A Quiet Place: Part II

Official Australian release date: 27/5/21. Viewed: 21/5/21.
Director: John Krasinski
Actors: Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Cilian Murphy
Genre: Thriller / Horror
Rating: M

 
‘A Quiet Place: Part II’ is a rare sequel – one that almost surpasses the original! It does a good job of having an action-packed opening 10min flashback, to remind you how the sound-hunting-aliens work, but also so Lee (Krasinski) can get some screen time and we unveil a bit of the initial terror when the outbreak started. From there, we follow Evelyn (Blunt), Regan (Simmonds), Marcus (Jupe) and the baby from the immediate aftermath of the first film.
 
They run into Emmett (Murphy), who we meet in the flashback, who’s been dealing with his own trials while trying to survive. Obviously, a few things go wrong and there’s many fraught moments as they’re hunted by the creatures. The film is smart by making Simmonds the main character and following her journey as she sets out to use her hearing-aid against the aliens.
 
Once again, the score – and often lack of any sound – is used really well and forces you to put yourself in the character’s shoes. The pacing is also great, with there being a few moments of respite, but overall there’s plenty of momentum and it all feels like it’s over too quick (does only go for 90min). Very enjoyable – would watch a third one!
 
Overall: Another taught thriller
 
Gav's Rating: 4 stars.

Wrath of Man

Official Australian release date: 29/4/21. Viewed: 19/5/21.
Director: Guy Ritchie
Actors: Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Scott Eastwood, Josh Hartnett
Genre: Action
Rating: MA
 

‘Wrath of Man’ is the first Guy Ritchie/Jason Statham film in a few years and it’s good to see them both back doing what they do best! This time, the location is Los Angeles, but still the gritty wrong-side-of-the-tracks, as we follow Hill (Statham) as he joins a security firm for a cash transport company, where he’s shown the ropes by Bullet (McCallany) and Dave (Hartnett). The first act plays like a straightforward heist film.
 
But then we have a flashback for the 2^nd act (I like the title cards between them) to give us more backstory and then the 3^rd act flips everything into a revenge film as we find out what’s motivating Hill and how Jackson (Donovan), Tom (Reilly) and Jan (Eastwood) fit in. The pieces all fit together quite well, but still leave one big question heading into the 4^th & final act.
 
Needless to say, the body count is quite high (30+), Statham does his strong/silent type well, with a few well-placed quips, there’s enough insight into the supporting cast and a crazy shoot-out finale. The score was sometimes overbearing, but the pacing was good. Probably better than ‘The Gentlemen’ in my book.
 
Overall: Assured revenge fun in classic Statham style.
 
Gav's Rating: 4 stars.