BLACK BAG & THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP

BLACK BAG

Directed by Steven Soderbergh

Less than two months ago we got director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp's unique take on a ghost story with the superb PRESENCE. Now the duo are back with the delicious and electric spy drama BLACK BAG. What a glorious time to be a fan of going to the movies. 

Where PRESENCE was low-key and a bit experimental, BLACK BAG is a scrumptious throwback to the films Hollywood doesn't want to make anymore--the mid budget star driven adult drama. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett star as George and Kathryn, British intelligent agents and spouses living a seemingly perfect life together. They assume each other watches one another and/or lies "only when it's necessary". Looking effortlessly sexy and insanely cool, the two are madly in love with each other and light up the screen with their sensuality.

As the movie opens, George learns there's a leak from within and his wife Kathryn is one of the suspects. He has a week to flush it out and get the tea. What follows for the next 90 minutes is scene after scene of incredible actors playing off each other and delivering crackling dialogue with much aplomb. 

The rest of the suspects rounding out the cast include Naomie Harris (one of my favorite divas ever since "Pirates of the Caribbean"), Marisa Abela (the Amy Winehouse biopic), Regé-Jean Page (TV's BRIDGERTON and just too beautiful to not be in movies) and Tom Burke. I spent the entire running time trying to figure out where I know this strangely handsome and charismatic actor until the end credits and it hit me, Burke played Praetorian Jack in last year's masterpiece FURIOSA. 

An early scene at a dinner party sets the tone for what's to follow. Ulterior motives aplenty and what starts off as a seemingly casual get together amongst coworkers slowly turns into something darker and funnier. An absolute masterclass in camera blocking and the utmost control of tone as funny moments still find their way to us. 

The fallout from that dinner party sets things fully in motion as Fassbender investigates the others as well as as his wife. Blanchett is acting rather suspicious, but she wouldn't be that obvious would she? Relationship dynamics are tested as secrets between friends and lovers are revealed. I would've like the main plot -- something about a software program being stolen -- were a little less convoluted, by the end I couldn't tell you what happened exactly. Something with The Russians of course!

But damn these actors are good, with a musical score oftentimes reminiscent of Soderbergh's 2001  OCEAN'S 11 remake (a personal favorite). Not a comedy but spiced with funny moments and not a thriller but still thoroughly engaging. This BLACK BAG is good for any occasion.

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of 4

THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE

Directed by Pete Browngardt

Woo-Hoo! Besties Daffy Duck and Porky Pig team up to save the world from an alien invasion! This is an original fully animated feature length film and boy is it a treat. With the help from the beautiful (and cvnty) Petunia Pig, our boys get into all sorts of sticky situations involving the local gum factory. Hijinks ensue!

Hilarious with gorgeous animation, the original tone and spirit of the Looney Tunes are alive and well! That's all folks!

⭐⭐⭐ 1/2 out of 4