A Few Bad Men Display ‘Conduct Unbecoming’

Welcome toThe Prime Sublime, a weekly column dedicated to the underseen and underloved films buried beneath page after page of far more popular fare on Amazon’s Prime Video collection. We’re not just cherry-picking obscure titles, though, as these are movies that we find beautiful in their own, often unique ways. You might even say we think they’re sublime…

“Sublime /səˈblÄ«m/: of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration or aweâ€

Rob Reiner’s A Few Good Men (1992) is a stellar courtroom drama with a killer cast, and while its observations might seem quaint to today’s audiences more accustomed to mistrusting authority and authoritative forces, its power remains. It’s far from the only film to explore the inherent dishonor and idiosyncrasies of military culture in the face of violence — films like The General’s Daughter (1999) and the severely under-appreciated Casualties of War (1989) tackle similar ideas in far more barbaric specificity — but it’s often the best-remembered. 1975’s Conduct Unbecoming is a lesser-known example with an equally impressive cast, but it deserves attention for being far more thought-provoking.

What’s it about?

It’s the late 19th century, and for two young men new to the Queen’s Royal army it’s the start of a probationary period as officers alongside an established regiment in India. 2nd Lt. Arthur Drake (Michael York) is excited at the prospect and the location, while his good friend 2nd Lt. Edward Millington (James Faulkner) has other plans — the son of a well-respected general, he wants to be booted as soon as possible so he can find a far easier lifestyle elsewhere. They’re quickly taught the various rules, signs of respect, and traditions of the regiment, from their expected behavior towards superiors and women to the games the soldiers play. One of those games results in Maj. Alastair Wimbourne (Christopher Plummer) piercing a stuffed pig’s anus with his sword, but the less said about that the better.

A party held not long after their arrival is interrupted with the screams of Mrs. Marjorie Scarlett (Susannah York) — widow to a celebrated captain who was killed and defiled in battle three years prior — who stumbles in from the garden showing clear signs of an attack. The concerned officers gather around as she points the finger of blame towards Millington. The young man only smirks instead of denying the accusation, and in an effort to avoid ruining the regiment’s honor and reputation it’s decided that they’ll hold their own unofficial tribunal to determine the man’s fate. A begrudging Drake is chosen to defend his friend, but what everyone expects to be an open and shut case instead reveals something far darker and more ingrained within the regiment.

What makes it sublime?

There’s a lot to love here, and first up is the similarity to the aforementioned A Few Good Men. Like that film, Conduct Unbecoming is an adaptation of a play, and both stories send untested young men into “battle†attempting to defend someone they see as innocent against powers far greater than them both. Tradition, honor, and blind respect for superiors and established customs hamper Drake’s efforts as his superiors make it clear that proceeding with an actual defense will end his career, but he’s unable to do anything less. He’s acting on his own self-described “bourgeois principle†as he believes in true honor, not the blanket, surface-level honor prescribed by empty codes of conduct and military authority. York infuses his protagonist with a strong sense of what’s right and a growing urgency to defend it, and his journey from uncertainty to self-confidence is a compelling one.

Poster Conduct Unbecoming

He’s joined by a fantastic cast including the already mentioned Plummer as the highly suspicious major and a handful of equally familiar faces. Richard Attenborough and Trevor Howard both play superiors of varied involvement, while Stacy Keach is terrific as the captain running the trial. His ice-cold conviction about both Drake and the man he’s defending is clear, but like My Cousin Vinny‘s (1992) Judge Chamberlain Haller, he’s a man of integrity willing to be swayed by the truth. Keach isn’t as funny as Fred Gwynne, obviously, but it’s a memorable performance all the same.

Director Michael Anderson (Murder By Phone, 1982) brings Robert Enders’ script (and Barry England’s play) to life with simplicity using sound stages and some brief blue screen work for exteriors, but the film’s power is in its performances and a commentary that skirts modern convention in some risky ways. For one, Drake’s defense is built on the premise that Scarlett is lying meaning the film’s not quite in line with today’s “believe women†mandate. To be clear, the case involves assault, not rape, but she’s still painted lightly as being somewhat promiscuous and bawdy. Drake’s attitude even sees him propose excusing his friend of some culpability due to his being inebriated that night. It’s a learning curve, though, and Drake is finding his footing as the trial proceeds across a few nights.

The true target here, beyond merely the man responsible for the actual attack, is a culture that not only allows and cultivates such behavior but that helps cover it up as well. “Did he try to put his hand on your bosom?†asks Drake of Scarlett, and there are gasps from the officers at the young man’s nerve, but these are the same people who speak of the “savages†beyond their walls and play games involving the chase and anal piercing of that stuffed boar. Their show of offense is just that, and through the trial both Drake and even Scarlett call them out for it. Her parting words see her condemning not just her assailant but all men, and it’s as contemporary a sting as you could hope.

Other elements come into play here from PTSD fueled by the trauma of war and loss to the propriety of class made evident with a command from above stating that “Gentlemen do not question the honor of other gentlemen.†That parlays into men refusing to indict each other as well, even past the point of clear wrongdoing, and it’s a straight line to realities like “the thin blue line†that afflicts modern America — we’re told there are a few bad apples within police departments, but can the others be called good if they don’t speak up from within to protect those of us on the outside?

And in conclusion…

Conduct Unbecoming is a smart, well-paced, and strongly cast drama that pairs an engrossing mystery with an indictment of men who place their supposed honor and standing above both truth and the people “beneath†their circle. The mystery and outcome both engage even as the film’s true strength, that commentary on a culture emboldened by authority, rears its powerful head. This is the good stuff, the sadly relevant stuff, and it’s currently available on Amazon Prime.

Want more sublime Prime finds? Of course you do.



source https://filmschoolrejects.com/best-of-amazon-prime-conduct-unbecoming-1975/

Iron Fist Just Got Destroyed By [SPOILER]'s Punch | Screen Rant

The Iron Fist is used to doling out punishment via enchanted punches, but Danny Rand crumbles when he is put on the receiving end of Moon Knight’s “Fist of Khonshu.” That unexpected assault from the perplexing Moon vigilante was just the beginning of the champion of Kun-Lun’s problems.

The recent Avengers adventures have seen the latest iteration of the team racking up enemies of immense cosmic and mystical origins. Finding themselves in conflict with Namor, a former host of the Phoenix, fighting Malekith in the War of the Realms, trying to quell a vampire civil war, going head to head with the current King of Hell, Johnny Blaze and opposing multiple former heralds of Galactus at once. The Avengers have amassed colossal amounts of power to deal with these threats as they arose, and even in the hands of the Earth’s Mightiest Heroes that kind of power can be worrying. In Avengers #33, the mysterious Moon Knight appears to do something about it.

Related:The Avengers' Next Great Threat Is Moon Knight (Yes, Really)

The Immortal Iron Fist’s bout with Moon Knight beginswith the latter waiting outside the gates of Kun-Lun, praying to the moon and dressed like Moon Knight in Iron Fist cosplay. Danny introduces himself to the fellow costumed crusaderand is met with an all-out attack. Channeling power from the largest super moon in years, the man imbued with the spirit of an Egyptian Moon god quickly overwhelms Iron Fist, and takes the fire of the immortal dragon from Rand. Defeating and robbing the Iron Fist of his power would be enough for most, but Moon Knight is on a mission to collect the greatest powers he can. In the same evening he gains mystical forces, first from Dr. Strange, then by stealing the Hell-Charger from Ghost Rider and Mjolnir from Thor.

Moon Knight is often a confounding hero for the characters of Marvel to contend with. His entanglement with the Egyptian deity, Khonshu, has left Marc Spector to grapple with multiple personalities and identities. Many write him off as a mentally ill lunatic, but during his attack, Moon Knight makes it clear he is of sound mind and acting without delusion or external control. Despite not also being able to acquire power from Black Panther, the Phoenix force or the Starbrand, Moon Knight stands beside Khonshu declares himself Earth’s Mightiest Hero and last hope against the Devil. Those could sound like the ravings of a madman were he not wielding several of Marvel’s most impressive forces, including the Iron Fist.

The current run of Avengers has been no stranger to displaying heroes embodying power sets and identities beyond the typical norm. During the War of the Realms, Daredevil filled in for Asgard’s Heimdall and was granted cosmic vision. While on a mission in space, Thor was infected by the Brood, Ghost Rider commandeered the Silver Surfer’s board by force and Blade wore a younger version of Man-Thing as organic armor. The Avengers have taken on any form or acquired any power they’ve needed to protect Earth, but how they will respond when Moon Knight is doing the same, at their expense, remains to be seen.

Next: Moon Knight: 5 Things About The Disney+ Show We Can't Wait For (& 5 That We're Nervous About)



source https://screenrant.com/iron-fist-beaten-moon-knight-marvel-comic/

Zindagi ZindaBaad (2020) Ram Pothineni Hindi Dubbed Action Movie | New South Hindi Dubbed Movie


Via bollywood movies – blwd https://ift.tt/3dauUA5

Stargirl Actress Wants A Crossover With Arrowverse Show Supergirl

Actress Brec Bassinger already knows who she wants to see DC's Stargirl crossover with first: Supergirl. Created by Geoff Johns and Lee Moder, the character of Courtney Whitmore made her comic book debut in DC Comics' Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E series, which ran for 15 issues between 1999 and 2000. Originally known as the second iteration of the Star-Spangled Kid, she ultimately changed her moniker to Stargirl after coming into possession of the Cosmic Staff. As well as being adapted for animation, the character previously made minor live-action appearances on both Smallville and Legends of Tomorrow. Debuting on the DC Universe streaming service, and, subsequently, on The CW, the new iteration will be the definitive version - with Johns (who based the character on his late sister) himself overseeing the production.

Played by Bassinger, Stargirl picks up with Courtney moving to a new town after her mother Barbara (Amy Smart) marries Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson). Courtney quickly discovers that Pat used to be a sidekick to Starman (Joel McHale) and is chosen by the Cosmic Staff to take up his mantle. Though only a handful of episodes into its first season, it's already known that Courtney will form a new generation of the Justice Society of America and square off against their villainous counterparts in the form of Injustice Society. Stargirl season 1 has already enjoyed an impressive reception from fans and critics alike.

Related: DC's Stargirl Cast, Character, & Powers Guide

Speaking with the folks over at TV Guide, Wilson revealed that Bassinger is already looking to the future. After Bassinger and Smart praised the pleasant and exciting surprise that was joining the established family and fanbase of the Arrowverse (rather than just the DC Universe, as was first planned), talk quickly turned to potential crossovers. "Someone asked, 'would storylines ever, you know, start connecting from other shows', and Brec was saying that she'd like to do something with Supergirl," Wilson stated. Bassinger then chimed in with her reasoning: "I said Supergirl because I think Supergirl and Stargirl, like, just their names, in general, lend to them needing to work together."

Wilson himself, however, shared that he thought a team up with The Flash "would be cool" once the first season was complete in its own right and they could broaden the horizons. Smart, meanwhile, admitted that she wasn't yet familiar enough with the ever-expanding shared universe to offer a recommendation of her own. Bassinger then just agreed with the idea that they could just crossover with all of them, alluding to the Crisis on Infinite Earths crossover event that took place earlier this year. Stargirl (and her fledgling team) actually made a cameo appearance on the aforementioned crossover, establishing them as being residents of Earth-2.

A more direct merger of the respective worlds feels inevitable. And focusing that that on a collaboration between Stargirl and Supergirl, especially, would make a lot of sense. Not only would it allow the heroes of the Arrowverse to finally learn that the multiverse still exists but it would fit within the mantra for more intimate crossovers post-Crisis. Despite their budding friendship, Batwoman is set to cross streams with Superman & Lois rather than Supergirl. As a result, the Girl of Steel's schedule is wide open. Equally, the fact that Supergirl's Kara Danvers is now as experienced at heroism as Stargirl's Courtney Whitmore is a newcomer could make for a really interesting and fun mentor/mentee-style dynamic.

More: How Stargirl Connects To Other DC Universe Shows (& Arrowverse)

Source: TV Guide



source https://screenrant.com/stargirl-cw-actress-crossover-arrowverse-supergirl/

Toto

WE ARE ONE: A GLOBAL FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW! Toto is a sweet yet heartbreaking story of an older woman and her robot.…

source https://filmthreat.com/reviews/toto/

Game Junk Prototype Episode #14: The Last of Us Part II State of Play + Iron Man VR Demo

gamejunkprototype14

We give our thoughts on The Last of Us Part II State of Play video and suit up with the Iron Man VR demo plus we also talk Deliver Us to the Moon, Infamous First Light and Minecraft Dungeons.

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source https://filmjunk.com/2020/05/30/game-junk-prototype-episode-14-the-last-of-us-part-ii-state-of-play-iron-man-vr-demo/

Disney Reportedly Wants Angelina Jolie And Will Smith For Kingdom Hearts Show

There’s a new Kingdom Hearts TV show in development for Disney+, and while not much is known about it just yet, we’ve now begun to hear a little bit about which worlds and characters could be appearing in the project.

Before we dive in, though, we should note that the Mouse House actually has two series based on the property in the works, one being a live-action show and the other one being animated. And when it comes to the former, it seems the studio is aiming high in regards to casting. In fact, according to sources close to WGTC – the same ones who told us live-action remakes of BambiandRobin Hoodare in development, and a Beauty and the Beast spinoff for Gaston is in the works, all of which were correct – Disney’s eyeing up Angelina Jolie and Will Smith for cameo appearances in the series. And we’ve also heard that they could even cameo in the animated show, too.

Apparently, each episode will travel to a different Disney movie world, and they want Jolie and Smith to cameo for the episodes where they go to the Maleficent and Aladdin worlds, respectively. Of course, it’d certainly be a huge coup if Disney could get two of the biggest names in Hollywood to make any kind of appearance in the TV show, and while we don’t know yet what scale this production will be, if names like these are being mooted in discussions, one imagines it’ll be pretty big.

Kingdom Hearts

Indeed, few franchises have as vast a pool to draw from as Kingdom Hearts does, so there’s certainly some logic that this’ll be a substantial outing. Last year’s Kingdom Hearts III drew its characters largely from animated classics, including Toy Story, The Lion King and Monsters, Inc. (easier to translate to a game). The one exception was the Pirates of the Caribbean world. Imagine if Johnny Depp returned as Jack Sparrow though, only on TV. Couldn’t be worse than Pirates 4 or 5, right?

But tell us, what would you make of Angelina Jolie and Will Smith dipping their toes into the Kingdom Hearts TV show? Sound terrible? Sound magical? Whatever your polarizing points of view, leave them in the comments section below. I know someone who’s a complete Kingdom Hearts nut and have endured many a conversation on it. Looks like I’ll be putting up with more when this series comes out.



source https://wegotthiscovered.com/tv/angelina-jolie-smith-reportedly-eyed-roles-kingdom-hearts-tv-show/