Cast: Kevin Hart, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Sam Worthington, Jean Reno, Vincent D’Onofrio, Billy Magnussen, Ursula Corbero, Yun Jee Kim, Vivek Kalra, Jacob Batalon, Burn Gorman, David Proud
Follows a master thief and his Interpol Agent ex-girlriend who team up to steal $500 million in gold bullion being transported on an A380 passenger flight.
This film has everything going for it. A lot of great talent so it’s disappointing that it plays so basic. Already going into it you probably know how it’s going to end. Part of the fun is seeing how it gets there. But how it gets there is so predictable that it seems to lack pizzazz.
The film is ok it’s entertaining, but it never has any character or comes alive. As it plays like the typical Netflix action film with a big star at the center.
While it’s nice and fun to see Kevin Hart play the more Noble leader. As he tries to show range and be less comedic in this film. Which is admirable, He comes across as flavorless, and unexciting charisma isn’t there. Nor the laughs even though he’s not trying to get any this time. Though I will give him points for putting in an effort and trying to be an all-around movie star, unfortunately here he’s not that engaging. Where it feels like anyone could have played this role.
Even his romantic scenes with Gugu Mbatha Raw come across his bland. Not to mention she should be getting better roles than this.
It’s a sharing, especially as you have such wonderful actors throughout, who are never really given enough room to breathe other than their characters, expertise, and little hints of life.
Not to mention, you have F Gary Gray, a talented Director in his own right. Who seems with this barely lifeless action B-Movie. That while high concept still comes across as uninventive.
If you’re looking for something, entertaining that you’ll soon forget afterward, or just to have on in the background while you do other things this might be the movie for you. as this feels like a less stylistic and more calm Six Underground-type action film from Netflix again.
I can at least say this film isn’t too embarrassing for him.
Written By: Andrew Scheinman & Adam Scheinman and Tony Gilroy
Cinematography: Tobias Schliessler
Editor: Alan Edward Ball
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Doug Hutchinson, David Morse, Kimberly Elise, David Paymer, Jamie Kennedy, Mike Epps, Nestor Serrano, Tia Texada, Robert Pastorelli, Kirk Acevedo, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Jones, Megan Dodd
An ex-con is used by police to lure a criminal out of hiding.
Though most of the film is a comedy it is filmed slick like an action movie with tons of style, but at turns seems to be more a comedy at heart with dramatic moments.
Hard to believe such veterans of the FBI would so easily get caught up In A drama they are watching, personally. Which offers up an interesting dynamic of how involved you get in watching reality unfold in front of you. So it was even a precursor to how Audiences would react once reality television seemed to take over the airwaves. At least it humanizes the agents involved.
The film definitely looks state-of-the-art and big-budgeted. That truly showed off what director Antoine Fuqua could do. This is practically a calling card for him and Star Jamie Foxx. As the film is a visual delight, and definitely feels like a big-budgeted action extravaganza.
As it not only showed Foxx’s star quality. Even though not written to his strengths. It seems like the type of film he should be getting chances to star in. That eventually happened and worked out for him. Wish he got offered more films like this (only better written)
The film also excels thanks to a good cast of veteran actors. Who goes well with the material and Foxx’s acting.
Even though it seemed to be released with little fanfare. It’s not the best but it is interesting and entertaining.
Doug Hutchinson as the villain comes off as if he is impersonating John Malkovich.
The film has enough thrilling and laugh-out-loud moments of equal measure. That allows for some good action sequences. To live up to the promise of the presentation.
It’s the little movie that could. As it stays small scale due to its budget but feels like a bigger film that it is and where it deserves.
Cast: Kevin Hart, Nathalie Emmanuel, John Travolta, Josh Hartnett, Jean Reno, Brandon Quinn, Milana Vayntrub, Kenneth Trujilio
Kevin Hart – playing a version of himself – is on a death-defying quest to become an action star. And with a little help- he just might pull it off.
This is a movie that has been edited together from the episodes of the Roku series that Kevin Hart had for 1 season. You can easily tell when each episode begins and ends throughout the film. So it should be no surprise that the film is episodic.
The film is also really bad, as it tries to be meta which is really hard for it to work when you have recognizable actors like Josh Harnett play themselves but you have more recognizable John Travolta play a totally different character.
It also doesn’t help that Kevin Hart plays himself. The themes for his character are pretty much the same as most characters he plays in other films.
This film is bad, John Travolta seems to not only be over-acting but giving a career-worst performance so far, as he oddly seems to curse funny and have a kind of way of speaking that is ridiculous.
The only bright spots in the movie are Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett playing himself. The action sequences are passable but never quite exciting or stunning and the film stays pretty much only using a few sets. So there isn’t much to look at.
I would only suggest this movie if you are a Kevin Hart completist. Though at this point he has so many movies coming out one after the other. No one will blame you if you miss this one.
Cast: Kiersey Clemons, Alex Wolff, Jim Gaffigan, David Walton, Rachel Sennott, Ken Marino, Isaac Powell, Geoffrey Owens, Alex Moffat, Dolly Wells, Jared Gilman, Kat Foster
An awkward college student who seizes the opportunity to bolster her popularity and her under-the-radar true-crime podcast by solving the disappearance of a classmate.
This is a perfect starring vehicle for actress Kiersey Clemons who hasn’t gotten a role this rich and expressive since SWEETHEART. She ends up being the major reason to watch the film. She is not only the star of the film but It’s heart.
The film starts off as quirky before taking more of a dark spin that even at its darkest stays a bit light. It seems like a film that will be Smile but by the end, it becomes more of a character study.
It offers some twists though eagle-eyed viewers will be able to predict certain elements and revelations, but you can’t see the emotions attached to them.
What at first seems like a movie that could easily be made into a franchise ala MURDER SHE WROTE only younger and with a goody too shoes who is socially awkward at its center. Maybe even on a smaller scale KNIVES OUT Slowly turns into a thriller that slowly becomes thrilling and strangling. Even if for us in the audience the consequences aren’t as daring.
It does stay tight. The only weakness it has is that it never feels like we are that involved and we are held at a distance. Just as we get to know Susie’s day-to-day before she starts investigating. There could have been more scenes to flesh everyone out. Instead of just moments. Where we are not quite sure what the meaning of them exactly are.
The film stays colorful and a bit odd at times. it never breaks into feeling bigger. Even though it takes place in a small town. The film stays feeling minute throughout.
However, it should be noted that race never plays into the film. Her being one of the few minorities in the film and being one of the smartest characters. Also helps her stand out and be more of interest.
It is a perfectly quirky film to watch and be a kind of time waster. Though by the end for all that it succeeds. You just wish it had a bit more impact. You want to give the film the goodwill it seems to want and deserve. Just as the main character seems to desire and lack.
By the end it is ambiguous though it leaves you quite sad. As a kind of melancholy begins to take over.
Written & Directed By: Nick Johnson & Will Merrick
Story By: Sev Ohanian and Aneesh Chaganty
Cinematography: Steve Holleran
Editor: Austin Keeling & Arielle Zakowski
Cast: Storm Reid, Nia Long, Ken Leung, Megan Suri, Amy Landecker, Joaquim DeAlmeida, Tim Griffin, Daniel Henney, Lauren B. Mosley, Jasmin Savoy Brown
After her mother goes missing, a young woman tries to find her from home, using tools available to her online.
This film is a good mystery, and will especially be a pleasure for homes loose in the audience. Especially true crime podcast audiences, who get shoutouts, and the film makes you feel like you are experiencing one of them.
It’s all about the reveals, but letting us know just enough information to see if we can get there first.
The first film, SEARCHING, was about learning all about who the father-daughter was, different from who he thought she was, and a kind of race against Time. Which this film offers similarly to an extent. Both films are told through modern technology. This one has more at its disposal. As we have gotten more innovations over the years
This film seems to be more about things at once, buried from the past coming to light and seeking revenge. Also comes across a bit more smooth and streamlined yet not as shocking as the first.
This film is perfect for these days as it is innovative while keeping that procedural feeling and getting to know the lead character along the way
It also offers to show the appeal for older audiences getting to know the technology used so much so that shocked that it didn’t have cross-promotion with Apple to help sell because there is plenty of product placement
It also offers a new friendship for the main character to bounce off of who helps along the way
We are given glimpses throughout, yet we are taken on by putting this puzzle together in front of us yet it offers a chance for us to put it together before being explained so that it feels more interactive
The third act feels a little far-fetched and reaching
The film is a crowd pleaser and better to watch at home not necessarily the theater as it might feel a little more realistic, watching it on the screen
The film is satisfying, which is becoming rare these days. As even though this film has a gimmick, it still focuses on character and story whereas it seems at times a lot of films get lost in the gimmick, or promote the gimmick and sacrifice the other things that would make the film, satisfying or even good
This film is definitely a product of its time in the modern era. It’s over the top but lets you know what to look for in a modern-day mystery.
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.
For a film that can be so romantic. It is ultimately a film about heartbreak.
The film has a cinematic beginning of what if. That ends up answering all the questions that the opening scene raises and gives the answers a lot more depth. It does give the film an initial memory that is replayed later, but it is also the only part of the film that feels a bit more pandering and conventional.
The film is a story that should be a two-hander. The films to will remind you of usually are such as the BEFORE trilogy (BEFORE SUNRISE, BEFORE SUNSET, BEFORE MIDNIGHT) and other romantic films such as SUMMERTIME, IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE. That usually takes place in foreign locales. To paint a view of being a visitor or an outsider exploring the terrain or make the audience feel that way.
Here the film does take place in a few foreign locales but rarely explores them. As it is more interested in exploring the character’s motivations, emotions, and decisions.
Which is what works in its favor as it has its own vibe. While staying reminiscent of those other films. If it had followed suit it would have been fine. There are many ways to tell a story. Just make sure you tell it well and to the best of your ability.
These films are usually told through conversations. This film is similar but more is said by what the characters don’t say and through gazes, looks, body language, and actions. Films were a bit more common when I was younger and indie cinema was seen as the cream de la creme. Now these types of films are a rarity and it’s no wonder why such praise is heaped upon them.
This film takes place over time, over decades but mainly a few days in their lives, And while it is a small story. It is an emotional minefield that stays subdued but feels bigger than it is letting on. Ultimately it involves fate and the future, but the past is important as it gives the modern definition.
The film shows the grace and beauty of Greta Lee in a star-making lead performance. Showing her great range as I primarily remember her from the movie SISTERS, where she played a more comedic over-the-top role. Here you can’t help but fall for her. You see what the other characters surrounding her see.
This is a film where it’s relatable to the audience. As it is about that person who got away and wonders what could have been. It also might remind people of that special friend they grew up with and not only what happened to them, but why they never really got together.
Everything through the film has a subtlety but is devastating. It feels like a testament to things never truly said or spoken. As the characters dance around, just to get to the heart of the matter and moments.
Based On The Musical Stage Play & Book Of The Musical Stage Play By: Marsha Norman
Based On The Novel By: Alice Walker
Cinematography: Dan Laustsen
Editor: Jon Poll
Cast: Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson, Colman Domingo, Danielle Brooks, Corey Hawkins, Louis Gossett Jr., Halle Bailey, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi, Ciara, Gabriella Wilson ‘H.E.R.’, David Alan Grier, Deon Cole, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Batiste, Tamela Mann, Elizabeth Marvel
A woman faces many hardships in her life but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
If you are a fan of the original movie like I am, this film is going to come off more as a cliff-notes version of that film. where you recognize the scenes that are coming up in the situation, but it never quite delves into the depth and drama, as much as the original
While watching this film, it constantly feels like a production, which it is, considering it’s based on the Broadway adaptation of the book and the movie is successful in that manner. But for those of us who know the history, and the story a little better it always will feel like a musical. As it never feels like it has the proper roots. It is constantly deprived and not sure of the depth it will survive with rough weathering.
Don’t get me wrong. This film is visually stunning and all the performances are to be noted and feel true to themselves, it just comes across as way too happy in the end, as there is too much redemption for everyone. Which feels more like a Hollywood production and influence over necessary truth character and narrative-wise.
I’ve never read the book. so I can’t say what was more truthful to the book or the material. I can only go by my multiple viewings of the first film that I saw when I was way too young and have grown up with, so that is the version I always will feel close and emotional to, so I use that film as a reference.
For instance, in this version, Fantasia Barrino plays the older version of Celie and is supposed to be the main character, even though this is an ensemble film, it feels like most of the time her character is more in the background than the lead. Everyone else gets their chance to shine, and then it seems like the film remembers. “Oh yeah,” instead of making her witness we should let her have a say at this point. Thematically that works well as her character is so meek or is treated and punished, so often she is as quiet as a church mouse, even though everyone seems to depend on her and know her. it works for the motivation of a character, but it also kind of limits her and she’s our lead.
Taraji Henson. as well, even though. We know she’s not a natural singer, but she makes the character of Shig unforgettable and sets the screen ablaze. She clearly looks like she is having fun. Plus her musical number allows for a memorable entrance.
Danielle Brooks has the much more showstopping supporting role of Miss Sophia and it seems like it was Tailor made for her. Miss Danielle Brooks is an actress who has loads of charisma and can’t help but show it in whatever role she plays. Here not only does she show it, but she shows a certain strength And proudness with comedic sensibility that comes through the screen. It shows that she should be in more that is truly worthy of her talent.
Coleman Domingo can always be counted on to give a good performance, though I wish he had more positive and good-guy rules, rather than usually being the villain or the bastard in most of his roles. As he has the looks, talent, and depth to more leading rules.
The film isn’t bad. As the music is catchy even for a downtrodden story, some of the songs come out of nowhere. luckily towards the middle, the film becomes more about drama, the scenes and situations, and the seriousness of them, and then the musical segments will come in as more of a time to show good Times. Rather than be where let’s say, a character just got punished, and now all of a sudden we’re going to see them sing and dance with upbeat tunes. Which would feel out of place and rather ridiculous. There are those moments in the film. They don’t feel ridiculous at the time but when you look back at them, they seem a little out of place
Director Blitz Bazawule should be commended as he took on a Herculean task and came through well enough as his visuals are stunning and powerful, and he handles the gargantuan production well enough to make it his own and create a cinematic world that is impeccable in its design.
This version is in the new generation version. That seems to choose not to focus on the pain and actions so much, but to highlight the positive aspects and positivity that can be gained and the strength of family and the human spirit.
The film is memorable, even if it is the lighter, brighter version of the material. you don’t have to run to go see it but you will be fully entertained by it
A 14-year-old boy turns to a charismatic loner for help after being beaten up, in this searing feature debut about fathers, families, and the effects of fighting.
This is a film that has some great direction and filmmaking, but the material while enriched also doesn’t come off as well.
The film is a character study that focuses on three characters in particular. Which feels a bit too much. It’s understandable as you want to give the two forces their understanding and see their strengths and weaknesses. As well as what they seem to be fighting over, the boy also gets his time to get to know him.
Though most of the film is trying to be a coming-of-age story. Highlight the two men who want to be the boy’s father. As though they both care about him. He comes off more as a prize than anything else and an extension of their rivalry that seems will never end. Nor truly be satisfied as both will never back down.
This is truly showcased in the end and l truly shows who matters as he is saved from a lesson his mother taught him early on in the film. She seems to be the only parent who loves him and thinks of him first.
The film feels like a tragedy in slow motion. As a child eventually chooses between two fathers the stern but loving and unemotional Malcolm and the drifter who is personable, cool, and fun Porter. Both have anger issues one is just more stable and the other is free-floating. The film comes off as realistic enough. Though both provide toxic masculinity and show lasting effects that it can provide in all ways. It also showcases the power of forgiveness as well as religious values that can regulate and save a person. How people learn violence at times from those who are there to love and protect them. How they feel is how they show their love and feelings.
The film offers a dramatic powerhouse and great cinematography. Yet the film never seems to allow itself or the characters any joy throughout.
Cast: Katie Holmes, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr., Alice Drummond, Sisqo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Sean Hayes, Lillias White, Adrian Martinez
April Burns invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner at her teeny apartment on New York’s Lower East Side. As they make their way to the city from suburban Pennsylvania, April must endure a comedy of errors – like finding out her oven doesn’t work – to pull off the big event.
The problem with this film is that for all its earnestness feel-good moments. It feels emotionally manipulative and I’m sure there are families and similar situations but the story development and characters feel more or less calculated than Flesh and Blood Real.
The hurdles everyone must get over just feel poured on a bit too much all at once. Especially for a film that takes place in one day. I could understand if this all happened over a weekend but all this emotional and physical baggage in one day is a bit too much.
That having been said, the film is enjoyable, It is more of a warmer, tailed Indie film, especially since by the end not everything is solved, but there is at least peace. not offering total care or answers for everything.
The film is a heartwarming story that tries to add an edge to certain situations and characters but finds itself going back to its emotional roots. It’s a downtown tail told about a bunch of outsiders. That gives it the feel of a lost recent error of the time.
This feels like a good novella stretched to its limits as it tries to make itself different like a teenager going through self-discovery. At first, it wants to be special, so it goes about trying to be different. Then it looks at itself in the mirror and comes to the realization That it must be true to itself. That is what will make you stand out.
The film is low budget with a big name, cast for its budget, who are all good and throw themselves into their roles. I even recognize many of the locations from my days working downtown at Tower video. They even filmed in one of my coworkers’ buildings, which gave me a strange strange connection to the film.
The stand out in the cast is the assured performance of Katie Holmes in the lead role. That easily could have been a stepping-stone film that revolved around her. So even though the title character. The film is more of an ensemble effort
I wish she would have kept doing roles such as this one. She would’ve had a more respectable and maybe bigger career because underneath what appears to be blandish she surprised you with a powerful skill that peeks out at times. You see that glimmer.
The film put a spin on your typical family dinner film for the holidays. It succeeds due to some sly humor and a playful cast.
Watching it recently puts me in mind of a certain time and place in my life. Which surprisingly makes it a nostalgic reminder of a certain time and place in my life.
Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Zack Duhane, Lauren Murray, Dari Lynn Griffin, Dane Rhodes, Geraldine Singer
An exiled anxiety-ridden homebody must battle an alien who’s found its way into her home.
This is quite an inventive film, because just when you think you know where it’s going to go it manages to surprise you, as it starts off, as pretty much a movie that is good that it works like a silent film, as there is little to no dialogue throughout the film, but sounds a score And effort it sounds like a gimmick just to get you interested, but it manages to tell a strong story and uses this little challenge to its advantage that makes it a lot deeper and less common. It feels a bit experimental in that way. Though I am sure some will compare it a bit to A QUIET PLACE. Only this film is more singular and not as violent or bleak.
Kaitlyn Dever is excellent as always in the lead role as she’s almost in every scene and most shots and manages to be a believable character who is ostracized as an outcast in town so you can understand why she’s used to her loneliness
Even though at first, we are not sure why the townspeople stare or treat her with so much anger, they essentially throw out this alien invasion film. We get to know more about her as she gets to know more about how strong she can actually be, and strangely, this is therapeutic for her, though it does offer an ending that no one could forget.
Which also helped set this film apart and is definitely a conversation starter I congratulate writer, Brian Duffield on this amazing film, only the second film he’s directed, but he has written plenty others most in the Dean horror and sci-fi genre here this film is just as inventive, but more grounded he still build strong and memorable characters. This film just feels more, and I am not trying to insult his work, more mature than the others.
There is a certain nostalgia factor for some of the audience, who might remember the Steven Spielberg Produced show AMAZING STORIES. This feels like it could be an entry into that as there is action there is also developing character work here obviously sci-fi, a home invasion, film, and an alien invasion film that lasts more than one night and is not in real-time And takes place in a small town
So that it’s not so much Independence Day type, alien invasion film, where it’s more action and dealing with various characters. This is one woman trying to survive on her own with no one really to run to and her experience in this alien invasion. She’s not out to kill the horde she’s just trying to survive and Stay safe
There’s a reason why he has so many films out there or in production as after this, one can’t wait to see what he’s working on next. No matter what you might think of some of his previous Scripted films and directed you can never say that any of them are basic or stupid. Which of these days especially for a studio blockbuster or popcorn entertain me filmmaker is a rarity.
Grade: B
SPOILERS
The end can be seen as anti-woke as spoiler alert. She gets to be the only one who stays by herself due to what she’s been through and her bravery after the aliens have pretty much gone through her brain to study her. They have decided to give her everything she could want where everybody is nice to her and happy to see her. They’re all under alien control yet she is still the same person allowed to be normal And she likes it that way for everybody is pretty much kowtowing to her.
Seeming, like the aliens, understand her, or respect her for all that she has done and been through, so this is their way of honoring her in their own way
Cut To The Chase 