Based on Characters Created By: Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber
Cinematography: Larry Blanford
Editor: Jason Gourson
Cast: Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Ken Jeong, Kristen Schaal, Anna Faris, Craig Robinson, Foula Borg, Taeho K., Billy Barratt, Tanner Burjaq
JJ, a veteran CIA agent, reunites with his protégé Sophie, in order to prevent a catastrophic nuclear scheme threatening Vatican City, which disrupts a high school choir trip to Italy.
While the first film was surprisingly endearing and entertaining, this sequel isn’t horrible, but while it hits half of the same spots as the first film, this time, it feels a little more forced and unfocused as the first film felt specific this film felt general
Now anyone who was looking forward to this sequel I’m sure won’t be greatly disappointed, though the problem here is that as with all sequels, it must be bigger while the first film was singular. This one is more international and foreign locals. It has its moments but seems to be missing that, and the sweetness that made the first film work
It also doesn’t help that this film has a much bigger cast a lot of bigger more recognizable names and small roles that you would expect more
The film is predictable and it tries and all the characters do have their chemistry, but for some reason, it just isn’t as charming as the first though it is entertain
The film feels like a successor of the Frankie Muniz starring film AGENT CODY BANKS this is a continuation and the kid’s spy genre, not the SPY KIDS franchise. only here more of a buddy comedy like AGENT CODY BANKS, less a James Bond-type story, and adventure as this one is more all about teamwork.
Dave Bautista actually looks a little smaller this time around, but he is still an imposing force who gets stuck in more comedic situations, but he used well in the action sequences.
Chloe Coleman is hilarious a girl with a crush, but who still also has her eyes on the prize as far as missions go and hold her own and all of her scenes of action and comedy and even a little romance.
There is plenty of action in comedy and some jokes and languages that I am a little surprised they got away with a PG-13 movie but then again it’s all done and innocence and fun and not trying to be dirty or nasty. Even if it feels a little more risqué, the previous film was more of a children’s film. This is a little bit more of a preteen movie, but it’s still at heart a family film that you can watch together.
Cast: Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Keegan Michael-Key, Sally Hawkins, Tom Davis, Paterson Joseph, Matt Lucas, Jim Carter, Natasha Rockwell, Kobna Holbrook-Smith, Rakhee Thatkar, Hugh Grant, Rowan Atkinson, Freya Parker, Matthew Boynton, Rich Fulcher
Willy Wonka is the mastermind behind some of the most delicious and innovative chocolate creations the world has ever seen. But before shaking up the chocolate industry and making a name for himself as a confectionery genius, the ambitious young creator had to defy all odds. As a result, Willy transformed his wildest dreams into reality with a bold vision, determination, and unexpected help from new friends. After all, hard work and a dash of magic can make anything happen. Because, as Willy already knows, it only takes a dream to make a difference.
One thing I can definitely say about this movie is that it has its charms it won’t. It doesn’t erase the memory of the first WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY but it still feels more pure and miles above Tim Burton, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY doesn’t feel as predictable. Nor as made by the committee.
The film is a musical, which was a bit unexpected, but makes sense, and it does use a few of the original films’ classics throughout, though in quite a different way that does instill nostalgia, but also tries to make it its own.
At times, it does feel like a big Broadway musical, but under a greater production and a grander vision, you could easily see this making its way the reverse way and going from a movie into a Broadway show.
The film perfectly fits Director Paul King’s style as it feels like a fantasy and a living storybook come to life. It’s as big and silly as the two PADDINGTON films that he has directed so this one is a little less comedic, even with all of its outrageousness. Though no nightmare scenes as the previous two films had.
Can’t help, but put a smile on your face in Timothee Chalamet actually works in the lead role, even though he is tasked with pretty much always being happy no matter what throughout even when disappointed. he’s not as iconic as Gene Wilder Daffy goofy, but ultimately wise and quirky Wonka but again we’re at the origins of Wonka as a character so he has a happier disposition, and is still full of hope at the beginning of his career.
This is a film that is fun for the whole family. It’s pretty much an offensive and feels magical throughout. It literally is another generation’s version of Wonka, or as this is more of an original story than an actual remake or reboot, which is refreshing, even if it is still Dealing with an existing IP.
Hugh Grant is here as comedic relief as an Oompa Loompa, and he mostly works as this is the most we’ve ever really heard an Oompa Loompa speak other than singing. The film is full of quirky characters that feel straight out of a children’s book, and have outrageous looks to follow. though again, he seems to be relishing and playing a more comedic supporting role just as he did, and PADDINGTON 2 only here he is, isn’t the villain
The production design and visual effects are excellent. The songs are catchy, but not as memorable as the originals again, I say this now, but at heart eventually, time will tell, and also the fandom of this film, if there will be one as great as the classic film in which men grew up with.
It’s a film that is definitely worth checking out. It won’t leave you mesmerized, but if this is your type of movie, you won’t leave sad or disappointed.
Written By: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Jeff Rowe, Dan Hernandez and Benji Samit
Based on TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES characters, Created By: Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird
Head Of Cinematography: Kent Saki
Editor: Greg Levitan
Voice cast: Micah Abbey, Shamon Brown Jr., Nicolas Cantu, Brady Noon, Ice Cube, Jackie Chan, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Rudolph, John Cena, Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Natasia Demetriou, Giancarlo Esposito, Paul Rudd, Post Malone, Hannibal Buress
After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtles set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. But they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them.
Over the years, there have been many reboots of this franchise as well as ongoing, animated television shows. There were even two live-action films after the initial live-action trilogy of films.
I have to say that this animated film is the best of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise since the original animated series and also the first two live-action films which are near deer to my heart. I saw them in theaters and the first one I kept trying to see in theaters and I think, I tried five times to see it in theaters and it was always sold out. This was before you could buy your tickets online so when I finally did get to see it, it was so magical and felt so worth it.
This film emphasizes the teenage part of the title as the characters do have fighting skills, but they are also still teenagers at heart growing up and wanting to belong but also wanting to have fun and not necessarily so mission-focused.
With it being more about teenagers, it prepares you to have patience with that aspect as an adult, though it’s a perfect family film that feels a bit more funky and fun than any of the films have before. It’s a film for a younger audience though older fans can’t enjoy it.
Here’s a little bit reimagined with a more urban feel in a different villain than the nemesis usually the villain Shredder.
The film is a lot more fun and emphasizes a bit more humor than action.
The star voices don’t add too much more of a hay isn’t that such and such factor that would work with or without them, though it is nice to see here, the familiar voice does at times the danger of taking you out of the film, especially when it comes to certain beloved characters.
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, take over the franchise or the ideas for the story here and rework it, just as they have others that they either produce or create shows like THE BOYS and PREACHER amongst others. At least it seems like the stuff that they are behind that RIP that they were fans of from the beginning so while they are making it a little more hip, they know what the fans like. Enjoy and want.
The film is an original story at heart. It’s closer to the more blockbuster material of the animated cartoon than the previous live-action movies that starred Megan Fox.
It’s a reboot for a franchise that continues to reinvent itself while sticking to the same premise, yet never venturing into the dark original world of the cult comic book from which it came.
Editor: Coralie Fargeat, Jerome Eltabet and Valentin Feron
Cast: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
A fading celebrity decides to use a black-market drug, a cell-replicating substance that temporarily creates a younger, better version of herself.
Whatever you might have heard about this film you are not entirely ready for where it takes you.
Again this is one of those films that is best to go. Into blind. Which allows for surprises and plenty of discovery.
It has equal parts David Lynch, David Cronenberg, and even a bit of Stanley Kubrick in style, but director Coralie Fargeat manages to make it her own.
As there are symmetrical shots and angles. Colorful production design, and plenty of gore that at first seems artistic until it truly gore for the gusto in the third act. At certain points it feels like science fiction, but more a cruel satire that truly becomes a horror movie. It also feels French and European while taking place on American soil.
it’s amazing, disturbing, uncomfortable, and beautiful. That truly seeks to disturb, disrupt, and challenge. Which for some will make it all the more stronger.
The film offers a full-blown assault on sensibilities and your senses. It manages to build a world while revealing so little and having limited spaces and locations.
It haunts you afterward. Each time you think about the film, you want to go back to see if there is anything you missed. as you want to study the film. It’s that intricate, and pristine
It’s not only the effects that are scary or disgusting but the characters. Dennis Quaid as The lead character’s manager is always his over-the-top stylish suits and seems like he cares. He twists lives in his client’s backs and eats sloppily and disgustingly.
The film is a tale of feminism and the perils of aging for women and how they are treated in the world but especially in Hollywood and the spotlight. This film explores what some are willing to do or forced to do who choose to want to stay in the spotlight. How cruel they are treated for even trying.
It’s also a tale of greed, how there is never enough time, and how quickly it can be stolen or used. When you are younger you always think you have enough time and still want more and are more prone to be jealous that you will even betray your own best interests. How at times a person can lavishly sacrifice just to have the spotlight to themselves even as it does damage to themselves. Not playing by the rules and regretting. Losing sense of oneself.
Self-hatred giving up on yourself for others to prosper. As you feel your life isn’t worth living anymore. Too much work not enough benefits. Needing the adoration to feel worthy.
Demi Moore gives one of them. the best performances of her career. While getting one of the best roles of her recent career. This is the perfect movie for her to make a comeback. Even as critically as most of the characters treat her. She still looks extraordinarily beautiful. The horror is that for so many years Ms. Moore has been the model for what was seen as perfect and beautiful that many women aspired to be like or look like and now here she is not considered good enough.
It also offered her the most range in a role. Yet it also, feels familiar or like a reality she might be facing only magnified. As the film shows how aging especially for women is seen as a horror in society and how many of them have resorted to some kind of substance be it surgery, fillers, creams or ointments to try to keep their youth or look youthful. Even as it becomes a violence against themselves. Taking themselves down the. Face the reality they find themselves in. Trying to reach or keep an idealized version of themselves and literally buying into it
At certain points, it feels like a TALES FROM THE CRYPT movie. Which only reminds the audience of Demi Moore’s appearance on that show in an episode. By the end, it also reminds the audience of another production that she was part of the animated Disney film THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME.
You could also throw in some RE-ANIMATOR. As well as the story THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY. As well as THE GAME, DEATH BECOMES HER, THE TOXIC AVENGER, FIGHT CLUB, and SECONDS. With those ingredients, she used them to make something piercingly original
It even tackles eating disorders. As when she can’t really punish or fight her double. She strikes back the only way she knows how overeating bad food. as she robs her of her youth.
Vanity destroying yourself to give yourself more time. Almost like an addiction the same as a vampire uses blood to survive and stay young or at least keep up appearances. Usually preying on the young here it is reversed.
As the younger self has all the promises or is given promises of course she becomes more selfish hoping to live just a bit longer.
This film by the end becomes a fable of addiction to the limelight of fame and attention and how lonely it can become once it begins to fade. Even though you have a following how quickly they can abandon you and if you are never prepared for your eventual downfall. You have truly nothing left. How these rules seem to apply mostly unfortunately to women. Hollywood is a fickle mistress.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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
Cut To The Chase 