Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion on local and regional news you won't find anywhere else

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Biography: Aaron Hanania
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics
    • Two Guys on Politics
    • Hanania on Tiktok
  • News Wire
  • Archive 2004-2013
  • Toggle search form
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations Illinois Legislature
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” Crime
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs Business
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago Cook County
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair  Cook County
  • Jesse Jackson Jr July 2025
    Jesse Jackson Jr. Launches Candidacy for Congress Civil Rights
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas to Celebrate Diwali by Recognizing Indian Community Leaders Cook County
  • Andrew Boutros US Attorney Illinois
    Statement of US Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Federal Law Enforcement Leadership in Chicago on Ongoing Criminal Immigration Enforcement Operations Chicago
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    The 5 Most Common Mistakes Homeowners Make with Property Taxes Cook County
  • Road construction cement truck. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Hastings: $123 million in IDOT projects will improve South Suburban roads through collaboration with local leaders construction
  • Source: Electric Power Monthly - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
    Ratepayers will lose in the rush to approve battery storage electricity legislation in Springfield Business
  • Joyful reunion photo courtesy of Jeffery M. Leving & Assc law firm
    Leving Team Prevented a Father’s Wrongful Separation from His Child Dads' Rights
  • CTF Illinois Orland Park, 18230 Orland Pkwy, Orland Park, IL 60467
    Hastings, Giannoulias announce opening of temporary driver services facility in Orland Park Baby Boomers
  • Emagine Theater Pink popcorn
    Popcorn with a purpose: Emagine Theatres brings back Pink Caramel Corn to support Pink Fund during Breast Cancer Awareness Month Business
  • Chicago Wovles play the Rockford Ice Hogs, Feb. 23, 2025
    Chicago Wolves announce 2025-2026 Training Camp Roster Entertainment
Denzel Washington at the press conference of The Magnificent Seven, 2016 Toronto Film Festival

Movie Review: The Little Things with Denzel Washington and Rami Malek

Posted on January 29, 2021January 29, 2021 By Ray Hanania 1 Comment on Movie Review: The Little Things with Denzel Washington and Rami Malek
SHARE THIS STORY
1           
 
  
1
Share

Movie Review: The Little Things with Denzel Washington and Rami Malek

The HBO Max release of The Little Things  starring Denzel Washington and Rami Malek is far better than the inadequate reviews it is getting from he movie “pros” detailing a deeper story about a serial murder mystery and the police detectives involved. Don’t listen to the reviews. Watch it. You will enjoy it

By Ray Hanania

If you relied on the movie reviewers to decide for you what to watch, you would never watch anything good. Most reviewers trashed the film “The Little Things” which premiered this week starring Denzel Washington and Rami Malek. But the truth is the serial murder mystery co-story is gripping and fascinating.

“The Little Things,” which premiered on HBO Max Friday (Jan. 29, 2021) tells the story of the hunt for a serial killer in Los Angeles but adds several layers including about being a good cop. Denzel plays a former detective who returns to his Los Angeles district where he meets the guy who took his place, Rami Malek.

The film takes you into the problems Washington, who plays detective Joe “Deke” Deacon had when he was there and why he left, a parallel of what happens to many good cops who do the wrong things sometimes for the right reasons. Malek plays Jim Baxter.

Denzel Washington at the press conference of The Magnificent Seven, 2016 Toronto Film Festival
Denzel Washington at the press conference of The Magnificent Seven, 2016 Toronto Film Festival

In addition to Washington and Malek, the film has a great cast lineup.

Denzel Washington as Joe “Deke” Deacon, a Kern County Deputy Sheriff
Rami Malek as Jim Baxter, LASD Detective
Jared Leto as Albert Sparma
Chris Bauer as Detective Sal Rizoli
Michael Hyatt as Flo Dunigan
Terry Kinney as LASD Captain Carl Farris
Natalie Morales as Detective Jamie Estrada
Isabel Arraiza as Ana Baxter
Joris Jarsky as Detective Sergeant Rogers
Glenn Morshower as Captain Henry Davis
Sofia Vassilieva as Tina Salvatore
Jason James Richter as Detective Williams
John Harlan Kim as Officer Henderson
Frederick Koehler as Stan Peters
Judith Scott as Marsha
Maya Kazan as Rhonda Rathbun
Tiffany Gonzalez as Julie Brock
Anna McKitrick as Mary Roberts
Sheila Houlahan as Paige Callahan
Olivia Washington as Amy Anders
Ebony N. Mayo as Tamara Ewing
Lee Garlington as Landlady
Charlie Saxton as Felix

The Little Things gives you a different spin on serial killer films. It’s doesn’t dwell on the details fo the murders which dominate many other crime films to hold the audience hostage. Instead, it’s really about the challenges police who hunt done the criminals have to face.

In this plot, the two detectives follow a suspect, Albert Sparma suspect, who is played masterfully by Jared Leto. 

The unexpected turns make the film fascinating, things you don’t expect but with some real surprises.

I recommend it even if the “professional” movie reviewers don’t giving it mediocre reviews. One reviewer said it had great actors but a weak plot. Well, we know that many reviewers have a tendency to favor anything that panders to the far left, addressing narrowly focussed issues of Gay Rights, minority rights and police corruption. It’s not that hose shades of storytelling are not interesting in and of themselves. But sometimes, that’s all there is and we need more. Reality.

Instead, “The Little Things” speaks to the larger audience and to broader concerns and a wider perspective on real life

Here are some of the crappy reviews it received that you should ignore.

“This thriller suffers from somewhat jarring plot turns, some overcooked performances, and other flaws, but the sturdy, classical direction and Washington’s anguished performance make it worth seeing.”

Jeffrey M. Anderson
Common Sense Media

“A throwback thriller which brings nothing new to a crowded genre, and has little to say along the way. They don’t make ’em like this anymore, and, to be honest, they probably shouldn’t.”
Dan John
Empire
Some of the major stuff here works, including a performance from Washington that’s better than the movie around it (yet again), some striking L.A. cinematography, and an effective score, but one could say that it’s the little things that hold it back. A few big things too.
Roger Ebert Reviews

Clearly the reviews bring nothing new to the table either.

But since we are on the topic of great entertainment, there are a few other crime thrillers you should check out including the two season, 19 episode series “Mindhunter” which unfortunately didn’t get renewed for a 3rd season.

Although it should, “Mindhunter” is one of the better crime thrillers on TV, available from Netflix. The first two episodes were very slow which probably killed the ratings. Most people drop off if the start of a series doesn’t grab them by the neck from the get-go.

“Mindhunter,” based on the gripping book about how two FBI launched in the late 1970s expanded criminal science by delving into the psychology of murder and profiling of murder suspects and getting uneasily close to all-too-real monsters. It stars Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv. The series touches on some of the countries worst serial muders and gets you too close to the real killers themselves.

newswire info
  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

His award winning columns can be found at www.HANANIA.COM Subscribe FREE today

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at [email protected].

Follow RayHanania at Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations - October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz” - October 8, 2025
  • The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs - October 8, 2025
NPV: 33
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
1           
 
  
1
Share
 
1
Share
 
 
 1         
Books & Films, Crime, Entertainment, Features, Movies, Police, Review, Television Tags:better than the reviews, Denzel Washington, great films, HBO Max, Mindhunter, must watch, serial killers, The Little Things, trashed by the critics

Post navigation

Previous Post: Pritzker tours vaccination center at Morton East High school
Next Post: Should you wear two face masks or one in confronting COVID-19?

Related Posts

  • Bargains found at Summit Flea Market Features
  • Movie offers compelling story about TV's Fred Rogers
    A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood brings nostalgic memories to viewers Aaron Hanania
  • Lamb stew served in clay pot covered by thin burnt pita bread
    Restaurant Review: Oozi Corner Mediterranean Restaurant Bridgeview Business
  • Dads' Rights Attorney Jeffery M. Leving
    Dad wins more parenting time, safeguarding his children Arthur Kallow
  • Oil on canvas portrait of Alexander Hamilton by John Trumbull (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
    Exorbitant Hamilton tickets reflect founding father’s life Blogger
  • Wheaton Man Nathan Grant 32 set fire to multiple air conditioning unit filters in stores 04-18-24. Photo courtesy of the Tinley Park Police
    Tinley police charge Wheaton man with aggravated arson Crime

More Related Articles

Congressman Sean Casten Casten votes to pass Public Safety package of laws in Congress Crime
Author Charlene Wexler Newly released novel, ‘We Won’t Go Back’ Published, addresses women’s issues Books & Films
Carl Sandburg High school National Honor Society Induction Oct. 24, 2017. District 230 and Sandburg school officials Video: Sandburg inducts National Honor Society students Education
State Senator Michael Hastings Christmas Casino Night Dec. 16, 2021 fundraiser Senator Hastings hosts Christmas Casino Night Dec. 16 Cook County
Max & Benny’s Comedy Night Nov. 14 Comedy
Police car, this one from Chicago. Photo courtesy WIkipedia Politics of race distorts Adam Toledo killing Blogger

Comment (1) on “Movie Review: The Little Things with Denzel Washington and Rami Malek”

  1. Pingback: Movie Review: The Little Things with Denzel Washington and Rami Malek – Suburban Chicagoland – Trend

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION
  • 06-04-25 Two Guys on Politics Background Zoom LOGO with images
    Video Podcast: Trump Kimmel Kirk Great American Divide Illegal Aliens polling and Illegal Aliens and ICE
    September 20, 2025
  • Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch speaking at a West Side affordable housing dedication
    Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, one of the best candidates to become Illinois Governor
    September 7, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    What You’re Missing on Your Property Tax Bill
    September 5, 2025
  • 05-23-25 Jeffery M. Leving
    Children of divorce caught in the middle during the holidays
    August 27, 2025
  • Cook County Treasurer Maria Papas
    We Can Help You Understand Your Property Taxes—In Nearly Any Language
    August 8, 2025
Subscribe to Ray Hanania's column graphic

Enter Your Email to Subscribe to Ray Hanania’s Columns

  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

Mohammed Faheem The Lightning Strike Radio

  • NEWS
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings addressing the Orland Township Democratic Organization Wednesday Oct. 12, 2022
    Hastings announces $75,000 grant for Olympia Fields Bicentennial Park renovations
    October 8, 2025
  • Alleged Member of Chicago Street Gang Charged With Soliciting the Murder of Senior Law Enforcement Official Involved in “Operation Midway Blitz”
    October 8, 2025
  • IIEC Logo
    The Energy Omnibus Bill will increase rates over the rest of this decade as Illinois families and businesses toil under higher utility costs
    October 8, 2025
  • Thaddeus Kosciuszko, Polish hero of the American Revolution. After arriving in America in 1776, Kosciuszko joined the Continental Army. As a skilled engineer, he made significant contributions to the war by designing fortifications for several strategic places such as Philadelphia, West Point, and Saratoga. Kosciuszko later returned to Poland to lead his native military in a 1794 uprising. In Detroit, Courtesy of WIkipedia
    Cook County Treasurer Pappas showcases Polish photographer’s first-ever American exhibit and honors Polish American Heritage Month in Chicago
    October 8, 2025
  • On Saturday, October 4th, Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar hosted the Fifth Annual 16th District Dia de los Muertos Resource Fair at his district office. Partnering with Commissioner Aguilar were the Village of Lyons, Lyons School District 103, Teamsters Local 777, and Rincon Family Services.
    Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Hosts Fifth Annual Dia de los Muertos Family Resource Fair 
    October 8, 2025
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE TO RAY HANANIA'S YOUTUBE VIDEOS


Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.

Follow Ray Hanania at
Twitter
Facebook
TitkTok
BlueSky
RayHanania Columns

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Categories

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme