MRS. HARRIS GOES TO PARIS (2022)

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Directed by: Anthony Fabian 
Written By: Anthony Fabian, Carroll Cartwright, Keith Thompson and Olivia Hetreed 
Based On The Novel Written By: Paul Gallico 
Cinematography: Felix Wiedemann
Editor: Barney Pilling

Cast: Lesley Manville, Isabelle Huppert, Lambert Wilson, Alba Baptista, Jason Issacs, Lucas Bravo, Ellen Thomas, Rose Williams, Anna Chancellor, Christian McKay 

A widowed cleaning lady in 1950s London falls madly in love with a couture Dior dress and decides that she must have one of her own.

I can’t say what made me want to see this film. As I will admit I was smitten as soon as I saw the poster and the trailer. I am glad that neither lets you down. As they pretty much preview the spirit of the film.

This is a good comfort movie. What I would call a perfect Sunday film. It’s entirely predictable and charming. Leaving the audience with a smile and managing to stay inoffensive throughout. 

This is the type of movie you go to in theaters to come out smiling or the ones you would wait to see at the discount theaters at least. 

This film even starts or predicts attitudes changing in the past that only started to happen recently.

It manages to set up what looks to be a whirlwind romance for a character that eventually fails, yet brings the character and movie down to earth. So that it isn’t a complete fantasy. Though later rewards the characters with something much more stable, sweet, and stronger. Luckily It’s not the main focus of the film.

Amazed by the character actress Lesley Manville who usually plays villains, especially you love to hate. Here she is so sweet and winning. 

It’s a film full of lessons that eventually are taught, shown, or learned. Where food usually prevails. Mean characters are shown to have other sides. 

The film never quite feels like something special. Though constantly puts you in a good mood. Good movie to watch with family.

Almost like a children’s Fantasy film made for adults only without the fantasy, but keeps the mood. 

It’s one of those films where a sensible nice person upsets the jet set but then makes them realize the errors of their ways and reminds them that there are regular and pure people in the world.

As usual, the film seems Like everything is going to go along dreamily for the lead character except for some challenges laid her way. Though the film does at turns keep you second guessing and makes the lead truly have to either work to get to her happy ending or has it taken away and the hanks to her strength of character get it rectified or helped along the way by others. 

This comes from her learning lessons about her nice nature at times and that those who you try to care for and protect Don’t always feel the same way it have the same intent in their hearts.

Grade: B

RETURN TO ME (2000)

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Directed By: Bonnie Hunt
Written By: Bonnie Hunt & Don Lake 
Story By: Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, Andrew Stern and Samantha Goodman
Cinematography: Laszlo Kovacs 
Editor: Garth Craven

Cast: David Duchovny, Minnie Driver, David Alan Grier, Carroll O’Connor, Robert Loggia, Bonnie Hunt, James Belushi, Eddie Jones, Brian Howe, Marianne Muellerleile, Joely Richardson 

A man who falls in love with the woman who received his wife’s heart must decide which woman it is who holds his heart.

This film is a total surprise. As one wouldn’t think too much of it at first,  it comes across as an all-time classic 

This film is charming. Above all else. Like its co-writer and director Bonnie Hunt’s stand-up comedy it’s inoffensive, chuckle-worthy, classic, and full of character. As well as full of characters. 

As it plays like a romantic comedy from the 1950s and stays wholesome. As even though it is modern it feels like it comes from a bygone era or the type of film They don’t make anymore. As the leads come across as real characters and never stars.

Though the film deals with a dark subject. The film stays lighthearted, cheerful, and energetic.

This for me is the first time that David Duchovny comes across as a full-fledged leading man in a movie. He is quite good and soulful. He even manages to put out a few laughs.

Minnie Driver is wonderful, beautiful, and down to earth in the film. She is practically the girl next door in this film. As well as hilarious. 

The sounding board of her family and the regulars at the restaurant are hilarious and give the film a special touch. Especially seeing the old-school stars given something to do. 

That is the strength of the film. You are so interested in all of the characters. Even the minor ones that no matter what happens you will still be entertained. That is how nourishing this film is as it shows everything and every one was handled with care.

The film could have easily based itself on the story and plot but while it is around it quickly takes a backseat to the characters and situations.

This is a film that is rewatchable each time I watch it. Not only do I fall in love with it all over again. As I suspect most who watch it will, but it holds up and impresses. As it feels like an old-school classic. Which is rare as they don’t make films like this anymore. Yes, it’s more in the movie logic cute romance side. 

The plot gets you in the door, but the characters keep you interested. No matter how formulaic it gets. It introduces something a bit unexpected. The film has a personality bit an extreme one but one more subtle.

GRADE: A

COCAINE BEAR (2023()

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Directed by: Elizabeth Banks
Written By: Jimmy Warden
Cinematography: John Guleserian
Editor: Joel Negron 

Cast: Keri Russell, Margo Martindale, Ray Liotta, Alden Ehrenreich, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Isiah Whitlock Jr., Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Ayoola Smart, Brooklynn Prince, Matthew Rhys 

An oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists, and teens converge on a Georgia forest where a huge black bear goes on a murderous rampage after unintentionally ingesting cocaine.

This isn’t Another SNAKES ON A PLANE.  where the title not only says it all but is more built on hype than story. As this is partially based on a true story. What It revels in are shocks and more shocking humor.

A dark comedy that some might consider a bit macabre. 

As going along with the title the film seeks to have a need to push things as far as they can with characters who represent a different part of the audience. Though In the end a lot of them come across more as caricatures set up for impending doom.

The film is more built on sensationalism. As that is what you feel as you watch it as it is more, check your brain at the door. 

The bear is a beast that seems to be like jaws as it shows up from time to time with no rhyme or reason except the script needs it to on its hint for more drugs that seem to drive it to be more aggressive than in the final act throws a curveball as to why it should be spared 

More of an ensemble than expected. As we see the reasons why some of them are there to either survive. We root for or see their demise in inventive ways. Either way, before long l we get to know them To some capacity excellent and bad 

The film Calls itself a horror comedy and while it has violent gore and jump scares it comes across as a  Violent comedy with surprises and thrills. That is meant to be fun more than anything. 

It thoroughly Exploits its Set time period of the 1980s overly but overtly 

For what it does offer there always seems to be the feeling that something is missing. It should be a bigger film or story. Though that might be personal for this reviewer. As it certainly provides enough for a cinematic experience and audience expectations.

As it goes the places you expect, there seems to be so much more that could have been done but too grandiose as this works better as more of a contained story. 

While you are still on the edge of your seat you never truly consider most of this believable. Like Jurassic park, it’s an animal world of nature. They know it as they live it. The characters just inhabit it and struggle to survive. As they were the ones to disturb it and throw it off-center.

Its strength stays in the attack sequences that are more like set pieces. The ranger’s cabin, The Ambulance sequence, and The Tree Climb, they are both massacres but also memorable comedic sequences that go over the top.

Cocaine bear is an example of a movie that promises to go balls to the wall but only

Goes so far. It’s when a film tries too hard to be campy and misses what makes most films campy in the first place. Just believing it knows. It’s more mainstream reaching to be more out there but not knowing exactly how

Grade: C+

ME TIME (2022)

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Written & Directed by: John Hamburg 
Cinematography: Kris Kachikis 
Editor: Melissa Bretherton 

Cast: Kevin Hart, Mark Wahlberg, Regina Hall, Tahj Mowry, Diane Delano, Andrew Santino, John Amos, Anna Maria Horsford, Jimmy O. Yang, Shira Gross, Ilia Isorelys Paulino, Seal, Luis Gerardo Mendez 

Follows a dad who finds time for himself for the first time in years while his wife and kids are away. He reconnects with a friend for a wild weekend.

This is another buddy comedy or big star team-up for Netflix 

A meeting of the minds of two superstars. Mark Wahlberg and Kevin hart. Who seems to have lately made a career in these types of movies. 

Unfortunately, he is Usually in subpar comedies that barely Pass being believable and this film is no exception. In fact, it plays like a lighter and safer version of  VACATION FRIENDS with Lil rel Howery and John Cena. Though this film is racy itself.

The film’s Humor is more on the shocking side, but only because you have not seen the performers be so open to this type of humor before. 

While I would never say this film is a game Changer or offers something the audience hasn’t seen before. I have to admit I liked it purely as a guilty Pleasure. 

The film Made me laugh plenty of times. Yeah, the jokes were stupid but the film Feels fun and it is one of the few times recently where it actually feels like Kevin Hart is putting in an effort and trying. 

The film tries to humanize the characters more by presenting a married man in a rut. Flirting with having a more carefree lifestyle like his friend and his friend having to learn to take responsibility. While as life king friends allowing them to bond and get into misadventures. 

Maybe it’s the bigger name cast or the feeling that they are having as much fun making the film. As one might have watched the film. 

Even though Mark Wahlberg Seems A Little lost when it comes to his character. He shows that he is fake for whatever the film or the scenes throw at him And gets in with full gusto. Even though most of the situations make no sense. They at least seem to be somewhat inspired. 

Ilia Isorelys Paulino steals all Of her scenes and helps enliven the movie whenever she is on screens 

This is a nice time waster as long as you don’t think Too hard. As it might be that I have gotten used to Hart’s films like this. Don’t know if it is any better or worse than his usual. It could be that we are so used to the quality now that we accept it and just go with it or maybe this one does try a little more. As at least this film’s cast is more recognizable.

Written & Directed by veteran screenwriter John Hamburg, who in the past has written and co-written scripts for Ben Stiller in particular. Maybe he helped up the standards of the material. 

Grade: C

JEFF OF THE CINEFILES & UNFINISHED BUSINESS: HALL OF FAME – FILE #0071: SIDEWALK STORIES (1989)

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Written & Directed By: Charles Lane 
Cinematography: Bill Dill 
Editor: Charles Lane and Ann Stein 

Cast: Charles Lane, Nicole Alysia, Ellia English, Edie Falco, Toni Ann Johnson, Bill Sage, Ed Kershen, Luis Ramos, Tanya Cunningham, Attila Hoosier, Michael Baskin, Robert Clohessy, 

Nearly silent comedy filmed in black and white follows a street artist, who rescues a baby after her father was murdered. The artist then sets off to find the mother, but has to first learn how to care for the child. Ultimately he ends up in a horse drawn chase of the murderers.

This film is memorable for what it sets out to achieve and what it doesn’t

Although meant to be a silent picture and a homage to the films of Charlie Chaplin it switches the script by not only being feature-length with side stories or scenes that all serve the intimate narrative. 

The only time there is dialogue is at the end seemingly giving a voice to the voiceless homeless characters he has found himself arm around as a street artist taking care of a random child who has found him evicted and amongst the city’s homeless

The film is a family affair as the little girl he takes care of is his real-life daughter and the film is truly about their relationship and bond, a kind of parental love story of sorts. Which makes it all the more personal.

Even though the film has the elements of romance a love story and even sex and nudity briefly and in the end more in the form of a fantasy 

It also ends up being a time capsule of sorts of new york and particularly manhattan around 1989 the streets and sights are familiar and magical like seeing someone you are familiar with at a certain age and getting to see their high school yearbook photos 

It overstretches It’s initial bounds as it is an artistic experiment and homage but is also made personal and not from the type of person we are used to even if it is a role that fits and a film that could have easily been a sensation for a bit and disappeared this film always seems to pop up and be discovered and restored to make sure it lasts over the years 

While not as funny or physically dexterous as Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin. Writer/director Charles Lane makes an impression as the film isn’t Made entirely for laughs or drama but to tell a story of characters and entertain. Not just provide sight gags. So while not for everybody expecting the most out of every sight gag or comedic setup. If given a chance it is rewarding and can be effective for 

It also hits home more as we have never seen this done from a person of color’s point of view. So it’s not only centered around a class distinction and prejudice but also a racial one. Allowing the story to be presented around not only an urban landscape but characters who reveal themselves to be identifiable and want the same things we all do.

Ahead of the curve as he is a struggling  Street artist whose sales pick up once he has the child in his possession as her scribbles far outsell any of his original and better artwork. As sometimes it is all about the presentation of art over skill that sometimes helps make the sale. 

A time when films could be risky and experimental and allowed to find an audience. Where it felt more like an artist at work 

With modern sensibilities, it took a little while to get into and onto the film’s wavelength but once you are it offers nothing but gems along the way. As it is an expose of how to pay homage it uses an ancient language or style of sorts and still Makes something personal, especially art out of it 

Supposedly Disney almost remade the film in color and with sound starring Tom Hanks. They offered Writer-director Charles Lane the chance to remake it. He had no interest in remaking the film and Tom Hanks eventually turned down the studio’s offer to star in the film. Even though he did enjoy the original. 

Grade: B

CRITICAL THINKING (2020)

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Directed By: John Leguizamo 
Written By: Dito Montiel 
Cinematography: Zach Zamboni 
Editor: Jamie Kirkpatrick

Cast: John Leguizamo, Michael Kenneth Williams, Rachel Bay Jones, Jorge Landeborg Jr., Corwin C. Tuggles, Angel Bismark Curiel, Jeffry Batista, Will Hochman, Zora Casebere, Ramses Jimenez 

Miami – 1998. Poverty, broken families, and a prejudiced system push underprivileged youth to the fringes of society. But for a magnetic group of teens, there’s a reprieve. A game where it’s not about where you come from, but how you play. That equalizer is chess. Mr. “T” Martinez, a chess militant and passionate coach, leads them to a completely foreign battlefield.

Wish one could say this film Is different than the many a teacher makes a difference but unfortunately though similarly based on a true story. It hits many familiar beats of the genre.

Though I will say this one is a little rougher around the edges than most and a lot of the drama and plot points are left hanging to a certain degree. Letting us see some change or some who were at each other’s throats at peace with one another.

Which might be frustrating for a viewer but leaves the story and film with some realism. As it doesn’t exactly tell us what happened to some stories or characters but it does offer an endpoint. Even while some scenes and conversations feel missing. 

The film isn’t cookie-cutter, but the audience knows what will happen for the most part as we just watch how the film Will get us there.

The film isn’t exploitative. This isn’t urban porn where there seems to be no hope and it is nice to see a movie and know a story where a person of color helps the diverse students towards a goal. Someone who knows what It’s Like in the neighborhoods and what it’s like to be discriminated against and undervalued.

The teacher helps them to learn lessons not exclusively teach it to them and gives them hope. He doesn’t necessarily save them, just guides them to their own salvation.

The cast keeps the film moving and sparkles. John Leguizamo in his directing debut. Co-stars as the teacher and shows a talent behind the camera. 

Grade: C+

SALOUM (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Jean Luc Herbulot
Story By: Jean Luc Herbulot & Pamela Diop
Cinematography: Gregory Corandi 
Editor: Nicolas Desmaison, Alasdair McCulloch and Sebastien Prangere 

Cast: Yann Gael, Evelyn lly Juhen, Roger Sallah, Mentor Ba, Bruno Henry, Marielle Salmier, Bobacer Oualy, Ndiaga Mbow, Renaud Farah, Cannabasse 

In 2003, a trio of mercenaries escaping a coup in Guinea-Bissau take refuge in a hidden region on the Saloum river of Senegal. But something from beyond the grave awaits them there.

The film starts off stark already and gets more captivating as it goes along. As more is revealed. As at first it seems more political and then seems to be a story of criminals on the run.

At first, it seems like a crime story with political aspirations. That becomes a revenge tale after a crime story in the first half. The second half has the characters more or less facing their personal demons. 

The film is many things and touches on quite a few genres, but mainly sticks to African folklore by the third act.

This is one of those films that is continuously inventive with beautiful imagery and stylish and downright cool to a certain extent.

It is even a ghost story of sorts that involves mercenaries, rebellion, and some philosophy. Either way, it leaves the film soulful and haunted. 

Most of the excitement of the Film is in the discovery’s definitely best to go In with as little knowledge as possible. Just enjoy the ride and take notice of the beauty and style. 

GRADE: B+

LES MISERABLES (2019)

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Directed By: Ladj Ly
Written By: Ladj Ly, Giordano Gederlini and Alexis Manenti
Cinematography: Julien Poupard
Editor: Flora Vol Peldiere 

Cast: Damien Bonnard, Alexis Manenti, Djerbil Zonga, Almammy Kenoute, Issa Percia, Al-Hassan Ly, Steve Tientchau, Nizer Ben Fatem, Raymond Lopez, Luciano Lopez, Jaihson Lopez 

A cop from the provinces moves to Paris to join the Anti-Crime Brigade of Montfermeil, discovering an underworld where the tensions between the different groups mark the rhythm.

This film feels like a mixture of the films END OF TOUR and TRAINING DAY only set in France.

The film shows the hostility between the residents of a neighborhood and the corrupt cops who hassle, rob, and torture them. Until one day they decide to strike back. Some In the neighborhood are no innocents but they are not all bad and they are human beings, yet they are never treated like them.

The film has an intensity throughout that keeps you on the edge of your seat and offers viewers another picture of France different from the tourist attractions.

The film shows or sets in motion how a minor incident has huge repercussions. Especially when there has been a growing hostility underneath the community for so long.

The film is also a celebration of the country the characters love and how they are treated or mistreated by it. As the film’s cast is a melting pot of immigrants trying to settle into the country. While showing how a new generation learns and takes over from elders who are too passive and want to stand up for themselves to liberate themselves and demand respect. Which they do by taking action.

The film mostly takes place after the Incident in which the cops trying to work it out, end up butting heads with new partners who have different philosophies when it comes to police work. How things are supposed to be done versus how they must be done to have any effects 

How it affects cops and citizens both as the scary part for each of them. As well for us in the audience is that we never know what is going to happen. Each side is stressed to the breaking point.

On the streets, they have no choice but to beat each other up or snitch on one another for survival short of killing. 

As the police are their own gang against all others with a false sense of power, abuse, and loyalty that comes back to haunt them. As they stick together not out of loyalty but out of survival and duty. It offers a spellbinding ending. 

If you are into energetic and vivid street stories this might be the movie for you. As it shows the many injustices that citizens must go through just to survive. 

This feels like the film the recent release ATHENA was trying to be or have the same effect, only a bit more personal

GRADE: B+

BONES & All (2022)

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Directed By: Luca Guadagnino
Written By: David Kajganich 
Based on the Novel By: Camille DeAngelis
Cinematography: Arsani Khachaturen 
Editor: Margo Costa 

Cast: Taylor Russell, Timothee Chalamet, Mark Rylance, Michael Stuhlberg, Andre Holland, Jessica Harper, Chloe Sevigny, Sean Bridgers, David Gordon Green, Ellie Parker, 

A story of first love between Maren, a young woman learning how to survive on the margins of society, and Lee, an intense and disenfranchised drifter, as they meet and join together for a thousand-mile odyssey that takes them through the back roads, hidden passages and trap doors of Ronald Reagan’s America. But despite their best efforts, all roads lead back to their terrifying pasts and to a final stand that will determine whether their love can survive their otherness.

This is a film where you can watch and read into what you believe. As that seems to be its purpose. 

As it shows what can be the life of an addict. As the characters aren’t exactly junkies as they can go through periods of time without feeding but they know sooner or later they will have to feed to an extent and can’t quit and it can’t go away. So you can look at it as a story of addiction to a degree. 

This would explain why most are drifters and look trashy.

Though it is also a story of loneliness as they can detect one another and seem to need or desire to be around one another. Though the can’t completely trust one another. Though for little excursions they aren’t completely monsters or even vampires because at least as a vampire you have an epic weakness but it comes with supernatural powers. A kind of trade-off and a slice of life.

Though also as a predator and getting closer to their victims they have to play roles and have to invent and invest themselves in their lives. So that they get a glimpse into other’s lives as do we in the audience and have something to take away from it all, but also living a certain life and adventures for a while.

It’s no surprise the film is based on a young adult novel. At heart, it is a coming-of-age story of a girl who is 17 and is introduced to a world she has no training in and has to survive for herself through. Discovering the world is only a different one than most of us are used to. She also meets her first love and for a chunk of the film, we see their romance. Where they need one another to survive and she learns from him how to manage that life 

It’s another film for director Luca Guadagnino to present a forbidden love story or an unorthodox one here. 

It doesn’t eroticize violence or even sex. While there are both in the film. There isn’t an abundance of either. There are plenty of emotions and plenty of stand-alone scenes of suspense. As this film works in that way. There are some great scenes and the rest of the film is what you have to go through to get to them and inform them more.

The whole cast is superb and as always Mark Rylance Steals the movie. As the closest to a villain, the film has thought he comes across more as disturbed, sad and lonely. Though a one-scene cameo from Michael Schulberg is also a show stopper.

Though at times it does feel less random when it comes to the supporting cast and more like scenes that have been designated for guest stars that are important for the overall story, but still a little glad standing or too planned and it 

The two leads Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet impress as a kind of 1980’s lovers on the run in the Midwest that might remind some of BADLANDS for all the landscapes and relationships. Only they aren’t that vicious. As the first half of the film at least gives some direction as she searches for information about her mother. Though after that the film isn’t aimless but focuses more on trying to figure out a future.

It’s a film of a certain time period but not about the time period. As it explores some of the cultures of the time without it being dependent purely on pop culture or exploring the events of the time period when it takes place 

I can’t say I loved the film, but it is a film That challenges an audience not necessarily with shocks or endurance, but by not giving them what they want or stowaway. Not what they expect and offering a different point of view rather than the popular or most obvious one 

Which one tends to be a fan of as sometimes you feel like you are in on it. If you know what to expect or an experience that you know will challenge or upset others around you. Only they have no ideas what they are in for 

How we all long to make connections and how when we do it feels so special and one of a kind as we have the same afflictions, passions, and desires that no one else can understand.

The way it is presented finds a kind of beauty in a type of the ordinary and mundane of middle America. How something. So ordinary has extraordinary Bart things about it be it sights, land, mentality 

This is a film That if you pay close attention you will be able to find some kind of meaning for yourself and what the director is trying to present. Like the film purposely Challenges the audience It’s not cookie-cutter and is daring in It’s own right 

I give director Luca Guadagnino credit for trying to find beauty and substance throughout instead of making a typical or stylish horror film which it could have easily been. 

Grade: B-

SISSY (2022)

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Written & Directed By: Hannah Barlow & Kane Senes
Cinematography: Steve Arnold
Editor: Margi Hoy

Cast: Aisha Dee, Hannah Barlow, Emily De Margheriti, Daniel Monks, Yerin Ha, Lucy Barrett

Teen best friends Cecilia and Emma, run into each other after a decade. Cecilia is invited to Emma’s bachelorette weekend where she gets stuck in a remote cabin with her high school bully and a taste for revenge.

The film reminds me a bit Of BODIES, BODIES, BODIES. Only that movie was more experimental and subversive. That had good ideas, but ultimately never quite came together.  This film tries that at first before becoming more what you might expect. Just  as it might remind some of a more  gruesome version of the recent comedy thriller MY FRIENDS HATE ME 

At first, it seems like a film that will be a battle of wills between two characters still vying for the same friend. 

The film Could have played that way of having the main character constantly being at odds with her nemesis throughout one against the other but along the way goes more for a witty throwback slasher film.

The character seems to take out revenge early on. So that was the first strike. All these years later, she got what she wanted and now feels threatened by her reappearance and just as when she got herself together and felt better about herself. She is dragged back in and hopes everyone will be civilized as adults. Her adversary playing the victim goes back to her old ways villanizing her to their new friends. When really she stays the bully only now through victimhood and microaggressions. That slowly triggers the protagonist into a mental breakdown.

The film shows how overly positive self-therapy can backfire if you never truly face the trauma of your past and still hold onto issues and anger. As it isn’t always proper care and if not fully healed old winds can fester and infect.

The film indulges in macabre humor. Where it seems to take particular glee in showcasing the more gruesome death scenes. Which have a nostalgic flavor like the main character by using practical special effects. 

A revenge tale. The film has the audience at times switch loyalties as we are usually with the main character and while might not condone her acts. We see what pushed her to it and at times feels like some characters get what is coming to them and others are collateral damage. 

As they can be cruel and treat her like crap. They do deserve a comeuppance but not necessarily death. Especially when they judge her and don’t reply know her. Though by making them more modern hipster types instead of characters. We do feel not too much sympathy except for the gruesome nature of their deaths and the more decent ones seem to get the cruelest death scenes. After a while, the film becomes more about that set-up 

Would say it seems cruel but goes with the attitude of the film. Pokes fun at influencer culture and social media to validate and can easily drive you crazy. After the first kill it pretty much feels like a comedy.

The film focuses a little too long on dead carcasses. Gore and violence though constantly provoking behind her back with group think. 

It’s obvious who the villain is from the beginning but seems to want to play with the audience’s emotions. Even as it seems each is the other’s trigger. So the writing was pretty much on the wall. So the setup is there 

Doesn’t use the opportunity to the best of its abilities. Don’t know why she would really invite her, especially knowing how her two friends feel about one another, and worst of all the bully is proven right. Even if she is mroe pushed into it and mentally broken. 

An explosive situation brings an unstable element. Is it predictable for a fan of the genre or at least a little spoof or poking humor at a horrific situation

The audience can predict the order of deaths at first. Especially if an aficionado of the genre. Kind of like the guest Star system of Star Trek.

The main character is overboard in her actions even from the beginning. As she is obsessive and finally pushed over the edge. As is her first kill. She and her bully are alike, her bully Might be evil but stops short of being a physical psychopath she is more mental. So the bully is more of a sociopath.

The film could have easily gone into a more racial direction but obviously not wanting to showcase or have much to say about it. While the main tormentors and central figure are caucasian. The other characters including the lead are made up of a diverse cast. In fact another African American character, a disabled character, and a character of Asian descent 

The ending is not quite predictable. There is a set-up for a sequel. 

In all, I would call this a film of a murderous mental breakdown 

Grade: B-