The Lost City of Z(2017)

Director: James Gray

Cast:

Charlie Hunnam – Col. Percival Fawcett

Robert Pattinson – Henry Costin

Sienna Miller – Nina Fawcett

Tom Holland – Jack Fawcett

Angus Macfadyen – James Murray

Ian McDiarmid – Sir George Goldie

Verdict:

“The Lost City of Z” tells the true story of how Col. Percival Fawcett (Hunnam) went missing in the Amazon in search of an ancient city he called “Z.” James Gray directs this film to a tee as he paints this fantastical journey of one mans passion to discover a lost civilization. The supporting cast includes Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller and Tom Holland. I didn’t notice Pattinson at all in the film. He completely blew me away with the level of acting he showcased. Miller’s portrayal of Nina Fawcett was very good as she played a strong female character that matched perfectly well with the lead. Tom Holland plays Jack Fawcett, the son of famed explorer Percival Fawcett and he played well off of Hunnam. Charlie Hunnam was excellent as Col. Fawcett as he exudes passion from his speeches to his exploration. This film is beautifully shot and James Gray uniquely directs this film with euphoria and mysticism. An issue I have with the film is its pacing is a bit slow at times and peoples opinion of Fawcett change without ever being showcased. “The Lost City of Z” shows how one mans passion became obsession through a mix of euphoria and symbolism. The performances all around are top notch and this movie is a must for genre fans.

Grade: A-

The Fate of the Furious(2017)

Director: F. Gary Gray

Cast:

Vin Diesel – Dom

Jason Statham – Deckard

Dwayne Johnson – Hobbs

Michelle Rodriguez – Letty

Tyrese Gibson – Roman

Ludacris – Tej

Charlize Theron – Cipher

Kurt Russell – Mr. Nobody

Verdict:

“The Fate of the Furious” is directed by F. Gary Gray and is the eighth entry in the “Fast and the Furious” franchise. This film continues to follow Dom (Diesel) and his gang of car driving criminals as the team faces a personal threat. For reasons unknown, Dom has gone rogue and starts working with an infamous cyber-terrorist known as Cipher (Theron). Returning characters include Roman (Gibson), Tej (Ludacris), Letty (Rodriguez), Hobbs (Johnson) and Deckard (Statham). The movie continues to showcase ridiculous fun action. There is a wrecking ball and a scene involving Hobbs. Johnson continues to show off his comedic talent. He has a hilarious scene involving a girls soccer team. The return of Statham was great and his chemistry with Johnson was on point. The character of Dom is deeply explored in this film as he is constantly making tough decisions that affect the ones he loves. Diesel’s performance in the film at times was over the top as he is trying to win an Oscar. Charlize Theron was great as the villainous Cipher as she is constantly towing with Dom and his emotions. Her character is acting in the more serious side of the film and it is effective. The film overall jumps between the tones of seriousness and dumb fun. This at times is not effective as characters are acting differently in the movie they are in. Also, what’s with the murder in the film. It’s unnecessary and doesn’t belong in this type of film. “The Fate of the Furious” is a goofy action movie with slick cars and effective acting that once again shows how strong the family image is in this long running franchise.

Grade: B-