Keanu film review: a clever pastiche of action films and urban culture starring TV duo Key and Peele
How far would you go to save a cat? That's the question asked by this new action-comedy from TV duo Key and Peele, the cousins forced to become gangsters by a nefarious drug dealer (Method Man) in order to get their beloved kitten Keanu back.
The stars have a terrific natural rapport, morphing seamlessly from mild mannered suburbanites to hilarious amateur street thugs. Along the way they meet celebrities (including a brilliant cameo by Anna Faris), as well as providing a different interpretation of the songs of George Michael (and yes, Keanu’s namesake does pop up at one point). As big screen showcases go, these former sketch performers are stars in the making. A pastiche of both action films and urban culture, Keanu has the laughs to make this a future cult classic.
Summertime
★★★☆☆
Young farmer's daughter Delphine moves to Paris in the 1970s and falls for an older woman in this French tale of forbidden love set against the socio-political uprising. Just as romance blossoms, news from back home threatens to tear her from the happiness she’s created.
Director Catherine Corsini's drama is at its best when talking about the beauty of love and relationships, with stars Cecile De France and Izia Higelin displaying a deep and moving chemistry. However, the introduction of a plethora of other themes means the film becomes unfocused, an ungainly hybrid of coming-of-age tale and political commentary – as a result much of the director’s vision goes unrealised. While not as searingly personal as obvious parallel Blue Is The Warmest Colour, the passion of this tale will make it accessible to all.
Precious Cargo
★☆☆☆☆
A frustratingly bland action-thriller about a thief who finds himself in the cross-hairs after being lured into a dangerous job by his ex.
A straight-to-video cheapie that somehow stumbled on to the big screen, the lack of care taken to make this film is evident from the first frame. Never expanding the plot beyond bad guys and bullets, it's painful to watch as it goes through the motions of an action-thriller without offering anything to make it distinct. Lead Mark-Paul Gosselaar at least looks engaged in what he is doing, which is more than can be said for the sporadic and utterly disinterested Bruce Willis. Popping up as a crime boss in a no doubt lucrative bit-part, his performance displays an unforgivable lack of effort.