Written & Directed By: Jean Luc Herbulot Story By: Jean Luc Herbulot & Pamela Diop Cinematography: Gregory Corandi Editor: Nicolas Desmaison, Alasdair McCulloch and Sebastien Prangere
In 2003, a trio of mercenaries escaping a coup in Guinea-Bissau take refuge in a hidden region on the Saloum river of Senegal. But something from beyond the grave awaits them there.
The film starts off stark already and gets more captivating as it goes along. As more is revealed. As at first it seems more political and then seems to be a story of criminals on the run.
At first, it seems like a crime story with political aspirations. That becomes a revenge tale after a crime story in the first half. The second half has the characters more or less facing their personal demons.
The film is many things and touches on quite a few genres, but mainly sticks to African folklore by the third act.
This is one of those films that is continuously inventive with beautiful imagery and stylish and downright cool to a certain extent.
It is even a ghost story of sorts that involves mercenaries, rebellion, and some philosophy. Either way, it leaves the film soulful and haunted.
Most of the excitement of the Film is in the discovery’s definitely best to go In with as little knowledge as possible. Just enjoy the ride and take notice of the beauty and style.
Directed By: Ladj Ly Written By: Ladj Ly, Giordano Gederlini and Alexis Manenti Cinematography: Julien Poupard Editor: Flora Vol Peldiere
Cast: Damien Bonnard, Alexis Manenti, Djerbil Zonga, Almammy Kenoute, Issa Percia, Al-Hassan Ly, Steve Tientchau, Nizer Ben Fatem, Raymond Lopez, Luciano Lopez, Jaihson Lopez
A cop from the provinces moves to Paris to join the Anti-Crime Brigade of Montfermeil, discovering an underworld where the tensions between the different groups mark the rhythm.
This film feels like a mixture of the films END OF TOUR and TRAINING DAY only set in France.
The film shows the hostility between the residents of a neighborhood and the corrupt cops who hassle, rob, and torture them. Until one day they decide to strike back. Some In the neighborhood are no innocents but they are not all bad and they are human beings, yet they are never treated like them.
The film has an intensity throughout that keeps you on the edge of your seat and offers viewers another picture of France different from the tourist attractions.
The film shows or sets in motion how a minor incident has huge repercussions. Especially when there has been a growing hostility underneath the community for so long.
The film is also a celebration of the country the characters love and how they are treated or mistreated by it. As the film’s cast is a melting pot of immigrants trying to settle into the country. While showing how a new generation learns and takes over from elders who are too passive and want to stand up for themselves to liberate themselves and demand respect. Which they do by taking action.
The film mostly takes place after the Incident in which the cops trying to work it out, end up butting heads with new partners who have different philosophies when it comes to police work. How things are supposed to be done versus how they must be done to have any effects
How it affects cops and citizens both as the scary part for each of them. As well for us in the audience is that we never know what is going to happen. Each side is stressed to the breaking point.
On the streets, they have no choice but to beat each other up or snitch on one another for survival short of killing.
As the police are their own gang against all others with a false sense of power, abuse, and loyalty that comes back to haunt them. As they stick together not out of loyalty but out of survival and duty. It offers a spellbinding ending.
If you are into energetic and vivid street stories this might be the movie for you. As it shows the many injustices that citizens must go through just to survive.
This feels like the film the recent release ATHENA was trying to be or have the same effect, only a bit more personal
Directed By: Luca Guadagnino Written By: David Kajganich Based on the Novel By: Camille DeAngelis Cinematography: Arsani Khachaturen Editor: Margo Costa
Cast: Taylor Russell, Timothee Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Michael Stuhlberg, Andre Holland, Jessica Harper, Chloe Sevigny, Sean Bridgers, David Gordon Green, Ellie Parker,
A story of first love between Maren, a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee, an intense and disenfranchised drifter, as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey that takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap doors of Ronald Reagan’s America. But despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their otherness.
This is a film where you can watch and read into what you believe. As that seems to be its purpose.
As it shows what can be the life of an addict. As the characters aren’t exactly junkies as they can go through periods of time without feeding but they know sooner or later they will have to feed to an extent and can’t quit and it can’t go away. So you can look at it as a story of addiction to a degree.
This would explain why most are drifters and look trashy.
Though it is also a story of loneliness as they can detect one another and seem to need or desire to be around one another. Though the can’t completely trust one another. Though for little excursions they aren’t completely monsters or even vampires because at least as a vampire you have an epic weakness but it comes with supernatural powers. A kind of trade-off and a slice of life.
Though also as a predator and getting closer to their victims they have to play roles and have to invent and invest themselves in their lives. So that they get a glimpse into other’s lives as do we in the audience and have something to take away from it all, but also living a certain life and adventures for a while.
It’s no surprise the film is based on a young adult novel. At heart, it is a coming-of-age story of a girl who is 17 and is introduced to a world she has no training in and has to survive for herself through. Discovering the world is only a different one than most of us are used to. She also meets her first love and for a chunk of the film, we see their romance. Where they need one another to survive and she learns from him how to manage that life
It’s another film for director Luca Guadagnino to present a forbidden love story or an unorthodox one here.
It doesn’t eroticize violence or even sex. While there are both in the film. There isn’t an abundance of either. There are plenty of emotions and plenty of stand-alone scenes of suspense. As this film works in that way. There are some great scenes and the rest of the film is what you have to go through to get to them and inform them more.
The whole cast is superb and as always Mark Rylance Steals the movie. As the closest to a villain, the film has thought he comes across more as disturbed, sad and lonely. Though a one-scene cameo from Michael Schulberg is also a show stopper.
Though at times it does feel less random when it comes to the supporting cast and more like scenes that have been designated for guest stars that are important for the overall story, but still a little glad standing or too planned and it
The two leads Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet impress as a kind of 1980’s lovers on the run in the Midwest that might remind some of BADLANDS for all the landscapes and relationships. Only they aren’t that vicious. As the first half of the film at least gives some direction as she searches for information about her mother. Though after that the film isn’t aimless but focuses more on trying to figure out a future.
It’s a film of a certain time period but not about the time period. As it explores some of the cultures of the time without it being dependent purely on pop culture or exploring the events of the time period when it takes place
I can’t say I loved the film, but it is a film That challenges an audience not necessarily with shocks or endurance, but by not giving them what they want or stowaway. Not what they expect and offering a different point of view rather than the popular or most obvious one
Which one tends to be a fan of as sometimes you feel like you are in on it. If you know what to expect or an experience that you know will challenge or upset others around you. Only they have no ideas what they are in for
How we all long to make connections and how when we do it feels so special and one of a kind as we have the same afflictions, passions, and desires that no one else can understand.
The way it is presented finds a kind of beauty in a type of the ordinary and mundane of middle America. How something. So ordinary has extraordinary Bart things about it be it sights, land, mentality
This is a film That if you pay close attention you will be able to find some kind of meaning for yourself and what the director is trying to present. Like the film purposely Challenges the audience It’s not cookie-cutter and is daring in It’s own right
I give director Luca Guadagnino credit for trying to find beauty and substance throughout instead of making a typical or stylish horror film which it could have easily been.
Written & Directed By: Hannah Barlow & Kane Senes Cinematography: Steve Arnold Editor: Margi Hoy
Cast: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow, Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett
Teen best friends Cecilia and Emma, run into each other after a decade. Cecilia is invited to Emma’s bachelorette weekend where she gets stuck in a remote cabin with her high school bully and a taste for revenge.
The film reminds me a bit Of BODIES, BODIES, BODIES. Only that movie was more experimental and subversive. That had good ideas, but ultimately never quite came together. This film tries that at first before becoming more what you might expect. Just as it might remind some of a more gruesome version of the recent comedy thriller MY FRIENDS HATE ME
At first, it seems like a film that will be a battle of wills between two characters still vying for the same friend.
The film Could have played that way of having the main character constantly being at odds with her nemesis throughout one against the other but along the way goes more for a witty throwback slasher film.
The character seems to take out revenge early on. So that was the first strike. All these years later, she got what she wanted and now feels threatened by her reappearance and just as when she got herself together and felt better about herself. She is dragged back in and hopes everyone will be civilized as adults. Her adversary playing the victim goes back to her old ways villanizing her to their new friends. When really she stays the bully only now through victimhood and microaggressions. That slowly triggers the protagonist into a mental breakdown.
The film shows how overly positive self-therapy can backfire if you never truly face the trauma of your past and still hold onto issues and anger. As it isn’t always proper care and if not fully healed old winds can fester and infect.
The film indulges in macabre humor. Where it seems to take particular glee in showcasing the more gruesome death scenes. Which have a nostalgic flavor like the main character by using practical special effects.
A revenge tale. The film has the audience at times switch loyalties as we are usually with the main character and while might not condone her acts. We see what pushed her to it and at times feels like some characters get what is coming to them and others are collateral damage.
As they can be cruel and treat her like crap. They do deserve a comeuppance but not necessarily death. Especially when they judge her and don’t reply know her. Though by making them more modern hipster types instead of characters. We do feel not too much sympathy except for the gruesome nature of their deaths and the more decent ones seem to get the cruelest death scenes. After a while, the film becomes more about that set-up
Would say it seems cruel but goes with the attitude of the film. Pokes fun at influencer culture and social media to validate and can easily drive you crazy. After the first kill it pretty much feels like a comedy.
The film focuses a little too long on dead carcasses. Gore and violence though constantly provoking behind her back with group think.
It’s obvious who the villain is from the beginning but seems to want to play with the audience’s emotions. Even as it seems each is the other’s trigger. So the writing was pretty much on the wall. So the setup is there
Doesn’t use the opportunity to the best of its abilities. Don’t know why she would really invite her, especially knowing how her two friends feel about one another, and worst of all the bully is proven right. Even if she is mroe pushed into it and mentally broken.
An explosive situation brings an unstable element. Is it predictable for a fan of the genre or at least a little spoof or poking humor at a horrific situation
The audience can predict the order of deaths at first. Especially if an aficionado of the genre. Kind of like the guest Star system of Star Trek.
The main character is overboard in her actions even from the beginning. As she is obsessive and finally pushed over the edge. As is her first kill. She and her bully are alike, her bully Might be evil but stops short of being a physical psychopath she is more mental. So the bully is more of a sociopath.
The film could have easily gone into a more racial direction but obviously not wanting to showcase or have much to say about it. While the main tormentors and central figure are caucasian. The other characters including the lead are made up of a diverse cast. In fact another African American character, a disabled character, and a character of Asian descent
The ending is not quite predictable. There is a set-up for a sequel.
In all, I would call this a film of a murderous mental breakdown
Directed By: Henry Selick Written By: Henry Selick and Jordan Peele Based on A Book By: Clay McLeod Chapman and Henry Selick Cinematography: Peter Sorg Editor: Robert Anich, Jason Hopper, Mandy Hutchings and Sarah K. Reimas
Featuring the voices of: Lyric Ross, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Angela Bassett, James Hong, Ving Rhames, Natalie Martinez, Sam Zelaya, Tamara Smart, Seema Virdi, Ramona Young
Two scheming demon brothers, Wendell and Wild, enlist the aid of 13-year-old Kat Elliot to summon them to the Land of the Living.
Henry Selick is a master of his craft it is unfortunate that we rarely get to see or experience his projects, but when we do, you are certainly in for a good time. His projects should be looked forward to, as most audiences do for a new Pixar film.
This film feels fresh and is full of diversity which Is rare in animation, especially in films of this kind. Where here the lead character is female and celebrated for her gumption and tenacity.
The one weakness the film has overall is that while it seems deemed to be short and simple. It could have used more enrichment when it came to the characters’ stories. Especially for a film supposedly based on Selick’s unpublished children’s book.
Now of course some parents might not agree with the film being so dark and having a more supernatural and underworld motif. Though really it is advertised on the poster.
As a person with a weakness for song and dance, it might have been more full overall go there was a musical number or music somewhere.
It also offers a reunion of Keegan Michael Key and his comedy partner Jordan Peele (who co-wrote and produced the film) in animated form and with the same Chemistry and hijinks. In Fact, the title is the character’s names
The film has subtle satire about capitalism
And prison industrial complex. As well as a family message for those with and without. How you are not your parents and to be open to your children’s ideas. Especially if at heart they are trying to update something for you.
It makes sense why this came out around Halloween. As it makes a perfect film for the season and a good film to watch with the family.
I was expecting a different marvel than this but also better than expected.
Directed By: Millicent Shelton Written By: Christopher J. Moore and David Loughery Cinematography: Ed Wu Editor: Tirsa Hackshaw
Cast: Queen Latifah, Beau Bridges, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Mychala Lee, Shaun Dixon, Keith Jardine, Frances Lee McCain, Jesse Luken, Tababtha Shaun
In this high-octane action thriller, a cross-country road trip becomes a highway to hell for Brenda and her family. Alone in the New Mexico desert, they have to fight for their lives when they become the targets of a mysterious killer.
This film is pretty basic in the way that you know in each instance what is going to happen. Though you go through the motions. While it never gets exciting, at least it never gets boring.
This is a film back in the day you would have rented from a video store. As it would have a good enough cast for straight-to-video premiere goodies.
The film’s first third at least dramatizes the family dynamic and clearly shows each of their roles and tendencies. Mostly as a result of the tragedy of losing her husband and using any of the savings on trying to keep him alive. Which unfortunately failed.
Dealing with her screwed-up brother to take the trip. Their nerve is tested early on with a couple of rednecks. In which to remind them they aren’t in their old stomping grounds. Once they end up deciding whether or not to take The money they have stumbled across is where the second act begins and the story truly starts.
Again once the big reveal of the villain happens is never quite as shocking as the film wants us to believe. What was more unbelievable is that how much power he apparently has but seems to have only a few people working for him. Yet his name sends shivers down the local’s spines even the Neo nazi that Queen Latifah’s character has to fight off.
At least the film tries to keep the audience on it’s toes. It stays in character while having Queen Latifah running around like an Alfred Hitchcock character. Who keeps having to overcome ever-surmounting challenges. While leaving Lidacris’s character as caretaker to the kids and occasional comic relief.
The truly shocking part of the movie is how graphically violent the ending is. After most of the film being semi-violent or more threatening
Directed By: Shana Feste Written By: Shana Feste, Kellee Terrell and Keith Josef Adkins Cinematography: Bartosz Nalazeek Editor: Dominic Laperriere
Cast: Ella Balinska, Pilou Asbaek, Clark Gregg, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Dayo Okeniyi, Betsy Brandt, Amar Sotomayor, Amanda Jaros, Amy Doyle, Ava Grey
After what seems to be an innocent date, Cherie now faces a night of terror when her date hunts her down and tries to kill her. She now must run for her life throughout the city and escape his grasp.
This is another blumhouse thriller production and like most production companies the film can go either way.
I really had some hopes for this film as it stars Ella Balinska who I remember from CHARLIES ANGELS and was impressed with her in that film. So I was looking forward to her playing the lead in this film.
Now coming from Blumhouse, I already expected a thriller or slasher or horror of some kind. This film went way over the top and instead of it being all the more impressive for it. It went the other direction and was more ridiculous.
It has a message and plenty of ideas and tries to show a woman overcoming oppression and the male gaze shown in examples but basically personified in one character. Who instead of being just one man who seems impossible to kill. Is not only the personification of misogyny but also supernatural.
So In other words it’s impossible to kill no matter how hard she tries and he seems to be aided and abetted by various males around him. As he allows them to always stay ahead and keep their power over females.
Though truthfully once she meets him And her being on her period she is dripping blood and he bends over to put his fingers in the drops on the floor. That should have been all she needed to know to avoid him.
The film is lower budgeted so there are some effects but a lot of telling and reacting but not exactly showing. Like when he takes on a gang of her friends we hear the fight but are only privy to the aftermath.
The film also has scenes where characters who would seem to be important to her and the story are killed pretty quickly and senselessly for shock value. Which seems to want to give the message that no one is sacred and that this film is willing to break rules and expectations. Unfortunately not in a good way.
The film overall just feels like a waste of time. A nice premise but definitely needed to be filled out a bit more or at least added some subtlety or even humor.
Directed By: Jason Orley Written By: Issac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne Editor: Jonathan Schwartz
Cast: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Pete Davidson, Jami Gertz, Clare Backo, Luke David Blum, Giselle Torres, Isabel May, Jordan Carlos
Noah breaks up with Emma after 18 months together and Anne breaks up with Peter after 6 years. Both Noah and Anne have found new SOs. Emma, a receptionist on 14th floor, and Peter, a VP on 11th floor, find each other sobbing in the stairwell. They support each other and end forming an alliance to destroy each other’s exes’ new relationships. They cyber stalk the exes and Peter gets close to Noah while Emma gets close to Anne’s new boyfriend.
The movie is very likable as you feel sorry for the main characters even in the dastardly things they are doing. Like a romantic comedy version of strangers on a train.
It is actually a lot more enjoyable than expected. It’s not raunchy nor does it cover any new ground but it feels like a breath of fresh air and fun.
I might be biased but how no one is falling for Jenny Slate in this movie from the beginning and she doesn’t get hit on or any offers is amazing to me.
Watching Charlie day using his manic nervous energy is always a joy.
Most of the characters have their time to shine even if Scott Eastwood’s new girlfriend played by Clark Backo is given nothing to do but be the epitome of his dream girl. While at least others in the cast come across with personalities.
Gina Rodriguez’s character isn’t horrible but has her problems yet luckily she isn’t made out to be a villain. Truly no one is though some might show a lack of character. Though she looks gorgeous throughout.
Her character even shows her territorial nature and jealousy issues. Though reveals quite a surprising physique.
By the end, the characters are likable enough and the only real loss in the film is that when a general friendship between Charlie Day’s character and Scott Eastwood’s feels genuine, and when all so revealed it is the ending of that relationship. Which came off as the most believable.
Surprisingly one of the strongest laughs and characters comes in the form of Pete Davidson’s small role and the whole scene that his character is involved in.
Think of this as a younger more expansive update of ADDICTED TO LOVE only most of the characters are likable and thankfully the ending feels more believable.
Directed & Edited: Mallory Everton & Stephen Meek Written By: Mallory Everton & Whitney Call Cinematography: Brenna Empey
Cast: Mallory Everton, Whitney Call, Julia Tolley, Anne S. Ward, Stephen Meek, Jessica Drolet, Noah Kershisnik, Jetta Juriansz
Two directionless sisters brave a cross-country road trip to rescue their grandmother from a COVID outbreak at her nursing home.
Personally, I choose not to watch too many movies that focus on the pandemic and covid as a major part of the plot. Especially ones that are actually comedies.
I have to say this film is pretty impressive. As it does load on the covid jokes but let it be a means to an end even though it seems to need to remind us every five minutes about it. Luckily if any film will remind you of this time this might be the one.
The film is charming and full of personality mainly due to the two leads who are also screenwriters and one is the co-director of the film.
If anything, what might get on some audience members’ nerves is that it is too quirky and sweet. Even when it does deal with dirty talk or raunch it still seems or feels PG-rated rather than R Rated.
Though I will say that the film feels more planned when it comes to the leads. As they play quick-witted sisters who seem more ready for punchlines and Jokes rather than real full-blooded characters. So that much of the film felt more like a put-on or set-up for them interacting in strange situations and/or strange people.
Luckily some of the jokes also deal with them dealing. With their own overprotected nature, but unfortunately, by the end of the film, they haven’t truly changed that much or learned anything. Though they do go on a mission and accomplish some goals.
It might turn away certain audience members because we are watching two privileged caucasian women complain about trivial stuff for the most part and it might be hard to find an exact Audience to identify with them other than their fears, but hopefully, the comedy will win them over. As if anything this movie is rarely if ever mean spirited.
The film Moves at a brush speed and is a fun watch not to forget your troubles but it gives you something to laugh about. Hopefully, these two women make more movies like this and have a bigger platform to play on.
Directed By: Andy Flickman Written By: Moe Jelline Cinematography: David Hennings Editor: David Rennie And Keith Brachman
Cast: Kristen Bell, Odette Annable, Sigourney Weaver, Jamie Lee Curtis, Victor Garber, Betty White, James Wolk, Kristin Chenowith, Kyle Bornheimer, Christine Lakin, Patrick Duffy
When a young woman realizes her brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school, she sets out to expose the fiancée’s true colors.
There was once upon a time when studios were still making romantic comedies and they kept casting Kristen bell in these movies even though I knew them not to be my particular cup of tea. I kept watching them as I am a fan of hers. At least this film has a stacked cast of names
This is what I would call disposable cinema. As it is good in the moment and easily forgettable. Never leave too much of a lasting Impression. It’s good at the moment when you need to see something new.
Now if anything one would hope that this film inspires not to make such simple films. Unless the mediocre is what inspired some. The film shows the talent of the actors. Who tries to make the thin material work.
The film seems like a holdover from the 1980s when there were a lot of these types of disposable entertainment hyped up. Films that had simple premises. Though somehow some of them were able to carry some kind of identity for themselves. By either the talent in front of or behind the camera.
Director Andy Flickman knows how to make things look excellent and appealing.
The cast list has some surprisingly big male talent for a film that seems more like a paycheck only for most.
It’s nice to see a film like this as it has a good spirit and good intentions. It does what it sets out to do, not subtlety. Yet it’s elementary but I think you know that going in. So you can’t hold it totally against the film.
The acting in the flashback sections of the film is bad. As it comes off as too over the top but also just bad.
Most of the cast know better and have done better films and work but both of the female leads Kristen Bell and Odette Annabale need better roles offered to them. As these roles might look good and maybe even easy on paper. It might even be a surprise hit and up their star power, but most likely it will leave them open to making this same kind of similar film. It would be ok if they had little to no talent but they have proven that they do.
Cut To The Chase 