Chad C is back with more weekly reviews. This time it’s the remake/sequel/reboot/horseshit of FLATLINERS and Tom Cruise’s smug Scientology ass-crack of a face in AMERICAN MADE. I need sleep. Goodnight.
This column introduces you to the most popular movies that are coming out in theaters this weekend.
What movie will you see?
American Made
Even though Scientology is nuts and TC is part of it, there is no denying that TC is one of the best and most entertaining actors out there. American Made tells the story of Barry Seal, a former airline pilot who becomes involved with smuggling drugs for the Cartel in the 80’s. Tom Cruise stars as Barry Seal while the rest of the cast includes Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse (Fat/Meth Damon) Plemons, Caleb Landry Jones (Get Out), and more. Doug Liman flies into the director chair for this one. Liman’s last 4 directorial films are The Wall, Edge of Tomorrow, Fair Game, and Jumper. He is also signed on to direct Live Die Repeat and Repeat (terrible title) which is the sequel to Edge of Tomorrow. This article was Made in America. Now, go see American Made this weekend.
Flatliners
Flatliners Part 2. Medical students learn about the afterlife by partaking in experiments that cause near death experiences. Starring in this dramatic sci-fi flick are Ellen Page, Diego Luna, Nina Dobrev, Kiefer Sutherland, and more. Directing Flatliners is Niels Arden Oplev, who directed 2009’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and Dead Man Down. Ben Ripley pens the screenplay and is known for writing Source Code. Don’t lay on the couch like a flat line(bad joke), go to the theater to see Flatliners.
Lucky
The late great Harry Dean Stanton stars as Lucky, a 90 year old atheist who goes on a spiritual journey. The rest of the cast includes David Lynch, Ron Livingston, Ed Begley Jr., Tom Skerritt, Barry Shabaka Henley, and more. There is a first time director for Lucky…..John Carroll Lynch. Yup, that guy. Lynch is known for his roles in Zodiac, American Horror Story, Shutter Island, and so much more. Not sure what movie to see this weekend? Then close your eyes and buy a random ticket online. Maybe you’ll get Lucky.
Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House
Mark Felt, also known as Deep Throat, helped journalists uncover the scandal of Watergate. Starring in this biographical drama are Liam Neeson, Diane Lane, Josh Lucas, Kate Walsh, Michael C. Hall, Tom Sizemore, Bruce Greenwood, and more. Peter Landesman writes and directs this flick. Landesman wrote and directed Parkland and Concussion. He also wrote the script for Kill the Messenger which starred Jeremy Renner. Have you ever Felt like you need to see a biographical drama? Then go see Mark Felt…..(insert long title here).
As promised, I’m back with my usual Sunday edition of Working the Weekend with Luke. If you were looking for me last weekend, I had some connection issues which didn’t allow me to get my column out. But that was an issue that I rectified yesterday with a special Saturday edition, which you can check out HERE if you missed it.
As for today, I just want to give a quick revisit to a few movies that I’ve run into over the past couple of weeks that I’ve always enjoyed, but maybe wouldn’t think to watch on a regular basis.
Over the years, I’ve watched thousands upon thousands of movies. I’ve got a nice little DVD/Blu-Ray collection that I go to when I know I need to watch something specific. I can go to my Rocky movies when I know I need them. I throw in Warrior when I’m a little amped up. I’ve got a few comedies that I can throw in when I need a laugh and dramas when I need a good cry. I’ve got favorites that I go when I need inspiration and others that I can go to when I don’t want to feel or think about anything. But honestly, a lot of the movies I watch are ones that I’ve seen already but just happen upon on television on a random day. For no particular reason, I’ve watched movies like Beerfest or Grandma’s Boy or Role Models countless times. These are not good movies, but I enjoy them enough to have on while on the couch not wanting to do anything or in the background while I’m putting out entertainment for you folks. But over the past few weeks, I’ve come across movies that I thought I had maybe forgotten about. By the end of this, this may turn into a full Denzel Washington tribute, but he’s been on quite a bit lately.
THE HURRICANE
Denzel Washington is simply amazing in his portrayal of wrongly imprisoned boxer Ruben “Hurricane” Carter. The story follows Carter as he and John Artis were convicted in the murder of three people in a New jersey tavern in 1966. After nineteen years and many appeals, they were finally freed in 1985. This is one of Denzel’s best performances. Just look at the clip below.
FLATLINERS
Okay, don’t judge me too harshly on this one, but I like this movie. I’m not sure exactly why I do, but I watched this movie over and over when I was a kid and it was nice to come across it.
GLORY
Initially, it was difficult to watch Ferris Bueller and Wesley attempt to lead a military unit, but you get used to it as the movie goes on. And the performances given by Morgan Freeman and Denzel Washington are extaordinary. I firmly believe that the scene below won Denzel his first Oscar. Awesome movie.
YOUNG GUNS 2
This is one of the rare occasions when a sequel is superior to the original. I watched this movie so many times with my old man growing up, so I was very excited when I came across it on CMT the other day. And don’t be afraid to admit that you love “Blaze of Glory” too.
CRIMSON TIDE
This is probably my favorite movie on this particular list. I’m actually pissed at myself for forgetting how much I enjoy it. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington are nearly flawless in their scenes together. It’s a movie I never replaced when I switched over to DVD and that’s something I plan to fix very soon.
Thoughts? Comments? Leave them below or follow me on Twitter and tweet @THElukenorris.
But before I go, let’s get back to our usual Beverly Hills, 90210 clip of the week. Did you forget how much you hate Brenda?