Stockwell review: ‘The Little Things’ a throwback thriller

In case you missed it a little over a week ago, good ol’ groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, meaning another six weeks of winter. Now the first reaction would be “dad-gummed, just what we need.” There is a silver lining to it, however. First off, in 2020, Phil didn’t see his shadow and we all know how that worked out. More importantly, with winter hanging around, we have a good excuse to pile on extra blankets and add another log to the fire while we watch some movies.

By the way, do you happen to know what school subject Sherlock Holmes likes the most?

Che-mystery.

I have used that joke before in class, and I always get a “reaction.”

Regardless, how about some movie talk?

“Little Things” (2021)

Like any mystery, the latest Warner Bros. dual release begins with an intriguing scene of someone being followed. The audience is treated to a heart-pounding opening, resulting with more questions than answers. It feels like a late ’80s, early ’90s thriller (for it was written at that time), as the dawning of a new decade brings together the old and new.

That will be an ongoing theme, and we are then introduced to Deke Deacon (Denzel Washington), a deputy sheriff of Kern County, who doesn’t seem to have too much of a social life. When LASD detective Jim Baxter (Rami Malek) enlists his help to attempt to solve a new murder, it sets off a chain of events that (both physically and psychologically) will affect each man a little differently. As the two attempt to piece together clues and motives, their investigation leads them to Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), who appears to relish the opportunity to play with their minds.

Written and directed by John Lee Hancock, the film is filled with the usual tropes and mind-twisting plot developments typical of this movie genre. Deacon is grizzled and beaten down, Baxter is egotistical and spunky. The buddy-cop/understudy-veteran setup works well and uses the title of the film to teach the concept of detective work.

The acting in the film is very strong, after all, it is Denzel. You believe him to be a worn-out police officer, given the circumstances surrounding some of his earlier cases that weigh on and overwhelm the veteran. He mentors Baxter on “the little things” (hence the title) on which Deacon’s reputation is built, delivering his lines in a confident yet exhausted manner. As we get to know him, the ghosts of the unsolved murder lead to divorce and a heart attack, alienating him from the sheriffs’ department.

Malik is also equal to the task, as he holds his own with Denzel. The chemistry between them comes off as refreshingly real. His character of Baxter arcs the most of all of them, and toward the climax of the film, Hancock leads him toward a similar fate as Deacon. The catalyst to this is Sparm (Leto), who controls scenes with his dialogue and disturbing prodding.

Despite all the star power and the tried-and-true genre, the film does stumble – ironically, it’s because of the little things. Denzel is stellar, but his character motives are murky, and Hancock’s script is inconsistent. First, Sparm is a suspect because of high mileage on his car? Most of us had better be careful then. Leto is good, but he doesn’t actually show up until an hour into the two-hour-and-eight-minute film. Granted, that is because of the tension and investigation, but it almost comes off as too convenient that they find him; and as the story unfolds, it is the proverbial “square peg in the round hole” scenario. Even the ending doesn’t help, because the audience is left with questions. On one side, the closing of the film is innovative; but on the other, it might lead to a few unhappy viewers.

Physically, the film works and doesn’t at the same time. The editing is exhausting, which messes the pacing up. When the film should be slow, the quick cuts increase the intensity, but when it needs to be intense, it maintains that pace, eliminating tempo excitement. It also could be that the genre, though a staple a couple decades ago, has become too blasé and without a new additive, doesn’t turn the crank like it once did.

With an excellent cast and the right amount of volcanic activity bubbling up, “The Little Things” has some good qualities and is worth a look, but in the end, the little things hurt it, too.

Before I go, there are a couple more items I want to mention. The valentine season calls for flowers, chocolates and sweet nothings, as well as great romantic films. Here are just a couple.

“Valentine’s Day” (2010) – Gary Marshall’s fluffy film with an all-star ensemble cast hits on a variety of emotions, but in the end, it is pretty fun.

“New in Town” (2009) – The Renee Zellweger/Harry Connick Jr. romance in Minnesota is downright funny and worth the 97 minutes.

And finally, we recently lost one of the great ones, Christopher Plummer. His golden voice and presence were as diversified as the characters he played, and his recent performance in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” was outstanding. One of only a handful of thespians who hit for the cycle: Tony Award for a musical, Tony Award for a play, Emmy for a limited series, Emmy for a voice-over, and an Oscar, may he rest in peace. He will be missed.

Enjoy the film choices, enjoy the week, and we’ll talk to you next week!

• Jim Stockwell is a tenured instructor of film and broadcast journalism at McHenry County College, teaching Introduction to Film, Advanced Film and Introduction to Public Speaking.