REFLECTIONS IN A DEAD DIAMOND (2025)

Written & Directed By: Helene Cattet & Bruno Forzani

Cinematography: Maunuel Dacosse

Editor: Bernard Beets

Cast: Fabio Testi, Yannick Reiner, Koen De Bouw, Maria De Mediros, Celine Camara, Thi-Mai Nguyen, Kezia Quental, Herve Sogne 

A retired spy suspects his former adversaries have resurfaced when his intriguing neighbor vanishes.

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A new film by the directing team of Helene Cattet & Bruno Forzani is always going to be a strange yet original affair. This might actually be the film. That is the best entry for newcomers to discover the filmmakers work. As strangely this is their closest to mainstream film, that is still odd & avant-garde, but beautifully and miraculously filmed.

When it comes to this directing and writing team, you always know you’re gonna be taken on a rollercoaster. Yet never quite sure which direction it will take, but there will be plenty of unforgettable sights and sounds. though you can never say it will be boring and it will always be quite memorable

 The  film is more about the visuals than anything else, story or plot wise. As this film feels more of a theme that has a weakness for distractions and fetishes

It is espionage themed and very violent, though has more humor than the filmmakers usual films. It plays almost like a parody of spy films specifically from the 1960s, but with a little modern day, technology and charm, but definitely a throwback vintage style. 

The film is visually delicious and beautiful throughout. Though it has feel a bit like artistic exploitation.

As the film has its fair share of strong, beautiful women only to be slaughtered. While all the male characters are seen as heroic, no matter their behavior. 

This film is strange that as it goes along, you start to get into its rhythms. Where you question what is going on half the time but except what you are given.

The film almost feels like music video directing, only better. As you were given more of a visual feast in a thorough story that is like patchwork. As it’s more set in the 1960s espionage style and design, but could be modern. Where the production and costume design are pristine. As this is very different from the previous films made by the directing duo as this is more lighthearted and fun, but ultimately by the end, still a bit sad

Grade: A 

RUNNING TIME (1997)

Directed By: Josh Becker

Written By: Josh Becker and Peter Choi

Story By: Peter Choi

Cinematography: Kurt Rauf 

Editor: Raymond Berthheaud and Kaye Davis

Cast: Bruce Campbell, Jeremy Roberts, Anita Barone, Stan Davis, Art LaFluer, Dana Craig, Gordon Jennison, Curtis Taylor, Bridget Hoffman 

Carl is released from jail after serving a 5-year term and immediately sets about executing his next heist. The plan is relatively simple but time is critical. However, he doesn’t factor in bad luck or the incompetence of his accomplices.


It is taking me a while to finally watch this film in full, which is surprising considering it’s barely over an hour though over the years I’ve always seem to catch it in the middle or way late into. It’s running time.

So it’s refreshing to finally watch the film from beginning to end as it is an experiment where the film takes place in real time and made to look like it’s one endless continuous take, and shot.

While giving the film kind of a bee movie plot and in black and white that makes it feel time looks like it could take place at any time this film could’ve been a minor Marvel if not for a few things that take away from the film.

The early homophobic language which feels more character based and acceptable in the time period in which this film is made and set don’t know if it’s was any original script or if it was an ab Lib it’s understandable, but also unneeded and comes out of nowhere.

Early in the film, you pretty much know where it’s gonna go as Bruce Campbell playing the lead in the man who’s getting out of prison with no nonsense plan already with his screwup of a best friend who seemed to cut corners here and there if you can tell a success is not in their future.

Not to mention how many times they keep bringing up their past that even after a while it feels like overkill as we get it we get the depths of their friendship and their relationship

Then even with a kind of positive ending, it feels unbelievable you want it for the characters but again it just feels so out of left field where you wondered did they not have enough money for a grand finale or was it always meant to be that simple?

If not for these negatives, this film could’ve been seen as an underrated classic it certainly not worthy, especially for what it pulls off and on such a low budget by director writer Josh Becker, who was part of Sam Raimi’s production team, which is obviously how we got Bruce Campbell involved, most likely.

Josh Becker actually sold a script to a studio for around $67,000. That still has yet to be made but he used that money to make this film as Mr. Becker is quite a director whose films are more cult titles such as THOU SHALT NOT KILL… EXCEPT and LUNATICS: A LOVE STORY. That showcase quite an imagination and creativity. I am in particular a fan of his films, though they are a little harder to find over the years.

Even if at time it feels like watching an off broadway play in a black box theater by a new playwrite. It somehow works and is admirable. 

The film was shot in 10 days, in order. So not in one continuous take. Bruce Campbell has said that his performance in this film and BUBBA HO-TEP are the one’s he is most proud of 

Though I also have to give the film credit for giving Jeremy Roberts, a well-known character actor, a decent part where he gets to play full supporting instead of just a henchman or a villain or just a general bad guy who doesn’t have much lines even though he’s a screwup you kind of like his character in this film.

Anita Barone in a supporting role as a hooker, and maybe love interest who has a past with the main character is certainly vivacious and eye catching, but she does make her mark in her limited screen time to make her an interesting character that you wish had more screen time in a chance to see how she got to where she was, but she certainly engaging.

The cinematography here is top notch. You can tell the film is low budget so it’s not the prettiest, but it is well filmed and again at least while watching it you can see imagination and ideas at work as well as a bit of a throwback to maybe the films that might have inspired.

This is definitely a film. I think most film fans and independent filmmakers should see they don’t necessarily need to see but when they feel like they wanna watch something original and maybe a bit from the recent pass this is a foundation definitely check out. 

It’s a close, but no cigar, at least you’re gonna be smoking

Grade: B-

YOUR VICE IS A LOCKED ROOM AND ONLY I HAVE THE KEY (1972)

Directed By: Sergio Martino

Written By: Sauro Scavolini, Ernesto Scavolini and Adriano Balzoni

Story By: Sauro Scavolini and Luciano Martino

Based On the story “THE BLACK CAT” By: Edgar Allan Poe 

Cinematography: Giancarlo Ferrando 

Editor: Attilio Vincioni

Cast: Edwige French, Anita Strinberg, Luigi Pistilli, Angela La Vorgna, Ivan Rassimov, Daniela Giordano, Ermelinda De Felice, Enrica Bonaccorti 

A string of murders are committed near the estate of a degenerate author, whose abusive relationship with his wife is further complicated by the arrival of his manipulative niece.


Always a fan of longer movie titles as they come across poetic and almost like the log line or heart of the film. Then again it could just be the translation of the title in English from Italy. When actually it’s based on a line from the film’s director Sergio Martino’s earlier and much better film THE STRANGE VICE OF MRS. VARDH 

This twisted erotic thriller that has giallo implications. Only other than the beautiful lead Anita Strinberg everything else comes across not glamorous and even ugly. Not as stylish as it seems to try to be. Though the film can be sexy at times and has at least one memorable seductive sex scene. The females amongst the cast are the only beauty this film ends up having other then maybe production design. 

One can see why the leading man played by Luigi Pistilli is mad throughout. He’s A suspect in a few murders of female companions and lusting after Edwige French’s character. Who is supposed to be his niece. She is not only ravishing but She seems to have sex with every other character except for him at least for most of the film

No, as the film and lead are so abusive and misogynistic it’s hard to see where exactly the movie is going or care about most of the characters.

Only one main character approaches any sympathy the only other decent characters are supporting or die way too soon

No, the film is abuse and violence as foreplay as the main couple have a dysfunctional, almost S&M relationship not that the fetish factor makes it dysfunctional as that can be normal. Their relationship has just too many problems throughout.

The lead characters, horrible teeth don’t exactly help sell them as likable or even handsome maybe in a rugged British or masculine manly way that was more in vogue at the time, but once the story does come back into focus and spells it out a little more and you feel the same

The film isn’t stylish enough to really impress or make an audience take notice. The soundtrack isn’t really that impressive either as it becomes more annoying at times as it goes along and even at a little over 90 minutes, this film could’ve been shorter, but that would take away from the films atmosphere that keeps trying to build

The inclusion of an African-American character only to be fetishized and brutalized quickly, but that is how the film treats most of the female characters, including random ones only one of them ever truly takes command to make sure she doesn’t stay that way well the other one tries

The ending makes up for it, but it takes so long to get to it to showcase and explain why certain actions needed to be taken and the relationships between certain characters

Ms. French is no slouch, but not as grand. Even as a moral conniver. If one has seen enough of these movies for all the twists and surprises the filmmakers try to give. You can figure out the ending pretty easily. As it reminds you of a TALES FROM THE CRYPT  episode that guy was on for too long and isn’t as fun though perfectly fits.

Though that is also where the film truly gets interesting while offering an Edgar Allan Poe type ending. Which upon research is what the film is based on. 

Grade: C 

IS GOD IS (2026)

Written & Directed By: Aleshea Harris 

Cinematography: Alexander Dynan 

Editor: Jay Rabinowitz

Cast: Kara Young, Mallori Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Erika Alexander, Sterling K. Brown, Mykelti Williamson, Janelle Monae, Josiah Cross 

Two sisters embark on an epic quest for revenge; confronting a charged family history that will push them to extraordinary lengths.


This is a revenge tale that we rarely ever see. Where it’s two African American women seeking revenge against all their oppressors all those who have wronged them on their path to their ultimate enemy.

This is truly an African American film as there are no Caucasian or other race characters. So the film stays within the community and culture.

The film exposes monsters even those who are victims can be. As they were made that way eventually.

The film has stylistic flourishes once in awhile that enchant and remind you of what the film could have been. As most of the time before the film gets lost or ahead of itself. It reminds you of the reality the characters are in.  One of them expert fighters or killers. Just determined to do whatever it takes. 

Which is why the actions scenes might not be awesome inspiring like one of it’s obvious influences KILL BILL, but it manages to work by it’s own rules in it’s own worlds 

As mixed in within is a kind of road trip film where in their journey they meet quite a few supporting characters to help them find their father. Each one is so full of life and played by a scene stealing actor. (Erika Alexander, Vivica A. Fox, Mykelti Williamson) That you wish there was more of them in the film. Though you realize they are just big pieces in this puzzle. 

Kara Young steals the film as one of the most strong willed characters of the film. She practically walks away with it as one of the leads. You want to see more of her or for there to be sequels just to see her character. She is the more vicious and angry compared to her sister played by Mallori Johnson who is more scarred, practical and forgiving. 

The film isn’t quite like the trailers made it look like an updated blaxplotiation film full of action with some spiritualism and southern charm. Though appreciate it for being it’s own creation that has more depth then expected. As the film isn’t paced like an action film or thriller and takes it’s time letting us get to know our protagonists. Not to surprised this started out as a play. Whose writer makes their directorial debut here Aleshea Harris 

It’s an original and securely worth seeing and being exposed to this cinematic worlds 

The final act of the film is the most cruel, yet also the most exciting. That feels a little biblical. Even once we meet the ultimate villain played by Sterling K. Brown. He nor the film disappoints.

Though it’s definitely worth seeing

Grade: B 

PRETTY LETHAL (2026)

Directed By: Vicky Jewson 

Written By: Kate Freund

Cinematography: Bridger Nielson 

Editor: Richard Smither 

Cast: Uma Thurman, Maddie Ziegler, Avantika, Millicent Simmonds, Iris Apatow, Lydia Leonard, Julian Krenn 

It follows a group of ballerinas as they try to escape from a remote inn after their bus breaks down on the way to a dance competition.


The film is predictable from beginning to end. It seems like it might be more for teenage girls. As far as courting an audience. As it offers rebellious and bad ass young women coming together to support an help each other to survive and realizing they have more in common than what separates them. As the film does have a female empowerment message with a very violent resolution. 

The film offers no real tension and plays pretty basic. Except for the fight scenes. Where the film finally comes to life. Luckily the film is quick under 90 minutes and gets to the point pretty quickly. 

Other then The ballet troupe every other character is despicable or unlikable. Am

Nothing here really stands out, even with a crazy bananas third act. That seems random and ridiculous a kind of overkill. Where the film finally comes and tries to go balls to the wall.

As we keep hearing how dangerous a villain is throughout and then when he finally appears. The film never lets him do anything as far as showcasing skills or danger. The guy who hides bodies is more of a menace.

Uma Thurman is one of the only recognizable actors in the film. Unless you follow the yo g actresses who star careers. Though you may recognize them from other movies. So that shows you the talent involved. 

As of late Una Thurman’s roles and the material she appears in has been disappointing. Even if she is giving it her all 

GRADE: D+

FALL (2022)

Directed By: Scott Mann

Written By: Scott Mann And Jonathan Frank

Cinematography: Mac Gregor 

Editor: Robert Hall

Cast: Grace Caroline Currey, Virginia Gardner, Mason Gooding, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jasper Cole, Darrell Dennis 

Fifty-one painful weeks after surviving a life-altering incident, Becky, an emotionally fragile rock climber drowning in a sea of grief, reluctantly picks up where she left off to confront her fears. As a thrill-seeking friend re-enters Becky’s ruined life, the two experienced climbers embark on a high-risk adventure to the top of the abandoned B67 TV tower. Now, two mortals seek to conquer the anxiety-inducing, vertigo-inspiring, 2,000-foot construction of weather-beaten metal and rattling rivets in the middle of the Mojave desert. But out there, even the slightest mistake can spell trouble. When the risky climb doesn’t go as planned, the two women must summon every last ounce of courage and strength to devise a plan for a safe return home–or die trying.


This is a film that seems more designed for theatrical watching in 4D or maybe even IMAX as it feels like almost a theme park ride or attraction more than a film it last 90 minutes and it does have a story but it seems more interested in being immersive almost POV like an adult movie.

As most of the film is watching these two characters stranded and trying to save themselves as well as working through some particular drama. As this one would definitely fail the BECHDEL test. As half of what they speak about is guys relationships, even when stranded though that seems to be the core of their drama and revelations.

The film does have a twist around the end of the second act, which doesn’t feel earned, but is understandable, but also feels a little manipulative to the audience, though fetch in with the unpredictable nature of the film, as it seems to be female versus nature or human versus nature, in wild nature should prevail, humans feel that they must conquer for some reason.

The film tries to presented as catharsis vote. It’s really just ego. The film does manage to keep your interest throughout, though. Don’t know if you would really ever need to watch it again. Was kind of hoping for maybe a moral story or a kind of tales from the crypt type ending or facets of the story becoming that line the film though plays mostly straightforward.

Though it is invented in finding ways to broad the story, so it’s not just the audience stuck with the two characters all the way up at the top of this tower. We do get quite a few scenes and characters away from the tower.

Director and Co-writer Scott Mann makes the film tension filled and is a Good calling card to show what he can do with a high concept idea and enough of a budget. As the film has that little engine that could energy. 

Though it just feels like the film drop more high octane what would you do and facing your greatest fears type of film, which is fine and another reason why the Medium of cinema and motion pictures were made just didn’t necessarily when me over completely. I managed to be entertaining enough.

Grade: C

MIKE & NICK & NICK & ALICE (2026)

Written & Directed By: BenDavid Grabinski 

Cinematography: Larry Fong 

Editor: Tim Squyres 

Cast: Vince Vaughn, Eliza Gonzalez, James Marsden, Keith David, Jimmy Tatro, Stephen Root, Dolph Lungdren, Arturo Castro, Ben Schwartz, Emily Hampshire

Two friends navigate the dangerous world of organized crime, testing their loyalty and survival skills as they get deeper into the criminal underworld.


I really wanted to enjoy the film. As what it does have going for it there’s a lot of colorful characters that analyze the underworld that you wish they all had their own movie to star in

Instead of this time, travel mildly science fiction film that decides to pepper those ideas in with your typical b-movie crime film.

That has a good percentage of comedy, but then chooses to sprinkle in some harder or more. I wouldn’t say emotional but serious moments even though half the time it reminds one of one of those 90s post Tarantino pulp fiction type films.

It also has a good soundtrack that helps save the film with a lot of music from the 90s in 2000s era so that there are plenty of needle drops that work certain magic of nostalgia on the audience of a certain age who this film is made for, especially with many of the pop culture references. 

As this film has it stride and when it does, it’s actually entertaining and funny, but there seem to be so many distractions and disturbances that it can’t play a straight tune harmoniously. You have to wait for those moments and hope it will play through and see how long it can last that way.

As the film has all the ingredients, great cast, surprising cameos, a dynamite, gorgeous leading lady who still deserves more screen time better roles played by Eliza Gonzalez 

In Vince Vaughn, in a double roll has the smoothness and comfort to play these types of roles, though his character from the future is far more in his wheelhouse than his more uptight version in the modern, though he does manage to make them to distinctly different characters. Though he can do this type of role in his sleep. It’s not very challenging. 

James Marsden is good in his role as kind of the straight man playing up his looks but gives him a chance to prove himself as he definitely manages to keep up with Vince Vaughn. Though nice to see him in this type of film. 

The rest of the cast in their small and supporting roles are really what help make this film, more pleasurable and one really wishes they could give this film more or a higher rating but while it’ll probably be entertaining for most specially Vince Vaughn fans it just never quite worked. It’s magic for me and couldn’t wait for it to reach its conclusion and and I guess you could call it a perfectly fine time waster but it’s not a film. I would rush back to ever see you again.

As throughout watching the film, I just kept wondering what’s this all about? Why why is this happening and it never quite answer that question so that by the end I was just happy it ended.

It’s not terrible, but maybe it’s just too average a project that one would expect from streaming at least it has its moments of good

Grade: C

SPLITSVILLE (2025)

Directed By: Michael Angelo Covino 

Written By: Michael Angelo Covino & Kyle Marvin

Cinematography: Adam Newport-Berra

Editor: Sara Shaw

Cast: Kyle Marvin, Michael Angelo Covino, Dakota Johnson, Adria Arjona, Nicholas Braun, Charlie Gillespie, David Castaneda, O-T Fagbenle, Nahema Ricci, Tyrone Benskin 

When Ashley asks for a divorce, the good-natured Carey runs to his friends, Julie and Paul, for support. Their secret to happiness is an open marriage; that is, until Carey crosses the line and throws all of their relationships into chaos.


Even though this is more supposed to be a broad relationship comedy, I dislike most of the characters for different various reasons throughout as most of them come across as so selfish and vain, especially Adria Arjona’s character who could be seen as a hot blooded stereotype, but if anything, she more sums up spiritual or wellness seeking characters who are supposed to be about inner peace, but if you ever get to know them come across more self initially because it tends to be all about them in their pleasure rather than others emotions, especially those who are in their lives or love them. Though she is undeniably, jaw-droppingly attractive. Then again maybe as I have had experience with those types it’s a bit too familiar. 

Though for her character makes sense as a life coach and the initial opening scene the accident that happens in the results it would seem natural for something like that to shake the boundaries and look for a rebirth or at least a change in their lives as that being assigned of it.

Not to mention, knowing the two male characters are the writers and directors of the film. They set the bar high with who they cast as their girlfriends and wives in this film as the women come across is too beautiful for them believably but again it’s a film so we do see the qualities that make them fall for them.

Though everyone throughout comes across as so reprehensible yet wise, but might hit upon an ugly truth throughout, that might be painful for certain members of the audience to hear, especially those who are more romantic and believe in monogamy as the film is certainly cruel to more the supporting character characters

Then there is one character who thankfully is minor who is openly trying to pick up Dakota Johnson’s character at a carnival with their own chikd that I thought the movie was gonna do more with him, but is only there for one scene. It seems almost more like a prop or antagonist to get the most out of the main characters or add to the weirdness and silliness of the situation.

This film is downright funny though you have to be on its wavelength of just strange situations. It feels like another BOB, CAROL, TED AND ALICE. For  the modern day age, but not trying to be as revolutionary or introduce the audience into a different way of thinking.

As it feels like a Woody Allen comedy played as a romantic comedy. As tinwaht happens after the happily ever after.

For all the qualities that make the film work there’s also things that just make you not like not necessarily the movie but the characters but then again it makes you uncomfortable and awkward, which the film seems to want to rest on sort of like a curb your enthusiasm, but where everybody is treated equally and each has their own personality disorder so to speak. 

The two characters who stand out are Dakota Johnson surprisingly as she seems to be one of the more decent characters who gets confused and just can’t make up her mind and the character of Casey played by Kyle Marvin, who is just seems or comes across as an innocent and nice guy who gets pulled in to this situation and keeps trying to make the best of it, but at heart is just a romantic and who some will see as just too nice, but he comes across the most authentic and you can understand why people fall for him and trust him.

Even thevfilmmaking is quite impressive. on a technical level as the camera work is beautiful and it’s angles inventive, even the rhythm of the scenes which can go from intimate to slapstick on a moments notice. still manages to work and be perfectly blocked as the camera always knows where it’s supposed to be.

This is a film for the more adventurous, even if it seems like it’s gonna play more suburban and it isn’t as sexual as dirty as the premise or the trailer might make it look or sound there is nudity, but it’s more male nudity than anything and just examines the absurdities of relationships and the selfishness that can result in them, especially in the complications of trying to PLEASE a partner or seemingly open up for their pleasure and you might be sabotaging your own relationship

I am a fan of the filmmaker, Michelangelo Covino and Kyle Marvin in their previous film, the climb, and just as with that film here they play best buddies who’s romantic entanglements rule them and also the characters tend to switch partners who are their friends previously partners in the main characters tend to bicker, be ruthless to each other yet still come together and maintain that friendship that feels like slapstick, but also has a bit of truth behind it.

this one is no exception as it almost feels like a continuation of their previous film only with different characters and situations so again it has that kind of Seinfeld or curb your enthusiasm, energy and vibe while entirely being its own entity and personality

Grade: B- 

ROOMMATES (2026)

Directed By: Chandler Levack

Written By: Jimmy Fowlie and Ceara Jane O’Sullivan 

Cinematography: Maria Rusche 

Editor: Tim Constain and Brian Robinson

Cast: Sadie Sandler, Chloe East, Billy Bryk, Aidan Langford, Sarah Sherman, Nick Kroll, Natasha Lyonne, Janeane Garofolo 

When a hopeful, naive college freshman, Devon, asks the cool and confident Celeste to be her roommate, a blossoming friendship spirals into a war of passive aggression.


This is one of those almost films. It has everything mostly going for it and then just falls short. It’s Slightly Silly but stayed entertaining and really Manages to make you care about the characters. Then the third act happens and it’s like they just want to end the film. As after that no subtlety. Just straightforward hostility.

The third act the film falls apart. As feels like it goes for the easy out.  instead of doing something original and different. It goes safe and just settles to villainize certain characters.

I know looking for some kind of realism or three dimensional characters in an Adam Sandler, HAPPY MADISON production is a lot to ask but it could amhave been something new or different.

As with This film anytime it approach’s depth, It runs far and wide away from it. 

Some will look at this as a vanity project for Adam  Sandler’s daughter Sadie Sandler and they would be correct, but she holds her own surrounded by other talents. Not to mention this film is better then the original comedies he has been offering lately. At least this is better then YOU ARE SO NOT INVITED TO MY BAH MITZVAH.

Chloe East impresses, as far as showing range and being totally different then the last performance I remember her from HERETIC. She again defintely makes her presence felt. As the antagonist.

This can be seen as its own kind of relationship comedy. Only Without some homoerotica, yet never leaning heavily on it. Happy to see a fun female centered comedy that is mostly successful. 

Director Chandler Levack does the best she can. As her original movies such as I LIKE MOVIES are much more character-driven. Especially as far as the action goes, but are as breezy and caring. Here working from a script that is not her own. She manages to still bring her style and skill. Showing range and that she is a director who can rise to the occasion. 

Grade: C 

ANACONDA (2025)

Directed By: Tom Gormican 

Written By: Tom Gormican and Kevin Etten

Based on the original film “ANACONDA” written by: Hans Bauer, Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr. 

Cinematography: Nigel Bluck 

Editor: Craig Alpert and Gregory Plotkin 

CAST: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandiwe Newton, Steve Zahn, Daniela Melchior, Selton Mello, Rui Ricardo Diaz, Ione Skye

Four film obsessives drag themselves into the Amazon on a shoestring dream: make a spiritual sequel to a schlocky 90s horror classic nobody asked for. Doug is the engine, a guy whose genuine talent has been slowly suffocating under wedding reception footage. Griff has the rights and the actor’s hunger but not much else. The rain-forest is indifferent. The snake is absent. What the film is really about is the distance between loving movies and actually making one, and whether passion alone can paper over every logistical, financial, and interpersonal crack that opens up the moment you leave home with a camera and a bad plan.


This is a film that Not only makes me question why was this made, but also what studio thought this was a good idea I can only imagine because of having Jack black and Paul Rudd together in some kind of buddy comedy ensemble film. 

As it sounded like a bad idea from the get go, but was hoping it would be broader or bring something different to the table. Even though it plays pretty rote 

Co-Written and directed by Tom Gormican whose previous films were AXEL F the latest BEVERLY HILLS COP movie (as a writer) and THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT,  as writer-director. Both films going back into the past of celebrities or iconic movie characters. Don’t feels a natural that he would take a move that was a surprise hit and known for it’ ridiculous nature and make it into a meta comedy that resurrects the film franchise and it’s cultural impact 

Originally this was supposed to be a reunion of his stars from UBEARABLE WEIGHT Nicolas Cage and Pedro Pascal but when he couldn’t get them. We got Paul Rudd and Jack black. Who try to have chemistry and play against type with Jack black more than straight man and responsible one. Where as Paul Rudd plays the more wild and impulsive character.

There are 2 cameos in the film one works and is the only time the film is truly alive and hilarious. The other one doesn’t and feels unneeded 

What kept me entertained throughout the film

Was Wondering what is  going on with thandwe newton’s hair. As its volume, length and styles change throughout the film with each new scene. Now that could have been a clever satire of the constant problem of actors of color complaining often they are fixed to wear uncomfortable and badly styled wigs. Due to not having proper hair and make-up people who know how to style their hair. Instead it just happens in the background and one wonders was it intentional or not. Though happy to see her working again. 

Will admit the film is Awkwardly casted. As the actors don’t seem like they would normally work together, but here make it through believably enough and Nice to see Steve zahn part of the cast as him and Jack black have a a small SAVING SILVERMAN reunion

Ultimately though the film not most of it’s ideas It truly goes anywhere and make the material

feel empty. Even if it was just a more comedic remake of the original film. It would have amounted to something 

The film does serve as a constant reminder that Jack Black really needs better and new material film wis. As the only time he seen interesting or in better films is when he works with filmmaker Richard Linklater (Bernie, Apollo 10 1/2) so that it feels like the films he chooses get worse and worse though he stays energetic and likable in all of them. Though since half of them make money at the box office. Other than partially reputation he really has no reason to change his trajectory.

This is a film that could have set itself up. As either a satire or parody and instead comes across as confused as its premise. Though it would have been nice to be a film that shows character who are bonded by their love of not only film but a certain film and the pains and stakes they are willing to take to remake the film out of passion and love. Not to mention a chance to relive part of their childhood and reunite with one another. 

Almost like those guys who remade RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. In their teens a scene by scene remake and only later in life did the world get to see it, finally and they did it out of love for the film. If only this movie came close to having that kind of sincerity, vision and heart. It could have made this film worthwhile. Instead it just feels unnecessary and useless.

 

Grade: F