Hammerle on… “A Quite Place Part II” and “Cruella”

“A Quiet Place Part II”

John Krasinski and Emily Blunt have captured some magic with the “Quiet Place” films. While it will help if you’ve seen the original to understand the turmoil facing the Abbott family, take a deep breath and let it unravel in front of you.

With her husband (Krasinski) having died in the first film in order to save their two older children, Evelyn (Blunt) struggles to find a safe location for them. In addition, she carries her tiny baby as she tries to keep him quiet. Yet the monsters lurk everywhere.

In the process they find Emmett (Cillian Murphy), a caustic survivor living alone in a factory that proves to be a safe haven. Initially wanting them to leave, he reluctantly follows Evelyn’s teenage daughter (Millicent Simmonds) who is searching for access to an island that may offer hope.

Every scene in this unforgettable film is filled with chaos. Evelyn and her son Marcus (Noah Jupe) fight off savage beasts who respond to the slightest sound. Murphy and Simmonds eventually form a team as beasts are a step away all hours of the day.

You love all the characters, which makes you embrace their agony. In particular, Simmonds, deaf in real life, gives an Oscar-worthy performance as a smart child who pursues defenses that can provide brief periods of protection.

And Murphy shows his acting skill as a bearded widower who eventually treats Simmonds as his daughter as they continually dance on the eve of destruction. Forced to flow under acting’s radar screen, I’ve loved his performances in “Dunkirk” (2017), “28 Days Later…” (2002) and “Peaky Blinders” (2013).

I saw this film with my caustic old friend Dr. Kleinman. He loved it and I should have started and ended my review with that observation.

However, as I watched this sequel, I couldn’t help but think of the pandemic that has haunted our country for over a year. The virus has functioned as an alien monster that has devoured over 500,000 Americans.

As 19 Indiana Republican legislators seek to stop IU’s call for all students to be vaccinated, shouldn’t they wonder what lurks outside their dorm door if they make a sound?

“Cruella”

Just like he demonstrated with Margot Robbie in “I, Tonya” (2017), director Craig Gillespie has a skill for having talented actresses invade territories historically dominated by men. Here we have Oscar winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson playing two nasty competitors in a fashion industry where compassion is a four-letter word.

Thompson plays the fashion legend Baroness von Hellman, one of the most arrogant, self-centered characters to appear on the big screen. She dismisses everyone as lowly imbeciles and any compliments have to be directed at her. Only she can be so hatefully splendid.

Stone begins as Estella, an orphan living on the London streets with two male friends from the age of 12. Seeking to break into the 1970s fashion industry, she is forced to transform into Cruella to compete with the baroness.

From that moment the film explodes on multiple levels. First of all, our two Emmas are dazzling as they fight fire with fire. As stunning as they are beautiful, these wicked ladies are a constant sight for sore eyes. They are magnificent at every turn.

And the film is helped by several supporting performances. Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Mark Strong prove critical to Cruella’s success as a non-partisan court reporter and a bodyguard with hidden intentions. John McCrea is unforgettable as a flamboyantly gay designer who wins Cruella’s trust. But it is both Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry who provide Cruella with needed familial friendship and assistance. These are two talented thieves.

What makes this film a work of art are the costumes, makeup and soundtrack. Give Jenny Beavan credit for the gorgeous dresses and Tom Davies for Cruella’s eyewear. Yet it is the knockout score by Nicholas Britell that will leave you tapping your feet throughout this wonderful movie experience.

Just remember two things. First, the songs “Revenge/Let’s Begin” and “Call me Cruella.” They define the movie. Second, watch the closing credits. Overcome your fear as good things happen to dalmatians!•

• Robert Hammerle practices criminal law in Indianapolis. When he is not in the courtroom or the office, Bob can likely be found at one of his favorite movie theaters preparing to review the latest films. To read more of his reviews, visit www.bigmouthbobs.com. Opinions expressed are those of the author.