Category: Movie Review

GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE (2024)

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Directed By: Adam Wingard

Written By: Simon Barrett, Jeremy Slater and Terry Rossio 

Story By: Adam Wingard, Simon Bennett and Terry Rossio 

Cinematography: Ben Serensin

Editor: Josh Schaeffer

Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen, Rachel House, Ron Smyck 

The new installment in the Monsterverse puts the mighty Kong and the fearsome Godzilla against a colossal deadly threat hidden within our world that threatens the existence of their species and our very own, as well as diving deep into the mysteries of Skull Island and beyond. Delving straight into the origins of Hollow Earth, this film will explore the ancient Titan battle that brought man and monster together forever.

Just as this film has an excruciatingly long title they couldn’t just go by the latter to remind you of who is in it and why you might want to see it.

There has to be another type of genre for films like this other than special effects movies. Most of this film is digital and practically animated with some live action. That is advanced but feels like WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT only not as good and not an intentional comedy.

This is typical summer fare that is a popcorn movie and if you are into it can see why these are made and audiences rush to see them. As modern monster b-movies, but as each new one is made it also feels like the quality goes down. As they have to stretch the believability for a new one. That seems to chronicle another new step in these creatures’ lives. I can understand the continuing adventures and humans discovering new lands and dimensions.

Though again it feels dumber but obviously expensive as even the returning cast

The list gets slimmer and slimmer and the leads while Respected actors. They are not as widely known as the previous leads and less big box office names. Which helps their careers with bigger films and nice paychecks. Even if the quality is off.

No matter how much the film tries to be interesting it feels pretty basic and that you have seen it before and for as long as they are you know you are here more for the fights or action rather than the backstory that leads up to them or the big reveal of whatever monster they have come together to fight and worse of all these films feel like the promise of two big stars interacting then by the end spend only a scene or two together and that is where the magic happens and truly interesting parts of the film 

It has been shown with GODZILLA MINUS ONE. You can make a monster film With live action that has emotional depths and can live co-current in different genres. I wish this film had the same strength but again this is playing to the audience of the previous Godzilla and Kong movies so you know what you’re gonna get and what you see is what you get.

Basically, this film feels here to introduce mothers again into the mix  and little Kong for the kids and the knowledge of what it’s Like being a parent which is also expressed by the Indigenous girl and the main scientist in human form

While All this Destruction and damage is going on the humans are collateral Damage which we see running and panicking Sometimes. So that we are like the vermin or instruct maybe animals of the world that outnumber these beasts and monsters who try to help but are generally barely thought of until afterward and that is only by the film, not the main characters who are the beasts 

just as there is no blood really in this film even when killing a mutant rat wolf in the beginning and ripping it apart there is green goo, not blood that fills the screen. Though I can’t imagine why he would want to eat it after as it seems like it is filled with toxic 

It seems Godzilla just wakes up to take care of the monster problem in this world like It’s a job and King Kong just wants a quiet place to roam.

Grade: D 

DAMSEL (2024)

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Directed By: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo

Written By: Dan Mazeau

Cinematography: Larry Fong 

Editor: John Gilbert 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Robin Wright, Angela Bassett, Ray Winstone, Brooke Carter, Nick Robinson, Milo Twomey, Nicole Joseph

A young woman, Elodie, meets a handsome prince and they fall in love. At their wedding it is revealed that the prince had more sinister reasons for courting her: she is to be sacrificed to a dragon that has been terrorizing the kingdom. Elodie now has to fight for her survival.

This movie would’ve been better off as maybe an episode of a sci-fi, fantasy anthology tale or rather Maybe as a side story on a lord of the Rings type series than a feature film.

It’s pretty simple, cut and dry, and feels like it’s extended for no real reason that adds anything to the overall project tone, or story. 

As it is a tale of female empowerment with a pretty stacked cast, other than Millie Bobby Brown have very little to do but play standard cliché rules that are beneath their talents, especially Angela Bassett in a thankless minute, but pivotal support supporting role. Who seems here because she is in a lot of projects more than what the role actually offers.

This film has this kind of prestigious, framing around itself for something that comes off as a basic bedtime story or nursery rhyme. 

It tries to be a thriller and keep us in anticipation, with the excitement of how she will survive, as well as giving a backstory to why she finds herself in her current situation while learning the power of resilience and not falling victim to all that glitters and those your talk to worship.

Though in the end, it feels like a movie that be more of a time waster, or a seat, filler if it had been released theatrically, as it is more of a seat filler. A film intended to do big business on opening weekend due to the spectacle and previews as well as star and knowingly, less and less money as word-of-mouth spreads.

I can’t fault the production as it is a typical big budget, sci-fi, fantasy, special effects, action movie, only here made small and put in medieval times, but more marketed as a special effect fantasy with not much of a story or plot of why and how we got there . as is put in place as more of a placeholder for the action scenes, which is what really takes over.

The film doesn’t offer much for the actors other than to react and a big game of pretend. it might hold some interest overall it plays itself out fairly early even for a film that is almost 2 hours.

Grade: D

GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Takashi Yamazaki 

Based on characters created By: Ishiro Honda and Takeo Murata 

Cinematography: Kozo Shibasaki

Editor: Ryuni Miyajima

Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Sakura Ando, Munetaka Aoki, Kuranosuke Sasaki, Yuya Endo, Hidetaka Yoshioka, Sae Nagatani 

Feeling as if he unfairly cheated death too many times, Shikishima, a surviving Kamikaze pilot, is attacked on Odo Island along with many war plane engineers by a gargantuan monster. After the engineers die because of Shikishima fails to distract the monster, an overwhelming amount of guilt weighs on him, especially after a homeless woman and a baby move into his home when he returns. Shikishima, now on a personal mission, teams up with a large group of veterans to finally take down the monster known as Godzilla.

I am not a huge fan or follower of Godzilla and any Kaiju series of films. 

This is by far the best and most impressive Godzilla movie though truthfully I have only really watched the American reboots and the current buddy science-fiction versions that usually pair him with King Kong. Though I have seen a few of the older Japanese ones.

The special effects are impressive and noticeably pay homage to old-school Godzilla and bring them into the present. that are effective. 

It’s enjoyable how they never really explain him just as a natural disaster. They continuously have to deal with and how in his aftermath. He is still an imminent threat. This also works as a metaphor for the character’s war lives, trying to find some new kind of normal but everything is different and gone. While the world keeps seeming to move and constantly Change even if some Old Truths stay the same and offer Promise. 

It’s A Perfect Example of a lead character dealing with life, death, and guilt. Giving him a hero’s journey in full. We follow mainly through the experiences of one character and those around him. Especially during the years and aftermath of wartime. 

Like a war movie in itself, only They are again fighting a war against an unknown enemy though this time feels more worth it as more of a threat 

It’s also just a cool movie with a good story, Which is quite effective and relatable. This might have even been bigger during the pandemic. Though it wouldn’t be able to be seen properly. This is a movie that is best seen on the biggest screen possible.

This is a movie that could have been pure entertainment, but It grabs you and pulls you into the plight of the characters and tells a story resonant with rich backstories that are felt. Even if not fully explained 

Grade: A- 

KNEECAP (2024)

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Directed By: Rich Peppiatt 

Written & Story By: Rich Peopiatt, Naoise O Caireahain, Liam O Hannaihdi, Ji O Doxharjaich 

Cinematography: Ryan Karnaghan

Editor: Chris Gill and Julian Ulrichs 

Cast: Naoise O Caireahain, Liam O Hannaihdi, Ji O Doxharjaich, Jessica Reynolds, Michael Fassbender, Josie Walker, Fionnula Flaherty, Adam Best, Simone Kirby

When fate brings Belfast teacher JJ into the orbit of self-confessed ‘low life scum’ Naoise and Liam Og, the needle drops on a hip hop act like no other. Rapping in their native Irish, they lead a movement to save their mother tongue.

The film is a kind of origin story of the Irish Gaelic hip hop band of the title. Which is inspired and fun.

As it is stylish and plays around with different mediums throughout. Though seems to have endless energy and at first seems more a juvenile sophomoric comedy. Though is. With heart that becomes a coming of age movie. 

While the film has a vibrant energy and a wild spirit. It actually does have something to say. Colonialism and a country losing its culture and kind of being forced out. 

Though through the youth and their rebellious attitude pave the way for saving their own history. That they seem to usually not care about. 

Though presented to them in Their own language and culture. That leaves them constantly inspired.

It becomes more than you expect and all the more winning for it. As it’s like it’s characters more than your first impression from looking at them. There is much more to them, even if what happens isn’t necessarily planned. It’s share they find themselves. 

As you watch and learn more and more about the group behind the scenes you might find yourself surprised. As at first I thought the character who was their DJ in the film was created to flesh out the characters and their situations with a professional actor. Though he is their DJ In. Real life

Jessica Reynolds is a standout as a love interest femme fatale for one of the duo. Who seems to want not being in a relationship but tortures the character by cosntabtly flirting with others and turning him down then coming onto him.

Michael Fassbender has a pivotal but small role which is how I first heard about this film. Though I must give credit to reviewer @moviesaretherapy who gave the film a rave and truly inspired me to give the film a chance and have to say I don’t regret it.

Grade: B 

DRIVE-AWAY-DOLLS (2024)

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Directed By: Ethan Coen

Written By: Ethan Coen And Tricia Cooke

Cinematography: Ari Wegner

Editor: Tricia Cooke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C 

DOWN LOW (2023)

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Directed By: Rightor Doyle

Written By: Phoebe Fisher and Lukas Gage

Cinematography: Nate Hurtsellers

Editor: David Moritz and Mike S. Smith 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: B

THE FORTUNE (1975)

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Directed By: Mike Nichols 

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

Cinematography: John A. Alonzo 

Editor: Stu Linder 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There is plenty of opportunity for physical comedy.

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

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

The film does have great cinematography though 

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

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

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

Grade: C

THE BEEKEEPER (2024)

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Directed By: David Ayer 

Written By: Kurt Wimmer

Cinematography: Gabriel Beristain 

Editor: Geoffrey O’Brien 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: B- 

TRIGGER WARNING (2024)

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Directed By: Molly Surya

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

Cinematography: Zoe White 

Editor: Chris Tonick and Robert Grigsby Wilson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: F

THE WRATH OF BECKY (2023)

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Written & Directed By: Matt Angel and Suzanne Coote

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

Cinematography: Julia Swain 

Editor: Stephen Boyer 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grade: C-