This week’s reviews feature the third entry in the Deadpool movie franchise, a documentary about composer Ennio Morricone, and a drama centered on the women of an organized crime family.
Deadpool & Wolverine
R | Action/Comedy | 2h 8m | Theaters
Directed by: Shawn Levy
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Emma Corrin
The Gist of It: When his homeworld faces imminent destruction, Wade Wilson (Reynolds), aka Deadpool, must reluctantly suit up again and team up with an even more reluctant Wolverine (Jackman) to save it.
What Works: The movie draws most of its frenetic energy from the bromantic chemistry between Reynolds and Jackman, who appear to be having the time of their lives. For once, the obligatory cameos aren’t completely wasted. Also, I can’t get "Like a Prayer" out of my head.
What Doesn’t: CAN’T. GET. "LIKE. A. PRAYER." OUT. OF. MY. HEAD. Not all the comedic routines work—some go on for too long. The premise feels simultaneously thin and convoluted, and the movie is at least 15 minutes too long.
My Verdict: Despite being a hodgepodge of meta humor, fan service, and Easter eggs, Deadpool & Wolverine works because it never becomes mean or cynical. Beneath the severed limbs and gallons of blood, there’s a surprising amount of heart.
Ennio
PG | Documentary | 2h 36m | Prime
Directed by: Giuseppe Tornatore
The Gist of It: This documentary chronicles the life and career of legendary composer Ennio Morricone.
What Works: We’re treated to an in-depth look at the life of one of the most influential composers of the 20th century—a genius who not only crafted some of the most iconic movie scores of all time but also transcended genres and industries, broke existing rules, and even set new ones. If you’re a fan of movies, music, or pop culture, the interviews and footage will make you feel like a kid at an amusement park.
What Doesn’t: There’s nothing wrong with this movie.
My Verdict: Director Tornatore has crafted an elegant, even essential experience for lovers of cinema. Despite being over two hours long, the documentary never feels lengthy or boring. Quite the opposite: it’s like savoring a rare delicacy for the first time. You’ll want that initial thrill to last as long as possible.
Fresh Kills
R | Drama/Crime | 2h | Rent
Directed by: Jennifer Esposito
Starring: Emily Bader, Jennifer Esposito, and Annabella Sciorra
The Gist of It: We follow Rose (Bader), the youngest daughter of a mafia boss, as she reluctantly discovers who her father is. Her eventual desire to break free from the life laid out for her not only threatens her safety but also jeopardizes her relationship with her mother (Esposito) and sister (Sciorra).
What Works: Bader, Esposito, and Sciorra’s sincere and incredibly potent performances imbue the movie with a raw sense of realism. Bader, in particular, demonstrates that she is a talent to watch.
What Doesn’t: For better or worse, the movie favors subtlety too often, perhaps in an attempt to differentiate itself from the more intense portrayals of mafia families in The Sopranos or Goodfellas. As a result, we’re presented with a tamer entry in the subgenre.
My Verdict: What this impressive directorial debut from Esposito lacks in dramatic fireworks, it makes up for in ambition, offering a layered and emotionally resonant portrayal of the lives of the women in the shadows of organized crime.
Where did you find that Morricone documentary? Is it streaming anywhere?