"Sisu"

 2022 * R * 1h 31m If you're up for an over the top action movie, you'll absolutely love this flick. The lead character is sort of a John Wick on steroids. If you can imagine that. 

The movie takes place during the closing days of WWII. Our hero Aatami (Jorma Tommila) is a hardened Finnish veteran living in the far north of the country. One day, he strikes gold and manages to unearth a couple large satchels of the valuable mineral. On his way to the big city, he encounters a platoon of German soldiers. They're fleeing the battleground, hoping to make it to freedom. When they encounter Aarami and his stash, they figure it'll help pay their way after the war ends. 

Well, they picked the wrong guy to take on. He's famous for the huge number of Russian soldiers he's already killed. He a one-man army, to say the least.And he's not going to let a band of Nazis get in his way. The whole rest of the movie is him battling the Germans in countless different ways. Some of the scenes are just unbelievable. But if you're into Nazi-killing themed movies, this one's for you. I don't think I need to warn you, there are a ton of bloody scenes. This film is not for the squeamish!

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV, Amazon, and a bunch of other streaming services. 

"Furious 7"

2015 * PG-13 * 2h 17m I've seen a bunch of the "Fast & Furious" films and they're all just wall to wall action. Perfect for a night when you just want to shut your brain off and enjoy some cheap thrills. Actually, I thought the one that took place in Japan was really dumb and had to turn it off after about 20 minutes. 

This one is about Deckard Shaw (Jason Stathem) looking for revenge against Dominic Toretto (Vin Deisel) and the rest of the gang for his comatose brother. It's so over the top it isn't funny. Just about ever scene is either a barrage of bullets and explosions, a hand-to-hand combat sequence, or a balls out racing scene. And it never lets down for two hours and seventeen minutes. It's also the last film that starred Paul Walker. He was in a fatal car crash before the movie was finished, but they managed to complete it without him. 

There was a definite note of sadness at the conclusion of the movie, which was dedicated to him in the closing credits. If you're looking for one of the most adrenaline pumping films of all time, don't miss this one.

It's on Netflix and Tubi (for free) and to rent on YouTube, Amazon, Fandango, and other streaming services. 

4 out of 5 stars

"Foe"

 2023 * R * 1h 50m Science Fiction is one of my favorite genres and Saoirse Ronan is one of my favorite actors. So when you combine the two, you know you're in for some exceptional movie viewing. And this film did not disappoint. Sure it was a bit slow moving at times and could easily have been 20 minutes shorter. But that said, it still was a captivating film. 

The movie takes place in the near future and the planet looks pretty bleak. As does the chances for human survival. So the government is looking to populate a large space station. While we learn about these plans, most of the action takes place out in a rural part of the United States. Hen (Ronan) lives out on a farm with her husband Junior (Paul Mescal). One day Terrance (Aaron Pierre), a government representative arrives and informs them that Junior has been selected to travel out to space for a year, but first they need some time to evaluate him. So Terrance moves in with the couple. The plan is that when Junior is sent to the space station, an AI robot will move in with Hen to keep her company. 

The movie moves along at a gentle pace until near the end. Then there's a plot twist I certainly didn't see coming. And then there's a second plot twist as the film ends. I won't even hint at what's to come. You'll simply have to check out this well-crafted and well-acted movie and find out for yourself. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Prime Video.

"About My Father"

 2023 * PG-13 * 1h 30m This is one of those films that's totally predictable, full of ethnic stereotypes, and one cliche after another. But you know what? I thought it was really funny. Especially when you have two exceptional leads like Robert De Niro. and Sebastian Maniscalco. 

The film is about Sebastian (Maniscalco who uses his real name in the film) a manager of a hotel in Chicago. He's from a modest, working class background but is dating Ellie (Leslie Bibb) who comes from a wealthy family. He's invited to the family's summer home to celebrate the 4th of July. He decides it would be the perfect opportunity to propose to Ellie. The problem is, his dad Salvo (De Niro) is still grieving over the recent loss of his wife, and the family has always celebrated the Fourth together. 

So he brings his dad along for the party. Here's is where the movie gets amusing. Salvo is a bit rough around the edges and is really out of place around Ellie's snobbish family  It makes for some hilarious scenes that, while you've seen situations in movies like this before, somehow seem fresh when you have an actor like De Niro delivering the lines.

If you're looking for some fairly mindless entertainment with a generous sprinkling of both laughs and touching moments, check this one out!

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix, and to rent on YouTube, Amazon, Apple TV, Fandango, and other services.