Movie Review: Goodbye June (2025)

Genre: Drama  

Director: Kate Winslet  

Starring: Kate Winslet, Andrea Riseborough, Toni Collette, Helen Mirren, Timothy Spall, Johnny Flynn  

Running Time: 114 minutes  

Synopsis: In England, elderly cancer patient June (Helen Mirren) is hospitalized just before Christmas, and doctors determine that her death is near. Her family gathers, including husband Bernie (Timothy Spall), daughters Julia (Kate Winslet), Molly (Andrea Riseborough), and Helen (Toni Collette), and son Connor (Johnny Flynn). The responsible Julia and highly strung Molly are barely on speaking terms, while Helen is into new age mysticism and Connor suffers from anxieties. From her hospital death bed, June tries to bring the family together.

What Works Well: In her directorial debut, Kate Winslet tries to inject a few flashes of style into the sappy and mundane material, but is hampered by a limited number of sets (most of the drama takes place around June's hospital bed). The stellar cast members do deliver steady performances, and each family member gets a few moments to shine. A bit of spiky humour breaks through the gloom.

What Does Not Work As Well: Quite inferior to similar families-waiting-for-death dramas like Two Weeks, Blackbird, and His Three Daughters, here the characters are stereotypes, the emotions superficial, conflicts are contrived, and the public hospital is remarkably tidy, empty, and attentive. Seemingly intractable years-long disputes are resolved by saccharine soliloquies ("I envy you" is matched by "I work so hard") before being sealed with a hug. The running time is a solid 20 minutes too long, and to triple underline "harried mom" and "circle of life" tropes, most scenes are cluttered with gaggles of children being shuffled in and out of cars and strollers.

Key Quote:

June: Maybe if I'm lucky I'll come back as snow.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: Silk Road (2021)

Genre: Biographical Drama Thriller  

Director: Tiller Russell  

Starring: Jason Clarke, Nick Robinson, Alexandra Shipp  

Running Time: 112 minutes  

Synopsis: It's 2011 in Austin, Texas. Ross Ulbricht (Nick Robinson) is a young man drifting through life with strong libertarian views. After starting a relationship with girlfriend Julia (Alexandra Shipp), he launches a dark web marketplace free from government scrutiny. Using anonymous browsing and cryptocurrency, Silk Road becomes the go-to trading platform for illegal drugs and weapons. Separately, grizzled DEA Agent Rick Bowden (Jason Clarke) is reassigned to cybercrimes, and eventually starts to investigate Silk Road. But Rick has personal troubles of his own and cannot get his supervisor's attention. 

What Works Well: Based on actual events with added artistic flourishes, this compelling biography explores the outcomes of unconstrained commerce enabled by burgeoning technology. Ulbricht may have initially held utopian objectives, but unimaginable money generated by an anything-goes ethos leads to dark places. Nick Robinson portrays an absolutist running an empire from a laptop and quickly in over his head, and Jason Clarke provides a sturdy counterweight as the DEA agent forced into a late career pivot and not beyond temptation. The private family lives of both men inject texture into the too-wild-for-fiction drama.

What Does Not Work As Well: With the emotions of the two central characters taking precedence, some critical details underpinning Bowden's investigation and the FBI closing in on Ulbricht are hopelessly muddled.

Key Quote:

Ross Ulbricht: Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to change the world.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: She Rides Shotgun (2025)

Genre: Crime Drama Thriller  

Director: Nick Rowland  

Starring: Taron Egerton, Ana Sophia Heger, Rob Yang, John Carroll Lynch  

Running Time: 120 minutes  

Synopsis: In rural New Mexico, former drug dealer and reformed white supremacist Nate (Taron Egerton) has just been released from jail. The Aryan Steel gang already has a price on his head for the murder of one of their members behind bars. Nate scoops up his 10-year-old daughter Polly (Ana Sophia Heger) and they go on the run, while Detective John Park (Rob Yang) is intrigued by the possibility of using Nate to lure Aryan Steel leader Houser (John Carroll Lynch) into the open.

What Works Well: This adaptation of a Jordan Harper novel nurtures an intense yet tender father-daughter drama within a gritty pursuit story, and benefits from two immense central performances. Taron Egerton finds a career highlight as a man unable to escape the shadows of his past, and Ana Sophia Heger is a revelation as his daughter. She allows Polly to register the complexities of awakening to courage within an unforgiving world, while suffering from loss, wracked by insecurity, longing for a relationship with her father, but clearly seeing the danger surrounding him. Director Nick Rowland delivers brisk pacing, and in the conniving Detective John Park and uncompromising white supremacist leader Houser, surrounds the protagonists with memorable secondary characters.

What Does Not Work As Well: The strong focus on Nate's relationship with Polly short-changes some of the broader narrative drivers, including Nate's background, Hauser's organization, and Park's plotting.

Key Quote:

(Repeated line:) This is Steel country.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Ace Black's List: The 10 Best Movies Of 2019

More than 95 movies from 2019 have been reviewed on the Ace Black Movie Blog. Here are the 10 best:

Directed by Clint Eastwood.

Starring Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm, and Olivia Wilde.

The tragedy of an ordinary man caught in a maelstrom, exploring the fine margins between heroism and guilt-by-media. Full review. 

Directed by James Mangold.

Starring Christian Bale and Matt Damon.

The essence of competition on the race track and within corporate boardrooms, and at heart a story of human achievement against the odds as underdogs challenge motorsport's elite. Full review.

Directed by Lulu Wang.

Starring Awkwafina and Zhao Shu-zhen.

When is a wedding not a wedding? When it's a family ruse to say farewell to an unsuspecting matriarch, in this delightful culture displacement comedy. Full review.

Directed by John Lee Hancock.

Starring Kevin Costner, Woody Harrelson, and Kathy Bates.

The other side of the Bonnie and Clyde pursuit adopts a lyrically fatalistic focus on two uncompromising men devoted to old-school methods, carnage deployed to nullify carnage. Full review.

Directed by Sam Mendes.

Starring Dean-Charles Chapman, George Mackay, and Colin Firth.

A technical marvel creating the illusion of a single two-hour continuous shot, this is the front-lines of war as seen by average soldiers on a breathtaking but low-probability mission. Full review.

Directed by Taika Waititi.

Starring Roman Griffin Davis, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Thomasin McKenzie.

An irreverent satire with a warm heart, combining the violent death throes of a fascist regime with a tender story of a boy who may yet find salvation. Full review.

Directed by Todd Phillips.

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Frances Conroy, and Robert De Niro.

This gloomy descent into despondency explores soulless wickedness as a reaction to an uncaring world where bullying is tolerated and power celebrated. Full review.

Directed by Fernando Meirelles.

Starring Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins.

An intellectual clash of ideas between the old conservative recognizing his time is up and the upstart progressive unsure if his time has come. Sharply written, beautifully photographed, and magnificently acted. Full review.

Directed by Martin Scorsese.

Starring Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Harvey Keitel, and Joe Pesci.

An ordinary life in service of the mob and the Teamsters, this is an epic story about power, politics, male friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. A stellar cast and a dual investment in style and substance yield a sombre and reflective mood, punctuated by episodes of startling violence. Full review.

Directed by Bong Joon-ho.

Starring Song Kang-ho, Choi Woo-shik, and Park So-dam.

Contrasting family dynamics mix with irreverent humour, social satire, and architectural contradictions in this sublime story of a subversive household take-over in search of economic short-cuts. Full review.

Movie Review: Nobody 2 (2025)

Genre: Action Comedy  

Director: Timo Tjahjanto  

Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, John Ortiz, Sharon Stone, Christopher Lloyd  

Running Time: 89 minutes  

Synopsis: Supposedly retired undercover assassin Hutch (Bob Odenkirk) never stops working for his handler "the Barber" (Colin Salmon), straining his relationship with his wife Becca (Connie Nielsen). They finally agree to go on vacation with their two kids, plus Hutch's dad David (Christopher Lloyd). Hutch selects the derelict Plummerville amusement park as the vacation destination, because it was the one and only place his dad took him to as a child. Before long, Hutch tangles with the locals, including corrupt sheriff Abel (Colin Hanks) and amusement park owner Wyatt (John Ortiz), but the real behind-the-scenes villain is the ruthless Lendina (Sharon Stone). 

What Works Well: This sequel upgrades the cast, increases the focus on family, and retains the combination of wild action infused with wicked humour. The short duration ensures the next action set-piece is never more than a few minutes away, with Hutch determined that nothing will ruin his family vacation and willing to destroy a small town for the cause. Unlikely star Bob Odenkirk exercises his middle-aged brand of reluctant brawlery in a series of mostly short and sharp encounters with countless goons, the best highlights arriving at an arcade and then on a "duck" boat.

What Does Not Work As Well: Of course the originality is gone, and a sense of stretching the concept creeps in, most notably in a Home Alone at Walley World climax. Sharon Stone is a welcome addition but has to contend with a cartoonish over-the-top character.  

Key Quote:

The Barber (to Hutch): You'll want to de-escalate the situation.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: Oh. What. Fun. (2025)

Genre: Christmas Comedy  

Director: Michael Showalter  

Starring: Michelle Pfeiffer, Felicity Jones, Chloë Grace Moretz, Denis Leary, Jason Schwartzman, Eva Longoria  

Running Time: 108 minutes  

Synopsis: Every year, Houston housewife Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer) hosts the perfect Christmas family gathering, but she does all the work and feels under-appreciated, including by her husband Nick (Denis Leary). Eldest daughter Channing (Felicity Jones) has a family of her own and is emotionally neglected by her mom. Middle daughter Taylor (Chloë Grace Moretz) cannot sustain a relationship, while youngest child Sammy (Dominic Sessa) has just been dumped. Claire's family ignore her hints to nominate her for a "mother of the year" television show award, and when they all rush to a Christmas event and leave her behind, she snaps.

What Works Well: The focus on the often unsung work that mothers do to organize and host family events is laudable, and a few laughs work their way into this dysfunctional family's antics. The high quality cast is well above the bland material.

What Does Not Work As Well: The script leans into multiple vacuous cliches, from "keeping up with the Joneses" (Claire has impossibly perfect neighbours) to a grown woman craving recognition on a cheesy television show (Eva Longoria is the host). The family members cannot communicate without arguing, shouting, or insulting each other, and the absence of any genuine warmth or love undermines all the pat and predictable "hug it out" resolutions.

Key Quote:

Claire: Why does Saint Nick get all the credit?

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: The Old Guard (2020)

Genre: Superhero Action  

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood  
Starring: Charlize Theron, Matthias Schoenaerts, Chiwetel Ejiofor  

Running Time: 125 minutes  

Synopsis: Andy (Charlize Theron) leads a secretive small group of immortals including Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), Joe, and Nick, as they travel the world attempting to do good. After escaping an ambush organized by ex-CIA operative Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the immortals sense the presence of a new member, US Marine Nile (KiKi Layne). Andy recruits her into the group as they pursue revenge on Copley, but he is part of a larger conspiracy involving pharmaceutical CEO Merrick (Harry Melling).

What Works Well: The adaptation of a comic book series boasts sparking globe-trotting production values, Charlize Theron in a fully committed kick-ass mode, and expertly choreographed combat scenes. The quiet interludes feature welcome attempts to humanize the characters with back-stories. 

What Does Not Work As Well: Superhero concepts eliminate jeopardy at the best of times, and here the immortals are bullet sponges (with wildly variable recovery times from bullet impacts), casting no doubt on the outcome of any battle. They can be captured (their worst nightmare) to suit the whims of the plot, but the reflections on loneliness across the centuries are samey across the group. The one key double-cross plot twist is inconsistent with the narrative fundamentals, and the pharmaceutical ultra-villain is unfortunately of the unhinged cartoonish variety.

Key Quote:

Booker (about Andy): That woman has forgotten more ways to kill than entire armies will ever learn.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: The King (2019)

Genre: Medieval Historical Drama  

Director: David Michôd  

Starring: Timothée Chalamet, Joel Edgerton, Sean Harris, Robert Pattinson, Ben Mendelsohn  

Running Time: 140 minutes  

Synopsis: In the early 1400s, England's King Henry IV (Ben Mendelsohn) is in ill health and presiding over a fractured nation, including wars with Wales and Scotland. Once he expires, his estranged eldest son Prince Hal (Timothée Chalamet) ascends to the throne as Henry V, advised by Sir William Gascoigne (Sean Harris). Henry V strives to achieve peace, but repeated insults from the King of France prompt him to organize an invasion. He recruits his childhood mentor and renowned warrior Sir John Falstaff (Joel Edgerton) to the cause, and on the muddy planes near the French village of Agincourt, the English and French armies meet.

What Works Well: Inspired by actual events as filtered through Shakespeare's Henriad, this is a sombre mud-baked drama of palace intrigue and battlefield exploits. Henry V as a conflicted and flawed reluctant young leader, determined to exert his authority, seeking peace, but forced into war, ensures a rich character focus. He is surrounded by a large cast of palace occupants, most of them looking after their own interest, with only Sir John Falstaff providing trustworthy presence. When the time comes for armies to clash, director David Michôd forgoes glamour in favour of bone-crunching and suffocatingly chaotic brutality.

What Does Not Work As Well: The mood is unfailingly grim, as if the characters already knew they were living in medieval times devoid of joy. Given the long running length, Gascoigne, the French Dauphin (Robert Pattinson), and Catherine of Valois (Lily-Rose Depp) could have benefitted from more texture.

Key Quote:

Sir John Falstaff: I speak only when there's something to be said. Too often have I seen men of war invent work for themselves - work that leads to nothing but vainglory and slaughtered men. I'm not that man.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: The Way West (1967)

Genre: Western  

Director: Andrew V. McLaglen  
Starring: Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark, Sally Field  

Running Time: 122 minutes  

Synopsis: In 1843, former politician William Tadlock (Kirk Douglas) leads a caravan of families heading from Missouri to Oregon in search of a better life. Tadlock recruits the experienced but reluctant Dick Summers (Robert Mitchum) as the main guide and scout for the expedition. The travelers include Lije and Rebecca Evans (Richard Widmark and Lola Albright) and their teenaged son Brownie. He develops a crush on free-spirited Mercy McBee (Sally Field), although she sets her eyes on an older man trapped with a frigid wife. On the long trail to Oregon, the caravan experiences natural hazards, skirmishes with the Sioux tribe, and inter-personal rivalries.

What Works Well: This Harold Hecht production adapts A.B. Guthrie Jr.'s book into is an ambitious and sprawling cinematic experience filled with magnanimous cinematography. Loosely based on the actual Great Migration, director Andrew V. McLaglen finds highlights in an impromptu hanging, a river crossing, a trek through the desert, and finally an audacious descent into a ravine. Although they rarely need to stretch beyond the confines of pre-defined characters, Kirk Douglas (driven and unempathetic), Robert Mitchum (laid back as ever), and Richard Widmark (tightly coiled) ensure an abundance of star power.

What Does Not Work As Well: This is a choppy and episodic adventure, with limited character evolutions and no narrative focus beyond the obvious "get to Oregon!" objective. And with a large number of cast members competing for time and space with oxen, mules, horses, and wagons, none of them achieve compelling depth. Mercy McBee's sexual escapades threaten to derail the caravan into sordid home wrecker and union-of-convenience territory.

Key Quote:

Lije (discussing whether or not to do battle with the Sioux): I guess we'll have to fight, Dick.

Dick: Well, all right, but some of us are gonna have to settle for a piece of ground a little short of Oregon.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.

Movie Review: Weapons (2025)

Genre: Supernatural Mystery Horror  

Director: Zach Cregger  
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Amy Madigan  

Running Time: 128 minutes  

Synopsis: In a suburban Pennsylvania community, 17 out of 18 children from the same third grade classroom inexplicably leave their homes at 2:17am and disappear. Young Alex Lilly is the only exception. The class teacher Justine (Julia Garner) becomes the target of enraged parents, including Archer (Josh Brolin), the father of one of the missing kids. Police officer Paul (Alden Ehrenreich) and homeless addict James (Austin Abrams) are caught up in the mystery, made more bizarre by the sudden appearance of Alex's eccentric aunt Gladys (Amy Madigan).

What Works Well: The events immediately after the kids' disappearance are recounted from various perspectives. Teacher Justine, dad Archer, police officer Paul, and addict James shed different light on the intractable mystery, director and writer Zach Cregger rocking the small and seemingly quaint suburb with an inexplicable event and unleashing a sense of mounting dread. Julia Garner excels as the teacher in the middle of the storm, shrugging off the community's rage and doggedly conducting her own snooping into what may have happened to her students.

What Does Not Work As Well: After all the careful build-up, the final act is quite the let-down. While Amy Madigan is memorable under layers of make-up and in an outlandish wig, her character's appearance and the subsequent turn towards barely explained witchcraft punctures all suspense out of the narrative. Gore and humour take over, wasting the clever narrative construction. And in retrospect, the plot can only be enabled by incredibly slipshod police work.

Key Quote:

Justine (addressing a parents' meeting): The truth is that I want answers...just as badly as all of you.

All Ace Black Movie Blog reviews are here.