Spring movies launch a new film season
Challengers
Cameron Winick/Prowler
In the past decade, director Luca Guadagnino has succeeded at making everything from peaches to cannibalism seem almost erotic. Now, he turns the mostly boring sport of tennis into a similarly sensual thrill ride in “Challengers,” his brand new film released on April 22. It follows the sprawling rivalry between two tennis players, sparked by a girl in their college days. Zendaya, Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor headline the film and are so good in their respective roles that they each steal the show from each other in nearly every scene. Besides the performances, Guadagnino’s direction is at the top of its game. This film probably has his most dynamic camera work yet, as there are so many visceral moments where the ball whizzes past the frame, helped by the impeccable sound design. The score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross is a kind of electronic funk, and works surprisingly well. Justin Kuritzkes’ intricate screenplay is brilliant, jumping back and forth in time like a tennis ball on a court. Overall, “Challengers” is not only my favorite film from Luca Guadagnino, but my favorite of the year so far.
The Fall Guy
Cameron Winick/Prowler
Everyone knows that Hollywood stunt performers are greatly underappreciated in their industry. “The Fall Guy,” released on May 3, tells the exciting story of one such overlooked stuntman. Ryan Gosling stars as ex-stuntman Colt Seavers who finds himself wrapped up in a giant mystery surrounding a new movie directed by a previous fling of his, played by Emily Blunt. Gosling and Blunt really do carry the entire film on their backs, as they are pretty much the only two great parts of the movie. Leitch is an admirable director, he has a decent eye for color and can frame a shot competently, but the style of movie he makes is simply not for me. I did not particularly care for the writing, but again, it is elevated completely by Gosling and Blunt’s comedic chops. The action is expectedly good, and the jokes about modern Hollywood are expectedly bad. “The Fall Guy” is not anything special, however it works as a good vehicle for Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, as well as an original action comedy.
Furiosa
Cameron Winick/Prowler
A propane-fueled explosion of colors and unbelievable action, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is director George Miller’s latest entry in his “Mad Max” series. This film serves as a prequel to the smash hit “Fury Road,” focusing on the character of Furiosa. Anya Taylor-Joy takes over the titular role, and absolutely does justice to Charlize Theron’s portrayal. Her performance is so rich with quiet anger and, for lack of a better word, fury. Chris Hemsworth as Dr. Dementus steps outside of his comfort zone and delivers an unreal performance that is simply so hilariously evil and simultaneously terrifying. As usual, Miller’s action sequences are probably some of the most incredible of all time. I also understand why people would be disappointed in the heavy use of CGI, but don’t get it wrong: “Furiosa” still has some of the best stunts of any movie from the last couple years, and it’s still the best looking movie of this year. I also won’t spoil the ending, but it might just be my favorite ending of any movie from this year. “Furiosa” lives up to the hype, functioning as a more than worthy addition to the series.
