Dog’s Movie House: “Abigail,” “Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare” Two Exciting Movies. . .For Different Reasons!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with a look at two films, both very good, that feature their director’s signature styles. The first is “Abigail” from the directing duo known collectively as Radio Silence. It’s a vampire flick that, while not especially frightening, is a creepy, gory, funny, action packed good time with a villain that is sure to become a horror icon! The next is Guy Ritchie’s “The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warefare” an action flick based on the first real-life black ops mission carried out by the British during World War II. It’s based in truth, but Guy Ritchie’s flamboyant style makes it feel more like “Inglorious Basterds” than “Saving Private Ryan!
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Civil War” An Intense Piece Of Realistic Fiction!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with a look at Alex Garland’s latest film titled “Civil War.” The title says it all: America is in the middle of another civil war, with a group called The Western Alliance, led by California and Texas, having secceded from the Union and taking up arms against the current president (Nick Offerman) who has, as the film begins, begun serving a third term and has had his troops fire on civilians. Covering this nightmare are photojournalist Lee (Kirsten Dunst), her reporter partner Joel (Wagner Moura). Tagging along on the trip to Washington D.C. are newbie photographer Jessie (Caillee Spaeny) and veteran reporter Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson). The quartet finds out the hard way about the fog of war and, after a certain amount of fighting, it doesn’t seem to matter what side you’re on!
Continue readingThe Kenblog: Remembering Carl Weathers!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with some sad news. Iconic actor Carl Weather’s has died at the too-young age of 76. A press release said that he died peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side, so I guesse that’s something, at least. Carl Weathers, to me, was the definition of “effortless charisma,” which is probably the ultimate definition of irony because I’m sure he worked his ass off to to make it look as easy as it did. Weathers is best known, of course, as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky Films. Modeled after Muhammed Ali, Weathers managed to make the role his own and was a convincing heavyweight even though he had no boxing experience before the first film.
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Argylle” Fun, Diverting, And Occassionally Clever Fluff From Matthew Vaughn!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here and anyone who knows me knows that I love spy movies. From the crazy escapism of James Bond to the techno thrills of Tom Clancy to the serious espionage of “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” I love’m all! I’ve also been enamored of Matthew Vaughn’s work on “The Kingsman” series. Vaughn has a jaunty, energetic style that’s all his own and when it’s used effectively, his take on the spy genre is highly entertaining. Well, he’s back with a new potential franchise starter in “Argylle” which is a decidedly PG-13 take on his usual R-Rated shenanigans. With an all-star cast and a twisty, turny plot, “Argylle” is quite entertaining for the most part, but I found there was something missing to keep “Argylle” from becoming a truly fantastic film!
Continue readingDog’s Movie House: “Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part 1’s” Only Flaw Is That It’s Only Half The Story!
Howdy Folks! It’s The Kendog here with a look at the latest in the ever-popular Mission Impossible franchise. This one’s called “Dead Reckoning Part 1” and their is no lie in the title. This film is the first in a planned two-part story that culiminates next summer with “Part 2.” You have to hand it to star/producer Tom Cruise and writer/director Christopher McQuarrie: they take a franchise that’s twenty-seven years old and continue to make it fresh and exciting, with each film generating more excitement then the last. The only thing that keeps “Mission Impossible-Dead Reckoning Part 1” from being on par with 2018’s “Fallout” is that it’s only half the story and that’s more of a personal bit of frustration for me rather then an actual critique.
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