SKYWALKERS: A LOVE STORY-A Jawdropping Film of Rooftoppers Going Where No One Should Go

There are daredevils who dare to push the limits of human capabilities above and beyond. And, then there are those whose THRILL seeking seems more of a death wish. The handsome Russian couple at the apex of this visually stunning and viscerally alarming film are Angela and Vanya. The two share a passion for going where no person has ever perched before atop the tallest skyscrapers in the world and for one another. Both posted their consummate accomplishments abreast the peaks of buildings where most would never want to peek over for the sense fear of falling. Why do they do it? The same reason many young people do things - to post them and get likes. There's a financial windfall for the few who do this provided they don't die while pursuing the perfect SHOT. Angela and Vanya were aware of the other from their posts. Angela was an avid admirer of Vanya and envied his exceptional technical abilities and meticulous planning. Vanya was smitten by Angela's daring, artistry and beauty. It was Vanya who first reached out to Angela via the internet. When the two met it was instant kismet. If ever there was a couple made for each other, these two come as close as you can get. Working in tandem, the stakes rose as they both pushed for greater heights. The film's cinematography is breathtaking, stupefying and vertigo inducing. Many of the spectacular aerial photos are taken by drones. Others are captured through Vanya's lens. He also choreographs and directs Angela into elegant poses. The spectacular view of the two on rooftops are riveting, dazzlingly and deeply disturbing. The award winning film "Free-Solo" followed American climber, Alex Hunnold as he completed the most dangerous free-solo ascent to the top of Yosemite. These films share common ground while traversing thousands of feet above ground without a net. Alex prepares diligently for his ascension. The Russian couple also diligently execute plans for their climbs with stealth and cunning recognizance of the buildings' structures and security. What Vanya and Angela do is highly illegal. The cinematographer for "Free-Solo" said on camera he was never going to be part of filming Alex or anyone attempting such dangerous treks again. Jeff Zimbalist is the dir/screenwriter for SKYWALKERS. He wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Norman Mailer doc. Zimbalist's heavy handedness costs the  film its appeal and intensity when it shifts away from the HEIGHtS to the grounded love story. The couple's dialogue down below feels forced, false and trite and is totally convincing and compelling from above. The film sizzles as the two ascend upwards but crashes and burns down on earth. Do not attempt these stunts as they are insanely dangerous in addition to being certifiable. By watching, you become liable for encouraging and abetting those attempting these outlandish feats seeking extreme stimulation and recognition. Still, it's very hard to turn away. In some small way, one can safely say, they're going to do it anyway. Perhaps even justify the two as courageous and artistic rather than merely attention getting antics. And, while the film feels staged when the couple is quarreling, there's no doubt these stunts are the real deal. The jaw dropping film SKYWALKERS offers priceless views. It's a gobsmacking, gut wrenching rollercoaster ride. Hopefully, the appeal for imitation will simply die and no one else will think to try. 

Nicole Kidman/Zac Efron A FAMILY AFFAIR Their Dirty Laundry Should've Stayed Hidden

The newly released Netflix rom/com, A FAMILY AFFAIR starring Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron is so bad it's actually watchable bad. I don't recommend watching this lackluster love story. I'm giving you warning, if you start watching this atrocious affair, you're likely to be absconded by how ridiculous it is and waste your time in disbelief. There's no chemistry there between Efron and Kidman. Efron plays Cole, a superhero movie star. Kidman plays Brooke, a Pulitzer Prize winning author and mother to Zara (Joey King) who has been Cole's assistant for two years. Cole is an SOB to work for and runs Zara ragged running his errands and bullies her with the disingenuous promise of mentoring her filmmaking career. Cole is also notorious for breaking hearts left and right but mitigating the blow with a parting gift to his former partners of Cartier diamonds earrings. Zara who banters like the Energizer Bunny on speed is exhausting to listen to and not the sympathetic, hardworking intern who gets burned. It's a wonder Zara managed to remain Cole's overworked and under appreciated gal Friday for two years. But, when enough was enough she quit in a huff. Cole realizes how much he relies on her and goes to where she lives to win her back. Just 24, Zara lives at home with her mom but isn't home when Cole comes calling. Cole just lets himself and then tells Brooke brandishing a large candlestick, "the door was open and I'm a movie star." Cole asks if he can wait for Zara. Brooke being a good hostess gets bombed on booze with Cole. Their lips lock and their bodies collide inside the boudoir where Zara walks in without knocking. Zara freaks out, her mom sneaks out to be with Cole again and the mother/daughter/movie star love triangle should get lost in the Bermuda Triangle forever. Kidman looks old enough to be Efron's mother and neither looks credible or comely on screen. Efron looks like an orange skinned Hulk. Kidman needs to quit putting filler in her frozen looking face filmed using a soft-filter. King as Zara was too annoying, the "romantic" montage cloying and cringe worthy moments ongoing. Bad acting, dreadful script, A FAMILY AFFAIR aired dirty linen which needed to stay hidden. The rare, redeemable moments came from the incomparable Kathy Bates who played grandma to Zara and mother-in-law to Brooke until her son died. Anyone calling this movie anything but awful has lied.  

BEVERLY HILLS COP: Axel F-Gets a Failing Grade with Eddie Murphy and Its Gray Haired Cast

When "Beverly Hills Cop" premiered in 1984, it was a sensational hit, driven by its talented star, Eddie Murphy. It yielded two more sequels in 1984 and 1987 that were also slick and shiny comedy/crime thrillers that left audiences wanting more. However, that was then and now it's too little too late. The franchise should've hung up its cap instead of leaving Murphy two decades later taking the wrap for this crap. By now, the predictable shenanigans and hohum car chases are just dumb. Perhaps the idea of hijacking a police helicopter might've seemed like a novel idea, but it didn't deliver an adrenaline rush or comic relief. The luster on the rehashed pastiche plot of Cartel crime capers with fearsome villains as buffoons and non-conventional good guys who persevere. Most of the cast should've retired from the force by now and have reassembled. Murphy reprises his star-making role as Alex Foley. Judge Reinhold as Det. William now seems swishy. John Ashton as the curmudgeon Det. Sgt. is as cringeworthy to watch as Biden past his early bird dinner hour. And, Paul Reiser as Det. Jeffrey who knew it was time to hang up his badge. Reiser was the only one who showed some sense and credibility. Last but not least, Murphy is too over- the-hill making Foley appear fool-hardy. Not that Murphy doesn't possess charm and acting chops. But this time the role was too much to chew and the franchise would benefit using a much younger crew. New additions to the cast were  Taylor Paige as Foley's estranged daughter, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, a B.H. cop and Paige's former flame. Paige and Gordon-Levitt were likable in their do-gooder personas but the heat was off in their chemistry together. Keven Bacon is a crooked cop. Bacon is so sinister he seems to be playing for camp. Murphy has parlayed his prior success in movie sequels as in "Coming to America".  As an informant, stick with the original Murphy movies from the previous century and leave his remakes in the vault. Watching BEVERLY HILLS COP: Axel F feels like doing time. 

BABES-Gal Pal Humor Bursting with Birthing's Underbelly

The stretch marks of female friendships have their ups and downs. The true test of best friends is its elasticity, endurance over time, distance and life situation. BABES is a female buddy pic of two childhood friends, Eden (Ilana Glazer) and Dawn (Michelle Buteau) who grew up together in NYC. Both women are pushing 40. Dawn is about ready to deliver her second baby. She's a dentist, happily married, lives in a brown stone on the UWSand fully ensconced in family life. Eden is more of a free spirit, unattached and teaches yoga from her studio apartment in Astoria. Their logistics have broadened along with their differing stages in adulthood. Needless, the bond between these two bodacious babes seems unbreakable until Eden's unexpected pregnancy and her unlimited demands on Dawn's limited free time cause a rupture in the structure of their relationship. Will their friendship weather this labor? How will Eden manage pregnancy and parenthood? This is not your light and charming Nora Ephron comedy fare. It's a slick, dark comedy overflowing with bawdy female humor that is LOL.  The jokes keep coming in hard, fast waves along with sight gags on childbirth, breastfeeding and postpartum detritus. Stellar comic scenes include Dawn's labor pains in a NYC restaurant, a nanny freaking out and Eden's doula interviews. The non-stop garrulous banter is reminiscent of BOOK SMART and GILMORE GIRLS but with older, more mature women. Glazer and Butuea are pros in the entertainment world. Both are stand-up comedians and recipients of Tony and Critics' Choice Awards. They are pitch perfect in their comedic timing and affecting in their sensitive portrayals of devotion, hurt and acceptance. Oliver Platt has a small role as Eden's agoraphobic father that is touching beyond words. John Carrol Lynch is hysterical as Eden's gynecologist who is understanding and self-effacing. Hasan Minhaj is marvelous as Dawn's dazed husband. There are casting boons as with the comedy twins Keith and Kenny Lucas and Sandra Bernhard.  BABES is not for newbies. This is a racy, raunchy rom/com where the two leads are vivacious women trying to live their best lives. Their lives are enriched having chosen one other as sister I recommend renting this sisterhood flick. It's a raucous, clever comedy which is also poignant and tender. 

David Oyelowo in LAWMEN: BASS REEVES-A Must See Historic TV Series

The historic series LAWMEN: BASS REEVES stars David Oyelowo, as Bass Reeves, a former slave who becomes a US Marshall. Anything the actor Oyelowo is affiliated with is always worth watching. In addition to Oyelowo's portrayal, there's plenty to recommend this western drama based on the incredible life of Bass Reeves released on Prime. Reeves was born a slave in TX and forced to serve in the Civil War fighting alongside his master for the Confederacy. Reeves' skills as a marksman helped save his life and that of his owner while killing Union soldiers fighting for his freedom. Shortly before the end of the Civil War, Reeves' returned with his master's TX plantation. The dramatic depiction of events that make up this wild west/reconstruction era run as loose as a noose dragging in the dirt. These are the facts attributed to Reeves: he was a sharpshooter who made at least 3,000 arrests, killed 14 men in his job as a lawman, failed as a farmer, spoke several Native Indian languages and despite being illiterate he was able to  memorize the Bible from hearing it read. Reeves was a legend in the west whose story has been mostly dismissed from history. Reeves lived during a pivotal time in our nation's history. It was a time when the country was trying to heal from the devastation of the Civil War and expanding its frontiers into a lawless society. Native Indians were being slaughtered and their lands taken. The south was rebounding from emancipation towards the oppressive Jim Crow South. The most stirring scenes show blacks and whites being shackled by Reeves, only recently himself a slave in bondage. There are delightful scenes shown within his family' home. Ironic and disturbing was the mass Negro movement to usurp and settle Native American's lands and justified as their due and before the whites steal their land. It was gratifying but short-lived, noting the indignant rebellion of freed Negroes to white repression and violence. The acting from the cast is forthright, particularly by the judge played by Donald Sutherland in his final film role, Reeves' daughter Sally, played by a superb Demi Singleton, (the late John Singleton's daughter) and Lauren Banks as Reeves' wife. Dennis Quaid, a likable actor fares poorly in time pieces and is given a melodramatic role that feels forced. The scoring for the series was as a dissonant distraction. Still, LAWMAN does an outstanding job capturing the look and feel of Civil War battles, shootouts, the rugged frontier and harmonious domestic life. The cinematography is sumptuous making the epoch appear both breathtaking and extremely harsh. BASS REEVES is solid gold viewing not pyrite.  It bears historic relevance, epic storytelling, superior acting, excellent production and reprises a tale of a maverick; a slave who became a high ranking and highly respected lawman.   

Glen Powell in HIT MAN-A Sure Fire Film that Misses IT'S Mark

HIT MAN stars the sexy Glen Powell as Gary, the mild mannered Psyche Prof. who supplements his meek income with the daring but sleazy role as Ron, an undercover hitman for the police. Powell's star power blazes in his scene stealing roles in TOP GUN, ANYONE but YOU and currently TWISTERS. Here Powell is cast as a duplicitous character; a moral, mild mannered professor and an adept undercover hitman who ensnares people prepared to pay a third party to permanently put someone away. Based on a "true story"and directed by Richard Linklater (BOYHOOD, SCHOOL of ROCK) you would bet on it being an entertaining rom/com, crime thriller. Gary is surprisingly competent at coxing incriminating confessions from a motley mix of lowlifes. One lowlife turns out to be a beautiful, sexy siren, Madison (the alluring Adria Arjona). Seems Gary is smitten by Madison who wants her controlling husband out of the picture. Gary convinces Madison to simply take the money and run and abandon any notion of rubbing her hubby out. Powell and Arjona have killer chemistry together.  Gary falls hard for Madison who thinks he's Ron and becomes upset and confused when he comes clean with his true identity just after she admits to having killed her husband. Problems arise as the film fails to take shape despite Argon's stunning looks and Powell's sizzling smile. The plot meanders in ways that feel laden as if embedded in wet cement. As attractive as our leads are, we are led off keel.  The entire film feels too long and arduous. We deduced we've been duped and Gary as well. However, Gary fares better in a happily ever after ending that feels empty. We're left holding the bag for a movie that's consummately a drag. Don't be duped by the true story label. None of the twists and turns are credible. Director Linklater should've delivered a film that was better.

LADY GAGA Jazz and Piano in Las Vegas at Park MGM

Lady Gaga was born to be a star. Her singing voice, songwriting, piano playing, acting and stage presence put her in a class with the elite, echelons of performers of any era. I was fortunate enough to catch one of her remaining jazz and piano performances in Las Vegas. Gaga sings from a selection of some of the greatest jazz compositions written or performed by legendary artists including Ellington, Porter, Etta James, Fitzgerald, Sinatra, Piaf and Tony Bennett. Bennett is quoted in her program. "I'm amazed at jazz. I think it's the greatest art form of music that has ever been invented." Gaga gave special recognition not only to her great friend and recording collaborator, the late, great crooner, Tony Bennett, but several shout outs in the audience to his widow Susan Bennett, and also to her mom. Gaga's sold-out Dolby Live Park MGM in Las Vegas seats a little over 5,000. The concert was performed with a full-sized orchestra with an 11 member string section, 13 winds and percussion. Featured performers included her longtime trumpet player, Brian Newman, saxophone player Steve Kortyka and conductor, Michael Bearden. Both Newman and Kortyka entertained with blaring virtuoso solos that were huge crowd pleasers. Pianist, Alex Smith, was featured on keys except when Gaga stepped in and accompanied herself on the keys. I'd be happy to hear Gaga sing acapella or with her own tinkling of the ivories. This full-scale production replete with jazz orchestra, five costume changes still had an intimate feel. The show's introduction was a video of Gaga's friendly, pre-concert convening with her featured artists. During her five costume changes, short videos featuring Gaga in glamorous showbiz costumes moving throughout Las Vegas at night and backstage were played. I liked the video vignettes and her costuming with elaborate headdresses, glitzy long dresses and Broadway fashions. I wonder what havoc the heavy make-up on her face may ensue upon her complexion. The thickly drawn eyeliner and lashes was more bewildering than bewitching. This petty perturbation aside, the major irritation came from two men sitting behind us. They were obnoxious in their obsequious, non-stop catcalling which was majorly disruptive and rude. Nonetheless,  this was an evening of first rate entertainment from a multi-talented artist. Gaga performed jazz classics that she brought her own ingenious interpretation. I agree with Tony B. about jazz being the greatest art form of music. I contend Lady Gaga is one of the greatest singers/entertainers to perform with her innovative style, outstanding three octave range, mezzo-soprano vocals and dazzling stage presence. Hurry before she closes out her Vegas run on July 6.

REEFER MADNESS the Musical at the Refer Den in LA

REEFER MADNESS has become a cult musical that has been around for decades.  Originally made in  1936 as a propaganda film to scare the public senseless with the pitfalls of partaking in the hedonistic habit of toking on a doobie. The consequences for pursuing what was an illegal and immoral drug at the time were so extreme as to lend itself to being parodied. The musical first opened in LA in 1998 written by Kevin Murray and music by Dan Student. It has since spawned into an international cult classic that has been performed and promoted by A list performers including Alan Cummings, Cristian Campbell and Kristin Bell. REFEER MADNESS now playing at the Refer Den in LA opens with the voice of Alan Cummings offering a warm welcome the portends a good time as does the aroma of pot wafting through the cabaret style staging. This production is ingeniously staged as the talented cast of singers/dancers and actors gyrate and sidle through the tables, stairs and sets in an audience immersive experience. The story follows the romance of Mary and Jimmy, an all American, wholesome high school sweethearts in the 1930s. Their budding future and romance are waylaid when Jimmy succumbs to the doobie and becomes debauched and self-destructive having fallen in with the riffraff and lowlifes. The farfetched consequences are outrageously comical and winsome. The choreography is exceptional as are the dancers who are adept showing versatile styles of tap, modern and Broadway dance. The directors/choreographer Spencer Liff and Max Reed have garnered numerous Emmy nominations for choreography for FOX "So You Think You Can Dance," and have choreographed for the Soars, Emmy Awards and numerous Broadway shows. The earnest performances are all engaging and exhilarating. Overall this is a performance not to be missed for its fun energy and clever production with or without mood enhancements. A recent announcement was been made that a revival production will be restaged sometime this year that will star Alan Cummings and Kristen Bell. I sure as hell will be coming. 

Ethan Coen's Film "Drive Away Dolls" Stay Away from this Dreck

 Ethan Coen and his brother Joel have created and perfected the genre of the droll macabre drama.  Ethan's' first foray as a solo director is a total disaster with sporadic moments that show glimmers from what make the Coen brother's films so memorable. However, these flashes of dark comedy do not a full movie make and DRIVE AWAY DOLLS is a train wreck of a film that is a total disaster. The movie is a lesbian buddy roadtrip/crime thriller minus thrills, chills, laughs. It's a hodgepodge of gaffs that miss the mark. Don't fault the cast which provided star quality performances from Margaret Qualley as Jamie, a lesbian on the nonstop lookout for getting laid and her lover Sukie (an under used Beanie Feldstein). Jamie's voracious sexually appetite matches her unflappability in all situations. She takes an assured lead in a road trip from Philly to Tallahassee with her platonic lesbian friend Marian (a deadpan Geraldine Viswanathan) after she ended her live-in relationship with Sukie, a no nonsense cop. Jamie and Marian rent a car which contains, unbeknownst to them, a decapitated head and phallic head castings being transported by a mob boss. The mixup of the car rental pickup is the start of a journey that goes wrong for the bickering, goony gangsters, right for Jamie and Marian and terribly wrong for the audience. Jamie and Marian find their platonic friendship becoming much more as they rotate around a girl's sport team's make-out party. They also find use for the booty found in their trunk. Sukie, 

DOWNTOWN OWL Staring Lily Rabe-Worth Watching with Henry Golding/Ed Harris/Vanessa Hodges

The film DOWNTOWN OWL stars acclaimed film, TV and Broadway actress Lily Rabe who also co-directed with her husband Hamish Linklater. Rabe is best known for starring in the FX anthology "American Horror Story" and on Broadway in "Merchant of Venice".  She is a captivating actress who makes the most of her roles. Here she is especially winning as Julia, the befuddled new high school teacher in a rural North Dakota town in the early 80s.  Julia is taking a semester break from her husband as she acclimates to the weather and eccentricities of small town life and its locals. The film has a "Northern Exposure" sitcom humor, the melodrama of a marriage unraveling, high jinx high school football team antics and the vile, improper teacher/student relationship.  Julia receives the school principal's orientation to the block long town which has a closing movie theater, partial grocery store, chummy diner and popular bar. The cartoon illustration of the town's main strip sets a comic tone which continues through the school as Julia is eyed lasciviously by male students and with resentment by female students.  A few of the students that standout are Eli, (a worldly wise Jack Dylan Grazer) and Tina (Arden Michalec). Tina is known to be  pregnant with the coach's baby.  A delightful surprise comes in the role of Naomi (Vanessa Hodges) a fellow teacher who befriends Julia on day one and becomes her nightly drinking/dancing buddy.  The always excellent Ed Harris plays Horace, the town's wizened sage who also befriends and mentors Julia. Julia is smitten by Vance (Henry Golding) and flirts shamelessly who appears sporadically at the local pub. These fragmented characters along with the comedy and drama all mesh surprisingly well together as they build towards a climatic, deadly blizzard. The scenes where Julia is speaking on the phone to her estranged husband and to her father are particularly potent.  We observe her dependence on her dad and her distancing from her spouse with vested interest. The handling of improper student/teacher relations is disturbing and dealt with unsatisfactorily. But, it feels realistic in this ND town. The high school students all look as if they should've graduated from college and little time is spent within the classroom. However, the minor characters and plot lines are not going to be on the final exam. The final is focused on the central character's journey. And, the final grade for DOWNTOWN OWL is B+ because Rabe offers a master class in acting.