Created by the filmmaking brothers that made the show Community, and yes, the M.C.U. especially great. Joe and Anthony Russo have jumped the super shark and extended themselves into a grittier world of soldiers, drug addiction and drama with the film Cherry. Grabbing their young Spider-Man and trading his super suit for P.T.S.D. and addict skin lesions, they transform Tom Holland into the title character.
Watching them “Flip the Script” reminds me of Michael Bay delivering on his directorial chops after a run of Transformer titles, by creating the film Pain and Gain. Moving from what Martin Scorsese called “Not Cinema”, to something more artistic and a style that would make most good fellas take note.
Based on the semi-autobiographical novel by Nico Walker, the film follows Cherry (Tom Holland) as he recounts and flashes through his lifetime. A young man in love with future plans that are as brittle as glass. A soldier looking to escape and return to the same life, but hopes and dreams matter little to bullets and IED devices. Overcome with pain that cannot be bandaged, he slides into addicted solitude, dragging those he loves along with him. From there, fast-paced fourth-wall breaking moments take over during robberies and mismanaged choices.
Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect from this film. I enjoyed it as we met the imperfect Cherry and the takeoff for there. Unfortunately, the film starts to spiderweb out too far and loses the viewer a couple times. We are treated to multiple chapters that all feel a bit too removed to fit back nicely in the box once taken out. And at 2 hours and 22 minutes long, I found myself no longer enjoying the ride, so much as looking for highlights on the trip.
At the end though, we do finish stronger with an American addiction story that is disheartening to watch and stomach. Though they never let Holland’s character sink too deep, is he still the hero of the story? Of note was Ciara Bravo and her performance, which progressed nicely as she passed through light and darkness. An epilogue works to wrap up loose ends and attempt something akin to hope, but is it too little too late, or just too late too late.
So is this movie for Tom Holland fans, sure. Is this movie for fans of the Russo Brothers and their creative process, I’d say yes. Finally, is Cherry for fans of award type films, not so much, but it has entertaining moments and if you already have Apple TV+, it’s worth the stream.
Cherry (2021) Movie Trailer
RN review of Cherry
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Is this movie for Tom Holland fans, sure. Is this movie for fans of the Russo Brothers and their creative process, I'd say yes. Finally, is Cherry for fans of award type films, not so much, but it has entertaining moments and if you already have Apple TV+, it's worth the stream.