The Protege: A Solid, Old School Thriller

Maggie Q is The Protege

There's something about a well-acted, solidly directed thriller that's very appealing in today's overcrowded cinematic and home video marketplace, where action films are a dime a dozen, and sifting through them all to find the good ones is often a thankless task. The Protege, which was released last year to little fanfare and so-so reviews, is actually well worth checking out. The film, directed by Martin Campbell, who also helmed Goldeneye (1995) and Casino Royale (2006), is an entertaining tale about a top-notch assassin named Anna, who works as a contract killer. Anna was rescued as a child by Moody, a veteran hit man who raised her and trained her to be the best in the business. Anna and Moody take on difficult and high-paying assignments, but only accept contracts on those targets they feel deserve to die.

When Moody is killed, and an unsuccessful attempt is made on Anna's life, she tries to find out who wanted her and her mentor dead. The trail leads to someone from Moody's past, and as Anna investigates, she crosses paths with Michael Rembrandt, a skilled assassin who plays a cat and mouse game with her. He seems to be working for whoever is behind Moody's death, and the botched attack on her. While they're essentially enemies, there are some powerful romantic sparks flying between Anna and Michael. As she gets closer to the truth behind what's going on, Anna may have to choose between her feelings for Michael, and getting revenge for Moody's death. But there's more to the story than Anna bargained for, and the truth could change her life forever.

The Protege is an engaging thriller, and features a terrific cast including Maggie Q as Anna, Samuel L. Jackson as Moody, and Michael Keaton as Michael Rembrandt. Robert Patrick of Terminator 2: Judgement Day and The X-Files, is also featured in a supporting role as an old friend of Moody and Anna's. Maggie Q, best known for her roles in TV series like Nikita and Designated Survivor and films such as Mission: Impossible III and Live Free or Die Hard, is excellent as Anna, and she has great chemistry with both Jackson and Keaton. Samuel L. Jackson is his usual entertaining self, and Michael Keaton is fantastic in his role. His fight scenes with Maggie Q's Anna are well-choreographed and brutal. They may be on opposite sides, but their attraction is undeniable, and you can feel the romantic energy and sexual tension between these two characters.

The film may have some familiar plot elements, but it's an absorbing espionage tale, written by Richard Wenk, who also scripted the Denzel Washington version of The Equalizer, and the Jason Statham thriller The Mechanic. The Protege is smoothly directed by Martin Campbell, a veteran of the Bond films mentioned above, as well as other highly-regarded thrillers like The Mask of Zorro. The film is a fast-paced, colorful, and diverting popcorn thriller, with some excellent cinematography by David Tattersall. The movie is worth seeing, and will definitely satisfy fans of well-crafted, old school action films. The Protege is now available on DVD, Blu-ray and for online streaming. Here's a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wujj1QTk5kY.

The Dark World of "Nightmare Alley"

Cate Blanchett and Bradley Cooper

William Lindsay Gresham’s novel Nightmare Alley is a story that has intrigued and enthralled readers ever since it was published in 1946. The atmospheric tale of carnival hustlers, phony mediums, grifters and devious femme fatales was inspired by Gresham’s conversations with a former carnival worker he met while both men served with the Loyalist forces during the Spanish Civil War. Gresham was fascinated by the dark, seedy world of carnivals and sideshows and the men and women who worked at them. One of the readers that was captivated by the book was actor Tyrone Power, who, at the time, was at the height of his popularity as a romantic leading man in Hollywood, thanks to films like The Mark of Zorro and Blood and Sand.

Power wanted to star in a movie adaptation of Nightmare Alley, but 20th Century Fox studio chief Daryl Zanuck tried to dissuade the actor from making the film. Zanuck felt it would hurt Power’s status as a swashbuckling hero, despite the fact that the actor had just appeared in a change of pace role in a well-received version of The Razor’s Edge, based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham. Zanuck ultimately relented, and the film version of Nightmare Alley was released in 1947. Directed by Edmund Golding (who had also helmed The Razor’s Edge) the movie starred Power, Joan Blondell, Helen Walker and Ian Keith. While the film wasn’t a success upon its original release, this bleak and tragic tale, charting the rise and fall of carnival hustler Stanton Carlisle, is now regarded as a true classic of film noir, despite its studio imposed, somewhat “happy” ending.

Another person who loved the original novel and film was Ron Perlman. The actor introduced the book and the 1947 movie to his friend and frequent director/collaborator, Guillermo Del Toro. Del Toro felt an instant kinship and attraction to the story, and decided to put together a new adaptation of the novel, which would hew closer to the original book’s darker, downbeat ending. The project was in development for quite some time, but eventually the new version of Nightmare Alley, starring Bradley Cooper, Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, Willem Dafoe and of course, Ron Perlman, was released late last year. Directed by Del Toro and co-written with his wife Kim Morgan, it’s a beautifully filmed and acted, deeply mesmerizing story. This version of Nightmare Alley may be in color, but there’s no doubt that this is truly a film noir.

Cooper stars as Stanton Carlisle, a drifter with a mysterious past who ends up working at a seedy, somewhat low-rent carnival. Carlisle is crafty and manipulative. He’s not above using his good looks and charisma to get what he wants, part of which is the secret code used by the carnival’s mentalist act, Pete and Zeena. The duo were once top tier performers, but have since fallen on hard times. Carlisle also has eyes for Molly Cahill, one of the other members of the carnival troupe. He convinces Molly to run off with him, and using the code he’s “acquired” from Pete and Zeena, Stan reinvents himself as “The Great Stanton,” a spiritiualist/mentalist, who gives readings and performs at high profile nightclubs, assisted by Molly. This puts him in the orbit of Dr. Lilith Ritter, a psychologist who just might be more crafty and ambitious than Stan. When the two join forces to use his “psychic” powers to bilk Lilith’s clients, it’s an alliance that will have devastating consequences for Stan, especially since he’s still haunted by some of the less than righteous choices he’s made in the past.

Del Toro’s version of Nightmare Alley is an ambitious and well-crafted work, combining his talent for eye-catching visuals with the terrific performances of a top-tier cast, led by Cooper as Stan, whose sense of pride blinds him to the dangers around him. This will lead to an epic downfall, causing him to sink much further down than he ever thought possible. Or was it his destiny all along? As an actor, Cooper has never been afraid to explore the darker side of his characters, and he’s excellent in the role. He’s matched by a masterful ensemble featuring Toni Collette, David Straithairn, Richard Jenkins, Ron Perlman and Cate Blanchett as Lilith, who turns in an amazing performance that is the very embodiment of the classic femme fatale. The film’s visual splendor is provided by Del Toro and his production crew, who have done a spectacular job of world-building. It’s no surprise that Del Toro feels very much at home presenting the world of the carnival as a family unit, and a shelter for the misfits who perform there. The carnival’s seedy yet comforting milieu is contrasted by the foreboding design of the “real’ world, such as the hard-edged look and coolly cynical color scheme of Lilith Ritter’s office.

Nightmare Alley is a stunning achievement. I think it will take multiple viewings to truly breathe in all of the nuances in the excellent performances of the cast, the superlative direction by Del Toro, and the breathtaking design work on display in the film. The movie is certainly based on the original novel and (to some degree) the 1947 film version, but the richly textured story also features some original thematic touches that are inspired by the unique vision of Guillermo Del Toro. You can really see the connections between all three versions of this dark, very noir tale. Nightmare Alley is currently finishing up its run in theaters, and home video and streaming dates for the movie should be announced soon. This is one of the best films in Del Toro’s already impressive body of work, and is definitely worth checking out. Here’s a link to the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5FGCv17i1E.=

Monogroove Shines on "Into The Sun"

Monogroove, the talented West Coast power pop trio who dazzled us with their 2020 album There’s Something Here, is back with another terrific disc, entitled Into The Sun. On their latest release, the band delivers another must-listen record, featuring an eclectic mix of pop, rock, psychedelia, punk, folk, and even girl group inspired songs, which are steeped in the musical history of the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s. Into The Sun kicks off with “What I See In You,” a fantastic tune that has echoes of the indie rock sound of the 1980s. “What I See In You” is followed by an outstanding cover of The Rolling Stones track “Stupid Girl” which steeps the song in a British Invasion/Beatles-esque vibe.

Other highlights on Into The Sun include the 1970s flavored “Walk In The Park,” the edgy power-punk romp “Suzie Tuna,” the groovy, girl group-esque “Hold Onto Me” and the psychedelic-tinged “Times Out,” which sounds like a lost track from the much loved 1960s rock compilation Nuggets. The atmospheric “Times Out,” is a prime candidate for “Coolest Song In The World” status on the Sirius XM show Little Steven’s Underground Garage. In fact, just about any of the songs on this excellent record are deserving of multiple spins on that channel/show. Are you listening, Stevie?

Into The Sun also features some fine ballads which showcase the ethereal vocals of guitarist Rin Lennon. “I’ll Remember You” and “Darlin” are heartfelt songs that benefit from Lennon’s rich, emotional delivery, which is also showcased on the lovely “I Only Know” and the guitar-infused “Here I Stand.” Throughout the album, Lennon’s excellent work on guitar is matched by the fluid bass of Woody Cross and the masterful drumming of Kenny Cratty. The band’s sheer joy at playing together shines through on every track on the record. Just listen to their tight interplay on the rocked out “Me In You” and the 1970s pop styled “Even Try.”

Into The Sun is a phenomenal record, which should enthrall dyed in the wool music fans who dig 1960s, 70s and 80s pop/rock, and love bands like The Beatles, The Who, Big Star and The Raspberries. Monogroove not only celebrates the sound of the groups that inspired them, they brilliantly put their own spin on these beloved rock and roll genres. The album is a must listen for those who like their rock and roll played with heart, passion, and soul. For more on Monogroove's music, and to check out the tracks from Into The Sun, and their previous releases, head over to the group’s bandcamp page at: https://monogroove.bandcamp.com, and watch the video for "What I See In You," by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adzzIp-uGCo.