Don’t break the silence

For those who haven’t seen the first movie or those who forgot what it was about, co-writer/director Krasinski gives you a recap. Day one was the day during which everything changed. A normal day in a small town turned into a nightmare when alien creatures attacked the inhabitants, including Lee Abbott (John Krasinski) his family. They killed anything that made a noise, and being quiet was the best way of surviving. Four hundred and seventy-four days later, we see the aftermath of that day. Lee is dead, and his widow Evelyn (Emily Blunt) left their home with their three children Marcus (Noah Jupe), Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and a newborn baby. They’re running for the hills where they will be safe from the aliens.

During their journey, being quiet is of vital importance, but that’s easier said than done. They come across an old friend Emmett (Cillian Murphy), who at first refuses to help; there aren’t enough resources, more people make more noise and “there are people not worth saving”. Evelyn can convince him, and from then onwards, Krasinski gives you multiple storylines evolving simultaneously. All with their heroic lead and darkness luring over them. Regan cracked a radio signal that would help the next generations to survive, and together with Emmett, she tries to find where the radio signal comes from. Evelyn is left to look after Marcus and her baby, but when resources become scarce, it seems that their days are numbers, especially with a crying baby. Will Regan and Emmett find the radio signal to save the family, or will the creatures tear apart the Abbott family once more?

We received amazingness of the cast and crew loud and clear

A Quiet Place was mainly about a man sacrificing himself to save his loved one; this movie is about surviving by helping each other. During the first movie, you had to wait to get a glimpse of the aliens, but now you see them straight away. The ‘how do the monsters look like?’ question is replaced by ‘will this character make noise?’. Yes, there are few shifts from A Quiet Place to Part II, but luckily for us, Krasinski created a clever, intriguing, and dark movie again.

As mentioned, multiple storylines are happening at the same time, and to give you that suspenseful vibe, editor Michael P. Shawver (Black Panther, Creed) uses fast-paced editing to go back and forth in between those subplots. The closer they get to unravelling, the faster the editing becomes, and when some of them come to an end at the same time, it all goes to pitch black, and for few seconds, you wonder who survived and who didn’t.

Of course, brilliant editing like that wouldn’t have the same effect if it wasn’t for the great combination of stunning cinematography and top-notch acting performances. The long, slow and wide shots from cinematographer Polly Morgan (Lucy in the Sky, Spinning Man) give you the chance to immerse yourself into the world of the Abbott family. Whether it’s brighter scenes before the world came to an end or the darkest ones, when death and darkness are present, Morgan knows how to capture the spirit of each moment. Even more so when she uses close-ups to highlight human feelings. There are also subtle references to the previous movie. Remember when she goes down the stairs, and a nail sticks out of one of the steps? Well, it might or might not happen again this time.

The performances are as solid as the ones in the first movie. Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, The Girl on the Train) excels on multiple fronts. Not only as the caring mother but also as the unafraid woman who would do anything for her family. That scene, in which her and her on-screen son Marcus storyline comes to an end, is just perfectly balanced. You will get both big emotions and action. It’s just a shame that she doesn’t have a lot of screentime as sometimes it feels like the A Quiet Place newcomer Cillian Murphy (Free Fire, Inception) is taking on the role Krasinski had during the first movie. However, there’s nothing wrong with Murphy’s electrifying and touching performance; we see his rough-tough character come to life stunningly, especially because he even shows the hidden sensitive side of Emmett.

While Blunt and Murphy might have the most credits under their belts, A Quiet Place Part II is Simmonds’ and Jupe’s movie. They might have a sweet and innocent vibe around them, but they definitely show you that they bring exhilarating and poignant performances to the big screen. It’s also great to see that Krasinski allows them to shine in their storylines. Simmonds (Wonderstruck, Close Up) brings out captivating acting during Regan’s dangerous search for help while Jupe (Le Mans ’66, Wonder) delivers a tremendous performance when protecting his A Quiet Place family.

Cinema is back!

The cinematic world is finally opening up again, which is fantastic! Ok, the world of A Quiet Place Part II might be a dark one to discover. However, if you dare to step into that world, then you won’t regret it because Krasinski delivers again a dark, thrilling, suspenseful and emotional movie that will keep you on your toes the entire time. It’s also a great starting point for a potential Part III…

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: A Horror Fans Film Guide to 2021

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Start your engines!

He was the icon in the racing sport for multiple years and was the inspiration for many younger generations. Sadly, due to health reasons, Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) his days as a racecar driver are now over. Instead, he’s spending most of his time as the owner of Shelby American Inc., designing and selling cars. However, he still has a big passion for the racing tracks. He’s not the only one as his best friend, auto mechanic and driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) his world is full of fast cars and perfect laps as well. After losing his auto mechanic shop and needing the money, Miles would do anything to be able to provide his wife Mollie (Caitriona Balfe) and son Peter (Noah Jupe) with the best care possible. No better way to do that than with car racing, right?

That’s exactly what he wants and that exactly what he gets when Shelby comes to him with a very unusual but alluring proposition. Shelby was approached by Henry Ford II (Tracy Letts) to take on Ferrari during Le Mans ’66. He wants his best friend Miles behind the wheel. After being reluctant about the job, both men want to take Ford to the start of one of the biggest racing events: The 24 Hours of Le Mans.

However, there are many bumps along the way. The main one is Leo Beebe (Josh Lucas), the right hand of Ford, who sees everything from the advertisement side and who prefers charisma and style above passion and knowledge. There are also the expected technical issues such as not working breaks and cars not being ready. Will Shelby and Miles be able to bring Ford to the start of Le Mans ’66 and provide him with a huge victory or will Ferrari make it happen again and be the one taking a victory lap?

Passion and skills drive this movie

Not so long, Bale (Vice, The Fighter) revealed that he’s done with undergoing dramatical weight transition but to play Miles, he has outdone himself again. Not only with the psychical metamorphosis but also by nailing the American accent. His excellent performance shows us the determination and passion of Miles. Bale does it with flair and joy and it’s such a pleasure to watch. Opposite him, we see the superb Damon (Suburbicon, Downsizing) as Shelby. He puts on a brilliant display as the resolute car designer who fights for what and who he believes in. The scenes between Bale and Damon are where the magic happens.

Due to the grandiose presence of the characters and the dazzling performances of Bale and Damon, there’s not much space for the supporting cast. That’s a shame if you can count on wonderful actors such as Jupe (A Quiet Place, Wonder), Balfe (Money Monster, Now You See Me), and Jon Bernthal (The Peanut Butter Falcon, Widows). The first two bring more emotions to this movie but to be able to have a lasting impact, their screen time is just too limited. Bernthal his Lee Iacocca is the head of the marketing team and while Bernthal’s performance is fine and enjoyable, he doesn’t get the chance to shine.

In high speed and incredibly entertaining film, there are some special effects used. In Le Mans ’66 it’s not clear where the real-life driving and incredible stunts made room for the SFX effects. Thanks to cinematographer Phedon Papamichael (The Huntsman: Winter’s War, The Monuments Men), we feel like we’re with Miles, driving in speed record away from the competition. However, the element that enhanced the car race experience is without a doubt the stunning sound design. That roaring sound of the engines gives this film the vibrant and compelling element it needs.

Racing towards the Oscars

This film shows a lot of passion and craftsmanship, both behind and in front of the screen. The fuel that drives this movie is the humour, sound design, and the incredible stunt driving. With Matt Damon and Christian Bale in the driver’s seat, this movie races in a lap record towards the multiple awards waiting at the finish line. You should catch this movie on the biggest screen and with the best sound system possible.

Rating: (4 / 5)

Also Read: Little Monsters (Review)

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