BLACK BAG (2025)

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Directed By: Steven Soderbergh 

Written By: David Koepp

Cinematography: Peter Andrews

Editor: Mary Ann Bernard 

Cast: Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Naomie Harris, Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Rege-Jean Page, Pierce Brosnan, 

When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband – also a legendary agent – faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.

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One can admit when it comes to spy and espionage movies sometimes I don’t get everything the first time through so that one need to watch it a second time to fully understand or maybe go back through it to see the things I might’ve missed .

This is one of those films, It’s truly admirable with this film for how it relates espionage and spying with a relationship more importantly a marriage at first it seems like the main theme of it is how you do it simultaneously like MR. & MRS. SMITH only with veterans and less action.

This film tries to tell, not only an espionage story but also shows how marriages can work in the same way. Because being a spy is all about relationships and networking and identities, false and real. It’s all about gaining and selling information and using it to your advantage. This film seeks to portray how in a marriage you have your coworkers, your friends, you have your little secrets, and Devotions that mix, measure, and influence. Almost like you must perform and present.

 How sometimes there’s information that you must keep to yourself for the safety of all or just your partner and if there is a betrayal, it hurts the whole system and creates little holes that could gather and rock the foundation. It also focuses on who you can trust, betrayals, and in the end true love 

I will admit, when I first watched this film, sitting through it at first I thought it was good, but nothing spectacular, but after the film and thinking about the film, that is when it started getting to me and laying down its bones in my mind. It’s a beautiful film to look at the costumes stylish, as well as the location,  filmmaking, and mood. It comes off as very cold and non-erotic but exciting and it is way old school it does it tightly in under 100 minutes giving you enough details for you to follow and keep continuing the story.

No, truthfully wouldn’t expect any less from Director Steven Soderberg, especially as he stays being his cinematographer and editor as well as being the Director, of course.

As once again, he dismantles the genre and filmmaking and then put it back together. Minus a few parts but make it efficiently and put the focus on aspects most studios or filmmakers wouldn’t. They do it with a story that has mass appeal, or might be recognizable becoming at it in a different way. Luckily, this isn’t one of his more experimental films

The actors are all marvelous, Convincing, and concocting, As at times it does play off like WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOLFE in spies clothing and with a larger cast 

It’s not a film that everyone is going to love or

like. If you’re looking for action scenes and sequences and a lot of violence. This is probably not your film. The little that is shown in the trailer is more meant to entice. It’s not a major part of the film just goes to show consequences.

If you want something that is an adult drama that keeps you intrigued and stays a little playful. I would recommend this film. Unfortunately, they rarely make films like this anymore.

In the end, I will say that if this has been a spy novel, it feels like this might’ve been one of the side stories and another factor of the things that is truly enjoyable about the film is that you’re never quite given 100% details of anything so what you think you know You might be surprised to find out you don’t know or only got part of the story.

It’s a star story but it’s also for all that’s at stake,  a small story.  not a blockbuster, but found like one

Grade: B

Y2K (2024)

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Directed By: Kyle Mooney 

Written By: Kyle Mooney and Kevin Minter

Cinematography: Bill Pope

Editor: David Marks 

Cast: Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Daniel Zolghardi, Lachlan Watson, Eduardo Franco, Kyle Mooney, Mason Gooding, The Kid Leroi, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, Miles Robbins 

Two high school nobodies make the decision to crash the last major celebration before the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. The night becomes even crazier than they could have ever dreamed when the clock strikes midnight.

 this film feels like Something that was written by a teenager in the 1990’s as their opus and then 20 years later dusted off discovered and written through a modern lens to be both nostalgic and have a kind of recent commentary

As it feels poem a guilty pelasure of that decade and can see this film being a guilty pleasure for certain aidnece members. As it seems to be for writer-director and performer Kyle Mooney making his second film here after BRIGSBY BEAR from 2017

The film Plays like a worst case scenario nightmare of the y2k bug from 1999 where it was feared that once it turned to the year 2000 most electronics would either fail or malfunction

At first, the film tries to smother us in the pop culture of 1999 and drown those of us who remember it with the nostalgia and laughs of how ridiculous it was. as well as touching that universal truth of you of high school crushes parties, bands, being the outsiders having an identity that is defined by what your into not really knowing necessarily who you are or only coming into your own, and beginning to form will be of age such as that

No, as it tries to get into that territory, more concerns itself with its plot of a group of teenagers trying to survive as technology rebuild itself to take over the human race and become simulators and the antics that happened while trying to survive

The film has an eclectic cast which it seems meant to as the characters they play are those who have known each other for years, but never really bonded or gotten to know one another and seem to be separated by social class. 

Julian Dennison being the brave comedic relief in the film is truly the heart and fun of this film and when he leaves the film. It truly makes its complete change to another genre. Though it tries to keep the laughs coming. 

I will offer this one spoiler if you are not a fan of the rapper musician known as the kid Laroi you might enjoy his fate in this film.

The film Also features a comeback of a certain entertainer from that period whose 2024 was greet with a role here and in a cricucally

Acclaimed cult film that premiered in 2024 

The film might have a built-in audience, though for some of its originality it does feel like a letdown of sorts as it’s not really too deep and it’s fine for what it is, but there’s nothing that impressive about it again it stays entertaining though you wish either did more or had more to it. As the film falls short from what it seems it has the possibility of doing or where it seems headed. As even with a 15million dollar budget it look so much lower budgeted. So it seems most of the money went on thebsoecialmeffects which are mostly practical butbfirnall the innovations made also loom like 1990’s visual effects one is sure it was planned that way, but still could have been a bit more smooth

Approach this film with caution. As it’

Cute but feels more made for teens though seems marketed to the now middle-aged teen crowd of the 1990’s.

Though it also plays like some long lost unseen self declared classic movie that the stoner video store clerk played by Kyle Mooney would recommend. Like a mash up no one Requested and feels forced.  

Grade: C

UNDER PARIS (2024)

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Directed By: Xavier Gens

Written By: Yannick Dahan, Maud Heywong and Xavier Gens 

Adapted By: Yale Landmann and Oliver Torres 

Original Idea By: Edouard Duprey and Sebastian Auscher 

Cinematography: Nicolas Massart

Editor: Riwanon Le Beller 

Cast: Berenice Bejo, Nassim Lyes, Lea Leviant, Sandra Parfait, Aksel Ustun, Aurelia Petit, Nagisa Morimoto, Marvin Dubart 

Summer 2024. Paris is hosting the World Triathlon Championships on the Seine for the first time. Sophia, a brilliant scientist, learns from Mika, a young environmental activist, that a large shark is swimming deep in the river. To avoid a bloodbath at the heart of the city, they have no choice but to join forces with Adil, the Seine river police commander.

 this is like a Syfy B-movie creature feature only Less Campy and better made. Foreign language and European styled.

As it is directed by Xaveir Gens the man behind such pictures as HITMAN (starring Timothy Olyphant) based on the video game and internatonal action film MAYHEM!. Which was a blast as well As the horror film FRONTIERS and THE DIVIDE. 

He’s a director of note and talent. As he has a slick and commercially shiny visual style that is appealing and pretty. His style Reminds one of those who usually come from the Luc Besson school of action filmmaking. Shocked that he never directed more low budget action films or THE TRANSPORTER type films. As he has an appealing mainstream Hollywood style and gloss to his films. That are typically one’s you don’t have to think too much during. 

As it is a European film, unlike those syfy movies there is no all Star cast or even paycheck seeking character actors. Though it does have Bernice bejo for fans of foreign cinema

She was one of the stars of Oscar nominated hit film THE ARTIST from 20

AMore mean spirited then expected and plenty of JAWS similarities. Which it seems most shark movies must either acknowledge it disavow. Though still Entertaining. The last 15 minutes this film Goes bezerker. Not a must see in anyway though keeps your interest 

*This is like going to a fast food places your expectations are low but fills a certain need. Then by the end it’s Still not great but did what itneas supposed to do and your not hungry anymore. As it was good enough. Not too many surprises and somewhat silly. Though not entirely unforgettable either. Better then expected but still not good or

Great. An all Around 

The film is Not Scary and everytime it seems To be going for a PG-13 vibe otncoeks through with a r rated massacre or scenes of violence. Which does help the film seem like it does have some

Pizaz 

Always amazed when films like these action epics have so many writers. Where you wonder was it really needed. As it shows collaboration or not. Too many hands in the pot and the dish will always come out disappointing or unsatisfying. As each one has their own agenda and will smooth out or diminish anything that others have contributed. Making it too much 

Grade: C

THE POSEDIEN ADVENTURE (1972)

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Directed By: Ronald Neame 

Written By: Stirling Silliphant And Wendell Mayes 

Based on the novel By: Paul Gallico 

Cinematography: Howard E. Stine

Editor: Harold F. Press 

Cast: Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Shelly Winters, Stella Stevens, Red Buttons, Jack Albertson, Pamela Sue Martin, Carole Lynley, Roddy McDowall, Leslie Nielsen

A passenger ship, on her way to the scrap yard is pushed to her limits by the new owners to save on the dismantling fees. A tidal wave hits her, flipping her over so that all the internal rooms are upside down. A priest takes a mixed band of survivors on a journey through the bowels of the ship in an attempt to survive.

 I will admit at this point I have seen a bunch of disaster, movies, and no most of the clichés so much so that generally don’t really watch any of the new ones as you can see the towels or the or where it’s going to go which characters are necessarily doomed, and those special heartfelt moments that are going to come along.

So watching this film with modern eyes, you can see how it sets the blueprint and thus it’s a little more predictable than it might’ve been when it first premiered at the time the one of the film strengths is that it’s still not only manages to surprise you, but it also keeps you invested in the story and characters, and you feel the thrills the chills, and have to be  worried for the characters 

The film still manages to provide you the suspense, the thrills and chills, and the emotional moments. When certain characters that you enjoyed your light, don’t necessarily make it we’re sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

No, of course there’s a lot to lampoon here or make fun of or look down upon but at the time you have to remember that this was somewhat new, and having all these actors together was kind of a breakthrough or novel idea at the time

It’s also of note that while Irwin Allen produced this film and was usually behind most of these disaster movies, at the time, he actually didn’t direct it, which might be why this one is more well remembered, whereas the sequel which he directed and clearly wasn’t needed, is one is not thought of as good or well as the first film.

The only thing that isn’t believable truly in this film is the supposed romance between Carol Lynley, and red buttons character I believe that they form a bond and trying to survive, but I would never believe that they would become a couple or fall in love due to all of this but again this film is a little bit of fantasy so you never know

Shelley Winters is memorable out of all the cast members though one can see why she got the best supporting actress nomination. It wasn’t that strong that it deserves an award, but it makes her one of the more well remember characters in the film, as well as Jack Albertson as her husband and this is one of the few times that I have seen him outside of a Willy Wonka film or his 1970 sitcom Chico and the Man.

No, the heavy hitters of the film, Ernest Borgnine, who’s memorable as a strong character who has his emotional moments, but also Gene Hackman as the de facto leader of the film, which truthfully is one of the few reasons why I decided to watch this film, and he gives an amazing performance in for a roll with she admitted later was truly a money job as a reverend, who is conflicted, and is trying to save everyone

This is one of the films of the 1970s that was made by studio that while formulaic is truly worth watching even if it’s just as a relic of history because it is truly a popcorn film that keeps you interested throughout and makes you care even if you feel like you know what’s going to happen.

No, a big shock that the song the morning after which ended up winning best song at the Oscars from this film seems like it’s used more flippantly and more comedically are trying to make fun of the ballads or the singing.

As well as even though today, this would be a big budget remake which they attempted and unfortunately bombed even watching it. Now you can tell that a lot of money went into the fax but looking at the ship and it’s Corredor’s in rooms. It just seems a little on the cheap side as far as production design goes, but then again it was another decade in the 1970s so maybe that was the D Reagor or what was normal back then it’s a nitpick more than anything.

No can admit that some of the deaths are a little more random, and not expected as they seem like they were just knocked out, because Hays is coming upon a time limit we’ve got a knock off another character, rather than buy any sense, a physics or logic, and obviously, to also give other characters the world to live a reason to live, or their mental break down, where they have to come back from dealing with that death, but strive to survive, if only for the memory of them, and the fact that they would want them to live and not Perish just as they did

Grade: B

LOVE HURTS (2025)

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Directed By: Jonathan Eusebio

Written By: Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard and Luke Passmore 

Cinematography: Bridger Nielson 

Editor: Elisabeth Ronaldsdottir 

Cast: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Lio Tipton, Cam Gigandet, Marshawn Lynch, Rhys Darby, Mustafa Shakir, Daniel Wu, Sean Astin, Drew Scott 

A realtor is pulled back into the life he left behind after his former partner-in-crime resurfaces with an ominous message. With his crime-lord brother also on his trail, he must confront his past and the history he never fully buried.

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this oddly feels like this could’ve been a sequel to the big hit only because again a gang of hitman, a love story and disposable action that is quite visual and admirable from a stunt and fight choreography standard but feels a bit much about nothing.

It feels like a lighter version of the film. NOBODY that packs a much lighter punch. as this is more of a jab.

As all the actors are likeable, you just wish that there was a stronger script because everything here feels like you’ve seen it 100 times before and it just feels so basic that even at under 90 minutes it feels a bit long like everyone is going through the motions The only thing that keeps you is lead actor Ke Huy Quan 

As he is so small and has such a gentle nature, but seeing him be a bad ass is quite watchable, but also seeing him struggle with the two sides of himself, the dangerous side and the good side is quite remarkable 

Everything else about the film though is a little bit tired or familiar even Marshawn Lynch usually is a scene stealer and most films while he’s good and humorous here it still feels like unremarkable in this film 

Same with Ariana Debose, a great actress and Oscar winning actress where you have to wonder why is she here? Was it just the paycheck because she is very enticing in this film and seems to be having fun but she feels better than the material or this film so that it feels like she’s slumming and you wanna see her and better you wanna see key and better You wanna see better than what they have.

you know when the film has multiple screen writers that it’s most likely gonna be a little bit confusing and it’s identity and probably water down. 

It feels like the film is afraid to ever slow down and its pace as every shot must be busy or they have the camera move like a 90s MTV style film with an electronic music soundtrack to keep the bass moving at times you wish it would slow down With its constant push you more and more away from the film and it’s believability

What’s worse is that I am an advocate for seeing for films being seen on the big screen as that seems to be what they when you’re making one. That’s what they’re made for but this film feels like it has blockbuster money, but the script seems more accustomed to a streaming platform and the big screen. 

At least you’re paying for the service and this is what they offer you rather than you going. Spending hard earned money on this and the quality is not that great even though maybe if you’re an action junkie, this might be up your alley, but in the end, even though it is an action film it also seems like it’s more comedic moments rather than the action at times , and it doesn’t seem to be able to have it.

It’s not a horrible film. It’s just a film that seems like it more just gets by instead of trying or attempting to be better and there’s nothing wrong with that being satisfied with who you are but let us know that in the audience beforehand instead of making it seem like you have promise .

Well at least  Ke Huy Quan has a cute moment of a reunion of THE GOONIES having played in the film as data . Here he isso close with his mentor and boss at the realty company played by Sean Astin, who played Mikey in THE GOONIES. As well as them both appearing in the film ENCINO MAN together

Grade: C

PERFECT (1985)

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Directed By: James Bridges

Written By: James Bridges and Aaron Latham

Based on Articles By: Aaron Latham 

Cinematography: Gordon Willis 

Editor: Jeff Gourson 

Cast: John Travolta, Jamie Lee Curtis, Marilu Henner, Jann Wenner, Laraine Newman, Anne De Salvo, Kenneth Welsh, Chelsea Field, David Paymer

Fed up with writing obituaries for a local New Jersey newspaper, the inquisitive and ambitious journalist, Adam Lawrence, finally gets his big break, when–as a Rolling Stone reporter–gets to interview a well-off entrepreneur accused of drug-dealing. However, one brief look at the tight-bodied members of a modern gym will have Adam itching to write an exposé on the latest craze of fitness and health centres, where aerobics instructors like the ferociously-astonishing, Jessie, are the absolute stars. But, Jessie, really despises interviewers. Will she ever let him into her sultry world of cool music, high-energy exercise, and perfection?

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One could see the appeal of this movie at the time. as more revolving around the romance between the two leads played by John Travolta and Jamie Lee Curtis. You need to fill the time of this movie that is way too long.

This film is over two hours long and the tale could’ve been told and 90 minutes. so instead of just a romance, the film also wants to talk about journalistic responsibility not only that but how to build a story.

As the film tries to show, yes there is a reporter trying to get the truth out to the people and tell a story, but also how the story is only the view of the reporter and might not tell the full story or is edited so that details are left out, and also the aftermath that the story can do two people who never intended originally to be victims.

One can see why John Travolta chose this movie as it’s by James Bridges, who also directed him in his head urban cowboy so this is another kind of down and dirty romance. Only this is given more of a flashy treatment as it is tying for rolling stone magazine, for which John Travolta is a reporter of and , the editor and chief of the magazine at the time Jan wiener even plays himself a version of himself under a different name.

The script was also written by written by the actual writer that John Travolta character is based on who wrote a story about sports clubs or aerobics clubs being the new singles club so it all feels like an in-house production.

I will say that Jamie Lee Curtis looks fantastic in the movie and her character is so cool and has such a fashionable look that you just wish her character was in a different and better film. 

John Travolta tries his best and makes his character charismatic and dramatic, but he doesn’t make him interesting.

That is the problem with this film at first, watching this film as a look back at the fashions and mentality of the times, but it moves along so slowly that even any campiness factor within the film slowly drains away until your hit with what is supposed to be drama but he just doesn’t seem in the right way that the film is hoping it will just want resolution as you’re wondering where is this movie going to go?

Seem to have a lot going for at first it has some unbilled cameos by Lauren Hutton and Carly Simon and it seems like a typically streamline film that was made to be tied into a fan, but then also tried to have some substance and that might be the problem is that that substance dragged down the film that not that it wouldn’t necessarily have been good Even without the substance, but it could be forgiven for naïveness

So give credit for at least trying to be worth something.

The film is fascinating to watch though after a while it’s feels a little monotonous, almost like a sitcom where you wait for the two leads to finally get together and then they do and then the show kind of runs out of steam as it doesn’t know what else to do or focus on , watching just to see where it’s going to go if you’re a Die Hard that’s what it feels like watching this film. It goes on for way too long and so many characters consequences and plots that don’t seem to go anywhere or are introduced but not more depth.

For instance, the Lorraine Newman character seems like the one chance for the film to actually have a character of death who has tragic ramifications around her and offers some traumatic consequences, but the film seems to hint at these prospects and then totally drops them so that just becomes another background character that we do with.

It’s not exactly the same with Mary Lou character who is Bill heavily but is given very little to do more than maybe be in the background of scenes even though she looks great too in this film as much as Jamie Lee Curtis, but other than just being another body in the background She doesn’t have much to do.

I’m sure this film has its fans and Jamie Lee Curtis and John Travolta still defended though this was a flop a big one for the studio and John Travolta who seem to not start another film for another four years after this film so he did kind of a hit though again I think everyone is proud of the film, at least attempted to even if it didn’t do it successfully.

I would say the warnings but watch at your own risk. It’s not the worst thing in the world, but it’s reputation proceeds and there is a reason for that there is some decent stuff in here, but you have to get through so much bad stuff just to get to it, including a ridiculously long aerobics scene where John Travolta just keeps thrusting his hips endlessly.

The one aspect of the film is that it has so many aerobics and workout scenes that this film under normal circumstances could’ve been a musical if you just take all the aerobic scenes and made them into song and dance productions it seems it wants to be a musical, but physically, it’s a romantic drama about reporting and aerobics.

Grade: D+

SUGAR BABY (1985)

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Directed By: Percy Adlon 

Written By: Percy Adlon and Gwendolyn Von Ambasser

Cinematography: Johanna Heer

Editor: Jean-Claude Piroue

Cast: Marianne Sagebrecht, Elsi Gulp, Toni Berger, Manuela Denz, Will Spindler, Hans Stadlbauer, Meret Burger 

An asocial, obese German woman lives in a large city. Unfortunately, despite her kind and intelligent personality, she has had a lot of trouble making a connection with people, until she gets a crush on a handsome subway conductor.

Though this film sounds more modern about an older person taking care of a beautiful younger person financially and them doing the ssmenin return socially and physically. The same happens here but it is more romantic and emotional. Same title different meaning. Oh how the times have changed 

Throughout this film I had the feeling that I had seen this film before. As it constantly felt familiar though I I had only learned of this film in the previous weeks. Then by the end a particular scene jogged my memory. I didn’t see this film exactly, but a televison movie name BABYCAKES starring Ricki Lake and Craig Sheffer. Which o found out was a remake of this film.

Only with a happier and less ambiguous ending. As this original is definitely more sexual and a bit more twisted, but still sweet and more direct. 

As this film goes the artistic route in It’s stark lighting and camera work that seems to go a bit haywire at times in romantic scenes. I am shocked this film hasn’t become a cult film with a following. 

The lead played by Marianne Sagebrecht comes off as lonely and sad but also smart and determined. As we watch in her determined pursuit of her crush. Who seems like an epiphany to her one day.

Their romance takes up most of the film. As they find salvation in one another. Even though he is married. Most of the scenes are of their courtship and romance and some sex. The main difference between the movies other than country of origin is in the remake she has a best friend who is jealous and kind of pulls the rug out from under the romance.

The main attraction of this film is that the female is older and overweight. Making her seem all the more desperate and like her pursuit is more of a dream of fairytale. As the guy is considered think or in this original rather average but skinny. So when she manages to get him it is joyous and a wish come true. So it truly feels like the underdog finding victory. Only unlike most romances we stay way past the victory lap and watch as they deal with reality and the world. Remeber You have to defend your title at times. 

As I saw the remake first I have to side with it as far as presentation of the story and offering up a happy ending. Even though the original is more truthful, artistic and focused. 

Grade: C 

HEART EYES (2025)

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Directed By: Josh Ruben 

Written By: Philip Murphy, Christopher Landon and Michael Kennedy 

Cinematography: Stephen Murphy 

Editor: Brett W. Bachman 

Cast: Mason Gooding, Olivia Holt, Jordana Brewster, Devon Sawa, Gigi Zumbado, Michela Watkins, Yoson An, Ben Black, Chris Parker, 

For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.

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This is a film that plays more like a romantic comedy that builds itself around a horror, film plot. It’s cute. It’s violin. It sometimes has a laugh or two and both sides with each other and against against each other. 

Whereas I wish you could be more like happy death day, which did have a comedy side and a horror side, but it also seemed to have its serious moments too. That made you care a little bit more. 

This film lacks that so that again the characters always feel exactly like that like characters rather than human beings, and why you worry about them in their peril the film, cynical, nature, almost every other character works against it as it seeks to be a dark comedy that reels a little bit more in violence 

If that is what you are seeking, you have found the perfect film for yourself and I will admit it stays entertaining through 90 minutes though after a while, it does becoming a bit predictable, though I will give it points for originality with ending to a certain extent 

No, again like a romantic comedy unfortunately the two leads who we follow are somewhat interesting, but not enough to hold your attention throughout the whole film where you really start to bond with them 

In fact, as a film where again some of the more supporting characters are way more interesting, and you had more screen time, but then it would probably require them to be either pulled into the plot story more killed. The audience would definitely want revenge on the slasher. 

I’m thinking, especially the best friend played by Gigi Zumbado, who the film could’ve benefited with her character being featured more or hell even being the lead character if they make a sequel to this film hopefully she will get that lead role

The film is enjoyable in a disposable way where your entertained while you watch it, but can’t see many watches and some of the scenes. Remind you so much of other horror films that either is paying two or based around. 

In fact, the only scene to me that was the most far would be that all these people are watching one of my favorite movies his girl Friday at a drive-in, even if it is Valentine’s Day.

It’s nice to see Jordana Brewster in any role that is not associated with the FAST & FURIOUS franchise 

Almost like rather than a comedy à la Simpsons episode where there’s a serial killer killing couples out and of course the city decides to still keep it Valentine’s Day celebrations going culminating and a driving and amusement park for lovers the slasher, a perfect opportunity of victims.

Not surprised that this film was also written, but some of the writers of the film’s FREAKY and IT’S A WONDERFUL KNIFE as well as TIME CUT. As this film has a similar feel. Where the concept is pushed more than anything else. Just as being directed by Josh Ruben who made WEREWOLVES WITHIN a mystery that seemed more to push the comedic elements more than the horror or mystery ones. 

Again, I don’t wanna make this film seem worse than it is as it does seem to be having a lot of fun and is made more for an audience. It’s just not a sharp as it seems to aim to be like fast food good in the moment, but overall not the best for you Nor noteworthy

Grade: C+

CRUSH (2013)

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Directed By Malik Bader

Written By: Sonny Malhi

Cinematography: Scott Kevan 

Editor: Jeff Canavan

Cast: Lucas Till, Sarah Bolger, Crystal Reed, Leigh Whannell, Camille Guaty, Isaiah Mustafa, Holt McCallany, Caitriona Balfe, Reid Ewing, Meredith Salenger

The promising high school soccer player Scott is injured on the knee in a game and two years after, he is still trying to heal his knee. The teenager Jules feels unrequited love for him but Scott is concentrated in recovering his physical condition and considers her as a friend. The also teenage Bess that works in the store owned by David with her mature colleague Andie has a crush on Scott. When Scott is stalked by a mysterious person that threatens Jules, he believes that Bess is responsible for the weird situations. Is his assumption correct?

This film is just  so tedious and badly paced most of the time it keeps building up and then when it does finally offer a release you are so thankful but never truly lives up to It’s potential or premise 

The way the film points at the red herring the more it becomes obvious that it’s not them.

It could have been a bit more fun if it played up it’s Ridiculous aspects or camped it up or actually added thrills. The way it plays it is more limp. Where you find yourself asking questions or creating your own scenarios rather then go with what is on screen. As it is taking way too long at a little over 90 minutes 

Not to mention the main character has looks and seems to be a good moral kid, but he has very little personality for all these ladies to have such crushes on him. Especially the teacher.

Though a teenage boy who is really into classic black and white films. Warmed my heart as I wished I could go to this town’s theater, but feels mroe an invention of a writer. Who wanted to put a piece of themselves and lvoe of film In there. As the film chosen isnMt even an inside joke or a hint of what is to come. 

Though will say she seemed to only be here for eye candy for anyone desiring some skin other then some from the lead actor and even what is shown is more pg-13 quality 

Know it would most likely be straight to home video quality but expected a bit better then what is offered. Espeically with such a recognizable cast, but we all have to start somewhere. 

It feels like a WB channel thriller if you remember what those were more targeted to the youth, a little risqué, but almost every character is picture perfect good looking.

While there’s barely anything objectionable, that is why it feels more like a TV movie or a movie meant for or could’ve easily played on a lifetime channel or MTV or WB

Crystal reed is the only true notable performance throughout. Everyone else does what is expected of them. 

Grade: D+

THE VAGRANT (1992)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Chris Walas

Written By: Richard Jefferies 

Cinematography: John J. Connor and Jack Wallner 

Editor: Jay Ignaszewski

Cast: Bill Paxton, Michael Ironside, Marshall Bell, Mitzi Kapture, Colleen Camp, Patrika Darbo, Marc McClure, Stuart Pankin, Teddy Wilson 

The Vagrant tells the story of Graham Krackowski, who moves into his new home only to be terrorized by an unruly vagrant that lives across the street in an abandon lot. What begins as simply an inconvenience to him, escalates into an all out war of head games, wit, and eventually murder.

 The film mixes hard and comedy and the humor though dark is funny and parts, but it never quite land. It always feels like it’s missing a beat. 

The performances are believable and the material you expect a bit more zaniness and can see why this film does have a cult following and it’s fans but personally, it never quite comes alive nor as fun as the premise it presents

It seems to be headed for better and you expect more especially with such a cast. 

The film does seem to treat every female. He comes across as attracted to him, and they are all secondary by nature or props, then actual characters. 

Bill Paxton’s character change of looks later in the film. It also shows the range of Mr. Paxton who is the only reason I saw this movie for.

As I knowingly used to pass the box for this movie and video stores in my youth, all the time always thought it would be more run-of-the-mill and basic one can appreciate that at times it tries to be different and subvert the audience 

The film is a low budget movie that tries and you want to like it. it seems to work against itself never quite finding that right mixture as it feels more comedic when it wants to be horrific, and it feels more horrific when it wants to be comedic finding its groove.

It should be noted that it’s sort of the few times. Michael Ironside has been in an intentional comedy.

The film was directed by Chris Walas, a special effects artist, and whose previous film was THE FLY II. Which was a guilty pleasure in my teens and was hoping this film would end up being a diamond in the rough as this seems to be the last film that Chris Wallace has directed so far it ends up disappointing because the potential had more than anything

Grade: D+