MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE (2026)

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Written & Directed By: BenDavid Grabinski 

Cinematography: Larry Fong 

Editor: Tim Squyres 

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Eliza Gonzalez, James Marsden, Keith David, Jimmy Tatro, Stephen Root, Dolph Lungdren, Arturo Castro, Ben Schwartz, Emily Hampshire

Two friends navigate the dangerous world of organized crime, testing their loyalty and survival skills as they get deeper into the criminal underworld.

I really wanted to enjoy the film. As what it does have going for it there’s a lot of colorful characters that analyze the underworld that you wish they all had their own movie to star in

Instead of this time, travel mildly science fiction film that decides to pepper those ideas in with your typical b-movie crime film.

That has a good percentage of comedy, but then chooses to sprinkle in some harder or more. I wouldn’t say emotional but serious moments even though half the time it reminds one of one of those 90s post Tarantino pulp fiction type films.

It also has a good soundtrack that helps save the film with a lot of music from the 90s in 2000s era so that there are plenty of needle drops that work certain magic of nostalgia on the audience of a certain age who this film is made for, especially with many of the pop culture references. 

As this film has it stride and when it does, it’s actually entertaining and funny, but there seem to be so many distractions and disturbances that it can’t play a straight tune harmoniously. You have to wait for those moments and hope it will play through and see how long it can last that way.

As the film has all the ingredients, great cast, surprising cameos, a dynamite, gorgeous leading lady who still deserves more screen time better roles played by Eliza Gonzalez 

In Vince Vaughn, in a double roll has the smoothness and comfort to play these types of roles, though his character from the future is far more in his wheelhouse than his more uptight version in the modern, though he does manage to make them to distinctly different characters. Though he can do this type of role in his sleep. It’s not very challenging. 

James Marsden is good in his role as kind of the straight man playing up his looks but gives him a chance to prove himself as he definitely manages to keep up with Vince Vaughn. Though nice to see him in this type of film. 

The rest of the cast in their small and supporting roles are really what help make this film, more pleasurable and one really wishes they could give this film more or a higher rating but while it’ll probably be entertaining for most specially Vince Vaughn fans it just never quite worked. It’s magic for me and couldn’t wait for it to reach its conclusion and and I guess you could call it a perfectly fine time waster but it’s not a film. I would rush back to ever see you again.

As throughout watching the film, I just kept wondering what’s this all about? Why why is this happening and it never quite answer that question so that by the end I was just happy it ended.

It’s not terrible, but maybe it’s just too average a project that one would expect from streaming at least it has its moments of good

Grade: C

SPLITSVILLE (2025)

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Directed By: Michael Angelo Covino 

Written By: Michael Angelo Covino & Kyle Marvin

Cinematography: Adam Newport-Berra

Editor: Sara Shaw

Cast: Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino, Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Nicholas Braun, Charlie Gillespie, David Castaneda, O-T Fagbenle, Nahema Ricci, Tyrone Benskin 

When Ashley asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. Their secret to happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.

Even though this is more supposed to be a broad relationship comedy, I dislike most of the characters for different various reasons throughout as most of them come across as so selfish and vain, especially Adria Arjona’s character who could be seen as a hot blooded stereotype, but if anything, she more sums up spiritual or wellness seeking characters who are supposed to be about inner peace, but if you ever get to know them come across more self initially because it tends to be all about them in their pleasure rather than others emotions, especially those who are in their lives or love them. Though she is undeniably, jaw-droppingly attractive. Then again maybe as I have had experience with those types it’s a bit too familiar. 

Though for her character makes sense as a life coach and the initial opening scene the accident that happens in the results it would seem natural for something like that to shake the boundaries and look for a rebirth or at least a change in their lives as that being assigned of it.

Not to mention, knowing the two male characters are the writers and directors of the film. They set the bar high with who they cast as their girlfriends and wives in this film as the women come across is too beautiful for them believably but again it’s a film so we do see the qualities that make them fall for them.

Though everyone throughout comes across as so reprehensible yet wise, but might hit upon an ugly truth throughout, that might be painful for certain members of the audience to hear, especially those who are more romantic and believe in monogamy as the film is certainly cruel to more the supporting character characters

Then there is one character who thankfully is minor who is openly trying to pick up Dakota Johnson’s character at a carnival with their own chikd that I thought the movie was gonna do more with him, but is only there for one scene. It seems almost more like a prop or antagonist to get the most out of the main characters or add to the weirdness and silliness of the situation.

This film is downright funny though you have to be on its wavelength of just strange situations. It feels like another BOB, CAROL, TED AND ALICE. For  the modern day age, but not trying to be as revolutionary or introduce the audience into a different way of thinking.

As it feels like a Woody Allen comedy played as a romantic comedy. As tinwaht happens after the happily ever after.

For all the qualities that make the film work there’s also things that just make you not like not necessarily the movie but the characters but then again it makes you uncomfortable and awkward, which the film seems to want to rest on sort of like a curb your enthusiasm, but where everybody is treated equally and each has their own personality disorder so to speak. 

The two characters who stand out are Dakota Johnson surprisingly as she seems to be one of the more decent characters who gets confused and just can’t make up her mind and the character of Casey played by Kyle Marvin, who is just seems or comes across as an innocent and nice guy who gets pulled in to this situation and keeps trying to make the best of it, but at heart is just a romantic and who some will see as just too nice, but he comes across the most authentic and you can understand why people fall for him and trust him.

Even thevfilmmaking is quite impressive. on a technical level as the camera work is beautiful and it’s angles inventive, even the rhythm of the scenes which can go from intimate to slapstick on a moments notice. still manages to work and be perfectly blocked as the camera always knows where it’s supposed to be.

This is a film for the more adventurous, even if it seems like it’s gonna play more suburban and it isn’t as sexual as dirty as the premise or the trailer might make it look or sound there is nudity, but it’s more male nudity than anything and just examines the absurdities of relationships and the selfishness that can result in them, especially in the complications of trying to PLEASE a partner or seemingly open up for their pleasure and you might be sabotaging your own relationship

I am a fan of the filmmaker, Michelangelo Covino and Kyle Marvin in their previous film, the climb, and just as with that film here they play best buddies who’s romantic entanglements rule them and also the characters tend to switch partners who are their friends previously partners in the main characters tend to bicker, be ruthless to each other yet still come together and maintain that friendship that feels like slapstick, but also has a bit of truth behind it.

this one is no exception as it almost feels like a continuation of their previous film only with different characters and situations so again it has that kind of Seinfeld or curb your enthusiasm, energy and vibe while entirely being its own entity and personality

Grade: B- 

ROOMMATES (2026)

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Directed By: Chandler Levack

Written By: Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara Jane O’Sullivan 

Cinematography: Maria Rusche 

Editor: Tim Constain and Brian Robinson

Cast: Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Billy Bryk, Aidan Langford, Sarah Sherman, Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, Janeane Garofolo 

When a hopeful, naive college freshman, Devon, asks the cool and confident Celeste to be her roommate, a blossoming friendship spirals into a war of passive aggression.

This is one of those almost films. It has everything mostly going for it and then just falls short. It’s Slightly Silly but stayed entertaining and really Manages to make you care about the characters. Then the third act happens and it’s like they just want to end the film. As after that no subtlety. Just straightforward hostility.

The third act the film falls apart. As feels like it goes for the easy out.  instead of doing something original and different. It goes safe and just settles to villainize certain characters.

I know looking for some kind of realism or three dimensional characters in an Adam Sandler, HAPPY MADISON production is a lot to ask but it could amhave been something new or different.

As with This film anytime it approach’s depth, It runs far and wide away from it. 

Some will look at this as a vanity project for Adam  Sandler’s daughter Sadie Sandler and they would be correct, but she holds her own surrounded by other talents. Not to mention this film is better then the original comedies he has been offering lately. At least this is better then YOU ARE SO NOT INVITED TO MY BAH MITZVAH.

Chloe East impresses, as far as showing range and being totally different then the last performance I remember her from HERETIC. She again defintely makes her presence felt. As the antagonist.

This can be seen as its own kind of relationship comedy. Only Without some homoerotica, yet never leaning heavily on it. Happy to see a fun female centered comedy that is mostly successful. 

Director Chandler Levack does the best she can. As her original movies such as I LIKE MOVIES are much more character-driven. Especially as far as the action goes, but are as breezy and caring. Here working from a script that is not her own. She manages to still bring her style and skill. Showing range and that she is a director who can rise to the occasion. 

Grade: C 

ANACONDA (2025)

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Directed By: Tom Gormican 

Written By: Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten

Based on the original film “ANACONDA” written by: Hans Bauer, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. 

Cinematography: Nigel Bluck 

Editor: Craig Alpert and Gregory Plotkin 

CAST: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, Rui Ricardo Diaz, Ione Skye

Four film obsessives drag themselves into the Amazon on a shoestring dream: make a spiritual sequel to a schlocky 90s horror classic nobody asked for. Doug is the engine, a guy whose genuine talent has been slowly suffocating under wedding reception footage. Griff has the rights and the actor’s hunger but not much else. The rain-forest is indifferent. The snake is absent. What the film is really about is the distance between loving movies and actually making one, and whether passion alone can paper over every logistical, financial, and interpersonal crack that opens up the moment you leave home with a camera and a bad plan.

This is a film that Not only makes me question why was this made, but also what studio thought this was a good idea I can only imagine because of having Jack black and Paul Rudd together in some kind of buddy comedy ensemble film. 

As it sounded like a bad idea from the get go, but was hoping it would be broader or bring something different to the table. Even though it plays pretty rote 

Co-Written and directed by Tom Gormican whose previous films were AXEL F the latest BEVERLY HILLS COP movie (as a writer) and THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT,  as writer-director. Both films going back into the past of celebrities or iconic movie characters. Don’t feels a natural that he would take a move that was a surprise hit and known for it’ ridiculous nature and make it into a meta comedy that resurrects the film franchise and it’s cultural impact 

Originally this was supposed to be a reunion of his stars from UBEARABLE WEIGHT Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal but when he couldn’t get them. We got Paul Rudd and Jack black. Who try to have chemistry and play against type with Jack black more than straight man and responsible one. Where as Paul Rudd plays the more wild and impulsive character.

There are 2 cameos in the film one works and is the only time the film is truly alive and hilarious. The other one doesn’t and feels unneeded 

What kept me entertained throughout the film

Was Wondering what is  going on with thandwe newton’s hair. As its volume, length and styles change throughout the film with each new scene. Now that could have been a clever satire of the constant problem of actors of color complaining often they are fixed to wear uncomfortable and badly styled wigs. Due to not having proper hair and make-up people who know how to style their hair. Instead it just happens in the background and one wonders was it intentional or not. Though happy to see her working again. 

Will admit the film is Awkwardly casted. As the actors don’t seem like they would normally work together, but here make it through believably enough and Nice to see Steve zahn part of the cast as him and Jack black have a a small SAVING SILVERMAN reunion

Ultimately though the film not most of it’s ideas It truly goes anywhere and make the material

feel empty. Even if it was just a more comedic remake of the original film. It would have amounted to something 

The film does serve as a constant reminder that Jack Black really needs better and new material film wis. As the only time he seen interesting or in better films is when he works with filmmaker Richard Linklater (Bernie, Apollo 10 1/2) so that it feels like the films he chooses get worse and worse though he stays energetic and likable in all of them. Though since half of them make money at the box office. Other than partially reputation he really has no reason to change his trajectory.

This is a film that could have set itself up. As either a satire or parody and instead comes across as confused as its premise. Though it would have been nice to be a film that shows character who are bonded by their love of not only film but a certain film and the pains and stakes they are willing to take to remake the film out of passion and love. Not to mention a chance to relive part of their childhood and reunite with one another. 

Almost like those guys who remade RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. In their teens a scene by scene remake and only later in life did the world get to see it, finally and they did it out of love for the film. If only this movie came close to having that kind of sincerity, vision and heart. It could have made this film worthwhile. Instead it just feels unnecessary and useless.

 

Grade: F 

SISU: ROAD TO REVENGE (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Jalmari Helander

Cinematography: Mika Orasmaa

Editor: Juho Virolainen

Cast: Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang, Richard Brake, Tommi Korpela, Kaspar Velberg, Paaru Oja, Eriki Laur, Maksim Demidov

Returning to the house where his family was brutally murdered during the war, “the man who refuses to die” dismantles it, loads it on a truck, and is determined to rebuild it somewhere safe in their honor. When the Red Army commander who killed his family comes back hellbent on finishing the job, a relentless, eye-popping cross-country chase ensues – a fight to the death.

This sequel film definitely lives up to its title. As the film was unexpected, as I didn’t think that the character had more hardships to go through and yet here it is. It’s pretty much more of the same only it seems to get to the action almost immediately after a brief set up of where we are and what the main character is trying to do.

Like most sequels, this is bigger as at each level he the main character. Sisu is facing more challenges. so that each level is broken up into a chapter and then each chapter it seems he’s facing the same enemy, but only harder and tougher like at first he’s just facing soldiers then in the next level he’s facing tanks and then in the next level, he’s facing planes and so on. So that we can see how each level gets more difficult and challenging. Though mostly it seems lkkenthe stunt men do most of the work. As this is a film meant for them the most. 

There’s very little dialogue as our hero. Sisu is mute throughout, which might be meant to remind the audience of THE MAN WITH NO NAME trilogy. As it does have the theme of revenge, but it’s not a western. It’s more an action war film.

 This sequel was not needed, but it still has impressive, action and strangely more American actors playing Russians this time around. which I figure offers more name recognition and to broaden the appeal of the film and widen its audience as the first one is more of a cult, action film, and they obviously wanna make this into a franchise. 

that would fit the tone of director, Jamari Helander, previous action filled films, such as RARE EXPORTS and BIG GAME 

If looking for balls to the wall, action film with some gore, this film is right up your alley as it does serve the kind of hard-core action you rarely see on the big screen anymore. This film was definitely meant to be seen in a movie theater or on the biggest screen as possible.

Grade: C 

PIZZA MOVIE (2026)

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Written & Directed By: Nick Kocher & Brian McElhaney

Cinematography: Bella Gonzales

Editor: Matt McBrayer

Cast: Gaten Matarazzo, Sean Giambrone, Lulu Wilson, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Marcus Scribner, Caleb Hearon, Sarah Sherman, Jordan Carlos

High college students face an unexpectedly epic journey when they must navigate two flights of stairs to retrieve their pizza delivery, turning a simple task into a surreal adventure.

This is pretty much a stoner movie so it will make some kind of sense at least as far as the premise but for the most part, it’ll just be silly off the wall and gonzo.

That would really makes me wonder is when the writer directors of this movie Nick Kochner & Brian McElhaney who form the comedy duo BriTANick, when they are writing this movie are they quite under the influence to make the material work. As if they are when they’re sober how do they make it seem plausible or make sense oh, that’s just a thought.

I’m happy to see so many child actors I remember growing up and working in this film as it is off the wall and occasionally funny, but it just doesn’t reach the height of hilarity for me even with all of its juvenile humor, some of which might be offensive it just came across as cute not necessarily anything daring. So that even with the cursing and as offensive, it might be minorly it still feels like a teen film maybe a little bit harder edged and surprisingly almost sexist.

The film isn’t totally stupid. It’s just silly. It does have kind of a surprisingly smart and glorious bastards signed up as well as a Meta element that wasn’t expected. It doesn’t completely work, but for the most part does.

It’s a perfectly fine time waster. As I can’t

See remembering much afterwards. As you pretty much get what you might expect with a few surprises. 

Wouldn’t mind seeing more of these comedies that at least try for something different and new and has sparks of originality rather than the plane comedies that are supposed to be raunchy and energetic and that just feel way too familiar

Grade: C

BALLS UP (2026)

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Directed By: Peter Farrelly 

Written By: Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese

Cinematography: John Brawley 

Editor: Sam Seig 

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Paul Walter Hauser, Benjamin Bratt, Molly Shannon, Sacha Baron Cohen, Daniela Melchoir, Eric Andre, Eve DeDominici, Chelsey Crisp

Two marketers pitch a bold new condom World Cup sponsorship. After a booze-fueled scandal, they must outrun chaos to survive.

This film is one of the stupidest of the year, So far intentionally. Though expected to be disappointed. While the film certainly isn’t the best of the year. It is surprisingly hilarious.

Though one of the selling points of the movie is the gross out humor. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise considering it’s directed by Peter Farrelley. While this film certainly fits this formula of early 2000’s gross out comedies that are sensational and over the top. It stays within his wheelhouse. Though it still Manages to shock considering it stars Mark Wahlberg.

This comes across as another paycheck job for him. He tries to have enthusiasm, but he looks tired and exasperated. He seems to lack his usual charm in the lead, but he works in his role.

It ultimately boils down to being a buddy comedy where the two supposed mismatched leads learn to become friends. Though all their troubles and camaraderie. 

The true scene stealer of this film is Paul Walter Hauser. As usual in the co-lead. He stays believable, lovable and the Everyman throughout. Though there are certainly other cast members who have fun with their roles and are standouts such as Benjamin Bratt and Sasha Baron Cohen making a return to the big screen.

If you are not a fan of these types of films, this movie isn’t for you I think what when the audience over as you expected typically silly comedy and that leans more into the stupid and while it certainly stays that way, it’s also the gross out jokes that you’re just not expecting with such a pedigree.

While also having fun about the obsessions of men, people and a country never overly insulting but just ridiculous. It’s never quite off color but it is racing that enjoyable. It’s not a film. You might remember 15 minutes after you watch it though it is something that has definitely re-watchable and a guilty pleasure.

This isn’t the type of film you watch for the filmmaking or the acting it’s more film. You just watched to have fun and have a good time with no matter how ridiculous.

Grade: C 

FLIGHT RISK (2025)

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Directed By: Mel Gibson

Written By: Jared Rosenberg 

Cinematography: Johnny Derango 

Editor: Steven Rosenblim

Cast: Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery, Topher

Grace, Leah Remini, Maaz Ali, Paul Ben-Victor, Eilise Patton, Monib Abhat 

A pilot transports an Air Marshal accompanying a fugitive to trial. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions soar and trust is tested, as not everyone on board is who they seem.

————————————————————————

to be honest, this phone plays like a TV movie from the 80s or 90s though what makes it worthy of the big screen is that it’s directed by Mel Gibson and that it stars Mark Wahlberg, whose idea of stretching to play a villain was making his character partly bald 

As most of this phone takes place on a small carrier plane where reluctant witness is going to testify against the mobster with an FBI agent as his chaperone and the pilot who ends up not being who he supposed to be, but actually a hitman 

Even when he is taken down, but not killed, they have to figure out how to fly the plane to safety, as well as finding out who exactly they can trust and who the mole might be in the organization largely off screen, so we only hear their voices, though as soon as I heard Leah remini’s voice. I knew it instantaneously.

The film is cut and dry though it tries to stay suspenseful with some shocks and a bit of action. Even though for the most part the film is pretty predictable.

It’s one of those film Where you wonder why the cast and director of Gibson’s stature decided to make this film. Which seems simple even by Netflix standards. 

Was he trying to sharpen his directing chops or was this a favor to someone he owed. As that can be the only explanation for Mark Wahlberg’s involvement as a favor to Gibson and try Playing a heel in a movie he didn’t suspect many would see or just for fun and the film Doesn’t totally rest on his shoulders. 

If you are looking for a movie with low stakes or just to play in the background that is pure blockbuster popcorn. This might be the film for you. As it is very lite and unassuming.

Grade: D+ 

OUTCOME (2026)

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Directed By Jonah Hill

Written By: Jonah Hill and Ezra Woods 

Cinematography: Benoit Debie 

Editor: Nick Houy and Nicholas Ramirez 

Cast: Keanu Reeves, Jonah Hill, Cameron Diaz, Matt Bomer, Susan Lucci, Martin Scorsese, Ivy Wolk, David Spade, Kaia Gerber, Drew Barrymore 

Follows Hollywood star Reef as he is forced to confront his problems and atone for his past after being threatened by a bizarre video footage from his past.

Let me start off by saying that this is one of the worst movies I have seen that has been released in 2026 which is surprise and consider considering the level of talent behind it

It’s not often a film lives up to its title so thoroughly. 

I will admit I am a fan of Jonah Hills. He doesn’t bother me as an actor and as a director, he has proven to be talented, surprisingly reaching upwards and showing range,  aspiring when everybody seems to usually write them off one note. As his debut directorial mid 90s was actually a really good film better than most expected one wishes this misfire was his debut so that with mid 90s he would be shown to be getting better instead of the reverse.

This film feels oddly personal or at least based on something he has experienced as it is about a star, searching for meaning and trying to explore what an apology means as we all know Jonah Hill has heard his problems, publicly mentally and emotionally and it feels like he’s trying to explore those feelings or given an explanation with this film

The problem is that this film is so lifeless, dill and even at under 90 minutes such torture to sit through. It still feels too long.

First of all, Jonah Hill gives himself a supporting role where it seems like he’s trying to out act his lead Keanu Reeves, and get all the attention which does work because there’s not much to any of the material here so if he’s loud brash in fact, he’s the only one who brings life into the film and the script other than Martin Scorsese playing someone from Keanu Reeves past

It feels like the script had a bunch of ideas that may be needed to be sharpened and explored as sometimes the film does come across at a good point or a good idea but the way it’s delivered so bad

The direction is lackluster as the film never seems to have any pacing nor do individual seeds. They just seem to lay there and play their without any momentum so they keep coming across flat even when they’re supposed to be hilarious.

Even the locations and filming all seem to be way too lit and look un appealing as everything almost seems like it’s artificial rather than natural and you’re filming in California, which makes the film look small and ugly almost like you wonder if half this film fell in the front of a green screen and filled in later. Especially when having a cinematographer like Benoit Debie. Who is a master when it comes to raw images and can still

Make them breathtaking. 

Keanu Reeves seems half the time embarrassed or uncomfortable in this film and even if it was for a character, we never get to see him actually have fun or be at peace as this is supposed to be a comedy and he’s playing more like a hard bitten drama even when we do see a glimpse of his past where he supposed to be this drug addicted party guy he gives the same delivery.

Also, the big tape that is supposed to be at the heart of the storm that they’re hunting down because it could prove to wreck his career embarrassing. Once we actually see what’s on it. It’s pretty time compared to what it could be or what maybe us in the audience might believe if anything it just shows a vulnerability that might actually discussed a few, but actually endeared him even more.

There are a bunch of celebrities in this movie playing small, smaller roles who just seemed like they’re there, waiting around to get their moment in the sun, and then move on as most of them are only there for a senior or two

Nor do I understand, Cameron Diaz or Matt boomers characters involvement in all this as Reeves best friends. His character already has an assistant, and these two are his best friends. I don’t know if they’re his entourage because neither one of these two seems to have jobs and they’re all about positivity and giving support, but what do they do with most of their day? when he’s actually out there doing things? they seem to be here  more to maybe give commentary, as seemingly his only friends and they are there to give positivity, but they never have dramatic scenes of their own or judgment. 

Not to mention while one loves Cameron Diaz as an actress. Her return to the big screen as of late has been in bad to lackluster films. Here reuniting with Keanu Reeves after starring in the disappointing 1996 crime thriller romantic comedy film STEALING MINNESOTA. Which I for one had great hopes for and had great ideas and characters but no story or anything new or interesting to bring to the table. So here together another disappointment.

Also wonder if it was intentional that his PR team of image makers to help him through what might be an upcoming tragedy are all played by minorities. 

Also strange seeing Joey Lawrence as a kid performing on THE TONIGHT SHOW. Being a Stand-in for Keanu Reeves character as a kid. 

In the end, other than a spare to turn by Martin Scorsese and Jonah Hill’s  Way overacting it seems to try and make a memorable character of himself in a film based on himself, but not playing himself. This film seems very disposable and like a bunch of Apple plus movies seems a reason to get a bunch of big name actors together but not have the material to support them or entertain the audience

This even comes across more disappointing than the usual streaming offerings which it seems perfect for this is not something I could imagine being that great on the big screen.

It’s hard to understand how a film that has so many people I actually enjoy involved came out so terrible.

Grade: F

URCHIN (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Harris Dickinson 

Cinematography: Josee Deshaies

Editor: Rafael Torres Calderon

Cast: Frank Dillane, Harris Dickinson, Megan Northam, Karyna Khymchuk, Shonagh Marie, Amr Waked, Diane Axford, Okezie Morro

A young addict living on the streets of London is given a shot at redemption, but his road to recovery soon curdles into a strange odyssey from which he may never escape.

At first, I didn’t know what to expect from this film, but it proves to be a harrowing character study. Of someone going through their hardships and who, despite even their mistakes and bad judgments you still root for. No matter how bad it or they get.

The film is constantly surprising and filled with plenty of joy and hope, but also just as much dread that hangs over it at times.

Which has an audience member might be what you appreciate the most about the film as it gives a realistic presentation that isn’t necessarily uplifting, but isn’t doom and gloom either.

As the film shows homelessness, but it also shows rehabilitation for better or worse seemingly it is what you make of it, but there are plenty of challenges to it, and it depends on the individual and the strength of their character. As there is always temptation in the film. Also choose the show the many ways in which it can go wrong.

The only thing that might be a bit annoying about the film is the visual metaphor of nature and Woodlands the wonders of it that seems to represent the main character’s mental state at times or used to show the passage of time

This film is the directorial debut of Harris Dickinson and it’s quite impressive as he doesn’t make it a showcase for a new role for himself to show range. He does eappear in the film, but in a smaller supporting role. He wrote, directed it and the great. Frank Dillane is amazing in the film, but it also chooses to show the public about the hardships of a certain lifestyle that many and it can’t help. 

had I seen it last year that’s definitely would’ve made my top 20

Grade: A