Celebrating Pride Month Indiana Jones & The Flash Plus, More Movie Reviews

by Chris Narloch

Superheroes continue to score at the box office, and this month you can choose between an old-school adventure with Indiana Jones and the latest DC blockbuster featuring The Flash, or you can check out one of the other fine films reviewed below.

The Flash

It’s no wonder that Ezra Miller, the very talented but troubled young star of this new DC movie allegedly had mental health challenges during and/or after filming “The Flash.”

The actor must act opposite himself for much of the movie –playing the lead character at two different ages – which had to be very difficult and stressful.

Miller’s tricky dual role and Michael Keaton’s return as Batman are the reasons to see “The Flash,” but I found the hyperactive, time-traveling plot exhausting, and some of the movie’s CGI is surprisingly substandard.

On the plus side, Miller has a lovely nude sequence that is worth the price of admission. “The Flash” is currently in wide theatrical release.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

I am not quite sure why the new Indiana Jones adventure is receiving such mixed reviews. Perhaps young critics weaned on superhero cinema like “The Flash” cannot appreciate an oldfashioned, retro action movie franchise that originated in 1981, before they were born.

Despite a corny time-travel section near the end of the film, I thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic charms of “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny,” especially the return of Harrison Ford to an iconic role that still fits him like a glove.

The new Indy movie also benefits from terrific performances from Mads Mikkelsen as a Nazi villain and Phoebe Waller-Bridge as the butt-kicking heroine. There are also some familiar faces from previous installments of Indy’s story that I will not reveal here.

Don’t listen to the critics throwing shade at this movie. No, it’s not as great as the first two Indy flicks, but if you’re a fan of those films, you may find much to enjoy here, as I did. Currently in wide theatrical release.

Elemental

I am a big Pixar fan, and the latest animated feature from that successful studio continues its track record of entertaining movies. “Elemental” is not Pixar’s strongest effort ever, but it is lovely to look at, and the opposites-attract love story between characters representing fire and water is oddly romantic and emotionally mature for a family film.

In addition to Catherine O’Hara, the movie boasts a very diverse, up-and-coming voice cast, and its can’t-we-all-get-along message is perfect for these times. “Elemental” is currently in wide theatrical release.

Flamin’ Hot

Actress, activist, and now director Eva Longoria nails her feature film debut behind the camera with this true story about a janitor at Frito Lay who had the balls to cold-call his CEO and suggest that the company target the Latinx market with new, spicierflavored products.

As a result, Richard Montanez (an excellent Jesse Garcia) helped revolutionize the snack industry and never had to work as a janitor again.

Tony Shalhoub (as the sympathetic CEO) and a largely unknown (at least to me) supporting cast bring this real-life underdog dramedy to vivid life. “Flamin’ Hot” is a feel-good film that is very fun and very funny. Available to stream via Hulu and Disney+.