No. 79 (2021) RIDE THE EAGLE. OCT. 1st.

 

Film No. 79 (2021)  October 1st.  12:20 PM  EVENT CINEMAS,  Innaloo.

"Number one, be the predator not the prey". (The first of Leif's life lessons on a list left for him by his recently deceased  mother ).

This film has divided critics into two categories. Those who wish they had that 95 minutes of their lives back and those who totally enjoyed the indulgence. I'm in the middle, really! I really enjoyed a scene or two, quite enjoyed a few, and found the odd segment superfluous.

RIDE THE EAGLE is the ultimate COVID made film where production parameters have changed and one needs to adapt. Split screens, video monologues and body double screen flashes keeps the story in motion. Trent O'Donnell (Writer/director) does a good job in a film better suited for the lounge chair streaming market. 

O'Donnell struck up a close friendship with lead actor and fellow writer Jake Johnson (Leif) during their collaboration on the T.V. series NEW GIRL. RTE is the kernel of an idea they were keen to develop. They couldn't believe their luck in nailing the services of J.K. Simmons and Susan Sarandon for EAGLE. Characters Carl (Simmons) and Honey (Sarandon)don't play in a scene together even thought they are (ex) lovers. Honey is dead when the film begins and her video to son Leif (requesting he complete a list of life affecting tasks, if he is to inherit her Yosemite Park cabin) says it all.

O'Donnell gives us a "Readers Digest" indie feel here. Johnson never seems totally comfortable as the over-grown slacker. Maybe it's because there are so many COVID centric compromises. It does have a charm though. The one big screen advantage comes in the form of The Yosemite State Park backdrop. This Californian jewel is a centre-piece here. And the significance of the title RIDE THE EAGLE? Well that forms a cute image in the final scene. 7GUMS.