often talk to the audience as he tries to go after Ajax who would later kidnap Vanessa. There is also that sense of conflict in Wade as he embraces being Deadpool but also is filled with fear about what will Vanessa think of what he did to get rid of the cancer.

Tim Miller’s direction is definitely stylish as it play into the many tropes that is expected in action and superhero films but it also has fun with it. Shot largely on location in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, the film plays into a world that is quite chaotic but also exciting which is something that Wade is comfortable at since it play into his twisted personality. Miller does use some wide shots for some big moments as well as establishing some of the locations yet he would go into more intimate approaches to compositions with the usage of close-ups and medium shots. Some of which are playful as well as maintain that air of dark comedy into the film in the way Wade comments on the torture he would endure as well as comments from everything including bad movies and the guy who is playing him. Miller’s direction also has these moments such as the opening sequence where it plays into the many clichés of what is expected as the opening credits list everything that is often seen in these films. Still, Miller understands that the film isn’t taking itself seriously while not being afraid of being graphically violent at times or just taking a piss on itself at many of the clichés and have fun with it. Overall, Miller creates a thrilling and hilarious film about a bad guy who goes ape-shit on even worse guys by trying to get his girlfriend back and kill a bunch of fuck-heads.

Cinematographer Ken Seng does excellent work with the film‘s cinematography as it play into the somewhat de-colored look of the exterior locations with the exception of the scenes at the home of the X-Men while some of the nighttime scenes have some nice lighting to play into its eerie look. Editor Julian Clarke does superb work with the editing as it has some stylish fast-cuts for some of the action while actually not overwhelm anything as well as be straightforward in some parts. Production designer Sean Haworth, with set decorators Shannon Gottlieb and Shane Vieau as well as art directors Greg Berry, Nigel Evans, and Craig Humphries, does fantastic work with the set design from the bar Wade often hangs out as well as the home he would share with a blind woman. Costume designer Angus Straithe does terrific work with the costumes from the clothes that Vanessa wear as well as the design of the Deadpool suit.

Makeup designer Bill Corso does brilliant work with the look of Wade in his decayed and post-cure state as it play into the decision he‘s made. Visual effects supervisor Jonathan Rothbart does wonderful work with the visual effects from the way some of Deadpool‘s wounds are healed and the look of Colossus. Sound editors Jim Brookshire and Wayne Lemmer, along with sound designer Craig Henighan, do amazing work with the sound as it play into the sound effects and the way some of the gore sounds as it isn‘t afraid to be squeamish. The film’s music by Tom Holkenborg is marvelous for its mixture of bombast electronic music with some orchestral flourishes to play into the action while music supervisor John Houlihan create a fun soundtrack featuring music from DMX, Wham!, Juice Newton, Salt-N-Pepa, Chicago, Neil Sedaka, the Chordettes, and TeamHeadKick.

The casting by Ronna Kress is remarkable as it feature some notable small roles from Karan Soni as a cab driver named Dopinder that Deadpool befriends, Jed Rees as a mysterious man in a suit that gives Wade a secret contact, and Leslie Uggams in a very funny performance as Blind Al as a blind old lady that Deadpool lives with as she has a love for cocaine and IKEA. Stefan Kapicic is terrific as the voice of the steel-like mutant Colossus as a X-Men who tries to recruit Deadpool as he thinks there is good in him. Brianna Hildebrand is fantastic as Negasonic Teenage Warhead as a X-Men trainee who has the power to detonate atomic bursts in her body as she doesn’t seem to be impressed by Deadpool. T.J. Miller is superb as Weasel as a bartender friend of Wade who would help him with a few things as well as be a comic foil for Wade.

Gina Carano is excellent as Angel Dust as Ajax’s powerful henchwoman who likes to have a match in her mouth as well as be very strong where she is able to match up against Colossus. Ed Skrein is brilliant as Ajax as a mutant who is immune to pain as he would manipulate and ruin Wade’s life in the hopes he can use him as part of a secret army only to fuck with the wrong guy. Morena Baccarin is amazing as Vanessa as a prostitute who is Wade’s girlfriend as she has a strange yet enjoyable relationship until she wonders where he is as she isn’t some typical damsel-in-distress but rather someone that doesn’t take a lot of shit. Finally, there’s Ryan Reynolds in a phenomenal performance as the titular character as a smart-aleck assassin who is diagnosed with cancer only for things to go wrong when he gets cured as he becomes an even more fucked-up killer as it’s Reynolds being funny as well as provide some charm as it’s one of his best performances to date.

Deadpool is a sensational film from Tim Miller that features an incredible performance from Ryan Reynolds. Along with a strong supporting cast, a fun music soundtrack, and a premise that isn’t afraid to not take itself seriously. It’s an anti-superhero film that doesn’t care about taking a piss on itself as well as have a good time playing with the many clichés of the genre. In the end, Deadpool is a dazzling and hilarious film from Tim Miller.

X-Men Films: X-Men - X2: X-Men United - X-Men 3: The Last Stand - X-Men Origins: Wolverine - X-Men: First Class - The Wolverine - X-Men: Days of Future Past - X-Men: Apocalypse - Logan - Deadpool 2 - (Dark Phoenix) – (New Mutants)

© thevoid99 2016

Spy (2015 film)

Written and directed by Paul Feig, Spy is the story of a CIA office worker who becomes a field agent for an assignment once the identity of many of its field agents have been compromised as this woman has to stop a crime boss’ daughter from revealing the location of a nuclear bomb. The film is sort of a spoof on spy films where the person that is to save the world is an unlikely person as she doesn’t have the physical requirements to be one but has the heart and determination to get the job done. Starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Rose Byrne, Jason Statham, Miranda Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Peter Serafinowicz, and Allison Janney. Spy is a witty and adventurous film from Paul Feig.

When the identities of top field agents for the CIA trying to find the location of a nuclear bomb have been revealed to the daughter of a recently deceased crime boss. An analyst who wants to seek vengeance for the death of a spy she cared for is tasked to take part in the assignment where she is initially excited about doing the job but things don’t exactly go her way. The film is essentially a spoof of sorts on spy films where it plays into the idea of a woman, who might not have the typical yet superficial image of spies, as she is given the chance to save the world. Yet, she would endure some humiliating moments in trying to catch her targets while having to deal with a rogue field agent who is trying to do her work in ways that makes him look even stupider than he already is.

It is all part of a world where the villains are dealing with this woman who might be a whole lot easier to kill considering that she doesn’t fit the mold of other spies but it’s also an advantage for the character of Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) who manages to do more than everyone expects from her. Paul Feig’s screenplay does follow conventional elements that is expected in spy films but also creates characters that are very engaging. While Cooper is just a nice analyst who is very good at helping field agents find their way out of a situation where she becomes close with the spy Bradley Fine (Jude Law). When Fine is killed in a mission by the target’s daughter Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), Cooper wants to take the mission to avenge Fine though she is forced to wear a series of humiliating disguises and identities while having her best friend and fellow analyst Nancy (Miranda Hart) to guide her through an earpiece.

The script would also allow moments that are funny such as the antics involving former CIA agent Rick Ford (Jason Statham) who is upset that Cooper gets the assignment which prompts him to go rogue and do stupid things. His character is sort of a play on spies for not just how tough they are and how much bullshit they tend to talk but it is presented in a funny way as Ford is a man who is all brawn but no brains. While Rayna is an antagonist, she is not a traditional one since she is essentially a woman who is a pawn of a bigger scheme while feeling she’s not getting any kind of respect where she and Cooper seem to have a rapport despite the fact that they’re enemies. Even smaller characters like Nancy, CIA boss Elaine Crocker (Allison Janney), and an Italian agent named Aldo (Peter Serafinowicz) manage to do a lot more which add to the story and its comedic tone.

Feig’s direction definitely pays an ode to spy films while managing to be something that is of its own. Notably as it isn’t afraid to not take itself so seriously where some of the comedy is played very loosely and natural. Though much of it is shot largely on location in Budapest with a few second-unit shots of Rome, Paris, and Washington D.C., the film does have a look that is very worldly and lively which is expected in spy films but also manages to have something where it does have this woman be a fish out of water in these places. Most notably where Cooper would think she would have the time of her life traveling to Rome, Paris, Sofia, and Budapest but would often stay in the worst hotels and in the most horrific disguises as a mother of four or a woman with 9 cats. While many of Feig’s compositions are simple, he does manage to create something that is visually exciting while matching it with a naturalist approach to comedy.

Feig is also able to find a sense of energy in the action scenes while knowing where to put in some funny moments that do feel natural and realistic with elements of disbelief for laughs. Feig would also include some very crude humor that involves Cooper having her first kill and her reaction to it is very funny while it is followed by a scene where the CIA analysts are looking into the dead man’s phone and photos where they find some very personal things. The film’s climax which involves this Italian playboy named Sergio de Luca (Bobby Cannavale) and the deal of this nuclear weapon not only continues to find the balance between humor and action but it would also have a payoff that isn’t just funny but also satisfying. Overall, Feig has created a very thrilling and hilarious film about a woman who becomes a spy.

Cinematographer Robert Yeomen does excellent work with the cinematography as it‘s very straightforward and colorful to play into the vibrancy of the locations as well as some inspired usage of lights some of the interiors and for scenes at night. Editors Don Zimmerman and Dean Zimmerman do amazing work with the editing where it allows itself to play into conventional action-style cutting but also with a sense of timing and rhythm to play into the comedy and find ways to mesh both styles. Production designer Jefferson Sage, with art directors Tom Brown and Bence Erdelyi and set decorator Kelly Berry, does brilliant work with the set designs from some of the hotels Cooper goes to as well as the lavish homes and hotels she would meet Rayna and other targets. Costume designer Christine Bieselin Clark does nice work with the costumes from the tuxedos that Fine and Ford would wear to some of the humiliating clothes Cooper would wear in disguise along with some stylish clothes that she and Rayna would wear.

Makeup artist Kati Jatkos and hair stylist Peter Gyongyosi do terrific work with the disguises that Cooper would wear including the different hairstyles along with one notable disguise for Ford. Visual effects supervisor William Mesa does wonderful work with some of the film‘s minimal visual effects that often involve some of the action scenes. Sound editors Beau Borders and Becky Sullivan do superb work with the sound from the way some of the fighting occurs as well as some of the social events and action scenes that the characters encounter. The film’s music by Theodore Shapiro does fantastic work with the film‘s music score as it is quite bombastic for its action scenes while going for something low-key for its comedic moments while music supervisor Erica Weis brings in a fun soundtrack filled with music that ranges from electronic, hip-hop, rock, and pop to bring in an air of excitement.

The casting by Zsolt Csutak does great work with the cast as it features notable small roles from Carlos Ponce and Will Yun Lee as a couple of CIA spies, Jessica Chaffin and Katie Dippold as a couple of CIA analysts who deal with rats and bats in their offices, Zach Woods as a guy putting something mysterious in Rayna’s cocktail, Mitch as a pilot named Colin (no it’s Frederick), Raad Rawi as Rayna’s dad, Michael McDonald as a CIA gadgets man who gives Cooper some unimpressive gadgets, Morena Baccarin as a beautiful CIA spy that Nancy mocks, Nargis Fakhri as an assassin that tries to kill Ford and Cooper, and Bjorn Gustafsson as a bodyguard of Rayna that Cooper would insult. Peter Serafinowicz is fantastic as the Italian spy Aldo who likes to sexually harass Cooper as he thinks she is the most beautiful woman in the world. Allison Janney is superb as CIA head Elaine Crocker where Janney plays it straight while being very cool and calling Cooper out early about her pink eye.

Bobby Cannavale is excellent as the playboy/dealer Sergio de Luca who brings a suave charm to his role as someone who just wants to cash in and sell weapons to the highest bidder. Jude Law is brilliant as Bradley Fine as a CIA agent that has a great working relationship with Cooper as he trusts her while being very good to her. Miranda Hart is amazing as Cooper’s friend Nancy as a CIA analyst who also wants to be a spy as she later joins Cooper in a mission where she gets to do some of the funniest things in the film. Rose Byrne is remarkable as Rayna Boyanov as a crime boss’ daughter who decides to create chaos while trying not to reveal the location of a nuclear weapon where she also has some funny moments with Cooper to show how alike they’re sort of are.

Jason Statham is phenomenal as Rick Ford as it’s a performance where Statham makes fun of the action film persona he’s known for and bring a lot of laughs. Most notably as he’s a guy that talks tough, acts tough, and is very tough but is also an idiot as he has no idea what he is doing half the time while being a risk to everything as it’s just one of the funniest performances ever. Finally, there’s Melissa McCarthy in an incredible performance as Susan Cooper where it’s not jut McCarthy being very funny in enduring all sorts of humility and intense physicality. It’s also in the way she brings a sense of heart into the character that makes her very endearing while not being afraid to show some guts as it is one of her finest performances.

Spy is a marvelous film from Paul Feig that features a winning performance from Melissa McCarthy. Armed with some very exciting and funny moments along with a strong supporting cast that includes scene-stealing performances from Rose Byrne, Miranda Hart, Jude Law, and a hilarious Jason Statham. It’s a film that isn’t just a smart spoof of the spy films but also one that manages to be very funny and extremely entertaining. In the end, Spy is a sensational film from Paul Feig.

Paul Feig Films: (I Am David) - (Unaccompanied Minors) - (Bridesmaids) - (The Heat) - Ghostbusters (2016 film)

© thevoid99 2015

Serenity

Originally Written and Posted at Epinions.com on 8/23/06 w/ Additional Edits & Revisions.

Based on the short-lived cult TV series Firefly, Serenity is the story of renegade crew that is carrying two fugitives where they make a discovery about a man that is trying to find them. Notably as one of the fugitives is carrying a secret about that would impact an on-going war between a totalitarian galactic government and zombie-like creatures called Reavers. Written and directed by Firefly creator Joss Whedon, the film is a continuation of the series by picking things up from a series of comic stories where Mal Reynolds and the crew of the vessel ship called Serenity as they evade from the control of the Alliance government. With a cast that includes the show's main cast like Nathan Fillion, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Jewel Staite, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, Adam Baldwin, and Ron Glass along with David Krumholtz and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Serenity is an imaginative and exciting sci-fi action film from Joss Whedon.

After watching a video of a break-out for a troubled prisoner named River Tam (Summer Glau) who escaped the lab with help from her older brother Simon (Sean Maher), the Alliance leaders hires a top assassin named the Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) to find the Tams and deal with them as they believe that River is carrying a dark secret concerning their war with the Reavers. At the ship of Serenity, Captain Mal Reynolds (Nathan Fillion) is organizing another mission with his longtime war buddy Zoe (Gina Torres) and their gruff weapons-man Jayne (Adam Baldwin) as Mal decides to bring River for the job. Though Simon isn't happy about the idea, he reluctantly accepts as the psychic river proves to be useful for the heist as she senses the arrival of Reavers where the gang barely escape with their take. Despite the success of the heist, Simon decides to leave Serenity over what happened as he's taking River with him. Landing at another planet where the ship's mechanic Kaylee (Jewel Staite) is upset about Simon leaving, the crew including its pilot/Zoe's husband Wash (Alan Tudyk) go to a meeting at a bar where River stumbles into the bar. There, she sees a video where she says the word "Miranda" as all hell breaks loose forcing Simon to say something as he reluctantly re-joins the Serenity crew.

After revealing what happened to River, Mal is angry at Simon for the danger that River could've brought as the crew turns to a computer geek named Mr. Universe (David Krumholtz) to decode the video message as Mal decides to protect River from the Alliance. Seeking refuge at the planet of Haden where they reunite with one of the ship's former passengers in clergyman Shepard Book (Ron Glass), Book believes that River might be carrying something that is secretive and that Mal will need to do whatever it takes to protect her. After getting a message from another former passenger in the escort Inara (Morena Baccarin), Mal decides to check if there's a trap in Inara's home where he meets the Operative who wants River Tam. Thanks to Inara's help, she and Mal escape the Operative as they return to Serenity where Jayne feels paranoid about River. After River breaks out of her handcuffs, she shows Mal the place they're looking for as they also deal with the news about the Operative's attack on Haden forcing Mal and crew to go into the treacherous world of Reaver territory where Miranda is. Arriving at the planet, the crew make a drastic discovery about the Reavers through a video log that reveals the Alliance's involvement. Needing to expose the information publicly, the crew decides to go to Mr. Universe's home planet while being at the center of a massive battle between the Alliance and Reavers.

Part of the genius of Joss Whedon is that he is someone who is able to create interesting stories in a certain genre, take another genre and try to create something of its own. For Serenity, he succeeds not only in pleasing fans of the TV show Firefly but also bring in a new audience where he manages to introduce its characters while allowing a lot of back story for them. Though it's not entirely perfect, Whedon does bring in a unique vision to his sci-fi Western story where although it mostly takes place in a science-fiction world. There's elements of the West whether it's the pistol that Mal is carrying to some of its dialogue, setting, and background music. Whedon as a writer creates wonderful tension, interplay with characters, back stories including romantic subplots involving Mal/Inara and Simon/Kaylee that feel natural in their own reluctance. Whedon the director is very hands on with his characters and situations while he even does things that audiences will hate like killing off some beloved characters. Still, he ends up creating a hell of adventure audiences can enjoy.

On the technical front, cinematographer Jack N. Green does some wonderful coloring for the film's grimy yet futuristic atmosphere with some tinted coloring in some of the film's exterior sequences while more intimate shades in the interior settings. Production designer Barry Chusid also does excellent work in creating different looks whether it's the open-spaces of Haden, the exotic Indian look of Inara, or the futuristic cities with the help of visual effects supervisor Loni Peristere who does wonderful work in creating the future and battle sequences. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter also does some great work on the film's costumes with giving each character a distinctive look whether it's Inara's exotic clothing to the more militaristic look of the Operative. Editor Lisa Lassek does some great work in the editing by keeping the film's rhythm while doing some great cutting in not giving the film a quick-cut feel. Sound editor Geoffrey G. Rubay also does some great work in the sound to convey the feel of battle and the fragility of the Serenity ship. Composer David Newman does some great, flourishing acoustic work while some of the music by Whedon and Andrew Dorfman owes more to the West with its dorbo-acoustic guitar arrangements.

The film's cast includes such memorable small performances from such minor characters of Firefly like the twins of Mingo & Fanty played by Yan and Rafael Feldman along with Nectar Rose as Mr. Universe's robot wife, and Sarah Paulson as the woman on the video log. Of the two cast members who weren't in the TV show, David Krumholtz is excellent as the funny techno-geek Mr. Universe while Chiwetel Ejiofor gives one of his great performances as the Operative. Ejiofor brings a lot of complexity to his role as he plays the character with a lot of subtlety and intelligence that he doesn't fall into the trap of a one-dimensional villain as he says that he's a monster yet doesn't act like one. From all the cast members of Firefly, every character is back as they give something to everyone of the fans. Ron Glass is excellent as the religious mentor Shepard Book who likes to annoy Mal with some wise sermons while being the kind of person that the crew can turn to, even when his fate goes for bad where at least, he delivers a very funny line.

Sean Maher is also good as the protective Simon Tam who is desperate for the safety of his sister while struggling with his role as a brother while trying to be part of the Serenity crew in his feelings for Kaylee. Jewel Staite is also good as the mechanic Kaylee who is the most feminine character, aside from Inara, of the team who also has feelings for Simon while trying to understand the behaviors of Mal as she is the youngest member of the crew. Morena Baccarin is great as the exotic Inara who has strained feelings for Mal yet sacrifices her own rich lifestyle to help the Serenity crew as she becomes a very resourceful member of the team. Adam Baldwin is the film's funniest character as the tough-guy Jayne who says the film's funniest lines and is all about action while feeling he can lead the crew though lacks leadership skills. Summer Glau is the film's most exciting character of River as she brings a lot of layers to role as the quiet, innocent character who can sense things while being awkwardly funny yet when she goes into fight mode, she's very dangerous as Glau is really great in the role.

Alan Tudyk is also funny as the timid yet smart pilot Wash who has some great lines while being the husband for Zoe as he is the right-hand man for Mal in the cockpit as Tudyk delivers one of the film's funniest lines, "I am a leaf on the wind". Gina Torres is great as the tough Zoe who is the only person who understands Mal the most despite his flaws while is the most serious character while being wife to Wash. Nathan Fillion is great in the role of Mal as a ship captain who doesn't know everything yet is trying to lead his crew through good and bad. Fillion really commands the film though really acts more like a team player as he has great chemistry with his actors as he acts like a tough guy who has heart though he doesn't want to use it at times.

Serenity is a fun and truly imaginative sci-fi film from Joss Whedon. Armed with a great cast, amazing visual effects, and witty dialogue, it is definitely a film that does a whole lot more for the genre. Particularly as it will give viewers, who hadn't seen Firefly the chance to get to know these characters. The film is definitely one of Joss Whedon's great creations as it's truly one of his most essential works. In the end, Serenity is an adventurous film from Joss Whedon.

Joss Whedon Films: The Avengers (2012 film) - Much Ado About Nothing (2012 film) - The Avengers: Age of Ultron - Justice League

© thevoid99 2012

Roger Dodger

Written and directed by Dylan Kidd, Roger Dodger is the story of a womanizing businessman who takes his visiting 16-year old nephew on a night on the town to meet women. There, the man tries to teach his nephew the ways to get laid and be a ladies man. Starring Campbell Scott, Jesse Eisenberg, Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Beals, and Isabella Rossellini. Roger Dodger is a witty yet engrossing comedy from Dylan Kidd.

Roger Swanson is a cynical and chauvinistic advertising copywriter who had just been dumped by his own boss Joyce (Isabella Rossellini). Needing to hang around in bars to tell women all of the things they’re doing with the wrong men, Roger is looking to score. Then on a workday where Joyce is having a party as he is uninvited, Roger’s 16-year old nephew Nick (Jesse Eisenberg) makes an unexpected visit as he arrived for an interview with Columbia University. The two chat as Roger decides to take the socially-awkward Nick on a night on the town to show the way to win the heart of a woman and score. After a few pointers, the two arrive at a bar where they meet two beautiful women in Andrea (Elizabeth Berkley) and Sophie (Jennifer Beals). Though Roger tries to help Nick score with the two ladies, Nick’s shy persona manages to win them over despite Roger’s aggressive behavior.

Later that night, Roger decides to crash Joyce’s party to give Nick another shot to score. There, Nick meets Joyce’s drunk secretary Donna (Mina Badie) while Roger hopes to get some revenge on Joyce after learning that is friend Donovan (Ben Shenkman) is going out with her. Though Nick takes a chance to score with Donna, he couldn’t leaving Roger upset over the night as Nick desperate pleads for one more shot. What would happen have Roger question about what he’s doing for his young nephew.

The film is essentially the tale of a man teaching his young nephew how to score with women only to get a few lessons about what kind of man he really is. It’s a plot that is quite simple as writer/director Dylan Kidd explores a man who is essentially a scorned prick that has very cynical views about women and the way he treats them. When he’s dumped by his much older yet more experienced woman who treats Roger the same way he treats women. This would lead him to find a way to exact revenge while helping out his young nephew in the ways of winning this woman over. Though there’s a lot about Roger that is un-likeable, he is still an interesting character who is trying to navigate the world of winning a woman over while telling them that they should go for a guy like him instead of the usual sleaze balls that are all over New York City.

With his nephew on board, Roger would show him how to win a girl over through confidence and a coolness though it is a bit much to the more awkward Nick. What happens is that Nick’s awkwardness and honesty manages to win over some older ladies while he also does something that his uncle is able to do. He acts like a gentleman in the most surprising way much to his uncle’s chagrin although it’s all about trying to get laid. Kidd’s screenplay is very loose in its storytelling as it’s driven by lots of dialogue that is quite engaging about the way men try to win over a woman. He also creates character that are very unique and flawed while finding a way for Roger to show that he isn’t a total prick late in the film. After all, he is an uncle who realizes he is responsible for this young kid that is way over his head in his quest to get laid.

Kidd’s direction is very engaging in its cinema verite style as he always has the camera on something. Shot on location in New York City and with a hand-held camera, Kidd goes for a style that is entrancing where he is often shooting from afar for a few scenes. Some of it is to create the kind of atmosphere that is New York City as a man takes this young teen to a world where it’s go-go-go. With these entrancing shots and amazing close-ups, Kidd definitely creates a film that is very smart but also engrossing for its compelling story of a man teaching a teen how to score.

Cinematographer Joaquin Baca-Asay does excellent work with the wonderful look of the NYC nightlife for its gorgeous exterior settings to more low-key yet atmospheric touches for the interior scenes. Editor Andy Keir does a fantastic job with the editing to play up the swift rhythm of the conversations at the bar to the methodical pacing for Roger to help teach Nick in the ways to woo a woman. Production designer Stephanie Beatrice, along with set decorator Brenna Griffin and art director Dina Varano, does nice work with the set pieces created such as Joyce‘s lavish apartment and its lobby to the more simple look of Roger in his home apartment.

Costume designer Amy Wescott does very good work with the costumes from the stylish dresses the women wear to the more casual look of Nick. Sound recordist Theresa Radka does terrific work with the sound to capture the raucous world of the NYC nightlife in its parties, bars, and some of exterior parts of the city. The film’s score by Craig Wedren is superb for its low-key electronic-jazz score that features pieces co-written with former Nine Inch Nails keyboardist Lee Mars to play up the energy of the NYC nightlife.

The casting by Laylee Olfat and Marcia Turner is brilliant for the array of actors that is cast for this film. Among the small but notable appearances for the film, there’s Morena Baccarin as a woman in the bar Roger tries to warn, Courtney Simon as Nick’s mother, Chris Stack as a co-worker of Roger‘s, Mina Badie as Joyce’s secretary whom Nick meets at a party, and Ben Shenkman as a friend of Roger who would end up being Joyce’s new boyfriend. Isabella Rossellini is wonderful as Roger’s boss/ex-girlfriend Joyce who treats Roger in a similar way in the way he treats women only to torment him with her wisdom. Elizabeth Berkley and Jennifer Beals are great in their respective roles as Andrea and Sophie who are wowed by Nick’s awkwardness as well as his honesty.

Campbell Scott is amazing as the smarmy Roger who tries to score with women with his thoughts on life and everything else while teaching his young nephew in how to win a woman. It’s a very charismatic and broad performance from Scott as he definitely rises up to the challenge and more for this part. Finally, there’s Jesse Eisenberg in a true breakthrough performance as Nick. Bringing a real sense of low-key humor to his awkward character, there’s an innocence to Eisenberg’s performance as this young kid who has no clue on how to woo a woman while doing things in the most surprising manner. It is definitely one of the great performance for any newcomer as it’s definitely the start of a tremendous career for Eisenberg.

Roger Dodger is an extraordinary comedy from Dylan Kidd that features top-notch performances from Campbell Scott and Jesse Eisenberg. Along with a wonderful supporting female cast that features Elizabeth Berkley, Jennifer Beals, and Isabella Rossellini. It’s a film that allows audience to see how a man tries to navigate his nephew into scoring with them. In the end, Roger Dodger is a smart and entertaining film from Dylan Kidd.

© thevoid99 2012