Skip to main content

Review: The Old Guard

God bless Netflix for keeping the summer blockbuster alive amidst a global pandemic.

Had COVID-19 not reared its ugly head, we'd have been smack dab in the middle of films like Black Widow, The New Mutants, and Wonder Woman 1984 -- all vying for our attention. Sadly, this is not the case...

But we do have The Old Guard, a comic-book inspired film starring Charlize Theron as the leader of a band of immortal soldiers who kick much ass in their quest to alter history for the better. And I'm happy to report the movie kicks much ass as well.

The Old Guard is full of well-stage gun and fistfights, and larger-than-life set pieces. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood manages to keep it all grounded with a gritty style that lets us see the action.

She also slows things down enough to build actual characters and relationships. Not so much that we become bored, but just enough to invest us in what is going on. And Prince-Bythewood gives everything a somber tone, so this feels more like Logan than a recent Marvel entry.

Theron is always good, and she remains one of the few women on film who is a convincing action hero. I believe she can kick my ass, and the asses of most men she comes across. She's just go this look and way of moving that says "I know I'm beautiful, but don't let that fool you."

The Old Guard has already becomes Netflix's most watched original movie. This seems to happen with each one the streaming giant makes. I guarantee you this will be a franchise. And yes, the door is left open for more Old Guard movies.

I can't wait. This one is a Good.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

  Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends.  With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher.  When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up.  Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila!  Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink.  The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink.  The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices.   In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors.  The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort.  It was refreshing enou

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ".  I know I remember them.  This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present.  With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good.  It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters.  This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's.  In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking.  I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e