Film Review: “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”

Sometimes an ensemble of handsome spies killing Nazis is all you need

Heist films are commonly fun to watch, since they often include an ensemble cast, clever misdirections, and clearly defined stakes. In essence, Guy Ritchie’s latest film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, is a World War II heist film. It’s based on Damien Lewis’s 2014 book Churchill’s Secret Warriors: The Explosive True Story of the Special Forces Desperadoes of WWII. The film isn’t as bloody as you may expect (it’s still very violent). It’s not as funny or fast-paced as you may expect from Guy Ritchie, nor is it as dramatic. Yet, it carries a modicum of each element which, when put together, forms a solidly entertaining spy action flick. Continue reading “Film Review: “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare””

Film Review: A Simple Favor

Feig’s Favor to you: A twisty, stylish picture with a sly sense of humor

Suburban moms Stephanie (Anna Kendrick, l.) and Emily (Blake Lively) become fast friends over martinis.

“Secrets are like margarine: easy to spread; bad for the heart,” muses perky mommy vlogger Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) in director Paul Feig’s new film A Simple Favor, and does that ever prove to be a prophetic understatement. Feig, best known for helming the comedies Bridesmaids and The Heat, brings a breezy, stylized light touch to the film adaptation of Darcey Bell’s 2017 debut mystery thriller of the same name. The result is a mostly successful mash up of black comedy and icy noir that, despite similarities to better films, still manages to be a wickedly fun good time.

Continue reading “Film Review: A Simple Favor