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Tag: christian-sesma

  • Movie Review: ‘Lights Out’

    Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    In theaters, On Digital, and On Demand on Friday, February 16th ‘Lights Out’ is the latest movie from prolific action director Christian Sesma, who has rounded up a solid cast –– some of them repeating from his previous work –– for the story of a man looking to atone for his violent past by… punching people?

    Suffice to say, given that Frank Grillo is starring, there is certainly a lot of that.

    Does ‘Lights Out’ strike fast?

    Dermot Mulroney as “Sage Parker” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Dermot Mulroney as “Sage Parker” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    ‘Lights Out’ is a superb examination of past trauma, family issues and is loaded with memorable scenes. Unfortunately, we’d only be able to say that if we were talking about David F. Sandberg’s impressive feature directorial debut, which came out in 2016 and launched a successful career in horror and beyond for him.

    Instead, this new movie from Christian Sesma has very little to recommend it.

    Script and Direction

    Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Given how much of ‘Lights Out’ feels like it was derived from other (honestly better) movies, it’s a surprise to learn that it took two writers –– Chad Law and Garry Charles, with additional writing from Brandon Burrows –– to come up with the basic concept. Because it is indeed a very basic concept that doesn’t really develop all that much.

    We’ve seen the story of a drifter who has a difficult past. We’ve seen underground fight clubs (they became something of a trope for TV series in the late 1990s and early 2000s). The story of a criminal who needs to go straight to help his family is nothing new. There are any number of movies about veterans who make tough decisions on the big screen. And don’t get us started on crooked cops.

    This story doesn’t do any of them justice. It’s as if the writers compiled a pack of cliches and strung them together in place of a story.

    Jaime King as “Detective Ellen Ridgeway” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Jaime King as “Detective Ellen Ridgeway” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    As for Sesma’s directorial style, the self-taught filmmaker does what he can with the screenplay, but there are moments that simply ring hollow. Some of the characters are completely underused (pity poor Jaime King, who barely has anything do other than scowl) and the whole thing is shot in a less-than-compelling style.

    And for someone with a hefty back catalogue that frequently finds creative ways to create action with lower budgets, here the set pieces are embarrassingly amateurish, even with the likes of Frank Grillo and Scott Adkins in the cast (we really can’t blame that duo, who have appeared in the likes of Marvel and ‘John Wick’ movies for what transpires here).

    Performances

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Frank Grillo plays Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield, whose traumatic time in the military overseas launches the film. But even he can’t overcome the less than memorable character he’s saddled with here. Grillo can certainly handle himself in the fight scenes, and knows how to handle weapons convincingly, but the drama lets him down severely, mealy-mouthed sentiments clashing with tough nut proclamations.

    Mekhi Pfifer, as Max, has a little more to do, since he’s juggling his criminal ties with concerns about his sister and niece, but even on that front, it comes across as a well-trodden story with nothing new to offer –– the sister has the dodgy ex, the family is put under threat when Max tries to go straight. You’ve seen it done better many times before.

    Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter” in the action/thriller, 'Light Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter” in the action/thriller, ‘Light Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Scott Adkins, meanwhile, has an embarrassingly tiny role as an old friend of Duffy’s who is drafted in near the end to help with… Well, that would be a spoiler, but given Adkins’ action resume and martial arts experience, you can well imagine. But he’s so badly served here that you wonder why he agreed beyond a favor to Sesma.

    Outside of the main pair, everyone else is mostly left floundering in underwritten roles. Dermot Mulroney probably comes off best as crooked cop Sage Parker, while Jaime King, as previously mentioned, has so little to do that she could have sent her stand-in to perform the role instead. The actors do what they can, but the film offers them little.

    Final Thoughts

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    ‘Lights Out’ is not a movie we can truly recommend unless you’re a Christian Sesma completist (and this is far from his best effort), or you have a low bar to hurdle when it comes to action movies.

    There are far better examples of the genre you could be using your precious time to check out. If you’re a big Frank Grillo fan, there are lots of other movies to choose from in his own considerable cinematic resume.

    ‘Lights Out’ receives 4 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Lights Out’?

    A drifting ex-soldier (Frank Grillo) turns underground fighter with the help of a just released ex-con (Mekhi Phifer), pitting them both against corrupt cops (Jamie King) and hired killers (Dermot Mulroney) gunning for them and all those they care about.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Lights Out’?

    Jaime King as “Detective Ellen Ridgeway” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    Jaime King as “Detective Ellen Ridgeway” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Other Frank Grillo Movies:

    Buy Frank Grillo Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Lights Out’ Exclusive Interview: Frank Grillo

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    Opening in theaters, on digital and On Demand February 16th is the new action thriller ‘Lights Out,’ which was directed by Christian Sesma (‘Section Eight’) and stars Frank Grillo (‘Captain America: The Winter Soldier’), Mekhi Phifer (‘8 Mile’), Dermot Mulroney (‘Scream VI’), Scott Adkins (‘John Wick: Chapter 4’) and Jamie King (‘Sin City’).

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Grillo about his work on ‘Lights Out,’ his first reaction to the screenplay, why Duffy was a perfect character for him to play, Duffy’s friendship with Max, working with Mekhi Phifer, and shooting the fight sequences.

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    The actor also talked about his work on DC Studio’s upcoming animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ if he’s finished recording and who he recorded with, when it will be released, when we might see him reprise his character in future DCU live-action projects, and a conformation that he will definitely not be in ‘Superman: Legacy.’

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Grillo, Mekhi Phifer, Jamie King and director Christian Sesma.

    Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Scott Adkins as “Don ‘The Reaper’ Richter,” Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, and did you realize admittedly that Duffy was a perfect Frank Grillo character?

    Frank Grillo: The screenplay was a solid C+ when I first read it. It was okay, but it was a home run for me. I knew I could knock this one out of the park, so I was not concerned with that. I wanted to get the script to a place where it made sense, and it worked. Look, my buddy Stallone did a movie called ‘Rambo,’ and it’s that guy that I love. It’s that exact kind of character. I’m not comparing myself to the great Sylvester Stallone, but it’s that world.

    MF: To follow up, what were some of the changes you wanted made to the script so that this it would work for you?

    FG: There was some structural stuff. I can’t get into all of it, but I needed the script to flow a little differently. Then there were some tropes and cliches that needed to come out and kind of make it where people talk less and do more, which I find makes action movies a little bit more interesting. Then to build a relationship with Mekhi’s character and my character, because I thought that was the heart and the core of the film. So, stuff like that, but you got all those great actors. I knew everybody was capable.

    Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” and Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    MF: Can you talk about that relationship between Max and Duffy, why Duffy chooses to help this man that he hardly knows, and what it was like working with Mekhi Phifer?

    FG: I think he chooses to help him because I truly think there’s something about Mekhi that draws him in. I think Duffy needs a purpose. He wants to get a headstone for his mother. That’s kind of a reason for him to make believe he wants to go to a certain place, but he finds somebody who gives him a purpose. We never feel more enlightened than when we’re helping somebody else. I think it gives him a sense of that. Mekhi is, as charming as he is on-screen, he’s 10 times as charming in person, and we’re both New Yorkers. I fell in love with Mekhi the minute I met him, I mean immediately. It was a 30-year relationship in 12 minutes. So, I knew on screen, much like I did with Anthony Mackie when we did ‘Point Blank’ together, it would be this cool combination. I love movies where there’s a black guy and a white guy. I just love it culturally when they mix it up. I’m Italian and we’re both from New York, and I think it comes across really cool on screen. I love that dynamic. I really do. I know everybody’s politically correct, but Mekhi and I even got a chance to kind of play with that thing, you know what I mean? That’s what life is about. Then after that, we did another movie together. I had another movie that I put together, a bigger movie, and he was my choice. He was my guy. I said, “Please come and do this,” and he did. We went to Columbia and Puerto Rico together and that’s the kind of relationship that it blossomed into.

    MF: Can you talk about preparing and working out the choreography for the fight sequences?

    FG: I mean, at this point I didn’t know the fight coordinator well, although he was good. My stunt coordinator, my double, comes with me on every movie, Greg Fitzpatrick, who’s done stuff with Robert Downey Jr. He’s been with Downey for a long time, and all of Ben Stiller‘s stuff. He’s so amazing. I know we didn’t have a lot of time, so we came in and choreographed at least all my stuff, all the fights, to make them authentic. This is about underground fighting. It shouldn’t look like ‘John Wick.’ Hats off to Brandon Burrows, the producer, because once I saw the original cut and the fights, I said, no Bueno. This all looks fake, and you got to make this so that the one judicious guy in the back who knows fighting says,” I believe that.” I think that’s what we kind of were able to pull off. It was Herculean to get it to the place that it is, but when I saw the final cut, I’m like, “Wow, I’m impressed.” If people knew the effort that it took to get it to that, you’d have to appreciate it a bunch more, and Brandon, the producer, was a big part of this.

    Related Article: Frank Grillo to play Rick Flag Sr. in DC Universe’s ‘Creature Commandos’

    DC Studios' 'Creature Commandos.'
    DC Studios’ ‘Creature Commandos.’ Photo: DC and Warner Bros.

    MF: The last time we spoke you revealed that you will be starring in the animated series ‘Creature Commandos,’ which will be the first TV series from James Gunn’s new DC Universe. Have you finished recording for the first season, and were you able to record with the other actors?

    FG: Yes. I recorded with (David) Harbour and I may have recorded with Maria (Bakalova). But it’s great. I love James Gunn and Peter Safran and what they’re doing at DC and for the DCU, and these characters are living in all their movies. I’m going to be around for a while, and I wish I could tell you what I have coming up with them, but I can’t. But it’s exciting. I was just with the Russo Brothers, Kevin Feige and Lou D’Esposito and it’s kind of like, “I miss those guys, but you blew it.” Now we’re going over here.

    MF: Do you know when the series will premiere?

    FG: Yes. I believe Sean Gunn just said something (about it). I believe around end of the summer, beginning of the fall.

    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn.
    Writer, director, co-chairmen and co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn. Photo courtesy of James Gunn’s Twitter account.

    MF: James Gunn has mentioned that the characters in ‘Creature Commandos’ will also appear in live-action DCU projects in the future. Do you personally know when your character will appear in live-action and what project it will be?

    FG: Yes, I do. Again, in a world filled with great talent, actors and famous movie stars, I mean what James Gunn and Peter Safran has entrusted in me with this character and with the future of what they’re doing in that company, I’m humbled.

    MF: Finally, is it possible we’ll see you in ‘Superman: Legacy’?

    FG: No. I wish.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Lights Out’?

    A drifting ex-soldier (Frank Grillo) turns underground fighter with the help of a just released ex-con (Mekhi Phifer), pitting them both against corrupt cops (Jamie King) and hired killers (Dermot Mulroney) gunning for them and all those they care about.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Lights Out’?

    Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, 'Lights Out,' a Quiver Distribution release.
    (L to R) Mekhi Phifer as “Max Bomer” and Frank Grillo as “Michael ‘Duffy’ Duffield” in the action/thriller, ‘Lights Out,’ a Quiver Distribution release. Photo courtesy of Quiver Distribution.

    Other Frank Grillo Movies:

    Buy Frank Grillo Movies on Amazon