"Detroit" Review by Tim Hellman

'DETROIT': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

The new crime drama based on the racially charged Algiers Motel incident, during the 1967 12th Street riot in Detroit (the film was released to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the horrific incident). The movie was directed by Kathryn Bigelow, and it was written by acclaimed journalist/screenwriter Mark Boal (the duo also performed the same duties on both 2008's Best Picture winner 'THE HURT LOCKER', and 2012's Best Picture nominee 'ZERO DARK THIRTY'). The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, Jacob Latimore, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever, Jack Reynor, Ben O'Toole, John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie (who also costarred in 'THE HURT LOCKER'). It's received almost unanimous positive reviews from critics, and it's also a modest hit at the Box Office as well. I found it to be extremely well made and involving.

The film begins with a police raid of a private party, in 1967 Detroit, which then resulted in multiple days of rioting. The story then centers on a police raid of the Algiers Motel, on July 25th, where police believed a sniper fired on them from. The raid resulted in the terrorizing of several black suspects, and two white women, and the deaths of some of those involved. The story then shifts to the court room battle that followed the incident.

The movie is interesting, and pretty intense, from pretty much the opening scene until the last. All of the performances are good in it as well, and of course Bigelow's direction is almost flawless. For me the film was also very educational, as I knew very little about these events in history (prior to seeing the movie). I think the film is yet another great example of what a talented filmmaker Bigelow is, and obviously her and Boal make a great team together too. It's also cool to see Boyega in another strong starring role; a 'STAR WARS' actor that's actually making a name for himself (outside of the franchise) is always good to see.

Official Poster for Kathryn Bigelow's Upcoming Film "Detroit"

Annapurna Pictures recently released the official poster for Kathryn Bigelow's (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) latest film "Detroit". The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie.

"Detroit" hits theaters on August 4th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official website at:  Detroit.Movie

Plot Synopsis:

From the Academy Award winning director of THE HURT LOCKER and ZERO DARK THIRTY, DETROIT tells the gripping story of one of the darkest moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67.

Second Trailer for Kathryn Bigelow's Newest Film "Detroit"

Annapurna Pictures recently released the second official trailer for Kathryn Bigelow's (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) latest film "Detroit". The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie.

"Detroit" hits theaters on August 4th.

Plot Synopsis:

From the Academy Award winning director of THE HURT LOCKER and ZERO DARK THIRTY, DETROIT tells the gripping story of one of the darkest moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67.

"Detroit": Official Trailer #2

Official Trailer for Kathryn Bigelow's Upcoming Film "Detroit"

Annapurna Pictures recently released the official trailer for Kathryn Bigelow's (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty) latest film "Detroit". The film stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie.

"Detroit" hits theaters on August 4th.

Plot Synopsis:

From the Academy Award winning director of THE HURT LOCKER and ZERO DARK THIRTY, DETROIT tells the gripping story of one of the darkest moments during the civil unrest that rocked Detroit in the summer of '67.

"Detroit": Official Trailer

"Captain America: Civil War" Review by Tim Hellman

'CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR': Five Stars (Out of Five)

The third installment in Marvel Studios' 'CAPTAIN AMERIA' film franchise. The sequel also features many other superhero characters from the 'Marvel Cinematic Universe' (especially the 'AVENGERS' films), and the story deals with Captain America taking on Iron Man; in order to protect his friend Bucky Barnes. The movie stars Chris Evans (reprising the title role) and it costars Robert Downey Jr. (as Iron Man), Sebastian Stan (as Bucky, AKA The Winter Soldier), Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Chadwick Boseman, Daniel Bruhl, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Jeremy Renner, Emily Van Camp, William Hurt, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Frank Grillo, Marisa Tomei and Martin Freeman. The film also introduces the classic comic book characters Spider-Man and Black Panther (Holland and Boseman), in their Marvel Cinematic Universe feature film debuts. Anthony and Joe Russo returned to direct the movie (they also helmed 'CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER') and Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely returned to write the script (they also wrote 'WINTER SOLDIER' and co-wrote 'THOR: THE DARK WORLD'). It's received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, and it's (of course) a huge hit at the Box Office. I loved it as well.

Due to the large number of civilian deaths, as a result of The Avengers' battles with various super-villains (over the years), the United Nations wants to form an international governing body, to control the superheroes' actions. Captain America (Evans) is against it, since he thinks they have better judgment than corrupt government officials, whereas Iron Man (Downey Jr.) supports the supervision (due to guilt over creating Ultron, and other tragedies he's responsible for). Other Avengers divide in the conflict, forming two different factions. At the same time Bucky Barnes (Stan) is framed for a bombing in Vienna (which kills a Wakanda King). Captain America wants to protect his friend, while government officials want to kill him. A civil war between the superheroes erupts.

This film gets everything right that 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN' did (one of my other favorite movies this year); it's very dark, dramatic and full of rich character development (all things 'AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON' got wrong). The plot is involving and the action actually serves the story; rather than vice versa! The action scenes are also really cleverly done, and exciting; something increasingly hard to pull off, in modern blockbusters. Downey Jr. actually gives a really good performance again (and he doesn't deliver any horrible jokes, for a change). It's also interesting to see his character as the antagonist; I know he was more of a villain in the comic book, but I think it was smarter for the filmmakers to make the drama (in the film) more nuanced. The movie's politics are also timely and complex. It's just a grade A film all around; I think it's my second favorite Marvel Studios film (after 'GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY'). It's one flaw is that they got Spider-Man wrong though; they made some major changes to the source material, that any fan should be pissed about. I think his character is the worst of the three movie adaptations (and he deserves his own fucking movie to debut in, he's not second banana to 'THE AVENGERS')! Overall the film is fantastic though.

Action Crime Thriller "Triple 9" Blasts its Way to DVD & Blu-Ray

Universal Home Entertainment recently release information for the upcoming DVD & Blu-Ray release of "Triple 9". The film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

Special features on the DVD & Blu-Ray includes Deleted Scenes, Under the Gun (The acclaimed cast of Triple 9 offers an in-depth look at its characters and the pulse-pounding twists and turns at the heart of the film.) and Authentic World (Director John Hillcoat and the cast of Triple 9 discuss how their grounded approach to filmmaking helped highlight the film's gritty, authentic look and feel.).

"Triple 9" hits retail on May 31st.

Press Release:

When a veteran cop and his rookie nephew discover a shocking conspiracy that leads dangerously close to home, they'll stop at nothing to get to the truth in Triple 9, an action-packed tale of corruption and betrayal coming to Digital HD on May 17, 2016, and Blu-ray™, DVD and On Demand on May 31, 2016, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Propelled by John Hillcoat's (The Road, The Proposition) ferocious directorial style and a top-notch cast, Triple 9 races through a world where no one can be trusted in a "crime caper like no other" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). Triple 9 on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital HD includes deleted scenes and a peek backstage at the making of the most original cop thriller in years.

Woody Harrelson ("True Detective," The Hunger Games series), Anthony Mackie (Avengers: Age of Ultron, The Hurt Locker), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years a Slave, The Martian), Aaron Paul ("Breaking Bad," Need for Speed), Norman Reedus ("The Walking Dead," The Boondock Saints), Casey Affleck (Out of the Furnace, Gone Baby Gone) and Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs, Titanic) star in an explosive, action-packed thriller critics call "a twisty, terrific ride" (Peter Travers, Rolling Stone). A bank robbery is just the tip of the iceberg when two cops in Atlanta begin suspecting that members of their own team are involved. Not knowing whom to trust and how deep the corruption goes, the clock is ticking as they try to uncover the truth — before they become the target for the next deadly job.

Clifton Collins Jr. (Pacific Rim, "Westworld"), Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies, The Choice), Michael K. Williams (12 Years a Slave, The Road) and Gal Gadot (Furious 7, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice) also star in what critics call "a modern-day heist thriller with a diverse, high-wattage cast" (Justin Chang, Variety).

"Triple 9" Review by Tim Hellman

'TRIPLE 9': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Gritty crime thriller; about a gang of criminals (including two corrupt cops) that are forced into performing two dangerous heists, for a Russian mob boss's wife. It was directed by John Hillcoat (who also directed the outstanding 'LAWLESS' and 'THE ROAD'), and it was scripted by first time feature film writer Matt Cook. The all- star cast includes Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Kate Winslet, Woody Harrelson, Clifton Collins, Jr., Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Teresa Palmer and Cal Gadot. I enjoyed it immensely.

The story takes place in Atlanta, Georgia; where Michael Atwood (Ejiofor) leads a team of criminals in a daring bank robbery. They're objective is to retrieve a safe deposit box; which contains information vital to freeing a convicted Russian Mafia boss. Michael takes the box to Irina Vlaslov (Winslet), the mob boss's wife, but she insists they perform another job for her. She next wants the gang to steal more important data (on her husband), from a secured government building. Irina kills one gang member, and threatens to take Michael's son; in order to get the criminals to cooperate. The group devises a plan to kill a cop (a Triple 9 police call), as a diversion. Gang member Marcus Belmont (Mackie), a corrupt cop, suggests they kill his new partner, Chris Allen (Affleck).

The movie is very dark, gritty and graphically violent; it also contains explicit sex, nudity, disturbing drug use and lots of foul language. It's definitely not a movie for everyone, but the right audience should get a big kick out of it. Some of it seems pretty intense and hard to watch; but it also feels like a movie (like a really good crime action flick). The pacing is great, the performances are all good and the dialogue is witty. The film definitely has it's flaws too though. It's an especially odd mix of genre pleasing action formula, and realistic crime thriller; but I really enjoyed it.

Official Stills for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released stills for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Official Character Posters for the Action Thriller "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

Intense Official Trailer for the Upcoming Action Film "Triple 9"

Open Road Films recently released the official trailer for the upcoming action film "Triple 9". The upcoming film is the latest from director John Hillcoat (Lawless) and stars Casey Affleck, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, with Woody Harrelson and Kate Winslet.

"Triple 9" hits theaters on February 26th.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Triple9Movie

Plot synopsis:

TRIPLE 9 is an action-packed thriller starring Oscar®-nominees Woody Harrelson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet and Casey Affleck, along with Aaron Paul, Norman Reedus, Gal Gadot and Anthony Mackie. Directed by John Hillcoat ("Lawless").

"Triple 9": Official Trailer

First Still and Official Trailer for the Upcoming Drama "Black and White"

Relativity Studios recently released the first still and trailer for their upcoming release "Black and White". The film stars  Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Jillian Estell, Bill Burr, Jennifer Ehle, André Holland, Gillian Jacobs and Anthony Mackie.

"Black and White" opens in LA for a one-week qualifying run on 12/3 and opens nationwide on 1/30/2015.

For more information on this film, you can visit the film's official Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/BlackorWhiteMovie.

Plot Synopsis:

BLACK OR WHITE is the story of a grandfather (Academy Award® winner Kevin Costner) who is suddenly left to care for his beloved granddaughter. When the little girl’s paternal grandmother (Academy Award® nominee Octavia Spencer) seeks custody, a legal battle ensues that forces the families to confront their true feelings on race, forgiveness and understanding. Anchored by an all-star cast and based on real events, the movie is a look at two seemingly different worlds, in which nothing is as simple as black or white.

"Black and White": Official Trailer

Official Stills for the Upcoming Drama "Repentance"

Lionsgate and Codeblack Films recently released stills for the upcoming release of "Repentance". The upcoming film stars Forest Whitaker, Anthony Mackie, Mike Epps and Nicole Ari Parker "Repentance" hits theaters on 2/28.

Plot Synopsis:

From Lionsgate and Codeblack Films. Years after a drunken car crash that almost took his life, Tommy Carter (Anthony Mackie) has reinvented himself as a therapist/spiritual advisor who advocates a synthesis of world religions and positivity. He’s parlayed this vocation into a successful book release that one day draws the attention of Angel Sanchez (Forest Whitaker), a profoundly troubled man fixated on the “untimely” death of his mother. When Carter takes on Sanchez as a personal client in an effort to raise funds for his indebted brother Ben (Mike Epps), things quickly take a turn for the worse. Angel needs much more than a simple life coach. What may be simple to grasp for some is the idea that single actions in the past comprise tidal waves of reactions in the present. Director Philippe Caland's REPENTANCE examines these issues against a backdrop of kidnapping and murder.