Is God Is – Review

Is God Is – Budget of $80 million – 1 hour and 40 minutes

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Twins Racine and Anaia work cleaning offices at night. When a woman stares at Racine’s scars, she pounces. Their boss fires them. Racine checks the mail and finds a letter from their mother, Ruby. They thought she died in the fire that burned them. Racine can’t believe it, while Anaia wonders why Ruby didn’t write to her, too. Racine believes their mother wrote to her because Anaia is the emotional one. Racine wants to leave now, but Anaia is reluctant. Racine convinces her twin to drive south to the woman she calls God, because she created them.

They arrive at Ruby’s home and check their makeup before entering. Racine sits beside her mother while Anaia stands against the wall. Ruby confirms that she wrote to Racine only because Anaia is emotional. Ruby faked her death because she feared the girls would face more ridicule by being raised by a mother with extensive scarring. Now, she’s sick, and she wants the girls to do one thing: kill their father. Their father, whom Ruby calls The Monster, violated her restraining order. He broke into her house and set her on fire. Racine and Anaia got burns from trying to save their mother. Anaia’s is more severe because she fought longer. Racine’s scars cover her arm and hand, while Anaia’s are on her face and chest. When Anaia shakes her head no, Ruby lifts her blanket so they can see the full extent of her physical damage. Racine agrees. Ruby tells them to kill everything around the Monster before they kill him. Racine and Anaia leave with the address of the woman who stood by the Monster during his trial. Anaia doesn’t want to do it, but Racine tells her to imagine what the world would be like if he had never hurt them. Anaia changes her mind, but can’t kill someone. Racine is fine with doing the work as long as Anaia comes along and doesn’t stop her. These two are the hands of God. Can they complete the mission?

This film is not for the weak. The storytelling is unique and bold. The twins have a mind meld that allows them to communicate with looks. The editor wrote their telepathic communication on the screen, so the audience must pay attention. These actresses did an outstanding job conveying the emotions printed on the screen. When Ruby tells her story, you hear her thoughts in the moment. You will get a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach as she tells her tale. And watch carefully, because this story will return full circle. As the story unfolds, the twins follow their father’s path of destruction. Ruby isn’t the only victim. The special effects department did a heartbreakingly astounding job on the twins’ scars. However, the fire is less believable. While the conclusion is painful, it’s realistic and foreseeable. This movie can be a trigger for domestic violence survivors, but it’s worth a watch and discussion.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Well, you ain’t a complete monster. That’s something – The Monster

She should have left – Angie

You in my way – Racine

Kill the spirit, then the body. Like he did me – Ruby

Oh, don’t be judgmental, son – Divine

We got a mamma – Anaia

In the Grey – Review

In the Grey – Budget of $70 million – 1 hour and 37 minutes

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Asset Manager Bobby hired Rachel’s mentor, Braxton, to recover a $1 billion loan her company gave to kingpin, Manny Salazar. When Braxton got the contract signed, he called Bobby with the news. However, Salazar’s goons killed him and destroyed the document. Upset, attorney Rachel walks into Bobby’s office and offers to retrieve the asset. However, Bobby states they can’t afford Rachel. Rachel assures Bobby that she is the only person who can complete the mission alive. She uses legal and illegal maneuvers to obtain her client’s assets. Her secret weapons are Sid and Bronco. Sid is an extractor specialist and mastermind, while Bronco specializes in paramilitary strikes and tactical planning. If Rachel can’t get things done legally, she contacts them to help obtain information illegally to give her an edge in court. With her team, Rachel is confident she will win. Bobby and Rachel work out the terms: 10% plus $10 million upfront.

Rachel deploys Sid near one of Salazar’s upcoming hotels in the Middle East, while Bronco accompanies her to Salazar’s lawyer, Mr. Horowitz’s office. Rachel lays out her terms while Bronco quietly sits in the background. She warns him to pay back the loan, or things will be uncomfortable for Salazar. Mr. Horowitz offers pennies on the dollar. Rachel refuses the offer and leaves. Soon, she chokes Salazar’s revenue streams, confiscates his plane, and docks his boat. Salazar is furious and demands to see Rachel face-to-face since Mr. Horowitz can’t handle it. Rachel informs Sid and Bronco. They determine the trip is dangerous, but they create a plan with several contingencies and hire specialists they can trust. They will bring Rachel safely to Salazar’s island, retrieve the asset, and leave. Of course, nothing can be that easy.

This film relies heavily on the main characters’ narration. The first 15 minutes cover a plethora of information. So viewers must be on time. There is a lot of onscreen text. The director described Rachel’s drink recipe, their copious vehicles, and the plan. This amount of information seems unnecessary at the film’s midpoint because everything smoothly works. However, it comes full circle after Salazar makes a power grab. In this film, the leads never have romantic chemistry because the plot doesn’t force a romance. The thought-provoking action film focuses on witty banter, intricate strategy, and special effects to drive the story forward. This film doesn’t do much with out-of-the-box camera angles or unnecessary gore. This director is as straightforward as his characters. It’s refreshing to see the leads practice their plan because they aren’t superheroes, just two ex-military men with a strategy. Also, the film has a steady pace, leaving you without a second to breathe. If you can handle the constant narration, you will enjoy this film.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Just get mom off the island – Baker

I have an asset manager – Sid

I don’t matter – Bronco

I work between the moral and the immoral – Rachel