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MR-9: Do or Die (2023)
Very Entertaining
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Film Review: "MR-9: Do or Die"
September 5, 2023 b
MR-9: DO OR DIE
Starring: Abm Sumon, Michael Jai White and Frank Grillo
Directed by: Asif Akbar
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
Premiere Entertainment Group
I have followed the career of filmmaker Asif Akbar since his eye-opening documentary "Top Priority: the Terror Within" in 2010. In 2018, he made his solo feature directing debut with the sci-fi thriller "Astro," a film he co-wrote. As the years rolled on, his films became bigger and better. And with his latest, "MR-9: Do or Die," he has delivered the biggest and the best.
In a remote C. I. A. Field office, a pair of agents are planning their upcoming mission. After going through all the particulars, one says to the other, "Let's not make a scene this time." Oops.
Action packed from start to finish, "MR-9: Do or Die" follows the adventures of B. C. I. (Bangladesh Counter Intelligence Agency) agent Masud Rana (Sumon), code name MR-9. He is put to work to investigate a pair of brothers whose robotics company is up to no good. As he literally travels the world to foil the brothers plot the body count grows. And grows. And grows!
There are two kinds of action films. One kind is horribly paced, with really nothing going on between the action scenes. For an example I offer the George Clooney film, "The American," which was such a snoofefest I had to think for a couple of minutes before I remembered the title. An example of a great action film is this summer's latest installment in the "Mission Impossible: series, "Dead Reckoning." As in that film, the action here is non-stop, with the characters only taking a few moments to catch their breaths, presumably to allow the audience to do the same.
The performances are strong and Akbar's pacing spot on. Like "MI: Dead Reckoning," the extended running time moves quickly. Another thing in common - there is more to this adventure to come.
The film is beautifully shot, with each of the global destinations captured in their own individual beauty. Credit Director of Photography Mark David and Production Designer Chad Quick for the amazing look of the film and composer Ricky Kej for his Bondian-themed score, a perfect accompaniment for the action on-screen.
MR-9: Do or Die" receives four out of a total of five stars.
The Girls of Summer (2020)
Perfect film for the world today.
It's a beautiful day in Indiana. Working on their family sod field, the Taylor sisters are looking forward to the coming evening with both joy and sadness. Soon two of them will be leaving home to pursue other endeavors but first, for the last time, tonight The Girls of Summer will take the stage.
Beautifully photographed and smoothly paced, "The Girls of Summer" follows oldest sister Maren (Tori Titmas, who also wrote the screenplay) as she embarks on the journey of life. A chance meeting at their last gig with former country star Luke Thomas (Hosner) offers her the opportunity to join his touring band - he's on the comeback trail, an opportunity she originally turns down to stay home and care for her father (Puckett), still grieving for his late wife and now heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol to get through the day. Dad convinces her to follow her dreams. But, as with many dreams, they don't always come true.
I think what made this film so enjoyable to me is that it is the finished product of a "Community Project." As with his previous films, "The Looking Glass" and "A Piece of Eden," director Hancock and crew prove that not all the talent in the world resides in Hollywood. From his headquarters in Indiana he has put together some amazing local talent and their freshness and enthusiasm fill the screen. The performances are strong, the songs are catchy and the countryside is beautiful. Hancock has always been at his best when tackling "real life." His camera seems to give you a look into the hearts of the characters, giving the viewer an emotional attachment to what they are seeing.
This time of year usually signals the beginning to the upcoming summer movie season, filling theatres with loud, multi-million dollar extravaganzas. "The Girls of Summer" is a welcome respite from those films.