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It was a solid week for new releases as we had a big blockbuster and some interesting streaming options. Below is my take on the new films I saw this week. You can keep up with everything I’m watching by following me on Letterboxd @knighthawk7734.

Asphalt City (Theaters)
Starring: Sean Penn and Tye Sheridan
Synopsis: It isn’t easy saving lives, though our depictions of fire-fighters and paramedics on TV often makes it look at least a little glamorous. That’s what helps set apart Asphalt City, a new film that opens in theaters on Friday. The film is based on the novel from Shannon Burke. The book, Black Files, was based on his time as an actual medic working in Harlem in the 1990s. It’s a raw, honest look at the job and the toll it takes on those who live through it. The film follows Ollie Cross (Sheridan), rookie paramedic who is using it as a steppingstone to a career in medicine. He hopes to be a doctor but is using this job for experience—and a paycheck—while he’s trying to get into Medical School. He’s quickly paired with a veteran paramedic, Gene Rutovsky (Penn), who has his own way of doing things. Out on the streets, Cross is thrown into the deep end. He learns from Rutovsky, but they also clash at times based on their view of the world. It’s clear the Cross is young while Rutovsky has been jaded by years on the job. But after the calls they see, it gets harder for Cross to leave it all behind and maintain a hopeful outlook on life. The rest of the film has a strong supporting cast, including Michael Pitt, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Kali Reis, Katherine Waterston, Raquel Nave, and Mike Tyson in supporting roles. The cast does a nice job in their roles, helping to build the world and populate it. But this comes down to Sheridan and Penn. Penn is a veteran actor who brings a quiet intensity to the role. It’s not an easy part, but through the course of the story we get to know Rutovsky and his struggles—both personal and professional. He brings a great deal of influence on Cross. Sheridan is the focus of the film, in nearly every scene. We see his evolution from the beginning through some rough patches and still manage to end in a somewhat hopeful place. Sheridan does a nice job carrying a difficult story as our entry into this world. Director Jean-Stephane Sauvaire said he was drawn to Burke’s book and moved to bring the world to life. That shows in the craft here, including using non-actors in many of the medical call sequences to bring a note of authenticity. All that is good, but this is at times something of a dim, and brutal watch. Some of that has to do with the basic story itself. This is meant to be a gritty look at a difficult world, and it does that. But it’s often not that much fun to watch. It’s well made but can be a bit much at times.
Rating: Rated R for violent content, disturbing/bloody images, suicide, sexual content, graphic nudity, and pervasive language.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

The Beautiful Game (Netflix)
Starring: Bill Nighy and Michael Ward
Synopsis: This new film is based on a true story. It’s about a unique soccer tournament that gives people a chance to step forward out of a difficult situation. The film, directed by Thea Sharrock, is about the Homeless Games, a tournament where countries bring together teams of players experiencing homelessness to compete. Specifically, we follow English coach Mal (Nighy) who is leading a team to this year’s tournament in Italy. He stumbles on Vinny (Ward), a talented player with a chip on his shoulder. Can these games be a way back for Vinny? Can it help Michael atone for ways he felt he fell short in the past? All those things are in play in this film. The movie goes at a somewhat decent pace but feels a bit long at times. The action is inspiring, and the performances are solid. This is a great idea for a film and a great celebration of a special tournament I’d never heard of before this film. In terms of a standalone film, it feels just OK.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for some language, a suggestive reference, brief partial nudity and drug references.
Verdict: Two and a half stars out of five

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (Theaters)
Starring: Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens, and Brian Tyree Henry
Synopsis: By now, it’s possible we’ve seen everything when it comes to Godzilla and King Kong. For decades they’ve been the lead in stories on the big—and even sometimes the small—screen. But the modern incarnation of their franchise is now a decade old and five films deep. Still, the franchise finds ways to surprise and entertain. The latest entry, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, picks up a few years after the last clash of these titans. Kong is happily living in the Hollow Earth. He’s still looking for his family but is becoming increasingly isolated. Godzilla, meanwhile, is roaming the surface, holding back rogue titans and destroying major cities. Kong isn’t the only one who feels isolated. While Dr. Andrews (Hall) continues her work with Kong and the Hollow Earth as part of Monarch, her adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle) feels alone as the last of her tribe. She also starts to feel a pull from the Hollow Earth but doesn’t know why. Andrews turns to Bernie Hayes (Henry) to help her get answers about a mysterious signal that has her team—and daughter—flummoxed. She turns to an old friend, Trapper (Stevens), to render some medical aid to an ailing Kong. Soon, it seems they need to head to Hollow Earth for answers as whatever is calling to Jia is also rankling Godzilla on the surface. There, they find surprises and even bigger threats to the world. Kong and Godzilla aren’t strong enough to stop what’s coming on their own, but together they just might have a chance. Can the once rivals actually join teams? That’s what we’re all here for—we want to see these titans come together and battle other titans. These films have actors and human characters, but we’re long past the point of wondering who the stars of the franchise are. The stars are the ones called out in the title. In this film, Hall, Hottle, and Henry return from the last installment. We’ve had a lot of different actors’ cycle through these films, but I do enjoy Hall and her dynamic with Hottle. Meanwhile, Henry and Stevens are a bit of fun and comic relief. The story is sometimes bloated but it’s ultimately fun enough. The film clocks in just under two hours and it moves at a good pace with plenty of action. When Godzilla and Kong come together in the third act, it’s exciting. When they team up to save the world, it will leave you cheering. The film isn’t deep, and it isn’t concerned with making it all make sense. It’s here to deliver some action and let you have an escape, and it works at that level. Adam Wingard, who directed Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021 brings the same energy here. It’s got a great look, some fun action sequences, and enough human scenes and emotion to keep you invested. I liked this more than I expected. It’s a kick of a ride, and something worth seeing on the big screen.
Rating: Rated PG-13 for creature violence and action.
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five

Steve! (Martin): A Documentary in Two Parts (Apple TV+)
Synopsis: I’ve long enjoyed Steve Martin as a performer, but this documentary really gives you more of a window into his life and career. Morgan Neville dives into the man and his work in a two-part documentary that spans more than three hours. The first half, Then, takes a look at Martin’s beginning, how he found his voice on stage and the doubts he harbored before taking off. It’s a look at his early life, his interaction with his family, and a lot of material of his early stand-up act. The second piece, Now, looks at his life in the present. Martin and his partnership with Martin Short, his own family, and how at peace he is with his career. It features interviews from friends and collaborators, including Jerry Seinfeld and Tina Fey, among others. It’s a great exploration of the man and a great celebration of his work. I was moved and entertained. While it feels a little long at times, it’s broken into two 95-minute chunks and can be watched as pieces. I enjoyed the look and the dive into his career. Neville has created several interesting and engrossing documentary features, and this is one that is worth seeking out on Apple TV+.
Rating: TV-MA
Verdict: Three and a half stars out of five