BadRoosevelt

This sequel adds to the chronology of the original film about the rage virus and its bloody, violent aftermath. The U. S. military has established a secure perimeter in London. A family is torn apart by the ravages of the virus, while at the same time discovering that miraculous immunity might be possible. The film's narrative is told primarily from the vantage point of the two terrified children. Two other outside players emerge, Jeremy Renner as a U. S. soldier with a conscience and Rose Byrne as a medic determined to fight the virus.

This film came out around the time the Iraq war was still in full swing and U. S. military occupation was ongoing. Comparisons between world events of the era and the film's plot are threadbare to non-existent. Suffice it to say, this sequel could have come out much later and that undercurrent would not have been apparent at all. While it doesn't feel quite as dark or as gripping as the original, it's still a pretty workmanlike sequel that delivers. Strongly recommended.

This animation film has the look and feel of a wondrous dream and quite the sense of adventure of suspense. It will keep you on the edge until the very final frame, which is quite poignant. The story is told from the vantage point of a waifish cat, who is trying to find shelter amid a disastrous flood which seems to have wiped out all of civilization.

The cat's journey for safety crosses paths with many other animals who are equally determined to find safe, dry ground amid a flood of Biblical proportions. This cat is brave enough to face dangers of an enormous scale and keeps our hearts pounding. My only criticism is that this film doesn't linger profoundly in one's consciousness. Perhaps a second viewing will cement it more firmly. Nevertheless, enthusiastically recommended for the film's visual and storytelling achievement.

Glen Powell gives a layered, exceptional performance as a New Orleans undercover cop who becomes an expert at stopping contract killings by posing as a hitman. His work takes on a challenging dimension when he develops an attraction to a female suspect who tries to enlist his services. The film doesn't take itself too seriously and whenever things look like they're building up tension, it often falls back on its breezy pacing and leans back on the protagonist's more mundane life as a non-descript philosophy professor.

A lot of detractors have concentrated their vitriol on the film's ending. While it's admittedly not the strongest climax, the film finds a way to end on a satisfying note and doesn't try to tie up loose ends to perfection. What's more, it reinforces Powell's range as a complex protagonist in a quirky role. Adira Ajona complements him nicely as his newfound flame. Austin Amelio makes a funny turn as the wannabe who hates Powell for swiping his job. An enraged Evan Holtzman also makes an impression. Overall, this film scores well. Gladly recommended.