In new eight-part Apple TV series, Presumed Innocent, Jake Gyllenhaal is Rusty Sabich; the main suspect following the horrificmurder of one of his teammates.
Additional key cast includes Ruth Negga, Bill Camp, Peter Sarsgaard Lily Rabe and Kingston Rumi Southwick.
The stellar ensemble cast and the possibility of a great story are the reasons I’m curious. I’m also looking forward to watching Gyllenhaal getting to act opposite his brother-in-law, Sarsgaard.
Rusty is looking mighty guilty to me at this point. Let’s hope that the story is as tense and fun-to watch unfold as this trailer suggests.
Renate Reinsve, Roberta Bassin, O-T Fagbenle, Tate Birchmore, Chase Infiniti, Nana Mensah, Gabby Beans, Virginia Kull and James Hiroyuki Liao also star
Starring Emily Blunt, Ryan Gosling, Aaron Taylor Johnson and Hannah Waddingham; The Fall Guy is a movie with a trailer that didn’t have me as excited as I wanted to be, especially with a cast this stellar.
I can now confirm that my instincts about director David Leitch’s action/comedy/dramawere correct, in that I did not love the finished product.
One might say that The Fall Guy is simply ‘not my vibe,’ and they would be correct. Especially since a keyword that came up as I watched the movie is ‘silly.’ Leitch’s film has a certain silliness and sense of humour that isn’t fully for me, even though some parts may have put a smile on my face.
The story of a retired stuntman getting drafted back to work on a movie directed by his ex-girlfriend is simple enough; arguably too simple and inadequately engaging. Especially since, for me, the idea of Gosling and Blunt playing a couple felt as much a miscast in the finished movie, as it did in the trailer.
Maybe it’s just the wrong project for them to do together. Or it’s the script/simple story. Perhaps it’s this specific brand of silliness and the fact that it’s not quite ‘my vibe’.
In fairness, the action/stunts/story became more engaging in the last third/quarter, but not enough for me to consider the overall experience a positive one.
If you’re curious enough, give The Fall Guy a chance. It certainly offers a window into the stunt-double experience; a more modern version than Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), that’s for sure. And perhaps you’ll love it – if you don’t already.
In new drama/horror/thriller, Speak No Evil; Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy and Alix West Lefler play a family who agree to spend a weekend away with another family they met on vacation.
Unfortunately, their potentially idyllic stay becomes a psychological nightmare; thanks to Paddy (James McAvoy), Ciara (Aisling Franciosi) and Ant (Dan Hough).
Directed by James Watkins; this is one of those trailers that almost makes me wish I was more into scary movies.
I fully suspect I’ll get mad at Louise ( Mackenzie Davis) and her partner several times, for not racing out of there much sooner. Still, maybe I’ll stick it out because I’m curious about Paddy and his more than complicit partner Ciara.
Are you drawn to Speak No Evil, which happens to be a remake of a 2022 Danish film of the same name? I really hadn’t anticipated that remakes could be ‘allowed’ this quickly after the original release. Silly me.
Starring Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Michael Shannon, Tom Hardy and Mike Faist; The Bikeriders is a new crime/drama directed by Jeff Nicholsof (Mud (2012) andLoving (2016).
Capturing the evolution of a motorcycle club from a social safe place to a sinister gang, The Bikeriders tells the story of Benny (Butler) and the choice he has to make between the gang and his new love.
I generally care very little about motorcycles, but this trailer has me invested in how Benny’s (Butler) story will end. As always, there’s no doubt Hardy will be his usual memorable self.
One more thing, initially I felt as though The Bikeriders is not the best title for this movie. Now I feel as though it may have grown on me. What do you think? is the title too ‘on the nose’ or is it perfectly fine?
Beau Knapp, Damon Herriman, Emory Cohen, Toby Wallace, Paul Sparks, Karl Glusman, Happy Anderson, Will Oldham, Mierka Girten, Paul Dillon and Nathan Neorr also star.
Of all the elements I usually enjoy about Netflix’s Bridgeton, the first four episodes of season three have only delivered on two, at best.
The costume design and the general look and feel of the series are still mostly delightfully sumptuous and colourful. The dialogue remains fun in parts. I particularly enjoyed it whenever the ‘marriage-minded mamas’ were spoken about, and lines such as ‘Under what foreign sun did you apparently get so, sturdy?’ were delivered.
Overall, I have to admit that this instalment of Netflix’s hit series has felt less exciting, in part because the previous season came with at least two new and interesting central characters. It certainly doesn’t help matters that I never put Colin and Penelope on my list of favourite Bridgerton characters. Nor did I find them particularly charming.
As kind as Colin Bridgerton may be, his big brother Anthony is far more intriguing and fun to watch. Penelope might be sympathetic and relatable in several ways, but, unfortunately, (and this is likely my problem only), however, her apparent enjoyment of malicious gossip reminds me too much of a former talk show host by the name of Wendy Williams, a personality whose show I’ve never been a fan of.
Bridgerton – Seasons 3 (2024), Jonathan Bailey, Netflix
Additionally, it’s arguably concerning that we’re four episodes into the season, and I’m not even sure I’m convinced that Colin and Penelope have adequate chemistry. Is the issue the less engaging love story, therefore, the writing? Or is it an inadequately charming and chemistry-lacking couple? It might also be me, again.
The other Bridgerton series characteristic I hope stands out more in the remaining four episodes due on June 13th, 2024, is the adaptation of popular modern music to fit the fantasy Regency era. I’ve recognised none of the music adapted for this season so far. That could also be because I don’t recognise any of the songs because I’m out of the loop.
Have you seen the first four episodes of Bridgerton season three? Perhaps, for you, the series has maintained its lustre, plus, Colin/Penelope are your favourite characters. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
