A documentary about Hollywood’s most recognizable stuntman and movie henchman. A crowdfunded production made with affection and respect for its subject. Inevitably for fans, but nevertheless fascinating, not least because the film gives a rounded picture of Leong’s work, life, and personal struggles. Recommended.
Tag: hollywood
Once Upon A Time … In Hollywood (2019, dir. Quentin Tarantino)
In 1968 LA, a fading action star struggles with his future prospects. A stunning evocation of late 60s Hollywood, packed with ideas, in-jokes, good ideas, and pop-culture geekery. A shaggy dog story that meanders, but which goes into some startling – and just-about justified – places. Recommended.
This Is The End (2013, dir. Seth Rogen & Evan Goldberg)
A houseful of actors face the Apocalypse. Dumb-but-fun gross-out comedy with a bunch of moderately-famous people playing versions of themselves. Self-indulgent, but everyone is in on the joke and no-one gets harmed. Fine while it’s on.
¡Three Amigos! (1986, dir. John Landis)
Three silent movie actors are hired as gunmen to defeat a Mexican bandit. Inevitably patchy, but with moments of genius and genuine heart, this early Hollywood/Seven Samurai spoof passes the time admirably and is generous to its large cast.
Hail, Caesar! (2016, dir, Joel & Ethan Coen)
A Hollywood fixer’s day from hell. Delirious Coen Brothers’ farce, affectionately spoofing 1950s movies, while spinning another of their noirish kidnapping-goes-wrong yarns. Tons of fun, with everyone concerned clearly having a great time. Recommended.
Mojave (2015, dir. William Monahan)
A disillusioned Hollywood actor falls foul of a serial killer. Part existentialist Tinseltown treatise, part straightforward stalker thriller. A passion project made with the writer/director’s starry mates (Goggins, Wahlberg) helping out. Not terrible.
