Moviefone Editorial

Tag: paul-dano

  • Movie Review: ‘Spaceman’

    Adam Sandler as Jakub in 'Spaceman.'
    Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Larry Horricks/Netflix © 2023.

    Launching on Netflix on Friday, March 1st, ‘Spaceman’ represents Adam Sandler headlining a very different sort of movie, something more along the lines of ‘Solaris’ or ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’, but though it reaches for the sort of emotional and intellectual depths explored by those movies, it ends up more stifling than inspiring.

    We’ll still give Sandler credit, though, for trying something different –– which he’s been fully exploring under his deal with Netflix, hopping from the sort of broad comedy that made his cinematic name to coming-of-age stories and animated work.

    Related Article: Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan Talk Director Johan Renck’s ‘Spaceman’

    Does ‘Spaceman’ explore new frontiers?

    Adam Sandler as Jakub in 'Spaceman.'
    Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    Though its director has gone on record to say that ‘Spaceman’ doesn’t fall within the sci-fi genre, the hallmarks are certainly there –– a space exploration mission to a mysterious cloud of particles that has dominated the Earth’s night sky for the last few years. An astronaut (though in the movie, Sandler’s Jakub Prochazka describes himself as a cosmonaut) on a mission where emotional and philosophical issues are discussed. An alien creature.

    But while all of that is worthy of note, none of it really adds up to a truly satisfying experience. True, it doesn’t dig down into the technical minutiae of how the mission works, but the actual storyline for the most part doesn’t get the job done, leading to patches of cod-metaphysical journeys into Jakub’s past.

    Script and Direction

    Johan Renck (Director) and Adam Sandler as Jakub on the set of 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Johan Renck (Director) and Adam Sandler as Jakub on the set of ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Jon Pack/Netflix © 2023.

    While Colby Day’s career has mostly been in the comedy sphere, he’s clearly on something of a speculative fiction kick of late, since as well as adapting Jaroslav Kalfar’s 2017 novel ‘Spaceman of Bohemia’, he’s also worked on original sci-fi script ‘In the Blink of an Eye’, which ‘Wall-E’ director Andrew Stanton is filming right now.

    Day takes the usual streamlining liberties with the book’s story, though it’s mostly faithful to the original. It offers quite the character for Sandler to take on –– Jakub Prochazka is more along the lines of his work in movies such as ‘Punch Drunk Love’ or ‘Uncut Gems’ (though it’s certainly not as intense as that Safdie brothers effort).

    Jakub is a morose, haunted man, one with a painful troubled past and a marriage that is disintegrating –– though it was already on life support even when he was on Earth.

    Hanus (voice by Paul Dano) in Spaceman.'
    Hanus (voice by Paul Dano) in Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    On the positive front, the script does have some interesting, satirical things to say about the commercialization of space travel, with Jakub endorsing products and, at one point, required to spout a sponsor’s ad copy before he can use a pivotal part of his ship. And it’s not a joke that is run into the ground. Talking of jokes –– there really are not many in this film, which isn’t designed to be a laugh-fest, but if you’re a fan of classic Sandler, there is at least an early running gag about a toilet on board the ship.

    Director Johan Renck, who has worked on a variety of music videos, commercials, shorts and movies, scored acclaim for ‘Chernobyl’ on the small screen. Here, he brings a retro sensibility to both the spaceship and Earth-set scenes, while the effects team works to make sure that the arachnoid extraterrestrial Jakub meets on his journey doesn’t clash with the chunky, old school ship –– it feels practical and tactile.

    His work with the actors is perhaps less effective; Carey Mulligan in particular feeling like she’s left more adrift than Sandler.

    Performances

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    This is very much Sandler’s show, and he brings a heartbroken, deflated power to Jakub. This is a man who is carrying some very heavy weight from his past, both years ago (thanks to his father’s Communist background and fiery fate) and more current (his relationship to Mulligan’s Lenka, which has become distant in more ways than the miles across space).

    The actor has long proved he can handle dramatic roles, though Jakub doesn’t always give him the fuel he needs –– with the film spending chunks of time on silence and imagery that wants to be more meaningful than it is, it doesn’t always do his commitment justice.

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    As Lenka, Carey Mulligan does what she can with the role, but her whole character appears to be motivated by her feelings towards her husband and the impending birth of their child. She has little function outside of that, but the actor still proves that she’s one of the best at what she does.

    Paul Dano, meanwhile, is the voice of Hanuš, the spidery alien, eons old, who is fascinated by humanity. Dano brings a pleasingly calm authority to the voice, and makes you feel for the creature almost more than most of the humans in the story.

    Beyond those two, there are small roles for the likes of Isabella Rossellini (as the steely yet compassionate chief of the space program), Kunal Nyyar (playing Peter, who communicates with Jakub from Earth) and Lena Olin as Zdena, Lenka’s mother.

    Final Thoughts

    Adam Sandler as Jakub in 'Spaceman.'
    Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    The movie thinks it has more on its mind than it does, leading to long meditations on marriage and metaphysics that are never as revelatory as it thinks it is.

    Still, it’s a mostly worthy showcase for Sandler and to a lesser degree Dano, even if the rest of the cast feel like they’re following in the two leads’ wake.

    ‘Spaceman’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Spaceman’?

    As an astronaut (Adam Sandler) is sent to the edge of the solar system to collect mysterious ancient dust finds his earthly life falling to pieces, he turns to the only voice who can help him try to put it back together. It just so happens to belong to a creature (Paul Dano) from the beginning of time lurking in the shadows of his ship.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Spaceman’?

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Hanus in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub and Hanus in ‘Spaceman.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Spaceman’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Spaceman’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Adam Sandler Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Spaceman’ Interview: Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan

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    Opening in theaters on February 23rd before premiering on Netflix March 1st is the new sci-fi drama ‘Spaceman,’ which was directed by Johan Renck (‘Downloading Nancy’), and stars Adam Sandler (‘Uncut Gems’) and Oscar-nominee Carey Mulligan (‘Maestro’).

    Carey Mulligan and Adam Sandler Talk Netflix's 'Spaceman'.
    (L to R) Carey Mulligan and Adam Sandler Talk Netflix’s ‘Spaceman’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of sitting down in-person with Adam Sandler and Carey Mulligan to talk about their work on the new Netflix movie ‘Spaceman.’ They discussed the new film, their characters and their complex relationship, working together and what it was like for Sandler to be isolated from the rest of the cast.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Sandler and Mulligan, and director Johan Renck.

    Related Article: Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston Talk Netflix Sequel ‘Murder Mystery 2’

    Adam Sandler as Jakub in 'Spaceman.'
    Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Larry Horricks/Netflix © 2023.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Adam can you talk about your approach to playing this character and going to the emotional places of loneliness and regret that you had to for this role?

    Adam Sandler: Well, that’s good. Yes, it made sense to the character to be alone as much as possible. Johan, when we were shooting the alone stuff, kind of just put me in my own world. The cameras were far away, and he let me just feel the sadness on my own. Everybody on the set was nice to me, they kind of left me alone, let me be in my own little weird world. That’s not a place that I tend to be in much. I tend to try to run away from those feelings and just be as happy as possible or try to get back to happiness. This is a place where you just say, “Let’s just feel those feelings,” and I’m not that great at that, but I did it.

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    MF: Carey, they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but that’s not the experience your character has. Can you talk about the loneliness and fear that she’s experiencing?

    Carey Mulligan: I think she’s feeling that. I think she’s also just feeling fed up. That’s what I liked about the character, and the idea was that she’s really annoyed that he’s decided that he needs to do this thing for himself, but to the exclusion of everything else. I think there are tons of films about brave men going off and fulfilling their dream or their huge mission in life, but you don’t see the reality of how people really feel about that, which is not always like cheerleading. It’s the reality, which is, this is massively inconvenient and painful for me to be left alone when I’m going through something which I think arguably is bigger, which is bringing a new life into the world. Ultimately, he figured it out, but it took a minute. But that’s what I liked is that it felt kind of honest to be like, “This is grossly unfair.” That was really where she was coming from.

    Hanus (voice by Paul Dano) in Spaceman.'
    Hanus (voice by Paul Dano) in Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    MF: Adam, can you talk about the relationship that Jakub creates with Hanuš, and technically, what was it like shooting those scenes? Who were you acting opposite of?

    Adam Sandler: Well, Paul (Dano), who plays (the voice of) Hanuš, we did a bunch of rehearsals together, so we got to kind of lock into something that we were connecting on. So, he wasn’t there when I was shooting it, but I felt his warmth throughout it, and it was kind of like a subconscious, or a spirit that I was able to talk to and be truthful with or run away from the truth. It was very cathartic.

    Carey Mulligan as Lenka and Adam Sandler as Jakub in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Carey Mulligan as Lenka and Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    MF: Carey, I know you did not have a lot of scenes with Adam, but what was it like working separately and together with him to create this relationship?

    Carey Mulligan: Oh, it was the best. We had so much fun. We got on well, most of the time. We were filming in these beautiful places, and we both love our boss, we had a great time with Johan. We loved him. (We had a) wonderful crew, the whole thing was just such a lovely job. We were in Prague, and we were coming out of COVID, so it was still kind of empty. It felt sort of magical to be there without tons of people around. So, it was wonderful. I loved it.

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub and Carey Mulligan as Lenka in ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    MF: Finally, Adam, what was your experience like working with Carey. Did you feel like you had to bring you’re A-game while filming with her?

    Adam Sandler: Yes, she is incredible. (She’s a) great human being, and great actress, and I didn’t want to let anybody down. I was more excited watching her act than saying my stuff. I was like, “Let’s get back to Carey quick.” She’s exceptional.

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    What is the Plot of ‘Spaceman’?

    As an astronaut (Adam Sandler) is sent to the edge of the solar system to collect mysterious ancient dust finds his earthly life falling to pieces, he turns to the only voice who can help him try to put it back together. It just so happens to belong to a creature (Paul Dano) from the beginning of time lurking in the shadows of his ship.

    Who is in the Cast of ‘Spaceman’?

    Johan Renck (Director) and Adam Sandler as Jakub on the set of 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Johan Renck (Director) and Adam Sandler as Jakub on the set of ‘Spaceman.’ Photo: Jon Pack/Netflix © 2023.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Spaceman’:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Spaceman’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Adam Sandler Movies on Amazon

     

  • TV Review: ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Premiering on Prime Video this week, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ loosely –– very loosely –– adapts the 2005 Doug Liman movie that saw Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie playing married assassins unaware of each other’s secret job whose stale relationship is re-ignited when they’re assigned by their competing agencies to take each other out (and we don’t mean on a date).

    But the new series shares really only the title and the most basic concept with the movie. Instead, here we have two strangers who apply for a job that sees them partnered up and moving through the various stages of relationships in their fake coupledom even as real feelings develop and the missions become more perilous.

    Related Article: Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are Faux Married Spies in the ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Teaser

    Does ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ hit its target?

    Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ deployed monsters as metaphor for teenage angst, body changes, and concerns. ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ tries a similar trick (though hopefully without the problematic future Joss Whedon of it all), utilizing the central couple’s various experiences as a mirror for a developing relationship.

    It’s not a completely 1:1 situation, though some episodes play to that much more than others (episode 5, for example, sees the duo forced into a situation where their charge, played wonderfully by a superbly grumpy Ron Perlman is effectively a substitute child) but in general, the idea works.

    Sometimes the balance of character work to action can be off-kilter, and not everything about the main dynamic works (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine have decent chemistry, though it takes some time to find its groove). Which, we suppose is how all relationships start and end up working.

    But on the whole, it’s an entertaining peek into the various marker points of the relationship and the series format certainly offers more scope to explore the character levels than anything in the movie.

    ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’: Script and Direction

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Though Glover originally developed the show with ‘Fleabag’ creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, creative differences saw Waller-Bridge depart and Glover instead create the show with his ‘Atlanta’ cohort Francesca Sloane (who runs the show here).

    The writing for the series carries some of the hallmarks of Glover and Sloane’s past work (though none of its experimental, random nature which probably wouldn’t have worked for this). This time around, their focus is on the burgeoning relationships and using the spy missions/job as a giant metaphor for an evolving connection between two people is one that largely works well, even if it does mean there tends to be a larger focus on interaction between the two main characters rather than the action side of things. Jane and John are written decently, though they may end up testing the patience of some audiences.

    As for the metaphors, they run the gamut from excellent to exhausting. One episode, where our main pair meet and spend time with another “John” and “Jane” is at times interminable (no fault of the actors involved). But the mission-of-the-week format means that if you don’t spark to one episode, you may well enjoy another.

    Directors Hiro Murai, Christian Sprenger and Karena Evans (the first two have ‘Atlanta’ experience on their busy resumes, the latter has focused more on music videos and other TV series) bring a fresh, dynamic look to the show, and if the action moments aren’t quite up there with the likes of the ‘Mission: Impossible’ or ‘Bond’ franchises, that’s because it isn’t the main point here. This is a relationship drama with a side of set-pieces.

    ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’: Performances

    Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    With the guest cast almost constantly changing (only one or two people beyond the leads appear in more than a single episode), the weight is very much on Glover and Erskine. As people who have both been the focus of TV series they co-created, they’re both more than able to carry the load of leading roles.

    Of the two, Erskine comes off better, getting to show more development than the slightly more disconnected Glover. She’s excited for the opportunity to begin with, but you can really see the weight settle upon her as the season moves on. Keeping the metaphor of the relationship going, she becomes more and more disenfranchised as she realizes she’s holding up more of her end in terms both missions and personal life.

    Which is not to say that Glover is bad –– his John Smith is a man who seems far less willing to leave his old life behind (a nod towards the usual commitment issues found more often in men than women) –– and he has some superb moments as the relationship develops and, at times, sours.

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Neither of the main pair are natural action stars, but they do their best, aided with a decent stunt team.

    Around them is an ever-changing roster of others: Paul Dano is a good-looking neighbor who Jane takes a shine to, while Wagner Moura and Parker Posey are the other John and Jane who share the double date that ends awkwardly (and dangerously). Again, as mentioned above, the actors are perfectly fine in their roles, they’re just let down a little by the episode’s script.

    Perlman, meanwhile, is wonderful in his role as the mysterious man that John and Jane are assigned to protect.

    ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’: Final Thoughts

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    If it sometimes stretches the concept a little thin, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ is an effective mix of spy thriller and marriage drama with the emphasis on the latter.

    Those seeking the next ‘Atlanta’ won’t find that here, but then, that wasn’t the point –– and as adaptations of movies go, this at least has the confidence to truly be its own thing.

    ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    What’s the story of ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?

    Two lonely strangers land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travel, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan.

    The catch? New identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John (Donald Glover) and Jane (Maya Erskine) navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone.

    Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier: espionage or marriage?

    Who is in ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?

    The series cast also includes Paul Dano, Billy Campbell, Ron Perlman, John Turturro, Sharon Horgan, Wagner Moura and Parker Posey.

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Other Donald Glover Movies:

    Buy Donald Glover Movies On Amazon

  • First Look at Adam Sandler in ‘Spaceman’

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Hanus in 'Spaceman.'
    (L to R) Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    Preview:

    • The first images and teaser are online for Adam Sandler’s new movie.
    • ‘Spaceman’ sees the actor playing an astronaut who meets a creature.
    • The movie will debut on Netflix on March 1st.

    We’re more used to seeing Adam Sandler starring in and producing comedy movies, even under his big deal with Netflix. But he has been mixing things up in the last few years, adding more drama to the mix.

    From the looks of new movie ‘Spaceman’, a sci-fi pic that sees him playing an astronaut, he’s on board something that looks more like it could come from the 1970s.

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    What’s the story of ‘Spaceman’?

    Adam Sandler as Jakub and Hanus in 'Spaceman.'
    Adam Sandler as Jakub in ‘Spaceman.’ Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2023.

    Six months into a solitary research mission to the edge of the solar system, an astronaut, Jakub (Sandler), realizes that the marriage he left behind might not be waiting for him when he returns to Earth.

    Desperate to fix things with his wife, Lenka (Carey Mulligan), he is helped by a mysterious creature from the beginning of time he finds hiding in the bowels of his ship. Hanuš (voiced by Paul Dano) works with Jakub to make sense of what went wrong before it is too late.

    Related Article: George Clooney and Adam Sandler to Star in Noah Baumbach’s New Movie

    Who else is in ‘Spaceman’?

    Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre in 'Maestro.'
    Carey Mulligan as Felicia Montealegre in ‘Maestro.’ Photo: Jason McDonald/Netflix © 2023.

    The cast for the movie also includes Kunal Nayyar, Lena Olin and Isabella Rossellini.

    Johan Renck, more known for commercials and music videos (but also directed 2008 thriller ‘Downloading Nancy’), is behind the camera for this one, working from a script by Colby Day, who adapts Jaroslav Kalfar’s book.

    ‘Spaceman’: See the Teaser

    A brief first teaser, which focuses on Sandler’s character (though we hear Dano’s voice), is now online.

    See it here:
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    ‘Spaceman’: The Director Talks

    Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in 'Hustle.'
    Adam Sandler as Stanley Sugerman in ‘Hustle.’ Photo: Scott Yamano/Netflix © 2022.

    Here’s what Renck had to say about working with Sandler:

    “I really wanted to have a performance from him that had nothing to do with the Adam Sandler we all know. I don’t think people understand how [although] he may come across as funny and sweet and all that, he’s very intelligent, really smart, profound.”

    And here’s what he has to say about Mulligan:

    “Carey Mulligan is incredible, both in terms of her technical skills and her tremendous authenticity. I love her as Lenka. She’s such a big part of this film and does such an extraordinary job.”

    Finally, here’s Renck’s thoughts on Paul Dano:

    “Paul was the first thing that came up in thinking about [the creature]. He has this peculiar cadence when he’s speaking, his careful formulation of words, and his very unique voice.”

    When will ‘Spaceman’ be on our screens?

    ‘Spaceman’ is due on Netflix on March 1st.

    Paul Dano at London Special Screening of 'The Batman.'
    Paul Dano at London Special Screening of ‘The Batman.’

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Spaceman:’

    Buy Adam Sandler Movies On Amazon

  • First Teaser for ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’

    Preview:

    • Prime Video’s ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ has launched its first trailer.
    • The show stars Donald Glover and Maya Erskine.
    • The series launches on February 2nd.

    Once upon a time, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith‘ were Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, playing married assassins whose relationship had begun to feel stale. But when they discover their shared, hidden sides, things spice back up –– even if neither might survive it.

    In taking that idea, ‘Atlanta’ creator and co-star Donald Glover has given it a slight twist (see below), recruiting Maya Erskine to play Mrs. Smith to his Mr.

    From the looks of the first teaser, the show certainly manages to bring both the funny and the action levels, so this is one we’re anticipating.

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    What’s the story of ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?

    Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    While it has a similar basic concept to the 2005 Doug Liman movie (famously the project where Pitt met and ended up married to co-star Jolie), the new series puts a fresh spin on the story.

    Here, Glover and Erskine play two lonely strangers who land jobs working for a mysterious spy agency that offers them a glorious life of espionage, wealth, world travel, and a dream brownstone in Manhattan.

    The catch? New identities in an arranged marriage as Mr. and Mrs. John and Jane Smith. Now hitched, John and Jane navigate a high-risk mission every week while also facing a new relationship milestone. Their complex cover story becomes even more complicated when they catch real feelings for each other. What’s riskier: espionage or marriage?

    Who also appears in ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?

    Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’s cast is full of solid character actors and people known for blending comedy and drama. The ensemble includes Alexander Skarsgård, Eliza González, Sarah Paulson, Sharon Horgan, Ron Perlman, Billy Campbell, Úrsula Corberó, Paul Dano, Michaela Coel, John Turturro, Parker Posey and Wagner Moura.

    Related Article: Donald Glover To Write Lando Series With His Brother Stephen Glover

    Who has made ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’?

    Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Glover co-created the series with Francesca Sloane, one of his ‘Atlanta’ colleagues. Christian Sprenger, a fallow ‘Atlanta’ veteran, is the main director.

    Originally, ‘Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridge was aboard to co-write and co-star, but because of creative differences, she left the show in 2021.

    Here’s what she told The Hollywood Reporter about it:

    “I worked on that show for six months fully in heart and mind and really cared about it — still care about it. And I know it’s gonna be brilliant. But sometimes it’s about knowing when to leave the party. You don’t want to get in the way of a vision. Creative collaboration is like a marriage, and some marriages don’t work out.”

    When will ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ be on our screens?

    All eight episodes of the show will debut on Prime Video on February 2nd.

    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Maya Erskine and Donald Glover in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith.'
    (L to R) Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith.’ Credit: David Lee/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Other Donald Glover Movies:

    Buy Donald Glover Movies On Amazon

  • Movie Review: ‘Dumb Money’

    Seth Rogen stars in 'Dumb Money.'
    Seth Rogen stars in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Lacey Terrell. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    In theaters everywhere on September 29th, ‘Dumb Money’ is a funny, sharp satire of the GameStop stock story, which had people gripped in early 2021.

    Following what happened when “retail investors” seized upon the idea of driving up the value of the games store and Wall Street’s reaction, it’s an entertaining true account of one of the most fascinating financial stories of the last decade.

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    What’s the story of ‘Dumb Money’?

    Shailene Woodley and Paul Dano star in 'Dumb Money.'
    (L to R) Shailene Woodley and Paul Dano star in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Dumb Money’ is the ultimate David vs. Goliath tale, based on the insane true story of everyday people who flipped the script on Wall Street and got rich by turning GameStop (yes, the mall videogame store) into the world’s hottest company.

    In the middle of everything is regular guy Keith Gill (Paul Dano), who starts it all by sinking his life savings into the stock and posting about it.

    When his social posts start blowing up, so does his life and the lives of everyone following him. As a stock tip becomes a movement, everyone gets rich –– until the billionaires fight back, and both sides find their worlds turned upside down.

    Related Article: 35 Best Seth Rogen Movies of All Time!

    Who else is in ‘Dumb Money’?

    Sebastian Stan stars in 'Dumb Money.'
    Sebastian Stan stars in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The cast of ‘Dumb Money’ also includes Seth Rogen, Pete Davidson, Vincent D’Onofrio, America Ferrera, Myha’la Herrold, Nick Offerman, Anthony Ramos, Talia Ryder, Sebastian Stan, Shailene Woodley, Kate Burton and Clancy Brown.

    Does ‘Dumb Money’ score?

    Director Craig Gillespie on the set of 'Dumb Money.'
    Director Craig Gillespie on the set of ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    In some ways, ‘Dumb Money’ feels like a companion piece to Hulu’s ‘Pam & Tommy’ from earlier this year, though that might primarily be thanks to the presence of Rogen, Offerman and Stan in front of the camera, and director Craig Gillespie behind it (Gillespie was a producer and director for the series).

    But in several ways, it is much better than that show, since it chronicles a subject that doesn’t haven’t such personal, painful ramifications as for Pamela Anderson. It also tells its story in more compact form.

    Gillespie, here working from a script by Lauren Schuker Blum and Rebecca Angelo (who first met as reporters on the Wall Street Journal and have several TV series under their combined belts, and adapted Ben Mezrich’s book ‘The Antisocial Network’), dials down on what really made the Gamestop stop impactful, as well as drawing out real laughs from certain moments.

    A big positive for the movie was widening the scope beyond the story of Keith Gill and the billionaires whose world he disrupted with his YouTube channel and Reddit posts.

    Smaller personal stories such as those of GameStop employee Marcus, college students Riri (Herrold) and Harmony (Ryder) and nurse Jenny (Ferrera), help to explain the central narrative while letting the solid performers (Ferrera is especially good, and between this and ‘Barbie’ it proves she deserves many more opportunities to shine).

    America Ferrera stars in 'Dumb Money.'
    America Ferrera stars in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Which is not to say that Dano isn’t fantastic as Keith, who posts under the name “Roaring Kitty” and is using his financial analyst smarts to advise others and take big share bets himself. As his on-screen fortune (and infamy grow), Dano and co-star Woodley (as his wife, Caroline), offer up a compelling portrait of a couple confronting an outrageous situation.

    On the hedge fund side, Rogen is particularly good as Gabe Plotkin, who has risen from humble beginnings to run a hedge fun dealing in the billions. He’s certainly let the power that money has brought go to his head and is introduced yelling on the phone at a realtor representing a fancy house he wants to buy simply to tear down so he can build a tennis court to use during the pandemic.

    Elsewhere, Offerman is typically funny and gruff as the even wealthier Ken Griffin, who smugly dines on incredibly rare food at exclusive restaurants and offers to help Gabe out when he gets into trouble, only to find himself in corporate hot water when his company works with the startup that lets ordinary people buy shares without commission.

    Nick Offerman and Seth Rogen star in 'Dumb Money.'
    (L to R) Nick Offerman and Seth Rogen star in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Lacey Terrell. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    The whole thing is told with verve, energy and humanity, and marks it out as one of the most impressive examples of the social comedy form to happen along since Adam McKay switched from the goofy likes of ‘Anchorman’ to his own sharpened satires.

    And perhaps the biggest recommendation I can make about the movie is that it uses Pete Davidson in a way that is not completely annoying. Playing Keith’s boisterous slacker brother, Davidson’s particular energy is on display in a useful, fitting way. Give it an Oscar for that alone!

    Are there any problems with ‘Dumb Money’?

    Vincent D’Onofrio stars as Steve Cohen in 'Dumb Money.'
    Vincent D’Onofrio stars as Steve Cohen in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Claire Folger. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘Dumb Money’ does take its time at first to set its scene, occasionally falling into the trap of repeating information. It might have you checking your watch initially. But that setup is necessary to set the scene –– somehow it doesn’t have the same energy as the rest of the movie.

    Likewise, were it not for the fact that they are real people, the likes of Gabe, Ken and fellow rich type Steve Cohen (D’Onofrio) would come across as cartoon characters in a fictional film. Here, they are all too terrifyingly confident in their ability to stop the “dumb money” amateur investors.

    As with most true stories of this kind, there is a certain dose of cold water awaiting you by the end –– despite the movie’s claim that the GameStop situation changed Wall Street’s way of doing business for the better, you’re left with the lingering feeling that we’re just counting down to the next financial scandal as the division between rich and poor grows.

    That, though, is more to do with the real world than the movie’s story.

    If you’re fascinated by how the “little people” can get on over on the rich types (at least for a while) and want to watch it happen in entertaining and clever fashion, ‘Dumb Money’ is well worth a bet at the theater.

    ‘Dumb Money’ receives 8.5 out of 10 stars.

    Seth Rogen stars in 'Dumb Money.'
    Seth Rogen stars in ‘Dumb Money.’ Photo: Lacey Terrell. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Dumb Money’:

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  • Movie Review: ‘The Fabelmans’

    (L to R) Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams), Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano), Natalie Fabelman (Keeley Karsten), Reggie Fabelman (Julia Butters) and Lisa Fabelman (Sophia Kopera) in 'The Fabelmans,' co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
    (L to R) Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle), Mitzi Fabelman (Michelle Williams), Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano), Natalie Fabelman (Keeley Karsten), Reggie Fabelman (Julia Butters) and Lisa Fabelman (Sophia Kopera) in ‘The Fabelmans,’ co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

    Opening  in theaters in limited release on November 11th (ahead of a wider screen count around Thanksgiving), ‘The Fabelmans’ marks Steven Spielberg’s most autobiographical film to date. And it’s a masterclass in digging out emotion from the smallest moments while also serving as a pean to the power of cinema.

    The director has never been shy about infusing himself, particularly his youthful inspirations, into his movies. ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, for example, is he and George Lucas pouring their obsession with classic serials into a new adventure series.

    Other movies, such as ‘E.T.’ channeled divorce trauma, while ‘Schindler’s List’ and ‘Munich’ see him interrogating aspects of his Jewish background.

    But none of them are quite as close to the filmmaker’s actual background than ‘The Fabelmans’, which sees Spielberg making a rare foray into also co-writing the script with regular collaborator Tony Kushner.

    Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy Fabelman in 'The Fabelmans,' co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
    Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy Fabelman in ‘The Fabelmans,’ co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

    Inspired by Spielberg’s own childhood and young adulthood in Arizona, the movie kicks off initially in New Jersey, where young Sammy Fabelman (with Mateo Zoryon Francis-DeFord playing him at age seven before Gabriel LaBelle takes over for his troubled teenage years) has his eyes opened and his mind slightly blown by 1952’s ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’.

    Though he’s also scared by the experience, it leaves a stamp on his soul and he becomes fascinated with recreating the train crash from the movie. It’s a passion that is indulged by his mother Mitzi (Michelle Williams), a pianist who has put her own dreams on hold to support her husband (Paul Dano’s Burt) and who realizes that her son has a giant creative streak that mirrors her own.

    Burt, meanwhile, a successful, genius computer engineer, sees his son’s cinematic focus as a hobby that should be put aside alongside other childhood things as Sammy grows up. And the clash between art and science is one that only intensifies, especially when Burt moves the family to Arizona so he can take a big new job.

    Uprooted and in a new school, Sammy goes through some familiar life moments – he falls for a girl, is a nerd bullied by jocks and starts to figure out who he should be. His love of moviemaking only grows, and in the recreation of some of Spielberg’s own youthful experiments, the movie comes truly comes to life. Showing both the process and the result, the home movies boast more impressive filmmaking than some of the blockbusters in theaters this summer.

    (L to R) Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano) and Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle, back to camera) in 'The Fabelmans,' co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
    (L to R) Burt Fabelman (Paul Dano) and Sammy Fabelman (Gabriel LaBelle, back to camera) in ‘The Fabelmans,’ co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

    Which is not to say that the family drama is shortchanged. Far from it; with established actors such as Williams, Dano and Seth Rogen surrounded by a well-cast supporting group of largely young newcomers, the Fabelmans are a compelling brood.

    Burt is quiet and logical, while Mitzi is wild and dramatic, passionate and driven, but also haunted by addiction issues and depression. It could all come across as cliché, but Spielberg and his cast dig into the real feelings that swirl.

    And despite the surface appearance of domestic bliss, this family has deeper problems – Mitzi is in love with Burt’s best friend Bennie, who serves as a de facto uncle to the kids. She lobbies to have him move with them to Arizona, but it’s Sammy’s home movies that eventually reveal the truth.

    His camera skills also come into play towards the end of the movie, where Sammy is tasked with filming his high school year’s “ditch day” at the beach, which once again brings him into contact with his primary antagonist, Logan (Sam Rechner), a jock who ruthlessly torments young Sammy and is confused – and therefore upset – when Sammy lionizes him in the ditch day film shown at their senior prom.

    Michelle Williams as Mitzi Fabelman in 'The Fabelmans,' co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
    Michelle Williams as Mitzi Fabelman in ‘The Fabelmans,’ co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

    After a clash, Logan stalks away, and Spielberg offers probably the heaviest wink towards this being his story, as Sammy offers that it’s not like he can’t make a movie to have the last laugh. Which is just what Spielberg has done.

    There are plenty of laughs to be found in ‘The Fabelmans,’ but the director is also unafraid to probe deeply into the trauma too. While some might have used a movie like this to lionize themselves and their family, Spielberg instead focuses on the pain that surrounded the wonder.

    Dano and Williams are, of course, excellent, the latter handed the juiciest role while the former does a lot with the quietly logical father figure whose influence continues to resonate through his son’s career.

    LaBelle, as our primary focus, is also impressive, carrying the weight of this complicated character ably, no easy task when you’re bringing to life a version of the director guiding your performance. You can only imagine the pressure he must have been under, even with a good-natured sort such as Spielberg.

    Seth Rogen as Bennie Loewy in 'The Fabelmans', co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.
    Seth Rogen as Bennie Loewy in ‘The Fabelmans’, co-written, produced and directed by Steven Spielberg.

    Yet his Sammy is a watchable protagonist, and you’ll experience the highs and lows in his life right alongside him.

    Rogen, meanwhile, in a smaller role as Benny, nevertheless delivers a funny, emotional role fairly far removed from his usual gross-out work.

    And talking of smaller roles, a cameo by Judd Hirsch as Sammy’s estranged great-uncle, Boris appears for roughly two scenes but dominates every moment he’s on screen with magnetic, cranky energy. “Family, art, life – it will tear you in two,” Boris, who claims to have his own film world experience, tells Sam. “It will tear your heart out and leave you lonely.”

    ‘The Fabelmans’ might not quite tear your heart out, but it will certainly engage it. And it’s infused with a real love of the cinema in way that another upcoming release – Sam Mendes’ ‘Empire of Light’ – never quite reaches.

    Steven Spielberg has (mostly) laid his life bare in a way that many in Hollywood wouldn’t dare, and though the result doesn’t boast giant dinosaurs or alien spaceships landing (well, except on a slightly cheaper scale), it’s definitely one of his best.

    Gabriel LaBelle and co-writer/producer/director Steven Spielberg on the set of 'The Fabelmans.'
    (L to R) Gabriel LaBelle and co-writer/producer/director Steven Spielberg on the set of ‘The Fabelmans.’

    ‘The Fabelmans receives 4 out of 5 stars.

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  • First Trailer for Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans’

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    Steven Spielberg is, by any definition, among the masters of modern moviemaking. Able to switch between popular blockbusters and Oscar-winning dramas the way other people change shoes, he’s been responsible for some of the most famous and beloved films in the last few decades.

    And now he’s back with a movie that aims to (partly) explore how he himself fell in love with films and filmmaking. The semi-autobiographical new drama ‘The Fabelmans’ had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this weekend, and the first trailer is now online.

    Co-written by the director and regular collaborator Tony Kushner (who earned Oscar nominations for ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Munich’), the basic story for this one is as follows: “Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, a young man named Sammy Fabelman discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.” Of course, there’s a lot more to it than that – there’s tension between his artistic mother Mitzi (Michelle Williams) and his more straightlaced, scientific father Burt (Paul Dano). Mitzi encourages her son’s creative side, while Burt wishes he’d keep his eye on more practical matters.

    Gabriel LaBelle, seen in movies such as ‘The Predator’, plays Sammy, who is essentially Spielberg’s stand-in here (though that “semi” in “semi-autobiographical” gives the director plenty of wiggle room).

    (L to R) Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle and Michelle Williams in Steven Spielberg's 'The Fabelmans.'
    (L to R) Paul Dano, Gabriel LaBelle and Michelle Williams in Steven Spielberg’s ‘The Fabelmans.’

    The cast also includes Seth Rogen as Bennie Loewy, Burt’s best friend and honorary “uncle” to the Fabelman children, and Judd Hirsch as Mitzi’s Uncle Boris, Julia Butters as Sammy’s sister Reggie, Robin Bartlett as Sammy’s maternal grandmother Tina Schildkraut, and Keeley Karsten as Sammy’s sister Natalie. There’s also a cameo from fellow director David Lynch.

    “When COVID hit, we had a lot of time and we had a lot of fear,” Spielberg said at the premiere. “I don’t think anyone knew in March or April of 2020 what was going to be the state of art or the state of life even a year from then. As things got worse and worse, I felt that if I was going to leave anything behind, what was the thing that I need to resolve and unpack about my mom, my dad and my sisters?”

    As well as that solid cast, Spielberg recruited a typically solid line-up of collaborators for this one, including John Williams on score duty, Janusz Kaminski bringing his painterly style to the visuals, and costume design by Rick Carter.

    “It was very spooky. It was terrifying,” LaBelle said at the premiere. “You get on set and you’re surrounded by masters. Writing, directing, acting, producing, cinematography, costumes, props, music, editing, everything. Just masters of this art. And there’s me. I’m that kid with the good audition.”

    ‘The Fabelmans’ will be in select theaters from November 11th before opening wide on November 23rd. So if you need something to distract your family on Thanksgiving this year, why not spend time with a version of Spielberg’s?

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  • ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ TV Adaptation Adds Paul Dano, John Turturro and Michaela Coel

    Paul Dano at London Special Screening of 'The Batman.'
    Paul Dano at London Special Screening of ‘The Batman.’

    There is new intelligence to be found about ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’, the TV adaptation of Doug Liman’s spy caper thriller that has Donald Glover co-starring and co-creating.

    The cast is growing by three as Paul Dano, John Turturro and Michaela Coel are all joining as guest stars, according to Variety.

    Originally released in 2005 and written by Simon Kinberg, the movie of ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ starred Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as John and Jane Smith, a married couple whose relationship has succumbed to ennui. They’re a little surprised, then, to learn that they’re both assassins and that they’ve just been hired by competing agencies to take each other out – and not in a date night sense of the word.

    Exact story details of the TV version – which will show up on Prime Video – are still being kept largely confidential, though it sounds like the series will follow the characters from a younger age to their movie counterparts, tracking as they’re hired by a spy agency and figuring out both married life and espionage.

    Maya Erskine, one of the creators and stars of Hulu’s ‘Pen15’ is co-starring as Jane Smith, but the character assignments for the new recruits have yet to be revealed.

    John Turturro at New York premiere of 'The Batman.'
    John Turturro at New York premiere of ‘The Batman.’ Photo Credit: Dave Allocca/Starpix.

    Turturro needs little introduction, having carved a successful career as a character for years, appearing in a wide swathe of movies and directing some. Though he’s primarily been known for his big screen work, he’s recently been receiving praise for his performance on the Apple TV+ series ‘Severance’.

    Dano, meanwhile, was most recently seen playing the Riddler in ‘The Batman’, facing off against Robert Pattinson’s Caped Crusader (the film also featured Turturro, though they didn’t share a scene). He’ll next show up in Steven Spielberg’s much-anticipated, semi-autobiographical drama ‘The Fabelmans’, playing a character loosely based on the director’s father.

    He’s also appeared in movies including ‘There Will be Blood’, ‘Swiss Army Man’, ’12 Years a Slave’, ‘Ruby Sparks’ and ‘Looper’

    Coel, who is a rising star, might be best known for creating and starring in the limited series ‘I May Destroy You’. She pulled double duty on TV series ‘Chewing Gum’. Movie-wise, she has a role in Marvel’s upcoming ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’, in theaters on November 11th.

    Though it originally intended to reunite Glover with his ‘Solo: A Star Wars Story’ co-star Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and she jumped aboard to co-write with him, creative differences led to an amicable split and Waller-Bridge departing the series.

    Francesca Sloane is aboard to run the show, having worked on the scripts with Glover, but there’s no word on who might be directing it just yet. And given that ‘Mr. and Mrs. Smith’ is still in pre-production, Amazon is yet to assign it a premiere date.

    Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
    (L to R) Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in 2005’s ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith.’
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  • Movie Review: ‘The Batman’

    Robert Pattinson as Batman
    Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Opening in theaters on March 4th is the highly-anticipated new DC Comics based movie ‘The Batman,’ from director Matt Reeves (War for the Planet of the Apes). This time around, Robert Pattinson (‘Twilight,’ ‘The Lighthouse’) puts on the cowl to protect Gotham City from the Riddler (Paul Dano), the Penguin (Colin Farrell), and mobster Carmine Falcone (John Turturro), with the help of GCPD lieutenant James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), his butler Alfred (Andy Serkis), and of course, Catwoman (Zoe Kravitz).

    The result is a dark and brutal version of the character that perfectly captures many important elements of the mythos that have been missing from previous cinematic outings, but also fails to inject any of the humor and fun usually associated with popcorn superhero movies.

    The film begins on Halloween, as Gotham Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. (Rupert Penry-Jones) is brutally murdered by a serial killer known as the Riddler (Dano). Billionaire Bruce Wayne (Pattinson) has been moonlighting as the vigilante Batman for two years, and works closely with lieutenant James Gordon (Wright), much to the dismay of the rest of the GCPD.

    Jeffrey Wright and Robert Pattinson
    Caption: (L to R) Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon and Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Gordon invites Batman to the crime scene as Riddler has left a note addressed directly to him. As the Riddler continues to target and kill Gotham’s wealthy and powerful, Batman and Gordon investigate, which eventually leads them to gangster Carmine Falcone (Turturro) who owns an exclusive club run by the Penguin (Farrell), where Selina Kyle (Kravitz) works.

    Through their investigation, Gordon and Batman soon realize that Falcone helped the police takedown his rival Sal Maroni, so he could take over Gotham’s criminal underworld, and Riddler is now targeting anyone involved. In order to stop him, they must find the police informant who helped Falcone. Soon realizing that their agendas align, Batman and Kyle, also known as Catwoman, begin to work together to bring Falcone down and stop the Riddler once and for all.

    ‘The Batman’ may be the most brutal and violent cinematic appearance in the character’s over 80-year history, which is the correct tone for this source material. However, director Matt Reeves’ approach also loses a lot of the fun of Batman that was certainly captured in the 1966 TV series, the Tim Burton movies, and to a lesser degree the Christopher Nolan films. I’m not saying I want ‘Batman & Robin’ level silliness, but I think the character can still be fun, even if the tone is dark and violent.

    Batman fighting the police
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson as Batman and Jeffrey Wright as Lt. James Gordon in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘The Batman’ is like ‘The Dark Knight’ on steroids, with elements of ‘Se7en,’ ‘Zodiac,’ ‘Chinatown’ and even ‘The Godfather’ thrown in for good measure. Much of the basic tone and aesthetic of the movie is taken from ‘Dark Knight’ and then just made bigger with more violence, a bit of a darker tone, and the noir aspect.

    What Reeves does capture correctly is that Batman is the world’s greatest detective, an element not really included in any previous on-screen incarnation. The film is narrated by Batman, giving it a noir detective feel, not unlike ‘The Third Man’ or an episode of ‘Magnum, P.I.’ The relationship between Gordon and Batman is also perfectly displayed, as the two work together to stop the Riddler.

    The look of Batman’s iconic costume, his utility belt, the Batmobile, the Batcave, and even Wayne Manor have been stripped down to more realistic versions, but again, it’s a little too similar to Nolan’s approach. And I am sick of seeing Batman on screen in black rubber outfits! Just once, I would like to see Batman in live action wearing his classic grey and blue outfit with the yellow bat symbol. That being said, I loved the new Batmobile, as I was never that excited about Nolan’s Tumbler or the tank used in Zack Snyder’s films. This Batmobile is more of a muscle car and looks like something Dom Toretto might drive in a ‘Fast & Furious’ movie.

    Batmobile
    Robert Pattinson as Batman with the Batmobile in a scene in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/ ™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    I also have a bit of an issue as to how they depicted the Riddler. He’s relegated to be a demented serial killer, which doesn’t really match the source material. He was always more of a common criminal in the comics. In fact, the character in some ways is closer to what we expect from the Joker, a madman who just wants to see the world burn. Again, it would have been nice to see Paul Dano have a little more fun with the character.

    It’s also worth mentioning that Barry Keoghan (‘Eternals’) has a cameo at the end of the movie. Many fans are going to read a lot into his appearance and instantly think he is playing an iconic Batman character. I think the filmmakers definitely want you to think that, and it may even be proved correct in future installments. But I say slow your roll fans, because if you really look at the scene, there is nothing truly concrete to confirm who the actor is or is not playing.

    Robert Pattinson gives a very strong performance as Batman, and surprisingly, Batman is in much more of the film than Bruce Wayne is. In fact, in many ways, Bruce Wayne is not that important of a character in this movie. I really liked that approach, however, playing Bruce Wayne is the weakest part of Pattinson’s performance. You really leave the theater feeling that you know who Batman is, but Wayne is much more of a mystery, which perhaps was intended by the filmmakers. I hate to keep saying this, but I just wish Pattinson injected a little more fun into his role.

    Bat and Cat
    (L-R) Zoe Kravitz as Selina Kyle and Robert Pattinson as Batman in Warner Bros. Pictures’ action adventure ‘The Batman,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    But it’s the supporting cast that really makes the movie pop, thanks to great performances from Wright, Kravitz, and Farrell. Jeffrey Wright was perfectly cast as James Gordon and brings a gravitas to his performance. The character’s trust in Batman never waivers and the two make a dynamic detective duo. Farrell is absolutely unrecognizable as Penguin and actually does bring some humor to his menacing role. Unfortunately, the actor is not in a lot of the movie, but his performance is so good that I really look forward to seeing more from him in future movies and possibly an HBO Max spinoff series.

    For her part, Zoe Kravitz steals every scene she is in and is absolutely captivating when she appears. She has great chemistry with Pattinson, and in many ways is really the heart of the film.

    In the end, Matt Reeves has taken a big swing with ‘The Batman’ and while he didn’t exactly hit it out of the park, he did deliver something new, even if it copied some of ‘The Dark Knight’s DNA. The director has assembled some amazing sequences, including a car chase that rivals the classic movie ‘Bullitt,’ as well as a very strong cast. And adding the detective noir element was a stroke of genius! However, the lack of at least a little humor, not fleshing out the Bruce Wayne or Riddler characters, and the over-the-top violence, stops the movie short from surpassing, in my opinion, ‘The Dark Knight’ or 1989’s ‘Batman’ for the title of greatest Batman movie ever made!

    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures' 'The Batman.' Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics.
    (L to R) Robert Pattinson and director Matt Reeves on the set in Warner Bros. Pictures’ ‘The Batman.’ Photo Credit: Jonathan Olley/™ & © DC Comics. Copyright: © 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    ‘The Batman’ receives 4 out of 5 stars.

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