Cut Throat City: Film Review

Cast: Shameik Moore, Kat Graham, Demetrius Shipp Jr, Eiza Gonzalez, T.I., Ethan Hawke, Terrence Howard.

Director: RZA

It's easy to see what director RZA is trying to do with Cut Throat City.

Combining the controversial topics of life for the African-American community after Hurricane Katrina and police violence against black people, the story of four childhood friends is clearly aiming to push some buttons as it spins a very familiar story.

Moore and Graham are newlyweds Blink and Demyra, who've been "underwater long before Katrina came" and are struggling. Blink wants to be a comic artist, but when his last attempt is thrown back in his face, and facing economic reality, Blink's sent down a path of desperation to provide for his family.

As the quartet scrabble to survive, they turn to robbery and the criminal world of Cousin Bass (played with calm and menace by T.I.) but find themselves in over their heads....

Cut Throat City has some fresh things to say in its story, and occasionally RZA brings it to the fore with its clever use of framing it all within Hurricane Katrina's aftermath.

But for the most part, this is a familiar retread of old themes, wrapped up in street and rapper stylings of dialogue that are more about posturing than emotional depth.

Thankfully Shameik Moore has a magnetic presence that makes his character feel soulful and his plight and desperation feel tangible. But to be frank, he is the only one of the cast that feels as fully fleshed out as is necessary for any level of investment.

Yet, as the film continues its overlong journey to an inevitable denouement of tragedy, there's little new here except a series of Hollywood big name cameos and some mightily impressive tailoring.

Narratively, things aren't helped by some logic loops - especially in the film's final sequence where one last heist takes place. It's here that RZA shows his hand with his anti-police message in a way that feels heavy-handed, clumsy and to be frank, unbelievable in its execution.

It's moments like these that prevent Cut Throat City from truly soaring above - even with the hard work of its mainly likeable cast. There is a fire in this gangster film that works best when it's restrained, and works powerfully when it's centred around the frame of Hurricane Katrina and its after effects, and of the power vacuum that's filled by undesirables.

When it tries too hard, the bluster is sadly evident, and ultimately distracting.

 The Chaperone: Neon Film Review

With touches of a script from Downton Abbey's Julian Fellowes and adapted from a book by Laura Moriarty, The Chaperone is a classy affair.

Set in 1922, when the teenaged Louise Brooks (Richardson, in another impressive performance) was given the chance to go to dance school in New York, The Chaperone's more the story of McGovern's Norma.

Norma is a Wichita native, who yearns to spread her wings. So when she sees the opportunity to accompany Brooks to the big apple, she seizes on the chance. Along the way, there is rediscovery and also challenges for both.

The Chaperone may tread a familiar path in terms of coming-of-age films and social mores, but what it offers up is a chance to revel in the brevity of Richardson's precocious turn as the sparkling Brooks and stay for the more nuanced subtle journey of McGovern's Norma.

The trouble is the film's more obsessed with Norma's story, than Brooks herself.

It's not that McGovern doesn't deliver in a somewhat starched story, but more that it feels like something aimed at the older crowd, rather than a younger generation steeped in the Downton world.

The period detail is wonderfully evocative, and there's much to admire in the visualisation of the Jazz age, but there's a dialled down feel to The Chaperone which suggests a more buttoned up affair than is narratively worth investing in.

Ultimately, The Chaperone walks you through a period of history and a story, rather than letting you experience it. It's not a fatal flaw, granted, but it is one which stops the familiar tropes from soaring and hitting an emotional level you'd want to be more fully engaged.

John Wick: Chapter 3: Neon Movie Review

Keanu's back picking up his besuited assassin John Wick just moments after the end of John Wick 2, where he was declared excommunicado and a multi-million dollar bounty placed on his head.

With everyone apparently after him, Wick has to try and clear his name, and set the record straight as he deals with the consequences to his actions...

For the first half of the film, John Wick: Chapter 3- Parabellum is a taut, inventive brawler that finds new ways to breathe life into the genre.

Its commitment to bone-crunching beat downs delivered with tightly choreographed almost balletic fights are visually and kinetically thrilling.

But when the film tries to incorporate a mystical and mysterious edge, striving to flesh out the nefarious High Table organisation, it wallows in its pomposity, much to the detriment of why Wick worked before - a man on the run, or a man desperate to get out. It meanders when it should be sleek, and goes for lazy gunplay in one elongated section, when stripped back offers more pleasure.

In fact the fleshing out of the universe is almost criminal, a wider context not needed within the framework of why these films work.

Add to that a need to throw in some comedy with potential assassins turning out to be fans of Wick and the film testers dangerously into unwarranted self-knowing, winking territory .

It’s fatal to the vibe that’s gone previously and does little to stop the script dipping into campy one liners and dialogue delivery.

Reeves however excels, his Wick looking beaten, fragile and trapped when needed- but reeves digs deep to allow Wick the physical and emotional heft to fight back.

John Wick: Chaper 3 - Parabellum isn’t a full disaster. It’s a film of two halves and those involved in future elements would be wise to step back, regroup and reassess why the series was working and to build on those foundations, and stick to the basics, rather than trying to flesh it all out.

 The Kitchen: Neon NZ Movie Review

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Moss, Tiffany Haddish, Domnhall Gleeson, Bill Camp
Director: Andrea Berloff

Melissa McCarthy digs deep once again from the well of seriousness which served her so well and nabbed her an Academy Award nomination.

McCarthy stars as Kathy, the wife of an Irish mobster in Hells Kitchen in New York in the 70s. When Kathy's husband, along with his two co-conspirators, are jailed, Kathy, along with her friends Ruby and Claire (Haddish and Handmaid's Tale's Moss respectively) decide enough's enough and look to take over business.

But their desire to do the right thing and also make some money on the side puts them in the eyeline of the police and the Mafia.

The Kitchen's approach to drama is piecemeal at best.

Whereas Widows had dramatic heft, emotional bite and weight, The Kitchen flounders in comparison.

Sadly, by dipping in and dipping out of the characters, and even with a restrained McCarthy trying to build on Can You Ever Forgive Me, The Kitchen doesn't hit any of the straps it wants to.

Opening with James Brown's It's A Man's World over shots of NYC, as well as mobsters, it's clear that this is a male perspective and those in charge are determined to smash it. But underwriting, as well as scenes that fly by quicker than they should, those involved really don't know how to construct a drama that has tension and suspense.

Shouting stereotypes and with dialogue that's ham-fisted as the characters' so-called intentions, this attempt at gender-flipping falls massively short.

Humorous moments that are supposed to be dark and gallows are delivered with such heavy-handedness they fall flatter than they should or deserve to. There's a lack of nerve, and even moments of violence, brief as they are in their brutality, fail to deliver the punch they could have.

IT's almost as if The Kitchen were too afraid to go as dark as it could, to deeply enrich its characters and to blur the moral lines that the best gangster films do - because of that, it ends up feeling inconsequential, a waste of the talents within and a flight of empowerment that's grounded before it even begins.

Fight For Love All Over Again In SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD®: THE GAME – COMPLETE EDITION, Available Holiday 2020

FIGHT FOR LOVE ALL OVER AGAIN IN SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD®: THE GAME – COMPLETE EDITION, AVAILABLE HOLIDAY 2020

 

Team up with Friends Using Online Co-op to Defeat Ramona Flowers’ Seven Evil Exes

Today, at Ubisoft Forward, Ubisoft announced the rerelease of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition in celebration of its 10-year anniversary. The Complete Edition, which includes Knives Chau and Wallace Wells downloadable content, will be available Holiday 2020 on PlayStation^®4, the Xbox One family of devices, Nintendo Switch™ system, Stadia, Windows PC and UPLAY+, the Ubisoft subscription service.*

 

To watch the trailer click the image below

 

With the return of Scott Pilgrim, players will rediscover the beloved 2D arcade-style beat 'em up game inspired by the iconic comic book series and movie. They will have the  chance to fall in love all over again with the fantastic chiptune soundtrack of Anamanaguchi, 8-bit animation by Paul Robertson, and retro cut-scenes by Bryan Lee O’Malley, creator of the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World comic series.

 

In this unique blend of style, humor and classic gameplay, players will help Scott Pilgrim take on enemies, including the League of Seven Evil Exes to fight for love. To do so, players can embody Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Stephen Stills and more unforgettable characters, each featuring their own unique signature moves and attacks. By earning experience points, characters can level up and learn numerous deadly skills.

 

Additionally, players will have the opportunity to team up with up to three friends locally or online to defeat foes, share health and coins, and revive each other. Friends can also compete in subspace mini-games, frantic dodgeball, or challenge each other to epic last-one-standing battles.

 

For the latest news on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit: news.ubisoft.com

The Latest in GTA Online: Double Rewards in all Business Battles, Land Grab and Gunrunning Sell Missions, Plus a Free Tracksuit and More

Boosted Profits in All Business Battles This Week
Plus Rumored Cache of Diamonds in the Casino Vault, Clothing Unlocks and More

The revamped Business Battles featured as part of the Los Santos Summer Special are even more lucrative this week. Stage a cooperative assault on an idling aircraft carrier and fight your way through one of several factories to earn hefty pay-days. If your Warehouse is so empty you can hear your own breath echoing in the halls, it might be time to restock the shelves. Keep an eye out for various forms of vulnerable cargo around Los Santos and be sure to complete a Business Battle anytime over the next seven days to receive double rewards.

There’s chatter (and grainy security camera footage floating around the dark web) suggesting that The Diamond’s vault may have received a shipment of gems this week. Once you’ve finished setting up the Casino Heist, make your way into the belly of the beast for an opportunity to walk away with a windfall of pressurized carbon.

Play any game of Land Grab and receive 2X GTA$ & RP, all week long. In this brutal cyber-space, every minute counts: occupy as many zones as you can before the clock runs down. Armed opposition will resist, though - so keep your wits about you and your finger on the trigger.

All GTA Online players who play this week will receive the dashing Lemon Sports Tracksuit – both Pants and Top – for free.

On the Podium This Week: The Invetero Coquette D10
Once you’re done stashing your take from the vault, return to The Diamond and give the Lucky Wheel a spin. This week’s top prize is the Coquette D10, an American sports car whose accomplishments are all accompanied by various disclaimers, asterisks, and explanatory footnotes. Don’t mind the fine print though, just listen to that engine hum.

DISCOUNTS

Expand your subterranean holdings with discounts on Bunkers and Bunker Modifications, plus earn Double Rewards on Gunrunning Sell Missions this week for some quick ROI. There are also deals on a selection of luxurious vehicles to escape from the prying eyes of the authorities.

 

40% Off Bunkers

Paleto Forest Bunker, Raton Canyon Bunker, Lago Zancudo Bunker, Chumash Bunker, Grapeseed Bunker, Route 68 Bunker, Grand Senora Desert Bunker, Smoke Tree Road Bunker, Thomson Scrapyard Bunker, Farmhouse Bunker
 

30% Off Bunker Modifications

Bunker Style, Personal Quarters, Shooting Range, Gun Locker, Transportation, MOC Weaponized Vehicle Workshop
 

Vehicles:

 

25% Off Dundreary Landstalker XL

30% Off Pegassi Zentorno

25% Off Youga Classic 4x4

 

Plus take 40% off the Ocelot Ardent and Declasse Weaponized Tampa through September 16^th.

PRIME GAMING

GTA Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will receive:

• GTA$200K for playing any time this week
• The FREE Vespucci Canals Nightclub Property
• 80% off the Progen T20
• 80% off the Överflöd Tyrant

 

To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.

Head over to the Social Club Events page for a full rundown of all current special events, bonuses and discounts.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.