He is THE AMATEUR

 

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Digital and coming to Bluray and 4k Ultra HD from director James Hawes and 20^th Century Studios is a man who is THE AMATEUR. 

Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) is sending his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) off to a conference in Europe while he goes to his job at the CIA as a cryptographer. Getting straight to work, his job is secretive but he is good at it. When he is called into the office of boss Director Moore (Holt McCallany) and Director O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson) where he is told that his wife has died and Charlie is horrified. Almost immediately he begins his work discovering what happened, how and who is responsible. Bringing it up to his superiors, he makes it clear that all Charlie wants is to handle the situation himself.

When they don’t approve, he is sent Hendo Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) to give him some help in what he is planning to do. While Training, Henderson makes it clear that some people just aren’t simply capable of killing. While he is away, Moore is attempting to discover what Charlie might know and tear his house and office apart. They want to know what is he doing with the information but they obviously don’t understand what Charlie can do. His intelligence gives him the edge as he manages to slip away from everyone and follow the trail to Europe. There, he finally meets contact Inquiline (Cailtriona Balfe) who does her best to help find those responsible for Sarah’s death.

The trail is brutal and full of secrets that go deeper than Charlie could ever have imagined. When CIA operative O’Brien (Jon Bernthal) attempts to wrangle him in, he once again knows how to slip the boundaries they attempt to place on him. No matter how much the CIA uses its technology, they forgot one thing – Charlie created that technology!

Malek as Charlie is a man devastated by the loss of his wife and disgusted by the CIA’s lack of action. Deciding that if they won’t do anything, he will use all he has learned as an analyst play out in the real world. Malek plays a grieving husband but, when his character goes rogue, he does so in such a calm manner. The Agency thinks they are able to corral him but you can’t capture someone who you’ve always underrated. This is such an awesome character for him to play and adds a layer of thrill with the combination of political, psychological and action in the vein of THE BOURNE IDENTITY (2002) among so many others. Malek has cemented his place in that line up.

McCallany as Moore is a stern character who can not get Charlie to understand that there are things at play that he doesn’t know about. Once Charlie goes rogue, he is not only dealing with that, but feeling the breath of Director O’Brien all over his neck. I have come to so appreciate McCallany’s body of work and I just love his strong characters. Nicholson as Director O’Brien understands that Charlie is devastated and enlists the help of Moore to keep their noses clean. She gets the suspicion that Charlie isn’t going to let the death of his wife go unanswered. Nicholson always plays such a strong character and it is the same here.

Fishburne as Henderson attempts to train Charlie but also realizes that training him to kill someone just isn’t working. He is impressed by that Charlie can do but it doesn’t mean it will help him with his goal. Fishburne is just that – Fishburne. A consummate actor who can do any role you put in front of him. This isn’t a large role but it is a good one. Bernthal as O’Brien sees Charlie as a friend and wants to help but so people you just can’t get to understand and Charlie is one of them. Again, the role isn’t a large one but keep you spidey senses on high alert.

Balfe as Inquiline is someone that Charlie has been in contact with for a while but never in person. When he arrives in Europe, it is Balfe’s character that guides him in the direction he needs to go. I just love seeing Balfe as I am a huge fan of OUTLANDER and here she begins to separate herself from that role and onto something thriller in another genre.

Other cast includes Adrian Martinez as Carlos, Marc Rissman as Mishka Blazhic, Joseph Millson as Ellish, Barbara Probst as Gretchen Frank, Alice Hewkin as Ali Park and Henry Garrett as the Chief of Staff. Look for the cameo of Marthe Keller who starred in the 1981 film as Elizabeth.

Twentieth Century Home Entertainment brings award-winning global product and new entertainment to DVD, Bluray, and Digital HD. There amazing collection offers fans an opportunity to expand their own home libraries with the best films. To discover what other titles they have please visit www.fox.com.

MOVIES ANYWHERE gives viewers the ability to download the Movies Anywhere App. With that you can view films by downloading or streaming to your favorite device using a Digital Code. For more information on Movies Anywhere please visit www.MoviesAnywhere.com.

Bonus Features include The Team, The World, The Pool, The Score, and Deleted Scenes.

Robert Littrell specialized in espionage novel having been a journalist and novelist writing about the spy world of the CIA. He wrote the screenplay before the novel with the title The Amateur: A Novel of Revenge in 1981.

Malek, having played a Bond Villain in the 2021 film NO TIME TO DIE gets the opportunity to play the other side of a thriller and proves he can do both. In the role of Charlie Heller, he is as smooth as they come, smarter than his superiors could ever have imagined and determined to do what the agency won’t. He has no problem using his intelligence and abilities to keep everyone at arm’s length until he finishes what he started. Just brilliantly done.

The cast brings so much to the political table with secrets, mysteries, lies, no trusting and, best of all, no idea who they are dealing with. I love that part of the film as each thing Charlie pulls off, there is someone in the background shaking his head in disbelief. That makes watching so much more enjoyable because rooting for Charlie is what it is all about. Nothing or no one is going to stop the inevitable.

In the end – do not underestimate him!

JOHN WICK: Chapter 4

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Chad Stahelski, Summit Entertainment and Lionsgate comes the final chapter with JOHN WICK: Chapter 4.

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) has not changed his revenge against the High Table and begins again with The Elder in Morocco. What he doesn’t know is that the High Table has called up on the Marquis Vincent de Gramont (Bill Skarsgard) who believes he knows how to take down Wick and it starts with the New York Continental Hotel and Winston Scott (Ian McShane).

Wick turns to friend Shimazu Koji (Hiroyuki Sanada), the manager of the Osaka Continental Hotel much to the dismay of Koji’s daughter Akira (Rina Sawayama). The Marquis sets his sites on Osaka as his next point of impact but with the help of Caine (Donnie Yen) who has begrudgingly been recruited.

Now on the run again with limited places to go, Winston reminds Wick that he has every right to challenge the Marquis to a duel. The only problem is that Wick must be part of a family and the only place he can find that is in Berlin. He must convince Katia (Natalia Tena) that what he plans is good for everyone.

Helping with the plan is The Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) who has found an excellent life under the streets of Paris and is thrilled to help his friend Wick. Watching all of this with fascination is Mr. Nobody (Shamier Anderson) who tracks Wick while playing the money game with the Marquis.

As the rules for the dual are set by the Harbinger (Clancy Brown), the die is cast for the final showdown that could earn John Wick what he has been fighting for – freedom!

Reeves as John Wick will always be John Wick and any attempt to remake or carry on the franchise without him would be an outrage. In this film, Wick is in for a two hour and 50-minute fight with time for one suit change only and Reeves makes it look fantastic. There is no reason to go over his performance because this is purely a visual film and Wick isn’t about conversation. This time out, Wick announces from the beginning that he intends to finish what they started and Reeves is taking it seriously in every step he takes.

McShane as Winston has his own axe to grind and I’m sure he wouldn’t mind grinding it in the Marquis! Knowing that he has always been limited in how he can help Wick, this is an opportunity to set his own path straight. I’ve always loved McShane in this role because he brings the cool and calm to a very intense storyline.

Skarsgard as the Marquis is full of himself and has no problem loving the extra fine things in life. Making promises to the table about the destruction of John Wick has made him a little more than full of himself and everyone has taken notice. The Marquis is a smooth talker but Wick is not falling for it and neither did I. That being said, Skarsgard glides through the film without ever raising his voice and looks good doing it.

Yen as Caine comes to understand the pain Wick is fighting for now that he has his own family. Having no choice but to go after Wick, he also goes up against men he calls brothers. Yen is capable of some fantastic stunts and martial arts which is seamless in this film. He has always been on the list of actors I’ve enjoyed and, in this film, he is smooth and aware.

Anderson as Mr. Nobody (are you catching that Mr. Anderson is in the same film as Neo and Morpheus? Just sayin’) clearly knows how to track John Wick but there is something else. He knows the job, he knows the money but to get to see Wick in action and a side no one else has, Mr. Nobody starts to wonder what is the truth behind the man. Anderson’s role is that of a swift and smart man who knows his business and has a dog that I’d like to hang out with.

Fishburne as the King is clever and always has John Wick’s back. Working with Winston becomes so much more enjoyable under the streets of Paris. I am always thrilled to see Fishburne on the screen but as the King, he is a man who sees all and knows how to handle it.

Sanada as Koji understands Wick and tries to find a way to truly help bring this all to a close. As the manager of the Osaka Continental, he is aware that something bigger is no at play. Sanada is such an overlooked actor and this is a shining example of his acting and martial arts skill. Sawayama as Akira knows that anyone around John Wick has a target on them and coming upon him and Caine means that the world as she knows it is over. Her stint was short but listen to what she has to say to Wick in the subway.

Shout out to Brown as the Harbinger keeping character cool, calling it as he sees it and looking stunning in black.

Other cast include George Georgiou as The Elder, Aimee Kwan as Mia, Scott Adkins as Killa, Marko Zaror as Chidi, and Lance Reddick as Charon.

JOHN WICK: Chapter 4 needs no introduction, no explanation and no sum up because this character has been doing it since 2014. We know why it all started, we know we it keeps happening and we know why it comes to taking out anyone that gets in the way of ending it. Reeves has put his stamp on this role that was created by Greg Pak and Giovanni Valletta from the comic book limited series telling the story of Jardani ‘Johnny’ Jovanovich aka John Wick.

The film comes in at two hours and fifty minutes (bathroom first!) and if you think that’s too long then you don’t deserve to see it. John Wick has come a long way in the franchise so, as far as I’m concerned, he can take as long as he damn well pleases to finish what he started. This is a film of constant bombardment of those who are intent on being the one to take out John Wick.

Now, there are a few moments that were a little far fetched but, as a fan of John Wick, I am willing to overlook it. I did giggle at what seemed to be a bit of Walter Hill’s 1979 film THE WARRIORS and I’ll leave that hint right here. I also thought it funny to see Wick in a subway tunnel waiting for a train in a bit of a reminiscent Neo moment. Again, I ain’t mad about it!

The smashing up, car chases, clubs, countries, music, action, martial arts – all of it – fantastic! The audience was cheering, laughing, cheering, pain reacting, fist pumping, and yelling at the screen which made watching the film a total audience experience. Now that is how you go to the movies to see a film like JOHN WICK: Chapter 4.

This is a gather-up-a-gang-of-people film so that popcorn, snacks, soda and experience are shared so leaving the theatre is loud talking about the film. Go to the theatre excited and leave the theatre excited!

In the end – Baba Yaga!

 

ALL THE OLD KNIVES

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres and Prime from director Janus Metz and Amazon Prime Video is mystery, intrigue with ALL THE OLD KNIVES.

Henry Pelham (Chris Pine) and lover Celia Harrison (Thandiwe Newton) work at the same CIA office in Vienna. Working on a case because of the hijacking of a Royal Jordanian flight, it comes to a disastrous end that effects many of the staff. Henry could have never expected that Celia would be one of them as she leaves Vienna and the agency.

Many years later, Henry is called in by superior Vick Wallinger (Laurence Fishburne) who wants to close the chapter on the case. Going back to the beginning, Henry begins to question everyone involved that is still alive. One of those being Celia’s former supervisor Bill Compton (Jonathan Pryce).

That leads him to a very secluded winery near the sea to meet with Celia. After so many years apart, there is much to talk about and not all of it has to do with the case. The conversation begins with pleasantries quickly turning to their mysterious break up moving even quicker on to what she remembers.

Celia tells her part of the story with Henry mixing in what he remembers, who they talked to and what everyone did leading up to the disaster. But both have underlying secrets they are keeping back from one another that could have solve not only the mystery of the hijacking but their relationship.

Walking the fine line is truth and trust.

Pine as Pelham is an agent who has spent year wondering what happened between Henry and Celia. Also, like everyone else in the Vienna office, there are unanswered questions, especially since it is rumored that there was a leak from inside the office. Watching Pine unravel the mystery is complex and very intense to watch.

Newton as Harrison is a woman who has tried to change her life since the events in Vienna. Seeing Henry is a chance to talk about what happened, and once the answers are on the table the why of it all is not far behind. Newton gives us a woman who loved the life she had but loves the life she has now and being a part of the CIA is no longer something she wants.

Price as Compton does not understand why Henry thinks he had anything to do with being the insider. Trying to make him understand, Price is a character that is straight forward and loyal to Celia. Fishburne as Wallinger has a smaller role but is present in the story from the time of the hijacking until the final scene.

Other cast include Corey Johnson as Karl Stein, Colin Stinton as Moscow Staff Chief, Ahd Kamel as Laila Maroof, David Bedella as Drew Favreau, Jonjo O’Neill as Ernst Pul, David Dawson as Owen Lassiter, Nasser Memarzia as Mohammed Dudayev, Michael Shaeffer as Treble, Alexander Devrient as Qamar Ayad, Derek Siow as Gene Wilcox and Orli Shuka as Ilyas Shushani.

Amazon Prime offers television shows and original content included in its Amazon Prime subscription. Original programs such as CARNIVAL ROW, THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE, and THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL are hit shows. Coming soon is the next series with GOLIATH starring Billy Bob Thornton and it promises to another successful and intense series. For more information, please visit www.amazon.com/Amazon-Video.

ALL THE OLD KNIVES is a thriller wrapped in politics, intrigue, operations, and relationships. Flashing back and forth in the story between a long wine-dinner between Henry and Celia talking about their relationship and the same time period as both agents were trying to get information with their contacts.

It is actually the first time both have had the chance to compare notes and that is when things begin to get interesting. Every moment a twist is thrown in as the room gets smaller and smaller make it impossible for the answer to escape.

In the end – who do you trust?

BOYZ N THE HOOD Celebrated on Bluray and 4K HD

Jeri Jacquin

This week on Bluray, DVD and 4K Ultra HD is one of the most remarkable pieces of filmmaking by writer/director John Singleton and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment with BOYZ N THE HOOD.

It is 1991 Crenshaw in the ghetto of Los Angeles where young African American Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is living with father Furious Styles (Laurence Fishburne). Hanging out with best friend Ricky Baker (Morris Chestnut), both of them avoid trouble in a troubling neighborhood.

Boyhood friends and Ricky's brother Doughboy (Ice Cube) and Dooky (Dedrick D. Gobert) seem to always be one step away from trouble. Tre occupies his time with studying and girlfriend Brandi (Nia Long). Living day to day, Furious instills in Tre the importance of school of course but also educating himself to the world he lives in and bettering it.

Wanting Tre to live with her, mother Reva (Angela Bassett) lets Furious know he's had his time in raising their son. Tre wants to make plans with Brandi about school and their lives after that. Ricky also is excited about his opportunities to play college football which brings about a bit of jealousy with brother Doughboy.

But, in Crenshaw, it all can become twisted in one single moment. A chain of events erupts so quickly that it seems nothing can slow down the crash that is about to happen to them all.

Gooding Jr. as Tre is a young man living in a city that can sway a young man either to the streets that can consume him or out to something meaningful. He has a powerful force in his father to guide him no matter how dangerous the road gets. Gooding Jr. gives his character such strength but also a vulnerability that tears at every fiber of emotion.

Fishburne as Furious is not a man to be trifled with and everyone in the neighborhood is aware of it. He wants the community of Crenshaw to grow by giving the people of that community hope when they feel there is none. Fishburne is such an awesome actor in so many ways and as Furious, I believe everything this character says because he is thoughtful in everything he says and how he says it. Bassett as Tre's mother Reva and ex-wife to Furious is a strong woman who wants more from and for her son. She is far removed from Crenshaw and sees a path out for Tre.

Chestnut as Ricky is a young man trying to throw a ball out of Crenshaw for his mother, girlfriend and baby. Sharing those dreams with Tre makes them somehow even more attainable. Ice Cube as Doughboy is rough and has no problem dishing out to the streets what it slings at him. He is the opposite of his brother believing that dreams are a fools paradise and feeling second fiddle for his mother's attention.

Long as Brandi is Tre's equal in study and keeping the streets out of her future. She wants something more for their lives and even when the reality of their surroundings tries to cut in - she pushes back. King as Shalika can not be missed on the screen as even in 1991 there was something amazing about this actress and it plays that way even today in her performances.

Other cast includes: Lexie Bigham as Mad Dog, Ceal as Sheryl, Keisha, Na'Blonka Durden as Trina, Susan Falcon as Mrs. Olaf, Tyra Ferrell as Mrs. Baker, Regi Green as Chris, Tammy Hanson as Rosa, Alysia Rogers as Shanice, Leonette Scott as Tisha, Vonte Sweet as Ric Rock and Regina King as Shalika.

Sony Pictures Home Entertainment encompasses motion picture production for television, digital content and theater releases. The studios include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films and Sony Picture Classics. To see what is coming to theaters and to home entertainment please visit www.sonypictures.com.

All-New Special Features Include a Tribute to John Singleton, An Original Behind-The-Scenes Featurette and Selections from a 1991 Press Conference Singleton Held About the Film, as well as The Original Theatrical Trailer.

Bonus Features of the Bluray Include: Commentary with Writer/Director John Singleton, The Enduring Significance of BOYZ N the HOOD, Friendly Fire: Making of an Urban Legend, Deleted Scenes, Audition Videos Featuring Ice Cube, Angela Bassett, Morris Chestnut and Tyra Ferrell, Compton's Most Wanted Music Video "Growin' Up in the Hood", and Tevin Campbell Music Video "Just Ask Me To".

John Singleton was the Academy Award nominee for Best Director in 1991 and also an Academy Award nominee for Best Writing for BOYZ N the HOOD. He was the youngest Best Director nominee in the history of the Academy Awards and the first African American nominated in the category.

BOYZ N the HOOD was and continues to be a stellar film that was a turbulent story to tell in 1991 but not so far as to not be continually true in 2020. The story was one that had never been told in the way Singleton managed to do but it broke ground for future films.

There is a deep duality in the way BOYZ N the HOOD was brought to the screen and I believe that is what has made the film then and remains powerful. There is also a duality in celebrating this remarkable feat of filmmaking in that theatre goers are glad the film was made but sad that it had to be made at all.

BOYZ N the HOOD remains brilliant and stellar with a cast that brings so much and we can thank John Singleton for his vision, direction and selection of those who brought his characters to life.

In the end - this isn't no fairy tale!

Two Hours in the Dark with JOHN WICK: Chapter Three - Parabellum!

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Chad Stahelski and Lionsgate Is the next installment on the journey of JOHN WICK: Chapter 3 - Parabellum.

Wick (Keanu Reeves) is still on the run especially now since it has been declared that he is 'excommunicado' for killing a man at the Continental - major boo-boo. Basically it means that all the dogs are off their leashes with a W$14 million dollar bounty and no rest anytime soon for him.

Those he has relied on now tread carefully because the Table has sent The Adjudicator (Asia Kate Dillon) to punish anyone who has helped Wick to this point. Her first task is to sentence Winston (Ian McShane), Bowery King (Laurence Fishburne) and The Director (Angelica Huston).

Wick knows he has only one chance, to find The Elder (Said Taghmaoul) to ask how he can make this all stop. The one person who can make the meeting happen is Sophia (Halle Berry) who isn't actually thrilled to see him at the door. Watching his every move is Zero (Mark Dacascos), an assassin who is quick and deadly. 

Making a deal with the devil, as it were, Wick returns to The Continental where an all out war is declared. 

Reeves as Wick has most definitely made sure no one else could possible take his place. He is still broody, still soft spoken and can still give a killer glare that gives nothing away. Oh, and one more thing, he can still make my heart flip-flop in that funny exciting way. What he also does is bring sympathy to a character we should all probably be afraid of!

McShane returns as Winston, the manager of The Continental who has a flare for words, for the finer things in life and has an elegant way of letting who ever know that he is going no where. His affinity for Wick is obvious but there is also a sneakiness about him that makes me give him side eye constantly. Well done!

Berry as Sophia has a history with Wick that is filled with a little rage yet she has no problem wielding a gun when wrong comes her way. Reddick as Charon keeps his concierge desk refined and run like a well oiled machine. I just love his calm demeanor, even when bullets are flying past his face.

Fishburne as the Bowery King is a rougher version of Winston running his bowery as he sees fit. He regrets nothing and is always looking at the bigger picture - that is his saving grace. Fishburne still has it and Wick should be glad he does.

Huston as The Director knows that even though there is an excommunicado order, there is one thing higher than that even if The Table doesn't want to acknowledge it. I just love when Huston plays roles like this because she is a tough broad and I love it. 

Dacascos as Zero, aka the Iron Chef Chairman, is fantastic! From the moment his character hits the screen to the very last frame he brings martial arts and twisted humor to the film. Taghmaoul as The Elder brings his own brand of justice and a plan for Wick to stop all the madness. 

A serious shout out to Dillion as The Adjudicator and let me tell you why. I have NEVER heard outcries throughout a film when one character shows up on a screen. I'll admit I was one of them yelling at the screen toward this cold hearted character who felt she was above everything and untouchable. When a room full of people react the same way to a character then listen because 1,000 people can't be wrong!

Thumbs up to Yayan Ruhian as Mad Dog, Cecep Arif Rahman as The Assassin and Man of Tai Chi as Tiger Hu Chen for taking on the Baba Yaga with admiration and humor and, of course, sweeping martial arts moves and guts for taking on the boogeyman!

Other cast include Jerome Flynn as Berrada, Randall Duk Kim as Doctor, Margaret Daley as Operator, Tobias Segal as Earl, Obin Lord Taylor as Administrator, Susan Blommaert as Librarian, Jason Mantzoukas as Tick Tock Man, Sergio Delavicci as Ruska Roma, and Boban Marjanovic as Ernest.

Lets be honest here, anyone who loves the JOHN WICK franchise won't need me to say anything to convince them to see the film. But let’s pretend there are those who haven't seen any of the films or even know who John Wick is, wait, what?

Sorry, had to shake off that thought because seriously it is almost incomprehensible to the Keanu Reeves warm and fuzzy side of my brain. Moving onward!

From the first five seconds of the film until the last five seconds of the film I think blinking didn't much happen for me. There is little downtime and since John Wick doesn't get any, then WE don't get any either. This is a ride we take with him and the filmmaker made damn sure we are exhausted by the end - or are we?

Audience participation in films can go between being a good or irritating thing. Let me tell you in the case of JOHN WICK it is almost an involuntary reflex. The gasps, the shock, the wicked (pardon the semi-pun) humor, the action, the story, the cinematography that are happening on screen create the shouting at the screen from the audience.

During this screening I heard shouting, applause, cheering, guttural reactions of groaning, hostility, actual hissing and a theatre full of people rooting for a different kind of super-hero. I can not even count how many times The Adjudicator was a target of audience wanna-be verbal assassins. People in front of me were jumping, the gentleman beside me was constantly fist pumping with a 'yesssssssssssss' and comments behind me ranged from 'they don't know who they're dealing with' to 'ouch - that's gonna leave a mark'.

We were in unison with cheering, applause and groans which makes JOHN WICK: Chapter 3 - Parabellum a group experience. This is the reason we go to the movies (at least a lot of us anyway), to be transported, entertained and walk out of the theatre alive and full of conversation that is going to last for days. 

Personally, I was completely exhausted not even realizing how much this film was slowly draining me. Yes, yes, I realize it is Reeves and the cast who worked their collective asses off to bring the story to the screen so let it be known that they drained every bit of everything out of this viewer. 

That being said it should also be stated that I may be personally exhausted but after spending two glorious hours in the dark with John Wick aka Keanu Reeves, I'd gladly do it again, and again….and again.

In the end - if you want peace then prepare for war!

Three Men Come Together Again for the LAST FLAG FLYING

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from writer/director Richard Linklater and Amazon Studios is a journey bringing the past and the present today for the LAST FLAG FLYING.

It is 2003 and Larry Shepherd (Steve Carell) walks into the bar of Sal Nealon (Bryan Cranston) who at first doesn’t recognize him. Eventually Sal realize he is talking to Doc, a man he served with during the Vietnam War they are both happy to see one another. After a night of drinking, he asks Sal to join him on a little adventure.

That leads both men to the doorstep of a church where Rev. Mueller (Laurence Fishburne) much to the amusement of Sal. When the three have dinner with the Reverend and his wife, Doc asks the two men if he will go with him to retrieve the coffin of his son who was recently killed in Iraq.

Absolutely stunned, the two men agree and on their trip the discussion of what happened to the three of them in Vietnam is hinted at. Arriving at Dover Air Force Base, Doc learns from Larry’s buddy Washington (J. Quinton Johnson) how his son died. That changes everything as Doc decides to take his son home for burial much to the aggravation of Col. Wilits (Yul Vazquez).

It is on the train ride home that Sal and Mueller talk about what happened in Vietnam, Doc keeps himself together and Washington escorts Larry home. The thirty years between Vietnam and Iraq brings about conversations that needed to be had and closure to souls wounded by it all.

Some friendships go on forever.

Carell as Doc is absolutely stunning and that’s the only word for it. There isn’t a lot of dialogue for his character but then again I wouldn’t expect there to be. Every emotion that pours out of Carell is heartbreaking and endearing in different ways. As a man who has lost a son, it isn’t the only thing he has lost in his life. There doesn’t seem to be a resentful bone in his body and even when he shows a moment of anger, it is justified.

Fishburne as Mueller is a Reverend who has embraced a different life. Once a wild Marine, he is now a settled man with a wife who holds him true to the collar he wears. There are moments where Fishburne completely lets loose and it sends the audience into fits of laughter. When he embraces his faith, he reaches out to Doc and shakes his head at Sal.

Cranston as Sal is completely out of control! He doesn’t like it when people play games, believes in shooting straight from the hip and doesn’t give a damn if he drinks from dusk till – well dusk again. Thrilled to be with his Vietnam buddy Doc, he is shocked to discover the life that Mueller chose after their time in war. He calls everything out, embraces the insanity of life and finds that he has been missing out once he gets his hands on a cell phone. As Carell is the emotion of the film and Fishburne is the spiritual guide, Cranston is all the chaos with no filter in between the two men and he rocks it from start to finish.

Johnson as Washington is a young soldier that is trying to do what is right both as Larry’s best friend and as a Marine. He gets to know Doc, Mueller and Sal which helps him understand so much more about being a soldier. Vazquez as Wilits is a man on his own mission who clearly doesn’t understand what being a parent is all about.

Other cast include Deanna Reed-Foster as Ruth, Graham Wolfe as John Redman, Jeff Monahan as O’Toole, Richard Robichaux as Anorak and an appearance by the wonderful Cicely Tyson.

LAST FLAG FLYING is an emotional roller coaster and I am not kidding. One minute the audience is laughing so hard they are crying to the next minute of crying so hard they can’t breathe. These three actors are so different yet in this film are perfection with the story they are telling.

The heartbreak that the character of Doc experiences can never be understood and I don’t think I could even try but that doesn’t stop us all of embracing every bit of his love, anger and laughter. Asking two men he hasn’t seen in 30 years to join him doesn’t require an explanation because I personally feel that all is revealed as it should be in the film.

One of the two best scenes of the film is when they are all in the back train car and the laughter is strangely contagious with Carell’s Doc having a laughing fit that had me in tears. The second is the scene as Sal convinces Mueller and Doc that it’s time to come to terms make that one event in Vietnam and make it right.

Of course I’m not being specific because the entire film is an experience that drains every emotion and I gave every bit of that willingly. LAST FLAG FLYING reminds us that war, no matter how many years in between changes young men that eventually become older men with regrets.

These three actors couldn’t have performed any better if they tried and LAST FLAG FLYING is beautifully told and excels in every way.

In the end – their last mission wasn’t on the battlefield.