Honey Boy
Directed by: Alma Har'el
Written by: Shia Labeouf
Starring Shia Labeouf, Lucas Hedges, Noah Jupe
Streaming on Amazon
This coming of age movie based on Shia Labeouf's own upbringing as a child actor shadowed by a father with substance issues really hit home with me. The themes feel very realistic and gritty. Shia plays the role of his own father and was written by Shia while he was be treated for mental illness and substance issues. It's a very underrated indie flick that can be streamed on Amazon Prime.
Jay & Silent Bob Reboot
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Available on all Streaming services
The followup to 2001's Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, is far superior to it's predecessor. Yes, there are a million references to Smith's previous movies. Cameo's by both Smith's more obscure actors from movie's like Clerks to ultra Famous actors like Ben Affleck will please life long fans. Smith as he usually does when creating Jay and Silent Bob storylines, steps back and let's his costar shine. Jason Mewes does his best acting when he breaks away from the stoner tropes and slowly "matures" into a parental role. Smith's own daughter does a great job of portraying an angsty teen with "daddy issues". My favorite story arc involves Smith's call back to Chasing Amy and seeing the story come full circle all within the events of this comedy. While we didn't get a sequel to Mall Rats nor a third Clerk's film, Smith did an amazing job of tieying up loose ends. As a long time fan, I was extremely pleased.
Spenser Confidential
Directed by: Peter Berg
Streaming on Netflix
This dropped out of nowhere on Netflix recently. After watching the "Auto Play" trailer of the flick, I decided to give it a shot. I was very pleased to see this buddy (ex)cop meets MMA fighter from the mean streets tandem. I'm from New England, so the sites and sounds of the Boston area throughout the movie earned a special place in my heart. Mark Wahlberg fully embraces the role of Spenser, an ex con, ex cop with a heart. Winston Duke (Black Panther and US fame), takes on the hard nosed Hawk who is easily moved to take up partnership with Spenser when he realizes their mission is about doing what's right. Post Malone aka Austin Post pops up as a "lifer" paid off by some baddies to make Spenser's life a living hell before he leaves the prison population. Postie does a great job especially with his facial expressions and a dark gleam in his eyes. Costars like Alan Arkin, Marc Maron and Eliza Shlesinger(terrible boston accent) round out the rag tag team. After the final scene, I realized that this is actually an origin story to the 80's tv show, SPENCER FOR HIRE. Still great fun!
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