AN INTERVIEW WITH ACTOR JAMES D'ARCY

I was fortunate to interview actor James D'Arcy of TV's "AGENT CARTER," and such films as "Master and Commander," and "Cloud Atlas." Presently he is working with Christopher Nolan on the WWI drama "Dunkirk." He is also a graduate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, which happens to be my mothers Alma Mater. 

I hope you enjoy it. 

Question 1: On Agent Carter, You played the character Jarvis ( Which you did a fantastic job.As a fan, and since you were a character that up until then had been a voice,  He really felt like a real person. (You and Haley Atwell had great chemistry) If you hadn't done Agent Carter, what would be another Marvel Or DC character you would have liked to play as? Are you surprised that Marvel dropped it? (My mom and I are, as we were huge fans of the show, and think it really was a great show for young women especially.)

I’m probably not as familiar with the Marvel or DC world so that I could give a good answer to that question. I love to play a variety of roles, so something quite different from Jarvis I guess! That being said, I really loved the show, and it’s a great shame that they didn’t pick it up for a 3rd season. I thought there was more story to tell, especially around the creation of SHIELD.

Question 2: You recently were cast in Christopher Nolan's WW2 Dunkirk movie with Kenneth Branagh, Mark Rylance, and Tom Hardy. As an actor that has to be a huge moment for you. The time where you were in Drama School was when Rylance and Branagh we exploding on the scene. Does it feel strange when actors you saw as a student are suddenly working with you? Besides the Wachowskis and Nolan, what are some other directors you'd like to work with?

I only worked with Kenneth Branagh, and he was delightful. And yes, working with Nolan is a dream… There are so many directors I admire, but I guess near the top of my wishlist are PT Anderson, Denis Villeneuve, Ang Lee and Spielberg.

Question 3: Master and Commander is one of my favorite films of all time. You did a great job in your role. I was wondering is there any book you'd like to see get made into a movie and would you like to star in it? ( Ps. still hoping for a Master and Commander sequel) And my mom says you were quite the sword fighter in college. do you enjoy films that have that aspect in them like M&C?

Love doing stuff that involves a degree of physicality, especially if it’s something new to me… They’ve actually just made a book I wanted to see as a movie, it’s called Billy Lynn. Don’t really think there was a role for me in that one though…. 

Question 4:  After doing Hitchcock,  If I were to do a biopic on you, who would you cast as yourself and what would it be about?

Am I still young enough to play myself??? I mean, I guess it would be about my life if it were a biopic!

Question 5: What is the easiest part of being an actor on a set and what is the hardest part? Since you got your start in theater, would you rather be doing theater, film, or TV?

Being an actor is a dream come true, I don’t find being on a set hard at all. I love it. If you’ve been unemployed for a while and you don’t have money, well I think that can be tough for actors. 

I’m crazy about the medium of film. Always have been. And I don’t really feel like I got a start in theatre… My first professional job was in TV. It’s just a bit misleading at drama school bc they focus very heavily on stage work…

Hope that helps Jake. Good luck!

My thanks to Mr. D'Arcy. Can't wait to see DUNKIRK. Going to be EPIC!!!!

THE LEGEND OF TARZAN REVIEW

 

                                     
                                             

"The Legend Of Tarzan," is a film I was really pumped to see.  Whats not to like? A terrific cast, an exotic location, and a great story, make up one incredible evening at the movies. But does it live up to the hype? Heres the story.

  

In the decade after the original Tarzan took place, we find Tarzan, now called John Clayton, Lord Greystoke, living in England and acting like a civilized human being with wife Jane. And while he gets along in the world, its quite clear, when he see's Jane teaching children about Africa, that he misses it deeply. Jane too. He finds her high up in a tree dreaming of going back and you know, he wants it too. When an opportunity comes up to travel back as a representative for the British government, he is hesitant, and we get a glimpse why. Before leaving, Tarzan was involved in a fight that had catastrophic consequences. He knows going back could put a price on his head.  This is where Christoph Waltz does his best to make sure Tarzan pays for that act. What Tarzan doesn't realize at first, is Waltz is acting for foregin powers. One that want to destroy Africa and everything that Jane and Tarzan love about it.  And Waltz will do anything.. including harm Jane to make it happen. 

I liked this film a lot. Skarsgard is perfect as Tarzan, and Margot Robbie looks and acts the part of the defiant heroine. Samuel L Jackson, plays George Washington Williams, a real life American historian of the African people, and good comedy in the company of Tarzan. For every exhausting run that Tarzan has, comes the panting but determined face of Williams, ready to offer Tarzan whatever back up he needs. Waltz is a good villian, but I fear he is pigeon holing himself into roles of "vaguely eastern european baddies" who have secret agendas. That being said, he plays that part very very well.  I was a little shocked by the big names they have in the film that do very little, such as Jim Broadbent, Ben Chaplin and Djimon Hounsou who together make up less than 15 minutes of film. Which leads me to believe their parts were most likely bigger and ended up on the cutting room floor. Which makes me want to read the original script by Craig Brewer and Adam Cozad. I have a feeling there was more to it. What is clear is that they were trying to go beyong the Tarzan story we all know and talk abbout the very real problems that plagued Africa during this time. I wish we'd gotten a little more of that. 

 The CGI is sometimes good, and sometimes it isn't, with some of it looking unrealistic. But the action is incredible. And your interested in the story from begining to end. I also really liked Skarsguard and Jackson's chemistry. They bring a good fun and lightness to the film. Its a fun film to take the kids to. I overall enjoyed it very much. 

THE VERDICT

The Legend Of Tarzan , despite some over used CGI, has a good story with great actors that keeps you entertained.  I give it a B+. 

X-MEN: APOCALYPSE REVIEW

"X-men: Apocalypse," Is finally here! I have been looking forward to another journey into the younger lives of the X-men, and after the first two, I have to admit, I had high expectations. Did the movie live up to the hype? Well.... for the most part.... Yes.

X-Men: Apocalypse takes place  in the 1980s and it is about how the very first mutant in the world comes back to life and  wants to destroy the world. So the X-Men have to stop him.  I like this movie but don't love it. The problems are : the movie is very slow in the beginning. Its 2 and half hours and it easily not only could have 20 min cut but  Some actors are wasted or over the top. Also Apocalypse as a character not Oscar Issacs performance but the way the  character is written is bad to me. Theres also a plot hole from the ending to the last movie that they don't address in this movie. And Rose Byrne really has no point to be in this movie. Lana Corder who plays the character of Jubilee easily could've taken her place. Jubilee was a good character and I would have loved to see more.   Jennifer Lawrence is just okay. She acts in some scenes, then talks bored in some. Now here are my pros. The cast that plays the young X-Men are all great! From Tye Sheridan to Sophie Turner to the rest of them. The action is very incredible and the story is interesting overall. Most of the original cast are all good as well. The new quicksilver scene is awesome, even better than the last one. Theres a cameo that I don't want to ruin thats so cool . Also the most stand out performance is Michael Fassbender, who plays the character of Magneto. He is conflicted and he shows it so greatly. Other than that

                                                                   THE VERDICT
X-MEN: Apocalypse might be the weakest out of the First Class trilogy, but its performances, and action keep you entertained. I give it a B.

NICE GUYS REVIEW

"The Nice Guys," was a movie I was really looking forward too. Mostly cause the trailer was terrific, and super funny. So did it live up to its hype?

"The Nice Guys," tells the story of two private investigators, played by Gosling and Crowe, hired to find the daughter of a high up U.S. Attorney. Over the coarse of the search, they encounter blue skinned assassins, porn stars, and crazy film makers, all the while learning that what each detective brings to the table can help the other in their quest.  Directed skillfully by Shane Black,  its cast also includes Matt Bomer, as a crazy assassin, (And by the way someone needs to give him a part in the "Justice League," franchise cause the man is an action star!) and  introducing Angourie Rice, as Goslings daughter, who in her need to keep her father going, also helps keep Crowe from completely becoming a heartless thug.  The film is pretty great. The best part is the chemistry between Crowe and Gosling. They are served well by a pretty good script, and Blacks direction for the most part keeps the action going in great directions. He cast it well for the most part. The exception being Kim Basinger as the attorney and Margaret Qualley as her near do well absent daughter. They just rang false and each time Basinger was on the screen I kept secretly comparing her to the character she played in "L.A. Confidential." There were a few parts that while serving the story were in need of a speed pick up, but other then that, it was a fun ride.

                                                                     THE VERDICT
"The Nice Guys," has some faults, but the chemistry with Crowe and Gosling and the story overall saves it. I give "The Nice Guys," a solid B+.
     

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR REVIEW

"Captain America: Civil War" was not only one of my most anticipated films of 2016, It was easily in the top 3 films i have waited for all year. The comic book is one of my favorites and I was very excited to see all these heroes clash. So is it as great as everyone says? Heres the story.

"Civil War," is about how the governments of the world, have decided that the Avengers must be handled by Rules and Regulations, and are prohibited rom going out and "Avenging" on their own. Ironman, guilty over the invention of Ultron, and his killing spree, feels it important that the Avengers have a check system that can prevent more senseless deaths. Captain America, sure that this is the wrong thing, (And sure because whats to prevent governments from getting too powerful? Cap has had to go up against governments before,) refuses to go along with it. Enter the Winter Solider, Bucky Barnes, who has stayed quietly hidden until now. Along with Daniel Bruhl, as the movies villain Zemo, sends the Avengers on a path to chosing sides. Team Cap, or Team Ironman? Which do you chose? This film is everything I wanted. From the soryline, to the acting to the action sequences. Everything is first rate. It also has the introduction of Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman, and a brand new Spiderman played by Tom Holland, who without a doubt, has reinvigorated that story in such incredible ways! I would say Boseman and Holland are welcome additions to the group.  We love all these characters and its very cool to see them reunite again but this time clash at each other. It amazes me how much fun it is. 

                                                                THE VERDICT

"Captain America: Civil War" is a thrill ride of a film, with a great story, terrific acting, and spectacular action. I give it an A+. 

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE REVIEW

Batman VS Superman is finally here!!!! After 3 years of waiting we finally have the movie we wanted. So its it good? Is it bad? Is it just okay? Well let me tell you about the story first.

"Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice," is about how Batman thinks that Superman is too powerful. He is witness to the fight between Superman and General Zog, (Scene in the previous Superman movie "Man of Steel") and the end result is Wayne Enterprises employees getting killed or maimed, and he feels justified in trying to stop him. While he preps for that, Superman deals with a severe backlash against him. Bad press and congressional hearings aside, he struggles and wonders, does the world need him? Are they really ready for him and all that he includes?  Lastly, a young Lex Luther comes into view, with a plan all his own. And needless to say, its not a good one.

I will be honest and say, while I didn't love the film, I didn't hate it. In fact I will go as far as to say, I liked it. BUT, I do have some cons.
1.) The film is too long. It can have easily 20 minutes cut from it. The Batman and Superman fight is not as exciting as you think it is. And literally goes on for about 5 minutes more than it should, and ends abruptly, which, after what you are just witness too, seems wrong.
2.)   Holly Hunter and Scoot McNairy, are just two actors who are wasted in the film. And their waste eats up about 20 minutes in the film, so... you know, back to reason 1.
3.) There are story line issues, and character points that made me nuts. For instance, the way they wrote Lois Lane in this movie makes her look like an idiot. She was better written in "Man Of Steel." Amy Adams does a fine job but her character is so dumb.  Also the way Batman and Superman become friends is bad because after forty five minutes of fighting, suddenly they are on the same side. Happened way too quick. Lastly, I defended Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor, but man,  he does not work. He is more of a Riddler character than Lex Luthor. I blame it on lack of story and direction for him. And when I say lack of story, I mean they wrote him something so broad and crazy, it just was too cartoonish for the movie,

Now for the Pros, Ben Affleck proves they didn't make a mistake hiring him. He brings a layer to the performance that puts him next to Bale in the best performances of the character. Henry Cavill and Jeremy Irons turn in solid work.  I did like Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, and Laurence Fishburne, Diane Lane also do great work.   The action is good, although their editor was a little choppy. And for the most point, and I was on the edge of my seat at times. It  has gotten me excited for "The Suicide Squad," and "Wonder Woman." And the thought that Affleck will be bringing his own directing talents to a stand alone "Batman," makes me think that this is going to be a terrific 10 years for the Justice League. Fair warning to parents though. Its pretty violent. Be warned, its not really for kids under 12.

THE VERDICT

Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice Might not be what we exactly wanted due to its over hype, and some of its screenplay, but it has a lot of  really great performances and action. I give it a B+. 

LONDON HAS FALLEN REVIEW

"London has Fallen," is the sequel to " Olympus has fallen." A crazy ride of a shoot movie that has Gerard Butler as  Mike Banning, the best secret service agent ever.  I enjoyed the first one so much, I decided I had to give the second one a try. Lets talk about the story first though. 

"London Has Fallen," is about how the British prime minster has died, and so all the heads of state of forty different countries, are about to descend onto London for his funeral.  So that means, President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart back in the role) and Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) go to London. This time however, Mike is getting ready for the birth of his first child, so he's a little distracted. The President lets him know though that he needs him to come along, and when he does, he does it in only the way he can. He makes sure he does things differently than expected, and when different heads of state are being murdered all over the city due to a terrorist plot, Mike looks like a genius, and starts taking actions to protect the President at all costs.

So first let me say, this film is no where as good as the first. The dialogue is not always good. There were a few out loud laughs, and not in that good way. And its the king of movie cameos. Melissa Leo, and Jackie Earle Haley are in it, and you could almost cut the  out completely and it wouldn't matter.

 Some of the action is quite good. Butler knows how to play these scenes well, and the President has become his partner in their survival. I enjoyed the Chemistry between the two of them. Its what made it a decent action film. 

                                                               THE VERDICT

"London has Fallen," has some decent action, and some elements to the story that work. It tends to over shadow the bad. So as a result, I am giving "London has fallen," a B-