Narcos: Episode 1

Just say YES to Narcos, a very impressive series which debuted on Netflix August 28, 2015. Netflix cable cutters rejoice because I would wager Narcos is here to stay.

Narcos takes us to the Miami streets and alley ways, the slums of Columbia and to the Columbian rain forest in steadily paced rhythm and ever-growing plot intrigue. Of course, the show is set in the late 70s when kingpin Pablo Escobar's drug cartel was in its first stages and the music hums in rock and disco tracks of the day.

Wagner Moura is captivating as Pablo Escobar, sporting a pudgy belly and flat-footed walk, a sparkling grin and merciless gaze. Boyd Hollbrook plays DEA agent Steve Murphy who, for the most part, humorously narrates over the show in Goodfellas' fashion. Murphy is enjoyable to watch as a naive agent heading into the heart of the Columbian cartel scene.

What impresses me most about Narcos is the almost perfectly paced sequences alternating between the suspense of the drug trade and the lives of the characters. While there is a nod to Goodfellas in the style of narration, the vibe feels like a less flashy David Fincher or more lively Michael Mann project.

Episode 1 "Descentia" introduces the cast and provides some history into the cocaine trade. If you enjoy it as much as I did, you will be happy to see Netflix automatically load up episode 2 while the end credits roll. 4.5/5
Director: José Padilha

Southpaw

With Southpaw we have a great example of top notch performances from a cast that must've fully believed in the overall outcome of Antoine Fuqua's vision. And why not? For the most part Fuqua's films have provided a breath of fresh air to the action suspense genre, albeit with overlooked flaws which, unfortunately, are more pronounced when cooking up a feel-good sports drama. 

However, before I go into detail regarding the to-be-desired storytelling, I would point out that casting Jake Gyllenhaal was a mistake in spite of his fine acting performance. There is always a bit of crazy behind Gyllenhaal's eyes and an intelligent exterior most fitting for neutral to devilish characters. This film wants you to care so much about the story that at nearly every turn it not so subtly strives to collect tears from the audience, not easily achievable with a borderline likable main character.

Getting back to the storyline, one problem is the use of contrived subplots which has been a staple of Fuqua's films but more easily forgiven in previous outings. These undeveloped subplots are conveniently placed or plopped in the middle of the film in such clumsy fashion that any sensible viewer would scratch her head and perhaps vocalize a "hmm," then quickly conclude that something big is about to happen with the main plot. Just lazily constructed writing, no other way around that. I hope Fuqua addresses that shortcoming because it would go a long way in taking his films to the next level. The storyline also suffers from plot holes and inconsistencies, a teeter-tottering of quality for sure.

Overall, Southpaw was a fair movie that tried unsuccessfully to jam Rocky 1, 2 and 3 all into one film. Stellar acting performances all around but a bumbling screenplay knocks out any chance of Southpaw being a memorable boxing flick. MHM recommends The Fighter with Christian Bale as an alternative for those in search of a quality ringside film seat. 2.5/5.
Genre: Drama
Directed By: Antoine Fuqua

Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead and Reading Rainbow

I was perusing new releases on Netflix for the month of August and found the selection to be a tad sparse. However, a couple titles worth mentioning are The Hurt Locker and Casting By. For this review I chose one film and one show, one that's naughty, one that's nice.

Benny: [upon firing his shotgun] Oh shit, he wasn't a zombie?
Barry: No he fucking wasn't!
Benny: Is he alright? Is he ok?
Barry: His head is fucked!

A wickedly funny scene from Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead (2015), a most twisted tyrannically terrible treat which resembles The Walking Dead but without the soap opera. Bianca Bradey delivers a standout performance as Brooke and I hope to see more of her in the near future. Not since Sigourney Weaver in the Alien franchise has a woman believably kicked so much ass.

Directed by Kiah Roache-Turner, Wyrmwood's style reminds me quite a bit of Sam Raimi's Evil Dead I and II. If you loved the campy vibe, extreme camera angles and darkly dank frights of those films, it is a pretty safe bet you will enjoy this one, so get out the popcorn and dig in for the ride. Not just any ride, but one that runs on zombies (thank me later). Wyrmwood makes my personal zombie top 10 list. Speaking of which, I am looking forward to reviewing my favorite (The Battery) once that film is available online. I should also mention there is an evil scientist in Wyrmwood--think Mr. Blonde from Reservoir Dogs in a hazmat suit. 4/5.
Directed By: Kiah Roache-Turner Written By: Kiah Roache-Turner, Tristan Roache-Turner


Also new to Netflix is Reading Rainbow, the perfect follow up to a couple hours of extreme zombie gore. You know, get your mind right. I don't think there is a person on this planet who is more likable than LeVar Burton--especially remembering his roles in the late 80s and 90s when he was on a hit streak with Star Trek and Reading Rainbow, incredible! Anyway, Reading Rainbow appeals to audiences of all ages even though it is intended for children. An enormous amount of work and detail went into every single episode, which is quite obvious, and no one could have done such an outstanding job helming the show for so many years as LeVar (ok, well maybe Jean-Luc Picard). Psst, the theme song isn't so bad either right? 5/5.
Stars: LeVar Burton, Jennifer Betit Yen, Arnold Stang

Cop Car

Once in awhile a unique sleeper comes along which, unfortunately, is not met with the attention it deserves. Meanwhile, the Hollywood machine keeps cranking out subpar films with screenplays seemingly written by children. In fact, the two central figures of Cop Car, young boys played by James Freedson-Jackson and Hays Wellford, could easily pass for Hollywood writers. Cop Car is a slick and delightful little thriller about an abandoned (you guessed it) .... cop car sitting in the middle of nowhere.

Two of the most ridiculously naive kids come upon the car and the excitement begins. The cop car belongs to Kevin Bacon's character, a small town sheriff with some unfinished bad behavior unwittingly interrupted when his car goes missing. Bacon plays the role of a bumbling psychopath quite well. I always enjoy Bacon in decent low-budget thrillers (Stir of Echoes comes to mind) and he definitely has fun with this role. I had a bit of an issue with how dumb the two kids are portrayed in Cop Car. Kids cannot possibly be THAT stupid. However, if an aside of the film was to slip in reminders that children and guns are a bad mix or if the message was that guns are bad in general, mission accomplished. 

Cop Car is a charming low-budget thriller that will put a smile on your face and moments later cause uneasiness owing to the generous amount of dark humor set against interesting middle-of-nowhere scenery and Coen-esque intensity. 3.5/5.
Directed By: Jon Watts