Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Paapa Essiedu, Denee Benton, Jordyn McIntosh, LaChanze, Tate Ellington, Alan Cumming, Marc Maron, Luis Guzman, Ellen Cleghorne
The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
This is your typical holiday fare, where yes it’s predictable and silly, but it’s also heartwarming and tries to remind you what is important about the holiday and life In general.
What makes this one a bit more intriguing is its cuteness and Melissa McCarthy. Who may as she didn’t originate this project. Isn’t all over the production, but also plays a charismatic and fun character. Rather than trying to create an iconic comedic character who is either sloppy, stupid or over the top. Here she is playing a comedic character, but one with heart and who resembles a character and not a bunch of jokes that are needed.
Ultimately the movie seems to be about wish fulfillment, but at the end of the day, it tries to show that friendship and family are what is the most important gifts you can have in life.
Alan Cumming seems wasted in his very few scenes. It seemed like he was a big name to be put into the cast.
The film is written by noted screenwriter Richard Curtis the man who wrote films such as LOVE ACTUALLY, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, and ABOUT TIME. This might be why the film is charming more the storytelling and not so much the visuals.
Is it the best Christmas movie you will see? No, but it does make a nice addition during the holidays to watch regularly. It will help put a smile on your face. if not put you in a total holiday mood.
When a shady corporation’s illegal mining operation disturbs the ocean’s mysterious seabed, veteran deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor and a research team unearth terror beyond imagination. Five years after the horrific first encounter with the unstoppable Megalodon in The Meg, Jonas must now face a ferocious old enemy for the second time. But the sea’s perplexing depths harbor prehistoric, blood-chilling secrets aching to resurface. Can Jonas confront what emerges from the trench?
The title sounds like a crossover with AQUA-MAN that some might have hoped for or the French spin-off movie only connected to the Meg universe. No such luck
This movie is truly a sequel with not only a bigger shark but three of them. While there is some humor in the film it’s not as strong or as fun as the first film.
It might be that in the first film, there were more recognizable actors in the first film. Where as here half the actors are new. The survivors from the first film are back for this film.
One of the problems might be that a sequel wasn’t really needed. Even with this film half of the script seems made up and offers nothing new except for the same old basic plot points of betrayal and underground criminals.
Another problem is that other than a hand-to-hand action sequence on a ship for Jason Statham to show off his fighting skills. There is no other action for the first hour practically. the second half makes up for it but mostly being action, but by then you have already lost certain members if the audience. Seemingly so you can set up plot points and try to make up science for what is happening.
Then even though faxing the sharks is bad enough yet too much like the first film. You set up a mercenary force for them to fight and outwit. Which again allows Jason Statham some more hand-to-hand action.
Then you have the sharks and big lizards start attacking innocent citizens at a resort. So that it becomes a rescue disaster movie. As well as a JURASSIC PARK knockoff and allows the film to up the limited body count it has provided so far.
Another problem is that the special effects are so obvious. That it is hard to get scared of something you know is pretty much animated.‘you take the fear out despite the bloody violence. It still feels more like a family film, more than anything.
The saving grace of the Movie actually is actor Page Kennedy. He seems to understand the ridiculous mood of the film and manages to make his l character stand out among the
Many a few of them also understand the nature of the film but do not manage to come away as memorable only serviceable.
The first hour might be the way it Is because of director Ben Wheatley who usually directs his own independent projects making his first studio film. As a challenge or for whatever reason. He wants to get the dramatics and set up first and let it build to the action massacre. It could also be a more for-hire job and not an original project that he started. The passion might be missing
It might be that the film is based on a novel. So the need to explain the science and technical aspects must come first. Before we can truly enjoy the senseless action that feels repetitive and never as exciting as the filmmakers are trying for. Which also amounts to a lot of exposition.
The film was also made to appeal to a more global market. As it has quite an international cast. Which unfortunately makes it seem more like a byproduct than even an actual product.
Written & Directed By: Clay Tarver Based on characters created by: Clay Tarver, Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen, Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Cinematography: Tim Suhrstedt Editor: Tim Roche
Cast: Lil’ Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, John Cena, Meredith Hagner, Steve Buscemi, Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector
A couple who meets up with another couple while on vacation in Mexico sees their friendship take an awkward turn when they get back home.
Let me start off by saying that I surprisingly enjoyed the first film. It was better than I thought it would be. So it’s with a heavy heart that I say. I really didn’t like this one.
As it is a sequel that didn’t need to be made for any reason. The story just feels put together without any real meaning or reason. As it tries to repeat the first film.
Only in the first film, John Cena and Meredith Hagner’s characters were annoying and over the top, but eventually, it was explained why they were. It also showed that underneath they were sweethearts who really cared about their friends.
In this film, they are still annoying and it seems just to be annoying or the script requires them to be without showing any real growth at all. (Especially Hagner) They also seem a bit more cruel at times in their Jokes, particularly in the airport scenes. So that they feel unlikeable because they are truly given so little to do.
Their subplot with Steve Buscemi’s character seems so non-engaging. Even though Buscemi tries, the script lets him down at most turns.
Lil’ Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji also have nothing better to do than tag along for the ride. As they are used to them lil’ Rel seems to be the character who gets into the most trouble trying to juggle rest & relaxation with friends and an important business deal. As well as being the constant naysayer when it comes to any kind of wayward activity. Ending up doing it and being the most punished.
The hijinks this time also feel a little more take and uninventive than the first films. This film isn’t as shocking or as heartfelt.
It’s surprising that this failed so badly. as the film is directed by the original director who showed promise with the first film. though then again even though he helped co-write the original. Here he is on his own and it shows as the magic seems to be missing.
It just seems like everyone here is contractually obligated and had so much fun in the first film. Let’s do it again and do it in a tropical paradise. It feels like THE HANGOVER PART 2 all over again only on a smaller streaming scale and trying not to repress the same jokes
Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Alex Wolff, Joey Fatone, Bess Meisler, Rita Wilson, John Stamos, Rob Riggle, Mark Margolis, Ian Gomez, Bruce Gray, Jayne Eastwood
Still working in her parents’ Greek restaurant, Toula Portokalos’ daughter, Paris, is growing up. She is getting ready to graduate high school and Toula and Ian are experiencing marital issues. When Toula’s parents find out they were never officially married, another wedding is in the works. Can this big, fat, Greek event help to bring the family together?
It could be the fact that before this film a few year earlier Nia Vardalos tried to turn this into a franchise with a follow up television series
Considering they tried s sitcom after the first film this feels like they just took story threads or ideas from there and tried to make a movie with a framing device and theme
As this film feels all over the place, like it want the audience to be updated on the families notice after all these years with her other film Connie and Carla not doing well wanted a guaranteed hit
It’s a feel good film with no real stakes. so while it’s nice to see the characters again they are left with little to nothing to really do as we just enjoy and laugh at their antics
The fil m can be considered fun for those who l led the original
Though the first film was better content wise as it had a love story and a story of self Confidence. That was familiar and well structured and could be identifiable by mining a culture under represented and giving them representation even with it’s stereotypes that come off as loving
It might have been seen as a clash in as the audience for the first film has come of age and are dealing with their teenage children and the prospect of them leaving the nest. So again a bit updated and identifiable for that generation
The problem is as familiar as the first film was; this one jsit feels generic. A script that tries to have a best of or greatest hits quality to it’s scenes the first film the characters came off as quirky here they come off more as caricatures of their former selves playing it more for laughs.
You could say that this feels like a victory lap. While it keeps it’s innocence and a little charm. That keeps it safe
Cast: Woody Norman, Cleopatra Coleman, Anthony Starr, Lizzy Caplan
An eight-year-old boy tries to investigate the mysterious knocking sounds that are coming from inside the walls of his house, unveiling a dark secret that his sinister parents have kept hidden from him.
This film feels like Stephen King because it takes place in what looks like a small town suburb and its primary location for most of the movie is the boy’s house now of course adventures outside of it but yeah, that’s a little rare in the film
That is also the reason why I might be a little bit M night Shymalan as again set in a small town but there by choice. Not to mention the secrets you can hide in plain sight.
The film has a bit of the vibe of the movie PARENTS, a movie that I don’t think gets enough love. It’s a movie that scared me a lot as a child with the possibility of an overactive imagination and horrors not even contemplated. While through the eyes of a child.
There is a reason it is being called the 2023 version of BARBARIAN, as it reminds you of that film and the others I have previously named this far.
I’m not going to lie here and say that it’s one of the greatest films, but it’s one of those that for me well remembered because it gave you a child’s point of you. It scared the heck out of me as a kid it builds tension slowly, and while it was more of a dark comedy, it did add that element of you’re supposed to trust your parents, but can you in certain times or what is with these mysterious things that they do that might to the world be perfectly innocent but you seem like there’s a deep, dark secret or something wrong is happening. A lot of those same aspects are on display here only stronger and a lot more obvious.
Dealing with parents who are supposed to guide you, but at turns seem evil or even way too mean. Though they say it’s for your own good. Yet keep obvious secrets from you. Then tell you it’s all in your head whatever conspiracy. While your friends not ally is a nice teacher. Who can only help you so much, without l getting in trouble themselves. Though like your parents they are supposed to be your guiding light. Thought at times can be one of the major problems.
As it goes along, you think oh, this is the worst that could happen, then raise the stakes as that it’s like oh another scenario where you think oh now this is the worst that can happen. Then it gets worse again, and so on, and so on.
It manages a lot in under 90 minutes and that is including the fact that it starts off slow.
This is one of those films you think about more after you watch the film as it stays on your mind. As while you are watching you are busy reacting.
The film works best the less you know and is scarier when they hint at things instead of completely revealing them.
Directed By: Zachary Wigon Written By: Micah Bloomberg Cinematography: Ludovica Isidori Editor: Kate Brokaw and Lance Edmonds
Cast: Christopher Abbott, Margaret Qualley
Follows a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client, and the disaster that ensues when Hal tries to end their relationship.
The film seems simple at first and will be pretty cut and dry storywise and sticks to it but you get involved and ultimately lost in the film, game, and characters
The film reminds one of Christopher Abbott’s previous film and performance in the movie PIERCING only less life and death or violence, just darkly comedic with hints of violence.
The films have the similarity of involving a sec worker and power plays as well seeming to be mostly bound to a hotel room only the previous film left the room
The director Zachary Wigon adds style so as to not make this seem boring and to liven up the experience.
Truly a psychosexual domination film of games
The film truly kicks off once Margaret Qualley’s character takes off her wig. Though the film plays more theatrical for the stage rather than a film. It keeps the Audience interested more in Qualley’s character and performance as she truly is the wildcard to Abbott’s more straight man’s performance.
His threats always keep turning hollow and truly show the weakness of his character, Especially compared to her.
This is Margaret Qualley’s best performance so far though probably not her most memorable which for most might still be ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD.
She is smarter than him because she has had to work her way up. whereas Abbott’s character has done what he has been told but resented that work while coasting along it and its features.
Also can be seen as a comparison and power play from a director/writer and actress who might have decided to go off script and prove their defiant character and talent
You can see the characters’ codependency with one another, one reluctantly. the other more willingly and knowingly. You can see it from the many times either could truly walk away but seems willing or fighting to prolong it against their so-called requests. As it easily could end plenty of times.
A kind of love story when it comes to power, communication, and trust with another person who knows you the most or at least your secrets
The ending feels like a throwback to a classic comedy and more of a fantasy or dream than reality
The film gets more intense as it goes along. Like the characters no matter how hard I resisted, continuously felt myself falling for the film even though or against my will
Cast: Ashley Judd, Michael Shannon, Harry Connick Jr., Lynn Collins, Brian F. O’Byrne
Having escaped her abusive ex-husband Goss, recently released from state prison, Agnes, a lonely waitress with a tragic past moves into a sleazy, rundown motel. Her lesbian co-worker R.C. introduces her to Peter, a peculiar, paranoiac drifter and they begin a tentative romance. However, things aren’t always as they appear and Agnes is about to experience a claustrophobic nightmare reality as the bugs begin to arrive.
This is a love story between two damaged individuals. As we can see from the beginning Ashley Judd’s character is not only lonely but also seems to be more willing to put up with abuse and the nature of whoever she is dating. As her ex, she has a court order o. Keeps coming over to beat her up and steal her money.
So it’s not too shocking that soon after being with this new man that she is introduced to, she starts to suffer from the same psychosis.
The couple could be compared to what happens when two drug addicts get together. Where they seem to live off each other and in their own world. Watching this movie they do come off as meth addicts. Even in scenes later we see that they have been freebasing also. Something g strangely even his psychiatrist takes a turn with.
though there is a more artistic rather than erotic sex scene. Which director William Friedkin has been doing constantly in his later films. As overly erotic as KILLER JOE was, the seductive or sexy scenes seemed more like going for pretty and meant much more. It could be that both these films come from the theater world. So these are the only moments where he can truly try to make it more cinematic with his own vision.
It took me some time to watch this film over the years. So the anticipation builds up. So that when finally watching the film it is tamer than expected and feels like it needs to be seen on the big screen to truly feel the film. Unfortunately, I didn’t, but the second half of the film is truly graphic and disturbing.
The film didn’t live up to certain expectations but it is effective to a certain degree. It definitely helps if you come into the movie blindly
Which is why I believe the second half is so disturbing is that the first half has a few shocks but stays mundane. So the lunacy of the second half not only wakes up the Audience but disrupts them out of comfort and expectation.
We also watch the breakdown of Ashley Judd’s Character whom we truly feel sorry for from the beginning though we also see how submissive she is.
The last act comes across as downright artistic when it comes to production design and the acting.
Though he had been a working actor this Is the movie that truly made Michael Shannon a star or put him More on that path. After so far a career of bit roles and more theatrical work.
Harry Connick Jr. Even plays against type in this film. As Judd’s abusive not quite ex-husband
Not your typical horror film or thriller. It is more disturbing about damaged people damaging themselves and each other. Involving those who are unlucky enough to cross their paths.
It ends up not being what you first thought when you sat down to watch it, but luckily something much deeper.
There is some beautiful filmmaking here making the mundane interesting and you can feel its theatrical roots. The director and cast truly make the film feel bigger than the location it seems to be stuck in and make the hotel room seem labyrinthian
Directed By: Gaysorn Thavat Written By: Sophie Henderson Story By: Gaysorn Thavat, Sophie Henderson and Gregory King Cinematography: Ginny Loane Editor: Cushla Dillon
A triumph over adversity tale about women fighting their way back from the bottom of society.
This is a sad melodrama that seems to drag its main character down. Every chance she gets. There seems to be very little reason why. Even when it gets more explained toward the end.
The film has nothing truly wrong with it. Except you feel like you have seen it all before. Dealing with material one would usually witness from television star trying to get a big screen career going, or one from the 1980’s who couldn’t get a big screen film getting talked into a television movie from the studio she works for.
Either way, the spotlight when it comes to this film belongs to Essie Davis. Who goes above and beyond in her performance as the lead. She is phenomenal. You can’t take your eyes off of her. She is truly what saves this film.
It’s a shame as this is an example of a performance that deserves a better film around them. She Has layers of depth that the film seems to lack in the long run. She is truly the only reason to watch this film. Unless you want to see her reunite with Thomaszin McKenzie her co-star From TRUE HISTORY OF THE KELLY GANG. Who is also the only other recognizable name and the only other character who gets significant screen time.
The film does touch on unfortunate subjects such as parents caring more about their romantic relationships and partners than their children. Especially when It’s obviously said partner isn’t behaving right. Yet is the alpha and brings in the money. So the parent becomes more submissive and stops thinking for themselves. That issue is what causes the major downfall of the lead character. Who has never had much luck it seems in the first place.
Though who always shows much love and caring. Not to mention work ethic. The film unfortunately in the end for all the emotions it tries to evoke. Comes across more as a time-killing tear-jerker.
Directed By: David Hugh Jones Written By: Stephen Metcalfe (Based on his play STRANGE SNOW) Cinematography: Brian West Editor: John Bloom
Cast: Robert DeNiro, Ed Harris, Kathy Baker, Charles S. Dutton, Josh Pais, Gabrielle Carteris, Elizabeth Franz, Louden Wainwright III, Jessalyn Gilsig
Two Vietnam vets search for the strength to face up to their horrific war experiences, but their friendship begins to splinter when one becomes romantically involved with the other’s sister.
I always remember the trailer and poster for this film above all. Seeing it play in theaters. It struck me how wild Robert DeNiro looked in his long hair and baseball cap. (Which was the poster image) Then all of a sudden dressed in a white tuxedo. It always mystified me how well he cleaned up.
I only recently got around to finally watching the film. If I had seen it at the time it would be my first time seeing Ed Harris in a movie. He truly didn’t become known at least in my film atmosphere until the movie JUST CAUSE. The only other major role I might have seen him in would have been THE RIGHT STUFF a movie at the time I had certainly heard about, but had no interest as it didn’t register it my stratosphere.
The film seems like it wants to go to some deeper places but feels too slick and determined to make it a romantic love story of sorts.
The film builds as much as we get to know the characters. Who are all damaged in their own way.
If not for the cast wouldn’t be held in such high regard as they make it work more than it should
Robert DeNiro comes across at first due to his looks as the more deranged or troubled character. Whereas Kathy Baker and Ed Harris look more normal and suburban. Though each character has their own problems. Ed Harris proves to be the most damaged amongst them and DeNiro the most well-adjusted though through therapy.
The prom hallway scene is the pinnacle of the movie where all is let loose.
Directed By David Hugh Jones, whose style comes across here with the depths of a television movie made into a theatrical feature film. It’s Simple and Thought lacks a finesse that makes everything come across as basic visually. He brings little to the table other than competence. However, it does make sense that this began as a play before becoming a feature.
It revolves around the 3 characters and is always more indoors. The film attempts to make it more open by adding more scenery and having scenes be more outdoors and in various locations.
At a certain point it feels like DeNiro’s character steals the booty, so to speak. He romances his friend’s sister and ends up getting intimate with her. Then after a few friendly dates and finally getting through to her brother. Tries the old “this can’t work” and is ready to leave town. She has gotten all that he wanted. So he kind of works as an early version of the saintly character. Who is there to help and advise the hero while spouting wisdom. This is usually reserved for African Americans characters in movies in a more mystical way, but leaving them with very little to actually do or be as a character. Luckily here the film comes through for a happy ending. Which also allows DeNiro’s character to feel real and be more full-blooded.
Cast: Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Holland Taylor, Will Ferrell, Tony Hale, Jason Schwartzman, Tawny Newsome, Angela Trimbur, Charlie Talbert, Jon Park,
A game-show-obsessed woman and her estranged sister work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts.
At first, I thought this was based on a true story. Though watching it is as outrageous as it gets. It still manages to be identifiable.
While the humor at times is more sitcom level. The film manages to have heart. In the first half of the film, seems to be relying on more comedy to drag it through, but what it effectively does is set up the characters, their issues, and the world they live in.
Then in the second half of the film, the heart comes in and it becomes more about family.
The two stars are Awkafina and Sandra Oh. Give it their all and while sometimes the script fails them In pushing the comedy and absurdity further. They are still memorable overall. Truly the All-Stars of the film. With some nice support.
What works is that this is a film starring two Asian American actresses playing against type and directed by an Asian American woman. Though it isn’t the main point of the film. In certain Jokes, there is racial humor, but for the most part, it offers characters that are universal and could have been played by anyone of any race. The film doesn’t rely on that factor.
Will Ferrell’s small role is essential though a nice performance as he reins it in. To create a beloved patriarch.
By the end, you just wish it was a bit funnier. A lot of the film and your enjoyment of it is based on the goodwill of liking the actors and some of the situations. Not necessarily the script.
As in the wrong hands, this could have been another unmemorable paint-by-numbers bland studio comedy. Harnessed to a comedy star to either let their comic personae take over or be a random buddy comedy with another actor. Looking to make a quick dollar.
It even has a bittersweet cameo of a recently deceased well-known icon.
Cut To The Chase 