The Assassin

A 2015 released Chinese film that follows the story of a young assassin. She was sent to a monastery as a child and trained to be one of the best assassins. But while her skills and technique are unrivaled, her mentor questions her resolve. While I have not seen any Terrence Malick films, my preconceived notion about what his films look and feel like were manifested here. The film is set in 9th century China during a transition from the strength of an imperial dynasty to provincial independence. Our assassin has an assignment. While the story is strong, the presentation is lots of extended pans from a tree, across a lake, to another tree. It felt like B-roll of scenery. Or an actor close-up, a line delivered, and a 20 second silent pull out. It elevated the landscape and characters to a position above the story/plot. So beautiful, arty, slow. But the gravitas of the characters dilemma did not require this much time for the viewer to contemplate or struggle. 

2 stars (out of 5)

Beyond the Edge

A con-artist and high end gambler is just wrapping up a job that he has been setting up for 3 months. He is about to walk out of a game with 5 million euro. And his cards change before his eyes? And now he is discovered, his "earnings" walk out the door with another man, and he has 1 week to pay back the bill. To do so, he joins forces with some supernatural talent, who also happen to be individuals needing social guidance. The team is set. We get to follow this team through training, the development of the next con, implementation and failure and ... no spoilers here. Really this is a pretty fun con film with a plot device (the supernatural thing) that doesn't really get in the way or become the focus of the entertainment. It is a tool that is used to achieve an end. 

3 stars (out of 5)

The Adventurers

A wizard of the high end heist has just been released from jail and is immediately planning his next job. Mostly he is working to steal all three pieces of GAIA, a series of jewels that when put together form a priceless neckless set. In parallel, he is working to find out who double-crossed him and sent him to jail in the first place. And finally, he is pursued by a french detective who has been on his tail for years. In my viewing, this is a near perfect heist film. We see the planning and the execution of several jobs. We have the team chemistry factor that adds an element of unknown and humor into the story. We have the police, who are competent, but always just "not quite". And then the overriding plot that requires a few twists. Well done.

4 stars (out of 5) 

Kareem: Minority of One

Documentary on Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Tells the story of his development as a basketball player and becoming the NBA all-time leading scorer. Since Kareem was involved, we get interviews with him and his perspective now that are juxtaposed with his on-camera persona throughout his career. It is a fascinating and interesting telling of the story of his basketball life. I wish that we could have delved into his life as an activist and writer post-basketball, but maybe that is needing its own 90 minutes.

4 stars (out of 5)

Pieces of April

Some films just need to be watched over and over, and they are good every time. This is one of those for me this decade (see original review).

5 stars (out of 5)

The Life Ahead

A Spanish film that follows Rosa, an aging former-prostitute, as she takes in kids of current prostitutes to help keep them off the street. The kid of interest is Momo, a Senegalese orphan who just needs something to care about and someone to care about him. Rosa and Momo both grow to need each other and find themselves saving each other. Even though formulaic and time-forced (not enough time passed to develop the depth of relationship we see), this is still a worthwhile watch. Reminded me in look and feel to Monsieur Ibrahim, which I vaguely remember to be better.

4 stars (out of 5)

Hard Kill

Full disclosure: I only saw the first 20 minutes. This is supposed to be an action thriller. My expectation for a 2nd tier action thriller is that is relies on the action. This spent the first 20 minutes "setting the story" with back story and character motivation and plot development. All with horribly pedestrian dialogue. I just couldn't even stick with it to get to any action.

1 star (out of 5)