The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

 

 

Movie Name/Year: The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Genre: Drama, Action, Comedy, War

Length: 2h

Rating: R

Director: Guy Ritchie

Writers: Guy Ritchie, Paul Tamasy, Eric Johnson, Arash Amel, Damien Lewis

Based On: Book "The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare: How Churchill's Secret Warriors Set Europe Ablaze and Gave Birth to Modern Black Ops" by Damien Lewis

Actors: Henry Cavill, Alan Ritchson, Alex Pettyfer, Eiza González, Babs Olusanmokun, Cary Elwes, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Henry Golding, Rory Kinnear, Til Schweiger, Freddie Fox, James Wilby, Henrique Zaga, Danny Sapani, Matthew Hawksley, Simon Paisley Day, Mark Oosterveen, Victor Oshin, Alessandro Babalola, Orshuff Emmanuel Mele, Tim Seyfi, George Asprey, Luca Marrocco, Paul Antony-Barber, Bikiya Graham Douglas, Nikolas Salmon

 

IMDb Blurb: The British military recruits a small group of highly skilled soldiers to strike against German forces behind enemy lines during World War II.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

When I tell you I was excited to watch The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare leading up to its April 2024 release, it's, in fact, a gross understatement. This movie was one of the small handful in recent years I was practically bouncing off the walls with the anticipation. There was never even a question of where it would land on my personal Top 20 list that month. This production about these marvelous military mad men was absolutely my #1 pick.

 

It didn't surprise me that Selina had The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare pegged as her own #1 entry. What did give me a moment of pause, and made me giggle, was that her blurb that month fairly echoed my own thoughts on the film almost verbatim.

 

We were absolutely here for a movie where we got to see Superman kill Nazis with gleeful abandon. Yes, yes, it's clear that Henry Cavill (The Man from U.N.C.L.E., Enola Holmes, The Witcher) was not actually in the red & blue super suit while gunning down Nazis, but ever since Man of Steel (2013) he has etched himself into my heart and personal cinematic landscape as the caped embodiment of the symbol of hope – and one that the late Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) would be proud of. (Of course, except when sporting long white hair, but that's an entirely different scenario. I digress...)

 

 

Watching interviews of Cavill pretty much, if low-key, geeking out over the actual history behind this band of men that thwarted the 3^rd Reich's Atlantic U-boat campaign throught Operation Postmaster was one of the most wholesomely joyous things ever. The man who was presumptively in line for playing 007, himself, ended up in the role of the man that inspired Ian Fleming to create James Bond in the first place. In one interview, Alex Pettyfer (Magic Mike, Endless Love, Back Roads) explained that Cavill also pretty much “saved his life” while shooting this film. Pettyfer had a near misstep and loss of balance while transitioning between boats while filming and attributes Cavill for hauling him back to safety in the nick of time.

 

Okay, okay... enough rambling about that. You get the point. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare simply gave me so many reasons to fangirl and do a lot of geeking out of my own.

 

 

Cavill and Pettyfer weren't the only names among the cast I was excited to see. Alan Ritchson (Titans, Fast X, Reacher) playing Anders Lassen was another source of joy from this production. It was glorious to watch him rack up possibly the largest kill-count in close-combat with Nazis in the movie, with his character's rage-fueled glee. Then, of course, Cary Elwes’ (Saw, The Princess Bride, BlackBerry) was magnificent with his wry delivery, and Rory Kinnear (Penny Dreadful, Skyfall, Black Mirror) was an excellent choice as Churchill. Hero Fiennes Tiffin (After, The Silencing, The Woman King), Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians, The Gentlemen, Last Christmas) , and Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds, Atomic Blonde, Charlie Countryman) were also on point. Eiza González (Baby Driver, I Care A Lot, Godzilla vs. Kong) was an excellent choice for this WWII badass lady of mystery and espionage. Babs Olusanmokun (Dune: Part One, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, The Book of Clarence) phenomenally delivered his character's measured and seemingly calm demeanor – while being no more peaceful than a body of water with a deceptively still, glassy surface but powerful and deadly currents underneath.

 

 

When Guy Ritchie (Snatch, Wrath of Man, The Man from U.N.C.L.E.) is involved with a project, I just expect a really good viewing experience – and The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare was no exception. The banter was on point, and the comedy was expertly woven in as Ritchie is known for. It was all seamless and felt right in the moment. There were never any forced laughs or any that didn't fit the scenes. This is a good example of why people just say “Yes” when Ritchie calls them, before they even know what he's pitching.

 

When you pair that with the experience and production value that Producer Jerry Bruckheimer (Armageddon, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, Top Gun: Maverick) brings to the table, it becomes pure movie magic. For example, all of the boat shots used for this movie, for the most part, were shot on actual boats out on the water and not on a sound-stage. It brought an extra layer of realism with the practical effects, and helped the story become more immersive.

 

Action lovers have plenty to enjoy here from hand-to-hand, lots of gun-fighting, plenty of explosions, and even a fair bit of archery.

 

 

While quite a lot of the movies based in the history of WWII tend to be super serious, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare manages to bring an edge of levity and an extra helping of excitement to its task of bringing this slice of the actual events from the last World War to the big screen without being disrespectful. The story was taken straight from Churchill's declassified documents and brought to the public eye and attention through a historian and former war-reporter's book – and now The Ministry of UngentlemanlyWarfare adapted that for the screen. Of course, there's likely to be some wiggle-room in the historical accuracy of some of the events for the sake of cinematic license, but that doesn't change the core of the story based in fact.

 

If you are a fan of any of the cast, production team, or genres I've mentioned here at length, my recommendation is to watch The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare as soon as you can get your hands on it – and you likely won't be disappointed.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 69%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 93%

Metascore – 55%

Metacritic User Score – 6.6/10

IMDB Score – 6.8/10

 

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 5/5

 

P.S. - While there isn't a mid or post-credits scene for this movie, there is a segment where the real people involved with Operation Postmaster as shown in this movie have an homage with their photo and a small epilogue blurb for each citing what happened for them afterwards. 

 

A Little Lagniappe ("something extra") - You can visit the official website for the movie here. You can also watch the Extra interview where Cavill and crew discuss making the movie and includes Pettyfer's description of how Cavill saved him.

Movie Trailer:

Secret Headquarters (2022)

 

 
Streaming Service: Paramount+
Movie Name/Year: Secret Headquarters (2022)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Length: 1h 44min
Rating: PG
Production/Distribution: Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Paramount Pictures, Paramount Pictures International, United International Pictures (UIP), Paramount+
Directors: Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman
Writers: Josh Koenigsberg, Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman, Christopher L. Yost
Actors: Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Walker Scobell, Jesse Williams, Levy Tran, Jessie Mueller, Momona Tamada, Abby James Witherspoon, Keith L. Williams, Kezii Curtis, David Lengel, Dustin Ingram, Michael Anthony, Dayna Beilenson,  Aiden Malik, Lucius Baston, Mick Daily, Ninja N. Devoe, D.K. Metcalf
 
IMDb Blurb: While hanging out after school, Charlie and his friends discover the headquarters of the world's most powerful superhero hidden beneath his home. When villains attack, they must team up to defend the headquarters and save the world.

 
Cat’s Point of View:
Secret Headquarters really had a lot going for it from its outset. Selina and I both had this movie within our Top 10 listings for Top 20 Movies Coming Out in August 2022, so you could say expectations were fairly high. I am pleased to report that I was not disappointed.
 
The quick version of my explanation could be summed up with a statement that the digital effects were well done, the story was heartwarming, the superhero lair setting was interesting, and the cast was just as amazing as I thought they’d be – especially the young actors. When the credits rolled, I was left with the same satisfied feeling as I usually achieve when taking in a Jerry Bruckheimer (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, 12 Strong, Top Gun: Maverick) produced project. Bruckheimer’s name is generally synonymous with a good time at the movies, dating all the way back to when I was little.

 
I’ve seen a lot of comparisons of Secret Headquarters to Spy Kids (2001). I see where they’re coming from, but this isn’t as derivative as some of the critics are making it out to be. I think you’d need to put that film, Sky High (2005), and Power Rangers (2017) in a blender to get closer to the tone of Secret Headquarters. There are no spies involved, but the kids get to kick ass with spiffy tech, and there’s the whole guardian and world-saving aspect of the story – not to mention the parent hiding a secret. Critics have seemed to be judging this production a bit harshly in general. My suggestion would be to keep an eye on audience reviews, instead.
 
Directing team Henry Joost & Ariel Schulman (Nerve, Viral, Project Power) delivered once more with this PG family escapade. There were thrills, plenty of great stunt sequences, and a relatable story. Of course, the whole thing came together so well because of the cast involved.

 
Michael Peña (War on Everyone, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Narcos: Mexico) and Jesse Williams (Random Acts of Violence, Station 19, Grey's Anatomy) added so much to the dynamic of the movie. Considering Peña usually is on the ‘good guy’ team in the recent superhero film roles, it was a welcome and fun departure for him to be the antagonist here.
 
Owen Wilson (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Wonder, Loki) was a great fit for the dad role.  I’ll be honest, Wilson used to drive me up the wall as an actor. I’m not sure if it was the roles he was in or his delivery, but he got on my last nerve. The last several productions he’s participated in have been exactly the opposite – I’ve loved them as well as the role he played in them. I hope this trend continues because I’m really here for it.
 
Let’s face it, though; Secret Headquarters was really all about the group of kids. I enjoyed the balance between the elements of dealing with normal lives as young teens and the more action-oriented scenes involving the headquarters and the alien tech.

 
Secret Headquarters was an interesting follow-up role for Walker Scobell after The Adam Project (2022). Admittedly, while both films were direct to stream on their respective platforms, this one just wasn’t in the same league with the Netflix offering- but Scobell was a perfect fit for this part. I’m super excited to watch his career move forward and to see the next project he’s working on. Keith L. Williams (Lemon, The Last Man on Earth, Good Boys) was an awesome pick for Scobell’s bestie. I was also digging the girls getting into the mix too with Momona Tamada (A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting, To All the Boys: Always and Forever, The Baby-Sitters Club) and Abby James Witherspoon (Hot Pursuit, Every Other Holiday, A Unicorn for Christmas).
 
All told, Secret Headquarters was a fun ride that I was happy to enjoy with my family. My teenage daughter and I both got a kick out of it on different levels. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this film for anyone with access to Paramount+.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 42%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 75%
Metascore – 45%
Metacritic User Score – None
IMDB Score – 4.6/10
 
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4.5/5
 
PS – There is a small post-credit scene.
 
Movie Trailer:

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Movie Name/Year: Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Genre: Action, Drama
Length: 2h 11min
Rating: PG-13
Production/Distribution: Paramount Pictures, Skydance Media, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Central Partnership, Constantin-Film, Eagle Pictures, Paramount Pictures Germany, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Pictures UK, Paramount Pictures, Towa Pictures, United International Pictures, Universal Pictures International, Paramount+
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Writers: Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, Christopher McQuarrie, Peter Craig, Justin Marks, Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr.
Actors: Bashir Salahuddin, Charles Parnell, Chelsea Harris, Danny Ramirez, Ed Harris, Glen Powell, Greg Tarzan Davis, Ian Gary, India Everett, Jack Schumacher, Jake Picking, Jay Ellis, Jean Louisa Kelly, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, John Wilcox, Kara Wang, Lewis Pullman, Lyliana Wray, Manny Jacinto, Mark Anthony Cox,Miles Teller, Monica Barbaro, Peter Mark Kendall, Raymond Lee, Roberta Sparta, Thomasin McKenzie, Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer
 
IMDb Blurb: After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy's top aviators, Pete Mitchell is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him.

 
Cat’s Point of View:
I think I almost cried when my husband surprised our daughter and I with tickets to a matinee showing for the opening day of Top Gun: Maverick yesterday. It was hard to contain my level of excitement and anticipation for this movie. Fans of the original Top Gun (1986) have been waiting and hoping for this sequel for so many years, subsisting on breadcrumbs of information and fervent prayer. I have been among those shaking a fist at the sky due to the delays. The wait was finally over.
 
Top Gun: Maverick dominated the top spot on my Top 20 Movies to Look Out For in May 2022 article. The question now that I’ve seen it would be: did this Top Gun sequel satisfy my need for speed?
 
My answer is a resounding yes. Top Gun: Maverick took me on a surprisingly meaningful journey at Mach speed and my heart was pulling serious Gs from the action, thrills, and emotional rollercoaster.

 
All of the aerial shots were absolutely worth every penny of the $11,000+ per hour or so the production had to pay the Navy for access to the F-18s for shooting. All of the plane shots (for the most part) were done with real aircraft. The cast had to go through the same conditioning actual fighter pilots use to be able to endure the physical strain of flight and maneuvers at such high speeds. The only 2 aircraft that had to rely on movie magic (to my knowledge) were the hypersonic test plane in the beginning (as well as teased in the trailer) and the F-14 Tomcat towards the end. (The F-14 has been decommissioned and none are in working service currently.)
 
The production value of those decisions was monumental. When you rely too heavily on CGI in situations like this, you run the risk of having a situation like when you show actors driving cars in movies – but what’s outside the window was clearly composited in. It could look fine and realistic but there’s just this tiny voice in the back of your head that tells you ‘that’s not real’ and keeps you from completely suspending your disbelief. Top Gun was the real deal, and it was breathtaking.

 

Let’s talk cast. It wouldn’t be a true Top Gun sequel if there weren’t at least some callbacks to the original film. Tom Cruise’s (Knight and Day, Edge of Tomorrow, Mission Impossible - Fallout) Maverick was a must, and goes without saying since he was the titular character from this story. There would have been no Top Gun: Maverick without Cruise spearheading this passion project.
 
Bringing the story of the other Top Gun graduates forward from 30 years ago was also necessary to connect the two films. I was profoundly moved by the way they included Iceman in this tale. It was done respectfully and gave some much needed grounding for the span of time between then and now. I could just feel the history between the characters nearly palpable on the screen and there were echoes of the old Iceman in Val Kilmer’s (The Snowman, The Super, A Soldier's Revenge) performance. Further, I adored the way they honored Goose and also Meg Ryan’s (Serious Moonlight, Web Therapy, Ithaca) character. Miles Teller (Footloose, Whiplash, Thank You for Your Service) was absolutely brilliant portraying Rooster, Goose’s son. The dynamic between his character and Maverick was off the charts and had me in tears.

 
I was actually surprised when I realized that Charles Parnell’s (Transformers: Age of Extinction, A Million Little Pieces, The Last Ship) Warlock wasn’t in the original movie. His performance and offering to the story had me 100% on board that he and Maverick went ‘way back’ together to those times. He fit right in. I could ramble on about the cast forever. There were so many talented and phenomenal performers here.
 
Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion, Only the Brave) took this story into the stratosphere, in my book. I have enjoyed all of his films (and even his shorts) so far and am looking forward to his future work, too. Kosinski has a movie with Teller and other members of this Top Gun cast as well hitting Netflix next month, and I’m excited – but not nearly as excited as I was to see Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen.

 
My heart even did a little flippity-flop of joy when some of the iconic Kenny Loggins score from the original was incorporated here.
 
There were moments that echoed some of the iconic scenes in the first movie, such as motorcycles racing jets and beach-side ball games; but Top Gun: Maverick was definitely its own stand-alone story every bit as powerful and successfully realized as the original. This sequel met the challenge set by the original and then raised the bar.

 
If you're able, I would encourage you to ‘fly’ to your nearest theater to catch Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen. This is also the first movie of its kind to shoot with IMAX film, so if you can see it on one of those screens, even better. Small screens would still be fun when Top Gun: Maverick eventually hits streaming availability (in at least 45 days), but it was ultimately intended as a big-screen experience and excels as such. Absolutely worth the price of admission and then some.
 
When Top Gun: Maverick eventually hits a streaming service, keep your eyes peeled on Paramount+.

 
Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 97%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 99%
Metascore – 79%
Metacritic User Score – None
IMDB Score – 8.7/10
 
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 5/5

P.S. CBS released an article here, which includes a video with some behind-the-scenes on how the actors trained for the flight sequences in the F-18 Super Hornets.
 
Movie Trailer: