Film Review: Running with the Devil

Jason Cabell’s solo directorial debut Running with the Devil is refreshing in its commitment to harsh realities over cheap thrills, for the most part. Unfortunately this doesn’t make the film particularly memorable. 

The head of a drug cartel sends two of his trusted assistants to investigate why a batch of cocaine went missing on its way from Mexico to Canada. The pair need to go through the chain to identify the problem…

An early shot of Running with the Devil is reminiscent of the very famous tracking shot from Goodfellas. Writer-director Jason Cabell uses this to set up a sharp contrast between the glamour of recreational drug use, and the brutality of the growing and supply industry. 

This contrast returns time and time again in Cabell’s film. The Colombian family existence is a world away from The Cook’s comfortable lifestyle. The narrative begins to pick up pace at around twenty minutes in. The film is sufficiently engaging, although it is relatively silly situation which propels the story.  

Given the nature of the film, Running with the Devil is not as tense as it could be. There are some heightened moments, but the film is a little flat for a thriller. The tracking of the cocaine and its steadily increasing price is a good device to emphasise the length and danger of the journey. The complete lack of character names is an odd stylistic decision. 

The use of dialogue is restrained; exposition is takes prominence in practically every conversation. There is not a lot of character building in the film, which is fine for the purposes of the story, but does not help with the generating of tension. A few key moments lack the gravitas they should have had. Cabell may have felt he needed a wild ending, but the twist  is unearned and rather disappointing. 

Performances in Running with the Devil are perfectly fine. None of the cast members really excel. Nicolas Cage is more restrained than normal, Leslie Bibb and Laurence Fishburne are not stretched by the film. The score tries its best to add tension, but is sometimes intrusive. The editing is abrupt on occasion. 

Running with the Devil is a case of execution not quite matching ambition. 

Running with the Devil will be available on Digital Download from 4th November 2019, and can be pre-ordered here

Previews: Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer, Goodfellas, More!

This week’s preview of coming attractions features the new Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer, Baywatch, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, The Mummy, and more…

Spider-Man: Homecoming Trailer

Here is the full Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer. The film seems to be very much in the style of the recent Marvel films, not least with the appearance of Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark. Starring Tom Holland as the title character, and featuring Michael Keaton and Marisa Tomei, Spider-Man: Homecoming is set for release on 7th July 2017.

Baywatch Trailer

Here is the trailer for the Baywatch film. Whilst it is yet another film reboot of a television show, this one looks like it will be a lot of fun. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra, the film reprises the characters from the original television show.  Directed by Horrible Bosses‘ Seth Gordon, Baywatch will be released in Summer 2017.

Goodfellas Trailer

Here is the first new Goodfellas in 25 years, produced for the 4K restoration of the film. The film is being re-released UK-wide, and as part of the BFI’s Martin Scorsese’s retrospective season which runs from 1st January-28th February 2017. The classic gangster film will be re-released in UK cinemas on 20th January 2017.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2 Trailer

Baby Groot is just enchanting. Here is the first real look at next year’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Guardians of the Galaxy was a brilliant mix of action, spectacle, comedy, and music, and the sequel seems to offer the same. The film sees the return of Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and the voice of Bradley Cooper. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 will hit UK screens on 28th April 2017.

Live By Night Poster

Here is the latest poster for Live By Night. Director, screenwriter and star Ben Affleck channels the classic gangster movie with his latest. Affleck collaborates with author Dennis Lehane once again (after Gone Baby Gone) for the Boston-set thriller. Featuring an all-star cast, Live By Night will be released in UK cinemas on 13th January 2017.

The Mummy Trailer

Here is the trailer for Universal’s The Mummy. The film is another incarnation of the series of films, the first of which was released in 1932. This version stars Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, and Annabelle Wallis. Much of the action seems to take place in London, continuing the trend of city being destroyed in big-budget movies. The Mummy will hit UK screens on 9th June 2017.

Transformers: The Last Knight Trailer

Here is the trailer for the latest Transformers movie, the fifth in this franchise. Mark Wahlberg returns in Transformers: The Last Knight, along with Stanley Tucci, Josh Duhamel, and Tyrese Gibson. Anthony Hopkins also joins the cast this time around. Transformers: The Last Knight is set for release in Summer 2017.

Film Review: The Iceman

Ariel Vromen’s The Iceman is a fantastic crime drama with an exemplary central performance.

When Richard Kuklinski unwittingly encounters some gangsters, he catches the eye of a mafia boss who sets him to work. Kuklinski becomes a hitman, responsible for the a vas number of executions. But Kuklinski is also a family man, and they are oblivious to his notorious career…

Director Ariel Vromen, who also co-wrote the screenplay, delivers a memorable crime drama with The Iceman. The outcome of the story may be known to some, but this does not matter as the film is finely crafted to make it compelling viewing.

Based on true events, The Iceman does not shy away from violent depictions. Given its setting, themes, and indeed the casting of Ray Liotta, the film has definite allusions to Goodfellas. However Vromen distinguishes his film from Martin Scorsese’s classic by putting his own stamp on the direction.

The central character Kuklinski is cold, and responsible for such brutal crimes. He is not a character who audiences should find endearing. Yet the skill of Vromen and co-writer Morgan Land is that viewers end up rooting for Kuklinski. Some references to his background are made, but the film chooses to focus on the present day affairs. This makes the filmakers’ achievements all the more pivotal. The Iceman does not rely on a difficult backstory to generate feeling towards the protagonist; the way the story unfolds ensures that he is an absorbing figure.

With a number of great performances under his belt, Michael Shannon is a tour de force as Richard Kuklinski. His performance is both compelling and convincing. Shannon is ably supported by the rest of the cast. Winona Ryder is great as Deborah, while Chris Evans also delivers a strong performance.

Michael Shannon exhibits why he is one of the best actors in contemporary Hollywood with The Iceman. Highly recommended viewing.

Film Review: A Bronx Tale

Robert De Niro’s directorial debut A Bronx Tale is a fine piece of storytelling. Taking his cues from long-time collaborator Martin Scorsese, De Niro fashions a compelling drama.

Growing up in the Bronx in the 1960s, Calogero is in awe of the gangsters that surround his home. His father Lorenzo, an upstanding bus driver in the area, warns his son against fraternising with these gangsters. However, Calogero is happy when local mobster Sonny takes a shine to him…

Written by and starring Chazz Palminteri, A Bronx Tale is very much a coming-of-age story. Despite the inclusion of crime as a pivotal theme, the emphasis remains on Calegero and his maturity in a divisive environment. Although most viewers will not be able to relate to the world that Calogero grows up in, it is conceived well enough that the action that takes place in entirely plausible. Moreover, the central character is well-developed and an engaging protagonist.

The duality present in A Bronx Tale is not unlike other films of this ilk. Calgero’s struggle between the lure of Sonny’s lifestyle and the wishes of his father dominates the film. The way the story unfolds compels viewers. Although A Bronx Tale has a slightly slow start, it becomes compelling in good time. There is an authenticity and charm to Calgero’s character which makes viewers care about his outcome and choices.

Although the film features gangsters and crime heavily, race is also a preoccupation of A Bronx Tale. It is the facet which is perhaps most interesting. Given the period and location setting, it is easy to see why race was a contentious issue. The film deals with this theme in an interesting way; one which does not come across as over moralising.

The influence of Martin Scorsese on director De Niro is clear. With its use of voiceover and the subject of the film, there are clear parallels between A Bronx Tale and Goodfellas. That is not to say that De Niro apes the style of his long-time collaborator entirely, but merely that the influence is apparent. A Bronx Tale features an excellent use of music. Songs really give an indication of the period, whilst also underscoring the on-screen action.

Casting in A Bronx Tale is superb. Lillo Brancato is great as the teen Calogero, while De Niro plays the father role well. Chazz Palinteri is fantastic as Sonny, having played all the roles in his original stage play.

A Bronx Tale serves as a timely reminder of the skill of Robert De Niro, both in front and behind the camera. Recommended viewing.

A Bronx Tale is out on Blu-Ray for the first time on 18th June 2012.