What I Watched in July

NetFlix recently debuted THE OLD GUARD (2020) which is a new comic book to film adaptation. Remember when those were rare? Well, this is a comic book I was unfamiliar with, so I tuned in because I was intrigued to see star Charlize Theron who I enjoy watching in nearly anything. And then I learned that the film was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood who I recognized as the director of THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES (2008) and LOVE & BASKETBALL (2000). This film is her first step into action cinema although she got some practice directing (and producing) some more action-oriented television shows. From the evidence here she is ready for nearly anything.

The film tells the story of a small group of immortal people able to sustain a near infinite amount of physical damage without dying. Drawn to war they have served as mercenaries for centuries lead by the oldest of their number Andromache "Andy" of Scythia played by Theron. Andy has tasked the group with trying to help people and improve the world rather than act as simple hired killers but has become depressed over the last few years convinced that their work isn’t doing any good. She sees the world getting worse overall and isn’t sure what to do. Persuaded by a former CIA operative to go on a rescue mission the team is instead ambushed and mercilessly gunned down. They survive this – of course – but their resurrection is captured on camera and now they know that someone out there is aware of their abilities. Complicating matters is that the team also senses in Afghanistan that a new one of their special kind has come into being meaning they have to help this new recruit understand their new world.

I was stunned by how quickly I was wrapped up in THE OLD GUARD’s story. I liked the characters immediately and loved that there was so much backstory communicated with such economy. The actors feel as if they really have been together for centuries and are comfortable with knowing their companions good and bad sides. The story doesn’t give up its surprises too early leading you down a twisty path that ends in a very satisfying place. On top of that, I was surprised by how emotionally invested I became as the film went on. I found myself liking these people and rooting for them to overcome the worst struggle any of them have faced before. There is a scene in which a member of the team expresses his love for another in the most poetic and beautiful language I’ve ever heard in a film of this type. It explained perfectly why this man will do anything for his beloved and was one of the most touching screen moments I’ve witnessed in years. All that surrounded by a great story and exciting action scenes! Bring on the sequel!

THE LIST

FLASH GORDON (1980) – 8 (rewatch on Blu)
YOUNG MR. LINCOLN (1939) – 8
JUNGLE CAPTIVE (1945) – 6
THE BANANA SPLITS MOVIE (2019) – 6
THE MARK OF THE DEAD (1961) – 6 (Mexican mad scientist horror tale)
MEXICAN HAYRIDE (1948) – 6 (Abbot & Costello con game)
COBRA (1986) – 3 (rewatch on Blu) (so, so bad!)
THE OLD GUARD (2020) – 9 (excellent comic book adaptation)
THE VAMPIRE (1957) – 7 (rewatch on Blu)
THE GHOST OF FRANKENSTEIN (1942) – 7 (rewatch on Blu)
REVENGE OF THE NINJA (1983) – 4 (rewatch) (terrible but fun)
DOUBLE FACE (1969) – 7 (rewatch on Blu)
RAGE OF HONOR (1987) – 4 (rewatch)
AMERICAN RICKSHAW (1989) – 7 (kind of amazing)
LOS VAMPIROS DE COYOACAN (1974) – 6 (silly, fun Masked wrestler film)
A GAME OF DEATH (1945) – 7 (good remake of The Most Dangerous Game)
TINTORERA (1977) – 7 (well done drama - short version)
THE PROJECTED MAN (1966) – 7 (solid British variation THE FLY)
ROY COLT AND WINCHESTER JACK (1970) – 3 (rewatch on Blu)
THE FALCON’S ALIBI (1946) – 6
SPECTRE (2015) – 8 (rewatch)
VALERIAN AND THE CITY OF A THOUSAND PLANETS (2017) – 8 (rewatch)
PRIMAL RAGE (1989) – 4
MISSILE TO THE MOON (1958) – 4 (rewatch on Blu)
ORLAK – THE HELL OF FRANKENSTEIN (1960) – 5 (Mexican mad science /revenge plot)