By Tony Beal

IN THEATERS
A Complete Unknown
Bob Dylan’s rise to stardom in the 1960s, his relationships, and the evolution of his music.

For forty minutes, A Complete Unknown immerses you in the mystique of Bob Dylan, all while avoiding the typical structure of a musical biopic. Unfortunately, by minute forty-one the film falls back into those well-worn trappings. Using greatest hits compilations and the standard drama of a new star as an unnecessary crutch. Leaving you to feel as if you just attended a concert film with a side plot. There was real potential based upon the amazing life of Dylan, fantastic director and a terrific cast. I do appreciate the film not idolizing its subject like most films of its type. Allowing the audience a chance to decide whether or not to dislike Dylan. In the end, it’s hard to not feel a bit of dèjá vu, particularly once the film has a last-minute source of conflict with Dylan and Pete Seeger. The script ends up rushing the storyline, despite its nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime. An entertaining film with little to offer beyond that.

Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera
Nick O’Brien pursues Donnie Wilson to France ahead of a massive diamond heist.

In an impressive showing, the follow-up film manages to surprise the viewer by differentiating itself from its predecessor in both structure and tone. A feat rarely achieved by most sequels. The success is greatly attributed to the amazing chemistry between Gerald Butler & O’Shea Jackson Jr. They are a solid duo, deflecting their different but parallel ideologies off of each other. There are no shortcomings in the supporting cast either. Throughout the film you can feel that everyone gave it their all and made you feel a little something for each character. All of this makes the setup that much more engaging, drawing you in and making you part of the heist. The final arch of the film, the job itself, takes on the intensity of a slow burning fuse that leads to an explosive release of tension, prioritizing silence over gunfights. Overall, a pleasant surprise and a well-done improvement over the first film.

Hard Truths
A film about two sisters with very different personalities and immensely different relationships with the people who surround them.

I am always amazed at how a film can be so devastating yet hilarious at the same time. Mike Leigh reminds you that life is a roller coaster in his latest work. Each actor, no matter the amount of dialogue or screen time, creates a feeling of resemblance to the viewer, as either someone you know or someone you’ve been yourself. Running the gambit from irritating, to lovable, to hilarious all in a single scene. I’ve rarely heard an audience roaring with laughter to being deathly quiet in such short time spans. Leigh is able to sum up the power of film n less than 100 minutes with a well told story, a caring cast and some amazing photography. It will stay with you long after you leave the theater.

ON NETFLIX
Carry-On
A TSA agent finds himself at the center of a terrorist plot on Christmas Eve.

It’s the simplicity that makes Carry-On work. The film is to the point and fast but never rushing. Carrying us through well done chase sequences, dramatic bar scenes and intense interactions at airport checkpoints. Each character is engaging, right down to the lesser seen supporting cast that in many features can seem obnoxious or simply pointless. Taron Everton delivers an impressive performance as a man appearing meek but is actually quite clever. As always Jason Bateman is nothing less than stellar. Playing a dry, calculating criminal who knows exactly what to do and when to get what he wants. The film is a must see. Giving you what you want in intensity, action and wit. Proving Netflix doesn’t have to use a massive budget to provide quality entertainment.

NEW RELEASES
February 5
Becoming Led Zepplin

February 7
Love Hurts
Heart Eyes
Bring Them Down (Limited)
Parthenope (Limited)

February 14
Paddington In Peru
Captain America: Brave New World
Verona’s Romeo And Juliet
The Gorge (Apple TV+)

February 21
The Monkey
The Unbreakable Boy
Cleaner (Limited)

February 28
The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
The Legend Of Ochi
Last Breath