The Protégé

 

 

 

Thanks to a slick script by Richard Wenk and both Maggie Q and Samuel L. Jackson, Director Martin Campbell’s The Protégé is one of the best thrillers in a long time.

Jackson plays Moody, the Assassins’ Assassin, who rescues Anna (Maggie Q) as a child and raises her to have all the skills of his younger self.

When Moody is terminated, Anna goes after the man whose identity has been hidden since his own childhood.

Finding him and dealing with his army of killers takes all of Anna’s skills and nearly ends her life.

It’s the surprises along the way that make this film outstanding for thriller fans.

Rupert Parkes‘ music, David Tattersall’s cinematography and Angela M. Catanzaro’s editing give excellent support to the action.

I give The Protégé a 4.9 out of 5 and look forward to seeing it again.

Respect

 

 

 

The real heroes of the fabulous film Respect are the Casting Directors Tiffany Little Canfield, Jonathan Glickman, Harvey Mason, Jr. and David Vaccari, who have put together one of the most perfectly cast films, perhaps, ever!

 

Every actor in this film turns in a stellar performance and Jennifer Hudson is sure to get nominated for Best Actress.

The only problem that follows the wonderful opening sequence is that Director Liesl Tommy and Writer Tracey Scott Wilson are not always able to keep up with their cast with scene placement, dialogue and blocking.

Little matter.  Respect is a must-see film about overcoming the impediments to success.

I give it a 4.8 out of 5.

Jungle Cruise

 

 

Director Jaume Collet-Serra’s Jungle Cruise is an absolute joy in every aspect from the story by John Requa, John Norville and Josh Goldstein, the script by Michael Green and Glenn Figara, plus the superb cast headed by Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson.

 

There are twists and surprises throughout, plus excitement and humor all the way along the journey.  And everyone in the family will enjoy it!

Jungle Cruise is a must see.  I give it a 4.9 out of 5.