Author: jbg

G20 (2025)

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Directed By: Patricia Riggen 

Written By: Caitlin Parrish, Erica Weiss, Logan Miller & Noah Miller 

Story By: Logan Miller & Noah Miller 

Cinematography: Checco Varese 

Editor: Doc Crotzer and Emma B. Hickox 

Cast: Viola Davis, Anthony Anderson, Anthony Starr, Ramon Rodriguez, Marsai Martin, Douglas Hodge, Elizabeth Marvel, Christopher Farrar, Clark Gregg, Angela Sarafyn 

Terrorists take over the G20 summit with President Sutton, bringing her governing and military experience to defend her family, company, and the world.

 I wish I could say that this film still apart or was better considering who stars in it, but this film is pretty basic and predictable for anyone who’s ever seen a movie before especially an action movie 

One of the main differences is that the hero of the film is female and a woman of color African-American to be exact and it feels a little revolutionary considering that the film takes place in South Africa 

This film you wonder if they were expecting a different outcome for the presidential election of 2024 as the main character or the first family in this film is African-American, who, along with other leaders are taken hostage and at some point, each of them managed to escape being captured and then come together to the end

The action sequences are nothing to write home about, but they are serviceable and Viola Davis still has all that muscle from the woman king so she’s got the guns to be an action hero, and we all have to take a paycheck now and then because she is definitely better than the material and even the film.

She has been in the suicide squad movies and across the DC universe as I’m on the Waller even though all of the films she’s been involved in her action films. She’s never personally done any action scenes herself in those films here shows she’s capable of it.

But this is a perfectly fine time. Keep your interest while you watch it, but forgettable once it’s over.

Think typical Jason Statham-type action films only with a lack of one-liners after a kill or action scene 

As this is a film, you don’t have to think or make sense as one of the qualities of films or films like these usually is that they have so many writers and you would think having so many would make the film a little bit more intricate or cleanup maybe some of the other writers mistakes but it seems like the case of too many cooks in the kitchen or maybe they oversimplify everything and try to explain even though they’re probably there to brush up on elements that the filmmakers are studio didn’t like about the last draft

There are no big surprises as you can tell exactly where the story is going you can tell the double crosses in advance could almost be a modern black film because all colors are good and bad, but you’ll notice that most of the villains are heroes people of color which is inspiring.

Grade: C- 

SUBSERVIENCE (2024)

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Directed By: S.K. Dale

Written By: Will Honley and April Maguire 

Cinematography: Daniel Lindholm 

Editor: Sean Lahiff 

Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima, Matilda Firth, Andrew Whipp, Atlas Srebrev, Manal El-Feitury, Antoni Davidov 

Follows a struggling father who purchases a domestic SIM to help care for his house and family, unaware she will gain awareness and turn deadly.

The film seems like it should be a bit more exploitive and dirty, but the right mix of being trashy and a B-Movie that is pure entertainment and thrills. 

One would have enjoyed this film more if one didn’t dislike the lead actor  Michele Morrone playing the husband, performance. The roles he has been seen in before are in Netflix‘s erotic Fifty Shades of Grey Italian knock-off 365. So while he is definitely Candy for the ladies, his performance is quite unbelievable only because looking at him he never is convincing as the faithful husband mentally Latroy though just as Megan Fox is eye Candy for the audience so is he?.

It’s an interesting sci-fi thriller with an eroticism laced through it. The film stays entertaining throughout. Though you know what will happen most of the film a satisfying time waster 

The best film Megan Fox has been in, in a while. Used her perfectly as her looks seem her to seem unreal or crafted and she is believable throughout. A bit of a comeback for her. 

Will admit watched this film because Madeline Zima was part of the cast and she has more of a supporting role. 

The film does well in building its futuristic science fiction world to be believable and create a tight if comfortably familiar story.  

Grace: C

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE (2024)

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Written, Directed & Edited By: Gregory Jardin 

Cinematography: Kevin Fletcher 

Cast: Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, David Thompson, Madison Davenport 

A group of friends gather for a pre-wedding party that descends into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a mysterious game that awakens long-hidden secrets, desires and grudges.

It feels like the film is too in love with its cleverness just like the characters are. Though most are unlikable and insufferable.

It earns its stripes as it is definitely a dark comedy. That is too cruel at times. That tries to justify itself. Though it truly lives up to its title. 

At times the film feels like the recent release Bodies Bodies Bodies only here you at least get characters rather than types.

The film is inventive and stylistic, but you can’t admire it because it’s too busy moving on to the next dazzling piece. 

In this film so much happens too fast that the film seems afraid to rest as everything must be done and can never be allowed to sit stop and think especially the audience throwing you off balance so that you truly never know what will happen next 

It also doesn’t help that the film and the script seem to want most of the characters to shine. There isn’t truly that much room in there. 

You get the feeling that maybe the filmmakers or film doesn’t trust itself by standing still that there must be a bunch of distractions so the few questions. Which makes the film come across like a game trying to play with the audience.

Essentially, it feels like a group of actors getting together and scratching the material into a comedy group exercise or comedy group trying to make a film to serve all their sensibilities. 

Luckily, the film does get better as it goes along as you gain some knowledge about the situation, the characters, and some of its rules and plays the questioning of identity that doesn’t get that deep but tries to have fun test itself into deeper waters once we get to know them and their true colors start to show 

It’s a film to enjoy as long as you don’t think too deeply about it.

Grade: B- 

MORGAN (2016)

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Directed By: Luke Scott

Written By: Seth Owen 

Cinematography: Mark Patten 

Editor: Laura Jennings 

Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rose Leslie, Toby Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Garret Hudlund, Paul Giamatti, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Cox 

A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being.

In this grand cinema study, there are some Films you know a bit about. Yet manage to avoid or skip for some reason or another.  then when looking For Something new, you finally decide to give the film a chance. Sometimes it truly does work For the better, but other times you remember why you Wanted To skip it in the first place.

It isn’t necessarily bad, but it just feels like a waste of time or a wasted opportunity, especially considering what it had. This is one of those films unfortunately it’s more of the latter.

One of the more shocking appeals of the movie is in looking back at this film. It has such a stacked cast for a film That doesn’t

Offer much in the form Of material for them to work with. It comes off as a workman and everyone seems more here for a paycheck.

Those looking for a horror film might be disappointed as though its Advertisements make it look That way and there is violence the film is more like a strictly science fiction tale.

Which is what is at least admirable about the film.

This feels like one of the first of more recent trends of films about androids and AI and how much humanity exists in them. Surrounded by humans who go about being absent, if any humanity at all or trying to show none for the supposed greater good.

It doesn’t offer enough material to be truly thought-provoking and lacks action throughout  to truly be a genre picture 

In the final act, the film Finally Releases the violence and gives the audience what it has been waiting for most of the characters you have come to know will most likely become

Victims. They pay the price, In different ideologies, and pick the wrong side which proves fatal because of choosing to show their humanity.

It feels especially cruel to one character who truly fights back and gets the most violent death in a scene that feels cut down because of how gory it could get. While any action resorts to a BOURNE IDENTITY intensity with bad club music to accompany the action for those brief Moments only that feel like it’s coming from another film

Jennifer Jason Leigh is only in a few scenes and seems here to be punished more than anything else. which seems to be a trend in her more recent roles. As of 2025 most of the cast signed up for the same feet, but they have a few more scenes and more to do.

The film offers a perfect example of corporate culture versus a family and a more nurturing culture.

It does offer a sensational ending that wasn’t expected though hinted at throughout 

Grade: D+

KINDA PREGNANT (2025)

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Directed By: Tyler Spindel 

Written By: Amy Schumer and Julie Paiva 

Cinematography: Stuart Dryburgh 

Editor: Tom Costain and J.J. Titone

Cast: Amy Schumer, Will Forte, Brianne Howey, Jillian Bell, Damon Wayans Jr., Lizzie Broadway, Urzilla Carlson, Chris Geere, Joel David Moore, Molly Sims

When Lainy’s plan to settle down and start a family falls apart, she puts on a fake baby bump, tells a lie, and accidentally falls for her dream guy.

Not shocked by the quality of the film it comes from Adam Sandler’s production company Happy Madison Productions.

It maintains that kind of goofy stupid humor of most happy Madison productions. That seems more devoted to throwing everything you can at the audience to see what sticks and satisfies them.

So that you know going into these movies Hamlet or anything close to that though what I can give this film is that it’s simply entertaining. It’s not good but it’s not that horrible and the time passes there’s nothing that memorable about it but again you stay entertaining if you’re a fan of Amy Schumer this is the first leading role in a movie that she’s had in a while, especially in a romantic comedy

The film is not insulting and the cast does what is required of them. Though if you’re not into Adam Sandler movies or his type of comedies, I would say definitely skip as this tends to go for not necessarily the gross-out but more wacky as of course his daughter and wife have cameo roles.

Actress Urzilla Carlson gets the more over-the-top supporting role that probably in the past would’ve gone to Rebel Wilson, who would’ve either played that role or the lead. 

The one thing I can say that is likable about this film is it’s nice to see a female lead comedy that can get nasty when it needs to, but still here plays pretty much tame. 

The film is overly predictable, but at least it doesn’t insult your intelligence and everybody seems like they’re thrown at them and they seem like they generally are having fun and like one another so it is a pleasant viewing experience.

It’s not original nor good it’s just more of a comfort movie than anything that offers very few surprises. 

Grade: C-

DRUGSTORE JUNE (2024)

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Edited & Directed By: Nicholaus Goossen 

Written By: Nicholas Goosen and Esther Povitsky

Cinematography: Sherri Kauk

Cast: Esther Povitsky, Bobby Lee, Beverly D’Angelo, Bill Burr, James Remar, Haley Joel Osmet, Miranda Cosgrove, Al Mardrigal, Jackie Sandler, Patricia “Ms. Pat” Williams, Danielle “Bhad Barbie” Bragoli 

After the pharmacy in her small town is robbed, a girl who still lives at home with her parents takes matters into her own hands to solve the crime, while at the same time trying to get over her ex-boyfriend and become more of an adult.

I am a fan of star Esther Povitsky, and her brand of comedy where she usually plays lovesick, narcissistic, airheaded young women, basically insufferable. who are trying to keep up with all of the latest trends while also being hyped seem a little off when it comes to the reality of their situations

This is what her character is like in this film She is also obsessed and stalking her ex who has moved on and it’s been years has a family that seems to be tired of her antics though never throw her out.

Her character here seems to find meaning and a distraction from all of her problems by trying to investigate a robbery and find out who robbed her place of business and all the characters she seems to run into and her homegrown investigation.

The film is filled with many small roles and cameos by recognizable comedians, and they try to add to the comedic atmosphere, even though strangely most of them are playing straight-laced and serious throughout as this film is more  Povitsky’s showcase. It remains colorful throughout.

This is more of a character-based comedy film that is more silly and ridiculous than hilarious though it worked for me. This is a film. One might look at it as a guilty pleasure, but can understand if it’s not for everyone if you’re just looking for a film to have fun with and a good time, give this a try

As some will obviously accuse the film of just being a bunch of loose skits, revolving around the main character can see that throughout the character does have some growth which makes it more than just a throwaway sketch movie. It’s definitely more of a homegrown project that slowly starts to impress.

It also never wears out. It’s welcome.

Grade: C 

SLACKERS (2001)

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Directed By: Dewey Nicks 

Written By: David H. Steinberg 

Cinematography: James R. Bagdonas

Editor: Tara Timpone

Cast: Devon Sawa, Jaime King, Jason Schwartzman, Jason Segel, Michael McDonald, Michael C. Maronna, Laura Prepon, Jim Rash, Nat Faxon, Retta, Joe Flaherty, Leigh Taylor Young 

Dave, Sam and Jeff are about to graduate from Holden University with Honors in lying, cheating and scheming. The three roommates have proudly scammed their way through the last four years of college and now, during the final exams, these big-men-on-campus are about to be busted by the most unlikely dude in school.

There was once a time when I worked at a video store a Tower video to be exact down in Greenwich Village and my friend Curtis would usually be working the same schedule so that every Saturday night we would get off work and then go see a movie. It was usually us trading who chose the movie, but we generally wanted to see, the same movies and I can’t say that every week there were great prospects. This one I chose this movie so I did see this actually in theaters.

It seems to have everything going for Jason Segel  of Freaks and Geeks, and Devon Sawa who seemed to be in a lot of teen films at the time Laura Prepon from THAT  70’S SHOW, wasn’t a fan of the show but I always liked her delivery and Schwartzman is the reason for me to see this movie thoroughly enjoyed him and RUSHMORE

This film is definitely a romantic comedy that is more misogynistic and in the 1980s would’ve been filled with T & A, an ironic statement the film is from elderly actress Mamie Van Duren. There is plenty of sexual talk even suggested scenes of sex.  After all, it’s supposed to be a college comedy.

The film starts as a con man hustle college comedy before I’m pretty much becoming a romantic comedy. 

This is where the film loses the pizzazz that it had going for it. Which is truly the only thing that sets it apart from many others. The film has strangely a few cameos from people you wouldn’t expect at the time to be in the film, which only makes it more surreal and feel like part of the fantasy.

Seems to be another film in which they make the nice guy or nerd more the villain than the typical male college student who seems more insincere here, Devon’s character who is supposed to be helping Jason Schwartzman due to blackmail actually the girl that he is supposed to be helping him get Jason Schwartzman‘s character just keeps exhibiting more and more strange and creepy behavior throughout, which shows to a certain extent he doesn’t seem to really care about Presley’s character maybe what she represents to him.

I wish I could say that this film is all-around terrible it has some funny scenes, but they are few and far between and maybe not worth going through 90 minutes of this movie is a film that could perfectly be abridged easily.

It also, strangely for a major release comes across as looking a little rough around the edges more than it should. Maybe it’s supposed to represent the scrappy nature of college students, though this kind of looks like a very nice college that these kids could afford, especially with all the scams that they seem to be running. 

Tries, but the characters that really stand out are the ones played by Jason Schwartzman and Jason Segel. So much that you just wish that they could be in a better and funnier film.

Grade: D 

THE ELECTRIC STATE (2025)

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Directed By: Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus And Stephen McFeely

Based on the Graphic Novel By: Simon Stalenhag

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon 

Editor: Jeffrey Ford 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo, Jason Alexander, Ke Huy Quan, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Billy Gardell

the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

Why does a film about freedom and living life to the fullest and the power of human connection. Feel so stale, lifeless abd boring. Though has very impressive special effects. We can see where the money went into this $320 million Prodcution, but was it worth it? 

Do the Russo brothers just look at budgets rather then scripts. Then look for the gimmick. As they seek like filmmakers from the 90’s given chances for modern times. Pure Hollywood  filmmakers even with their independent films. 

They seem to be Artists for the businessmen running studios. Only their interests are different than what audiences want except for THE AVENGERS movies. 

The electric state feels like their attempt at a big budget amblin film that even spielberg would say is too artificial and JJ Abrams would reject. As there is not enough mysterious elements 

Chris Pratt is pretty much lead by the paychecks he gives his performances but in films, No one really wants to see or more of the same. The spark is there but the material isn’t and he’s not convincing enough for people to watch just for him

Just as Chris Evans seems to be a prostitute for Netflix ok an escort. As he seems to Find his fit in the film world . Though seems to be a down to earth human being.

Millie Bobby Brown seems desperate to find a better role and Wanda will not have her type cast and allow her to break out of her biggest role so far which is playing 11 on Stranger Things. Unfortunately this was not the right one. As it gives her little to truly sink her teeth into even as the lead 

This film tries to come up with emotions with a tale that feels familiar and tired. Though it comes across hollow. Only here to sbowniff the effects. As this film seems to beleivenrhe old mantra “IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” unfortunately not enough came.

This is perfectly set I a lenas a family film, but for something that is such a big production. It shouldn’t feel this disposable and shallow. Nor as always does it really need to be as long as it is. 

One can be all for exploring a world but it diesn’t have to go this deep where we are jistbtrying to show off instead of moving the story forward. 

The film has no sense of pacing and in general just feels bloated and lazy as it doesn’t really make itself quite clear and wants to be 1 million different things but never decides on any as well as there being no dramatic pacing 

it seems to just copy the graphic novel, and whatever it lacks, the filmmakers can blame it on the source material.

The Film seems to only offer an alternative history because in that way he can bring back 90s nostalgia for a certain audience that seems to be in currently

In other words this feels like the typical Netflix original movie with star power and figuring that will be enough and come  together with a simple high concept idea. It’s like the blockbuster filmmaking of the 1990’s. Taking a big and expensive gamble. Right out of the gate rather then building up to it or up on it.

Grade: D

CONCLAVE (2024)

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Directed By: Edward Berger

Written By: Peter Straughan 

Based on the book By: Robert Harris 

Cinematography: Stephane Fontaine 

Editor: Nick Emerson 

Cast: Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Brian F. O’Byrne, Sergio Castellitto, Lucian Msamati, Carlos Diehz 

When Cardinal Lawrence is tasked with leading one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope, he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church.

This film is continually fascinating as it should be about a simple subject, a priest trying to pick who will be the new pope. It becomes more like a political thriller, full of intrigue and double-crosses, as well as its fair share of twists and turns.

It keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen next and the film manages to stay dialogue-heavy but be purely beautiful in a visual sense also.

As you watch all these men of Faith who have different ways of viewing and incorporating the religion they follow and are all supposed to be about the greater good quietly betray not only one another but seem to scheme and believe themselves to be holier than thou.

Some do actually try to keep closer to the religious tax and dogma and quarrel with their faith if anything, the film is identifiable as these men have taken a vow and spreading the word in which they believe, but acknowledge that they are only men and have Their weaknesses, fables and fails, but still try to stay as close as they do what they preach.

The film is not afraid to take on subjects that have plagued the Catholic Church and priests over the years and the way that they have tried to resolve solved deny the charges.

The film has strong and powerful moments and asks if certain things are forgivable for the greater good. It’s not a totally clean movie and has kind of a monkey wrench of an ending it shows there’s not always a clear answer. The film can be enjoyed by people of faith and those who might not.

Everything in this movie is excellent. The acting performances, script, visuals, production design, and costume design now it seem like it would of course be an Oscar because of when it came out but overall it’s just such a powerful film that seems to come out of nowhere that you wouldn’t expect that deals with religion, one of the strongest stay strong and thrilling and a PG-rated film

This is definitely a must-see film. if even you don’t like the subject matter just the masterful craft of filmmaking is something to behold.

A film is best seen on the big screen. 

Grade: A 

THE FIRST OMEN (2024)

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Directed By: Arkasha Stevenson 

Written By: Arkasha Stevenson, Tim Smith and Keith Thomas

Story By: Ben Jacoby

Based On Characters Created By: David Seltzer

Cinematography: Aaron Morton 

Editor: Amy E. Duddleston and Bob Murawski 

Cast: Nell Tiger Free, Sonia Braga, Ralph Ineson, Tawheek Barhom, Maria Caballero, Bill Nighy, Charles Dance, Nicole Sorace, Ishtar Currie-Wilson, Andrea Arcangeli 

A young American woman is sent to Rome to begin a life of service to the church but encounters darkness that causes her to question her faith and uncovers a terrifying conspiracy that hopes to bring about the birth of evil incarnate.

I give this some credit it’s better than it should be as it seemed at first like it was going to be a rebooted sequel that’s a prequel cash-in on the original. 

By the end, it’s a well-put-together thought-out horror film that makes sense and takes its time to tell its tale. Though I wonder if that is why people give it so much credit as they weren’t expecting much and came out with an actual good movie

This film came out at the same time as the Sweeney film IMMACULATE, which to me kind of looks the same except that you had a more recognizable actor in the forum, Sydney Sweeney, but watching the trailers, one would often get what was supposed to happen to confused what came to actually watch the films. as it seemed kind of like the phenomenon that would happen years ago, where two studios that have competing films with the same theme, think ARMAGEDDON and DEEP IMPACT. Or VOLCANO and DANTE’S PEAK.

this film is longer than the original film. The OMEN and there are some recognizable actors. Most of the cast is character actors. it seems like every horror or fantasy film must have a cameo from Charles Dance these days as a requirement. Not to mention even though Bill Nighy has a bigger role. He seems to be barely in it really I can only recall three scenes.

The film takes its time again as it builds slowly but once it gets rolling, it really gets interesting as there is a central mystery and we’re getting clues left and right, things are getting put together and we realize what is happening so that the film puts itself together quite nicely

Even if from the beginning, the nuns always seem a bit suspect and mean. 

there is a scene where it seems like they try to homage Isabelle Adjani’s infamous scene from POSESSION. only here it happens after a car crash and certain details are revealed that the main character has their own scene of revelation, and her reaction is similar as far as you can go in a more mainstream film.

What’s interesting is that this film though it is a prequel leaves room for a sequel that could be done as a side story that is kind of intersex with the original film or maybe even THE Omen Two or could be a direct sequel to them if they choose to jump that many years 

The film is never quite scary, but it does have a sense of unease. That will keep you guessing and offers the required terrifying images without quite reviewing all so while it shows it also sets your imagination to something that is probably worse to fill in the picture which movies try and fail but actually works here.

Director Arkasha Stevenson definitely has the talent. Hopefully, he continues to make memorable and noteworthy films. Look what he accomplished with an almost-forgotten franchise 

Grade: B-