Movie Review: PIECES OF A WOMAN

PIECES OF A WOMAN
Director: Kornel Mundruczo 
Writer: Kata Weber
Staring: Shia LaBeouf, Vanessa Kirby, Ellen Burstyn, Molly Parker
Drama / 126 mins
January 2021
Streaming: Netflix 

In this dramatic, heartbreaking film, Sean (LaBeouf), and Martha (Kirby) have decided on a home delivery for their first child. When she goes into labor, Martha doesn't feel right. When the midwife shows up their hopes of becoming new parents are destroyed.

Grieving, the couple decides to file criminal charges against the midwife, Eva (Parker).

The movie shows how the two attempt dealing with grief in their own ways. The ways are not exactly compatible. The differences make each seem less sympathetic toward the other. It makes the scenes more complex and compelling, and heartbreaking.

There isn't much more I can do to summarize the film, as it is a traumatic drama with only a glimpse --a small glimmer-- of hope at the very end.

The opening thirty minutes of the film, prior to even the screen Title appearing, is nothing short of intense. (It does carry-on a bit), but it shows the relationship between the couple, and teases at the expected hopes and dreams of a future family.

I love Shia LaBeouf. When I first saw him on Even Stevens, I knew the kid was going to grow up into a big star. He may have hit some rough mental patches. Isn't that almost expected with childhood actors as they grow up? Regardless, he is back and making some fantastic dramatic films. (An example would be The Peanut Butter Falcon). In this role he plays to the best of his ability a supportive husband who tries to deal with the anguish of loss and crushed dreams.

Not knowing much about Vanessa Kirby (The Crown), I wasn't sure what to expect from her performance. However, the actress blew me away. Her performance was authentic, and gut-wrenching. She impressed me with her obvious on-screen talent. I have the feeling Kirby will continue to land lead roles, as she clearly carried the film.

Interestingly, and sadly, the movie (and the play) are based loosely based on the true story, as experienced by the director (Mundruczo) and the writer (Weber), who in real life are married to one another.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the Contemporary Drama, BEFORE THE SUN SETS  

Movie Review: FROZEN

FROZEN
Director / Writer: Adam Green
Starring: Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell, Kevin Zegers
Adventure / Drama / Thriller
March 2010 / 93 mins
Streaming: Hulu, Tubi

I was a bit pessimistic about watching a movie that takes place on a ski lift. I wondered how intense, how interesting, could such a film be?

Let me tell you what, FROZEN is very intense. Very interesting. It was actually frightening. I found myself almost immediately on the edge of my seat. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The plot is simple. Three skiers convince a ski lift operator to let them make one last run down the mountain. Thing is a storm is on the way in. The resort is shutting down for the next few days. The lift operator thinks he sees the last three skiers make their way down the mountain and past him, and shuts the lift.

Only problem is, they were the wrong three skiers. Our three were still on the lift, halfway up the mountain. With the storm making its way in, they are trapped a few hundred feet above the ground. There is no cell service in the remote area (of course). The elements, wolves, and a need to survive cause the three to make difficult decisions.

They have to make difficult decisions because if they just sit stagnate for the weekend they will surely freeze to death.

This is NOT Disney's FROZEN. This is a mighty taut thriller that no one should miss!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the crime thriller YOU CHOOSE

 

Movie Review: BLACK OPS

 

BLACK OPS
Writer / Director: Tom Patton 

Staring: Shayne Ward, Bentley Kalu, Samantha Schnitzler
June 2020 / 102 min
Horror / Sci-fi
Streaming: HULU

The movie tagline grabs you: The Only Way Out Is Up

A Black Ops team, known as Hell's Bastards, is sent on a mission. There is a civil war happening around them. They are on some kind of recon assignment. One of the orders they have to follow is that on their way in, they are not to let anyone live ...When they breach a camp and take out the enemy, they also find civilians, prisoners. Following orders is not always easy. However, there is no way around following orders.

They are warned, however. The only way out is up.

The military team finds a doorway that leads to a staircase. And this is where the story unfolds. On a staircase. The staircase is never ending. Whether climbing up or down. It seems like an eternal "circle" of the same stairs. The same steps.

As the unnerved group continues to search for a way out, they are -- one by one -- forced to face and, in a sense, admit or atone for the sins they'd committed. The horrors of war, the horrors of their past, the crimes that their lives have become!

There are posted Exits on the stairwell. Crossing through the door is not the way to freedom. It is not a way out. There is only one way out. The way out is up.

For a movie I am assuming was made on a shoe-string budget, (I mean it literally takes place in a stairwell), I liked it! The filming is interesting. Blue, green, and red lenses are used. The effect gives the movie an overall cold feel. Icy. The acting is pretty darn good. The characters are developed enough that you care what happens to them.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the sci-fi / horror novel ABSOLUTE ZERO

Book Review: SEE ME, by Nicholas Sparks

 

SEE ME
Nicholas Sparks
Grand Central Publishing

496 Pages / October 2015
Thriller / Romance 

As a fan of Nicholas Sparks movies, I have recently started reading the books. I recently read Every Breath, and have just now finished See Me.

See Me was definitely more my speed. It is a taut thriller about revenge. Vengeance.

Maria used to work for the District Attorney's office. She landed the job when she graduated from law school. Prosecuting criminals was intense. Sometimes the work got to her. After one particular case went south, she decided it might be best to shift her specialty.

Colin spent some time in jail. He was arrested countless times for fights. Thankfully, he had a best friend who always had his back. Evan and Lily help Colin as best they can. For the last few years, Colin has kept out of trouble. He is enrolled in school with aspirations of becoming an elementary teacher. Keeping himself in line, Colin also fights for money. Mixed martial arts, MMA. He is also on five years probation. One wrong move and he knows he will be sent directly to prison.

Maria's sister, Serena, knows Colin and Maria might be perfect together. Playing matchmaker, she attempts to pull off the seemingly impossible. Just as things start to go good for everyone, Maria's past explodes on scene.

She has a stalker. Her life is clearly in danger. Colin is not one to sit by and do nothing. His involvement in trying to get to the bottom of the matter could get him in trouble, could land him in prison. Caring more about Maria than his own future, Colin is determined to find out who is bothering his girlfriend.

The problem is there are far too many potential suspects. Between the male lawyers at the law firm, and the old cases Maria worked on in her past, it could be any number of people after her, wanting to extol retribution for someone once done wrong.

Fast. Tense. And with great characters, See Me was a fantastic read. Gripping, and romantic, while also tender, and gritty! I highly recommend this book from readers who enjoy drama tales with romance and thrilling suspense!

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the legal thriller, ADVERSE IMPACT