"Send Help"

 2026 * R * 1h 53m  The movie starts out as a workplace drama. I had to check to make sure I was actually watching a Sam Raimi movie. Then things begin to get a bit weird and I knew it was going to get good. Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a sharp analyst who works her butt off. However, due to an undermining co-worker, she doesn't get credit for all she does. Then she gets passed over for a promotion she richly deserves thanks to the bro-politics at the office. 

Well, that's all about to change. On the way to a business meeting in Bangkok, the plane she's on crashes and the only survivors are her and her arrogant, obnoxious boss Bradley, played to perfection by Dylan O'Brien. The couple wash ashore on a remote jungle island off the coast of Thailand, and it's here that Linda comes into her own. It turns out she's an expert at survival. She hunts wild boar, catches fish, knows what fruits and vegetables are edible, and even builds a shelter--much to the consternation of her boss.

The film takes a number of plot twists and has an ending I never saw coming. I've never seen McAdams play a total bad-ass before and she does a great job here. If you're looking for something fun, be sure to check this one out. 

4 out of 5 stars

Streaming on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV, Fandango, Youtube, Prime, and other services.

"Language Lessons"

 2021 * Not Rated * 1h 31m This is an indie gem from the Duplass brothers that came out during the early stages of the pandemic. I think, partly by necessity, there are only two actors, each pretty much confined to their living spaces. But it isn't due to Covid, it just happened that way. The film stars Mark Duplass and Natalie Morales who co-wrote the film. Morales did the directing and what a fine film she produced. 

Adam (Duplass) has been gifted Spanish lessons for his birthday by his husband. The lessons are to be given via Zoom and are taught by Carino (Morales). Soon after the lessons begin, Adam's partner dies. So the lessons are put on hold for a bit. When they resume, it's like an awkward first date--they're both uncomfortable talking about themselves. Eventually, they begin opening up about their personal lives and a true friendship develops. 

Adam's Spanish is pretty good right from the start--he earned it when he was a child. And at one point, Carino wants to improve his grammar, while he wants to learn more about her. There's a split second scene where she accidently turns on her camera to reveal some bruises on her face. Adam just can't let it go and he makes some assumptions about how she got the bruises. 

The two actors did an amazing job and I was sucked in right from the beginning. You sort of know where the movie is heading, but it's such a joy to watch, you don't mind it a bit. After watching this fine film, I'm definitely going to search out more movies by the Duplass brothers. 

4 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free on Kanopy (with your library card), Tubi, and Plex, and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, YouTube, and other services. 

"Searching"

2018 * PG-13 * 1h 42m  Talk about a nail biter! This thriller will have you on the edge of your seat right until the very end. It's a well made drama that's been compared to the film "Missing". 

The movie starts out with a series of home movies that tell the story of the Kim family--mom, dad, and their daughter. We begin with happy times and follow them through the mom's cancer and eventual death. This leaves the dad David (John Cho) to raise his daughter. Everything seems to be pretty normal until his daughter Margot doesn't come home one night. At first David makes excuses for her. Eventually, after doing some digging, he discovers she's missing. She hasn't gone to her weekly piano lessons and has withdrawn a bunch of money. 

The more he searches on line, the more mysterious things become. He's aided by Detective Vick (Debra Messing) who's very sympathetic to his case. Then, slowly things take a dark turn. Like I said, it sure keeps you guessing and there are a couple plot twists I sure didn't see coming. If you're in the mood for a good thriller, check this one out. About the only negative comment I can make is, due to the nature of the film, a lot of screen time is spent reading texts and screens. It gets hard on the eyes after a while. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and Paramount. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Prime.