Author: jbg

HAPPY GILMORE 2 (2025)

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Directed By: Kyle Newacheck

Written By: Adam Sandler And Tim Herlihy 

Cinematography: Zak Mulligan

Editor: Tom Costain, Brian Robinson and J.J. Titone 

Cast: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Benny Safdie, Ben Stiller, Sadie Sandler, Bad Bunny, Julie Bowen, Haley Joel Osmet, Lavell Crawford, Dennis Dugan

Nearly thirty years have passed since Happy Gilmore famously won the 1996 Tour Championship. For nearly twenty years after that victory his career flourished. That ended when his wife was tragically killed on a golf course. Distraught he gave up golf and turned to looking after his five kids. Over time, however, he has become an alcoholic and is working in a supermarket. Now his daughter has the opportunity to attend a prestigious dance school and the cost sees him contemplate taking up golf again.

this is why personally I don’t really watch Adam Sandler movies. when he is majorly behind the scenes in the writing and producing of his comedies anymore. I don’t mind when he’s working on the film, strictly as an actor because then you get films like UNCUT GEMS or his other two more dramatic Netflix movies where not perfect but the films were at least decent in someway.

this is a sequel to one of my favorite of his early comedies. As now he seems to be like Woody Allen, where if you were going to know his work, he would more praise his early funny films whereas now his comedies that he writes are kind of like Tyler Perry movies where it seems like he’s writing for himself or jokes that he finds funny, but he doesn’t seem to really care about the audience , which is a shame as Adam Sandler can be a likable screen presence at times at least back when he was making films that made audiences laugh

though now his films feel like they are parties or a reason for his friends to get Work and also for him to get to hang out with them. As it seems like they’re having much more fun hanging together than worrying about the actual script, character direction or making anybody laugh. as with each new film, it also seems like Sandler‘s entourage grows now not only does. He usually cast his friends, but now his family his wife and daughters are added into the mix of most of his films which he has a right to do, but I don’t think the audience was clamoring for it

This film seems to bring back every character from the first film in some sort of way even the minor ones who might’ve just been there for one scene and just in case you forgot the film seems to want to provide flashbacks for you to remember. The film also has a ridiculous number of cameos throughout the film even for no reason I don’t know if it was they wanted to be in the sequel or if he asked them it was fans or if this was all him trying to appeal to a younger audience as he has the usual commentators sports commentator celebrities but he also has influencers podcast Eminem for some reason throughout

not only is the storyline, stupid and ridiculous, but it also makes no real sense. As they play extreme golf and that must be played but worse of all it’s not funny at all so you are constantly wondering who is this for because it kind of insults, the originals audience and this film doesn’t seem like it’s going to influence the next generation to wanna watch it either. 

I really had hope that this would at least be decent, but if anything it just seems to Barry the remembrance of the original where you wish that it had been a one and done. If anything it also might just remind you of how good or decent the first one was and how fall this film has fallen from it’s legacy.

Grade: F 

THE GUTTER (2024)

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Directed By: Isaiah Lester & Yassir Lester 

Written By: Yassir Lester 

Cinematography: Veronica Bouza 

Editor: David Dean and Josh Porron

Cast: Shamiek Moore, D’Arcy Carden, Susan Sarandon, Paul Reiser, Kim Fields, Paul Scheer, Jay Ellis, Langston Kerman, Jackee Harry, Adam Brody

Walt lands work at bowling alley AlleyCatz. He’s pressured to embrace his bowling talent, which sparks backlash from detractors seeking to undermine his sudden pro success.

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This is a film that will instantly remind most of the movie KINGPIN. As a revolves around bowling and a come back for an alcoholic, former champion as well as an innocent newcomer, who is a natural at the sport, who gets a little seduced by the Fame and the money to a degree. 

So you can obviously see some of its inspirations. 

It’s also a goofy comedy like that film only not as focused on gross out humor. Here the film just get more and more ridiculous as it goes along, but it manages to keep It’s humor and a smile on the audiences faces. As you take nothing presented that seriously.

As the film has it’s basic story elements constructed but seems to through jokes all

Over the place. Where happy the cast seems more like guest stars or that they were friends with the cast and crew and decided to make cameos in small roles for the day. 

Most of the characters aren’t that successful and come actors as dumb. Some dumber than others. Though in all the silliness It’s ok 

You will more be shocked at the casting of the film more than anything. The film’s humor is more dirty than anything but not over the top. As the film is quite charming. Nevertheless over staying it’s welcome. 

It’s nothing too special, nor offers too many surprises but it has a good heart and likeable enough characters.

The film stays simple and entertaining. It’s not a film you will remember much about afterwards but you should enjoy as it plays. 

Grade: C+

THE FIRE INSIDE (2024)

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Directed By: Rachel Morrison 

Written By: Barry Jenkins 

Cinematography: Tommy Daguanno and Rina Yang 

Editor: Harry Yoon

Cast: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, De’Andre Aziza, Idrissa Sanogo Bamba, Adam Clark, Olunike Adeliyi, Chrystian Buddington, Lanette Ware, Sarah Allen 

Claressa Shields becomes the first American woman to win a gold medal only to learn that not all dreams are created equal.

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That is truly what the film is about the passion that fires inside that won’t let you quit for any reason even when you try to walk away, there’s something that keeps bringing you back to it. That is what the film and the filmmakers tried to instill in this inspirational true story.

Though the second half of this film is more eventful. As well as the achievements of the person in real life this film is based upon. The film set up a strong foundation. Which we see as the discovery and maintenance of her drive and passion.

The film offers a look at her personal life, and those that she seeks out to support and those who truly support her. As the route, no character is one dimensional they managed to turn themselves around or show their true colors. 

In that way, the film already plays against the traditional where all of a sudden one character stays the same throughout except for one scene or one final act where all of a sudden they change it kind of an apology or change for the worse. 

The film is very inspiring, even showing what happens after initial success, and all the hoopla dies down. It shows how to maintain and find meaning afterwards, as well as the power of community when it comes to support in all different ways. 

The film is a familiar story of sports discipline and training and saving someone from a bleak future by fighting against all odds .

The film doesn’t have as much fighting scenes as he would expect as it is more dealing with the day-to-day drama of her life, and her family unit parental child bonding with her coach and his family, and the jealousy provides in her family who seemed dysfunctional they were always changing and evolving Usually for the better though there are some trials and tribulations for the worse.

No truthfully, it’s that drama that keeps the film afloat and keeps the audience interested as this is a film of hope and what can be achieved with hard work, finesse, and belief in oneself 

Grade: B- 

VISION QUEST (1984)

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Directed By: Harold Becker

Written By: Darryl Ponicsan

Based on the novel by: Terry Davis 

Cinematography: Owen Roizman

Editor: Maury Winetrobe 

Cast: Matthew Modine, Linda Fiorentino, Michael Schoeffling, Charles Hallahan, Ronny Cox, Forest Whitaker, Raphael Sbarge, Harold Sylvester, J.C. Quinn, Daphne Zuniga, Roberts Blossom, James Gammon, Madonna 

A high school wrestler in Spokane, Washington has trouble focusing on his training regimen when a beautiful young drifter takes up temporary residence at his home.

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This film is kind of like Apple pie or a home-cooked meal. It’s a coming of age story that’s recognizable and down-home simply enough. It’s not very sensationalistic, which makes it all the more believable. 

Taking place in a small town dealing with first love, especially not only an older woman but a stranger in the 1980s which were more relaxed in times and subjects, even though it might be a little bit by today’s standards still a film that has a lot of heart 

Dealing with regret, the future being wide open, learn your obsession as a teenager, which is your world as you grow up how small it seems compared with everything else going on around you, and how it loses its importance 

I’ll be honest this is a film. I’ve always heard about it but never seen it even though I had plenty of opportunities in video stores and on not only regular television but tables and I remember being interested in trying to see it because it was one of Linda Fiorentino’s first big roles and I remember it coming on HBO but it was coming on late at night and trying to stay up me trying to stay up and then falling asleep right before the movie Started and then waking up during the weigh in scene, and then trying to stay up to see if any glimpses of were left in the film and then falling asleep just to see the credits.

This is a film that has been alluded to over the years for me. I think I would’ve enjoyed it when I was younger, but I think it held a special place for me and my heart now having seen it for its cast it’s all of which I think I appreciate on a deeper level now which I think most watching this film for the first time Will also be able to hone in on

It’s a coming-of-age film that doesn’t go for Schmalz nor does it talk down to its characters or its audience. They face real problems, real responsibilities real consequences, and we see the characters who help form their beliefs in life who’ve gone before, these characters aren’t made into icons or legends they’re shown in all their glory, but also their faults and failures.

It also gives him arrival or enemy to strive against who’s not necessarily all that evil, but something to focus his energy in trying to defeat challenge and get over

So Harold Becker deserves credit for putting this all on screen, visualizing it, and making it so believable it helps that the source material was a novel that has plenty for characterizations and setting scenes but still all involved should be proud of themselves 

Watching Matthew Modine as an actor over the years, you can get a sense of the wild spirit energy, and all American image that he possesses in this performance and why he kept working so much in the 1980s and ’90s throughout his career cause you can see that spark, just like his character in nell, maybe he was type even though he played a lot of rules, but this will be the one that he’ll be remembered for, and you’ll always go to straight in your head

This ended up being better than I expected and can see why it’s so well remembered and still talked about truly living up to its title and its themes.

One can admit this is actually way better than expected and can see why not only the movie but it’s memory has lasted with audiences for so long.

Now, I will say, Linda Fiorentino does it once again where as it seems like most of her acting roles, no matter hero or villain by the end one always has a crush on her for whatever reason, even though she usually does play icy emotional. here she plays tough, but slowly reveals her vulnerability as an outsider and newcomer to this town and looking to get out and how she has an obvious connection with the lead, but how she manages to affect other characters also.

Not to mention the film and it soundtrack featured an up-and-coming singer, songwriter named Madonna, who actually appears in the film performing in a bar scene so you can add that to the nostalgia of the 80s in the up and coming cast, as well as just raw talent used to the best of their abilities

Grade: B+

CAUGHT STEALING (2025)

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Directed By: Darren Aronofsky

Written By: Charlie Huston (Based on his Novel)

Cinematography: Matthew Libatique

Editor: Andrew Weisblum

Cast: Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz, Regina King, Matt Smith, Bad Bunny, Liev Schreiber, Vincent D’Onofrio, Carol Kane, Griffen Dunne, Action Bronson 

Burned-out ex-baseball player Hank Thompson unexpectedly finds himself embroiled in a dangerous struggle for survival amidst the criminal underbelly of 1990s New York City, forced to navigate a treacherous underworld he never imagined.

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This is one of those films that is perfectly serviceable and entertaining yeah, there isn’t much that makes it feel too special and might be one of those films that because it’s of quality and there might be such low quality offerings that it might sometimes be over praised.

This is Austin Butler really getting his first chance to play a lead in a film since his Oscar nomination for Elvis so this film seems like it’s a true test of his box office potential.

tfilm feels like a throwback to where it is set late 80s early 90s New York City.

as even though it’s an adaptation of a thriller novel, it also seems to play as a throwback for its director Darren Aronofsky of the New York of his youth, and also may be a playing ground for his memory of setting such a crime story not only in New York City and getting to explore it in a more underground way, but also the various characters that were around and made up the city

as it is being pushed currently as a starring vehicle for Austin Butler and a high octane thriller it plays more like a surprising, more laid-back thriller, that is more about the characters in the circumstances more than necessarily the story or plot 

now, while it’s not the filmmaker‘s fault, the film seems like it’s gonna be more of a thrill ride when you see the trailer then it actually ends up being which is more of a contained thriller that while unpredictable doesn’t offer anything new in fact, it might be one of the most commercial films next to NOAH from Director Aronofsky. Though this proves to be a return to his roots. Not as surrealistic or artistic. Though still gritty that feels a bit manufactured but hits hard enough. This film ends up Showcasing him as more of a journeyman director 

Which is fine as the film stays entertaining and vivid while you watch it, but don’t know how much will stick with you once you’re finished and walk away from the film. In other words it’s cute a little noteworthy impossible, though I don’t know if it’s all that memorable. 

It feels more like a production then one might say naturally lived in as all of the actors are clearly having fun and giving their all which is kind of infectious for the audience.

The most surprising part of this film is how cruel it is, and it’s execution of characters and violence. They never quite marches to the beat of its own drummer. It always seems like it’s on plan on a plan. 

luckily Austin Butler doesn’t embarrass himself even if his backstory is one of the I guess cheesy parts of the movie but does explain how a lot of people come to New York to forget their past. Begin a new and be just another body or person going in and out and surviving from day-to-day 

One of the more memorable pieces of the film and its own game is Zoe Kravitz, and her performance in the film. As she is sexy, sweet and Street wise, she brings a certain knowing element to the film, which also offer her her most impressive and realistic performance to date. When she is not in a film, it’s felt and you can understand why, but it also loses one of the factors that had going for it.

Now of course when you have cinematographer Matthew Libatique. You know the cinematography is going to be beautiful and gritty, especially when dealing with the streets of New York, where he seems to be the go to cinematographer.

Like then, helps explain the emotional range of the main character also.

This is a crime comedy with colorful characters to distract the audience from the more strait laced lead. Who has to get freaky or colorful to survive. 

It’s wild that this film is set in the early 90’s, yet plays more a film from the 1970’s or 80’s. Dark yet fun.

in the end, the film isn’t bad and it’s perfectly entertaining, but it’s not as wild as many might believe or had hoped it’s strangely at times play it safe even for the times when manages the shock and be a bit heartless and hard edged that was needed more.

Grade: B- 

DEN OF THIEVES: PANTERA (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Christian Gudecast

Based on characters created by: Christian Gudecast and Peter T. Scheuring 

Cinematography: Terry Stacey 

Editor: Robert Nordh 

Cast: Gerard Butler, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Evin Ahmed, Salvatore Esposito, Orli Shuka, Stephane Coulon, Yasen Zates Atour, Christian Solimeno, Nazmiye Oral

Big Nick is back on the hunt in Europe and closing in on Donnie, who is embroiled in the treacherous world of diamond thieves and the infamous Panther mafia, as they plot a massive heist of the world’s largest diamond exchange.

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A direct sequel to the actions, characters in the story of the previous film, though written, and directed by the same Filmmakers of the first 

Film this film goes for a totally different and new style while still packing on the action and tension.

The first film was like an updated version of Michael man’s heat only hopped up on energy drinks, and it went way over the top and trying to portray machismo and reeked of testosterone and one upmanship throughout. It also was a cops and robbers tail with twist interns, but also deep character work, or we got to know both sides.

And this equal the few survivors of the first film are back again. This is more cops and robbers but more of the cop going undercover and you not really being able to Tell has he turned completely or is he still a cop trying to do his job.

Also, in filming overseas and that is what the film style is more laid-back and cool more European Just as stylish, though a little more smooth. It also forms a kind of buddy cop, criminal relationship that has its comedic moments, but stays dramatic.

Not as much need for character backgrounds as we know the leads already so that while the film is more flashy, it’s still keeps us invested, even though it doesn’t need to be as long as it is.

Cheaves what you would expect from a sequel it’s not Surprising as the first film but again we only really get to know the two leads where is everybody else is more a 1 to 2 dimensional character, and all the female roles seem to be here because they have to be or given very little to do other than look attractive. This is again more of a male fantasy film.

Though wish there was more of new co-Star Evin Ahmed in the film. As her character is one of the masterminds of the heists. Though it seems like she is more of a note of tension. That might be explored if this film ever has another sequel. Which one hopes happens.

That seems to track Bro-code loyalty, and still having a loose set of morals. Though there is plenty of car chases heist scenes, shoot outs in fighting to keep you entertained. Even though it is more of a thriller and O’Shea Jackson comes across more loose in this film. Though again his character seems in over his head and more the innocent amongst the others. 

Though it is a satisfying continuation. It’s missing that grit, but finds It’s own identity rather then be inspired by another and bringing some new cards to the table. While giving you what you expect. 

One of the roles Gerard butler was born to play and wished he played in more films such as this or at least characters like this more often. There isnMt as much grit characterization making this more Hollywood version of the sequel and also a lot more predictable. Though it hasn’t lost It’s style totally. 

Can admit by the end wanted to own a Porsche. If not just for the design for the sound it makes while driving it. 

Grade: B- 

EIGHT EYES (2023)

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Edited & Directed By: Austin Jennings 

Written By: Matthew Frink and Austin Jennings 

Cinematography: Sean Dahlberg

Cast: Emily Sweet, Bradford Thomas, Bruno Velvanovski, Nenad Mijatove, Jovan Ristic, Jovan Stanlovic, Gordana Jovic, Milica Djurickovic 

When Cass begins to hear voices while backpacking with her husband Gav through former Yugoslavia, she attributes it to travel stress and cracks appearing in her new marriage. However, when the couple embarks on an unplanned sight seeing expedition with a mysterious local named Saint Peter, Cass quickly suspects that his promises to give them an “authentic” tour of his homeland conceal a much darker purpose. When Gav goes missing, Cass soon finds herself dragged into an increasingly paranoid web of manipulation and murder from which even death offers no escape.

I can give this some credit for trying to build an aesthetic of the Giallo’s that it’s obviously modeled after and also it’s obvious modern inspirations such as CABIN FEVER, A SERBIAN FILM and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE The film seems especially throughout homage to the latter where we have a couple in a foreign land, who want to see the sights and trust the mysterious Stranger, who’s jovial a nice at first, but seems to slowly turn, and they don’t seem to pick up on the signals that somethings strange as a foot

As the film is definitely a two-parter, where the first half is more mysterious, and the second half Kisco’s balls to the wall off its hinges where it becomes more violent and everything is explained. Though the film stays atmospheric. 

The filmmaking is fun and creative. The problem is that while wanting appreciate that it’s not as violent or Gore fest, as it seems to be where it was going it also seems to lack a certain sense.as theoughout the film. It begins to be filled with psychedelic images and different film stocks. Which help give it a true grindhouse feel

here’s what I mean is is that lol it’s perfectly fine and never quite seems to go the places. It either seems headed or quite instill, fear or tension as much as it seems to want to. It always seems to be good enough yet fall short it doesn’t amaze, nor does it have to do but it always just seems to rise to a certain temperature and then go back that I never met maintaining what is the kid 

No, it seems like the filmmaker has to know how to do so even though it would be over the top for Sam it just feels like in a strange way. They are holding themselves back unless it was just cut to be that way. 

I can’t even say that it’s a perfectly good background movie because it’s something you have to pay attention to to fully understand everything as much as you can.

It just seems like the lead of the husband he is seems to have victim written all over him, especially his nerdish demeanor, which he seem to go overboard on, and his way to trusting nature, though Bruno Veljanovski At Saint Peter and Emily Sweet  Are both noteworthy in the cast, especially at they are pretty much the

Leads

Grade: C+

OUT OF BOUNDS (1986)

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Directed By: Richard Tuggle 

Written By: Tony Kayden 

Cinematography: Bruce Surtees

Editor: Kent Beyda 

Cast: Anthony Michael Hall, Jenny Wright, Jeff Kober, Glynn Turman, Raymond J. Barry, Pepe Serna, Michele Little, Jerry Levine 

Farm boy Daryl Cage’s parents ship him off to the big city to live with his brother, hoping he will have a better life there. After a baggage mixup at the airport, Daryl finds himself in possession of a drug cache, which a ruthless drug dealer wants back. The dealer murders Daryl’s brother and the small town boy ends up all alone in the big city, being pursued by both the drug dealer and the police, who suspect him of the murder.

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This comes across as Anthony Michael Hall, trying to be a more serious movie star and more of an action thriller . That works and its own way though ultimately feels typical of the time period

As the film is not asking him to be another Sylvester Stallone or Arnold Schwarzenegger here he is more just an innocent kid brought into intrigue and is trying to find his way out of it and luckily for him is adept. As part of the action is watching this kid who no one would Suspects slowly figure things out and become savvy and trying to get himself out of his dangerous situation

The film doesn’t offer anything new. It is vicious and it’s violence, though not gory it just seems mean spirited, especially towards innocent characters and even its criminal characters who don’t exactly deserve their fates at times. 

It’s also a film that shows the glamour of LosAngeles but also the dark underside of the underground of of it at the time. 

What I would really recommend this movie for is the performance of Jenny Wright as just her fashion throughout the film and her looks is so iconic and so of that period. It’s almost like everything stops when she’s on screen and you just wanna keep watching her. She also gives the most believable performance throughout the film.

At first the film does try to show the slow and illness of the farm and seems to brighten up when Anthony Michael Hall‘s character finally gets to LosAngeles and sees all the statue ask beautiful women and flirting on the plane with Jenny Wright character.

The crime angle of the film does offer quite a few double crosses and surprises, though for the season film viewer you will probably see it coming, though it stays entertaining this film isn’t exactly an action extravaganza, which is why it leans more into thriller territory, but it is a fun watch as long as you don’t take any of it to seriously.

This film didn’t push Anthony Michael Hall’s career quite into the stardom that he was hoping for, but it was a nice attempt for the time as he tries to lean away from not only being comedic, but also the more geeky nerdish type rules. 

One can admit this is a film. I remember the posters an advertisement for back in the day and one that I always swore that someday I’m finally gonna watch it. Unfortunately, it seems like it took me 40 years to finally catch up to it though not what I expected, it does capture the time. In all its glory or despair 

Grade: C+

NONNAS (2025)

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Directed By: Stephen Chbosky

Written by: Liz Maccie

inspired by the life story of: Jody Scaravella

Cinematography: Florian Ballhaus

Editor: Anne McCabe

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Joe Maganiello, Brenda Vaccaro, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, Susan Sarandon, Linda Cardellini, Drea de Mateo, Michael Rispoli, Geoffrey Owens, Campbell

Scott

After losing his beloved mother, a man risks everything to honor her by opening an Italian restaurant with actual grandmothers as the chefs.

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First off will say that Vince Vaughn here plays more of an every man so if you’re expecting his motor mouth, fast talker type of character you’re going to be sadly disappointed.

The film is based on a true story and real restaurant that I did not know I thought this was a made-up story, but was happy that by the end you find out this is based on truth.

Interestingly, this was directed by Stephen Chbosky, who I mainly know as a novelist, for the film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, he also directed and wrote the adaptation. He wrote and Strites’ other novels, but he is also a practicing filmmaker, as he has also DORECTED made films DEAR EVAN HANSEN and WONDER. all family films of a sort.

Here this film automatically feels like a family film as the subject matter is clean, it revolves around the power of friendship and families, and there’s nothing offensive in the film, and you get to know most of the characters so that they’re not one-dimensional 

This is one of those films that you’re gonna be hungry after watching just seeing not only the preparation of the food but how it comes out just makes you so hungry so that it’s kind of like soul food or tortilla soup or big night all these films that center around food meals, the meanings of them the expression of making food can be an art of itself, and this is one of those films. It helps relieve or comfort, or it just makes everything OK

Does have a minor romantic, of course what else would you expect and also preserves that whole thing of Vince Vaughn‘s characters and every man where you would think given how strong and good of a character he would’ve been married already by now, but he was taking care of his mother and now that she has passed on and he’s pursuing something with passion for the first time that he’s had no female in his life to take care of or take care of him and at first, it seems like it will be that filling, but now he meets a woman and romance is on the menu so that he’s left in good hands with her and she’s left in good hands with him in the knives are there to approve andhelp nurture

Film also provides material and characters for Lorraine Brocco,  Talia Shire, Brenda Vaccaro, who still work, but you don’t see in major releases as much as well as I’m putting the queen of playing older female roles, Susan Sarandon as the more flirtatious and vivacious of the Nonnas, who of course makes the sweet stuff the desserts and the revealing outfits

While the others are more traditional, Lorraine Bracco, the angriest and volatile one of tradition Talia Shire is more of the shy one with a secret, and Brenda Vaccaro is more of the traditional grandmother who misses her husband and doesn’t have that much to do 

Just these women provide their specialties in cooking. They also provide what cooking has always meant to them, which is an expression of love and care for their families whoever they’re serving food to so that they feel like fam and that’s what this film also feels like an expression for the audience out there who might be feeling off or might miss family and friends this film is meant to bring you in and either remind you or fill you with that feeling of love that comes from family.

As the restaurant with a love letter to the cooking and to his mother and family, the screenplay written by Liz Maccie is a love letter to her family, and her husband Stephen Chbosky has said that this is a love letter to her him directing the film

It’s a tearjerker, a family film for all ages that I wish didn’t talk down to its audience. It doesn’t mean to, but it is also just that simple, what you see is what you get, the title alone. Tell you everything you need to know, it’s a nice warm fun little movie. Not offensive and not too many stereotypes.

That of course plays on Netflix streaming, but definitely could’ve made it mark in theaters, even if it doesn’t have that many locations nor is the story that big.

Grade: C+

MADEA’S DESTINATION WEDDING (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Tyler Perry 

Cinematography: Michael Watson and Justyn Moro

Editor: Larry Sexton 

Cast: Tyler Perry, Tamela Mann, Cassi Davis Patton, David Mann, Taja V. Simpson, Diamond White, Jermaine Harris, Xavier Smalls, Wallnette Santiago 

Madea’s great-grandniece, Tiffany, introduces her new boyfriend, Zavier, to her family and drops the shocking news to them: that the couple is getting married in two weeks, and everybody is invited to their destination wedding in the Bahamas. Despite her mother, Debrah, appearing to have everything under control, the vacation is hitting some turbulence. Madea isn’t ready to leave the country; Brian doesn’t approve of his daughter’s hasty wedding or her immature fiancee; Tiffany starts to doubt Zavier; and Debrah’s acting out of character. The whole wedding smells suspicious, and all Brian wants to know is whether or not this marriage is really all that it seems.

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I don’t know why I do this to myself nor do I understand why Tyler Perry does this to his audience, but I guess whenever in doubt after a few dramas or thrillers he’s gotta throw Netflix a Madea film every once in a while I don’t know if these films still have an audience as they seem to get worse and dumber each one. 

Watching this so now it’s kind of like a psychological study as we watch Tyler Perry play so many multiple roles and all of these characters are either talking to one or dealing with one another in the same scene so it’s pretty much almost a one man show where he’s talking to himself and occasionally adding other cast members to the mix

Also, when it comes to these Madea movies, it seems like he recast and hopes that we remember most of these characters from before, even though their new actors or new looks other than his usual stock characters of Mr. Brown, Mr. Brown’s daughter, Thelma, the next-door, neighbor, auntie Ruth, and then all the characters he plays. Some have been there since the beginning others seem to have joined in the last few films.

As we have Tyler Perry‘s character playing the father of a daughter, who’s ex-wife was a drug addict, then cleaned herself up then they reconciled then she married a new man who is rich and now loves throwing money in his face while spoiling their two children. These characters were played in the earlier films is more of a side story but once we got to boo a Madea Halloween, they pretty much became main characters.

In those films, the problem was the characters just sat around and talked mostly one up in each other with insults and then the action didn’t really happen until the third act and it wasn’t much action and then a moral message and it’s pretty much the same here except in the second half of the film is where we actually get to see some nice scenery 

Though the films promise that most of the characters aren’t very likable, the daughter who is getting married is still as selfish as she has always been and was throughout the boom Madea movies so she has not shown any growth or change and yet we’re supposed to care about her romantic relationship With this young man who comes across is very rude from his very first scene, but then we learned why and we’re supposed to really care about him and it doesn’t work and then we see that his ex-wife supposedly is even more selfish than the daughter trying to make the wedding all about her while there’s chaos in her own life And of course by the end, there’s a moral message

Look if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it. I understand what Tyler Perry is just trying to PLEASE his audience and goes for even though all of his humor here seems tired, and as he said, it truly shows that he doesn’t make movies for audiences or critics he truly seems to make them for himself and if this is what he thinks it’s funny That’s sad.

One can’t take away from his success and all of his triumphs, though as usual, this is a letdown, especially on the heels of one of his better films for him STRAW 

No, just please more like desperation like she’s running out of subjects and is relying on the same old jokes that aren’t even working for his core audience anymore 

Grade: F