Author: jbg

DRIVE-AWAY-DOLLS (2024)

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Directed By: Ethan Coen

Written By: Ethan Coen And Tricia Cooke

Cinematography: Ari Wegner

Editor: Tricia Cooke

Cast: Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Joey Slotnick, C.J. Wilson, Bill Camp, Beanie Fieldstein, Annie Gonzalez, Colman Domingo, Pedro Pascal, Matt Damon 

The film follows Jamie, an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

This film is a strange hybrid of a lesbian romantic comedy. Also having a conspiracy crime story.  That mixes competently enough but still feels like a strange mix.

The humor works in both storylines, but they both need a little bit more to be fully realized as they both feel like they could be short stories but need the other to make a full feature.

unfortunately, the film also comes off as a farce as most of the characters aren’t exactly 100% believable and we never really get enough information to really care for them or really get to know them. We know their character types but rarely get a glimpse truly inside of them.

This could’ve been an informative romantic comedy that involved lesbians but the crime story feels like it was needed to fill it out whereas the crime story feels like an idea that was never quite fully realized.

The film takes place in 1999, though the film barely acknowledges it until late, and you begin to realize that most of these misunderstandings and confusions could’ve been solved with cell phones, which is why it seems the main reason that this film takes place in the past. it seems like a lot of films will explain or keep their narrative going.

as often the editing seems abrupt and the timing seems a little off, and it keeps going into these psychedelic dreamscapes and montages that for a movie under 90 minutes quickly become very annoying, especially the volume of them. Which comes across as a throwback and an experimental device for a film that doesn’t seem encouraging to be under the influence watching.

The cameos throughout the film of favors and wanting to be associated with 1/2 of the famed Coen brothers filmmaking team. Here Ethan Coen directs and co-wrote the screenplay. The problem is that this film feels more full of comedy than any true relatability. even while we root for the main characters, they never become full-blooded, though they are likable

While the film is certainly entertaining and comes up with plenty of memorable side characters and situations. especially Margaret Qualley’s character, who you wish had a film all to herself it comes off as a bunch of great ideas that luckily work into a narrative, but are very loose.

The actors all seem to be having fun in their roles and as usual Geraldine Viswanathan. Deserves and needs more leading roles as she is just a captivating actress who ends up getting stuck at times in one-note roles luckily reveals herself to be more than meets the eye her character can change from the beginning to the end and stay believable..

This isn’t a bad movie or a terrible movie. It just feels and its own way nourished like it’s missing certain things that would make it more worthwhile. 

Grade: C 

DOWN LOW (2023)

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Directed By: Rightor Doyle

Written By: Phoebe Fisher and Lukas Gage

Cinematography: Nate Hurtsellers

Editor: David Moritz and Mike S. Smith 

Cast: Zachary Quinto, Lukas Gage, Simon Rex Judith Light, Audra McDonald, Sebastian Arroyo, Christopher Reed Brown, Dominique Lawson, Joseph Bessette 

A deeply repressed man, the uninhibited young man that gives him a happy ending, and all the lives they ruin along the way.

This is a single-location comedy feature around a premise that is a few scenes in a movie like Goodfellas with having to get rid of a body.

Only here more LGBTQ plus things less gangster world related.  As they both involved getting rid of a dead body, someone might or might not be the reason for this unfortunate accident.

Luckily, for the audience, this film ends up being a witty, screwball comedy, essentially about acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin.

It’s nice to see Zachary Quinto cut loose throughout his career, especially in the beginning, he always played a villain in the show, heroes, and other rules he has always looked or acted so deadly, serious, dramatic, and imposing. That here it’s nice to see him play in a comedy. He still repressed, but allows himself to let loose in character and is clearly having fun. Pardon the pun of the street man throughout this film who is gay.

The film does stereotypes, or at least cliché, likely terminally ill gay man, but it takes a sharp and offers a more than one-dimensional portrait. I’m not only that character of other characters that afford more than just the main characters in its own way. It feels universal no one is left as a caricature and still manages to surprise. 

The film is refreshing as it manages to be emotional, but still allows for it to be dark.

Co-written and co-starring  Lukas Gage, in the more flamboyant, outrageous, and physical comedic masseuse. 

As Lukas Gage definitely has drawn, not only a showpiece for himself, but one that allows everyone else to have their moments as what could’ve easily become a farce gets into some real emotional territory.

Simon Rex makes a smash as he plays a nightmare version of what you can find on the dark web, but still manages to be funny, and  Judith Light comes in as a character who could’ve been purely used for comedic relief but gives the film a poignant moment and character.

It’s not vivid, nor is it really that big or too visual but it’s fun. Want to stick around and be with these characters and route for them throughout 

Grade: B

THE FORTUNE (1975)

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Directed By: Mike Nichols 

Written By: Carole Eastman (As Adrien Joyce) and Selene Elizabeth Bryce 

Cinematography: John A. Alonzo 

Editor: Stu Linder 

Cast: Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, Stockard Channing, Florence Stanley, Scatman Crothers, Dub Taylor, Richard B. Shull, Tom Newman, Christopher Guest

The early 1900s with its Mann Act (disallowing women to be transported across state lines for immoral reasons) brings a married man to devise a scheme for taking his upper-class girlfriend away with him. He simply has her marry his unmarried buddy. However, it doesn’t take very long before both men start laying claim to her affection. Until, that is, she’s about to be cut out of her parent’s fortune. So, a new scheme is devised, which only adds to their problems, as well as to the sly whimsy of this movie.

This is one of those films that’s almost good, as it definitely has the talent behind the scenes and on screen. While it has its moments and should definitely be funny, it should also definitely be better and a bit more impressive. 

What we get feels more practice and too small in scope it feels limited. Honestly, it feels sort of like Mike Nichols trying to do a Robert Altman film only with less of an ensemble but somehow them all being connected

This is an All-Star. Peace Comedy directed by the late legendary Mike Nichols is a dark buddy comedy that should be more cynical, yet stays lighthearted. 

Jack Nicholson is truly the All-Star and stealer of the film throughout. It seems like his role is defined by his crazy and wild hair with a noticeably receding hairline like Larry in The Three Stooges or Steve Carell’s slick-back hair look in the first season of The Office.

Nicholson has a more interesting character and seems like he is truly having a lot of fun with the role. With slicked-back hair that stands up and half the time the comedy can be found in his facial reactions to things that are priceless. You almost wish she was in a better film as he is more alive than the material

The same can be said when it comes to costar stocker Channing

Whereas Warren Beatty is more of the straight man the buttoned-up character, a little anal retentive. Where his look and costumes do most of the work as he plays a known lothario

Warren Beatty feels too self-conscious and a stick in the mud. He’s almost the villain of the film.

He means to end the star of the film, but feels like he’s doing a favor as a guest star in the first half of the film though it does revolve around his character’s plan.

One element, a brief scene wears a brown face, which might be more distasteful today, even though the characters are despicable after all.

The film comes across as a love triangle or polyamory romance that tries to be a classic comedy duo with Nickelson and Beatty, which should work but feels like everything is just a bit off

Stocker Channing completes the lead trio, the woman at the center of it, all who stands to make quite a nice inheritance, but falls in love with both the lead, despite being with Warren Beatty character, a romantic triangle.

She seems to get more of the physical scenes and is quite playful throughout 

There is plenty of opportunity for physical comedy.

The premise of the movie is never quite as funny as it should be. It seems like there’s a lot of setup with very little payoff, especially considering the caliber of the cast, which might have made the writers try harder to make things comic, but also maybe made it too highbrow or maybe they had to follow, the stars specific instructions as to what they wanted out of them

There is plenty of humor but more bickering than anything else.

The film does have great cinematography though 

What about the film is that everyone seems to try so hard for so little as the film tries to be a slapstick screwball comedy centered around the morals of the time it takes place coming across like a loss. Forbidden comedy from that period. 

I can’t say it was fun finding these Jack Nicholson and Warren Beatty films that are a bit more early in their career that seem to be forgotten or generally hard to find 

If you are a completist, just want to see this film for the two stars it might not be worth it, but it won’t be the worst thing you’ve ever seen either. It just might be slightly disappointing. At least they knew to keep it short and under 90 minutes 

Grade: C

THE BEEKEEPER (2024)

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Directed By: David Ayer 

Written By: Kurt Wimmer

Cinematography: Gabriel Beristain 

Editor: Geoffrey O’Brien 

Cast: Jason Statham, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Josh Hutcherson, Jeremy Irons, Minnie Driver, Phylicia Rashad, Bobby Naderi, Jemma Redgrave, Don Gilet, David Witts, Sophia Feliciano.

One man’s brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as “Beekeepers.”

I am not trying to be insulting, but usually, once you see one, Jason Statham action film you’ve seen them all this one has more reliable names behind it in the form of Screenwriter, Kurt, Wimmer (EQUILIBRIUM) and Director David Ayer (FURY, END IF WATCH) 

No, Jason Statham is an action hero of modern times as you assume what you are going to get he does manage to surprise you with his film’s superior quality. Especially if he has the right filmmaking team behind him.

Referred to as the British Bruce Willis, but you could also call him a modern-day Charles Bronson as he does have range, but he commonly plays the same type of character who could easily be interchangeable sometimes when it comes to an online.

There’s just something likable about him and his films maybe it’s because he doesn’t really try to prove himself. His films are satisfying and simple and you just want to see how it gets to its predictable conclusion is an easy appeal to his audience.

Are not only younger but annoyingly, younger and loud, colorful outfits more at home it would seem in a 90s set film and stereotypical as most of the movie villains tend to be obnoxious and give us the obvious information. Though there is a female assassin who seems to come out of another film or reminds one of a similar character from a previous Jason Statham film, THE TRANSPORTER 2, only the one in that previous film, gave up a better fight and made it more erotic.

Here he doesn’t have that much time until waste so he is straight to the point whereas the supporting cast plays out the drama. He’s there for the action first and foremost.

What raises the bar a little in this film is that somehow Jeremy Irons is in this movie and a supporting role and he is here for a paycheck and chewing the scenery. Playing the upper-class British business dignitary. He is just one of a few character actors, obviously doing this as a paycheck role. Most of them are not American-born actors. Though they are playing Americans.

This is basically a story of the old being being ripped off by young twerps. Where is seems each level of this scam depends on the other to do the dirty work. At first, it seems pretty cut and dry with plenty of bee references.

Even the main villain is more loud than truly menacing as really, the henchmen are the only ones truly putting up a fight. When he is overconfident, you know that they are hubris will be the downfall, especially when facing a folk hero who tends to drive or has a fondness for pickup trucks who you cheer for throughout.

As the beekeeper is supposed to be private and all the killers, they seem to send after him who were meant to be a challenge, seem to be loud and obvious. However, it does run into the problem of being an equalizer in the movie-type situation. Where no matter who his enemy is, it’s obvious that they are no real threat to him and don’t even really put up too much of a fight. So they are more here as time-killing obstacles no real threat. so there is no tension and no real excitement unless you are really into the setup or the star.

The only true surprise is that this film goes all the way up to absolute power while playing on American intelligence. 

The film is trashy and is a pure popcorn movie. Where are you? Can see the franchise or sequel form by the end. This is definitely an unabashed guilty pleasure.

Grade: B- 

TRIGGER WARNING (2024)

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Directed By: Molly Surya

Written By: Josh Olson, John Brancato, and Halley Gross

Cinematography: Zoe White 

Editor: Chris Tonick and Robert Grigsby Wilson

Cast: Jessica Alba, Mark Webber, Anthony Michael Hall, Jake Weary, Tone Bell, Alejandro De Hoyos, Gabriel Basso, Kaiwi Lyman, Nadia Molcho, Peter Monro

A devoted daughter is attempting to figure out the cause of her father’s passing.

I am guessing this was supposed to be Jessica Alba’s comeback film To the big screen after being out of the film world for a while and running her Honest brand. 

This definitely was not the right project as it seems like a Netflix movie that even one of their bigger stars Jennifer Lopez would turn down that is how disappointing this movie is. I’m wondering if they had the script and tried to sell it to Alba as her return to movies but not tell her that probably Jennifer Lopez turned it down as well as another list of stars I mean Netflix as an action movie starring character actor Allison Janney. That is way more entertaining than this will ever be.

Jessica Alba, who is a great beauty even deserves better than this film. The audience doesn’t even deserve this film. The film is that poor. 

In watching the film. I know it takes place in a small town so I know it can’t be too impressive when it comes to the action plotting or visuals but this should still definitely be better.

The action sequences are not that impressive or expressive action and are far short of what one would hope for. 

The film is basically unoriginal and doesn’t seem to have any intentional humor. It also has no mystery. You pretty much know how it’s gonna go and offer no surprises in the way that it happens, except that you expect everyone in this film the characters to be a lot smarter. 

Which unfortunately is the quality one has come to expect when it comes to Netflix’s star vehicles.

This is a film, where a character you can tell is gonna be a jerk as he has a stylish mullet. that is derivative and bland that this film is.

What is shocking is that the film is co-written by some noted screenwriters Josh Olson and John Brancato. As well as Halley Gross who has quite a few screenwriting elements under her belt. So I wonder if each tried to make it better by laying on their expertise and somehow it all got simplified. 

It’s a good thing. This film didn’t go to the big screen. It would definitely be a disappointment even more than it is here. There is nothing in this film that feels worthy of being on the big screen.

Even while it was fighting for either a bad or worse. as you watch a film with a crap charisma villain, and the characters get to take down a terrorist for extra measure.

This also could’ve ended much quicker. It needs to be so long and also feel that way.

by the end, the only question I had was why do they use the name ghost always for terrorists or assassins? I know maybe it gives a certain visual or maybe informs the audience of their mysterious nature and how easily they can disappear but I think it’s time for Screenwriter to come up with a better name or alias for these types of characters. That was the most interesting aspect of this movie and it was still derivative.

Grade: F

THE WRATH OF BECKY (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote

Based on characters created by: Nick Morris, Lane Skye, and Ruckus Skye

Cinematography: Julia Swain 

Editor: Stephen Boyer 

Cast: Lulu Wilson, Seann William Scott, Courtney Gains, Matt Angel, Denise Burse, Jill Larson, Michael Sirow, Aaron Dalla Villa, Kate Siegel

Two years after she escaped a violent attack on her family, Becky attempts to rebuild her life in the care of an older woman – a kindred spirit named Elena. But, when a group known as the “Noble Men” breaks into their home, attacks them, and takes her beloved dog, Diego, Becky must return to her old ways to protect herself and her loved ones.

Wow, this film is much shorter and gets to the point faster. As we already know the character. It also leads to one of the biggest problems of the film. There is no suspense. We know she can take on these villains as she is faced with much worse and much tougher.

So even if it was like a horror film, where we are just here for the kills. It still proves to be disappointing as the kills aren’t that inventive or any real creativity to the table. it also seems like for a hit film. The budget is much lower for this film, which is strange.

The film plays like a familiar song only with its own different beat that isn’t as catchy but serves the purpose of it.

Even the inciting incident just seems so ridiculous and minor. that feels lame, weak, and unneeded just as her enemies could’ve felt a little more dangerous instead it almost feels like you’re watching a deadly version of PROBLEM CHILD. 

So the film wants us to believe that she is tapped into a much bigger conspiracy and leaves very few victims in this film and they’re not that impressive. There is no joy even as she’s getting her revenge through it all. which is a similar problem to be found in the bigger budgeted THE EQUALIZER films, but they still find a way to be entertaining. This film wants to have a dark sense of humor and a try, but it never quite rises to the level.

It’s giving the audience it’s what it wants, but it also feels a bit lazy. which is a shame as the first one was no masterpiece, but it was a fun little sadistic action film that was surprising. Instead what we get here is gory and goofy.

The film tries to offer a twist only it’s not that shocking and you don’t really care and it’s nice to see Seann William Scott on screen and he certainly is menacing. You just wish the project matched his talent and intensity. 

By the end, there is promise of a sequel, which hopefully will help redeem the franchise. If you are a huge fan of the first film, you might take a chance and watch this. Though truthfully there is no need.

Grade: C-

STRANGE DARLING (2024)

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Written & Directed By: J.T. Mollner

Cinematography: Giovanni Ribisi

Editor: Christopher Robin Bell

Cast: Willa Fitzgerald, Kyle Gallner, Ed Beglely Jr., Barbara Hershey, Steven Michael Quezada, Madison Beaty, Bianca A. Santos, Denise Grayson, Sheri Foster

Nothing is what it seems when a twisted one-night stand spirals into a serial killer’s vicious murder spree.

This is a warning this review has spoilers and is best experienced fresh and going in blindly. So this is your warning.

This movie is beautiful and will remind the audience of movies from the 1970’s. As that is the aesthetic, look, and where its heart lies. As the film clearly states in the beginning it was shot on 35mm film. 

This is a film by design. It tells a non-linear story and that is how it unravels. Which works best. As it differs that element of surprises, as well as shocks throughout. 

Some might take away points or call it pretentious because of these reasons. Which would be justified if that was all there was to the film. There is a good story and performance. it’s indebted to a certain style and types of films. It comes through with its own identity. It offers up something original and can tell passion and thought went into it. 

What is noteworthy about the film is how it is put together. it says so much with very little dialogue or just in certain shots.

It has a relatively small cast but feels gripping and bigger than it is. Especially with the vivid shots from cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi (yes the actor).

Kyle Gallner is always great in whatever film he is in. Always feels believable and never over the top. He is in fine form in this film.

Willa Fitzgerald our other lead, will be honest this is the first time one has seen her in anything and she is great in this film. Switching from victim to psycho. Innocent to seducer and plain old crazy, but you believe her in each moment and beat. 

This is a film you watch in observance and amazement then tell your friends all about and want to go with them. So you can see it again but see their reactions to certain scenes and shots and want to discuss with after. 

Even if they don’t admire it as much as you do or at all. You want to see how they digested and dissected it for themselves. In other words a conversation starter 

One of the most memorable and engaging opening shots and scenes in quite some time. Throwing you in the middle but Presented as the beginning. 

Grade: B+

A FAMILY AFFAIR (2024)

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Directed By: Richard LaGravenese

Written By: Carrie Solomon

Cinematography: Don Burgess 

Editor: Melissa Bretherton 

Cast: Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King, Kathy Bates, Sherry Cola, Liza Koshy, Sarah Baskin, Olivia Macklin, Wes Jetton, Ian Gregg 

An unexpected romance triggers comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her boss, grappling with the complications of love, sex, and identity.

I won’t lie if this had made it to a movie theater it probably would’ve turned a decent profit as it is intriguing enough. Even if it’s a basic Hallmark type of story. It has the element of a younger man, falling for an older woman, and both of them are ridiculously successful and good-looking. So of course, this movie is obviously identifiable for the audience, with its feel-good ending.

Neither the film nor the filmmakers really add anything to set it apart, other than having two big stars in the lead recognizable actors throughout the film. 

Joey gives her all and she saves this film overall with her energy and comedic timing.

Everything else throughout this film is predictable and basic, not even in a quirky to present things differently.

Even the supporting characters aren’t really characters they’re just standings for the leads to either talk to or complain to, and then at some point or given a little bit of in her life when it’s time for the characters to realize that other things are more important in the world.

It’s hard to really get into a film that is just out-and-out pure Hollywood where everyone is pretty successful and even the people in their 20s who should be struggling seem not that battle and everyone is picture perfect pretty or attractive and there’s no real heavy drama I understand it’s meant to be a romantic fantasy feel-good comedy and if you are in the audience and want This film will be good for you.

It just seems like the typical Netflix movie where they are more concerned with getting star names in the project and then seem to worry about the script if at all later and when it comes, you’re probably not going to get any good quality, but if you’re comfortable with the Hollywood films of yesteryear you’ll get it here but not with any flex of imagination.

As there are no surprises and even the hint that there will be sex and or nudity in the trailer is quickly flirted with an abandoned. By the end of the film, this is not believable, but a perfect fantasy for some audiences to get lost in.

Now one will admit this is my type of film and the only thing that made me want to watch it. It was again the comedic antics it seemed of Joey King in the trailer.

The biggest shock came when noted Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese directed this film though did not write it. He has written and definitely directed better films than this. Even if romantic comedy and drama do usually fall into his wheelhouse.

Grade: D+

ANYONE BUT YOU (2023)

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Directed By: Will Gluck 

Written By: Will Gluck and Ilana Wolpert 

Story By: Ilana Wolpert 

Cinematography: Danny Ruhlmann

Editor: Kim Boritz-Brehm and Tia Nolan

Cast: Sydney Sweeney, Glenn Powell, Gata, Alexandra Shipp, Charlee Fraser, Bryan Brown, Dermont Mulroney, Rachel Griffiths, Hadley Robinson, Michelle Hurd, Joe Davidson, Darren Barnet 

After an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s fiery attraction turns ice-cold–until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited at a wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.

A sexier romantic comedy that plays like a sex comedy. Only lacking any truly carnal action, but flirts around with it, In a more innocent manner.

The whole movie is of course a will they or won’t they. Where they feel like they are fooling their friends and their friends feel like they have the upper hand over them.

The film tries to breathe life into a tired staple or genre. The results aren’t terrible. As the film stays entertaining fluff. That you will forget about soon after watching. 

It is a bunch of beautiful people in impossibly lush locations and privilege-loving fantasy lives. So it plays like a fantasy for the audience. 

the film keeps trying to make Sydney Sweeney into a more physical comedian and less an object of desire but never goes fully into quite embarrassing humor or anything truly juvenile. 

Luckily the movie focuses more on the comedy and less on the romance until it is needed. 

Hollywood keeps moving Glen Powell into being a star for good reason. As he is a movie star handsome and charming. Though you might find yourself obsessing about his hair throughout as it is usually perfect and never movies but doesn’t look stiff. 

It’s an across-the-board film as it is diverse and includes every kind of demographic a mainstream film could aim for. 

It’s nice to see Bryan Brown and Rachel Griffiths on the screen again and clearly having fun Even if the movie casting seems all over the place. Though definitely filming in Australia as most of the supporting cast seem to be natives and we see all the popular sights. 

Not to mention while you can understand Powell’s character being tempted by his ex. Played by Charlee Fraser, As she is gorgeous and it’s flattering she needed such a good-looking guy to replace him and get over him. Sydney Sweeney’s ex in the film played by Darren Barnet is there in appearance but gets nothing to do or any real character Arc. Really he’s the only character who really has nothing to do but is just there. 

This seems like the movie the Justin Timberlake movie FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS was supposed to be, only here the leads are likable and insistent like it is chasing any trends or trying to be cool. Instead, this movie just remembers to be sexy. 

This seems a starter movie for both the stars here, trying to see how much box office power they have with them as the main stars.

Grade: C

CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL (2001)

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Directed By: John Stockwell 

Written By: Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi 

Cinematography: Shane Hurlbut 

Editor: Melissa Kant 

Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Jay Hernandez, Taryn Manning, Bruce Davison, Herman Osorio, Lucinda Jenney, Miguel Castro, Richard Steinmetz, Tommy De La Cruz, Cory Hardict, Keram Malicki-Sanchez

Carlos Nunez, is a poor but athletically gifted Latino teenager who endures a two-hour bus ride every day from East L.A. to attend the posh, wealthy Pacific Palisades High School in Los Angeles on a football scholarship. A straight-A student, Carlos is focused and driven, but his future is cast in doubt when he becomes the flirtation target of a spoiled, self-destructive bad girl Nicole Oakley, who’s the daughter of a prominent congressman. When his friends, family, and even Nicole’s own father oppose the romance for Carlos’ sake, he chooses to ignore their advice and stubbornly pursues his relationship with Nicole, whose feelings grow from simple physical attraction to something much deeper.

This is the movie in my teen years I was hoping the Drew Barrymore film MAD LOVE was going to be.

At the time this film was a rare interracial romance, where it seems to be downplayed, but then becomes a kind of class difference with a switch whereas the Hispanic character is the more responsible and stable with a rich family life, and is well respected 

Whereas Kirsten Dunst’s character is a mess who might be good-hearted and is an addict with mental problems and a family that isn’t close but has money 

With this film, Kirsten Dunst is trying to be more professional and take on a dangerous and challenging role. The kind that she was usually offered at the time was more cookie-cutter. This role is the one that Disney stars try to do to be seen as more adult and be seen in a different way allowing them to show range. 

The film isn’t original but keeps your interest as not only a teen romance but a romantic story that has dramatic deaths and comes across better than you probably would expect.

It helps that you like, and admire both lead actors and their characters, and they do have solid chemistry, and they get you to care about both of them.

Happily found trays the minority character as more of a positive and Caucasian character trouble, and the one might end the future of the other. Everyone agrees that he is too good for her.

One appreciates the film, even though Kirsten as a star who was the bigger star. The film and script explore Jay  Hernandez’s character and family ties. just as much as it does hers. Showing atmosphere family, culture, and surroundings can affect a person. 

One admires that he tries to be deeper than just a stereotypical teen romance.  it offers some depth. As it shows a shocking amount of heart throughout. 

The film takes you back to when these movies would actually make it to theaters and not be some offshoot of a streaming channel. 

Grade: B-